Modern, country, Asian styles can look great alone or mixed

Dear Sandi: I love looking through all the magazines that are out every month about decorating, etc., and every time I go to a bookstore I always check out the garden/home section to see what new “style” books are available. However, all of this “information” has actually added to my confusion when it comes to my own home. There seem to be so many styles, etc., each with its own rules. I like modern, country, some Oriental and even Western - help!

Marty S. T. Keizer -Jan. 23, 2008 - Real Living

Antiques can fit nicely into your style, home

Dear Sandi: Usually I am not much of a fan of antiques, but a few weeks ago a friend talked me into going “junking” with her on a Saturday morning, and much to my surprise I found myself first getting interested in a few things, then actually buying some pieces, including a lovely old vase (large chip on the bottom) and a really interesting side table. Any ideas about how I can introduce these very alien pieces into my fairly modern home?

Karen Ann R. Salem -Jan. 16, 2003 - Real Living

2008: Natural still is in; bamboo is on the verge

Dear readers: As anyone with a remote control knows, home decorating shows seem to be one of the nation’s obsessions, with new ones appearing almost daily. Gone (thank goodness) are the days when people walked into a furniture store and felt obliged to purchase an entire room of coordinated (or, Heaven forbid) matching furniture pieces. Probably one of the most positive things that all the media attention has done is give people the confidence to make their own decisions about what they like and what they want to live with. Anyway, with the old year coming to an end and the new one almost here, it just seemed appropriate to take a look at where WE think home and garden décor is headed.

Sandi Reinke, Salem OR -Jan. 9, 2008 - Real Living

Use old barn wood to add to kitchen

Dear Sandi: I have a country inspired kitchen and I would love to know what I could do with some old barn wood and fruit crate wood I have salvaged from a friend. I just love the weathered look, however, I don’t really know what I can do to work this into my kitchen and showcase this wonderful old wood. Can you help?

Mary Jo M. Silverton -Jan. 2, 2008 - Real Living

Dress up terra-cotta pots to fit any decor

Hi Sandi: I recently purchased some terracotta pots for my deck so I can plant some year round foliage. These pots are so versatile, however, I think they are so plain! I need some ideas to dress up these things to give some more life to my personal hideaway I have created. Thanks for any help you can give me.”

Fran W. Woodburn -Dec. 26, 2003 - Real Living

Gift's first impression is in its wrapping

Dear Sandi: I could really use some ideas on doing something a bit different with my Christmas wrappings this year. Do you have any ideas?

Yolinda R. Salem -Dec. 19, 2003 - Real Living

Christmas tree themes needn't be 'Christmasy'

Dear Sandi: The kids are gone, and my husband and I still want to decorate for Christmas, but I really want to do something entirely different and not try to re-create our past holidays when the kids were little. I know that your comny likes to do theme decorating. Any ideas I could use for changing my look this season?

-Laura Ann P., Silverton -Nov. 28, 2003 - Real Living

Seashells make a big splash on furniture

Dear Sandi: I love the beach, I love it, I love it, I mean I simply just love it! And of curse I have been collecting seashells for years, most all look the same however, nothing real exciting here . . . however, I would like to create something with these shells. Something grand or at least different. I have many friends that do the same old craft projects with glue and picture frames, etc. . . I am not looking for any of that, I need something fun, funky and full of flair. So, I could think of nobody better from which to seek advise. Can you please tell me what direction to go here? Moocho thanks . . .

Gloria D. Salem -Nov. 21, 2003 - Real Living