September 28, 2010 by Current Publishing

DISPATCHES » Tips for better lips - Thin, shriveled lips are never in style. For a softer pucker exfoliate with sugar; to smooth lines on the lips and around the mouth follow with an emollient salve. Note: Stay away from medicated balms that contain menthol or camphor, says skin care expert Marcia Kilgore. “They might feel good at first, but they create an addiction for your lips by drying them out even more.” Look for balms with ingredients like Shea butter and beeswax instead, since these will help reduce trans-epidermal water loss and chap.” -www.elle.com » Contemporary crop – Wreaths aren’t just for your door – or winter. Take a modern approach to seasonal decor by boldly placing this fabulous wreath in the center of an outdoor or indoor table. You can re-create this look with just a few materials. Affix cornhusks to the back of a straw wreath by applying a small amount of hot glue to the husk’s bottom just before pressing them in place. Position the husks side by side until the entire back is covered. Next, affix husks to the inside and front portion of the wreath until it is completely covered. Make the wreath a centerpiece by placing a bowl of fruit inside. -www.bhg.com

20 | September 21, 2010

It is all a balancing act

INTERIORS By Vicky Earley A room that lacks balance is not a room anyone wants to live in. If it’s top heavy you’ll feel overwhelmed, while bottom heavy rooms might result in a sinking feeling for your poor house! Avoid the problem with these tips and by following your instincts when designing: Creating a Balanced Room • Balance heavy furniture pieces with other large objects or groupings of smaller items. • Don’t place all furniture against walls. Instead, use the middle of the space to create depth and interest and to create functional areas, such as conversation or work spaces. • Look at the height of furniture pieces and try to create multi-levels within the space. If you have a shorter piece and need to add height, hang a larger piece of art on the wall above, elongating the space and allowing the eye to travel up. This will actually make the room feel taller! • Use color and patterns to your advantage. Strong, vibrant colors can make a room come alive but remember to not overuse a particular color or pattern. Spread each through-

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out with pillows, window treatments, and art. • Just as with color, a variety of textures can add depth and interest. A variety of texture in pillows, rugs, drapes, and throws will also create interest. The use of marble, wood, and metal can provide grounding to a space. Glass is more open, and breezy fabrics or wicker create an airy feel to the room. Arranging a Room • Consider how traffic will flow through the room. Most passages require two feet of space. Flow that leads to personal space in a home, such as a bedroom, can be reduced. This provides a subtle message that the area beyond is closed to visitors. • Arrange furniture before hanging pictures or mirrors. • Arrange major pieces of furniture first, then smaller items such as end tables, chairs and floor lamps. Leave enough room for doors and drawers to be opened. • Think about lighting and how it will function in the room and place tables which will hold lighting accordingly. • If placing a television in a room, consider the distance required between the screen and the viewer. Most sofas should be at least eight feet away from a standard television screen but with rapid technology changes, this is not a hard and fast rule. Vicky Earley is the principal designer for Artichoke Designs in downtown Carmel. If you have an interior design question, please contact artichokedesigns@aol. com.