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Tricks to Getting Your Clutter to Look Good
by Jane-Marie Bloomberg
As you clean up your clutter and organize your home, you may end up editing a lot. BUT if the "keep" stuff doesn't find an aesthetically pleasing home, it will still feel like clutter. Here are some quick tricks to getting more out of organizing:
- Contain It: Use containers for everything that can't be put in closed storage - a decorative basket for keys or decorative bowls for miscellaneous pill jars, lotions and other bathroom counter clutter.
- Balance It: Symmetry is used frequently in designing - apply it to organizing as well. For example, flank an entertainment unit on BOTH sides with IDENTICAL lidded storage chests or baskets to hold blankets, toys, pillows. Add custom decorative liners in a coordinating pattern and one basket won't seem so out of place.
- Work It In: Pick containers that go with your decor - dark wicker baskets to match wood tones in your living room, acrylic boxes in mod colors for kids' rooms.
- Move It Up, Not Out: Take advantage of walls and work them into your storage system. Above a desk mount shelving from floor to ceiling, or build shadow boxes over the toilet to store necessities.
- Build It: If you are truly overwhelmed with clutter, take a look at your existing space - do you have built-in storage? You may have to just bite the bullet and add some - it will help increase your home value too.
- Repurpose It: Use straw dispensers to house food items, cotton balls, art supplies, etc. (commercial supply stores are great places to check out).
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Jane-Marie Bloomberg
Embellishments DESIGN STUDIO
ph: 612-251-6512
fx: 952-937-6954
Sign up for my FREE Email Newsletter at www.embellishmentsdesign.com!
by Margarett DeGange, M.Ed.
Question: I use my formal dining room for casual meals with my family and for entertaining major clients. How do I create a look that works for both dining scenarios?
Answer: Go for Casual Elegance—Low maintenance everyday with glamorous accents you can easily incorporate when entertaining. Create a FOCAL POINT using a buffet cabinet. Hang an ornate mirror above it, as wide as the buffet. Store beautiful linens and trays in the cabinet. Top it with an EXQUISITE centerpiece that stays out everyday, flanked by a pair of tall candleholders. Your table may be wood or a surface that can be quickly wiped down after daily meals, but when entertaining, add a GORGEOUS layered table presentation: a custom-fitted table skirt topped with a stunning runner, then transfer the buffet’s centerpiece to the table, leaving the cabinet free for platters of food. Keep the candle holders on the buffet. For parties, add damask or silk “Chair Slips”. For walls, try a metallic faux finish above a chair rail. Pair casual woven-wood Roman shades with lush, interlined silk side panels at the windows, for a burst of textures and glamour fit for easy days and more formal evenings.
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Margarett (Margo) DeGange, M.Ed. is a Success Coach who has helped thousands of design professionals make higher profits, have more free time by working smarter, and create multiple streams of income.
Her business-building products include both onsight and on-line courses in decorating and business, ready-made curriculum for speakers and teachers in decorating, ready-made articles, newsletters, and seminars, trunk show and home show success systems, training kits for creating digital products, and more.
Margo is the Director of The DeGangi School of Interior Decoration and the Executive Director of the Decorators’ Alliance of North America.
Tap into Margo’s resources for design and decorating professionals and speakers who want to build wild success.
Visit www.DeGangiGroup.com , www.DecoratingForProfits.com and www.DecoratingSchool.com for easy to use tools to increase profits quickly.
Visit www.LetsTalkAboutDecorating.com for ready-made seminar kits to make you the local decorating expert. E-Mail her at Margarett@DeGangiGroup.com .
by Margarett DeGange
Question: I’m ready to redecorate my two full baths. What are the guidelines when decorating bathrooms? Does the master bath wall color have to match the master bedroom?
Answer: First, determine the mood and style you want, and then select paint and accessories. Do you want a spa-retreat or a space to get you going? Cool colors relax, and warm colors energize. Do you want the space to be open and airy or nestled and cozy? Paint the ceiling a lighter shade of the wall color to open it up, a darker shade to make it cozy. Wall color from the bedroom to the bath can blend or match. For good aesthetics, utilitarian and personal hygiene items should be stored away in attractive case pieces, decorative boxes, and baskets that establish or strengthen your style or theme (never leave a toilet brush or container of deodorant in view). Lighting is a key element in a bathroom. Establish both ambient and task lighting. Use dimmer switches where possible. Accent with greenery and fragrance to finish the look. Think of the bathroom as another room and an important space to design and decorate.
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Margarett (Margo) DeGange, M.Ed. is a Success Coach who has helped thousands of design professionals make higher profits, have more free time by working smarter, and create multiple streams of income.
Her business-building products include both onsight and on-line courses in decorating and business, ready-made curriculum for speakers and teachers in decorating, ready-made articles, newsletters, and seminars, trunk show and home show success systems, training kits for creating digital products, and more.
Margo is the Director of The DeGangi School of Interior Decoration and the Executive Director of the Decorators’ Alliance of North America.
Tap into Margo’s resources for design and decorating professionals and speakers who want to build wild success.
Visit www.DeGangiGroup.com , www.DecoratingForProfits.com and www.DecoratingSchool.com for easy to use tools to increase profits quickly.
Visit www.LetsTalkAboutDecorating.com for ready-made seminar kits to make you the local decorating expert. E-Mail her at Margarett@DeGangiGroup.com .
Part II - Furniture and Flooring
by Pam Milam
For 2007, furniture designers are putting the spotlight on the rebirth of “new classic” styling after several years of touting contemporary looks. Contemporary is still a force to be reckoned with in home interiors, but the transitional classic looks add a dash of detail and glamour to the picture. Wood furniture finishes will be either deep dark brown tones or au naturel. Gentle curves will be seen on chair backs, table bases, headboards. Upholstered furnishings follow one of two paths – either contemporary streamlined shapes, or the softer, rounder lines of the classics. Nailhead trim and piping are making a comeback.
Leather upholstery continues to be very important for 2007. Leather looks great in a wide variety of furniture styles, from traditional to contemporary and everything in between. It works beautifully in every variation of earth tone colors as well as neutral shades and - a point not to be dismissed- is extremely hard wearing and easy to care for!
Because flooring is such a substantial feature in a house, the type you choose will go a long way in defining the style of your space. And, here as well, the choices and trends for 2007 will give you room for thought….
Wall-to wall carpet seems to be waning in popularity these days, but today’s carpeting is coming in subtle tone-on-tone patterns, in “shaggier” surface types and in deeper neutral colors than before. Sage greens, bronze and khaki tones are most popular today, and show less dirt than our mothers’ very light colors did.
As we use less carpet in our homes, hardwood is fast becoming the flooring surface of choice for many of us. Wood floors are beautiful, easy to clean, will last more than a century and can be refinished when necessary. Most exciting are the wide plank looks in distressed finishes. Laminate flooring is an alternative to hardwood. It is less expensive and is easy to install, but cannot be refinished and sometimes has a hollow sound to it.
Stone flooring surfaces are very popular today. Natural slate tile is especially interesting, both for its texture and its interplay of warm colors. Limestone and tumbled marble are options for a slightly more formal look. One of this year’s newest and most unique flooring choices, and a growing favorite of designers and homeowners alike, is stained, or patinated, concrete. Using an array of acids and chemicals, concrete floors can be colored in a variety of earthy tones. It can be a very artistic process, with swirls and splatters incorporated into the design and scoring and saw cutting can be used for decorative effect.
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Pam Milam is the Owner of Reinvented Rooms, an interior design firm located in Fresno, CA. Reinvented Rooms is California’s only nationally certified interior arrangement and design firm. She can be reached by telephone at 559.435.0850 or by email at pam@reinventedrooms.com. Be sure to sign up to receive her FREE design newsletter, "Rethink.Renew.Reinvent!", filled with decorating tips and expert “tricks of the trade”. You can subscribe via email at pam@reinventedrooms.com or by visiting her firm’s website at http://www.reinventedrooms.com.
by Marie Mouradian
Color has the power to change our mood. It energizes, it calms, it soothes, it provokes, it stabilizes, it softens, and it creates chaos. Playing with color is playing with your emotions. We use color to lift our spirits, to inspire us and to make our homes feel safe and warm. Color associations are defined by the culture we live in and our personal past.
Red is the color we pay the most attention to. It is the most energetic color, it's hot and dramatic. Red is the color of love, passion and desire; red hearts, red roses. A "red letter day" is terrific; wearing a "scarlet letter" marks you as untouchable. On the flip side, red is for danger, speed, and anger; think of stop signs. It increases the heart rate; you won't find it in the emergency room. It stimulates the appetite; you will find it in most food establishments. Have you ever gone into a pizza place or Chinese restaurant that wasn't red?
Pink is soft, sweet and secure. Hot pink is playful and assertive.
Orange has become a lot more acceptable in the past few years. Bright orange is loud and flamboyant. Orange is the color of affordability; think Home Depot and ING, it appeals to the masses. Warm terra cotta, apricots and peach tones are more sophisticated. Fall leaves, pumpkins and Halloween come to mind when you think of orange.
Yellow is warm and friendly. It inspires. Energy, joy, happiness and hope are all associated with yellow. Yellow creates a glow even in the darkest rooms. Like the sunshine, yellow is warming but too much of it can be burning. Bright yellow causes tension and stress.
Green is the color most often cited as a favorite. It represents nature, health, money and prosperity. Green is cool, calm and healing; think of a spa. Hospital scrubs are usually green. A negative affect is jealousy; being "green with envy". It's good to be "seeing green" (money); and bad to be "turning green" (sick).
Blue is tranquil, calm, stable and secure. Blue is the color most used in business to reflect reliability, integrity and trust. Navy blue demands respect. Blue slows the pulse, lowers the body temperature and reduces the appetite. A great color for a weight loss clinic.
Purple represents royalty, dignity and spirituality. Purple is an exotic color. There is a fine line between spiritual ceremony and magical mystery. Purple is imaginative and creative.
Brown is down to earth, warm and secure. Lighter shades of beige and taupe are classic neutrals. Deep browns add richness and depth. Browns are generally appealing to everyone.
Black is another mysterious color. In the spectrum it is the absence of light, therefore, no color. Formal, elegant, sophisticated and sexy black is in contrast to the black of death, mourning and witchcraft. Black is a great accent color.
Gray is the most neutral. Gray has quiet strength and longevity; think granite and metal. Gray is timeless. It is best used as an accent.
White is what we see when all the colors come together in perfect balance. White is pure, simple and clean. Reverence, peace and joy are seen in white Easter lilies. Every color goes with white. Too much white can be uncomfortable and hard on the eyes.
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Marie Mouradian
WFCP Master
Window Designs Etc.
508-829-5503
25 years of creating beautiful interiors for you to love.
Sign up for my Ezine, Beautiful Home and Life Design.
Decorating secrets delivered right to your e mail weekly.
www.Window-Designs-Etc.com
Part IV - Baths
by Pam Milam
The bathroom is undergoing its own modern design renaissance these days. According to industry experts, consumers are demanding the same ambiance and features in our baths at home as we are experiencing and enjoying at luxurious spas and resorts. Creating that spa-like space at home is becoming more and more important to many of us, so we are installing whirlpools and jetted tubs with air-bubble massage functions, chromatherapy (at the touch of a button, a sequence of rays of color, which practitioners believe can have a holistic healing effect on the body, are shone through the water) and other indulgent options. Tub styles are diversifying as well, from the of-the-moment infinity edge look to the classically sophisticated claw foot and pedestal versions.
Those of us who prefer to shower instead of soak have plenty of high-end choices to ponder as well. Luxury shower systems with overhead rain-forest-style shower heads, steam generators, saunas and multiple body-jets create an oasis-like atmosphere. Add in a wall-recessed gas-fired fireplace, heated towel bars, radiant heat flooring, whisper-quiet ventilation, a flat-screen hi-definition TV and decorative lighting and you’ve got your very own five star spa resort right in the comfort of your home.
This pampering spa experience calls for updated design and upscale style in the other elements of the room as well. In 2007, the bathroom vanity is morphing from the utilitarian cabinet of yesterday into a stylish piece of real furniture, with a decorative sink set into its surface or an above counter “vessel” sink - often a piece of art itself in glass or stone – mounted on top. And his-and-hers separate vanity areas are a conveniently functional feature on those busy mornings when two people are rushing to get ready at the same time. Instead of a single piece of plate glass mirror mounted on the wall above the vanity area, a decoratively framed mirror adds a warm touch. Wall sconces provide task lighting with an upscale feeling, while a chandelier or pendant fixture overhead supplies ambiance and style.
Glass tile is emerging this year as a favorite material for the bath. It shimmers, it shines and it can be used on walls, counter surfaces and floors. Homeowners are designing showers with glass tile in ocean colors and mosaic patterns to create a warm, relaxing atmosphere.
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Pam Milam is the Owner of Reinvented Rooms, an interior design firm located in Fresno, CA. Reinvented Rooms is California’s only nationally certified interior arrangement and design firm. She can be reached by telephone at 559.435.0850 or by email at pam@reinventedrooms.com. Be sure to sign up to receive her FREE design newsletter, "Rethink.Renew.Reinvent!", filled with decorating tips and expert “tricks of the trade”. You can subscribe via email at pam@reinventedrooms.com or by visiting her firm’s website at http://www.reinventedrooms.com./
by Michele Kiefert
Thinking of Hiring a Decorator? Here are some things to keep in mind when considering using professional decorating services:
I have found, in my experience with starting my own decorating and Staging business, that more times than not, the general public is unaware of what to expect when considering to use a professional decorator or Stager, (not to mention a licensed designer.) I’ve written this article to give people a better idea of that expectation when hiring someone to help with a decorating dilemma.
First of all, I want to point out that a decorator, designer, Stager, or whatever professional you choose, is not just someone with artistic abilities, that person is also a problem solver. When you choose the right person, you are choosing someone who will be using experience, talent, and hopefully education, to help you get exactly the result you want, whether you know what you want or will be figuring it out as you go. That professional’s job is also one of a psychologist, someone who will have to help you sort through all your indecisiveness and eccentricity to steer you in the direction in which you want to be.
To begin with, it will help to know what kind of budget you are willing to spend on professional services. Someone put it to me in this perspective: Unless you are hiring a Stager, you are hiring a decorating professional as a personal luxury. You do not need a professional decorator to help you live your life. This is not a service you can’t live without. You should expect to pay accordingly. Not all decorators charge outrageous fees, but don’t expect to pay someone minimum wage for the services they will be providing. Most decorators probably start their hourly fees at $75.00, and some may not charge hourly at all. Some decorators may charge per job, square footage, or another method they’ve found works for them. You’ll want to keep this in mind when figuring out an initial budget. If you don’t know where to begin when creating a budget, think of a figure you definitely would not want to spend, and then you can work backwards with the help of your designer. That also works well for those of you who think money is no object… When it comes down to it, everyone has a limit.
When you make the decision to start interviewing decorators, Stagers, etc., you want to find out certain things over the phone or through email before taking the next step towards meeting in person. This will save both your time as well as the designer’s. First, you want to make sure that the person you hire has both talent and education. Find out what kinds of jobs they have worked on, where they may have received education, and if they are members of any professional organizations. Do they have any certifications or specialties? You want to be sure that this person keeps up to date on all building codes (if working with a designer) and is up to speed on all the latest trends. This will help when deciding if you want to go with the what’s-in-now or tried-and-true classic style of décor. Being a member of at least one organization (such as DANA) can help a decorator stay informed. Check to be sure the professional is licensed to do business and also has insurance. Don’t feel shy about asking for proof. You can even ask for personal and professional references. You may want to make a list of questions to ask before you place the first call.
The decorator will have questions for you as well, so be prepared to answer questions about the job you’ll be hiring them to do, as well as what your budget may be (yes, they will ask this). They will probably ask you a few personal questions, too, such as: are you married, who will be the final decision makers, do you have kids, pets, etc. (Some of these questions may not come up until a face-to-face interview.)
Also, it never hurts to let someone know if you decide to go with another designer or firm, or if you just decide not to use a professional at all. This is more for someone who comes out for a face-to-face interview as opposed to a telephone interview. If a designer takes the time to come meet with you and you decide not to hire them, a simple phone call or email letting them know is appreciated. You don’t have to go into detail as to your reasons, unless you are comfortable doing so.
And finally, you want to feel comfortable with the person you decide to hire. After all, many friendships are formed between a decorator and a client. You tend to learn a lot about each other throughout the whole design process so you want to be able to trust this person. But you also need to realize that this is a professional relationship first. Don’t take advantage of your decorator just because you’ve become friends. This person has worked very hard for the knowledge and experience they’ve gained, so try not to ask for free favors or opinions.
Good luck in your search for the perfect decorator. I hope this article has helped shed some light on the process!
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Michele Kiefert, ASP
Welcome Home Interiors, LLC
Professional Decor and Home Staging Services
email: michele@welcomehomeinteriors.net
phone: (678) 895-8099
http://www.welcomehomeinteriors.net
Part V
by Pam Milam
The distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces continues to blur as we spend more time outdoors whether entertaining, playing or just enjoying a quiet, peaceful respite from the busy workday world. The desire to entertain year round has created a design movement to develop outdoor “rooms” that provide comfort and style across the seasons. The simple “barbeque grill in the corner of the patio” of years past has now developed into a complete outdoor kitchen, providing all the amenities of a full service cooking center. This year, “barbeque islands”, which can be custom built or purchased ready made, can include not only the aforementioned grill, which has morphed into a stainless steel state-of-the-art gas grill, but also storage space, warming drawers, a small refrigerator and plenty of bartop area for the crowd to gather around as the steaks are grilling.
Whether you want to settle in solo with a good book or enjoy a lively conversation with friends, comfortable outdoor seating is essential. Outdoor furniture has now become almost indistinguishable from its indoor cousins, with sofas, chaises, club chairs and ottomans upholstered with plush cushions in vibrant fabrics. Add a small table to accommodate a tall iced tea, an area rug especially designed for outdoor use, accessorize with candles and pillows, and your outdoor living room will rival the refinement, comfort and style of your family room indoors. Of course, a sparkling pool, spa or hot tub, firepit or outdoor fireplace, trickling water feature or sport/play area will only add to the enjoyment of your backyard sanctuary!
Now is the time to take advantage of 2007’s eclectic style trends and create a unique atmosphere in your home that friends and family will never want to leave. Never before has there been a better time to cultivate your style, your imagination and your dream home. Get started... it’s only a fantasy away!
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Pam Milam is the Owner of Reinvented Rooms, an interior design firm located in Fresno, CA. Reinvented Rooms is California’s only nationally certified interior arrangement and design firm. She can be reached by telephone at 559.435.0850 or by email at pam@reinventedrooms.com. Be sure to sign up to receive her FREE design newsletter, "Rethink.Renew.Reinvent!", filled with decorating tips and expert “tricks of the trade”. You can subscribe via email at pam@reinventedrooms.com or by visiting her firm’s website at http://www.reinventedrooms.com.
by Marie Mouradian
When we shop for new clothes, we do not buy what was on the runway in Paris but an adaptation of it. Home fashion trends are influenced by the economy, politics, and world current events. This is my interpretation of the home trends for spring.
Spice it up!
Think the Far East spice trade. Take comfort from warm colors like paprika and nutmeg. The perfect example of this is Holden's best new addition, Sweets and Java. As soon as you walk in you have the warm and inviting feeling with the paprika walls, warm wood floors and lightly distressed Cordovan leather chairs. In addition to the beautiful decor; the coffee is outstanding!
The New Retro
With so many people learning the crafts of past generations; there is a strong desire to incorporate unique creations into our decor. This adds a touch of whimsy to traditional pieces. Balance is the key to mixing traditional design with the unexpected.
The patterns of polka dot and gingham are popular for a fun touch. Scrapbooking and paper craft materials show evidence of our love of simple and colorful patterns.
Back to Nature
The color brown is a great way to make a room cozier. Think back to when you were a child and explored everything nature had to offer as the earth awoke in spring. The rich, deep color of the earth. Tree branches have as many shades and textures as they have leaves. The green of ferns peaking through the soil.
This theme works in conjunction with our desire to use "green" products that are environmentally friendly.
Relaxing Retreat
The combination of grey/green blues and rich brown creates a very relaxing and calming environment. Think of a sanctuary in Jamaica you go to for rest, relaxation and renewal. When you awake from a refreshing nights sleep, you are served a cup of dark roast Blue Mountain coffee. Ahhh! (I'm already on vacation in my mind.)
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Marie Mouradian
WFCP Master
Window Designs Etc.
508-829-5503
25 years of creating beautiful interiors for you to love.
Sign up for my new Ezine, Beautiful Home and Life Design.
Decorating secrets delivered right to your e mail weekly.
www.Window-Designs-Etc.com
By Mary M. Bajor, CWTC
While we may not give it the attention it deserves, our window treatments can make an overall statement in our home décor as well as add value to our largest investment. There are numerous options today that mix function and comfort with great style while enhancing our interiors. Choices in window covering products allow us to completely personalize our spaces. Today, as we focus on the home as our haven, a peaceful and enjoyable sanctuary, we can understand the benefit window treatments bring to our interiors, both in aesthetics and increased home value.
Wood shutters and wood blinds are not only functional by diffusing sunlight and providing privacy, they are a handsome furniture addition to the room. As well as painted and distressed options, shutters and wood blinds are available in various slat widths and wood stains to complement our decor. Shutters can be fabricated to cover arched and uniquely shaped windows. Shutters add exceptional beauty to the home when juxtaposed with drapes or fabric valances.
Cornices bring an impressive architectural element to the home. Upholstered fabric, wood or metal cornices can add decorative detail to an otherwise ordinary room. Curved or tailored cornice design can reflect the decorating style of the room from elaborate and heavy to sleek and simplified. Cornices can bring height to the window and can be constructed to visually widen the window when combined with a drapery under-treatment. Metal cornices or inlays can be customized from an array of intricate designs and may be selected from several metal finishes including copper and forged iron. Upholstered cornices may be trimmed in crown molding, adding charm and character to the space.
Nothing surpasses custom drapery treatments in terms of aesthetic satisfaction and added value to our interiors. Beautiful, one of a kind, drapery treatments add instant luxury to the home. A high ceiling or long window can be enhanced with extra long panels which may puddle on the floor for added emphasis. Window treatment design can accentuate an architectural feature or disguise an unattractive one. A classic Palladian window fitted with arched swags and cascades repeats the form and shape of the window style. Gorgeous trims and tassels can be selected to coordinate with the fabric. Whether it is sewn from an exquisite silk or a more affordable polyester blend, fabric window treatments can make a room completely captivating.
Adding value and function to window treatments is possible with the addition of motorization. Remote control technology allows one to conveniently regulate the raising and lowering of difficult to reach window blinds, shades and shutters. Motorization can be customized to open and close window treatments with the use of a timer for added security to the home.
With our mindfulness in preserving our natural resources and protecting our environment, we now have window treatment options that will benefit this interest. Solar panel track and roller shades offer beauty as well as provide added UV protection, further reducing heat loss and gain in our home. As a result, we can lower our energy consumption and protect our environment.
Decorative hardware should not be overlooked when assessing home value. Custom quality wrought iron and metal decorative rods, rings and finials add beauty and distinction to any home. Unique forged iron designs can complement the home décor and embellish the window treatment. As the “jewelry” of the room, crystal and colorful glass finials can provide ornamentation to a modest space.
With numerous options available today, dressing our windows for added home value is another reason to rethink our design decision. From decorative spring roller shades to custom arched shutters and luxurious antique silks, it is possible to choose a window treatment which will give us a return on our investment. Treatments that protect our home from winter cold and summer heat can be practical and beautiful, while conserving our natural resources and resulting in reduced utility costs. Unique and custom crafted windows can be dressed to preserve their architectural beauty and integrity. Technology today allows us to operate our window fashions with the press of a button, making our treatments functional and convenient.
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Mary M Bajor, CWTC
A Beautiful Room
(845) 216-5928
www.abeautifulroom.net
mary@abeautifulroom.net
Mary M Bajor is a WCAA Certified Window Treatment Consultant and owner of A Beautiful Room, an Interior Redesign & Decorating Company in Brewster, New York. Mary is also an affiliate member of the Interior Design Society. A Beautiful Room provides residential decorating services in all design styles and budgets, from one-day interior redesigns to full service decorating, paint color consultations and custom window treatments. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.abeautifulroom.net, or by phone at (845) 216-5928, or e-mail at mary@abeautifulroom.net.
Surround yourself with the things you love
by Marie Mouradian
Is there an area of your home that needs some attention? Every time you walk by, does it make you feel uncomfortable?
In just a few short steps I will show you how to refresh an area such as your mantel, desk, dresser or kitchen counter.
- Take a photo as the area looks right now.
Don't move anything, go get your camera and take the picture. You'll want a picture of the before to show off your decorating talent when the area is refreshed. - Clear off and clean. Remove everything from the space and put on a table or floor. Get out my favorite invention, the Swifer, dust and polish to a white glove shine.
- Analyze what you have. Is it useful? Does it really belong there? Do you love it? If the answer is "no" to any of the above questions; put it away, give it away, donate it to a charity or feed the trash can.
- Put back only what you love and has a use. Don't you already feel lighter and energized?
- Take another photo. This will help you see what you need.
- Pour yourself a cup of tea, sit back and admire the fullness of a clear space. Congratulations, you have accomplished the first step in creating a beautiful home and life!
------------------ Marie Mouradian WFCP Master Window Designs Etc. 508-829-5503 25 years of creating beautiful interiors for you to love. Sign up for my new Ezine, Beautiful Home and Life Design. Decorating secrets delivered right to your e mail weekly. www.Window-Designs-Etc.com
by Mara Vollbrecht Ayers
This is a story about how things can progress in the most unusual ways. I recently had a client who was referred to me because she wanted some stationary side panels in her formal living room. When I first went to meet with the client her very large room with a vaulted ceiling and gorgeous millwork charmed me. The room had great bones and I knew that it had a lot of potential; I was looking forward to transforming it.
Her furniture though, was mismatched and about 20 years old, never the less all she wanted to talk about was stationary side panels. See they used to have wall scones on either side of the large picture window and apparently the right bulb burned out and her husband went to replace it and well, he broke the sconce. It turned out that the sconce was so old that it couldn’t be replaced! And they decided that since there were a total of 8 sconces in the room that they didn’t want to replace them all. So they took the sconces out on either side of the picture window and put a metal plate over the holes, thus the need for side panels. She must have told me 10 times to make sure that the panels would cover the metal plates.
The picture window had a beautiful arch to it and I really wanted to accentuate this so I designed an arched cornice with swag overlays and side panels. I used a patterned fabric for the cornice and a solid antique satin for the panels and swags. The window on the adjoining wall got the same treatment only it was straight across so I arched it slightly to compliment the picture window. The effect of the arches and the treatments turned out wonderful and the client was so happy. No more ugly metal plates!
After the installation she realized that the dining room was visible from the living room and it had an older valance of a navy blue fabric that just didn’t go with what we had just done in the living room, therefore we had to now change the treatment in the dining room. We ended up with a Kingston style pole valance with stationary panels. Then she realized that the rug in the dining room didn’t work with the new drapes so it had to be replaced as well.
The mismatched 20-year-old furniture was still residing in the living room waiting to be sent away. But she loved the style of the sofa and the wingback chairs. Basically they were still in good structural condition so we decided to recover them all, why not. The fabric we selected for the chairs was retail $198/yard from Beacon Hill (I think that we used 4 yards each)—it was beautiful with the cornices and new panels in the living room. We found an allover diamond pattern for the sofa and then decided that one of the ottomans could stay and had it recovered as well. We are now looking for a sofa table with a marble top and another side chair to fill out the room.
All this happened because of a burned out light bulb and a broken sconce. My client laughs at herself every time we meet, it really would have been less expensive to change all the sconces—but certainly would not have looked as fabulous as it does now or been as fun! Oh, and did I forget to mention that the French doors got new sheers as well.
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Mara Vollbrecht Ayers
designs by mara, inc.
www.designsbymara.net
6710 220th St SW #2
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
425-776-8265
dbm4art@comcast.net
by Marie Mouradian
Windows were created to let the outside light into our homes. Homes seem to have more and larger windows these days; I love those builders! Haven't a clue what to do with your windows? Some of your windows may require no treatments at all. Here is a list of questions to ask yourself about each of your windows before making your decisions.
- Do you need privacy? How close are your neighbors? Do your windows face a busy street? What is the room used for? You may feel comfortable if you can be seen in your kitchen but not in a bedroom or bath. At night, can passerbys see what you're watching on TV or what you're serving for dinner?
- Can you control the light? Light may be a welcome mood booster on a dreary day but what is it doing to your furniture? Strong UV rays are damaging your carpet, artwork, upholstery and fabric. Even with low E glass the rays are harmful. Are you blinded by the rising sun as you eat your breakfast? Is there a glare on your computer or television screen?
- Are your heating and air conditioning dollars going out the window? Glass is a very poor insulator. Layers of fabric, lining and shadings help keep the heat in during winter and the summer heat out. Your window treatment selections can lower your energy consumption.
- How secure are you? Are your windows easily accessible? Would someone be able to peer in and see your valuables? How safe do you feel alone at night with the lights on?
- What about child safety? Curious little hands can give you big worries. Dangling cords can be cause for serious dangers. Don't forget about your pet's safety too.
- Is noise an issue? Do you live on a busy street with lots of loud traffic? Want to improve the sound of your audio system? Sound waves are better absorbed by some soft fabric instead of bouncing off glass.
- Do you have something to hide? Do you want to create an illusion and visually alter the size of your windows? Do you have different size windows that you need to unify?
- Want to add some style? Do your windows need some decoration? Do your rooms have that cold hospital feeling? Want to add some color? Window treatments add psychological warmth and comfort.
Window treatments can provide more than something pretty to look at. A well-designed window treatment will transform a stark window into an extraordinary statement of beauty that is also functional. The mood and overall feel you establish in your rooms is a reflection of you. Create your home to be a safe haven for you and your loved ones. ------------------------------ Marie Mouradian
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by Gina Williamson
Selling your house? If you haven’t heard of home staging, you are definitely becoming part of the minority. Home Staging is hitting the media in a big way. As a result, home sellers are beginning to realize this as one of the most successful ways to get their home sold, and realtors are jumping on the bandwagon by hiring stagers as a “value added” service to their clients. On top of that, most buyers are becoming less and less interested in homes that will require a lot of initial work on their part. They are looking for “move-in ready” homes. Effective staging accomplishes just that.
So much more than the bygone “paint the walls beige” mindset, staging is a comprehensive, room-by-room process of determining what updates, repairs, rearrangements, paint choices, and editing are needed in order to make your home desirable to your target market. A professional stager knows what to look for, and is able to look at your home from an unbiased, buyer-mentality perspective. Home staging is essentially the art of appealing to the emotion of the buyer.
In a lot of markets, house sales are still in a slump. All the more reason to invest in the services of a professional home stager who will help your home stand out from the competition, and help you move on to the next phase of your life. If you think you can’t afford to hire a stager, you need to ask yourself “can I afford to pay two mortgages?”, or “can I afford to take a huge reduction on my asking price?” Typically, a full staging is still less than the first reduction, which usually starts at $5,000.
“Let's face it- the way we buy and sell houses today has changed, and in this very competitive housing market, the savvy seller has to find a way to stand out. A professionally staged home- a home that has been "merchandised" to sell- will make your home rise above the rest, helping you to sell faster and for more money!” says Gina Williamson of Selling Designs, LLC.
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With an eye for design and a mind for selling, Gina Williamson of Selling Designs just might be the person you need to be talking to if you are trying to sell your home. An interior decorator trained by the internationally-renowned Staging Diva™, Debra Gould, Williamson adds “professional home stager” to her repertoire, someone who will come into your home, evaluate it, and leave you with a detailed list of what can and should be done to make your home more “marketable”.
Launched in November last year, Williamson’s company Selling Designs, LLC, offers home staging consultations, full home staging services, as well as color consultations and interior redesign services. She is a graduate of the Sheffield School of Interior Design. A transplant from Virginia, she now resides on the west side of Cincinnati. You can contact Gina at 513-226-2754, or visit her website at www.sellingdesigns.com.
Can You Find The Right Style for Every Room In Your House?
By Ben Weissman
Are you wondering if you’ll ever get all of the rooms in your house decorated to your liking? Don’t try to design your whole house at one time. Take it one room at time. After all, what you like for living room furniture may differ greatly from your preferred bedroom furnishings. The first step to finding the right style is to examine your own lifestyle.
When choosing living room furniture and accessories, you’ll want to consider who is going to benefit from your design. This the room of the house in which you will be spending time watching television, reading, talking with the family, and entertaining friends and associates. Do you want a style that primarily shows a strong knowledge of home decorating? Then you will want to shop for the latest trends or follow the principals of classic interior design. Do you want to stress a cozy, at home friendly atmosphere? Then large comfortable sofas and durable furniture are key elements for creating that environment. Whether you want a more formal mood or simply to make others comfortable in your home, your goals can be met with the appropriate décor.
If you are looking at bedroom furnishings, you can be thinking of your own personal tastes. If you feel most comfortable with solid, clean lines and few accessories, you should look into contemporary furniture, something that is sleek and simplistic. Neutral or all black lacquer furniture may be what you are looking for. However, if you like frill and fluff, as well as the extravagant and ornate, you may be more comfortable in a wrought iron bed frame or four poster beds with thick down comforters and lots of pillows. Heavy wood dressers and night stands would also accent that mood well.
The choice of bathroom décor is really wide open. You can continue the mood and look that ends where the bathroom doorway meets the outside wall. However, here’s a room where you can show a different side of yourself. The bathroom can be a departure from the rest of your home. Do you want a bright and sparkly mood that shakes you awake every morning? Then look for bright colors, large colorful towels and shiny bathroom accessories. Perhaps you like to feel warm and comfortable when you do your morning ritual. In that case you should stick to earth tones and neutral colors. Keep the lighting soft to create a quiet personal oasis. The right personal mood here can get your mornings off to a great start.
The dining room design sets the ambiance for welcoming your guests. This room usually has a more formal feel than the living room. It really reflects how you want to entertain and be seen by friends and family. If you like quiet, serious, thoughtful moods opt for furniture that has a formal design. Whether you opt for classic or contemporary furniture, you can set the stage for formal entertaining and thoughtful discussion. On the other hand, perhaps you want to encourage a very relaxed and humorous environment. In that case, comfortable chairs and soft edged tables help to set up a light hearted mood, encourage laughter and spontaneity. Ultimately, you want to let your guests know you are pleased to have them at your table and to have a better sense of who you are.
As you determine how to decorate each room of your home, think about these aspects of your personality and carefully consider how furniture reflects the best you have to share with the world. Remember, now matter what period of furniture you choose, it should reflect who you are and how you see the world.
Ben Weissman writes about creating a personal mood with furniture and home accessories. You can read more home design ideas at Home Furniture and Decorating Tips. Use Home Decor and Bedroom Furniture to create your own personal retreat.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Weissman
http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-You-Find-The-Right-Style-for-Every-Room-In-Your-House?&id=543041
Home Staging Strategies
By Jeanette Joy Fisher
Who are you preparing your home to sell to?
You, as a home seller, have two initial choices.
1. Sell your home as a bargain to investors or bargain shoppers with limited income, or
2. Sell your home for top dollar to your target market.
To prepare your home to sell to investors and bargain shoppers, all you need to do is look for a real estate agent who does a lot of advertising of fixers and handyman specials. This agent will list your home under market value. Then sit back, watch TV, and sell your home for a rock-bottom price. Don't be surprised when you get many offers for lower than your asking price right away.
If you want to work a little, or perhaps a lot, you can sell your home for top dollar. Explore ways to create a buyers’ dream home. Because buyers let their emotions rule their decisions, stage your home for your specific buyer profile.
To sell your home for market value quickly, remove all your personality from the home. Besides getting rid of clutter, pack your family photos, children's artwork, trophies, and personal effects. Buyers want to envision their belongings in their new home.
Home staging strategies include setting up spaces with suggested activities that buyers perceive as a lifestyle change. You want home shoppers to think that if they choose your home, they will enjoy a new life.
Get busy removing clutter, packing memorabilia, staging, and sell your home for top dollar. Don't be surprised when you get many offers for more than your asking price right away.
Copyright (c) Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.
Jeanette Fisher is the author of real estate and interior design psychology books, including how to "Sell Your Home for Top Dollar--FAST" and "Home Staging for Top-Dollar Sales." For more articles on how to sell your home, see http://www.sellfast.info. For Home Staging tips, see http://www.homestaging.us
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanette_Joy_Fisher
http://EzineArticles.com/?Home-Staging-Strategies&id=36110
Beach Theme Bedroom
By Lee Dobbins
Using accessories is a fun way to accent your bedroom for a beach theme. You will find that you can dramatically change the look of your room simply by making small changes with the accents. See how easy it is to get a designer beach theme look in your bedroom without shelling out the big bucks.
If you’re not sure exactly what you want in your beach desing, try looking in decorating magazines and books to get a flavor of the accessories you would like to see in your bedroom. For keeping the beach look consistent, you’ll have to limit yourself to only purchase the accessories that match your theme.
Colors for a beach décor should make you think of the beach. Light and breezy with lots of blues and maybe even some yellows. If you prefer neutral tones think of the beige of beach sand and the color of shells.
Incorporate sea shells, ocean prints, and other seaside accents that will help bring out the beach in your bedroom. You should group your accessories in odd numbers. It always looks nice if your groupings consists of tall and short accessories mixed together. An interesting group of accents might consists of some shells aside a nice beach theme frame and a taller lamp.
Use beach theme prints and photos on your walls to establish the theme throughout your bedroom. Many people do not know how to correctly hang a piece of art and this makes a big difference to the visual appeal. Whether you are hanging a large oil painting or a small print, the middle of the piece should be at eye level. If you have a large piece of artwork you can try using it as a headboard. When hanging prints or photos behind a table, always place them 7 to 10 inches above the table. Hang pictures in circular, triangular, or rectangular geometric groupings to add interest.
When accessorizing your bedroom don’t forget about the lighting. When purchasing lamps make sure to buy ones that go with the beach theme you want to create. For beach style lighting try using clear glass lamps filled with shells or figural light house shaped lamps.
Area rugs can define a space and pull your bedroom together. Rest furniture completely on the rug for a warmer effect. Only use rugs that go with your beach accessories.
Using pillows can add interest as well. Use several at the top of the bed and vary the texture colors and patterns while still keeping the color and theme within your overall bedroom design.
Don’t think you have to buy everything for your bedroom at once. Shop around to find the perfect accessories to match the beach theme in your bedroom. You can find bargains at consignment stores flea markets and yard sales.
Lee Dobbins writes for Bedroom Designs and Decorations where you can find out more about decorating your bedroom. Read more articles on bedroom decorating.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins
http://EzineArticles.com/?Beach-Theme-Bedroom&id=57509
Organizing Your Child's Bedroom in A Weekend - 6 Easy Steps
By Marcia Pasram
Ever look at your child's bedroom and wonder how it got that way? Clothes all over, toys, stuffed animals and dolls thrown around in a disheveled mess. The bed, although made up, still doesn't help the look of the room. Sounds familiar? Well, I did just that last weekend. I looked at my daughter's room and could not bear to enter it. After looking around, I decided it wasn't just a matter of having her clean it up, but it was, in fact, that she had nowhere to put her toys and belongings. Or at least, she didn't have enough room for everything. Remember, this is a 6 year old I'm talking about. She doesn't know the meaning of the word organization. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.
The First Step - Sorting
We made different piles for the toys, dolls (with a different pile for all the tiny clothes and accessories that they come with), stuffed animals, arts and crafts, and books etc. The larger items we sorted separately as well. Anything she didn't want anymore, we put in a bag to be donated.
Then we stood back and tried to figure out where to put it all. We decided to take the closet door off of her closet and made an area on the unused floor for the toys. This is a 10 x 10 room we're talking about. Creativity is a must when organizing it. I found a small shelving unit in my basement that would fit perfectly in her closet. I added a few baskets and began throwing the sorted toys in a predetermined basket. One for dolls, another for arts and crafts... you get the idea. We allowed space for some of the larger toys to sit on the shelves and stood the books up neatly. Looked great but it needed one more thing. Beaded curtains. That's right, beaded curtains come in every color and style imaginable. We chose a purple iridescent one to match her room and hung it up to replace the door we took off. We now had a closet space that is multi-functional and adds more space to a very small room.
Now, what to do with all the stuffed animals she wouldn't part with. After much consideration I decided to build up as there was nowhere else to go in her room. We made a wall to wall shelf over her window and stored all the stuffed animals there. When she wants to play with them, she just has to ask, and we take it down for her. They are out of the way and actually acts as decoration for her room not an eye sore as before.
2nd Step - Clothes
I decided that at 6 years old, my daughter needed to be able to have easy access to her daily wear. Her dressy clothes for special occasions and church etc. were hung in her closet. Anything that she would wear on a daily bases were then placed in her armour. We used the smaller drawers for her underwear, socks, belts etc. The larger drawers were used for her school clothes (jeans, tops etc.) and another drawer for pajamas. Other foldable clothes that she didn't wear as often or hadn't yet grown into were placed separately out of her reach in the armour.
3rd Step - A place for Dirty Clothes
Pop up hampers. The greatest invention. They look good and you can get one to match any room or decor. Princess is the theme in this room. So, of course, we have a princess hamper. We placed that in the corner of her closet and her dirty clothes scattered all over the room is now solved.
4th Step - Knick Knacks
The hardest part to the organization was where to put all the little decorative stuff. You know, the trophy's, ornaments, pictures etc. With so many things, where do you put it all in a small bedroom? This is where some creativity as well as decorating skills come in. We decided to put up shelving on the walls for her to display her knick knacks. With all the different types of shelves and shadow boxes out there, following your rooms theme decor is easy. With that said, we put shelves up on 2 of her 4 walls. Staggered them for interest and got to work displaying her stuff. Her room was organized and still had personality - her personality. All of her things were proudly and neatly displayed. She was very happy.
5th Step - Decorative Hooks
Another easy thing to do is put decorative hooks behind her door or in the open for displaying things that can be hung. My daughter loves to wear her robe daily and always has jackets or hats laying around her room. Sometimes she wears something that she doesn't want to put in her hamper, but wear again later that day or week. These items can be hung on hooks placed strategically around her room. It's an easy and effective way to keep the clothes off the floor. If you prefer not to see the clothes, put the hooks on the wall behind her door. It keeps the clothes etc. out of site but still accessible.
6th step - Under Bed Storage
With so many different options for storage bins, boxes etc., utilizing the wasted space under the bed is now easier than ever. I picked up an under bed storage unit for storing all the seasonal clothes, So now my daughter has a place for clothes that she will not be wearing for a few months. The winter clothes are swapped out for the summer clothes and vise versa. This works great for us and she doesn't have to filter through a lot of clothes to get to the stuff she needs now. Storing away clothes with the change of seasons makes everyone's life much easier and keeps the drawers and closets neat, tidy and uncluttered.
So now that my daughter's room is organized, she and I feel much happier. She loves her room and works hard on keeping it organized and tidy. Her friends always compliment her on her room and that makes her feel special. I hope this will motivate you and act as a guide the next time you undertake a room organization task. I think the main thing I found is that you need to have a place for everything. If you have a place dedicated for a certain item, it's that much easier to put it back there when you're done using it. A simple concept, but one that seems to elude a lot of us.
See my article coming soon on “Decorating a girls bedroom”.
Written by: Marcia Pasram
For more information on decorating ideas and tips, please visit:
http://www.homegardendecor.com/
http://www.wallwinedecor.com
http://www.uniquecandlegifts.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marcia_Pasram
http://EzineArticles.com/?Organizing-Your-Childs-Bedroom-in-A-Weekend---6-Easy-Steps&id=540041
Cottage Style Decorating Adds Warmth and Comfort to Your Home
By James T. Allen
The cottage style is a style where everything old is new again! If you're a champion bargain hunter who loves to navigate flea markets and Grandma's attic for that perfectly charming wagon, hat box or antique plate, and you want a style to match your passion for quaint decor and your casual lifestyle, then the cottage look may be perfect for you. Almost anything goes when putting this look together, and that's just how you like it.
As far colors go, perish any thoughts about electric pink and neon green. Modern, overly bold colors need not apply for the cottage look. However, the rest of the color world is left to plunder to your liking. For a picturesque, English-style Cottage, go with rosy pinks and ivy greens. Or, go coastal with blues, beige and other calming neutrals. And for rustic, go forest green and tawny brown. And don't forget your whites, off-whites and grays. Because it's easy to make a mistake mixing prints and colors, make the foundation an easy to match neutral (like ivory or cream) and use one unifying color per item or textile accent (lilac, for example).
You want your room to look like it's always been lived in and loved. Consequently, now is not the time to refurbish your wood floors, but count your good fortune in every distressed detail of older planks. If warmth and comfort are you main concerns, throw a plushy braided throw for a homey, inviting look. When picking rugs, choose softer, faded-looking colors and consider the patterns on your walls and fabrics to ensure a good match.
Vintage-looking light fixtures are your friend. Lights that lack that shiny new feel are appropriate for your decor, as are ones that appear to have jugs, vases or some other charming component as a base. Crystal chandeliers or wrought iron fixtures work well too!
For a HUGE selection of bedroom furniture, including platform beds and bedroom sets, visit the Eco-Furniture website today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_T._Allen
http://EzineArticles.com/?Cottage-Style-Decorating-Adds-Warmth-and-Comfort-to-Your-Home&id=541073
Lighting, the Affordable Decorating Alternative
By Vicki Duong
If you're thinking about redecorating your place but are on a somewhat tight budget, consider flirting with the idea of playing with lighting. Affordable and versatile, lighting is a key element in living; without it we wouldn't be able to see where we're going! On a serious note, as much of a necessity as lighting is to everyday living, lighting can also be used as a decorating accent.
Take for instance, outdoor lighting. Usually porch lights and lamp posts are what people first think of when it comes to this sort of lighting and overlook the decorative possibilities. Landscape lighting such as ground level cannister lights and mini ground torch lanterns are a subtle way to enhance the appearance of your front or back yard. Classier looking than your average glow-in-the-dark lawn gnome, these outdoor lights create a lit pathway and don't disrupt the look of your home during daylight hours.
Planning to recreate a fresh look inside your home? Wall lamps, picture lights and other assortment of wall mounted lighting are perfect for accenting rooms and highlighting family portraits and artwork. A personal favorite of mine are the adjustable cannister-styled spot lights; small in size and easy to install, these lights are bright enough to show off my photography collection and most even come with a dimmer switch - perfect for mood lighting.
Speaking of mood lighting, table and floor lamps make for excellent background lighting. Traditional styled table lamps that feature silk shades and gold leafing accents evoke a romantic ambience, while contemporary styled floor lamps that feature a floor length glass diffuser transform any cocktail party a socialite setting. Now that you're ready to use lighting to your decorative advantage, remember that you should always consider energy cost, wattage, whether it's easy to install, and of course, the mood you wish to evoke.
Start redecorating your home with pendant lighting, lamps and wall sconce, available from Eco-Lights.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vicki_Duong
http://EzineArticles.com/?Lighting,-the-Affordable-Decorating-Alternative&id=539746
by Nika Stewart
Did you know that color, shapes, and light evoke different emotions? If you know a few simple design tricks, you can make any space feel happier. Here are 4 design elements that will evoke a happy mood in your home.
1. Yellow - Yellow is a very cheerful color. Use yellow accessories to create a happy mood in a room, or for a more dramatic shift in atmosphere, paint the walls and ceiling.
2. Red - The color red increases blood flow, speeds up metabolism, and boosts brain functioning. Add splashes of red in a room to improve a sluggish environment.
3. Circles - Curved shapes connote comfort and nurturing. You don’t want everything in a room to be circular (that could make you dizzy!), but you can cheer up a space just by adding a few curves.
4. Sunlight - Natural sunlight is one of the best mood elevators. If your space feels gloomy, you will notice a lively boost by simply opening blinds and pulling back draperies. And while you’re at the window, open up and let some fresh air in!
Just a few easy changes can make a big difference. Here’s to your happy home! ------------------------
Nika Stewart, The Designers' Success Coach
www.WealthyDecorators.com
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