Ever since I was a child, one of the memories of fall was that when fall came, it was time to get a ticket to the Parade of Homes.  Off my mother and I would go to see the latest and greatest.   

Mother was looking for little gems to take home and put in our house.  I always enjoyed going with her and seeing what she would come home and do.  For us it was about seeing the creativity of the home-building industry.  A day looking through the homes was always great entertainment, and it only cost for 10 to 12 dollars.

This year when I saw the show come in, I decided it was time for me to journey to Park City, Utah, to see how I could expand my idea base and think more creatively in the decorating world. 

Park City has some of the most beautiful homes and some of the most spectacular ideas.  Last weekend I spent a day with a friend checking out the newest and greatest in home decor.  We had a ball.  I want to share with you some of the gems that I found.  If you live in the Utah area, you may also want to see the homes yourself (this will continue though Labor Day on the weekends). 

Rocks are taken from the building lots as the construction workers clean them off to build.  They are then put though a large machine, which crushes them for use back on the lot.   

Dry climates such as those in Utah are ideal for low-maintenance gardens.  The area is cleaned off and then the water system is placed on the ground.  Plants are then put in place, followed by mulch and rock.  Finally the edges are then put in to keep the weeds down.  This is a great beginning for a garden of beautiful flowers that doesn’t take a lot of work.

Underground sprinklers are placed on the ground before the plants are planted. Small holes allow the water to come out and water the plants.  

Here is a tall tree, recycled as an archway.  Just think of all the things that you can use trees and wood in decorating projects.  I am always amazed and pleased to see such creativity.

This is a new look to washbasins.  My friend told me that you can order such items off the internet.

Open air living room:  These doors slide back so that you have the outdoors inside. A screen door could also be pulled across so that you do not get small visitors checking your home out.

Tile with wood cross squares:  This was one of my favorite ideas that I saw.  I want to do this in my family room.  It was so functional and warm.  The wood is Austrian wormwood.

Interesting bathroom tile:  I did my first tile job this week.  It was not hard and really satisfying.  I would recommend it to anyone.  As I worked on a remodel that I did the past three week, I told a friend that, "This is just crafts." 

Stone for backsplash:  I love it when nature is brought into a home and used for decoration.   

Playroom for kids under the stairs.  Kid can entertain themselves for hours in this fun place just for them.

I decided that when I got home it was time to put a new coat of paint on my walls.  I have always been a little nervous in picking colors, but I have found help.  I took a photo of my living room and then went to Home Depot and found the paint expert.  She and I sat down and I shared with her what I wanted.  I am so excited that I have found me a coach is included in the cost of the paint! 

Step number one was for me to go home and put the paint by my fireplace.  So here it is.  I will go back and meet with her and she will help me pick out and accent color. 

Dian’s new color is on the walls.  All she needs now is the accent paint.

Dian Thomas is and outdoor specialist authoring several best selling book on outdoor camping and cooking.  Roughing it Easy sold over a million copies all over the world.  The check out Dian innovative, creative and fun ideas go to www.DianThomas.com.  She also take people to China.  For more information write to her at contact@dianthomas.com.