Hudson Naturals Lotion

Favorite Local Finds for Gifting

Try supporting small local businesses, artists, makers and friends with service-based businesses. Yours truly is being gifted by a husband as a surprise for his wife who has been wanting a consult with me. You may choose to shop online but even that can be with local businesses. Here are a few favorites.

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West by David Lionheart. Photo provided.

Deck the Walls with Art

Over the years, I have acquired quite a few pieces of art by local artists. Finding that special piece that speaks to you is quite easy. You will find you don’t have to look too hard or go too far. Visit a local gallery, art school, studio tour, artisan fair or search online. Viewings may now be by appointment or virtual. When art connects to your heart, you know you found that special piece to bring home. Read more

While your family is home for the holidays, it is a great time to access the 'bless the mess' by decluttering and getting rid of unwanted items.

Bless the Mess with Thankfulness

The holidays are quickly approaching. Family gatherings may change significantly due to the pandemic. If your children will be home for the holidays, whether they are visiting or living with you, no matter what their age, it is a great time to access the mess. Read more

Tick or treat sign with candy and spiders around it

A Few Tricks and Treats for Your Home

Boo! Did I scare you? Maybe not but you may be tense, stressed and overwhelmed for reasons like the pandemic, election and change in the weather. Add our own personal ‘stuff’ and it is the making of a bone chilling spooky movie. Here are some Halloween tricks and treats. Read more

A close-up of a staged dining room featuring cool wood tones and a reclaimed wood server in similar cool tones. Staging: Claudia Jacobs Designs. Photo Credit: Steve Belner, Photovisions.

Mixing Wood Tones

Hi Claudia, 

I would love your professional advice. I’m in the process of decorating my dining room. We just purchased new chairs and will be repainting our dining room table a bit darker to give it a fresh look. I just can’t decide on the sideboard. Should I get one that matches the table or a different color? – Suzy, Monroe, NY  Read more

Hall by door, hall is hardwood and room next o the hall is carpet

Question on Flooring

Hi Claudia,

I enjoy reading your home articles in The Times Herald Record. Thank you for the many helpful tips you provide to inspire people to love their homes. I have laminate flooring in my home that is about 10 years old, in great condition and I still love it. The problem is I have an open floor plan. The kitchen is a stone type of pattern and the main hall and dining room is a red oak butterscotch. The living room is carpeted which is worn out. I wish it was laminate. I have been told that it is too difficult to match old laminate, so I have to find another carpet. I am wondering if you know of another choice for me. I am attaching 5 photos for you to see what I described. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. – Mary M., Highland

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Woman on a zoom meeting with thirteen coworkers

Making Room to Zoom

Video conferencing is the new normal for staying connected for work, school or socializing with friends and family. We get a glimpse of the personal homes of so many people from kitchens to living rooms to bedrooms to closets. Most interesting is the peek into a famous person’s private home and where they decide to be interviewed. Read more

Father, Mother and daughter holding cardboard over their head to make a house

Peeling Back the Layers of Your House

Think of the onion. By pulling back the onion skin and first layer, a fresh onion is revealed, ready to prep in your favorite dishes. Same for garlic. When cooked slowly, both sweeten and enhance the flavor of the dish. Read more