Myths

There are a few myths about design that I would like to BUST! So often we think that because of one thing we cannot hire a designer, or have a nice home. And while not everyone has the budget for a designer, everyone CAN have a nice home.

Myth #1: I live and use my home. I don't want to feel like I am in a museum.
Having a nice home doesn't mean it's so stuffy and expensive that you can't touch anything. You should always feel comfortable in your home and it should be a reflection of you and your family. However, you don't want that reflection to say "messy and outdated" either! There is a balance between stuffy and no style. Find your inspiration, get organized and make your house your home!

Myth #2: I have kids, so my house can't be nice.
Kids are not a good excuse for a home with no style. The main key to a beautiful and functional home with kids is organization and a reality check. Use bookshelves with baskets to hide toys or even a large basket on the floor. Don't have white furniture and keep the glassware high or put it away. And, this may seem obvious to some, keep your house picked up. Have kids pick up when they are done with things and for those that aren't old enough, let them see you doing it. A tidy house always seems "nicer" than one with your things strewn all over the place (this also goes for homes without kids!).

Myth #3: I want new window treatments and bedding, but can't afford custom right now. I guess I have to wait.
FALSE! Stores have come a long way with their draperies and bedding! Ready made draperies are a cost efficient option for an easy update! Grommet drapes cut down on the cost of hardware, too (no rings!). When it comes to bedding, you don't have to grab a bed in a bag. Take different pieces from different collections to make your own unique combination. Ready made does not have to mean ordinary!

Until next week!

Faux Plants: Should they stay or should they go now?!

Faux plants are such a touchy subject! For so many years we, as interior designers, brought into your home plant after plant assuring you that they were exactly what that corner, bookcase or table needed. Well, now I'm telling you to ditch the ivy!

In an attempt to de-clutter and simplify our clients' homes, we are suggesting to remove most, if not all silk plants. While we don't swear off all faux plants completely, we just don't want your home looking like a green house! Try taking away the plants for a while and see how you feel about your space. Many of our clients have expressed that their room feels less cluttered with them gone. Specifically, try getting rid of the ivy above the cabinets in your kitchen. Feel naked? Replace them with some pottery. Don't like pottery? Try glass jars or woven containers. Also, the tree in the corner is usually just as tired and needs to go.

Do you love having some green in your home? So do we! Try adding some real ivy on your coffee table. The needlepoint kind, not the one that will be trailing down and over your table. We also like faux potted succulents, agave and grasses. Make sure they look real, not like plastic. And again, use sparingly.

Remember, you don't want people to think your home is a plant store!

Paint Colors - To stand out or blend in

Thanks to your votes, I know that 40% of you find that selecting a paint color is the most difficult. So, let's see if we can't clear up some confusion!


Paint should be taken seriously! Unless you love to paint or have the money to hire and re-hire a professional, it's best to get it right the first time. In this blogger's opinion, it's better to take your time and be comfortable with your decision, than to make one hastily and not be happy with the end result. So, make sure you are happy with your color BEFORE it goes on the wall!


Paint can do two things: stand out and make a bold statement, or blend in and create a platform for other things to do the talking. Color affects mood, energy, and light. Here is a breakdown:
Blues and Greens: tend to be more calming (except for the obvious "electric" colors)
Red and Orange: louder, more energetic 
Yellow: can go either way, depending on how vibrant or pale your selection is and what you pair it with
Earth tones: calm, used more to create a backdrop and enhance surroundings
Grey: use sparingly and with the right accents! Can be a depressing color..
I could go on and on with an endless list of colors, but let's not! 


Don't be afraid of color! When done right, color can transform a room. Don't negate the items in your room... i.e. furniture, window treatments, flooring, etc. It's when these things compete with the paint, that you have your biggest problems. So, if everything you own has a shade of red or a twinge of pink, don't paint your room green. Choose something that has the same color tones. Even your neutral colors have a tendency to lean towards a certain primary color. If you hold a brown paint color up to your brown fabric and it looks purple while the fabric looks green, try a different shade. Staying in the same color tones is essential for creating a unified look. 


Want to go a little bolder? Green and blue make great bathrooms! They can create very calm and spa like atmospheres... a nice retreat after a long day. 


Take a look at some of these photos and see what you think about their use of color. 
As always, questions and comments are welcome and encouraged! 


Until next time!

Starting a Project

When we sit down with a client, we attempt to get a lot of information in a mere 60 minutes. We are looking for your style, your needs, your desires and even what you like that you didn't know you liked. It's a challenge we love, but a challenge none the less. If you are meeting with a designer, or if you're not, here are some ways to get your project started.

• Select the space / project. Focusing on one area is always easier than attempting to tackle your entire home at once.
• Decide what the space needs. What will you use this space for and what will you need for that room? Example: Turning an extra bedroom into a home office. You will need a desk, chair, possibly storage, etc.
• Put together a wish list. What you would like the space to have. What furniture, lighting, art, etc.
• Know your style. Flip through magazines or surf the web for inspiration. Find several pictures and then compare them. Is there some consistency in the photos you select? All modern and sleek? Dripping with fringe and floral prints? This "consistency" is usually your style.
• Decide on a budget! It's always fun to dream on a champagne budget, but often you have to scale that down to ginger ale! So be realistic with yourself. There is nothing wrong with a small budget.

If you can begin with these things, it will make a world of difference when you start your project! If you are using a designer, these simple steps will help both of you make the most out of your time together. If you are going DIY then this will help you go from "What do I do?!" to "I've got this!"

Until next time!

New Look, New Site

Hello All!

We have decided to start blogging! We will discuss a variety of design topics. Many questions will be those posed by our own clients at one time or another. Feel free to comment and ask questions! We will also discuss new ideas and techniques! We will be posting weekly, so follow us!

Lindsay W