Monday, November 30, 2009

Giving Thanks All Year Long

As Thanksgiving was celebrated last weekend, it reminds me to be thankful all year long and to remember to say it often. In my business, I'm trying to remember to send not just thank you notes to clients, but remembering to send a card about something good that may have happened to a friend, client or colleague.

In today's economy, it is important to give thanks-really thanking others-all year long!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

All Good Rooms Take Time

All good rooms take time to decorate, it doesn't have to be done all at once! A common question I get is "Can you mix the woods in your home?" Absolutely! A mix of woods is wonderful, and keeps the room from feeling too matchy. In my home I have a varied grain laminate floor (which I LOVE!) mixed in with antiques and newer pieces. It gives the room a warm feel, as though it's been decorated over time.

Don't forget to add personal items to your decor. I love to include pieces from my travels, even simple things such as pine cones, shells and corks can be displayed beautifully in hurricane vases and help to tell a story. Don't forget pictures, they help to tell that story too!

Happy Decorating!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Add a little spice!

I was driving the other day and was noticing, along with my 9 year old daughter, how beautiful the trees are right now! The colors are truly inspiring-the golds, reds, oranges, and various shades of green.

Let these colors inspire you for your fall decorating! All of these colors, with the exception of green, are very warm and comforting. Green is cool and calming...

A little pop of color by adding some new throw pillows, a throw or some new place mats or a tablecloth can go a long way in adding a little spice to your home!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Our 14th Anniversary this Month!

We are celebrating our 14th Anniversary in the design industry this month! Now that vacations are done, school is back in, we can once again focus on our homes! We are really thrilled to be offering a variety of classes with our Professional Organizing Partner, Monika Kristofferson of Efficient Organization.

WE ARE EXCITED TO TEACH THE FOLLOWING CLASSES!


Lake Stevens School District Pre-Register 425-335-1500 www.lkstevens.wednet.edu

Sept. 29 Declutter and Decorate, Live in Your Space, Love your Space!
Oct. 13 Organize Your Family and Relieve Stress
Oct. 15 The Art of Hanging Art
Oct. 27 Earth Friendly Home Organizing and Interior Design
Nov. 10 Color! Color! Color!
Nov. 17 Design and Organize Your Kitchen for Beauty and Efficiency


Marysville Parks & Recreation Pre-Register 360-363-8400 www.marysvillewa.gov

Sept. 26 Organize Your Family and Relieve Stress
Oct. 8 Declutter and Decorate, Live in Your Space, Love Your Space!
Nov. 12 Beat Holiday Stress through Organization

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Hang 'em Out to Dry

A few years ago I surprised my husband with the gift of an outside clothes line for Fathers Day. He is a practical kind of guy, and even though I knew I'd be the one using it mostly, (because the clothes have to be "hung just so") -especially to avoid ironing- he loved the gift! He is mainly responsible for putting it out each summer for me, in it's hole in the backyard.

I remember growing up with a clothes line in our 100 year old house. It fit that era and especially the old home. Did I really want this now? And where to put it out of site of the neighbors and the street? (My unmentionables couldn't be in site, of course!)

Well, I have completely embraced the idea, and get a kick out of trying to do my part for the environment, and saving a bit on our gas bill as well. In fact, I was sad when we recently had a week of rain here in the Northwest. I was secretly mourning having to use my dryer and couldn't wait for the warm weather to return. Now that it's sunny and warm again, I figure I have a good two months left to "hang 'em out to dry".

I find something really calming about the process of hanging out the clothes. And the smell! I love the fresh smell when I neatly fold my clothes up when they're dry and "crispy".

I secretly think my friends are envious that I do this-as many of them say "that is so great your doing that". So, why not follow suit?

Then, at the end of the season, my husband will fold it up and store it for the winter until next years unveiling!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Panel of Experts Class

Come join us and our home experts team for an evening of home talk and refreshments! Have your burning home improvement questions answered by:

*Interior Designer, Kelly DuByne, Distinctive Interior Designs
*Professional Organizer, Monika Kristofferson, Efficient Organization
*Handyman, Kory Hauff, JK Property Services

Learn the "Top 3 Favorite Home Improvement Secrets" from each expert!

Date: July 16, 2009
Time: 6-8pm
Investment: $10.00, includes light refreshments and goodie bag!

Location: Uppercase Books Meeting Room
611 2nd Street, Suite L
Snohomish, WA 98290

Bring your design, organizing and home repair questions for an open Q & AS forum and bring photos of your problem areas to ask the experts individually.

Seating is limited, please call Distinctive Interior Designs to register at 425 238-3678

We'd love to share this evening with you!
Cheers!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

I often have clients who want to purchase furniture on their own, but they aren't sure where to start. They have questions on how large the couch should be, how many chairs will fit in, what if they buy too much furniture to fit in, etc.

Here's what we recommend for our clients. We will come out to measure their room (s) and then draw it up on graph paper. Then, we will arrange different room arrangements featuring an assortment of furniture shapes and sizes.

The client gets a feel for how they'd like the room to look, and then they are armed to go into the stores knowing they are looking for a 72"couch and two side chairs, etc.

You can do this yourself as well. Measure your rooms length and width and graph it out on graph paper. (You can have each square on the graph paper represent one foot). Then, look up some furniture on line (try http://www.roomandboard.com) (this is a really great furniture website) and note the sizes and even styles of furniture you like. You can make your furniture samples on graph paper and then arrange it on your floor plan.

It's a great tool for visualizing your space and knowing what can fit. That way, you are getting the right amount of furniture-the best bang for your buck!

Monday, May 25, 2009

It's All in the Balance of Things


As a designer, I'm constantly learning about my design preferences, and they are always changing and being fine tuned! One thing I know is that I really prefer balance over symmetry. Balance is when two or more items are the same height or size. Take a look at the picture on the right-the olive tree and the lamp or balanced-they are of the same height.
Symmetry is when things are the same exact pieces-where it matches on both sides. If for instance the picture had two olive trees or two lamps, then that would be symmetrical.
I like design to look like it wasn't' too hard to achieve. I think that's why I prefer balance over symmetry. It just looks like it wasn't too difficult or fussy, but it still makes sense to the eye. Balance is very comforting, where symmetry can be a bit overbearing or stiff.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Be good to the earth

I have always had an interest in being as good to the earth as I possibly can. Recently, I've made some changes to be even better, I'm trying hard to shop locally. I mean really locally, as in my small town I live in. Now, it's not that I won't travel out of the area or do without, but this economy has really made me think about how we can all help to keep the stores that we love open. Shop there!

Our small town has had a rash of businesses close, from a small family owned bookstore (that I miss so much!), the closure of a wonderful consignment store, to a larger regional big box store closing. Our bank has even been bought out by a national one!

So, in this effort here are some changes I've made recently to keep my dollars local. I've recently decided to get my haircut locally by a friend. I was very attached to the gal who has cut it for years, but I was travelling 40 miles round trip and about three hours of my time. So, now I'll go to a friends' who is one minute away! My daughter and I can even ride our bikes there!

I've also recently changed banks in an effort to keep the dollars local, so to speak! I also try to save up my errands, rather than doing one here, one there. It saves on gas and money.

It's our fourth year of having our own vegetable garden. It's very relaxing to work in the garden, and it teachers good lessons to our children, who help out here and there! They've even entered the garden in a local garden contest twice! We're all new gardeners, but we're trying to instill in our children that you can do what you set out to do! And they even won in the garden show twice!

I've also decide to go to the grocery store only once a week. I shop by my list which I've made from my menu for the week. My menu often consists of what ads I find in the grocery store paper. If we run out of something (well, milk we will get) then we just live with out it until I do the next weeks shopping. As I"ve often found that if I run to the store for one item, I usually end up with much more (especially if my son or daughter are with me!)

What does this all have to do with a interior design blog you ask? Well, plenty. All of these things are good for the earth, and our home. I also do a lot of design shopping locally at our Target (www.target.com) store, and find myself sending a lot of client that way, too. They have a wonderful selection of home decor furniture and accessories, and fabulous sales too!

So, at the end of the day, I'm feeling good about these small changes I'm making to make life easier and simpler and keeping our dollars locally. It adds up when so many people are doing the same!

So, here's to being good to the earth! A bit late for Earth Day, yes,....but Earth Day should be 365 days a year!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Mirror, Mirror.....

I recently bought a beautiful book titled Mirrors by Cheryl Jeffrey Katz to add to my ever growing collection of interior design books. I recenlty picked up a gilded mirror that is lovely set on my mantle, and so pretty with the gold and hints of red paint!

Mirrors are used in decorating in a variety of ways. One of the most common "tricks" is to use a mirror to create an illusion. A mirror can make an illusion of a larger space; try placing one at the end of a hall to give the appearance of an elongated space.

Often mirrors are hung horizontally, but, according to author Cheryl Katz, hanging it vertically will "echo a rooms high ceiling."

I have a client who we recently encouraged to place her large mirror opposite her beautiful window that looks out onto a pond. This will reflect the beautiful landscape, making the room seem larger, as well as bringing additional light from the reflection of the pond.

Mirrors can be framed in a variety of ways. If you have a good framer you can have one custom made to your tastes. According to a recent article about mirrors in the Everett Herald, writer Kim Cook says "a mirror clad in a pretty or unusual frame will enliven the most basic room."

For a different take on mirrors try a mirrored dresser for a glamorous, elegant addition to a bedroom or hallway. Check out www.ballarddesigns.com for mirrored dressers as well as a nice selection of mirrors.

Friday, April 17, 2009

An Idea for Less

Often with my design clients I love to think of a solution to a problem that might be a cost savings alternative or a different idea than the norm. Recently we've been coming up with some ideas for an entryway to store coats and items, but it is a skinny hallway, so it doesn't allow for any ting too deep on the walls.

Picture ledges that are 4" deep that I love to cluster on a wall (found at Pottery Barn for example) would work perfect for this dilemma. I suggested we hang one up about 6' high, and then hang a series of unique coat hooks underneath. Artwork can be placed on the ledge and easily changed. The only drawback is that you cannot accommodate baskets like in a wider hall shelf. But, it is a great solution for that skinny hallway. Check out www.potterybarn.com for some great ledges, and try this in your hallway!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

See Vern Yip from HGTV

If you live in the Seattle area the public is invited to see Vern Yip from HGTV, host of Deserving Design. You can join him to see the latest in home furnishings, design and ask him questions! The date of the event is Saturday, April 25th from 10:00am-4:00pm. Tickets are $10.00. Check out www.seattledesigncenter.com for more information.

Enjoy!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

A Wonderful Sale

One of my favorite showrooms at the Seattle Design Center is unfortunately going out of business. They are having a sale open to the public this Saturday, April 18th from 9-3 pm. This is a lovely showroom with very high-end furniture. Many items are on sale for 80% off of retail prices. Check out www.rosebankdesign.com for more information. All items purchased that day need to be removed that day as well.

This would be a wonderful opportunity to purchase some lovely furniture and unprecedented prices.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Design Event Was Fabulous!

We recently had a design seminar at Faded Elegance in Snohomish, WA with the owner Kimberly McIlrath. What a fun night it was! There was yummy food and a great group of gals to share the evening with.

Kimberly talked about her favorite finds, and I discussed three vignettes from bringing the garden in, to lighting and decorating Paris Salon style. It was a lot of fun! Check out http://www.fadedelegancestyle.blogspot.com/ for pictures!

Friday, March 27, 2009

What is an inexpensive way to change the look of a room?

I often get asked this question, "What is an inexpensive way to change the look of a room?" One way is color color color! Add one or two colors for the cost of a couple gallons of paint, and the room can be dramatically different. Rearranging the furniture and adding some accessories is another great way to make a quick change. I also love the idea of grouping some art together on a wall, such a birds or flowers. One easy way to do this is to take out beautiful pictures from a book and frame them with found frames (they don't have to match) or simple glass frames found at the craft store.

There really are easy and inexpensive ways to change the look of a room!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Faded Elegance Seminar

Join me at Faded Elegance Home Decor store in downtown Snohomish, WA on Thursday evening, March 26th from 6-9pm. We will be discussing how to obtain the latest design trends through accessories and color, and on a budget! Bring your questions or even a picture of your problem area and we'll help you solve your decorating dilemma.

Also, enter to win an in home color consultation and a $100.00 Faded Elegance Gift Certificate. Receive a $10.00 gift certificate towards your purchase that evening. Enjoy refreshments along with a fabulous gift bag of goodies, as well as after-hours VIP shopping.

Seating is limited. Call Faded Elegance to reserve your spot at 360 568-5333. Fee $10.00, in advance.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Entryway idea

I live in the Northwest where it rains a lot. Often people here take their shoes off do to our muddy feet. Have you ever searched for the perfect entryway rug like I have? I looked and looked once and did find one I'm still happy with. I have wood entryway floors, so it was more than just a pretty accessory, it was necessary.

A great idea is to use an indoor/outdoor rug. They are so much more stylish than the 'green golf tee' rug that was popular when I was growing up! A stylish indoor/outdoor rug is a great solution, because it is easy to clean. Most often, it can be hosed down with a mild soap and left out to dry relatively quickly.

I have had clients who have beautiful Persian rugs in their entry ways, and all I want to do is step around it! The fear of getting it dirty....

Check out www. ballarddesigns.com for some great indoor/outdoor rugs.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Color! Color! Color!

This is a wonderful time to add a little color to you life! It is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to change the look for your home. If you live in the Northwest like I do, there is no better time or place to add some color to our gray days! Check out the wonderful line of Devine paint (originally made especially for the northwest) at www.devinecolor.com and add some color to you life today!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Decorative Pillows




A simple way to add a touch of drama, color or change to a space is by adding some decorative pillows. This can be done easily by purchasing a variety from a local decor store (one of my favorites is TJ Max) or to have some custom made. Most of these were custom made for the client, with a mix of store bought ones. Instant drama!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Budget Makeover

We were featured in the Everett Herald a couple of weeks ago, check out the article at
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090205/LIVING03/702059932 The article is about a clients home where we did the space on a budget re-using many of their own items, but making many changes to the space! Enjoy!

Monday, February 16, 2009

Add Some Architectural Details

Many of the newer built homes don't have the attention to detail that older homes have, meaning they don't have the "architectural details" of homes of the past. This can be accomplished by installing crown moulding, chair rails, bead board, larger baseboards; anything like that adds character and detail.

I live in a newer home, but I am really drawn to older things such as antique furniture and old homes. So, instead of living in an old home, I have chosen to be creative in my new home. I have antique furniture (some are family pieces, some items were acquired through garage sales). This picture shows an old stained glass window, so I added detail with this. I placed five of them at different heights in my living room that has vaulted ceilings. It adds some detail and sense of "old" to my new home. The best thing is-I can take it with me when I move!

Items like this can be found at antique stores, thrift stores and re-use stores. Finding these wonderful items is a lot of fun!

Friday, February 13, 2009

Organizing a Bookshelf

I love bookshelves, they bring order and sometimes drama to a room. And they aren't just for books! Sometimes clients get overwhelmed with how to arrange the small accessory items or how books should be arranged (by height? by color?).

The first thing I recommend is to completely empty out the shelf and start fresh. Determine what things stay and what goes, and if there are other items from your space that you'd like to display then bring those out at this time as well.

The final look should showcase your books and accessories and be restful on the eye. There are many ways to arrange books; by color, size, type, etc. I unusually arrange by the type of book first, (gardening books in one area, for example) and within that I'll arrange by size. For pops of color I will stack a grouping of red books horizontally and place an interesting accessory on top.

I like to alternate books with accessories or pictures and play around with it until the "balance" looks right. In the end, your shelves should have an organized, balance feel, and feel cohesive to the eye.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

What to do with a Long , Dull Wall

Color is a big thing right now. It is a wonderful way to change the look and feel of a room for not a lot of money or time. Sometimes clients ask me what I would recommend to do with a long, dull wall. This client had a 30'long wall! Wow!

They really weren't interested in displaying a collection of art, so we painted it a beautiful calm salmon color that really is treated like a neutral-as most anything goes with it. Then, we added architectural detail by framing out three large rectangles with a crisp, white moulding. This helps to draw your eye down the length of the wall, and becomes a focal point, nothing else is needed.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

An Alternative to New Furniture

I often have clients who want a new couch or chair and aren't sure if they should re-upholster or purchase a new piece. I have some criteria for this; If the piece is built well, (it has "good bones") like so many of the older pieces..than that is a great candidate. Also, if it's a family heirloom, like this clients' chair to the right, than often it can be brought back to life with new foam, new springs and of course new fabric!

Fabric comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and can be customized to your specifications. You will also need a good reliable upholsterer.

Bear in mind that reupholstering can cost as much as buying new, but if it fits the criteria than it is well worth the cost, and hopefully you'll enjoy it for years to come!

Monday, February 2, 2009

Shopping Made Easy

Do you ever have difficulty shopping for that one particular home decor item? I find that many of my clients get stuck and can't figure out how to bring home that perfect lamp or rug. I have a philosophy that can help make it an easier process.

Recently I was shopping for a new rug for my home. I had brought home two rugs that weren't right. I probably could have eliminated them at the store, but sometimes you just have to try it out in the space before you can decide. I finally found the perfect one recently as I happened to be walking by it in the store, not even thinking about looking for the rug. That seems to happen, "when you least expect it" as they say.

This time I knew it was right. How did I know? It fit my new found shopping criteria; now I ask myself these four questions;

1. Is it the right size?
2. Is it the right shape?
3. Is it the right color(s)
4. Is it in your price range?

This rug for me fit the bill on site, and I knew it was the right rug even before I got home. The answers to all four of my questions were yes! So, I knew I had it right. Sure enough, when I got home and unrolled the carpet, my family all agreed it was the perfect fit! Yea! Job accomplished! This form of questioning can be applied to all home decor items, by the way, not just rugs.

Happy shopping!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Queen Elizabeth Woven Cotton Bedspread for Your Interior Design



This Queen Elizabeth Woven Cotton Bedspread is incredibly luxurious bedding for your home's interior design, yet completely easy care. Wonderfully thick, and deeply textured with a center medallion and knotted fringed trim for a classic finish. Available Colors: (01) Beige (shown), (00) White, (72) Silver Green, (60) Sky Blue, (52) Lilac, (77) Woodland Green, (65) Colonial Blueor (47) Brick 100% cotton Machine wash and dry Imported. You can get it easily in this shop.

You can get easy the Queen Elizabeth Woven Cotton Bedspread in this shop, not only that special edition of interior design, in this shop, you can find about 94,788 matches of many bedding, waw...and its really easy, because you can shop online from your home directly.

When you shopping the bedding for your home interior design in this shop, you'll find great deals on all the products they're famous for and thousands of items available for in-store pickup. It's easy to shop at this shop.

With shopping the the bedding for your home interior design which online in this shop that offers lots of benefits that you won't find shopping in a store or by mail. The Internet is always open — seven days a week, 24 hours a day — and bargains can be numerous online. With a click of a mouse, you can buy anything to satisfy your hobby and your needs.You can buy anything to make your home more beautiful and luxurious, Its all available here, and it's really easy and fast. Wont waste your time.

In this shop you can buy not only bedding for your home interior design, because shop.com offer products like clothing too ( women's, men's, boy's, girl's, and accessories ), shoes, electronic, home, beauty, and many more products, you will enjoy your time for shopping in shop.com. Trust me, its really satisfying.
And, in this chance, I will share about the precious information from shop.com,...Guess, whats that?! Yess, there is a big sale, especially in Home Interior Products...WOW

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Shopping Decorative Accents for Your Home's Interior Design


In this time, I will introduce you the Wall Pops for your Home Interior Design. Its really easy, new way to wake up your walls! These colorful, peel-and-stick graphic elements are totally repositionable and removable, and won't leave sticky residue on the wall. Choose from a 5-pack of circles, a 5-pack of squares or a wall border to mix or match. Pssst, you can get it easily in shop.com.

About Wall Pops, you can easily cut them to the desired size and shape with scissors to fit the space or express your creativity. Its really perfect idea to make your interior design more modern and up to date!
  • Vinyl on paper with adhesive backing.
  • Available color/pattern: (35) Totally Orange, (52) Purple Perk, (73) Stylin' Green,
    (69) Rainy Day Navy, (42) Bubble Gum Pink, (04) Lots of Dots Pink, (06) Lots of Dots Blue,
    (05) Ribbon Candy Purple, (03) Go Retro Pink or (13) Go Retro Orange
  • Wipe-clean
  • USA

You can get easy the Wall Pops in this shop, not only that special edition of interior design, in shop.com, you can find about 272,490 matches of many decorative accents, waw...and its really easy, because you can shop online from your home directly.

When you shopping the decorative accents for your home interior design in shop.com, you'll find great deals on all the products they're famous for and thousands of items available for in-store pickup. It's easy to shop at shop.com.

With shopping the the decorative accents for your home interior design which online in this shop that offers lots of benefits that you won't find shopping in a store or by mail. The Internet is always open — seven days a week, 24 hours a day — and bargains can be numerous online. With a click of a mouse, you can buy anything to satisfy your hobby and your needs.You can buy anything to make your home more beautiful and luxurious, Its all available here, and it's really easy and fast. Wont waste your time.

In this shop you can buy not only Wall Pops for your home interior design, because shop.com offer products like clothing too ( women's, men's, boy's, girl's, and accessories ), shoes, electronic, home, beauty, and many more products, you will enjoy your time for shopping in shop.com. Trust me, its really satisfying.
And, in this chance, I will share about the precious information from shop.com,...Guess, whats that?! Yess, there is a big sale, especially in Home Interior Products...WOW

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Custom Pillows

One for my favorite finishing touches is adding custom pillows to a project. This is often done during the phase of curtain/upholstery and other soft goods design. Sometimes I do the pillow design upon completion of the fabric treatments, and will incorporate new fabrics as well, so as not to have things be too "matchy". A custom pillow can add a hint of glitz and glamour that can't always be found in a store bought pillows. Although there are some beautiful store bought pillows, often we can add the special touch of cording, fringe or a unique design.


Thursday, January 15, 2009

Great Sale

There is a wonderful sale coming up at a very nice home interiors store in Snohomish, Wa. Check out Kusler's Friday, January 16th-21st for savings of 30-60% off on furniture, lamps, rugs, home decor, candles and more. You can also check them out on www.kuslers.com

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Color Rules?

I had a friend who I complemented on her cute brown outfit. I told her I love brown, and wear the color and decorate with it too! She said that for 15 years she had strictly followed the "Color Me Beautiful" book popular in the late 80's and 90's. She was strictly a "winter", so she shied away from colors she loved, and wore colors she was "supposed" to wear, even if she didn't like them. Now, what freedom! She broke out of that...and is wearing the colors she feels good in. I love that! The same goes for decorating. Why should we be weighed down by colors we "think" we should or shouldn't decorate with? That is one reason I stay away from the trends. Because that is exactly what it is, a trend, and trends don't stay around for long. Instead, decorate with colors you love and that make you feel good. Not know where to start? Hire a designer-it's not as expensive as you think. A two hour consultation can actually save you money from all those "mistakes" in choosing the color. So, why don't you color your world beautiful!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Send me your design questions!

In the New Year a lot of people make goals to lose weight, get more organized, start a new good habit, quit a bad habit and sometimes to resolve a decorating dilemma! Send me your design questions and I'll get back to you with ideas.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Make it Easy on the Eye

I think that decorating should be like getting dressed. I love clothes, but I find the longer I take picking clothes out to wear for the day, the more "made up" I feel. And I don't feel comfortable. I love throwing on an outfit-dressy or casual-and looking like I thought about it, but really not putting too much thought into it. It's more "comfortable" that way. The same goes for decorating and designing. I recently had a client who wanted to know why I place one of the pair of lamps in the dining room, and one in the living room. He wondered why I didn't place them on opposite ends of the couch. The dining and living room really flows together, so I told him that it caused your eye to follow around the room because the lamp is such a focal point. Yes, it would have been easy to place them on each end, but to me, it would look too "made up" that way.

Here's another example with pillows. On the window seat with this client, we did some custom pillows that matched some other fabrics in the room, but I also added some store bought (gasp!!) pillows to the mix. This made it look like not too much thought was put into it, and came off better than had they all matched. But, the end result looked fabulous!

,

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Paring Down

Happy New Year 2009! There is always talk in each new year about slimming down our waistlines and clearing out the clutter, but how about paring down on your home furnishings? I know that whenever I clean out my closet and get rid of clothing I no longer wear, it is exciting. Exciting because I find things I've forgotten about, and when I have less, I use more. Does that make sense? It works the same way with our home furnishings. That may sound weird coming from a designer (you're probably saying, "aren't they always trying to get me to buy new furniture?") Not necessarily. I think that when we have less (less space, less furniture...etc...) that we use more, and we can see what we have and really enjoy it. For instance, when I was pregnant, I had this great maternity wardrobe. Yes, it was a very limited wardrobe, but things mixed and matched, and it really felt freeing. The same way works with our homes. I love a small home verses a big home, because I feel our space is better utilized, and we use and enjoy our things, rather than take them for granted.

So, take a look around your home. How can you make it more beneficial? Is there too much furniture? Do rooms need to be changed around to better accommodate your family? Think about it as we start the new year.