Marlene Oliphant Interior Design

Love these plates for my patio wall!

At The Flamingo Park in Ft Lauderdale. All my favorite colors!

Our beautiful San Clemente pier at sunset with Catalina in the background! They placed a Christmas tree at the end. By Greg Gothjan.

This is a stunning photo of our San Clemente pier at sunset! With the Christmas tree. Catalina is in the distance! Photo by Greg Gothjan.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Here’s a handy chart for thawing that frozen turkey:

Design Tip #12 for Sheltering in Style: Make Your Bedroom a Sanctuary Space 🌙

Many people spend time decorating the public rooms in their home, but when it comes to their bedroom space, it becomes a lower priority. Well, now is the time to pay attention!

1. Copy your favorite hotel suite. Think about that place you stayed on vacation that you never wanted to leave. What were the qualities of that room you’d like to duplicate?

2. The bed is the focal point of your bedroom. If you have a spring mattress, turn it every six months or so to minimize wear and tear. Get a new mattress if it’s been too long!
3. If you don’t like your headboard or bedframe, maybe it’s time to change the finish/recover the headboard/buy a new bed frame and headboard.
4. Start with a good mattress cover, which protects from staining. Invest in some beautiful new sheets. Even is selling luxurious sheets that will make your night. Percale and linen are cooler than high-thread count sheets if you tend to get hot; buy flannel if you get cold. Ditch your old blankets and pick up a new coverlet, bedspread or duvet. Try
5. Make your bed wall the focal point. Consider adding wallpaper to the wall behind your bed, or a darker tone of paint that sets off your furniture. A large piece of lattice or some simple moldings applied in a grid pattern lend some needed architecture.
6. Add the suite part. Include a chair or small sitting area in your bedroom if possible. A bench at the end of the bed also works.
7. Do you like to read in bed or your easy chair? Add the reading light where you need it. Change out or add sconces over the bed when circumstances allow.
8. Your bedroom is a great place for family photos, a landscape or two you picked up while on vacation, or framed photos of your favorite places.

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Design Tip #11 for Sheltering in Style: The Home Office Makeover 📁

There is no time like the present to address your personal needs! When you add up the time you spend in your office, it’s worth using some practical tips to make it work better for you.

1. Location, location! A room with a door is the most ideal, think about traffic flow… can you find a corner that won’t be rife with interruptions from other family members? Treat yourself to a nearby window with a view if you can. Place your equipment where it won’t be affected by direct sunlight.
2. I find that a table or desk that is at least 50-60” long is ideal for a workspace. If you don’t have a desk, utilize a table, a secretary, or a slab of butcherblock placed over two small bookcases or file cabinets. Try
3. Clear the clutter and find a place for everything. Shred all of the paper you don’t need. Is it really necessary to have ten file drawers of paper? Consolidate!
4. For a good guide on determining what papers to keep read this excellent article by financial expert Dave Ramsey https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/organizing-your-important-documents
5. Paint your office in a color that pleases you. If you are stuck with brown furniture, paint some or all of your pieces. Or even the backs of your bookcases!
6. Add some attractive desktop lighting. A table lamp or two adds a homey touch. Try
7. Buy the best desk chair you can afford. Even if you only spend an hour or two at a time in your home office, a good desk chair will be well worth the expense. Try the store. Add a floor protector under a rolling chair to protect your floor or carpet.
8. Pick up a wire organizer at any online office supply. You can find types that attach to the desk and keep the mess out of sight. Try
9. Add a piece or two of artwork, a rug, a pretty window treatment, some accessories for your desk and a potted plant!

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