As an interior designer, I field many phone calls from potential clients. One of the first things that many people ask is when we can set up an in-person meeting. But meeting in person about a remodeling/design project is a significant time commitment for all involved. These meetings are typically one to three hours, including travel time, and often occur in the middle of a busy weekday. So before setting up that appointment — and committing to what’s involved — it’s best for homeowners to ask a few key questions by phone or email to help ensure that an in-person meeting will be time well spent.
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It can add texture, color, pattern or a painterly scene — even more so than paint, wallpaper can change the entire look of a room. But given the cost and the need for professional installation (a must), wallpaper can seem like a risky commitment. If you’ve been wanting to add wallpaper to your space but keep shying away, these 10 tips should help ease some of the fear factor. Armed with good information, you can find the right wallpaper for you.
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The hallway offers endless opportunities for design. Here are three styling tips for creating a beautiful, inspirational and welcoming space.
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Poufs, ottomans, benches, and garden stools will refresh your space without breaking your budget. And I’ve included a handful of tips for using them, so you’re sure to be inspired.
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Twigs are a favorite design element of mine. They can be squiggly or straight, rustic or severe, white or dark. So it’s no surprise that they’re effective for way more than just furniture. Take a gander at some of the inventive ways that twigs can be used as architectural elements in the home. These are actually lengths of branches, and are linear rather than twisty. But the natural feel is the same.
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So, you’ve decided to redecorate. And because you know you need help, you’ve also decided to hire a decorator or an interior designer. What do you do next, other than anxiously chew your nails?
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Don’t purchase anything until you have the entire room worked out — the rug, furniture, window treatments and lighting. While it’s not necessary to identify the precise pieces, you should have a sense of what you want each piece to look like. In fact, you might even want to assemble a project board, with clippings of the kinds of pieces you’re looking for.
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Dark wood floors can be incredibly chic and sophisticated, bringing richness and polish to a space. But when paired with the wrong furnishings and colors, those floors run the risk of making the space feel dark and heavy. If you’ve been wondering what to put with your dark floors to bring out their best features, try these ideas.
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If you’re like me and you love to include antiques in the “set design” of your home, then antique lighting (which can be a bit of a challenge) is something you should definitely consider. In talking about antique electric lighting, we’ll be using the term “antique” loosely. Remember, practical electric lightbulbs weren’t invented until 1879. So true antique lighting (over 100 years old) often consists of candle, oil and gas lights converted to electricity.
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I have just given you a magic wand. Cool, huh? Step outside and wave it over every bit of greenery you see. Say, “Abracadabra — I change you to beige!” Now peruse the result of your handiwork. All the life, vitality, joy and color have vanished, haven’t they? Now wave your wand again and restore the green. Does this make you think any differently about what constitutes a neutral color?
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