Decorating Tips

Wallcoverings

2010-02-24T11:51:00.001-08:00

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Wallcoverings. What a scary idea. We have all seen the horrid wallpapers from past generations and many of you have probably attempted to remove these “decorative” touches only to find the removal to be even worse than the paper itself. Well there is light at the end of that tunnel. Today’s “wallcoverings” (wallpaper is out) have much more to offer than crazy floral prints. They have faux finishes to look like Venetian plaster, Swarovski crystals, easy to remove adhesives, and the list goes on.
Wallcoverings can serve many design purposes now. You can use it for accent walls, architectural elements, artwork, creating focal points, and more. Think of wallcoverings as another design element that is an inexpensive way to really transform a room. Mixing painted walls with wallcoverings will add a visual interest you can’t achieve with just paint.
One inexpensive and dramatic change would be to use a printed wallcovering on the fireplace. This adds a new element of design that is fresh and can even take the place of hanging a mirror or artwork over the mantel.
Another idea is to use a wallcovering with movement and a pop of color for an accent wall. You will get the wow! look you wouldn’t get with just paint.
Another place wallcoverings can really make an impact is on architectural elements. Try a pattern that will grab ones attention and put it on an architectural detail like an archway to really emphasize the character of your home.
Wallpaper can be very scary but Wallcoverings can be spectacular and really have that huge bang for your buck.

How to Make Your Old Holiday Decor Look New

2009-12-18T11:10:00.002-08:00

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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

2009-12-18T11:10:00.001-08:00

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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

2009-12-18T11:09:00.000-08:00

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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

2009-12-18T11:07:00.000-08:00

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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

2009-12-18T10:58:00.000-08:00

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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.

An Adventure - Trends and Colors for 2010

2009-10-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

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Are you ready for the new trends and colors for 2010? Well, get ready! The 2010 color palettes are going to be taking us on an adventure...from the roots of Africa, to our treasured past, to a simpler life and then to a leap back in time to the 1960's.

Our first stop is Africa. It’s human instinct to seek the safety of the tribe. In today’s complicated world there is something deeply satisfying about re-exploring the world’s oldest, most enduring cultures. In pursuit of this heritage, African and Native American influences are back. You will start seeing more animal prints being used, as well as natural materials. The colors themselves will be rich and earthy with a hint of mystery. This color palette will consist of ocean blues, clay reds, earthy browns and golds and sandy grays.

Our second stop is our treasured past. In today’s society we are more aware of what we already have and we are valuing it more than ever before. We are now making savvy, resourceful use of what we have and discovering untold stories in exposed, painted layers. We will cherish flea market finds to rustic artisan-made pieces. The flaws and imperfections in older pieces now are looked upon as character and history. The new color palette reflects this in historical colors of creams, subtle greens, soft grey blues, rich browns and pale golds.

A simpler life has become a highly sought after luxury in this increasingly complex world. This is an enduring trend, as we choose to use clean lines and simple shapes. Now color is following in those footsteps. The hues are calm, subtle and nuanced, with undertones that shift according to the surroundings for easy versatility. This color palette is full of soft soothing colors of whites, grays and browns and gold.

And now our big leap back in time to the 1960’s. Tropical blooms. Sunny days. Playful exploration. It’s time to take a vacation and let our cares melt away. Happy spaces are here again - bringing fresh florals, bright juicy colors and exuberant combinations. It’s the kaleidoscopic spirit of the 60’s married to the jewel tones of the 80’s, but with a global twist. A mouthful, I know, but truly an inspiring and refreshing take on color. With bright yellows, oranges, corals, greens, blues, and violets this color palette will certainly wake us up and put smiles on our faces.

2010 - very exciting. These new color palettes are fresh and comforting to our senses, and will soon be seen in home decor throughout the stores. So be ready for your new world of color!

Freshen an Old Treatment with a New Idea

2009-08-24T13:13:00.003-07:00

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Try using decorative drapery rings, they can be bold and dramatic and give your old treatment a face-lift.

Try a New Twist

2009-08-24T13:13:00.001-07:00

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Want a new twist to hanging your draperies? Try ceiling mount curtain rods. The eye will be drawn up, which will lengthen your windows and add height to your ceiling.

Be Energy Smart

2009-08-24T13:12:00.002-07:00

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Honeycomb shades are one of the most energy efficient treatments on the market. They will keep the exterior elements hot/cold from getting in and keep the interior elements hot/cold in.

Bold Prints Are In

2009-08-24T13:12:00.001-07:00

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Don’t be afraid of bold prints, windows are a great place to use a large bold print, bright florals and stripes are a growing trend adding a fun trendy vibe.

Spruce Up Your Mini-Blinds

2009-08-24T13:11:00.004-07:00

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Tired of your mini blinds? Try adding a velvet banding or ladder tape to cover the strings and holes.

Time to Go Natural

2009-08-24T13:11:00.003-07:00

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Hardware has been dominated by metallics and sparkle for a while now, but the natural look is the new trend, such as wood, bamboo and other natural materials.

Telescope vs. Solid

2009-08-24T13:11:00.001-07:00

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When shopping for hardware try to find rods that are not telescoping but instead a solid piece, this adds a more custom look and feel.

Hardware Rod Selection

2009-08-24T13:10:00.002-07:00

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When selecting hardware take into consideration the width and length of the treatment, very rarely would you want to use a rod that is less than 2 inches in diameter. It can look flimsy and cheap if you use the stock size of 1” to 1”3/8”.

Cleaning Your Roman Shades

2009-08-24T13:10:00.001-07:00

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To clean Roman shades try vacuuming with a brush attachment or using a duster.

Customize Your Store Bought Shades

2009-08-24T13:09:00.002-07:00

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If buying store made shades try adding a contrasting border to make it look more custom and unique.

Don't Forget About the Lining

2009-08-24T13:09:00.001-07:00

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If shopping for store made drapery panels or valances, be sure they are lined. It adds a uniform look from the exterior and gives it a higher quality look.

Make Small Spaces Feel Larger

2009-08-24T13:08:00.002-07:00

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If you want your room to appear bigger, keep the window treatments simple, the fewer layers the better.

Cleaning Your Woven Woods

2009-08-24T13:08:00.001-07:00

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To clean Woven Wood Shades, try to regularly open and close the shade, this helps remove loose dust and then use a duster to remove the rest of the dust when needed.

Cleaning Your Existing Drapes

2009-08-24T13:07:00.002-07:00

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Never wash your draperies by hand (includes washing machine). Try carefully and lightly vacuuming them with a brush attachment. Try this twice a year and have them professionally cleaned every 3-5 years.

5 Important Factors

2009-08-24T13:07:00.001-07:00

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When deciding on a treatment, take into consideration these five very important factors: Privacy, Light, Control, Function and Style.

Mix Patterns and Colors

2009-08-24T13:06:00.002-07:00

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Mix patterns and colors to add life and uniqueness. Trims, borders, and contrast linings are great ways to do this.

Add a Custom Look to Store Bought Drapes

2009-08-24T13:06:00.001-07:00

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If you have store bought drapery panels, but want the custom look try adding a contrasting bottom. This lengthens them and adds a custom look.

Puddling Drapes

2009-08-24T13:05:00.002-07:00

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Sometimes more is better, try adding length to draperies and let them puddle on the floor.