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!

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!

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!

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!