West Facing Rooms - Don't Despair!

Indian Summers, golden afternoons, and bright afternoon light from the afternoon sun signifies this time of year for me, and I love it. When I race home and see the sun streaming in it gladdens my heart. These bright beautiful days have a downside, however, and uncomfortable glare from afternoon sun is an important issue when considering comfort, especially in west facing rooms.

A west facing room gets lots of sun, and generally has dramatic shadow lines that feed off of afternoon light. West facing rooms are ideal for using subtle color, and are an especially interesting area in which to use a warm gray or gray white, the “in” color this year. Gray will absorb light and soften hot spots, while still holding some color. A good choice would be Clunch 2009 by Farrow & Ball, which won’t reflect bright light, but combine to add soft warmth to any room. Some bright accent colors will help to compliment the neutral white/gray/beige combination. Another cool color is Benjamin Moore’s Valley Forge Tan AC-35, a darker shade which goes beautifully with light colored accents and upholstery.

One of my favorite color solutions for a west facing room is a soft lilac. This beautiful shade seems to change throughout the day in a west facing room, as it creates a very mellow beige in the morning, while in the evening, as it absorbs more light, can transform into a deep mauve that works to make a room enchanting and delightful for all guests. I recommend using Benjamin Moore, as they have the perfect shade called Misty Lilac 2071-70. Using this in a west facing room, along with a couple of soft lavender or white accents as well as dark wood furniture will make a simply lovely room.

If lilac doesn’t tickle your fancy as far as colors go, another Benjamin Moore gem for west facing rooms will do the trick - Spring Mint 2040-70. This color goes from a gray-blue in the morning to something similar to a robin’s egg tone in the intense evening light. It doesn’t clash with the western light, but works in tandem with it to create a room that simply glows. I love the richness of this color, and that it can be combined with chocolate, light gray and white accents in order to complete the room.

Whatever color you end up choosing for your west facing room, remember that the extra sparkle and light it receives is a blessing. These beautiful colors look best with the intense sunlight your west facing room receives, and your room will shine the most, both with warm sun light and delightful décor, in the evening light!

Best wishes,
Pamela

Island Style Tips

I recently had a perfectly lovely trip to the Galapagos Islands, a place of fantastic natural beauty and unbelievable sights. I had a complete blast island hopping aboard the Ecoventura ship Eric with my teenage daughter, scuba diving among the colorful fish, lounging with the sea lions, and learning all about the archipelago of the Galapagos. The amazing wildlife along with the tropical weather and lush green surroundings were completely inspirational for me, so I thought I'd share some tips on how to bring exotic island life into your B&B through some simple, and some more demanding, decorating.

On the larger scale, if you are painting your B&B and want a little island flare, remember that bright colors are essential, but less is definitely more in this category. You don’t want to be overwhelming, so pair your bright pinks, oranges, teals, and reds with muted neutrals for balance. Remember that light sagey greens, sandy off whites, and warm tans are all reminiscent of the tropics as well as their eye catching counterparts. If you have some nice prints or fabrics in mind, using a crisp sugar white paint color as a background brings a classic island feel to any room.


If you are planning on changing or updating the furniture in your B&B, making an island style choice is actually quite easy! Dark woods, bamboo and any natural pieces will be the start of your island adventure. Take a little time to distress (or even find some vintage!) pieces, or find some bold, detailed furniture with carvings, bright painting or small but colorful accents to inspire the tropics of Jamaica or the Bahamas.

Fabrics are my personal favorite way of creating a relaxing island feel to a room, and definitely one of the easiest. A tip to getting the island style right with fabrics: repeat a single bright and tropical fabric on several surfaces in a room to create connectivity and balance. A bedspread, pillow, and small table cloth or cover are a perfect combination. And don't be afraid to look beyond simple palm tree prints or tropical flowers – bright stripes, bamboo styles, or eye catching solids with accents can be just as refreshing and stylish!


Finally, one of the most important features of decorating that is often over looked, lighting! The tropics are light, bright and full of natural sunshine, so make sure your room mimics this feel with sheer, breezy window treatments. Classic white shutters are great island accents, especially if you go with the white sugar paint on your walls. Keeping your bright colors well lit is essential to completing your island paradise right in your B&B.



Even the smallest accents can help your B&B feel tropical and exotic during the summer, allowing your guests (and you, of course!) to relax and enjoy the island lifestyle.

Best,
Pamela

Summer Travel Tips

I love July, mostly because it means summer is in full swing, the weather is warm and delightful, and traveling in earnest can begin! A lot of people wait to have their vacation during the temperate summer months, so you might feel a little rusty after the long winter at home. But this doesn't mean you have to make all the mistakes to remember the best ways to travel this summer, you can just refresh your memory with some travel tips from J&P Voelkel, renowned adventure travel authors, and myself.

One of the first tips on a comprehensive list you can find in our article archive is ”Bring more bug spray, itch soother and sunscreen than you think you'll need - it can be hard to find and expensive.” This is especially important for summer trips – a fun getaway can turn ugly from simply a nasty sunburn or mosquito attack! One of my favorite home remedies for mosquitoes is using the original amber Listerine (no mint or orange – the sweetener in these will attract bites!). Putting it in a little squirt bottle will work perfectly as an emergency back up on your summer getaway.

Along the same vein, J&P caution to “Never, never underestimate the power of the tropical sun. Stay out of the sun in the middle of the day, bring hats and rash guards and extra t-shirts for swimming.” What wonderful advice for the summer heat we've been enjoying! Whether you actually get to take a tropical sojourn this summer (lucky you!) or will perhaps be enjoying the beaches of local destinations like California or Florida, being really careful of the sun will definitely add to the enjoyment of your summer getaway. I personally love this time of year, when I can break out my floppy hats and sun dresses to fully enjoy the sunshine!

If you are taking your kids along for a family vacation this summer, J&P give the practical advice - “Set yourself a low bar. Expect to cover a lot less ground when you travel with children. Pick out your must-sees ahead of time and regard everything else as a bonus.”

Prioritizing is a must when traveling with kids, but I also believe this can be immensely helpful on any trip. Discussing beforehand the importance of each destination and attraction will make the days spent on vacation relaxing and worry free, allowing for total enjoyment during your summer vacation.
Finally, J&P Voelkel leave us with one last tip for the summer - “Don't stand under a tree with howler monkeys in it.” No argument from me!

Spring Has Finally Sprung!

Spring, finally! This was a very long winter, was it that way for you too? It’s so great to feel that soft, moist air, see some colorful flowers blooming and finally put winter behind us. Today at our office, we are celebrating Easter, Passover and the coming of Spring with a tea party during which we are testing the finalist in our muffin madness contest, and sampling teas from TSalon in New York City, with whom we have partnered for a bed and breakfast blend, pretty exciting stuff!
Shannon, bed and breakfast membership coordinator bakes like crazy and made some very professional Easter cookies.

Highlight of my spring opener was the quote that drifted in from Cliff Cottage B&B in Eureka Springs, AR: “Thank you SO VERY MUCH for including my little salty tale in your newsletter. Everyone at Lanier's is SO helpful and does so much for our industry that I don't even know how to begin thanking you enough! I'm sending 1,000 gold stars to put on your shoulders!”
Of course spring brings on the need for one, a getaway trip, just to get out in the countryside and take a look at nature waking up. What better getaway could there be than a bed and breakfast stay? I’m headed to Alexandria, Virginia to a Publishing conference and really looking forward to staying at a historic inn in the old town and being seated at a breakfast table once used by George Washington’s grandsons. However, most of all folks, I’m looking forward to those cherry blossoms!
Washington DC environs all the way from the West Virginia countryside with verdant green fields, stone walls and baby lambs frolicking of the downtown mall and Washington Monument, blends itself for a spring trip for families. Many of our feature properties have spring fling rates going on, and the coming weeks, post Easter, are the perfect time to avoid the crowds and take off on a spring fling of your own.
Another topic that comes to the top of my mind come spring, is of course spring cleaning and we’ve included some traditional recipes for all natural, bio-degradable cleaners to get your home "spick" and span without harmful fumes or environmental damage. I recommend testing them out, there’s nothing better than saving money and also your health!

Rug Cleaner
¼ tsp dishwashing liquid (1.2 ml)
1 cup lukewarm water (240 ml)
Combine the ingredients. Use a spray bottle to apply the solution over a large area or use the solution to spot-clean non-greasy stains. Blot dry.


Carpet Freshner
1 cup crushed dried herbs, such as rosemary, southernwood, or lavender (240 ml)
1 tsp ground cloves (5 ml)
2 tsp. baking soda (10 ml)
Combine all the ingredients in a large jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well to blend. Sprinkle some of the mixture on your carpet. Let it sit for an hour or so, and then vacuum it up.
All-Purpose Floor Cleaner
¾ cup vinegar (180 ml)
5 drops citrus or other aromatic essential oil
4 quarts warm water (4l)
Mix ingredients in a large-bucket. Apply as you damp-mop your wood, linoleum and vinyl floors.

Spring is also the time I start to think about lightening the bedroom, not only on the bed, but also in the color treatments. To me, a dose of blue and white will go a long way towards brightening up for the seasons ahead. And, with this years “color of the year”, Turquoise # 15-5519 claimed by Pantone, there’s no better time but now to add this favorite shade to your very own abode.

One of the things I love about blue and white are the way these two lovely colors blends so beautifully with mixing patterns, other shades and tones, to create a complimentary palette. Blue bedrooms have been proven to be amongst the most restful and calming. Another variation on the blue and white theme is cream and a greener blue, like turquoise or a grayer blue like Wedgewood. All these create a dreamy, glowing palette of cream and blue. Why not anchor your bedroom with an elaborately draped or canopy bed, or perhaps a plush upholstery head board and upholstered bench at the base? Upholstered bed treatments are some of the easiest ways to accomplish a lush look, even on a budget. And a canopy bed can be simply a box, bed width attached to the wall above the head of the bed and festooned with fabrics and trims, all compliments of a staple and or glue gun.
One of the things I love about blue and white is the way they mix up pattern, twills, florals, stripes and checks. As long as one stays in similar values of blue and white, or cream, the result will be very pleasing. For accent colors, green is a natural and so are shades of pink and rose. One of my favorite styles is Scandinavian country. A classic form, which takes simple furnishings lightens them up with white or cream paint, brightens it all up with blue, reflects the sky in gray blues and creates an all together delightful easy elegance that goes well with all sorts of architecture.

Blue glass is a particular favorite collectible of mine. In these days I’m seeing more and more use of mirrors on furniture’s, walls and also mirrored lamps, mirrored burrows and mirror glass bowls. These all add a terrific note of glamor and style to any room.

Some colors of paints, a blue paint I especially love are bright blues. Great for accents or entry ways as well as small furniture pieces, or how about a porch chair?
Some great blue shades are:
Majestic (regal 4005-8c)
Peacock (Blueville A41-7)
Foggy Days (Danube 90BG 56/125)
Isle Waters (Isle of Capri (55oB-6)
True Blue (E26-1)
Star Spangled (59oD-7)
Blue Burst (4008-10B).
Gulf Grandeur (253-7)
I hope this note finds you all well, healthy and prepared for a gorgeous springtime.


Sending happiness, laughter and warm sunshine your way…

Best,
Pamela

Creating An Inviting Bedroom

By now, everybody knows I’m crazy about color. There’s just so much you can do with color to change the total ambiance of a room. One of the best places to experiment with color is in the bedroom. The bedroom is typically fairly small, yet highly emotionally charged. One of my favorite bedroom wall colors is blue, in any shade. . Nothing changes a room faster than paint…. One of my favorite blues is Benjamin Moores Heaven on Earth; it makes you feel like the sky has just come in. It’s just so restful and easy to approach.

Closely related is lavender, which pairs beautifully with grays and silver/chrome accents. Nothing wakes up a dark room faster than a sunny yellow. I love Benjamin Moore # 304, Shooting Star, which is like illuminated butter. If you use yellow in a bedroom, just be sure to strengthen it with a good dose of Mahogany, Burnt Amber or Black in furnishings and accessories. Another great way to wake up a room is by wall papering, either the entire space or just one wall alone.


I’ve been seeing some interesting uses of wallpaper lately, especially in bed and breakfasts. Perhaps get started with wall paper by covering the inner panels of an old door, saving the extra pieces for wrapping a small tray table or pencil holder, etc to inner weave the paper pattern throughout the room.
In a small room, another great way to lighten up is to use an acrylic chair, which seems to float in space and allow you visually to go through them. Myriad furniture is another wonderful idea for a fashionable bed stand or waste basket, drawing in even more light. In a dark room, a large mirror placed opposite the window can dramatically improve the feeling of light and radiance.
The actual bed in the room is another very important factor. What’s most important in a bed? First and foremost, the mattress must be comfortable. For an exceptional, quality mattress that will stand the test of time, visit our Lanier Bed & Breakfast Mattress Collection.

The bed itself, footboard and headboard should be well connected; to prohibit rocking and sliding. Or, another option is to use a platform and create your very own wonderful headboard. Keep your eyes open for an upcoming column on creative headboards! With a beautiful box spring, cover your cozy bed in beautiful chocolate mohair and nicely top with comfortable, crisp, clean sheets. No room in the house is more important than the master bedroom, not only is it where you spend a third of your life, but so many of life’s momentous occasions take place within those walls. There are many, many ways to give any bedroom, no matter how small, dark or drear, a wonderful snug, comforting feel. I like a bedroom to feel very comforting. If your room is extra small, consider installing a pocket door to the bedroom and bath, if adjoining. Think of those two spaces as visual extensions of the bedroom.
Everyone knows I’m a big fan of crisp, white sheets. They just always look so clean and fresh. I’m also big on upholstering the box spring or simply covering it with a deep fitted sheet for a smooth and continuous look. I, for one, also like a bed that’s pretty high off the ground. The height creates a special feel to crawl in and can also give you a better view out the windows. A big bedside table, even in a small space, is to my mind an absolute must. If it has shelves beneath it, it can also serve a multi purpose; so much the better.

There are just so many things you need room for on a bedside table: books, clock, flowers, iPod dock, a good reading light (although I like the lights that attach to wall on swing arms as well.) I’ve recently seen at a recent bed and breakfast a small feminine desk used clearly as a bedside table against the wall, which can double both as a writing desk or bedside table. The drawers can handle personal items. Every room also needs a chair or if space is tight, consider a bench. You can still sit down to put on your shoes and drop a bag. Another great way to delineate a bedroom and create drama is by taking advantage of the verticality of a 4 poster bed and the way it adds romance to the room. Under the bed, I like to use an area rug to fit the space and visually define it. Locate either an inexpensive pre-cut area rug or find a wonderful, luxurious bolt end and ask your carpet store to bind the edges. This will give you a high defined custom look for a very cost effective price.

Nothing is more dated than old window treatments. So, if your room is guilty of this, here are my thoughts... Install new window treatments. I love the selection at Bed Bath and Beyond. Find a nice substantial pole to harmonize with your décor and use it behind either a blackout drape or a blackout blind to create total privacy and that wonderful “we’re all by ourselves” feel. Finally, a must have, some fresh flowers. Even one stem will add a sense of light and life to your décor. One more tip… outfit a small side lamp with a low watt pink bulb and leave that burning for background ambiance. I promise you will never look so good!

SHOW SOME L-O-V-E

The month of love is upon us all…red roses, dark chocolates, and the vibrant color pink fill the store fronts, igniting “love flames” across the globe. Does your heart pound for this hallmark holiday? February is the month to proclaim your love, to connect, express and appreciate your dearest valentine. The sacred 14th of February has long been reserved for you and your sweetie to enjoy one another’s company and dedicate the day for two.

There is no better way to get away from the stresses of life, to turn off the fidgety cell phone, shut down the computer screen, ditch the daily planner and center in on what matters most, the one nearest and dearest to your heart. Valentines Day travel is a great way to ensure a memorable, relaxing and romantic retreat. Venture out for a Valentines Day weekend you will remember for years to come.

With over eight hundred deals for you and your other half, there is no better way to truly express your affection than on an outstanding romantic getaway at a cozy bed and breakfast inn.

Aside from the annual heart day, February is a great month to begin gearing up for the New Year and pulling the house back together in recuperation from the hectic holidays. After taking a much needed “breather” in January, it is now time to buckle down in February and take action for 2010. Color and de-clutter is a great theme for motivation. Freshen up the pantry door, accent the walls and wake up the home with neutral, yet inviting colors such as butter cream or amber, paired with a honey hue to virtually give any room a refreshing and vibrant start. Investing in fun, but useful colored chalkboard paint could not only be enjoyable for the entire family, but also a great way to keep organized and on task with everyday life activities and ever changing agendas.

In over 24 colors, write directly on the paint just as you would a classroom chalkboard! Not only will the kiddies love it, but so will your scattered schedule! Open up those cob webbed closets, line up the room with a bin titled “garbage, “give away”, and “relocate” and get tidy in no time. It may be a good idea to have a support system in the midst of de clutter so you won’t be tempted to re-closet the clutter once again. Be productive and put your game face on, eliminating all excess accessories.

For those color critics, Pantone has officially announced the beautiful turquoise to be the official 2010 color of the year. “Believed to be a protector of deep compassion and healing, the color is also a sign of faith, water and sky.” Turquoise is a feel good color, sure to enrich your spirits and perk up your mood. An inviting, luminous hue, the color of the year is unique and universally flattering. So, next time you’re up for a shopping spree, take note to this tempting turquoise revelation. Speaking of turquoise, I had the recent privilege of setting sail on the shimmery, turquoise waters on a Holland American Cruise this past month. The scenery and magnificent service I highly recommend for anyone in search of a fantastic family friendly cruise!

With Love in February,
Pamela

New Years Resolutions

The New Year has many of us making resolutions and commitments to improve our lives. One of the surest ways to do so is to take care of our home environment, and that can be done on a shoestring! Sometimes, something as simple as taking down the holiday trimmings and pulling out some different décor by looking at the things you already own can make a big difference.

January is a great month to go glamorous. Look around the house for some mirrors or shiny objects. Maybe you have a piece of silver hanging out in the back of the cabinet in need of some polishing. Well get it out! Place it on a mirror and place some candles on top—voila! Instant ambiance!
I’ve been noticing more ad more innkeepers working with botanicals in their décor. January is a great month to bring some branches of forsythia, red bud, plum or apple into your home.

Another way to create instant drama is to put together a beautiful sculptural creation with branches mixed in with a few colorful, long-lasting carnations or astrolomeria placed in perhaps a shiny water pitcher or a big glass, giving you pleasure and color for two to three weeks Citrus is coming into its full season right now.Nothing wakes up a kitchen like the one I visited last week more than an arrangement of brilliant lemons, oranges, and limes displayed on your countertop.January is also a great month for some travel planning and also to take advantage of travel deals.

Find yourself a few free days and you can get a spectacular deal at one of our member B&B’s. Nothing like a change of scene to revitalize ones mood, and for couples, more quality time together is a glorious New Year’ s resolution.


Wish you all the very best of 2010,
Pamela