The beauty of the rooftop space is that it is defined by barriers, and as such can become a cozy, and intimate territory. Not to mention if you are hosting a soiree at night you might be lucky enough to enjoy the starlight overhead. That is simply not something that can be simulated in a manner that ever truly compares. One other added bonus is that any mess created during your party is isolated, and out of view until you are prepared to address it. Now, if only I could get planning permission for a rooftop area of my very own.

Should you be looking for a trendy new piece for your home, and would like to be the proud designer of it yourself, then here is the perfect balloon project. The end result is a delightful lampshade. The process is fun, yet messy, and only requires a few materials like cotton yarn, Vaseline, wall paper glue, a paper cloth, and oh of course a very large balloon. Detailed instructions for this project can be found under the search words whirl it lampshade at the Pickles website.

My hunny and I will be absorbed in this activity next weekend. Once we get the right technique down, I have an idea to make candleholders in the same manner

So sweet and simple are the guidelines that help me to nurture and keep my Fan Palm, Lemon Tree, and Chinese Evergreen. All you really need to do is poke your finger in the soil up to your first knuckle. If the soil is moist pass on watering it, if it is dry then water away. Sure, it is not scientific, and there are more concise ways of gauging your plants needs, but this works too. So if you are looking to get by, this is the best way I have found.

Also, I am a bit tired of my buddies and their gals coming over to my place to hangout and leaving a cluttered mess behind. By entertaining predominantly outside I minimize the area in which a mess is made. Plus, the furniture will be weatherproof, which in my situation will come in handy with my sloppier friends. I will not cringe every time a drink spills. And less formal glasses, plates and bowls will be required, so should anything be dropped or cracked, I will not even flinch. The whole idea of creating ones own great garden lounge cannot be beat.

First, determine which of the alcohols really need to be premium. For example, gin is a liquor that is often mixed with other ingredients. Thus, you can cut back on the cost of stocking you bar here.  The next liquor in line to cut back on price with is vodka. Many agree that the less expensive brands do not standout like rum and bourbon.

Once you have saved on these staples, compensate with decent mixers. Bottom of the barrel fruit juice and inexpensive alcohol is taking things a step too far. You probably do not want to cross that line.

Now, personally I am integrating neon into my garden entertaining practices. If you have a large garden that you want to develop into an entertainment space with neon lights, it might be worth looking to professional gardeners for help or advice. If you have a smaller garden of course, you can probably just attach the lights yourself and clear out any garden clutter for entertaining guests. What I mean is that I have stocked up on bold plates and cups in fluorescent shades that fit in remarkably well. I also splurged on some pitchers, candles and garden decorations all of which are very in style.

Of the lot, my favourite are the adorable neon butterflies that I got at a local outdoor festival. In fact, admittedly I do not believe I will remove them from my garden until they have completely faded and are barely recognizable. I am ever so happy to have a blast of neon in my life once again. But lets be completely honest, neon will never be worn by me again.

When you place flowers throughout a house, just simple little floral arrangements, a new vibe sweeps over the whole place. These are relatively small changes, but those details make a world of difference. So, my point is to remind you that sometimes it is the little things that really count. Try a few special touches during the course of your day, and reap the benefit.

Such custom pieces are outstanding additions to living areas in both the visual sense and environmentally. One of the most fascinating parts to this approach to design is to understand what the original source, or sources looked like, and then to see the recycled furniture.

Often a major metamorphosis has occurred, and the rebirth of a chair, couch, bench, pillow or ottoman is glorious and unexpected. To say the least, the before and after photos are mesmerizing.

Miss Kissells work will be on exhibit February 11th through March 13th at the Eleven Gallery in London. Expect to see hyper-intense colours, elements of nature supersized, and surprise fundamentals of modern everyday life. Her work has been described as having the ability to transport the viewer. As such, such art is paramount for the homeowner who is denied personal landscape in the physical sense. Good art can work wonders.

With the proper placement of thought provoking art, your accommodations limitations are counterbalanced. Not to mention the super-saturation of colour that is launched into your environment, much like the impact of nature itself.  Let the balancing act begin.

As for interior design trends for 2010, expect a return to the neutrals for walls, carpet, and furniture. Like the balance occurring with the safe trendy colours and immodest combinations in clothing, so will be the trends in home decoration. Layering of similar shades, with pops of brilliantly sexy undertones. Inject a romantic airs into your abode that you will be both admired and remembered for.