Lighting, Part 2

Champion's Club and the Ranch Homes at Spring Arbor feature Progress Lighting. These fixtures are energy efficient, beautiful and classic.

For those interested in adding more personalization, Progress offers some beautiful options in every style imaginable. Here are a few of my favorites (I picked only those that were reasonably priced):

I think that these all have a very updated, transitional look, without being trendy. They would complement any style of decor and furnishings and look like they came right out of a high-end retail store. Ask us for more information!

Triumphant Return

Hello Everyone!

I am sorry that I have not posted in so very long. We have had a lot going on at McKee and I will do my best to fill you in on everything from babies and puppies to new model homes and new developments. But, for now, I would like to share with you some inspiration to get you through this terrible weather.

Think about doing some restyling now while you are stuck inside and could use a fresh perspective anyway (plus, wouldn't it be better for us to have something to do other than complain about the weather?).

I have this strange urge to paint everything in my house white. All of the furniture that is. I am so tired of things being brown and black (like my mood lately) and I think that it would both open the space up but also create some cohesion. I can still use fabrics and wall color and accessories for color but I am feeling the need for a clean slate.

I have seen some really great tips online for furniture makeovers. This is where I go for inspiration.

Better After -  Lindsay posts submissions of makeovers of furniture, rooms, whole houses, etc. They range from simple easy projects to renovation. Here is a great example (notice the theme here):

Apartment Therapy - This is a huge website with everything from design trends to personal submissions to product reviews. But, my favorite section is the Before and After section. Here is a sampling:

Or, if the snow means that you cannot stand the though of painting something white - try your favorite color (mine is turquoise). From Coco and Kelley:

I paint enough things in my house that I make sure to have 1 can of premium white glossy paint and 2 or 3 cans of metallic (lately it has been gold) spray paint on hand at all times.

When we moved four years ago I was surprised by how much the look of our furniture and accessories changed from our old condo just by putting it in a new setting. Painting, switching fabrics or pillows, and adding new hardware changed things up just a bit to make me love my old furniture in our new house.

Thanks for waiting! - Jenni

Tips for Living Green

TIPS FOR LIVING GREEN

1. Turn off your tap. While brushing your teeth, remember to turn off the faucet.

2. Unplug! Pull out cords for cell-phone chargers, microwaves and other "occasional" appliances when not in use. Yes, even your cell phone charge uses up energy when plugged in.

3. Ditch paper napkins. An elegant way to conserve, cloth napkins save both kinds of green (that's money and trees). Wash in cold water and line-dry for bonus points.

4. Stop unwanted catalogues! Go to http://www.greendimes.com/ and they will handle it all for you.

5. Buy local produce. You are supporting the local economy and reducing fuel consumption. It takes a lot of gas to ship fruits and veggies!

6. Try the Method line available at Target. Eco-friendly products are people-friendly products!

7. Turn down the thermostat. Doing so not only conserves fuel and money (even a couple of degrees counts), but studies show it may also help you fall asleep more quickly and have a more restful night once you do.

8. Use Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs.

9. Use a new McKee Grocery tote when shopping. Save any plastic bags you do get for pet cleanup.

10. Recycle and re-use recycled paper.