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By Ada Gonzalez
Do you want to spruce up your room, but have a small budget? Do you think you cannot afford new paint for your walls, new furniture, or re-upholstery fabric? Well, THINK AGAIN! Below are a few secrets on how you can take advantage of other people's mistakes and transform your room with a small budget.
PAINT: Most paint stores have Oops paints. What is Oops paint? They are custom color paints that are either mixed incorrectly (hence the name "Oops"), or customers decide that they do not want after the paint was mixed, or left overs from new employer training sessions. These gallons of paints are about 1/2 off ... yes HALF off! So if you don't know what color to choose for your wall, take one of your favorite items within the room to the paint store & see which Oops paint best compliments your favorite item.
FURNITURE: Do you know a clothing store that sells name brand clothes at a low price? The reason the prices are so low is that the items usually have a "mistake" from production unnoticeable to most ... it could be a size tag sewn upside down, a crooked hem, or the wrong thread color used. Some hi-end furniture stores offer GREAT discounts to reduce their inventory of returned or defective items that have teeny tiny faults. Just because an item was returned does NOT mean that it is damaged, or used, or is of bad quality. A return could simply mean that the customer didn't like the color when they saw it in their home, or it didn't fit in their space, or maybe they just changed their mind on the expense. Well, take ADVANTAGE of these returns and SAY GIVE ME THE DISCOUNT!
FABRIC: Once in a while (more times than we wish it would happen), a fabric store will ship the wrong fabric and since they cut the correct amount of yards specified BUT shipped the WRONG fabric they have no other choice but to take the already cut fabric back to sit at the store hoping that it would sell. Do I hear DISCOUNT? You betcha! Also, non-trade (trade = interior designers only!) fabric stores tend to keep their large variety of discounted fabric at the back of the stores. They usually entice customers with a few discount items at the entrance hoping you will fall in love with the fabrics in the middle of the store before you reach the back (DISCOUNT HEAVEN!).
So get a NEW wall color, NEW furniture, and NEW fabric selections for LOW prices! Then show off to all your friends and family how you transformed your room to be hi-end without the hi-end prices! Feel free to tell them that you learned the secrets from Ada!
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© 2007 Ada’s Interior Design, Inc. P.O.Box 1337 New Rochelle, NY 10802
Email: ada@adasdesigninc.com
Web: www.adasdesigninc.com
Ada Gonzalez is an interior decorator who designs solutions that provide comfort & function with a BIG SPLASH of style without having to spend hi-end prices on furniture & furnishings. Her designs have been featured in the Life & Style section of The Journal News newspaper. In April 2007 she won a design competition called "Interior Motives". Her ezine called Smart Decorating!, which offers FREE DECORATING TIPS, is her way of helping people across the United States learn to comfortably live in and love their homes – to get more information go to www.adasdecoratingsolutions.com
By Ada Gonzalez
Do you sometimes feel the blues, agitated, or flustered entering or leaving your home? - most likely because you cannot find an item, stubbed your toe, or do not like how your home looks? If so, then follow the below short checklist to be on your way to HAVING and MAINTAINING comfort in your home. Remember, YOU have the power to change HOW you live!
These are the top (3) rules that you can implement to see and feel immediate comfort in your home:
___ (1) Mail & Keys (Where are thou?). Just like there is an alarm for finding your car in a crowded parking lot, don't you wish you had one for your keys? Are you one of many people that remember receiving mail, but just can't seem to remember where they placed it; or do you have different "mail mountains" piled up. A MUST in order to have the sense of "ahhh" when you arrive at home and "yeeeahh" when you leave your home (without having to play detective to find your keys) is to have a shelf, bin, or key/mail holder near your entry door where you can easily drop or pick up these necessities. Key work is "ENTRY DOOR" not kitchen table, or living room console, but the space you enter & leave from every day. Even if you do not open all your mail, it is imperative for your comfort to keep it ALL in one place. Don't believe me? Try it out for one week and you will feel the difference and fall in love again (or even more!) with your home. Even a simple duck with a clothespin as the beak can HELP hold your mail!
____ (2) Good lighting (peek a boo)! There are 3 types of lighting: task (such as for reading), general (overall lighting that consumes a room), and mood lighting (like many used in a restaurant for a romantic dinner). So if YOU have the wrong lighting, YOU will not be comfortable. Imagine being in a spa - you enter a room with dim lights - you lay down for the massage, you close your eyes, you hear the relaxing sounds of cascading waterfall, you feel the soothing hands massaging away every single stressed muscle in your body when someone "SMACK" HITS THE SWITCH WITH THE BRIGHT LIGHTS SHINNING IN YOUR EYES! Not too relaxing anymore IS IT? So look around your home & see if YOU have lighting that is appropriate for your space - reading area, working area, preparing food in the kitchen (be extra careful with the knife if you do not have appropriate lighting - BIG ouch!)
____ (3) Declutterize (work out your body & mind)! To keep your "body" & "home" healthy why not declutterize (meaning = exercise while you de-clutter). Stretch - grab - sort, stretch - grab - throw out, stretch - grab - donate. Drink water! Stretch - grab - get the picture? So stop procrastinating and start declutterizing. Hey, you won't have to spend a dime on a gym membership to get wonderful emotional & physical results. Having an uncluttered home gives a peace of mind and body (no items toppling onto you anymore).
Unfortunately, many people live with these discomforts without realizing how easy it is to fix and how it will DRAMATICALLY change the way you feel at home. You should and CAN live in comfort and LOVE YOUR HOME!
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© 2007 Ada’s Interior Design, Inc. P.O.Box 1337 New Rochelle, NY 10802
Email: ada@adasdesigninc.com
Web: http://www.adasdesigninc.com/
Ada Gonzalez is an interior decorator who designs solutions that provide comfort & function with a BIG SPLASH of style without having to spend hi-end prices on furniture & furnishings. Her designs have been featured in the Life & Style section of The Journal News newspaper. In April 2007 she won a design competition called "Interior Motives". Her ezine called Smart Decorating!, which offers FREE DECORATING TIPS, is her way of helping people across the United States learn to comfortably live in and love their homes – to get more information go to http://www.adasdecoratingsolutions.com/
By Candace Huber
1. Tick tock…tick tock…. Time. An interior design professional can streamline your search for flooring, window treatments furniture and accessories based on your style and budget- saving you time and money. Not only do we keep on top of the latest offerings, but we know where to purchase them. In addition, we can also often streamline the decorating process since we’re familiar with what has worked on similar projects.
2. Know the Language. The various contractors who may be working on your project often have a lingo all their own. Besides knowing how to speak their language, we know what they need to get the job done right. We cultivate relationships with them over time and work closely with them to assure your project is done to the highest standards and to your satisfaction.
3. Shop ‘til you drop. Besides knowing the best places to purchase the goods and services for your project, there are also many vendors that are “to the trade only,” which means that only design industry professionals have access to them. Their products are generally of high quality, and many are in the latest styles and colors (as well as enduring classics).
4. Have a plan. Design industry professionals are skilled at creating an overall design plan for your space. We will not only look at the specific “problem” areas, but we are trained to see your home as a whole to establish continuity from space to space. Together we will develop an overall plan that incorporates space planning, lighting, safety issues and more. We will help you create a space that works for you as well as reflects your personal style and lifestyle.
5. Clutter control. Are you sick of the clutter but just can’t seem to part with any of it? We know that you are attached to your things. We are attached to ours as well, but we also know that not every one of them has to be on display at all times. We will help you CAREFULLY edit some of your belongings to provide you with a more calming, organized space. (you can always bring them back later, after we leave!).
6. The baby and the bath water. Have you walked by that beautiful painting you bought years ago a thousand times, but didn’t notice it? Sometimes when we have things for a long time, we begin to take them for granted. So, if you are itching for a new look, there is often no need to start from scratch! Sometimes all you need is a fresh perspective. That’s where we come in. Often, a design industry professional can incorporate many of your current furnishings into the new design plan, and you will be amazed at how beautiful they look in their new surroundings.
7. Color phobia. Do you see beautiful color everywhere- on clothes, in commercials on television, in lamps and furnishings, but just can’t quite make the leap to putting color in your own space? Design industry professionals have a cure for that. We are used to working with color, and we know what color combinations work well in a particular space, not just how they look on the paint chip. We will help gently nudge you toward just the right amount of color that works for you, whether it’s a tiny amount in a throw pillow, or an entire room.
8. Show me the money. Not only do industry professionals often receive discounts on goods and services, they have “been around the block a few times” and can help you avoid costly mistakes. Sometimes there may even be a more cost-effective way of achieving your design goals, and that’s our job to find it.
9. To trend or not to trend. Every time you turn on the television or open a magazine, there is another new fabric, paint effect or product catching your eye. Does that mean you should rush out and paint your room orange, or buy the latest kitchen or bathroom gizmo? Maybe. Maybe not. The point is, part of a design industry professional’s job is to wade through these trends and help you decide which are best for you, if any.
10. Customize. In real estate, the saying is – “location, location, location.” In design, our mantra is “customize, customize, customize.” If you truly want your home to reflect your unique personality and lifestyle, what better way than to have something custom-made for you? And that’s where the design industry professional comes in. From a gorgeous faux-paint treatment in your formal dining room to coordinating fabric on your dining chairs, we can help you customize your space to get a look that is truly you.
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Candace Huber was trained at the Sheffield School of Interior Design and is a graduate of the DeGange school of Interior Decoration. She is also a certified Dewey Color Consultant, and a proud member of The Decorator’s Alliance of North America (DANA).
Candace specializes in Certified Dewey Color Consultations, Real Estate Staging and general interior design. She serves the greater Bryan/College Station, Texas and surrounding areas.
Contact Candace at 979-690-8237 or visit her website at www.casabella.us.
Finding the formula for a balanced space
By Nan Harris
When you enter your living room, is there a feeling of heaviness that you cannot explain? Something seems unbalanced but you can’t quite put your finger on the reason why. Perhaps your space is heavy-bottomed. A heavy-bottomed room can feel unfinished and aesthetically unpleasant. It is likely that you have a “weight problem” because all the visually heavy items in the space are filling only the lowest portion of the room. After all, the largest pieces in any room are furnishings like the sofa, tables, chairs and rugs located in the areas closest to the floor, while the mid and upper parts of the room naturally have lighter weight items such as lamps, artwork and window areas. As we look up to the ceiling area, there may be a lonely light fixture or possibly just a bare white ceiling.
To achieve a comfortable balance in the typical eight or nine foot ceiling room, think 1/3, 1/3, 1/3! You want to picture the space in thirds and distribute the weight of the room so that it appears visually equal. The bottom third will naturally have the weightiest pieces because furniture and rugs, by their nature, contain heaviness of physical presence and/or texture and color. Moving up to the middle third of the space, you will want to create a balance with the lower third by choosing one or two tall furniture pieces, artwork groupings, lamps and shelving that lend substance to the mid section of the space. The use of window treatments and crown moulding can top off the space and balance the weight of the room.
Wall treatments are also part of the equation. The use of vertical wall stripes, even a subtle tone-on-tone wash of color, is one idea that can help draw the eye upward and give a lift to the space. Texture or color on a very high ceiling helps to bring the room visually into proportion.
Room balance includes the choice and use of color. To balance the color in the room, spread it throughout the space. As an example, a deep brown sofa can be balanced with a dark, chunky drapery rod placed high above the window trim, containing fabrics that pick up the chocolate hues of the sofa. If red is your color, splash it throughout the space in pillows, lamp shades, artwork and décor items.
Balance is the key to a pleasing, comfortable and cohesive space!
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Nan Harris, Design Consultant and Décor Stylist, is the owner of Decorative Expressions, LLC in Geneva, IL, specializing in affordable home décor solutions for everyday living.
Phone: 630-715-3771
e-mail: decor2please@yahoo.com
http://www.decorativeexpressions.net/
By Norma J. Smith
Outdoor rooms are a great way to increase your living space without the expense of an addition. No need to worry if you don't have a porch or a deck. You can use existing structures to create your walls, like the side of the house or garage, a fence or a row of hedges. You can also create walls using outdoor draperies and /or trellises. Floors can be anything from grass to patio bricks. Try using one of the beautiful outdoor rugs that are available to really define the space.
There are so many great outdoor fabrics available that are made to resist stain, mold and mildew. You can use fabric in all aspects of your outdoor decorating. Recover the cushions on your existing patio furniture for a fresh new look or bring out some old chairs that you are no longer using in the house. Throw on a coat of paint and some new cushions and your good to go. Be sure to add some throw pillows in coordinating fabrics.
Outdoor dining does not have to be plastic tablecloths and paper plates! Buy some fun, inexpensive dinnerware and use them with cloth tablecloths and napkins for a really sophistcated look. For a centerpiece, use a grouping of different size candles for both light and ambiance.
Outdoor lighting can be electric, candles or solar. There are some great fixtures available from chandeliers to lanterns that hang from tree branches. Of course all outdoor rooms need a fireplace or firepit! If you really want to extend the season of your room there are even outdoor heaters available.
Put some thought into the greenery of your outdoor room. Plants can be used to outline and define areas as well as to add privacy. Choose plants that give off a nice sweet fragrance. If you will be using your room primarily at night, consider a Moon Garden.
Think about the flow and function of the room just as you would an indoor room. Create little conversation areas, dining areas, quite areas; maybe a hammock tucked over in a corner. But make sure there is plenty of room for traffic.
What ever you decide to do, get going because summer is short! Enjoy!
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Norma J. Smith is an Interior Decorator in the Boston area. She specializes in Custom Window Treatments and Soft Furnishings. She can be reached at 781 665-1306 or via email at norma@njinteriors.net. Her website is www.njinteriors.net.
By Nanette Catarinella
Winter may lurk outside your window, but spring is just around the corner. It’s time to begin thinking about lightening up your home’s interior to reflect the changing season.
Warm weather décor is about bringing the outdoors in with sheer fabrics, pretty florals and garden elements. Here are a few simple ideas to help you “spring ahead.”
Flower Power – Time to toss those dusty silk floral arrangements and replace with fresh, live spring bouquets. The life expectancy for quality silks is three to five years maximum! Treat yourself to a few bunches of daffodils and tulips in shades of yellow and pink. Use floral china and white ironstone pitchers in simple shapes for your containers. Set out a favorite gardening book on the coffee table for inspiration.
Lighten Up - Remove heavy window treatments, afghan throws and dark area rugs. Use filmy sheers on windows, cotton or silk throws. Leave floors bare or use casual, neutral sisal for an outdoorsy feeling. Replace heavy down bedding with a light weight matalasse bed cover and crisp white cotton sheets.
Room with a View – Change the focus of your furniture placement from the fireplace to a picture window with an outdoor view. Position a conversation grouping facing a garden or patio. As soon as the weather permits, fill the outdoor space with pretty potted plants and flowers to attract butterflies and birds for an ever changing display of nature’s creatures.
Clean Sweep – Nothing clears out winter’s stuck energy like a good spring cleaning. Open the windows and let in some fresh air. Put on some lively music, get out the cleaning supplies and go to it. Spring is a time of renewal. A good deep cleaning including clearing out excess clutter makes room for new things in your home and in your life.
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Nanette Catarinella, owner of Room Styles Interiors, is an award-winning interior re-designer, home staging specialist and Certified Staging Professional trainer. For more information call 412-351-2525 or visit the web site at: www.RoomStylesInteriors.com
By Nanette Catarinella
One of the decorating dilemmas that I encounter regularly is the improper use of wall art. Generally, I find that art is hung too high and does not relate to the space. You may have heard that pictures should be hung at “eye level”. But, whose eye level are we referring to…the six foot two husband or the five foot two wife?
Positioning wall art depends on a variety of factors including the size and shape of the wall, the ceiling height, the focal point in the room and the size of the furniture. Here are a few tips for hanging art in your home:
Relate Art to Wall – Choose small with small, wide with wide, tall with tall. In other words, keep the size and shape of the art consistent to the wall on which it will be hung. If you have a large, wide wall, do not hang a small, narrow picture.
Relate Art to Furniture – In general, artwork should take up approximately 2/3 of the space above a piece of furniture. If you have a 90 inch sofa, for example, one large piece or a grouping of several smaller pieces, should take up about 60 inches of the space above it.
Keep It Low – Visually connect furniture and artwork by hanging art about 6 – 10 inches above the furniture. If you have very tall ceilings, consider hanging another coordinating piece above the lower piece to bring the eye up
Increase the Size – If one picture is too small, group several pictures together. To unify the grouping, keep the matting and frames alike. Keep the width between the artwork visually connected by hanging approximately a palms width apart.
Gallery Height: When hanging art in a hallway, the center of the art should be approximately 56 inches from the floor. Unite different sizes and shapes of artwork by keeping the bottom of the frames even.
You don’t need to own a Picasso or buy expensive pieces to decorate your walls. Create unique, one-of-a-kind works of art by framing just about anything….a child’s drawing, an antique hankie, a series of postcards. Hanging wall art is a great way to add color and personality to any room.
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Nanette Catarinella, owner of Room Styles Interiors, is an interior decorator, award winning re-designer and home staging expert. For more information, please call, 412-351-2525 or visit the web site at: www.roomstylesinteriors.com
By Earnestine Shuemake
Decorating your space is a wonderful opportunity to “express yourself through your living space.” From traditional to modern to eclectic, everyone has a personal style. Using the expert advice of a Décor Consultant can save you time and money. The consultant can share advice on the best use of your space as well as suggestions of creative things you can do yourself.
A two to three hour consultation is usually all you need to get effective ideas and how to use them. The consultant is also available to execute the entire project. Reviewing your taste, lifestyle and budget is the best place to start. Be honest with yourself and the consultant as to your ideas and budget. If necessary, do projects or rooms in stages. Decorating is an ongoing process.
Here are a few tips:
- Review what you own and decide what you will use and what to share. A good rule is…”If I haven’t used it in the last year-I probably won’t use it again.” Pass it on. (one sister’s junk is another sister’s treasure)
- If reducing clutter is a challenge, seek the assistance of your consultant.
- Keep a personal folder/box of ideas, photos, and samples of ideas you like.
- When purchasing large items such as a sofa, keep in mind this is an investment you should be able to use for years. Keeping the piece in a basic color/style will allow you to update with a change in accessories, such as pillows or throws.
- When purchasing items such as towels, sheets and other “body wrapping” items, invest in quality not quantity. Even changing sheets every few days or once a week, two or three better sets will last longer.
- A grouping of different height columns is a unique way to showcase a collection of items.
Heirlooms, whether family or newly found can be restored or reupholstered to create an updated look. Redo that “funky, I don’t know why I like it” item for years of pleasure.
Remember this is your space- let it reflect you. ____________________________________ Published: Onyx Woman Magazine, Pittsburgh, PA Earnestine Shuemake, Lead Decorator for OBA's Atlanta and partner in "It Is What It Looks Like" Decors, is also a visual artist located in the Atlanta (East Point) Georgia area. Phone: (404) 530-0606 E-mail: esoba@bellsouth.net
By Cheryl Clifford, IADA, RES, IRIS, DANA
"Everyone deserves to live in an environment that is comfortable, joyous, and complementary to their life, surrounded by the things they love and have chosen for themselves" Cheryl Clifford
Interior design services have evolved to a point now that suits the real world and reflects that philosophy. Interior Arranging is one of the new design services that has developed from that evolution. As an Interior Arranger I am able to provide the client with the instant comfort of familiarity in a home, and in addition, the excitement of a new environment.
Interior Arranging, by it’s nature, lends itself to many situations and I have found this is especially true in my work with clients who are experiencing life transitions. It is a different way of looking at our environment. How does this make a difference to a person who has had a life transition?
First, does our environment effect our emotions on a day-to-day basis? Of course it does! Can small changes in our environment then somehow change our emotions? YES! Can a change in your environment help you to move forward after life changing events? YES!
I have been able to experience that change first hand, in my own life, and in the lives of my clients. I have worked with people who have had major changes in their lives for various reasons, and have come to me to help them create an environment that represents their lives now. It is very important that our environment reflect who we were, who we are, whom we want to be. We are affected by lots of experiences, special times, and more importantly, special people. We have all acquired, inherited and collected furnishings and accessories that tell a story about who we are and where we’ve been. Moreover, these are things we love, things that make our house a home. Lets look at some examples:
A couple meets in mid life, both have been married before and they are starting a new life together, sometimes with children and pets and all of the stuff from both their previous lives. Combining households can be a very emotional and difficult proposition. Interior Arrangers specialize in using primarily what clients already own. So, when we have clients who are combining households, we tell them that their home should reflect their new life together, but still honor the lives that they had before they met. Most of the time this is not easy to do, so having an objective 3rd party can make a world of difference. We discuss with them how they use their home, what are there favorite things, what they truly would like to keep, what they really hate and want to get rid of, and then, we create an environment that reflects their new needs, but honors their past. It is possible to put together a variety of styles to create a comfortable and stylish environment. The couple then has an environment that includes their past, but is a refection of what they see for their future. So, the changes they have made in their lives have effected their environment, and now the environment reflects those changes, and helps to produce positive hopes and emotions.
Another example of a life transition that effects our environment is the death of a loved one. This is, of course the most difficult thing we experience in our lives. I have had numerous clients who are at that point in life, and have decided that they are ready for a change in their environment, because their lives have changed so much. There is a fine line to walk when making changes in a way that represents and honors their past and creates a new environment, that helps them to heal and move forward. Each client has a different interpretation of how they want to do this. Taking time to talk with the client to really understand what they want is the most important step of the process. Some clients want to have many things around them that remind them of their loved one, some clients want to have just a few things, special things that spark specific memories. After the client makes the huge decision to make changes, it is important to honor that difficult decision. It is also important for the client to have fun with the decision too. If you are thinking of making this kind of change, making a personal connection with your Interior Arranger will make the process a special, positive and fun event.
There is one more example of a life transition that I want to talk about. We are now finding that more and more of us are having to deal with aging parents that can no longer live comfortably in their own homes, homes that have been in most of their adult lives. This is an extremely difficult time for them. Luckily, there are many new and wonderful senior communities that have been developed as an alternative to nursing homes. But, as wonderful as these communities are, they are not the same as our own homes. It is so important that we strive to make this life transition as comfortable as possible for our senior population. Children of these parents find it a very stressful experience too. How do you take 40 years of living and break it down to two rooms or if you are lucky, a whole apartment? Careful attention to the details will make a huge difference. Take into consideration whether the person is active and positive, looking forward to new days, or is that person feeling isolated and lonely? Talking with that person about expectations for their environment, what was something that was special from the environment they are leaving. Think about how you can reflect that past environment in the new environment. It maybe a photo sitting on the kitchen table, so they can eat everyday with that special person, or the warmth of a blanket that was a gift from a favorite grandchild. This is a time in life that we need those special things more than ever. Having patience and willingness to listen to the person, from the beginning, can make the transition easier.
Do changes in our environment effect our emotions? Yes. Can we make the changes we need to make and have it be a positive experience? Yes. Luckily, the design world now has the options to help you accomplish this.
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Cheryl Clifford is a professional member of the Interior Arrangement and Design Association, Interior Redesign Industry Specialist and Decorator Alliance of North America. Her business, A New View, serves the San Francisco Bay Area.
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
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
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
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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