Du interiors Blog

©Elle M Photography The benefit of changing things around and adding a few decorative items this time of year is especially enjoyable because of the rainy, gray days outside. For me, when I come home I like to feel that I am on vacation and that my home is festive. It lifts my spirit and it will do the same for you. Here I am sharing some photos of my Living and Dining rooms by Elle M. Photography that appeared an article in the Northwest Boomer and Senior News Portland Metro edition. I hope the article, the photos and this blog inspire you to make some seasonal changes in your home. Invite your friends to come over and celebrate the holiday season and, incidentally, show off the new look in your home! Don't forget the wine and cheese, and in my case, lots of sweets ! Here's my toast to you for the effort you made to freshen up your home's interior!   Cheers! Salute! Salud! Sante! Prost! Skal! Kampa! Salute! Dulce

©Elle M Photography The dark fall and winter evenings can be a downer for some people. Inside, we can turn on all the lights, light a fire, and bring ourselves out of the doldrums. What about outside? Nothing is more inviting or welcoming than outdoor lighting. Inviting for us, because it brings the outdoors in. For guests, it is a welcoming sight. Lighting can bring your patio to life during the dark, cold season ahead of us. ©Elle M Photography Du interiors suggest you string a set of outdoor lights across your patio furniture to create a festive look.  Lights in or over your evergreen pots and planters will extend your indoor living space creating a cheerful environment. Adding candlelight indoors puts everyone in a holiday mood. If you have a deck with or without a staircase, you can easily wrap the railings with outdoor patio lights that you and your guests will appreciate when you are indoors. Vertical flat surfaces like fences and walls are hard to d...

©Elle M Photography ©Elle M Photography 1. Area rugs Adding or changing an area rug dramatically changes a room. ©Elle M Photography 2.  Accent pillows An easy-on-the-budget way to update any decor is the use of toss pillows. It's also an ideal way to infuse a trend without replacing key pieces. ©Elle M Photography ©Elle M Photography 3. Lighting If you want to make an impact and change the look and mood in your home, an investment in new lighting can make a big difference. Perhaps you need more light than you did in the past? Tasks are easier on the eyes when you change the bulb of a light fixture. 4. Accent chairs or dining chairs An easy way to update your dining room for the holiday season is to replace your two-arm chair with upholstery fabric or leather chairs. Consider options that can provide extra seating for guest but can be used in any room in your house....

©Elle M Photography A picture is worth a 1000 words ...especially if the photographer is Shelly of Elle M. Photography . (She is the photographer for the Du interiors website ). Family pictures taken by a professional make all the difference in the world and everyone should have a Family Picture Day. This summer we did just that, another item off my bucket list. Of course we wanted Shelly to be our photographer  and on a marvelous summer day she brought her camera and did her thing. We have selected one of her many beautiful photos to be on our holiday cards. My goal for you and me is to get organized so we can enjoy the holiday season without stress that, too often, happens this time of the year. In that spirit, I have asked Joelle Mayo of Organize Portland to share her organizing tips for the month with Du interiors. Here is what she has to say: If you like to send holiday cards with a family photo, schedule a photographer this month. I h...

©Elle M Photography How often we look in our closets and feel overwhelmed because they are so disorganized? Today I asked Professional Organizer, Joelle Mayo, for tips on decluttering and organizing one of the most important areas of your room--your closet! Joelle at Organize Portland helps clients organize closets and all other areas of your home and office. She can be reached at organize.portland@gmail.com or 971-266-0517. Mention this blog and receive 20% off services booked through Dec. 31, 2016. www.organize.portland.com It's time to make room for fall boots, cozy sweaters and warm scarves. So take inventory and make your closet a pleasure rather than a chore. EMPTY AND CLEAN The first step is to empty and clean the space. Empty all the contents and put them on the bed in categories, with separate piles for cardigans, short sleeve, long sleeve, dresses, etc. ©Organize Portland PURGE Get rid of anything faded, damaged, stained, ill-fitting, out of style,...

  Texture is the mix of materials that create eye appeal and can even be sensuous! Part two of my Street of Dreams blog for my readers includes more ideas and inspirational photos to show how texture enhances a room. It can be subtle or fiercely dramatic! In this photo elegant champagne subway tile adds shine to the room. Unique tile shapes of gray give a unique look to this fireplace.   Grass weave shades that are layered with a beautiful sheers drape is a well-designed look for this window.   The frameless glass shower door and wood textured subway tile are an interesting trend. Compliments to the tile setter for outstanding work!   Not only is texture a standout in this master bedroom but the drapes that hang all the way from the ceiling creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Yes, you can mix woods and finishes. From the stained pine ceiling to the beautiful basket weave wallpaper and yummy carpet, texture ...