Out with the Old...

In with the new!  In just a few short hours we'll be ringing in a new year.  I cannot believe another year has flown by! We appreciate those of you who have read our little 'ole blog this year and hope you will continue to do so in 2013.  We hope to bring you even more design inspirations and ideas!

Kitchen Color Inspiration

Just a quick hello...and hoping you have enjoyed your Saturday.  I have to admit, I took it easy today and didn't really accomplish much.  It was actually really nice for a change!

As you may recall, my kitchen is white.  Lots and lots of white cabinets.  At one point I was ready to "do-away" with the white, but never quite decided that this was the right thing to do. While pondering a few needed wanted changes for the new year I came upon this simple inspiration...

I think this is just what I need to do with all of my WHITE...add those special "pops" of bright color in there.  Bar stools like these would be a great way to add a large punch of color..aren't they great?  Then, bowls of apples (for my red love), bright cheerful flowers...and who knows...maybe even a colored appliance or two (we shall see about this one though - I don't even like appliances to be out in the open on my kitchen counters...huh?  Come on...it's a KITCHEN, right?  I just want "pretty" in there...and that isn't really practical for every day use.) I think I'll also add some colored dishes especially in my cabinet with glass door fronts...ooh-la-la!  This will certainly change things up for the new year in there.  

Yet another project to add to my To-Do List...will I ever get them all done?  We shall see!  What about YOU...any upcoming projects around YOUR home?  

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Image Credit:  Pinterest

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

In the Mood...for a DIY Project

I hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas!  Are you maybe still enjoying some time off?  Hope so!

With Christmas behind us (and all of the outside lights and decorations down already - yipee!) I have been in the mood to do a slight home office make-over. I seem to "tire" of the set-up here fairly regularly, believe it or not, yet never seem to have the TIME to do anything about it ..so what better time than to tackle it now, right?  

I have re-arranged the furniture and have established a separate office space (meaning computer area) away from the designing/workstation area (where many a design creations come together).  I will also be revamping where and how our samples (fabric books, wallpaper books, etc.) are displayed and de-cluttering and re-organizing our catalog space.  Whew...I'd say I have my work cut out for me during my TIME OFF (Off? Yea right!).  That's just me though...why not use my time productively to create a change that I will enjoy in 2013!

Now...as for this post.  Let's get on with the DIY project I have in mind.  I went on a search for "pretty file cabinets"...yes, that is right - pretty.  For all of our office info, price lists and client files, etc...I must keep these ugly, not to mention, large, file cabinets.  I don't see how other designers can even function without them! I see some of their offices on here...that are stunning really...but no file cabinets....how is that???

Here is what I found that inspired me...and gave me hope that these  pieces could have a little beauty maybe!

Our file cabinets are 4-drawers (see I told you they were large!).  Isn't this a neat idea to totally change the look?  This is wallpaper that is applied to the fronts using Mod Podge (Hey, I remember that stuff from the 70's I think it was!).  I intend to try this process to see what I can come up with.  Now, I'm "on the hunt" for the perfect wallpaper for this home-office file cabinet makeover!  When it's done, I may even share the outcome with you. 

If you want more details on this DIY project go here for full instructions that seem simple enough...even for me!

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Image Credit:  Design Sponge

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

Beauty in the Fridge

In preparing for the holidays I, once again, find myself doing the dreaded task of cleaning out the fridge.  It seems every time I turn around I need to empty some shelves and wipe them down. We aren't really to bad about having lots of leftovers that are growing "new plants" on them...but just the yuck in the fridge seems to always be a challenge (for ME anyway!).  Where the milk containers sit...there is always this "yuck" underneath...and in other areas of the fridge.  Am I the only one here?  Do you wish your fridge didn't seem like the dreaded chore of the week (or month...more realistically speaking!)?

Well, take a look at what I've discovered...

Are you wondering "what in the world are these"?  

Take another few looks...

I think this last advertising line says it all...what?  I'll even want my friends to see inside my fridge!!  That's right...and you might not even dread cleaning out or wiping down that fridge now.  

The company is Fridge Coaster that makes absorbent liners for your fridge.  They come in different sizes, depending on what style fridge you have and they fit the "high traffic" areas of the inside.  Under your milk, under your produce...wherever you need them.  I was so excited when I ran across these...and the fact that they are PRETTY too...several colors and patterns are available as well.  If I can see "pretty" then I don't mind cleaning it as much!  Are any of YOU like that?

If so, you can go HERE to get more info...and I bet YOU will want a set too!

Signing off today for the Christmas Holiday...so we wish you and your family a very blessed Christmas!

Image Credits:  Fridge Coaster

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

Thoughts and Prayers!

Things are just not the same around here since last Friday, as I'm sure it's this way for many of you.  This horrific tragedy touched the lives of many that lost loved ones, but it also touched many, many others...such as myself.  The grief that even I feel just from having heartfelt compassion for these families is overwhelming. I have prayed and prayed, almost continually, for those families who now face Christmas enduring such loss. 

I pray for each and every family member that God's grace, strength, love, comfort and peace would be so evident each and every day. My heart goes out to each one of them!  

What Satan meant for evil ("Satan comes but for to STEAL, KILL and DESTROY"  -John 10:10)...God is able to make good come out of it (Romans 8:28).  His ways are higher than ours, so we may not know HOW, but He will. 

Let's join together and pray for these families...even during the holiday (and beyond this time).  Life should never be too busy to pray for others!

Just for Fun

It's going to be a random fun post today, not only because it's busy around here, but because I saw this...

By now you're probably asking what in the world does this have to do with interior design, right?

You can immerse yourself AND your home in Dr. Seuss!  Believe it or not...Joss & Main is featuring many items inspired by this famous author himself.  Here are just a few of the whimsical pieces I spotted right away.  

How cool is that yellow and black puzzle ottoman...yes, that is really an ottoman.  I really really really liked this alphabet lamp too.  Imagine a design inspiration board done using this decor...do you think it would be a room YOU would like?  Or is it too whimsical for you?

“Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living” said this best-selling author!  I know one thing for sure...as a child, I use to LOVE his books and years later I even found myself reading them to our son...because I loved them even then!  

Oh, and here is just one more chair I found...

I just LOVE all the fun colors and designs!  Hurry on over to Joss & Main to see what whimsical finds you may want...or at least just for fun anyway!  

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Image Credits:  Joss & Main

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

Tuesday Tip of the Day

I could be posting here about many other things that might just be more important right here at the holidays, but this keeps happening around our house...

Ok, I admit...this isn't really MY house, nor are these OUR shoes, but the situation is the same...shoes tend to end up all around the back door breezeway area!  Yikes!  I hate this!  You know...I need it to be clutter free! 

I admit, we do need slip-on shoes at our back door since we step outside alot (especially with pets!) and because we don't wear our shoes in the house any more (new rule since the new flooring and because of all the...g-e-r-m-s on them!).  

Well, I think I have the solution...nothing new, just that I saw one again and the "lightbulb" went off (you know, my mind finally clicked)...That's what WE need on our breezeway!  It's a simple, charming solution. (Oh, and I love these boots too! I may NEED them too - Ha!!)

This is just a Rubber Boot Tray from Ballard.  This will work perfectly out there.  We usually have three pairs that pile up there so they will all fit perfectly on this.  Ok, I know, sounds crazy, but I am super excited about this little rubber tray...!!!  Do I have any others out there that need to find that little bit of "perfection" outside of their back door?  Come on...be honest!  Do piled up shoes bother YOU as much as they do me?

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Image Credit:  Ballard Designs

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

Christmas Card Display Ideas

I hope each of you enjoyed your weekend...bet most of you spent it decorating for Christmas.  We did!  The outside is now adorned with lots of window wreaths, most of the shrubs now have sparkling lights on them...garland and bows on the front porch banister...Whew!  So glad that is all done!  

Do any of you ever struggle with what to do with all of those Christmas cards you get?  I know I do.  I find one place to display them...usually by just standing the FIRST one up on my kitchen counter somewhere (tacky, right!!).  Then, as more arrive, I find myself moving them around or getting out a large decorative bowl (not real deep) to lay them in.  I now have another "plan" (assuming I get it done!).

Isn't this lovely?  What a great way to  show off those special cards!   Here, some small ornaments were added as well, but you could just leave the garland plain.

And, if you don't want to go all the way down to the floor with it, you can just swag the garland over the top and down the sides as far as one piece will go.  I wonder if TWO garlands were used here?

Here is yet another way that I thought was very pretty...

If you have stairs then this is a great way to showcase the cards...don't ya think?  Oh, and if you have garland that looks a little "cheap" then you can always add in some real greenery to perk it up a bit.  This greenery here is gorgeous! Check out these painted clothespins they used to clip the cards...neat idea!

How do YOU usually display your Christmas cards?  Do you have any really unique ways of doing it?  If so, we'd love to know!

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Image Credits:  Pinterest, Martha Stewart

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

Deck the Halls

Yes, deck the halls with some of the newest fabric releases from one of our vendors...

I could surely find a few ways to "deck the halls" for myself and for our clients' new projects with these gorgeous designs...how about YOU?

  If you have a desire to makeover your rooms (one at a time or the entire house) then you will want to stay tuned in...changes are on the horizon for 2013 here at Alpha & Omega Interiors!

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Images: GH Fabric Collection

Snowman Fun!

I figured I could at least say "hi" and give you a cute little treat...

Isn't he just adorable?  I couldn't resist showing him off to you!  It's 70 degrees here...and I'm showing you a snowman!  

He is a little project that would be great for you to try especially if you have kids that may want to join in on the fun.  Well, you can make that call once you read the "how to".  Go here for all of the details and instructions.  Have fun!

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Image Credit:  BHG

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

Christmas Fun

I wanted to show you some fun Christmas items from one of our vendors...we just can't get enough of them!

Holly Wreath

Holiday Topiary

Christmas Village

Coral Christmas

Beach Holiday

Fluffy Snowman

Peppermint Candy

Double Mint

Starry Night Tree Skirt

Loop-de-Loop Tree Skirt

Blight Rose Runner

Pearl Runner

Wheat Runner

Evelyn Runner

For the sake of a short post today, I hope you enjoyed seeing these wonderful products.  I just got in from doing a client's Christmas installation as a matter of fact...hum, but does it make me want to go home and "deck the halls" yet?  Not really!  Oh well, maybe another day...soon!

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Image Credits:  Eastern Accents

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

A Thankful Heart

I  know we all have alot to be thankful for every single day, right?  But isn't it nice to have this special Thanksgiving holiday to celebrate just that...all that we have to thank God for!  Every good and special gift in our lives is from Him.  

How are you celebrating?  With family?  With friends?  I bet each of you are making your grocery lists, shopping, setting the table...all in preparation for a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.  

I love to spend time getting everything "just right" for our meal together...wishing each and every family member could be here to celebrate with us!  

Do you have a themed table this year?  If so, please share...we'd love to see what inspires you this holiday season.

Wishing you a "Simply Irresistible" and blessed Thanksgiving!

Image Credits:  Traditional Homes

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

The Decorating has Begun

Christmas decorating, that is!  Among our pre-holiday installations that have been going on...and our accessory finalizing for clients...Christmas projects are also coming in!  These are mostly from current and previous clients that want us to 'beautify' certain areas in there home for the Christmas season.  So, THAT, my dear readers is where we have been. The biggest request is for MANTELS!

Can you even believe it's time...

Mantels...and Dining Rooms...are usually the areas that clients are looking for help with.  How about YOU?  Where do you start in your home and what ideas do YOU have in store for Christmas this year?

Make your holiday decorating...

"Simply Irresistible" this year!

Image Credits:  Pinterest, Country Living, BHG

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

I Adore...

...the inspiration taken from Adore online magazine.  Take a look and see if you can guess WHY I adore it!

Is it "that" obvious friends?  OK, the colors (turquoise and pink together...ooh-la-la!) and then there is this beachy casual feel...ok, so you know me well by now!

Yes, we were talking Fall colors... but these colors can be used for Fall too...and they are right up my alley!  LOVE the combo of flowers on the table...and I ADORE those pink chairs!

And this one here inspires me for my new room make-over in my own home office.  I have Humble Gold walls with white trim, however I have been contemplating the idea of putting a bold contrasting colored rug like this in here...what do you think?  

My problem is this...I LOVE so many styles and I see all of these wonderful inspirations...and then I can't seem to make a decision for ME.  Any of you out there like this?  There has to be a solution for this...maybe it's just "make a decision and GO FOR IT"!

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Image Credits:  Adore Magazine

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

The Beauty in Simple Things

Inbox surprises are sometimes just simple things...with such beauty!  Here are a few I thought I'd share with you today...

So which one inspires YOU today?

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Ta-Ta!

Image Credits:  BHG

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!