Buying Green at the White Sales

The white sales that are on now are a great time to stock up on linens and towels for your home. You can be eco-friendly with your purchases by choosing organic fibers such as cotton or bamboo for your sheets and towels. Both are renewable sources. They do not give off toxic odors and feel much softer than synthetic fibers. So go shop the white sales, pick up some really nice linens and help preserve our planet.

A House Hunting Adventure

My son is now looking to buy his first home. He asked me to help him and I jumped at the chance to do what I do best-design. We have seen everything from well kept ranchers to 4 bedroom fixer-uppers. I want to share some nuggets of the advice and visions I gave him after each house visit -usually in the car as we were driving to the next one on his list. I will hit the highlights of our conversations that can help those of you looking to purchase a home.
I have always stated that a fresh coat of paint is easy to do and can cover a multitude of sins from previous owners. Also, if the colors do not flow from room to room, the house may seem chaotic and chopped up. My son will get my”color walk through” service when he picks the home he wants to give it harmony and cohesion without major remodeling. Always inspect the walls before painting for signs of foundation shifting/cracking or mold presence. These issues could be a deal breaker.
Many houses on the market are a little dated. They can become more current with the addition of a few new things. Consider changing door knobs, hinges and cabinet hardware to a more modern finish. Replace interior doors with new 6 panel doors. Change out light fixtures in the ceiling, at the front door and over the bathroom vanity. Carpets that are in bad shape can be replaced or changed to laminate/hardwood floors. They are long lasting and easier for people with allergies especially if the previous owner had pets.
As far as the structure of the house goes, enlist a home inspector to look for things you would not normally notice. They check roofs, utility systems and foundations for any issues that could potentially become a costly repair for the new owner.
Here is my point. I tell my clients that it takes 3-5 years to make a house a “home”. When you are considering purchasing a home, you need to try and see beyond its current décor to what you would like it to be. If it is the size and style you want and is structurally safe, you can move in and slowly change the décor to put your personal style on it. Make your own 3 year plan for remodeling.
Repairs and replacements that are beyond the scope of interior design need to be looked at differently. Necessary repair costs need to be addressed along with the price of the home. For the house of your choice, make a list of what needs to be done and get prices for those items . Consider that cost in relation to the asking price of a home and what you will offer to the seller. Stay within your budget.
Well, there are three more houses on my son’s list to look at tonight. Maybe one of these will “the one”. We shall see.

The Journey of The Family Room Updating

When my husband built the fireplace surround, the entire room had the same dark wood stain on the paneling and screamed 1970's very loud and clear. Until last month, my husband fiercely fought to protect that outdated image. What made him give in and let me start updating that room is unclear to this day. But, nonetheless, it has started. Paint was the first step. I wanted to get to a bright, warm and inviting feel for the room. There were steps we had to take first- deglossing and priming. But the look is awesome! The paint is Valspar Homestead Resort Tea Room Yellow, a yellow that does not turn green on the wall. I have become a strong advocate for the sample jars of paint. Stay tuned for furniture, accessory and window treatment updates.

Some Fresh Ideas

Sometimes the decorating bug bites and we want to make quick, easy changes that can shake things up a bit in our homes. As a bonus, these 5 ideas that do not involve picking up a paint brush or any other form of manual labor. We all like that.
1. Bring in fresh flowers. This is so simple yet it can have a powerful punch. Many retail locations now offer pretty bouquets at a very reasonable cost. Your home will feel fresh and welcoming to your guests and your family.
2. Create some spaciousness in your small spaces by replacing bulky wood tables with open, glass-top styles. They are available as dining tables and coffee tables.
3. Get a new lamp. Newer styles range from some that have attractive sculptures as their base to those that have clear vases that you can fill with different elements to create just the right mood for your rooms.
4. Show your flair just a little! Use that color or fabric you have been wanting to display in a small way such as a throw pillow or a small chair. You will get the punch of pattern and color that will work fine with your existing décor.
5. Add a little fun to any conversation area with the addition of a super fluffy shag rug in either a bold color or a soft creamy color. It adds the unexpected touch.

Is It Real Or Faux?

Faux is a fancy French word for "false".It refers to a manufacturing process that creates items to closely resemble the genuine article. Faux has been a buzz word in interior décor for a long time. It offers clients a variety of price points for their home’s interior design, it preserves our natural resources,and it opens up a world of design possibilities. Besides, who wants to tell their friends about the fabulous “false” interior décor items in their home?
Everyone is familiar with faux wood blinds. They provide great coverage on the window and the slats are pretty impressive for a fake. The same faux wood can be used in shutters. Also,there are some really good faux fabrics out there that are durable, eco-friendly and a good value. Faux silk has the same luster and slub as real silk. Faux suedes and leathers offer an excellent combination of color, value pricing and are easy to care for.
One of my favorite faux products is the perfect answer to one of my least favorite design issues – the windowless room. I always feel like the walls are closing in and that the room lacks the brightness afforded by light pouring in a window. The solution is another faux. It is a wall mural that can be a fake window with a scene of beaches and forests out the window. It is applied to the wall like wallpaper. There are images of French doors open to the outside view of a beach with the ocean beckoning beyond. The effect on the room is dramatic. It visually pushes the walls out and opens up the room to the horizons of the mural. You just have to see the effect this has on a room for yourself. Rooms increase in size without any remodeling! I have one client who took this design style one step further. We put an octagon window mural in their windowless guest bathroom. My client then went out and got some window moldings to frame in the window mural. What a great idea. Not only did the window mural open up the room but then when it was framed in, it gained dimension. I guess you could say it was a blend of faux and real.

Your Color Questionairre

Bohdan Gernaga calls it tapping into his clients inner rainbow. I refer to it as discovering a client's color personality. Color self assessment will tell you a lot. Consider the following: How does the room make you feel? Would you like to change how you feel about that room? How do you use the room? What do you want this room to say to guests in your home? Do you have any furnishings or fabrics you want to put in the room?
Your answers will help you determine your color personality. That is a good guideline to refer to when you are making a decorating decision.
Fall 2011 color forecast will be out soon. Stay tuned.

Create a Custom Ceiling Fan

This is just about the time that the original ceiling fans that I purchased for my home are starting to look dated. I could have replaced them I suppose but instead chose to try a little "recycling design". The blades were wood look with a cane insert from the 1980's. So we took them off the fan, turned them over and painted them a glossy black for our master bedroom. Voila! Instant class!
The blades from my kitchen fan got a coat of red paint to complement the red and blue/white toile scheme. See picture:https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Creatively-Yours-Interior-Design/110651859738
That was just painting them. Think marbelized paint, decorative finishes, tole painting and more.

How to Pull It All Together

How to Pull It All Together


Have you gotten to that place yet? I have been there more times than I care to admit. Every one of us will come to that place of not knowing how to pull our interior decorating together in our homes. We may have good design furnishings in our homes but completing the look and the flow of colors can be a challenge. I hear from many of my clients that they too are stuck and cannot bring their interior decorating together. But why does that happen? Are there some quick coordinating tips to help pull a look together? Oh yes, and I have lots of experience completing interior designs for my clients so they live happily ever after in their homes!
”Know your style.” Do you like traditional furnishings? Or is that too old fashioned for you and the latest up to date style is more you? What pieces do you already have that you love? Pay close attention to home décor items that you really like in magazines or in furniture stores. All of these things will lead you to discover your design style. Then you will have sufficient information to work on decorating your room. When you get stuck and cannot decide what else a room may need to complete it, let your newly discovered style sense guide your choices. It is a big help and keeps you on track.
“Analyze your colors.” Colors set a mood, create atmosphere and can totally influence the décor of a room. Whether your walls are painted with a lot of color or you have it in small doses with throw pillows, it is very important. Do you have a color scheme? Do you use your colors when considering the design elements of your room? You will not believe how much easier it is to decorate when you consider the colors involved.
Consider the accessories in your room. They need to coordinate and compliment the overall interior decoration of your room and are part of the whole picture.
“Acquire the power of observation.” There is another great tool I suggest to my clients and I encourage you to try it also. Sit in your room for awhile without any distractions and write down your design thoughts as they come into your mind. Train yourself to become observant of the room’s furnishings and how they make you feel. Calm? Happy? Warm? Disorganized? Doing this little exercise will tell you a lot about how you see your room presently and where you would like it to go in the future. That is a plan if there ever was one for coordinating a room’s décor.
Now you are ready to go forth and decorate. Have no fear- run with your ideas to create a successful design!

New Styles, Energy Efiiciency and Green Design Window Treatments

Would you believe that your window treatments can be stylish, contemporary, green and energy efficient? Well now it is possible to have it all for your home. Hunter Douglas has created the best of all worlds for your windows.
Natural Elements is their new collection of horizontal blinds that combine modern metal alloys with the warmth of real wood accents. Textured and shimmery finish slats give maximum view. Rich wood valances and keystones create a fashion statement. Materials used in these blinds are 95% recycled making them a green product. That is a winning combination of style and earth friendly materials.
Solar Energy Sensors for Hunter Douglas shades automatically raise or lower window shade treatments according to the changing sunlight to provide energy cost savings. They couldn’t be simpler to install- just stick them to the window where the shades are installed. Watch them go to work adjusting the shades to keep out the heat. Many of their shade products have a high R-value- an indicator of a product’s resistance to air flow passing through it from outside. A high R-value can stop much of the hot air from entering your home. Even the efficiency of low e-glass windows can be doubled with certain energy efficient shades. And the Federal Tax Credit applies to some of these products to boot. How can you lose? You just have to see them! Call me to arrange your personal energy saving design consultation and see all of the stylish, green and efficient products.

More On The New Lightbulbs

The Kelvin number is important in deciding whether you want a yellow or white glow in your room’s décor. It is also important when considering the use of a room. 2700K is considered good for bedrooms and dining rooms. 4100K is used for general lighting and for offices and work areas. To read, a 5000k bulb is recommended.
Lumens - This term indicates how much light is produced by a particular bulb. A 75 watt standard bulb or an 18-25 watt CFL (spiral fluorescent) bulb will both give you about 1100 lumens but the CFL bulb uses one-third of the wattage. Think of the energy savings possible for your home and others around the world just by changing to CFL bulbs!
CFLs or compact fluorescent lamps are being met with mixed results. They do last very long and cost less over their lifetime. I know you are saying they are plain ugly and do not give off bright light. I can now get them for you encased in a bulb like the standard ones we all want. As far as their light output, there are now different “lumens” and “colors” available in CFLs to address every lighting need you may have.
Changes in our environments and lifestyles are never easy. It seems like we have used the standard incandescent light bulb in our homes forever. So, there is some learning and adapting to be done to understand all the new light bulb. This is the start for all of us on this important change that will affect global energy use. It is definitely a move in the right direction.

Design a Color Palette

Hi again,
Here I am about to do another whole home and our first task is to pick the color palette for the home. Not that all rooms will be the same but the flow will be established. Green will be a large part of it and that is good because green is the easiest color to work with and so many other colors are good complements for it. Pictures coming when they are ready!

A Rainy, Stay Indoors Kind of Day

It has been rainy,chilly and cloudy here in Richmond, Virginia for the last couple of days. I have lots of time to catch up on my work and do some interior decorating kind of thinking and planning for the upcoming Christmas season. Here is my checklist: 1. Keeping readers up to date on the latest vintage holiday tree plans on Facebook-check! 2. Offering discounts on our holiday decorating service for your Christmas tree, mantel and windows- check again! 3. Postcard and online reminders of the sale- check,check! 4.Have some colorful and cheery red and green plaids and stripe fabrics to make into winter slipcovers for furniture and pillows- another big check!
And in the meanwhile, I will continue to come up with great ideas for you. Stay tuned.

Decorator's Dream Fabric

I am so in love with Kasmir's Grand Soiree fabric. Many years ago we had a similar fabric for window treatments that was the same as this beautiful medium weight satin weave with a soft luster finish-similar to peau de soie. Then they discontinued it!! Now it is back and better than ever with a fresh color palette and wonderful drapability for soft folds. The words "peau de soie" translate into "skin of silk". The photo shows it in a color called "slipper" but you really need to see it and hold it in your hand to get it!

Create a Fireplace Focal Point

I have just taken on a design project that includes creating a prominence for the fireplace to make it the center of the room. As the work progresses, I will be posting comments and photos for you to follow the transformation as it goes along.
I have always loved to see a fireplace show off its beauty and design in a room's overall decor. It does not have to be of the style or size like the one at Biltmore-you can drive your car right into that hearth! There are lots of small changes you can make to add to your fireplace. Photo here had framing, mirror and spotlight added to create its focus. Take a look.

Who Thinks This Stuff Up Anyway??

Every fall and spring I receive my assortment of new fabric books for draperies and upholstery. And with each new shipment, I sit and wonder where on earth they came up with the color choices they feature that always have crazy names. There is no genie sitting on a tasseled pillow dreaming up the future colors with fancy names for home design. The Pantone Color Institute is the global authority on colors and future trends in fashions. Their determinations are formulated as a result of much observation of nature and its beauty in the world as well as any influences that will impact our world in the future. Some of the factors that influence color direction include socioeconomic issues, technology, lifestyles and entertainment. The needs, moods, fantasies and aspirations of consumers are part of the emotional component of color.
So how about a heads up on some of the color trends they have identified? Three of their most popular color palettes are named Greenmarket, Gatherings and Galaxy. Let’s see if you can draw on these groupings to inspire you with color ideas for your home direct from the authority! You will be right on with colors. You can get more information from their website www.pantone.com.
Greenmarket color palette, as the name suggests, evolved from the inviting colors one would see at a roadside produce stand. Those products are an important part of our need to eat healthier and have a healthier lifestyle. They are the “produce colors” of Tomato Puree, Super Lemon, Apple Green, Chutney and Paprika. These Greenmarket colors are the hues that appeal to both the eyes and the taste buds. They are the beauty of nature and the need of consumers to live better.
The Gatherings palette is inspired by the continent of Africa with its vast open spaces and very unique regional artifacts and handicrafts. These are the colors of creative boldness and include Sand, Oasis, Lemon Curry and Copper Coin.
The Galaxy color collection is a reflection of the harmony of hues of the mysterious night sky. Earth colors in the backdrop of the night sky include Greener Pastures and Peridot. They sit contrasted against the violets, silvers and smoky blues of the sky. Turquoise and orchid enhance the sky while radiant golds capture the rays of the warmth and energy of the sun.
These three color palettes are a snapshot of life and the global atmosphere that we are all a part of in 2010. They are easy to identify with and create a strong level of comfort for us. Try them on for size and see for yourself!

REALLY FREE AND ALMOST FREE DECOR TIPS

REALLY FREE AND ALMOST FREE DECORATING IDEAS

In these belt-tightening days, I want to do my part to help with economical decorating tips you will love.

5 No Cost Decorating Changes You Can Make Now:
Play with moving your furniture into different rooms in your home. Move your accessories around from room to room. You will be surprised at how well that works. Your furnishings will have a whole new life.
Get out one of your pretty dishes and put it in your guest powder room to hold fancy soaps and tissues. They will feel so special.
Wrap and knot a decorative scarf around a throw pillow for a decorative look on your sofa. Do not be afraid of pattern and color for the pillows, they are small dashes of accent color.
How about folding up your bedspread and putting it away for awhile? There are many fancy trimmed top sheets that you can use in its place. It will be a breath of fresh air for your bedroom.
Stack a couple of large hardcover books under your table lamps. It is very chic and increases the light and brightness in your rooms.

5 Low Cost Decorating Changes:
Buy a can of paint. It is more of a labor cost than a monetary one. Choose to do one wall or whole room, either way it makes an impact. Maybe you can start with your powder room.
Purchase new bathroom fixtures – towel bar, robe hook, toilet tissue holder, etc. They are available at local home improvement centers and in most cases are easily installed. I love the variety of finishes and styles!
A can of spray paint is an inexpensive way update your picture frames. There are metallic and stone finishes available to help you create high fashion décor. This works on mirror frames too.
Buy new lampshades for your existing lamps. Experiment with new shapes, colors and trimmings for a fresher look. Don’t forget your chandelier shades also. Banding and tassels add decorative touches and make your lampshades very unique.
Colorful decorative throw rugs can make nice room decorating changes. Use some different weaves and brighter tones. Put them in the kitchen, bathroom and under the coffee table.
There you have it. It is possible to do some decorating on the cheap with good results. I hope it has given you some inspiration for your home. Get to it!

Don't You Love Window Seats?

Grab your book and curl up for reading. I love this kitchen window seat. The custom made cushions ensure your comfort and the bright colors warm the space.

A Few Ideas for the Master Bedroom

This bedroom I designed for my busy professional clients has some good tips everyone can use to create a retreat from the hectic lifestyles we all have.
Notice the wall color. That is the biggest use of color in any room. Shades of turquoise were used that are very tranquil and peaceful. That is how we started. The fabric is an understated stripe-nothing busy or too active-great for a bedroom where you want to relax. There was no bedskirt used to keep the look very clean and straight lined. But we did go all out with lots of soft decorative pillows. That is in keeping with the simple luxury of the bedroom. The lamps allow for nighttime reading in bed that is easy on the eyes because they are at a good height.
The result is a retreat from the world! What can you apply to your master bedroom?

Let's Talk Floors

What to use especially in a kitchen? We all want the best of both worlds - a really nice look with lots of durability to handle all the household traffic, even the family dog. I will help you know what you need to look for when you are floor shopping for all your rooms
Linoleum or vinyl floors are by far the most popular. They wash up nicely and leave no traces of most common household spills. There are many colors available and some styles even mimic the look of tile and marble. So far so good! Here is what you need to know if you are considering vinyl. The different grades of vinyl will have different depths of the pattern. Inexpensive grades will show the black backing where there is wear or where a gouge has occurred. Higher grades of vinyl have more depth of the pattern so as wear and tear occurs; there are more layers of the pattern underneath before the backing layer starts to show. Good subflooring is a necessity to avoid cracks and bumps. This type of flooring is expensive to install properly but will ensure you many years of use.
Hardwoods and laminates are becoming very popular for kitchens as well as the rest of the home. The look of wood can warm a kitchen and goes with all styles. Hardwoods have all the wonderful variations and grains nature provides. They must be properly sealed by a professional for use in the kitchen and have their own variety of cleaning and care products. This is a value added product for your home. Laminates are a faux wood with a huge variety of widths and stains available. They install right over an existing floor. The one thing you must be careful of is dropping blunt and sharp objects on the laminate. It will leave a gouge. Clean up is a breeze and the look is really nice!
Let’s talk about maintenance for your flooring choice. Remember that grit from outdoors sticks to the soles of shoes and can be very abrasive to a floor. Use lots of washable, rubber-backed rugs at all entrances to your home to catch most of that grit. High traffic areas in the home benefit from rugs also. Everyone go and check now to see if you are using leftovers from wall to wall carpeting as little rugs. If you find it, get rid of it as soon as possible! The hard woven backing of carpet is abrasive to all floor types, even carpeted ones.

Highlight an Area in your home

This was a great little wall that looked into the family room and was just begging for a special treatment. The artwork had wonderful clay tiles on the roofs and in the accents. So we painted the wall in a bright clay called Warm Terra Cotta from Behr. The look is knock-out. Look around your home for that special area- such as the wall around a bay window- that would look good with an accent paint.