Alternative locations to sale shopping

I may not be one for going shopping at the mad "before Christmas sales" but I do love the "after" Christmas sales. For some reason, the pressure is off, and I can actually start stocking up for gifts for next Christmas! I also love the offbeat stores where people don't always flock to like they do the big box stores. I have found some of my best Christmas treasures at grocery stores if you can believe that! I have this unbelievable three foot tall metal Santa adorned with big round old fashioned colored lights. I saw him at the local grocery store and watched for him to go on sale after Christmas. And voila! I scored Santa at a huge discount. I also got a set of wonderful fall colored stoneware dishes this way from my local grocery store. Often, chain grocery stores will contract with companies that make home products just for them-such as pillows, throws and dishes. They are my favorite dishes, and I watched them until the price dropped to well over half off.

Enjoy those sales!

Repurposing household items

Tweaking household items and using them for a purpose other than their intended one can be very creative! For instance, I love to collect old linens and table clothes. Flea markets and antique stores have a great assortment. I have used older white embroidered table clothes as a blanket on the end of a bed. The white is crisp and clean and great for layering (even in the winter). After Christmas you can often find great prices on table linens that aren't really specific to Christmas. After last years holiday I stocked up on pretty cranberry red table clothes from Target-they make wonderful gifts as a well as a nice throw on a couch during the holidays. Throw pillows and dining room chair covers can be found for 75% off or more after the holidays. So, stock up, and think about how you can re-purpose them!

I've used table clothes for curtain panels, as well as for a pretty shower curtain. And, shower curtains come in such a great variety now, they can also be used as easy, ready-to-hang window treatments, since the grommet holes are already there!

Is your home a winter or summer home?

Is your home a winter or summer home? What I mean is, does it really feel most comfortable in a certain season? I know mine does. When I have all my Christmas decorations out, my home really feels like it fits in well in the winter months. For instance, one of my favorite pieces of art on my wall is of a snowman my daughter painted (and won an award for!) as a kindergartner. I had it professionally framed, and yes, I do leave it up all year. (It goes well with my chocolate velvet chairs sitting below it) My cranberry red curtains and throw pillows come alive, too. Then, of course there are my yellow walls that seem to breathe in the other pretty colors of winter.

Design Philosophy

My design philosophy is to use and live in your space efficiently. To furnish it economically and to see the clients' personality come through with the design and ultimately the space.

Make It Easy

To me, a decorated home should look easy, the same as wearing clothes. I know if I spend too much time getting dressed or ready for the day I feel too "made up". The same goes for decorating. If I spend too much time making things precise, it looks too "made up". Perhaps that is why I'm not too symmetrical or matching when it comes to design. I really enjoy the look of a room when it's "layered" like clothes, and an easy, comfortable fit. It makes it more comfortable for friends and family. My favorite homes of clients are not the the homes that look like they could be out of a showroom, but those that look put together over time with comfort and thought in mind. Just like you can learn about someones personality by what they wear, you can also learn about someones personality by how their home is decorated.

Green tree

This year, I did something I thought I'd never do...I purchased a "faux" tree. We've always enjoyed going as a family to cut down a live tree in the past. They are always beautiful. But, lately I've been more concerned about all those trees that are being cut down each year and sadly discarded (hopefully they are being recycled after the holidays, though..)

I came across a beautiful faux tree at a local store. Even though it was 8-10 times more expensive there are many positive things about it. The leaves look very much like a real Douglas fir tree, honestly, it's hard to tell it's fake. It also came lighted with over 450 white lights. If one goes out, the strand still lights. The lights are very evenly distributed around the tree-and it looks beautiful when it's on. There is no watering, (hence, no needles falling on the floor) and, at the end of the season it can go in a box and be stored in the attic! This is definitely not the trees of 30 years ago! After the holidays, it might be worth looking for one, as they will be marked down significantly. I can honestly say this is a beautiful tree...

Have you ever been shopping and come across that perfect throw pillow, pair of lamps or rug that has the perfect colors in it? I know I have, and then I wonder-"Will that rug fit? Is the pillow the right color of red?" I now keep a notebook in my purse as well as a tape measure for this reason. Yes, usually you can return things if they aren't right once you get them home, but I always dread the time, energy and not to mention the gas that it takes to return things.

So, anything that I'm thinking about for my home or client, I keep a detailed list, and often a picture or fabric or paint sample. That way, instead of having to shop specifically for that item, I can now purchase it when I come across it. I have found many of my favorite items this way! Happy shopping!

Bring Nature in

I've written before about bringing nature indoors, especially during the holidays. One of my favorite (easy and no-cost!) is to cut twigs and arrange them in a glass vase. Adding cranberries in the bottom with some water will provide some color as well as nourishment for the twigs. In Better Homes and Gardens magazine I saw another way to do this. The twigs can be spray painted (a silver would be pretty) and then a clear coat of shellac can be applied for some shine. Add some glitter for the final touch!

A Fun Way to Hang Christmas Cards

During the holidays I really enjoy receiving (and of course mailing) Christmas cards. I've recently started including a silly poem that sums up our year to include with our Christmas picture. One year I had this great "tree" that was wire that held all the cards. It looked great, but the problem was whenever I added a new card, they would all fall out! So, in haste one year I sold it in our garage sale-some one was thrilled to buy it. I thought, yes, it's pretty, but just wait...

So, this year I'm hanging a long ribbon down my wall, and attaching the Christmas cards with a cute clip as they come in. They won't fall-yea! And, they'll be pretty and easy to see.

A little old, a little new

For me, designing a room is a process that evolves over time. As a designer, I really prefer a lived- in look that has taken time to come together. I have had clients with beautiful homes that I wonder why they need me to help them? The furnishings might be beautiful and the room in order, but what really gets me excited about design is helping a clients' room (or home) come together and reflect their personality. I love a little old, (actually I love that a lot) a little new, and a lot of personality!

For instance, I love the look of an older cherry Queen Anne table paired with mahogany school house chairs. Not a perfect match, but it looks great together and has evolved over time. I also think a little worn is ok! Yes, my tables may have scratches in them, my wool rugs might not have all of their loops looped, but to me, that's ok, because really, our homes are meant to be lived in. So, enjoy your home this holiday season, and here's hoping you'll be living in it a lot over the holidays!

Simple Changes

As the season changes to the colder winter weather, sometimes it's nice to make small changes to our home to make it feel more cozy and comfotable, but without a major overhaul. Here are a few ideas:

Add a new shower curtain in fall colors in your bathroom if your wall color allows it. For instance, I just changed our blue shower curtain to a 1960's-ish inspired leaf pattern with the golds, browns and yellows. It goes very well with my pale yellow walls, and with the new rug in the same colors, it gives the bathroom a new look.

Another quick update is to purchase new lampshades as long as you like the shape and style of your current lamp. A new lampshade can change the look-by being a different shape, color, or style.

A favorite of mine, and so simple is to bring in some new throw pillows or a seasonal throw. This is very easy to do especially if you have a neutral color couch to begin with.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! Enjoy the food, friends and ambiance! Our blog will be up and running again on a daily basis starting next week, as we've been upgrading our computers. Please visit us soon for new decorating ideas!

Decorate the Way you Love

The great thing about interior design is that it can be your design, you don't have to have someone Else's vision and inspiration. I know with my clients I like to lead them in the right direction, opening up sources and ideas for them, but essentially letting them be the decision makers.

Children's Art

I have a lot of clients who have an interest in hanging their children's art. I love this idea and am a big advocate of it! There is a wonderful company that can turn your children's artwork into a variety of products such as prints, cards, tote bags, water bottles, mouse pads, tiles, and many other items. Check out www.SilverGraphics.com for the opportunity to transform yours or your child's art into keepsakes.

Preserving Your Heirlooms

I recently had a client who had some family heirlooms that they wanted to preserve in some unique way. Some of the items were family pictures and war medals, unique serving utensils and some family jewelry. We made a series of shadow boxes and displayed these uniquely on the wall. She was so pleased with the results because she said she would have never imagined them displayed so beautifully. We also used a high museum quality glass to help cut down on glare and UV rays-thus helping to preserve the very old photos. Now, not only their family will enjoy them for years to come, but their friends as well!

America Recycles Day

November 15th is America Recycles Day, how do you plan to celebrate it? In design, I'm very interested in recycling and re-using older products in our new designs. So much so, that someday when we re-do our kitchen, I'd like to find a unique way to update my cabinets without replacing them.

Did you know that according to Family Circle magazine, 5.6 billion pounds is the estimated amount of carpet that will end up in landfills this year alone? Think about visiting www.carpetrecovery.org to find recycling centers in your area. When you purchase new carpet you can also inquire about the recycling content in the padding and carpet-as this concept is an eco-friendly one. Visit http://www.earth911.org/ for other information on recycling. Salvage stores and Architectural Salvage stores can be a great source of older, hard to find unique items for your home as well.

A few places I recommend for purchasing antique and restored items for your home project are;
http://www.marydavislighting.com/ for restored vintage lighting. Visit http://www.thesalvagestudio.com/ for unique items made from recycled products. And http://www.seattlebuildingsalvage.com/ for doors/hardware, architectural house parts, lighting and stained glass.

Rotate Your Art

Art can play a big part of decor-I know it does in my home. The great thing about art is that it doesn't have to be high end. Sometimes people tend to think that they can't afford art. But really, art can be anything you see as beautiful to your eye, no matter the price. I love art so much, that I have "art in waiting" meaning it's waiting for a open space to be hung! We suggest that you rotate your art with the seasons or just when the mood arises. I know I do this, because I have so many pieces that I just love. Also, not all framed art has to be hung on the wall. It can be "layered" on a mantle or against a wall for a gallery effect.

New Look for your Couch

I recently have had three different clients with whom we've done different things with each of their couches. The first client's couch was no longer the right color for their newly paint and accessorized room. The couch was in pretty good shape, but were just assuming that I was going to recommend we get them a new couch. The budget really would have been stretched had we chosen that option. Instead, they were delighted when I recommended that we purchase a very tailored slipcover from www.potterybarn.com. It is a neutral creme color and has crisp, tailored pleats along the bottom. This was a great fix for just over $100.00.

The second client had a pair of wonderful, traditional, high quality couches that were 20 years old. She custom selected a beautiful velvet to re-upholster both of the couches. Although the final cost was about the same or a bit more than purchasing two new high end couches, it was the right choice because these couches were made so well to begin with. And, what a beautiful result!

The third client just wanted to overhaul her living room space. She had grown tired of the floral patterned couch and was ready for something more contemporary and grown up. So, we started from scratch and shopped until we found the perfect leather couch for the space.

So, as you can see with my three clients that all had couch issues we three completely different things for each one. And, each solution was the right choice for the client.

Inspired by the Outdoors

I don't know about you, but I love the Fall. Here in the Northwest it is usually sunny and crisp and clear during the fall months. It's a time I always want to do a little something to change my decor. A lot of clients choose fall to paint the interiors of their home. Not sure where to start? Look outside for some inspiration. Bring in the colors of the outdoors right now like greens, browns, oranges, reds and yellows. Try www.devinecolor.com for wonderful palettes, with colors made especially for the Northwest. They have also newly introduced a Devine green line, which has a zero voc formula. Here's some great colors to try to try; Devine Hosta, Devine Cocoa, Devine Le Pot D'or, Devine Paprika and Devine Cream. If you're not ready to take on a paint project, you can also be inspired by those colors by bringing in accessories such as pillows, table runners, throws, and small area rugs.

Keep a House File

Are you planning on a remodel or a re-decorating project in your future? If so, you probably get a lot of inspiration from books, magazines and perhaps websites and blogs. I always encourage and appreciate when clients have pictures to show me. I did this the other day when I was working with our contractor on my home project. He appreciated that I showed him a picture of what I was envisioning. I encourage you to keep a "home file" of inspiring ideas, as well as a separate home file with colors, fabric samples, etc of items that you have selected for your home. That way, you always have it to refer to when you are adding pieces to your home.

Cabinet Re-do

Recently I wrote about a relatively easy way to update your kitchen cabinets by adding or changing out the knobs and drawer pulls, as well as updating your faucets. Many people would love new kitchen cabinets, but it may not be a priority budget wise. I'm am very much into the "green" and recycling mode and would rather find a way to enhance kitchen cabinets rather than replacing them. Painting is always an option, and I would recommend a glossy high enamel paint (used for boats and cars). This can be messy though, because it is oil based, but the outcome will last a very long time. Another option I just read about in Better Homes and Gardens is using a gel stain. Frames, doors and crown moulding can be lightly sanded and then the gel stain can be applied (try Bartley, which is ideal for vertical surfaces) with paper towels. Simply wipe off with a rag. It can change the look of your cabinets, using a realistic budget-which I am a fan of!

Custom Art

Have you ever wanted to try your hand at a custom piece of art? An idea is to purchase a canvas, for instance a large 48" * 36" or two 16" * 24". Prime the canvas with Gesso, and purchase a few tubes of acrylic paint. Flip through some art books or a magazine for inspiration. My daughter and I are inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe and her beautiful flowers. We did a project one Saturday (and we're not artists). We had a great time and we were very happy with our results. It's a fun project, and you might surprise yourself, and make it a focal point of your room!

Repositioning Antiques

I love antiques, and our home has a mix of antiques with some traditional furniture. It is possible to mix old with new, and that makes a room more personal rather than having a room that looks like a showroom. However, sometimes with antiques they just aren't as useful as more modern furniture. So, why not find another purpose, or reposition it somehow? We used to have a beautiful tall antique coat rack in the entry hall. It was beautiful, yes. But as kids grew a bit, and with lots of kids coming to the house, what we really needed was a coat rack and a place to sit down in the entry way. We moved the antique coat rack to a basement hall, which looks great there. Then, we brought in a bench as well as a coat rack/shelf to put above the bench. So, we're still using the antique rack, but in another area of our home.

Another antique item that is being used differently then it's intended purpose is a set of seven antique stained glass windows. I would love to have them as actual windows in our home, yes. But, what I did was hang each one on a wrought iron curtain rod in various places on our living room walls. They also draw your eye upward toward the vaulted ceiling. The windows really are the only piece of art we need there, as they are quite a focal point, and our butter yellow walls peak out from underneath.

Enjoy incorporating antiques into your home, they are timeless.

Great Design Reads

Friends and clients ask often what I'm reading. I am constantly flipping through design books and magazines, as well as reading some novels. Some of the magazines I just love are Western Interiors, Domino, House and Garden and Cottage Living. My weakness is design books of course. I'm intrigued with the idea of creating new from old, so a book I love is; Creating The New Old House by Russell Versaci. Building small is very interesting to me as well, and I enjoy the Cottage Home by Jim Tolpin. I recently finished reading House by Pulitzer Prize winning author Tracy Kidder. And, I just purchased The Builders Secret; Learning the Art of Living through the Art of Building by George Ehrenhaft. Enjoy some good reading!

Visual Clutter

With my home, I'm always looking at it with a designer's eye. Sometimes I wonder, "is there too much visual clutter?" With clients we are always careful as to not have too much "visual clutter", and I'm always refining that in my own home, too. What is it that you want to stand out in the room? Is it your artwork? A new rug? An eye popping new modern leather couch? Sometimes it helps to take away the items, or clear the room completely, and start from scratch. Often, I find that I love every object in the room, but sometimes they can be repositioned in another room, leaving the room cleaner in the end, so that it really shines.

Re-arrange Your Accessories

A quick way to change the look of a room is to re-arrange your accessories or your bookshelves. For instance, a client had a long and deep mantle that went the width of the family room, with book shelves on either side that flanked a fireplace. We cleared it off completely and went searching throughout the house for different accessories. Now, it has a completely different look and it was a no-cost project! We brought in an in-frequently used antique (becasue they didn't know where to put it) and made it the focal point of the room, as well as re-arranging the bookshelves.

What's fun about bookshelves is that they don't have to be just for books. Try putting some art pictures at the back of the shelves, or use baskets, glass bowls or hurricane bowls to show items collected. I also love to display pictures as well as my children's art on bookshelves.

Keep a list

Do you ever get to a store and come across something that would be perfect at your home? Here's what happens to me sometimes; I'll see that perfect rug, but I won't remember the size I need. Or, I'll see some wonderful throw pillows but I won't know if they're the right size or the perfect red I need. Of course you can always purchase it and return it, but I prefer to be more efficient, especially if you're farther away from home or on a trip. And with gas prices and time constaints, who has time to be returning things? So, I keep a small notebook in my purse, along with a small tape measure (a tape measure that attaches to a keyring are really handy). In the notebook I list everything that I might be looking for along with the sizes, colors, etc. That way, when that perfect item appears before us we can be sure to have a better fit. It still may need to be returned, but at least you're initially more likely to have it work.

Great sales right now

There are a lot of great sales right now, so it's a good time to get bargains on large ticket items like furniture and electronics. Retailers are bleak about the holiday shopping season coming up, so many of them are offering early shopping incentives. For instance some furniture stores are offering 25% and more off furniture. So, if your Christmas list includes some new furniture now might be the time to get it! Happy shopping!

Update your Kitchen on a budget

Everyone seems to have home renovation projects in mind, but we don't always have the money that allows us to do them. One room that is on many people's list for an update is the kitchen. I have big plans for our kitchen too, "someday". That someday couldn't come soon enough, but in the meantime, here are a couple of ideas that might get you started for not a lot of money.

Cabinets can be updated by replacing or adding knobs and drawer pulls. A lot of stores carry open stock so you can select the style and quantity very easily. Lowe's and Home Depot are good places, as well as Target and www.target.com. Also replacing the faucet can really update the kitchen for not a lot of money. So, until you can get to "the big project" why not start out small and have an instant update.

Elegant, Affordable Art

Want some elegant, affordable art? Here's an idea, purchase a picture book of a subject you're interested in- for example, botanical art or the Great Masters of Art. Cut the pictures out of the book at the spine, and take them into a frame shop to frame. I have done this in my office with botanical prints, and I framed them with the inexpensive glass frame less frames. This is an elegant look, and it also allows the prints to really be seen, since there is no frame around them, only glass. For inexpensive books try Half Price Books, or http://www.uppercasebooksandcollectables.com/. Uppercase Books is also having a sale the month of October-30%-70% off all books! Hey, at that price you could even pick some up for reading!

Great Lighting Sources

Changing out lights in your home can be a relatively a great way to update your home. For instance, want an upgrade your kitchen can lights? Try switching them out with old fashioned schoolhouse lights. Look for these at http://www.restorationhardware.com/. Other great sources are http://www.shadesoflight.com/ and http://www.lightinguniverse.com/. They have a wonderful selection of all kinds of lights, and a very detailed and organized websites. While you're at it, switch out your bulbs on your reading lamps for the 3-way bulbs that save energy!

Try some art!

My kids did an art project that hangs on my wall. I get a lot of compliments about it, and a friend recently said she'd like to make one. Why not, how doing a Fall art project to add to your walls, made by you. Personalized art can add a lot to a room, especially if the family can partake in it. Try a leaf rubbing by collecting leaves. We cut out 5" * 5" squares of tissue in assorted colors like red, blue, green and yellow. Then we took a black crayon and rubbed the leaves underneath it. Next, glue the tissue on in a random arrangement on white paper. We took ours into a frame shop to have it custom framed and matted. Try www.offsetcorner for your custom framing.

Try a little color this Fall

In the Northwest, people often say we're "light deficient" in the Fall and Winter months due to our grey, rainy winters. What better way to bring a little color to those gloomy months than painting your homes' interior? Try www.devinecolor.com for these fantastic yellows; Devine Cream, Devine Butter (yummy!) and Devine Manilla. Not a yellow person? How about Devine Lil'Melon (a fun orange) or painting an accent wall or Dining room a warm red like Devine Saffron.

Color is one of the best and least expensive ways to change the look of your home.

Try these places to shop

We all have our favorite places to shop. As a designer I have a lot of favorite places, and will share a couple with you. For great info on organizing tips, products and even custom organizing check out www.efficientorganization.wordpress.com and www.cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com In need of some custom framing, framing supplies or gifts? Check out www.offsetcorner.com The owner is having a fantastic sale; all pre-framed store art is 50% off. They feature floral, fishing, golf, animal and landscape framed art. Posters are $5.00-$15.00. "Oops" frames are $5.00-$35.00, most including glass and backing. They are also taking custom frame orders now through November 15th, before they close their doors for good. Please visit this fantastic store while there's till time!

Happy shopping!

Come on in!

What is the first impression guests get of you home? Well, of course the outside gives a first impression, but it's the front door as well as the entryway. Once inside the door, the entryway is the first glimpse of your home a visitor will see. It gives them a little insight as to what the rest of your home is like. Does it say "welcome!" or "go away!" Hopefully, it says "welcome, come in, enjoy". One way to welcome visitors is to paint your front door a wonderful, warm red. Try Benjamin Moore 'Rosy Apple' or Columbia Paint 'empower' red.

Once inside, there are many things you can do with the small entryway to make it accommodating. A bench and a shelf with hooks is a great place to take off shoes and hang coats. Not enough room? How about a small round table, console or even wall shelf hung low to drop keys and mail. If there is room, you could add a small scale chair.

Sometimes entryways are big, and can be more of a mud room. Try a stack of lockers for an urban twist. Sometimes these can be acquired through a school system that might be renovating. Also check out www.potterbarnteen.com

So, come in, and welcome!

Fall Decorating

Fall is upon us, and I know I'm always in the mood to bring some of the outdoors in while we still can during our crisp, fall weather! Decorating with pumpkins and gourds is fun because they can actually lead us into Thanksgiving as well. I love the small gourds you can pick up in a variety of shapes and sizes at markets. Stacking a bunch in a hurricane glass vase makes a great visual pop of color, and adds some interesting texture as well. It's also fun to line a table with small pumkins, or to use them as placecards at the table with you guests name on them.

Why should I hire a Designer?

Often people may hesitate when deciding whether or not to hire a designer. They think it will cost to much, be a hassle, etc. Actually, like a contractor can bring specialized workers to a project, designers can bring specialized products and services to you. Many times, designers can bring you products and knowledge that otherwise may not be available to the general public.

Designers may have great cost cutting ideas, and wonderful local shopping haunts as well. Now, what about the cost issue, you ask? Some designers charge an hourly rate for designing, shopping, and consulting. Also, they may mark up products or services they include in the project. Some designers only charge a mark up on products. At Distinctive Interior Designs we charge an hourly rate as well as a slight mark up on products. We feel this is the most fair, as we charge for our time, allowing for a smaller mark up on products. So, you know that the products we offer you are the best pricing possible.

What is important to us is that you love your new space! We work very hard to bring you the best products and services for the project. We also love sharing our ideas with you, often igniting an idea that you may have never considered, but ultimately love! Happy decorating!

Unique Framing

I often have clients ask me if when arranging artwork on a wall, do the frames need to match? This is a matter of opinion, and my opinion is no. I tend to stray away from "matchy-matchy" in my designs, so I prefer the uniqueness of frames being different. We currently are working on a wall for a client where we're framing multiple pieces of children's art. We did some matted, some not; they are mostly different sizes, and the frames range from a decorative gilded gold style, to a bronze colored frame. When they are finished, we will arrange them artfully on the feature wall. It definitely will be eye catching.

Decorating Economically

Currently I have a design project that has been a lot of fun. Essentially we have changed the look of the space mainly by using what they have and adding some accessories. For instance, we started out by adding some blinds and simple window treatments. These treatments were made from left over fabric from the re-upholstering of two chairs. We also re-arranged the open floor plan, and made the seating more cozy. A large rectangular rug was cut down and binded into a smaller, round rug. Fun, and different, since you don't see round rugs that often. We added some custom throw pillow and a tailored slipcover to the existing couch. (Much less expensive than purchasing a new couch).

We also did a wall featuring family photos on photo ledge shelves (check out www.potterybarn.com). Finally, we're finishing out the project by custom framing their children's art, and we'll feature these works of art on a prominent wall. This has been really exciting project, because I love utilizing what the client has. They have been so thrilled to re-use a lot of their items, but the room has an entirely "new" feel to it!

We're celebrating 13 years!

We are celebrating 13 years in the design business! Distinctive Designs got it's start by designing wine bags and marketing them to local wine shops. Little by little, we got requests for table linens, custom teacozy's, garden smocks and pillows. We marketed these to tea houses, gift shops, kitchen stores and home stores. Eventually, we switched over to interiors when the demand for custom window treatments grew big. We do primarily residential design and cover all areas from window treatments, color consultations, upholstery, room arrangement and shopping services. We serve a wide variety of clientele as well.

It's been an exciting 13 years and we look forward to many more years!

Is it Fall already?

I realize it's been awhile since I've written. Now that the hustle and bustle of the summer is over, and school is back in, I am going to write much more often to keep you up to date on what's new.

There is the crisp fall air outside, and that always brings out the nesting instinct in me. It's nice to get out those warm sweaters and Fall accessories. One thing I do change with the seasons is to change my slipcover on my living room couch from a creme cotton waffle weave to a creme damask chenille. While it's still the same color, there is something about it that says "sit down, grab a magazine and settle in". I also like to change out the pillows to a persimmon red, it's very cozy and comforting.

Speaking of magazines, I always have people ask me what I like. One of my favorites is Domino. I read it cover to cover, and love how they feature different types of homes and how they are decorated. To me, it's like real life decorating. The designs look comfortable and lived in. They also feature great websites to check out like My Deco File at www.Dominomag.com. You can gather all of your finds in one spot.

Enjoy!

Spring time is great for painting!

Spring time is a great time to paint both the inside and outside of your home. I often get asked about low VOC paints. What are those, you ask? That means the paint is low in volatile organic compounds, and thus better for your home and the environment. There are many paints that offer this. Devine paint, (one of my favorites!) Yolo Colorhouse and Benjamin Moore Aura paint are a few.

Devine paint offers packets as well as 8.5"*11" swatches for about $2.00 each. Benjamin Moore sells small sample bottle to "try on" your color selections. I always recommend painting a small patch on your walls and view it over a period of days, to see how it looks in the different lights of day. It's better to "try on" a small patch before painting the entire room-as this will save time, money and that oh so precious energy!

Invest in Your Home

This is a volitile time in the housing market and with the threat of a recession on the horizon, this is a wonderful time to stay put and invest in your home. We're finding that with many of our clients at this time. They are deciding to stay put, and upgrade their homes. We're doing a variety of things from elaborate window designs, to sumptuous bedrooms. It's a time to find comfort in your home, and that is what we always recommend-your home should be a reflection of you and should provide all the comforts to make it your own special oasis. That can be accomplished by other ways as well, new paint in fresh, lovely colors is a relatively inexpensive way to really change the look of your home. Re-arranging the furniture to reflect the immediate needs of your family is another great way. For instance, a dining room doesn't have to be used as a dining room. Maybe it would serve better to be an office or library. Or the seldom used "formal living room" that you have only because you grew up with one? Why not use that part of your home for everyday living? Re-arrange that to be your actual "living room" and really live in it. We recommend using more of your home's square footage to actaully live in on a daily basis, rather than for those once a year family get-togethers. So, in doing changes like these, you are invsting in your home and making it yours! Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! The gifts and Christmas decor are put away for another year, and now it's time to organize, and sometimes we get the itch to upgrade or redecorate. Well, Distinctive Designs has been busy doing some upgrading and redecorating as well....check out our new website at www.distinctiveinteriordesigns.net. On it you will find services we offer, a bit about our history, some client projects and links. One link is to this blog! Continue checking it out occasionally and you can read about interesting design ideas, shopping recommendations and some great additional design tips.

One November 1, 2007, we were proud to be featured in the Everett, WA newspapers' Home and Garden section. It showed photos of color and curtain designs of two past clients. You can view it at http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20071101/LIVING03/711010021. We were thrilled to get the press!

Design Dilemma:
"I have an old chair I love, should I buy a new one, or reupholster it?" I get asked this question a lot. Often, with fabric and reupholstery, it can cost as much as purchasing a new chair. However, if the chair is well made, an antique of family heirloom with good bones, then it is well worth the money to have it reupholstered. We can bring you the fabric, and take the chair for you to be finished to your "custom" standards. Sometimes, it is better to purchase new, and we can help you with that by guiding you to a store or catalog, or we can go shopping with you of for you!