Ruminations from Origin & Ash

Making A Home Beautiful!

2008-05-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

I am asked frequently, what makes a home beautiful? Where do I start? How do I get that special look? My answer is much the same- you do! Every home has a heart. You have to start there. The individual is what makes a home unique and special. A home can tell a lot about a perosn's character, their values, their inspirations. It can talk about where you've been, what you like to do and what is important to you. These days, so many want the "sameness" that comes from cookie-cutter decorating and one-stop shopping. Are we afraid to reveal ourselves? Are we uncomfortable showing ourselves to our friends, colleagues, family? Sure, you can get some help from a designer. I would be out of business if I didn't beieve in that, but listen...I don't live in your home-you do! Live! Love! Explore! If you love collecting seashells, use them in a great way. If you have traveled to cities in Europe (or have always wanted to) get some great books on them. Don't be afraid because the little touches throughout your home tell us that we like you, that we want to get to know you and that we share the same ideas. Make your home beautiful just by being you.

2008-04-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here!

It's time to do some cleaning, so let's get busy...

Here's a list of to do's:

1) Get some great cleaning products, like those featured here by Caldrea. They make cleaning fun and make you look beautiful while doing it, too! I love the French feather duster.

2) Stock up on some fresh dish towels by Greenhorn Trading Co. They are simple and functional and come in red, blue and green stripes. Perfect for keeping glasses sparkling!

3) Put out fresh liquid soap in every bathroom or big cubes on a vintage dish to freshen up the kitchen counter. Try La Compagnie De Provence Fig! (My favorite)

4) Out with the fake and in with the fresh! Fresh flowers and plants are the way to go for Spring! I just bought some beautiful hydrangeas at Smith & Hawken.

5) Pick up some great candles...I love Brickhouse candles because they are all-natural and the scents are

fragrant without being overwhelming. Plus, they are hand poured in reusable glass containers.

6) Have new linen slipcovers made! Nothing freshens up like new crisp slipcovers by JMPaquet!

7) Open those windows, air out the house and fluff the dust out of those pillows!

8) Try adding some special lighting around the house in unexpected places, like the powder room or a walk-in closet!

9) Rearrange your closet and put away your winter coats and sweaters. Time for a new pair (or two) of Havianas...they're the best!

10) Spring is a great time to invite friends over for cocktails and enjoy all your hard work!

Have Fun and Happy Spring!!!

humanity

2008-02-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

please check out: www.hsus.org

I spent yesterday afternoon with my four year old son. We went to the park and ran errands, one of which was to the supermarket. Each item that I put in my basket, my son asked, "Is this from an animal?"

Now, we are not vegetarians. We do cook meat in our home as well as offer many choices as an alternate such as tofu, tempeh, etc. but we have never impacted our son's views. This, all on his own, is his choice. He does not want anyone, especially his parents to buy or eat meat and he refuses to eat it. He is upset by the fish that sits on ice, and the lobsters that slowly await their fate. He has a warm heart and can not understand why we would kill an animal for food.

While we can not all have the same convictions as a four-year-old, we can do something to make the lives better of those animals that are being raised for food. Do something by contacting the link above and going to the downed animal and food safety protection act. We can protect ourselves and the animals that keep us alive.

Faster, Faster...

2008-02-08T13:45:00.000-08:00

"Nowadays it's all about faster, faster. I love handmade things, objects where someone took the care and time to make them. There was love involved. We can't all sit down and carve tables or make shoes by hand, but we can appreciate those who do." -anonymous

T.R. Risk is one of those few who we can all learn a little something about life and humility and love. To be able to set out and do what you love and keep that inspiration burning despite all the difficulties and challenges is an achievement. I aspire to be more like him than anyone will ever know and I guess that is why I am so dedicated to the work and the belief in what we do. I look around and see so little fulfillment of the dreams we each have had and wonder why more of us are not pursuing our dreams, our loves, our passions. Life is here and now. Thre is so much beauty in the details of life....

2008-02-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

Everyone has to view these pictures of TR working at his shop....They are amazing!!!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tassoni/sets/72157603842831233/

New Year's Resolutions...

2008-01-24T11:08:00.001-08:00

I am sitting here working on some design projects and I can not believe it is 2008. Wow. Time really goes by too quickly. It's a cliche, but for good reason. My advice? All those projects put on hold or put aside...get them going. I can't tell you how many clients have put off furnishing their house, a special room, a project and have let the years pass by for whatever reason. I say...Enjoy it now and live! Life is too short. Yes, there is always something new; another beautiful fabric you could have picked, but that's ok. As long as you are happy with what you've chosen and it works, do it! Design is all about living and having fun doing it. It's not a life or death committment. There are so many other things, and trust me, I do this every day. I know that time will not stand still and forever is as short as tomorrow. You have to live every day as best you can. Do the best you can and make the most of what you have to work with. Enjoy! And, let's make those ideas a reality!

Heartbreaker

2008-01-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

You have to see new works by T.R. They are incredible! "Heartbreaker" is my favorite. The colors are really beautiful and the texture is genius. Anyone who is interested should come by the store on a Saturday to meet him. He is usually here between 1-3, but you can always make an appointment.

Custom

2008-01-14T08:37:00.000-08:00

I am working on the details of the new website... so if anyone has input or suggestions, we welcome it. We really want to make the site as great as possible. There are so many details as each of our pieces is unique. So, if you are seeing something you love that is sold, just keep in mind that we will build it custom for you! It's worth the wait to have something truly original and hand made by TR!

New

2008-01-10T13:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is completely new to me. I am working on my new website right now www.originandash.com so everyone should visit! It should be up soon...hopefully tomorrow.