Have you decided that the cure for your case of Cabin Fever is COLOR? Good for you! Now that you have diagnosed your condition and have decided on the therapy, may I help you fill the prescription?

There is a psychology of color that is based on how you actually see color as well as how it makes you feel. This can be affected by your color memory or color associations, some of which are so subtle that you are barely aware of them or even know that they exist.

You may say you dislike the color yellow and have cringed at the abundance of it in the past few years. I have a system of determining how you see color to help you find a color palette that will help you avoid the colors you dislike and concentrate on those you do.

The result is your personal color palette which uses the science of color to assemble tints or shades which harmonize with each other.

The colors you love may not be the "in" color which is fine. You don't need to be a slave of fashion to have a pleasing decor. It may be a little more difficult to find the colors in accessories and furnishings that you need, but having your color palette will give you alternatives that will?keep your color flow true throughout the room.

For more information, call or email me about a Color Consultation and how it can help you find your perfect color palette.

Have you had enough snow? Are you tired of the color WHITE? Cheery red enamel pieces are a fun antidote to snow blindness.

Use a serving tray now for appetizers, and as a base for a grouping of red and white tulips next month.

From Cinco de Mayo, 4th of July, Crab Feasts, Christmas and more, these bright accents may become your go-to serveware for any time you need a pop of color.

Last month I told you about the color Turquoise being named the color of the year. I received email from several readers who loved the color but couldn't see how they could use it in their homes without completely redoing their color palettes.

You don't need, nor would you want to add a new color every year. However, if you want a bit of a change or would like to freshen up your furnishings or accessories, adding accents of a new and complimentary color can be just the thing you need.

Table linens are some of the easiest accessories to use to incorporate new colors. As the color enters the mainstream, you will begin to notice it more and more as an accent as well as a major color splash in fabrics and table top accessories.

If your dinnerware is rather simple, give it dramatic backdrop on the table with linens like these from World Market. Imagine candlelight dinners on your patio or deck with this pattern. Too much pattern for your tastes? Opt for just a printed napkin with your chosen colors and bring out the accent color in a napkin holder or ribbon tie.

Spot an emerging trend while out shopping? Email me your find-good or bad-and I'll mention it here in the newsletter.

Last month I introduced you to a newsprint place mat that had lots of decorating applications. CB2 has a wall art piece that has taken it a step further. Unfortunately, copyright restrictions prevent me from including a photo of this piece. Check it out by clicking the link below.

Spring and the Urge to Purge your house of clutter may be fast approaching, so in your quest to rid your house of "stuff", don't overlook items for potential repurposing.

The lamp shown is about 25 years old. Though classic in style, the shiny brass, old pleated shade and blue inset made it dated. Was it worth saving?

A spare bedroom was due for a makeover and would need lighting. Refurbishing the lamp could mean one less purchase and one less item in the landfill.

When evaluating the over-all cost of a repurposing or refurbishing project, the time, energy, materials and skill needed are always important. Scroll down for the results.

The solution was fairly simple. The color scheme was suggested by the Chesapeake Bay artwork and the homeowner's collections, some of which would be used in the room's makeover. Sanding, priming and painting over the blue with matte black enamel craft paint took care of the base. An old blue and white fabric lamp shade was primed and painted with regular black craft paint, giving it the look of black silk. The fabric edging was painted an antique gold. The roping with tassels, formerly a curtain tie back, serves to break up the severity of the black.

Total cost: about $3.00 for paint and foam brush with enough to do more projects. Time: less than 2 hours including drying time for multiple coats of paint. Landfill amount: zero, since the pleated shade was cleaned and donated.

The result-supplemental lighting for the room makeover for less than the time and gas it would have taken to shop for a new lamp.

Is it time to rethink some of your stored furnishings?

* By the way, the large gap between the top of the table and the bottom of the art is there to accommodate audio equipment that was in the process of being relocated to the spot.