Today’s Homemaker

Have you had a chance to visit Organizing Junkie yet? If not, you really should! I’m especially enjoying her link round-up of kids room resources right now. You can also visit some of my other talented friends while you’re at it!

Interior design is one thing that has always been a mystery to me. Perhaps because it seems to involve such a large amount of time and cash that I just do not have at the moment. But I do believe that the spaces we inhabit affect our lives deeply. So here comes the inspiration train…

Portland-based interior designer Kimberlee Jaynes has written an excellent article on 2008 color trends. I love her work!

Heather from Skinny Laminx has gotten quite a bit of press lately, and no wonder! Her beautiful tea towels are vibrant and such a refresher for any kitchen. Check out her blog for regular updates. (Her recent surface decals are really cool, too.)

PillowHappy is a sweet little etsy shop full of “pillow art,” such as the pair of dandelion pillows featured at left. I can’t choose which one I like best…those two or the orange square pillow? Decisions, decisions.

Luanne Bradley from EcoSalon introduces us to the Nomad System — a clever way of visually dividing a space. These build-it-yourself room dividers come in nine colors and can be assembled in really unique ways.

Andrew from the Home Decorating Reviews Blog is always finding cool things to share. Such as these interesting Harry Allen wall hooks, oh my.

I am a sucker for details. And Jackie from Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle has provided them to my great delight! Her sweet nursery looks like such a welcoming place for any newborn — what a lucky little girl.

Andrew graces us with another cool find — a sink that also functions as an aquarium. If tapping on glass bothers fish, I wonder how annoyed they get when people spit toothpaste in their direction?

Kelleigh from Domestique has put together some exciting, non-traditional ideas for your home office. She’s absolutely right, too — why should our home offices be as boring as corporate ones?

Andrew brings us a quick-and-dirty post about how to choose a coffee table, whether you’re looking for modern, traditional, or something else entirely.

Another cool find from EcoSalon, this time from Kim Derby. Illuminated wallpaper from Jonas Samson. I did not even know this was possible until now.

Remember when it was cool to wallpaper your switchplates? Well, it just might become cool again with all the great paper designs that are out right now. Jackie from A Keeper’s Jackpot shows us how.

Thanks for all of the inspiration everyone! I’m off to re-paint my living room now. (No, not really. That sucker took 5 coats, and we will not be re-doing it any time soon.) And the winner is…

Jackie for her step-by-step look into her design of her daughter Kara’s nursery! Yay Jackie! Please be sure to send me an email (sarahjoy AT todayshomemaker DOT com) with your address so that I can send your prize package.

I am enjoying this carnival so much…and tomorrow’s post is no exception. Join us tomorrow as we focus on Organization (cleaning included!).