Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Try a Little Sunshine

I would never say my favorite color is yellow, but for some reason I am ready to welcome in the spring and yellow seems to be the best way to do it.

I would never wear yellow clothes or paint my nails yellow... or drive a yellow car, but a big glass vase filled with yellow daffodils screams Spring to me.  You just can't be sad when you walk into a room and see a bunch of bright yellow flowers.  It instantly cheers you up.

Some other ways to use yellow:

1. Try lemony yellow towels in your guest bathroom.

2. Fill a bowl with lemons to brighten up your kitchen counter.

3. Depending on your decor, add some yellow pillows to your sofa or bedroom.

Go ahead... give yellow a try.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Thoughts on Hotel Design

Just got back from Las Vegas last night and I thought I'd share my thoughts on some hotel design observations I made.

We stayed at the MGM Grand, my first time actually seeing their rooms.  We stayed in the West Wing, which is supposed to be a little bit more upscale and modern.  If by upscale and modern they mean small and inefficient, I'd say they've done their job.  The hallways of the West Wing are narrow and the ceilings so low there is no way anybody taller than my 6' husband can comfortably walk upright.  Once you get the room door open, you are walking right into the bathroom.  Yes, kind of strange.  There is no door to the bathroom (the door to the toilet is supposed to magnetically close but we had a little trouble with the door actually doing that).  There is no insulation (you hear it all) and if you happen to wake up in the middle of the night to use the facilities (I've had 3 kids so making it through the night is not an option for me) then you are either feeling your way in the dark or turning on the bright overhead light and waking your sleeping husband.

The bed at first glance is soft and comfortable.  That is, until you sleep in it and discover there is no back or head support whatsoever.   The decor is okay... not anything special.  For some reason the window treatments don't completely cover the side of the windows so if you are expecting to sleep in... don't!

All in all... I would give the MGM another try... just not going back to the West Wing anytime soon.

I've seen hotels built from the ground floor up... and I've been the one buying all those interior furnishings and I can tell you for a fact... having more expensive furniture doesn't mean you are getting a "better" room.  When it comes to hotels... stick with the clean and comfortable.  You'll be happy you didn't spend the extra money.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Return to Classic

I just got my copy of the Williams Sonoma Home Catalog in the mail.  Yes, if you didn't already know, Williams Sonoma has a home collection.  And let me say I am impressed.

The new furnishings in the catalog are really beautiful, returning to a more traditional/classic style of design.  Gone are the oversized sofas, bright colored fabrics and rustic looking wood.  Welcome back the sleek forms, neutral colors and timeless pieces that will work in any home.  What I love best about these classic styles is that they can mix and mingle so well with your current furnishings.  For a truly eclectic look, try pairing a classic straight back sofa with chic needlepoint pillows.  Or how about adding some upholstered dining chairs with your rustic dining table. 

Try something new and give your home that warm, lived-in look.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Rainy Saturdays

I woke up to rain this morning... lots of it.  It should continue on throughout the day and since I don't have much else to do but stay home and listen to the contant pounding on the rooftop, I thought it might be a good day to reorganize the kids' rooms.  We are on the move again.  With only two bedrooms for 3 girls, we do a lot of moving around.  The two older girls have been sharing a room for about a year now but the oldest is getting to the point where she is demanding her own room.  Rightfully so, since at 10 having a room to one's own is pretty significant.

That leaves the two younger ones to share.  That might be more of a problem.  My two youngest don't get a long.  At all.  So the trick is to figure out how to "share" without causing actual physical harm to each other.  My biggest trick?  No matchy... matchy for them.  Each one will get to choose their own colors and styles.  It will be up to my amazing decorating sensibilities to integrate the two.

Stay tuned for updates.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Kids & Decorating

Should you let your kids decorate their own rooms?  YES

Think back to when you were a kid and what your room meant to you.  It was everything.  In a world where what you eat, wear and drive in is controlled primarily by your parents, your room is the one thing that you can call your own.  Now while you most likely won't be up for painting the room all black... or red... or any other color you find offensive, there is always a way to compromise so that your child will feel they got the room they wanted.

For example:  My daughter wants a Twilight themed room.  Okay... I'm not going to paint it black or have vampire blood oozing down the walls, but we did manage to compromise on painting the room a grayish-purple and framing her Twilight/New Moon movie posters to hang on the walls.  The rest of the room will be decorated with mirrored, silver and iron accessories to complete the look.  It's something we both can live with.

Give it a try.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Discount Furniture

Just found out that we have a new furniture and accessory consignment shop in my hometown.  I love finding great new sources for furnishings.  I know that some people have an aversion to "used" furniture, but if you shop carefully, places like consignment shops, antique stores, and even the Good Will can provide some real special bargains.

What to know before you go:

1.  Always ask what the return policy is.  Many stores that sell used items don't take returns, but you'd be surprised that some actually will take back merchandise if you find it is damaged once you get home.

2. Take measurements before purchasing.  Make sure that beautiful dining room table actually fits in your dining room.

3. Inspect everything throughly.  Don't be afraid to open every drawer, tip over every chair and take off every sofa cushion.  You don't want any surprises.

4.  Keep an open mind.  You might find a beautiful dresser that is just your style but the knobs are a little funky.  Drawer knobs are easily replaceable... don't pass up a bargain for ugly hardware.

5.  When purchasing a used chair or sofa (anything that's been upholstered), double check each pillow and take off fabric covers is possible.  You want to check to make sure there are no holes, mold, bugs, etc. in any part of the piece.  Anything can be reupholstered, but make sure the frame and base cushions are clean and in good condition.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Color Purple

Several years ago I had a client who was redecorating her entire house.  She hired me to help her with her living room, dining room and kitchen.  Her one story house was very much a ranch style house, complete with wagon wheel coffee table and vibrant indian rugs.  We chose new colors for all the walls and some new leather sofas.  The house was warm and cozy and comfortable.  There was only one issue the owner was having a little trouble with.  Purple!

Her favorite color was purple and she really wanted to add the color into her home in some way.  I suggested she go for the laundry area.  Her laundry "room" was located behind her kitchen and was not visable by any other room in the house.  The laundry room had a door that led out to the garage and unless you entered that way, nobody would ever know this tiny room was full of color.  Every time she did laundry (not one of her favorite tasks) she would be surrounded by her favorite color.  She loved the idea.

This old memory came to mind when my daughter chose purple for her bedroom wall color.  Purple wouldn't be most people's choice but there are so many variations of the color that there is bound to be a suitable hue that would please both me and my daughter.  I chose a darker than lavender version with a lot of gray in it so the color "purple" wouldn't scream out at you when you entered her room.  It's something we are both happy with.

When choosing colors, there is always a way to add your favorite.  Even if it's only in a small way. 

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

A Great Big Hug

The new issue of Architectural Digest has a great article about Jennifer Aniston's home in Los Angeles.  Jennifer spent 2 1/2 years remodeling her home with the sole purpose of making it the perfect place for her.  Of her home, Jennifer said it was like "a great big hug".

Wouldn't it be nice if we all thought of our homes like that?  Our home should be a comfortable place to come home too.  It should be the one place in the world where we feel safe and protected.  If you aren't happy with it... change it.  Take one step today to make your home your comfort zone.

Need some ideas???

1. Buy new big, cozy pillows for your bed.  There is nothing like laying your head down on a a light, airy pillow.

2. Use your good guest towels in your own bathroom.  Wrapping yourself in a soft, warm towel is like wrapping yourself in that hug.

3. Find a special coffe mug that has YOU written all over it.  Do you like flowers?  A favorite color?  An extra large cup?  Have your coffee or tea with your favorite mug every morning.

4. Buy or pick yourself some fresh flowers and put a small vase by your bed and at your front door.  It will bring a little of the outdoors in.

Send me your ideas... I'd love to share them.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Re: Nate Berkus Gets Own Show

Nate Berkus, Oprah's designer protegee, is getting his own show.  He will be taking over the spot Martha Stewart used to have.  I love Nate... I think he is a great designer and am looking forward to watching his new show. 

As an interior designer, some of my best tips come from other designers.

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/haven/interior-designer-nate-berkus-gives-yahoo-the-exclusive-scoop-on-his-new-show-plus-the-top-5-things-he-cant-live-without-578033/

Friday, February 5, 2010

Top Features in Homes Today

Click on the headline (Top Features in Homes Today) for the link to a really interesting article on the features people are looking for in their homes these days. 

Personally, we decided we could trade the formal dining room for a great room and home office.  It works for us with three kids. 

How about you?  What about your home couldn't you live without?  What don't you need?

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Home Offices

I've got to admit, our home office is pitiful!  My husband and I both share one room in our house and over the years it has become a crazy, catch-all room filled with empty boxes, piles of papers to be filed and mounds of twisted wires, cables and unused electronic equipment.  Something definitely has to be done.

So I'm starting a journey... a clean, organize and prioritize journey to get our home office into fighting shape.

Step One:  Clear everything out that doesn't belong.  I know, I know... easier said than done.  But really... we've been piling up the paperwork for so many years that I think it's about time to throw out the stacks prior to 2005.  You know, the ones that never even got to the filing cabinet? 

(Tip about paperwork - If anything has a name, SS#, phone number or account number... SHRED IT!!!!!)

More to come...

Friday, January 29, 2010

Where to Begin

One of the questions I hear most often is, "Where do I begin?"

I usually follow that question with "What do you like?"

Sounds simple, right?  Not always.  It's really hard when you are put on the spot to think of what style, color, fabric, or furniture you like.  But... it's usually pretty easy when you are out shopping to point to things that you do like... a particular chair or pattern or accessory. 

My best advice?  Take a camera along in your purse... or use the camera on your cell phone.  Take pictures of the things that strike you... it can be a room in a furniture store or a pattern of a dress.  Print up your pictures to get a collection of colors and items that you like... it will lead you in the right direction.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Things I Hate

1. Fake Plants - they do nothing but gather dust.

2. Artwork hung too high - nobody wants to strain their neck looking at your art.

3. White walls - you don't live in a hospital and white walls show all the dirt.

4. Clutter - it just makes your house look messy no matter how "clean" it really is.

5. Dirty dishes in the sink - doesn't take more than a few minutes to stick dishes in the dishwasher.

6. Broken furniture - fix or replace!

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Getting Ideas

I just got home from attending the Los Angeles Gift Show at the Convention Center.  I've been going to this particular show for years, mostly to purchase products for my retail boutique, but since I don't do much retail anymore I went to get ideas.

I love getting new decorating ideas and those ideas always pop into my head from all different types of sources.  For instance, there was a company that sold reclaimed wood message boards.  Love them!  They are way too expensive to purchase retail, but it's a simple idea that I know I can make myself.  A few old boards and some wire and cork and you've got yourself a unique, handcrafted message board.

I also saw some really beautiful fabric overnight bags... hand sewn and very expensive.  The fabrics, however, were different and eclectic and they gave me some great ideas for putting together different types of patterns and fabrics.

You never know where your next big idea will come from.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Designers: Good vs. Bad

I think decorators and designers have gotten a bad wrap in the past.  They often have the reputation of being stuck up, snobby, rude and out for money at all costs.  They design to their tastes, instead of the client... and they always go over budget.  Unfortunately, I have personally worked with some of these people. 

My first real design job when I moved to Los Angeles was working as the assistant to a famous celebrity designer.  She worked out of a large apartment in West Hollywood and liked to give orders via telephone from the moment I walked into the "office" to the time I left for the day.  I had to bring my lunch because I couldn't leave my desk (God forbid a celebrity called and nobody answered the phone).  I was told what to do, how to do it and why I wasn't doing it right.  When a delivery was late... it was my fault.  When a store was out of stock on an item... it was my fault.  If a fabric was discontinued... my fault again.  I was yelled at, talked down to, told I didn't know anything and on top of that... she had the nerve to tell me I wasn't taking responsibility!  I quit!

I always wondered how she actually related to her celebrity clientele.  I can't believe they would stand for that kind of behavior.  They didn't.  She would kiss their ass just to get a job and then make me suffer for it.  That is the kind of designer who gives the rest of us a bad name.

She wasn't the only one.  I also had the misfortune to work for another celebrity designer (another woman) who was exactly the same way.  Her employees feared going to work every single day and the turnover was unbelievable.  I quit after about 2 months because I couldn't take the abuse.  Not to mention, she was rude to her clients as well.  Seriously?  Do you really want to work with someone (or for someone) who is rude and nasty all the time? 

It amazes me that these women actually had clients.  To be honest, they were good designers... good, not great.  Maybe their attitudes got them what they wanted... but at what price?  It's too bad because there are so many great talented designers out there who actually listen to their clients and are budget oriented.  Where is our recognition?  You'll never see one of us on the cover of Architectual Digest.  Guess you have to be mean and rude to garner that kind of attention.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

My Favorite Things #1

When it comes to decorating kids' rooms, one of my favorite things is to use chalkboard paint.  I just love the stuff!  My children all have painted bedroom doors in black chalkboard paint (the interior part of the door).  Let's face it... kids like to draw on walls so what better way than to give them something to draw on that isn't going to completely ruin the room.  Chalkboard paint actually comes in many different colors these days.  When I painted the doors, I first used a primer that was good for covering the oil based paint that was currently on the door.  Then, I used a roller to cover the door in the chalkboard paint.  It takes a good 24 hours to dry and then give the kids a box of chalk and let them create.

Other uses for chalkboard paint are dresser drawers, desk drawers, bookshelves, toy bins... pretty much anything that can be painted is a great base for chalkboard paint.  You can even use it in your kitchen to cover the inside (or outside) of cabinets.

Chalkboard paint can be purchased at any home improvement store and is comparable pricewise to regular paint. 

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Find Your Color

I took my 10 year old daughter shopping today and as we were looking at all the clothes, I realized that I was consistently drawn to certain colors... mostly the blues and greens.  Now, I don't really have a lot of blues and greens in my closet, but for some reason those colors kept speaking to me today.  Color is a funny thing... from day to day we are drawn to different colors for different reasons.  Blues and greens are very serene, calming colors which might explain the fact that I was pretty relaxed and calm today while shopping with my daughter.  If I had also been shopping with my 7 year old and 5 year old, chances are I would have been drawn to the reds and oranges.  Bright colors that shout, "Here I am, I'm not relaxed one little bit!"

Choosing colors for your home is very similar to choosing colors in your wardrobe.  You want what makes you feel happy, good, attractive.  Take my bedroom, for instance.  I love the beach.  My dream house would be a shabby chic style cottage on the beach.  If I could pick anywhere to go on vacation, it would be the beach.  I feel comfortable, relaxed and happy in the warm sand listening to the crashing waves.  It's my heaven.  So when I was ready to get rid of the bright pumpkin walls of my bedroom, I knew I had to bring some of the beach in.

I chose a very calm and soothing light blue for the walls and a sandy colored berber carpet.  All the furniture we already had was wood, but a very eclectic mix of styles: knotty pine dresser, dark glossy wood antique vanity, vintage and rustic sewing machine table that we use as a nightstand.  And then, we were lucky to find a shabby style (but newly built) bookshelf with glass doors that might or might not be old windowpanes.  Our photos over the bed (of our children, of course) are framed in dark natural wood frames that resemble old driftwood.  It's my dream bedroom.


Before


After

If you are stuck deciding on a style or color scheme, think of those things that make you feel good.  It's a really good start.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Finding Treasures

I just wanted to let you know that every so often you can really find something special in your local home stores.  Places like Home Goods, Ross, TJ Maxx and Marshalls are great stores to sort through their housewares departments to find accessories.  A few days ago I was at Marshalls and came across an adorable vase from the "Life is Good" line.  It was blue and brown, the perfect colors for my bedroom.  Originally $14.00, I got it for $6.99 - half price.  Very cool find.

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TV Decorating Shows

Because it's a lazy kind of Saturday and all I'm doing is cleaning and laundry, I turned on HGTV and caught an episode of "Designed to Sell".  Honestly, it's one of my favorites because how your home looks to others really does make all the difference in how quickly it's sold (if it's sold at all) and how much you can realistically get for it.  Too many people really have a hard time with this concept.  They think that it doesn't matter if there is clutter in the living room, if the beds are unmade, dishes in the sink, empty flower pots on the front porch.  Homeowners who put their home on the market always think that their house will sell itself.  I'm sorry to say it but not everyone feels your home is drop-dead gorgeous.

So... can you really fix up your home for $2,000?  I'll be daring and say you can even do it for $1,000 or even $500 (depending on what needs to be done).  Imagine spending an extra $1,000 to fix some of your home's problems if you can get your home sold for an extra $10 or $20,000?  Seems like a no-brainer doesn't it?  Unfortunately, most people don't do it.

Back to the actually "fixing it up" part.  Yes, it's doable.  No, it isn't always as easy as it looks on TV.  When you get a run-down of the designer's budget on a television show, that budget includes the furniture, accessories, paint and lumber it takes to remodel the room or house.  It doesn't take into account the extras like, ummmmm, labor?????  TV crews do their own work.  The homeowner's aren't hiring contractors to do it for them.  Have you seen how much contractors charge these days?  It can make your budget jump from $1,000 to $5,000.  So if you are planning on doing major renovations (moving or adding walls, replumbing or rewiring) be sure you add labor into your budget.  And one last note... keep in mind all the other incidentals like paint brushes, drop cloths, nails, tools, etc.  They can really add up.

Labor unaffordable?  Can't really do the serious work yourself?  Is it hopeless?  Heavens no!  There is still so much you can do yourself.  A fresh coat of paint brightens up a room like you wouldn't believe.  A new area rug pulls a room together.  Dump the old pillows, blankets and knick-knacks and go for the minimalist look.  Nobody wants to see your collections of stuffed animals, porcelain plates or tribal masks when they are trying to picture themselves living in your home.

Where to begin...

I am a total decorating junkie. I rearrange furniture, repaint, buy accessories, read books and magazines on kitches, baths, small rooms, big rooms, bedrooms and living rooms. I watch endless hours of HGTV and know for sure that I can do better than most designers on TV. I know, I know... everybody thinks they can do better. The truth is, though, that most people still need a little help... a little push in the right direction. Let me help.

If you saw my own home you'd be surprised to learn that I actually do have a degree in Interior Design from a very reputable University. Not only that, I have worked in several design firms over the past 20 years. I've worked in big firms, small firms, with no-name designers and some very well-know ones. I've done hotel design, residential design, commercial design and even some landscaping design. Yes, I've done it all but I still can't find the look I want for my own home. Why? Because it's so much easier creating a style and look for a stranger than to find one for yourself.

So... let's work together to uncover your home's hidden potential and awaken your own personal design style.

Life's a journey, not a destination.