Friday, December 18, 2009
How to Make Your Old Holiday Decor Look New
MY DECORATING PLAN
www.mydecplan.com
805-933-0222
It is finally winter. The chill in the air and the holiday music blaring in all the stores are a quick reminder of that. We heard from Robin how this time of year isn’t her cup of tea when it comes to decorating the home. But for me, it’s one of the best. What better way to feel that Christmas cheer than to wake up to the smell of pine needles and cinnamon? Decorating can be daunting or even sometimes boring. You pull out the boxes with the same decorations you use every year, put everything in the same place it was the year before and move on. Ho Hum.
Does it sound like I’m speaking from experience? I am. But there is a way to spruce up your tried and true décor. Try changing the color palette. I know that sounds like changing everything but here me out. The traditional colors of the holiday season are red, green, and gold. Now try to add some pops of color with jewel tones of blues and violets. Throw a few pillows on the sofa that are red, blue and violet, add some beaded garland in the same colors on the windows, and what about candles? Try some scented cinnamon candles and add a couple candles from your new palette of Red, Violet, Blue, Green and Gold. It is easy to go over board so watch out. Just a few touches of the new colors will add pizzazz to your existing décor.
Couture for Everyone
My Decorating Plan
www.mydecplan.com
805-933-0222
When I think of the word couture, many words come to mind; exclusive, high quality, custom made, one of a kind, and high fashion. So how do we bring this elite style into our own homes with out the elite budget? Details. Couture design focuses on the details, the quality of craftsmanship and uniqueness.
Details not only mean the craftsmanship, but the overall look. Couture is noticeable because there are no short cuts, if you have buttons you need buttonholes not mock ones. If you have lined drapes they should look the same from the outside as the other windows that are visible. Couture is taking that next step into detail and quality.
Want to make your store bought drapes look couture? Add details. Such as cording or beading or bandings. Most importantly whatever you add needs to be done with care. Want to order custom made drapes and not blow the budget out of the water? Add an interlining, it will add fullness and luxury to your drapes, and change up the pleating instead of the same old pinch pleat try an Inverted pleat or Tuxedo pleat. And last but not least do away with the flat knife edged sides of your drapes. The softer the curve of the edge the more high-end it will look.
Chocolate and Blue
My Decorating Plan
www.mydecplan.com
805.933.0222
Still Love the Chocolate and Tiffany Blue Combo?
We do to! This color combination first came onto the market more than 10 years ago and is still going strong. Many analysts are shocked that this color scheme is still so popular, most color schemes go in and out of style every few years and the color blue seems to have the shortest shelf life. So to have a pair of colors last so long is wonderful. If you happened to have jumped on the band wagon and brought these colors into your home or are ready to start bringing these colors home, here are a few quick tips to reviving your home and making it seem new and fresh again.
The newest trend with the chocolate and blue combo is to add a pop of color. Throw a bright citrus, like orange or yellow into the mix and you will be amazed at the fresh new look it will give. Another idea is to add more color but in the same family. Use three types of blue that have the same tone but vary from dark to light. And last but not least mix patterns. Don’t feel locked into what you already have, be adventurous and add some throw pillows with a pattern or change out your drapes with a bold print that has similar colors as to what is already being used.
Renewable Flooring
My Decorating Plan
www.mydecplan.com
805.933.0222
Renewable flooring has been increasing in popularity year after year. Not necessarily because it will help the environment (that is an added bonus), but because it saves money. The newer eco-friendly floors out there are more durable, last longer and conserve energy better than anything else out there.
Cork flooring is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, thus the trees do not need to be cut down, and instead the bark is harvested making this a renewable resource. The advancements in cork flooring are amazing. They have a wide variety of colors and patterns now. Cork has acoustical properties as well as anti-microbial and insulation properties.
Ceramic tile and stone is inherently low in toxicity, is fire and water resistant, and provides easy maintenance. Most tiles are made of natural clays and minerals, which can be mined with a low impact to the environment. In addition to this many manufacturers are now using recycled materials in their tile products.
Hardwood flooring is and will be a traditional staple. To ensure its eco-friendliness there are now organizations that guarantee if a product is coming from a well managed forest. Look for the FSC certification. The Forest Steward Council is an independent, not-for-profit organization that promotes environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests.
Carpet is still the #1 flooring of choice and even that is going environmentally friendly, more and more places are recycling their carpets. They are also creating carpet with lower VOC’s. VOC stands for volatile organic compound, which is a toxin that releases into the air and creates poor air quality. When looking into carpet not only look for low VOC’s and recycled content but also look into the company’s policies and standards for their business. The carpet industry has a big impact on its environment.
Here is a quick qualification guideline for sustainable flooring you can ask when looking for your flooring.
1. Is it manufactured with high-recycled content?
2. Are materials and adhesives low VOC’s?
3. Is the product derived from rapidly renewable resources?
4. Is it made of natural nontoxic materials?
What to do with those blankets
My Decorating Plan
www.mydecplan.com
805.933.0222
Want to stay warm and cuddle up in a blanket but hate to leave it lying around? Try a tip from one of our clients. She bought an antique coat hanger and placed it in the living room where she can drape the blanket on it when she is done with it.
