Water: flood your home with style

Water is rushing into the ROM Museum Store this spring with the blockbuster show Water: The Exhibition, opening March 5, 2011. Shop the entire collection to fuse form, function, and fashion with everyday water-related accessories and home decor items. Here are a few fun pieces that will have your space overflowing with the beauty and wonder of water.

Why we love it! This umbrella is a ROM reproduction of an original William Morris design.Why we love it! It's BPA-free, machine-washable, freezable, and foldable!4. [H.sub.2]O MUSIC CD2. REUSABLE WATER BOTTLEAdd some relaxing tunes to your music collection with thisH20 compilation, merging melody with the sounds of water and wildlife for a peaceful mood and calming atmosphere. $17.99A refreshing take on the rigid water bottle, this "fold-and-go" anti-bottle is flexible enough to fit into any pocket, purse, or kiddy knapsack. $10.993. TULIP UMBRELLA1. [H.sub.2]EAU CARAFEStore Hours: 10 am to 6:30 pm, except Friday 10 am to 10 pm. Kids Store: Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm, except Friday 10 am to 9 pm. Check out our online boutique at store.rom.on.ca.All items listed on this page are available at the ROM Museum Store.This gorgeous water carafe, cleverly designed to resemble a stack of disposable plastic cups, will keep you hydrated at home or on the go! $39.99Why we love it! It 's super sturdy and hand-blown from crystal clear borosilicate glass.Rain, rain, go away! Step out in style on a rainy day with this beautiful blue and white umbrella, evoking the life-giving power of water with lush leaves and flowers. $34.99Why we love it! Richly colourful illustrations make this book educational and engaging.This award-winning picture book will teach children about the environment and the importance of water conservation. $17.95Keep your eyes peeled for new items that will hit store shelves this spring.DENISE DIAS manages communications for the ROM Governors Office. She has contributed to Toronto Life's style section and the Toronto Star's living section.Why we love it! This mix is perfect for keeping you in tune with nature.

DENISE DIAS manages communications for the ROM Governors Office. She has contributed to Toronto Life's style section and the Toronto Star's living section.

Martha Stewart Visits Newest KB Home Community in Orlando

KB Home and Stewart provide sneak peek of exclusive new home designs and celebrate new community with cupcake decorating contest

In addition to judging the cupcake contest and awarding prizes to the winners, Ms. Stewart also participated in a lively Q&A and delighted the crowd with details of what makes the new home designs so special. Following the reception, guests were among the first to tour a new model home designed and decorated by Ms. Stewart and her team.Martha Stewart at KB Home's Mabel Bridge in Orlando, Fla. Ms. Stewart visited the community on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 in advance of the grand opening of Martha Stewart at KB Home Mabel Bridge, scheduled for Saturday, July 23. The community will be KB Home's 11th community of homes created with Martha Stewart. (Photo: Business Wire)KB Home (NYSE: KBH), one of the nation's premier homebuilders, has delivered over half a million quality homes for families since its founding in 1957. The Los Angeles-based company is distinguished by its Built to Order™ homebuilding approach that puts a custom home experience within reach of its customers at an affordable price. KB Home has been named the #1 Green Homebuilder in a study by Calvert Investments and the #1 Homebuilder on FORTUNE magazine’s 2011 World’s Most Admired Companies list. The Company trades under the ticker symbol "KBH" and was the first homebuilder listed on the New York Stock Exchange. For more information about any of KB Home's new home communities, call 888-KB-HOMES or visit www.kbhome.com.The Martha Stewart at KB Home Mabel Bridge community opens to the general public this Saturday, July 23 at 10 a.m. A special grand opening and food festival event will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and will feature summertime dishes, desserts and cool drinks all from Martha Stewart’s recipe collection. For more information about the Martha Stewart homes at KB Home’s Mabel Bridge community, or any other KB Home communities, visit www.kbhome.com or call 1-888-KB-HOMES.Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. is a diversified media and merchandising company, inspiring and engaging consumers with unique lifestyle content and distinctive products. The Publishing segment encompasses the company’s print and digital businesses and is comprised of four magazines, including MSLO’s flagship publication, Martha Stewart Living, periodic special issues, books, websites, digital apps, blogs, and more. The Broadcasting segment produces the Emmy-winning, daily television series, "The Martha Stewart Show," and other original programming on Hallmark Channel, including “Mad Hungry with Lucinda Scala Quinn.” Broadcasting also encompasses Martha Stewart Living Radio on SIRIUS XM Channel 110. In addition to its media properties, MSLO offers high-quality Martha Stewart products through licensing agreements with carefully selected companies, including the Martha Stewart Collection exclusively at Macy's, the Martha Stewart Living line of home-improvement products at The Home Depot, Martha Stewart Crafts with EK Success at Michaels, Jo-Ann Fabric, and independent retailers, the Martha Stewart Pets line at PetSmart. In 2008, Emeril Lagasse joined the Martha Stewart family of brands; MSLO acquired the assets related to Lagasse's media and merchandising business, including television programming, cookbooks, and emerils.com website and his licensed kitchen and food products. For additional information about MSLO, visit www.marthastewart.com.“We design these homes with KB Home to look and feel as beautiful, and function as well as my own homes,” said Martha Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. “And the new Martha Stewart model home at KB Home’s Mabel Bridge is no exception. It is absolutely gorgeous with an open and flexible floor plan that allows for lots of natural light, and includes fine finishing details and, of course, a fabulous kitchen—my favorite part of any home.”The Martha Stewart homes offered at KB Home’s Mabel Bridge are beautiful one- and two-story energy-efficient designs ranging in size from 2,294 to 3,277 square feet with four to six bedrooms, two to four baths and two- or three-car garages. Homes are affordably priced, beginning at around $260,000.In addition to offering unique features from Martha Stewart, the KB homes at Mabel Bridge are designed to help their owners save money while also being environmentally conscious. As in all new KB Home communities, the homes will be ENERGY STAR® qualified and engineered to heat and cool efficiently and use fewer energy resources with standard features such as low-E windows, radiant barrier roofing and ENERGY STAR qualified appliances. Also included in all new KB homes is the KB Home Energy Performance Guide™ (EPG), an estimate of monthly electric and/or gas costs for each home as designed as well as valuable information on the home’s relative energy efficiency when compared to a typical new home or resale home.About Martha Stewart Living OmnimediaORLANDO, Fla. -- Martha Stewart and KB Home (NYSE: KBH) last night unveiled their newest collection of homes during a special sneak peek event at KB Home’s Mabel Bridge community in Orlando. One hundred lucky, prospective home buyers were invited to the community to enjoy a private evening reception capped off by a cupcake decorating contest judged by Ms. Stewart herself. The Martha Stewart™ homes at KB Home Mabel Bridge are the latest result of the ongoing and successful partnership between KB Home, one of the nation’s premier homebuilders, and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. When the KB Home Mabel Bridge community opens to the public on Saturday, July 23, it will be the 11th community of KB homes created with Martha Stewart opened since 2006.“It was truly a sweet treat to have Martha here to help us celebrate our 11th community created together and the first homes from the collection to be offered here in Orlando,” said George Glance, president of KB Home’s Central Florida division. “Only at KB Home can you purchase a home created with Martha Stewart, the nation’s leading lifestyle expert. It is a partnership like this one, and the added value of choice and quality it brings to our homebuyers that helps to further set us apart from our competition.”About KB Home

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6801831&lang=en

Schlage Offers Design Savvy Homeowners New Choices in Door Locks with Decorative Collections

Make a statement about your space without sacrificing security

Built to Schlage’s exacting standards, Decorative Collections door locks are made with solid zinc die-cast construction and are easy to install with self-guiding screws. Research indicates that Schlage’s door locks are the most preferred residential door locks by consumers and are used by most home builders.1,2 The decorative handlesets meet industry standards and have the biggest bolt diameter available to consumers to provide extra strength against forced entry, the source of almost 70 percent of break-ins. 3Driven by homeowner desire for further customization and additional design choice, Schlage’s new door locks are a simple way to add a designer door hardware look on a do-it-yourself budget and timeline. Schlage, a business of Ingersoll Rand, is offering Decorative Collections on amazon.com and build.com. The collection will also be available at Lowe’s and The Home Depot online stores, and select brick & mortar stores later this year, and is currently available to the builder community, bringing homeowners even more options for customization within the home.3Crime in the U.S., Dept of Justice- Federal Bureau of Investigations1Nooro Research, independent research funded by Ingersoll Rand, 2011Schlage’s Decorative Collections includes six different designs with traditional, contemporary, and ornate details available in 10 fashionable finishes that complement Schlage’s most popular handleset styles. Each design allows for an affordable, attractive and easy way to add style to interior and exterior doors. Photos of the six new designs and finish options are available at schlage.com.About Ingersoll Rand“Homeowners know good design when they see it, and Schlage’s new Decorative Collections provides the ideal way to easily add a personalized design element and eye-catching focal point that can transform the look of a home without sacrificing security,” said John Evans, president, Residential Security Solutions at Ingersoll Rand.Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) is a world leader in creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and efficient environments in commercial, residential and industrial markets. Our people and our family of brands—including Club Car®, Hussmann®, Ingersoll Rand®, Schlage®, Thermo King® and Trane® —work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings, transport and protect food and perishables, secure homes and commercial properties, and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. Schlage is the leader in security devices, trusted for 90 years, spanning both the commercial and residential markets. Ingersoll Rand is a $14 billion global business committed to sustainable business practices within our company and for our customers. For more information, visit www.ingersollrand.com.To help consumers learn about common household items that many don’t know the name of, like a decorative rose, which is the official terminology for Schlage’s new door hardware, visit Schlage’s new online “Whatcha-Callit Quiz.” The Whatcha-Callit Quiz tests consumers’ knowledge of the official names of five common household items. After completing the quiz, consumers can enter for a chance to win decorative door locks for their entire home. The contest ends September 27, 2011. Quiz and contest information can be found at www.schlage.com/quiz.CARMEL, Ind. -- Schlage is helping homeowners make one of the easiest, most affordable and yet often overlooked home upgrades with the introduction of six new designs and the launch of Decorative Collections.

3Crime in the U.S., Dept of Justice- Federal Bureau of Investigations

Immortal Living Things: Bug Designs And Ladybug Baby Bedding In Your Youth's Arbor

From an adult point of view bees and wasps sting and ants are a nuisance at picnics, thus it seems counter-intuitive that they should have a nursery themed with ladybug crib set (http://www.babybeddingzone.com/bug-baby-bedding/). The more time you take to view these lovely insect-themed sets, the more your perspective will change for the better.

Even if you are worried about the real bugs found in your garden or on the camping trip, the bugs shown on nursery linens are happy, friendly and pleasant. The thing that many amateur decorators love about these sets that contain dragonfly and ladybug motifs is that the colors in which these sets can be found go great with just about any home decor.New moms and dads who are looking for an animal-themed room will notice that there are lots of insects included in the designs. No matter whether you're going for a jungle look or a farm atmosphere with regard to baby bedding, it's highly likely that among the creatures you love will be insects like butterflies accenting the mood.Even if you are hesitant to cover your daughter's room and crib with bug designs, you will find that insects are often either the primary or secondary theme in the design of baby girl crib bedding set (http://www.babybeddingzone.com/pink-baby-bedding/). As an example, if you were looking for a flower themed bedding, you would find that many of these linen patterns include adorable buzzing bees, cute caterpillars and colorful butterflies.While smaller insect-themed sets generally adhere to standard-sized linens, larger sets include window coverings that are also adorned with the images featured in the bedding pieces. So much baby bedding that is insect-themed can be bought in sets that retail for under $200. By going in this direction, you will have a nursery that is the height of cuteness for your new baby girl, who will also be as cute as any bug in the ensemble.

While smaller insect-themed sets generally adhere to standard-sized linens, larger sets include window coverings that are also adorned with the images featured in the bedding pieces. So much baby bedding that is insect-themed can be bought in sets that retail for under $200. By going in this direction, you will have a nursery that is the height of cuteness for your new baby girl, who will also be as cute as any bug in the ensemble.

Chandelier Lamp Shades

Chandelier Lamp Shades---an epitome of class & style

Available in various style, design and pattern, these shades adds chic elegance to any room and bring a majestic touch to your living room. Various gorgeous materials have been used by efficient craftsman to create a unique piece of artwork. The material ranges from tin and wood to polished brass, metal, ceramic, copper and porcelain. All these lampshades are decorated with rich elegant embellishments.Modern day interior decorators give a strong emphasis on the lamp shades to give an elegant look to your home d�cor. Chandelier lamp shades be it small or large becomes your style statement among your near and dear ones. These lamp shades are an indispensible part of your sweet home. Various designers are coming up with their designer collection to meet the demand of the market. Thus to possess these lamp shades �all you have to do is search for your timeless unique shades.The beauty of these shades are timeless and price can�t be constraint for this piece of shades. They are objects that are treasured and passed on from one generation to another. From Swarovski crystal chandelier lamp shades to antique brass chandelier lamp shades�whatever be your taste, they are embodiment of style . Thus to possess these lamp shades �all you have to do is search for your timeless unique shades.

Modern day interior decorators give a strong emphasis on the lamp shades to give an elegant look to your home d�cor. Chandelier lamp shades be it small or large becomes your style statement among your near and dear ones. These lamp shades are an indispensible part of your sweet home. Various designers are coming up with their designer collection to meet the demand of the market. Thus to possess these lamp shades �all you have to do is search for your timeless unique shades.

Schlage Offers Design Savvy Homeowners New Choices in Door Locks with Decorative Collections

Make a statement about your space without sacrificing security

Built to Schlage’s exacting standards, Decorative Collections door locks are made with solid zinc die-cast construction and are easy to install with self-guiding screws. Research indicates that Schlage’s door locks are the most preferred residential door locks by consumers and are used by most home builders.1,2 The decorative handlesets meet industry standards and have the biggest bolt diameter available to consumers to provide extra strength against forced entry, the source of almost 70 percent of break-ins. 33Crime in the U.S., Dept of Justice- Federal Bureau of InvestigationsCARMEL, Ind. -- Schlage is helping homeowners make one of the easiest, most affordable and yet often overlooked home upgrades with the introduction of six new designs and the launch of Decorative Collections.Schlage’s Decorative Collections includes six different designs with traditional, contemporary, and ornate details available in 10 fashionable finishes that complement Schlage’s most popular handleset styles. Each design allows for an affordable, attractive and easy way to add style to interior and exterior doors. Photos of the six new designs and finish options are available at schlage.com.Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR) is a world leader in creating and sustaining safe, comfortable and efficient environments in commercial, residential and industrial markets. Our people and our family of brands—including Club Car®, Hussmann®, Ingersoll Rand®, Schlage®, Thermo King® and Trane® —work together to enhance the quality and comfort of air in homes and buildings, transport and protect food and perishables, secure homes and commercial properties, and increase industrial productivity and efficiency. Schlage is the leader in security devices, trusted for 90 years, spanning both the commercial and residential markets. Ingersoll Rand is a $14 billion global business committed to sustainable business practices within our company and for our customers. For more information, visit www.ingersollrand.com.To help consumers learn about common household items that many don’t know the name of, like a decorative rose, which is the official terminology for Schlage’s new door hardware, visit Schlage’s new online “Whatcha-Callit Quiz.” The Whatcha-Callit Quiz tests consumers’ knowledge of the official names of five common household items. After completing the quiz, consumers can enter for a chance to win decorative door locks for their entire home. The contest ends September 27, 2011. Quiz and contest information can be found at www.schlage.com/quiz.About Ingersoll Rand2Builder Magazine, 1998-2011Driven by homeowner desire for further customization and additional design choice, Schlage’s new door locks are a simple way to add a designer door hardware look on a do-it-yourself budget and timeline. Schlage, a business of Ingersoll Rand, is offering Decorative Collections on amazon.com and build.com. The collection will also be available at Lowe’s and The Home Depot online stores, and select brick & mortar stores later this year, and is currently available to the builder community, bringing homeowners even more options for customization within the home.1Nooro Research, independent research funded by Ingersoll Rand, 2011

3Crime in the U.S., Dept of Justice- Federal Bureau of Investigations

Selecting Quilting Fabrics Using a Color Wheel

Choosing colors to use in your quilt is another opportunity to observe the similarities that the craft has with "fixer-upper" projects undertaken by do it yourselfers. In this case, quilters can use a tool that has been employed by painters and decorators for many years; the color wheel.

In any quilt there are going to be sections that draw the eye and stand out, even if the quilt uses only one color (monochromatic). Monochromatic quilts can use shades and tints to make particular pieces stand out, highlight, or recede.Analogous quilts use colors that are located beside each other on the wheel. They create a natural blending, as each one has a color in common with the one beside it. The color wheel in this case is crucial in determining which colors are analogous with each other.What is the color wheel?On the other hand, a color wheel is pretty important when it comes to analogous or complementary quilts (unless of course you are naturally gifted at color determination!). Complementary quilts utilize colors that lie directly opposite each other on the wheel; an example is a primary color with the secondary color created by mixing the other primaries. These colors can be used most effectively as borders.As the most dominant of the pure colors, yellow is placed at the top of the wheel. The dominance of the colors is also determined by the amount of gray added to each color. Along the right side of the color wheel are the warmer colors. These colors will naturally draw the eye to where they are placed on a quilt, while the cooler colors on the left will complement and help to highlight dominant colors in a quilt with a multi-color scheme. Warm colors can even mean that darker patches on the quilt will recede, due to the natural progression of the eye.The best use of your color wheel in your pattern will happen after you determine the type of quilt you want to make. Monochromatic quilts are the easiest; one color means that all you are dealing with are shades and tints, none of which are depicted on the color wheel. A color wheel is not really needed when it comes to these designs.The color wheel is a circle-shaped piece of equipment that depicts several different colors that the quilter or painter can choose from. These wheels are printed on many different types of surfaces; in fabric shops there may be wheels made from solid wood or even metal; they are very durable and can withstand numerous touches and spins from all the people that handle it. Paper color wheels are less durable and are meant for personal use.Some color wheels have more colors on them than others, but all color wheels will include the primary colors; red, yellow, and blue. These colors will be separated by an equal amount of spaces. The spaces in between the primary colors are the colors formed by mixing varying amounts of each color together; secondary colors )orange, blue, and violet) are located halfway between each primary color combination, as they are the result of mixing equal parts of each color.There is a lot of confusion when it comes to using a color wheel. It is simply a tool that makes choosing different patterns and color schemes easier for the individual quilter. Using one does not mean that you have to go out and buy a whole bunch of new fabric, and it certainly does not mean that you have to dye your own fabrics in order to use it. Instead, just think of a color wheel as a way to cut a lot of guesswork and time out of the process so that you can jump straight into the quilting without fear of the final work appearing out of synch.

There is a lot of confusion when it comes to using a color wheel. It is simply a tool that makes choosing different patterns and color schemes easier for the individual quilter. Using one does not mean that you have to go out and buy a whole bunch of new fabric, and it certainly does not mean that you have to dye your own fabrics in order to use it. Instead, just think of a color wheel as a way to cut a lot of guesswork and time out of the process so that you can jump straight into the quilting without fear of the final work appearing out of synch.

Author: Jan Myers