Decorating Your Home - When Doing It Yourself Doesn't Make "Cents"

Perhaps you’ve just moved into a new home or you’ve recently downsized. Or maybe the 80’s have called and want their furniture back! Whatever the situation is, you realize it is time to “redecorate.” So, where to begin? And, should you do it yourself? To avoid costly mistakes, such as buying furniture that is too large for your home, take some extra time to analyze your space like a professional designer.

The first thing I tell my clients seeking that “magazine” look for their home is, “Do your homework; start clipping magazine photos of rooms, color schemes and furniture styles that you like.” Then, ask yourself some basic questions:

FUNCTION
* Who uses the room?
* Do you have young children, teenagers or pets?
* What is your lifestyle? Are you homebodies? Do you want to entertain?

In a house full of kids and pets, one should look for more durable, pet-friendly fabrics so that everyone can enjoy the room. I particularly love the new outdoor fabrics that have the look and feel of fine indoor fabrics – only they hold up like Teflon in such high traffic areas as the eating area.

FURNITURE ARRANGEMENT
If you are using existing furniture, determine what items to keep by asking yourself:
* What items are needed for the intended function of the room?
* Where is the best placement of each item?
* Is the piece a quality-made item that will stand up to use for years to come?
* Does the entire arrangement work well?

Once, you’ve determined what stays, take precise width and depth measurements of each piece and create a floor plan (there are some great free floor planning sites on line) considering the following items.

SPACE
* Will there be enough room to walk around the furniture? Do we need to consider ADA guidelines for someone using a walker or wheelchair?
* Does the scale of the furniture work well in the room?

I’ve seen people move into a large home yet still try to utilize the under-scaled furniture from their previous, smaller home. No matter how much they like it, it just never looks good in the large space nor does it feel warm or welcoming to their guests.

TRAFFIC PLANNING GUIDELINES
* Establish patterns through furniture arrangement – always keep ease of movement in mind.
* Establish a focal point – whether it’s a TV or fireplace – and arrange furniture groupings around this.
* Furniture arrangement must be convenient for activities, whether it’s watching TV or entertaining; eating a meal or sleeping.

STYLE
* What mood are you trying to convey? What image do you want to project?
* How does the lighting contribute to the style and function of the space?

These are just some basics to keep in mind – for a well-thought out room design tailored to the needs and lifestyle of your family, it may be in your best interest to consider working with a professional decorator. If you found these tips helpful and would like to subscribe to my decorating E-Newsletter, simply email me at clora@decorandyou.com and type "newsletter" in the subject line.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Interior Decorator

I have discovered that a cloud of mystery seems to surround the interior design business and often deters people from seeking professional help. So, rather than staying stuck in a space that you're not quite happy with - here's a few insider tips I recommend you ask when searching for an interior designer or decorator.

What types of projects do you specialize in or prefer to work? A good designer will use the elements of design and therefore will be able to create beautiful designs in contemporary, traditional, transitional or ecclectic styles. Many times, geographic region will dictate the prevalent design style in a decorator's portfolio. However, some decorators prefer to only do a certain style for various reasons, so let them tell you what they like to do. What is more important is the chemistry between you and the designer plus the quality of work and experience in the field. A good designer will listen to your needs and translate that into YOUR custom design, not their style.

How many clients do you have right now and do you have time for another project of the scope that we are considering? You may like a designer's work but if they are too busy, they may not have time to devote to your project. If you are willing to wait, then it is less important.

What is a reasonable time-frame for completion for a project such as mine? Expectation setting is critical. Custom design takes a long time - anyone that tells you differently is misrepresenting the industry and is likely just telling you what you want to hear. When working with a designer it is most likely that the products are being made just for you based on your specifications. So, unlike walking into a big store that has 10,000 sofas sitting in a warehouse, you will have to wait 8-16 weeks for custom pieces. However, it is well worth it as the quality is inherently better and you will have a one-of-a kind piece. So, plan ahead - if you want a job done by the holidays, you need to have your custom pieces ordered by the end of July.

How much should I budget for my project? This is a critical question and will depend on the scope of work and your selections. Fabric price is a huge influencer on overall cost of goods. You can cover a sofa or do a window treatment in $30 a yard fabric or $300 a yard fabric. It is your choice and a good designer will tell you what you get for the money. A good rule of thumb for window treatments is 10% of the home's value. A quality custom sofa will range anywhere from $2,0000 on up depending on the fabric you choose. The decorator should walk you through your space, discuss priorities and give you good, better, best price options to meet your budget requirements.

How do you work? Another great question. All designers charge differently. Most charge by the hour and a mark-up from wholesale on the furnishings. I do not charge by the hour when clients purchase products from me and product pricing is all inclusive. Meaning, if I quote you $1000 for your window treatments, that will cover the design, fabric, labor, delivery, hardware and installation of your draperies. I find that it's much easier on me and the client than tracking hours. If someone only wants to "pick my brain", say a color consult or floor plan assistance that is when I do charge by the hour. Typical hourly rates in the midwest are $75 - $200 per hour.

Do you carry professional lilability and Business Owner's Policy insurance? Are you certified in the profession? This is very important. You want a professional designer that carries these insurances for your protection. If they do not carry this insurance, proceed at your own risk.

How large is your portfolio of vendors? This is the available furniture, flooring, fabric, and other trade items that are available for your optimal selection. This will insure that you will have a unique end result and not one just like your neighbor down the street.

Do you come to my home, do I come to your studio and/or do we go shopping elsewhere? If you are strapped for time, you will want a decorator that always comes to you - even if that means evenings and weekends. Most of my clients are busy professionals and their time is valuable. So they appreciate that I will meet with them outside of business hours and that we won't be wasting their valuable free time shopping from store-to-store.

May I speak to a past client or two? Qualified decorators will have loads of happy clients - just ask them for references and testimonials. Also, ask your friends, neighbors, professionals such as Realtors, and other specialists that you trust for recommendations. If you visit someone's home and see work that you admire, ask for a referral.

Will you personally be on site for all deliveries and installations? If anything happens on the job this is important. You want them present and they should want to be on hand to see the fruits of their labor come to life.

What form of payment do you accept and what are the payment terms required to place an order? If you know you want to use your American Express card to earn those bonus points you had better ask rather than assume that the designer accepts it. Some only work with cash or checks. I accept everything but Discover. Also, expect a deposit of 50-75% to place a custom order - some may require the full 100% at time of your order. That is because the designer is paying for your items up front. And, custom goods are of course non-returnable. However, a good designer will stand behind the quality of the items they sell.

I hope this list has provided some guidance as you consider your home decorating projects. If you have additional questions, please feel free to post them. Happy Decorating! Décor & You was voted “Best Interior Design Firm” by Columbus CEO Magazine for 2008-2009. An award winning decorator, Colleen's studio is located in New Albany, Ohio.

The Art of Good Bed-Making

The bedroom is the site of what mental health professionals call “regression,” a normal falling away of the more rational and controlled parts of our personalities – which is necessary to falling asleep. It’s where we unwind, release the day’s tension and share the most intimate part of our lives. For such reasons, it is recommended that one make the bedroom their first priority when tackling home decorating projects.

Obviously, the most important aspect of the bedroom is the bed. However, so little instruction has been given as to what goes into making the perfect bed, one that’s conducive to good health and a good night’s sleep. For centuries great thought and care went into dressing the bed. I remember once being told by an elderly Italian grandmother that even if I found myself in poverty or sickness I should always make a good bed for myself. That tidbit of advice stuck with me. To make the recipe for a perfect bed you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Undercovers: A mattress pad and pillow covers to provide an added barrier of protection against soiling. Waterproof or allergen-impermeable ones are available if needed and are good bets for children.


• Additional padding: Some prefer extra softness from the use of a feather bed, lambs wool pad or a man-made alternative. I’ve had a lambs wool pad for years and swear by their insulating properties. To clean it I run a vacuum attachment over it weekly when I change the sheets and launder every other month. If you are using a feather bed you’ll want to encase it in a cover to help keep in the feathers and prevent any poking.


• Skin contact linens – the bottom sheet (may be fitted), top sheet and pillowcases.


• Insulators – blankets, quilts, comforter or duvet


• Day cover to protect against dust – These are often your decorative bedspreads, coverlets or blanket cover.

HOW TO MAKE THE BED:

Sheets: Once you’ve placed the fitted bottom sheet on the bed place the top sheet wrong side up so that when the top hem is folded down over the blanket the detailed edging shows its right side. Fold under and miter the two corners at the foot of the bed. Mitered – or hospital corners – look neater and stay securely in place while you sleep. (If you’re not familiar with how to make hospital corners email me at clora@decorandyou.com or Google them).

Blankets, quilts, or duvets: Put on the blanket, right side up, over the top sheet so that the top of the blanket comes to a point about six to ten inches from the head of the bed. Tuck the blanket in at the foot and make corners at the bottom, same as the sheets. Then fold down the top sheet over the blanket. There should be a generous portion of the sheet turned down to protect the blanket from body oils. If you wish, add a second top sheet or some other thin, light spread over the blanket. You see that a lot these days in fine hotels. This adds a modest degree of weight and warmth and helps keep the blanket clean. Or in summer you can use a second sheet in place of a blanket.

Comforters/Duvets: Usually left untucked because of their thickness. These can add the decorative element to your bed. If you are not using the duvet for warmth it should be folded down at night before you sleep. Same for the comforter as these are items that typically require dry cleaning and are often expensive to replace.

Day Cover: The outermost layer of the bed can be a coverlet or tailored bedspread and is used to protect the bedclothes from soil and can provide another decorative element. Thanks again to fine hotels, day covers are finding their way back into many households. If you have a dust ruffle, the bedspread should not reach the floor.

Pillows: Once your day cover is spread you can place the pillows in any style you like. A contemporary style is to fold the top sheet over the comforter of blanket cover, leaving two, four or more pillows showing at the top of the bed. Pillows that are covered in decorative cases – or shams – are not for sleeping and should be removed from the bed each night.

Dust Ruffles/ Bed skirts: Ruffled or pleated decorative fabric placed between the mattress and box springs hang to the floor. They are totally optional and their only purpose is to make the bed look attractive – though they do come in handy for hiding things stored underneath. Simply vacuum dust ruffles regularly with an attachment.

Yes, making a proper bed may take more time than simply throwing over a sheet – but there are concrete and luxurious reasons to do the extra effort. So, take a cue from those high end hotel chains and turn your bed into a sleeping sanctuary – you’ll thank yourself in the morning, I promise.

A Word about Decorating Trends

This time of year we are overwhelmed with predictions for the New Year. Whether it's on TV or in the magazines, experts are telling us what we should buy in 2009 to look or be "hip". Our homes are no different. Most of us want our home decor to reflect current trends and to not look "dated". However, just as with fashion home decor trends run the risk of being 'in' one day and 'out' the next. So, what's a savvy homeowner to do?

As a professional decorator, I have found that the number one thing to keep in mind when decorating your space it to do what makes YOU feel comfortable, happy and functional - no matter what may be the newest fad. That's why I often ask to see a clients closet or visit a room that they absolutely love - even if it's in a hotel or out of a magazine. More than likely those are the colors they can live with comfortably for years to come. I've seen more people fall for a current color scheme - say the recent trend in pale blue and chocolate brown - and then spend a lot of money furnishing an entire room in that scheme. Though they may not ever wear blue or have any brown in their home they still want what's "in". Sadly, after just a few short months many have grown tired of the scheme or find they aren't as comfortable in the space as they had hoped -- they have fallen victim to fads...

Luckily, there are many ways to keep up with the latest trends while still maintaining your personal sense of style - and save you valuable dollars in the long run.

Accessories: An inexpensive way to introduce a trend into your decor is to use accessories while keeping the same pieces of furniture you already have in a room. Another trend we're seeing is bringing funky, vintage items into otherwise modern rooms. It's the juxtaposition of old/new that makes it current. Other trends in accessories include silver, mercury glass finials, large glass apothecary jars filled with items that complement your color scheme and groupings of large, white porcelain vases or bowls really add visual impact.

Color: Painting always breathes new life into a space and costs next to nothing. Color trends we see that can be used for years to come include combing raw neutrals like grays and beiges with more organic pops of color, like terra cotta, lavender or green. Another theme recycled over the years is picking two main colors for a room, including the walls, furnishings, and flooring then adding a splash of a third color through the use of accessories, art and florals. Black and white is still a classic scheme for creating drama but we are seeing the addition of a third bright color like turquoise or hot pink to update the scheme. Color experts predict that current economic conditions will attract us to bring shades of yellow into our home as it brings thoughts of joy and happiness to our psyche. For that same reason we are seeing less shades of blue - unless used in combination with yellow.

Fabrics: Bold fabrics certainly make a statement about your style. One fabric trend that has withstood the test of time is animal prints. They are viewed as modern, but take on a neutral effect because they are so classic. Even the most traditional room can look current by adding a little animal print on an accent chair, ottoman or toss pillows. Another pattern trend is large scaled damask prints - and I mean large, often the motif can be over 20" in scale. They can turn those old wing back chairs into real conversation pieces.

Dimension. This is the area of design most overlooked by do-it-yourselfers and not an expensive or complicated one. Dimension is the overall feeling of a room more than a certain item. It is the easiest way to give your space new life while keeping your existing furniture and making minimal investment. Dimension is achieved through the proper use of lighting, flooring and wallcoverings.

Make sure you have more than just an overhead light in a room. I once heard that by lighting everything you are lighting nothing - it is so true. Be sure your bedside or endtable lamps are of proper scale, the bigger the better. Go glam and add a chandelier to your bedroom or bath. Pick up inexpensive can lights at your local hardware store to uplight your trees or light up a dark corner, turn a piece of art into a focal point by accenting it with light, you get the jist...

Wallpaper Rocks! I know, I know - you think of your grandmother's cabbage roses when you think of wallpaper - or you think you are married to it for life. Not the case. Today's wallpapers imitate the best textures, add art to your walls and can be removed in minutes. I think wallpaper is an absolute must in windowless powder rooms. Acoustics improve immensely with the use of wallpaper so it's great in media rooms and rooms with vast, cathedral ceilings.

Dont' forget what's under foot. Flooring is key in keeping up with trends. Hardwood floors have been in demand for years. So, if you're lucky enough to have them, don't cover them up with wall-to-wall carpet. Bring in the drama and artistic flair with a new area rug -weavers keep up with color trends and you'll find one to fit your taste and achieve the trend you desire. Bring the color up to mid and eye level with toss pillows and artwork for a complete designer look.

I hope you've learned to enjoy the trends but proceed with caution. Know your true likes and dislikes before you splurge on some new trend - and when in doubt, contact a professional or send me an email - I'd love to help.

My Favorite Things

We all know that Oprah has her favorite things and so do I; only mine have to do with interior design. I'm often asked by clients and friends what furniture items I like to use most when decorating. In no particular order, here's my current faves...

WING CHAIRS: Enjoying a renewed popularity, these functional chairs have been a classic staple in home furnishings for hundreds of years. Originally, the side "blinders" were designed to block the occupant from cool drafts and keep the warmth of a nearby fire from escaping. Today it's more about the traditional safe feeling one gets when seated - ls though you are being embraced by luxury and privacy - no other seating provides quite the same ambiance. Current design trends for the wing back include very pronounced "blinders", extremely tall backs and the side "blinders" can now be seen on everything from sofas to upholstered headboards. Nothing updates the wing back like covering it in a contemporary fabric with a large scale motif.

BANQUETTES: Though they were out of fashion for a period, I have always loved banquette seating for eating areas, family rooms, attics and bedrooms. A sense of nostalgia is conjured up when I see one. They are far more functional than just a couple of chairs because they free up critical space, provide the most amount of seating , allow for extra storage under the bench and gives you plenty of opportunity to bring in your sense of style with colorful fabric-covered bench cushions and pillows.

DESKS BEHIND SOFAS:. Most designers adhere to the principle of not having the back of a sofa displayed prominently in a room design. Typically a sofa table or console is used to hide this less than flattering side of the largest seating surface in the room. I prefer to use a writing desk instead. I love its dual purpose; not only are they aesthetically pleasing to the eye, they provide valuable new work space. With the advent of wireless technology more people use their laptops in every room of the house so I find this little surface is big on function.

GAME TABLES: Likely due to current economic conditions, I am convinced that more people are staying - and playing at home. The majority of my clients this year have requested a game table in their family rooms. As for seating, I do see more clients investing in upholstered, tub chairs with casters so they can easily be wheeled from one area to another allowing for optimum seating. Whether these tables are used for homework, snacks, cards or board games they are likely here to stay. Styles range from inexpensive to luxe and many come with game components like chess pieces and interchangeable game boards.

TUFTED SOFAS: Not much to say, I just love the textural and visual interest tufting provides to what can be a vast piece of upholstery. Tufting comes in and out of vogue and can be found on the seating surface, back of the sofa or both. It looks great in both leather and fabric but I do prefer using it in a solid, velvet fabric as the play of light and shadows from the tufting breathes life into the piece.

FUN ACCENT TABLES: These little jewels can provide more than just a hard surface for your drink, they can be real conversation pieces if you let the furniture reflect your personality. I've seen fun table bases like the kangaroo table above from Butler Specialty Company to airplanes, globes, film reels, anchors, and so on. Finishes like mirrors, gilding and paint can provide some much needed interest to a dark, lifeless corner of your room.

There you have it, a few of my favorite things. If you'd like to share your favorite things or have a decorating challenge feel free to blog back or call me up.

My Studio Xmas Tree 08

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

The first snowflakes have really done the trick for my holiday spirit! I've been busy the last two days decorating my studio and my home. I'm having an open house here at the Decor & You Studio on December 6th from 10-4. So, the pressure is on to deck my own halls in style. Here's some photos of this year's tree.

My inspiration was the peacock. I thought the blue would complement the decor of my studio's french country sitting room. I also wanted to pay homage to this historical building, so I added a lot of sugared fruit. You'll notice the focal points and the use of lots of wide ribbon. Let me know what you think!

Trimming the Tree - Designer's Secrets Revealed

Real or Fake? As a decorator, I prefer artificial trees and garland as they hold heavier items better than fresh evergreens and allow one to wrap and bend the branches to hold items in place. Trees today look so real, last for years, are good for those with allergies and are more flame resistant than their real counterparts.

Lighting: If you don’t have a convenient pre-lit tree, and want to store the tree in pieces you can light each section of the tree in pieces. Start near the trunk on the bottom row and make a slipknot out of the lights, securing it to the branch, pull tight. Bring lights from the center of the tree all the way toward tip of branch, wrapping it around twice at the tip. Then, wrap lights around every other green working towards the tip for moderate lighting. For intense lighting, wrap every green. I use a formula of at least 100 lights per foot of tree. There is an art form to lighting the tree properly – it takes time, but is well worth it. Start on the inside at the base of your tree and wrap the branches with the lights. This will prevent the unsightly green cords from showing so profusely.

Focal Pieces: Place the large statement piece deep enough into the tree so they are fully supported. Place smaller ones near the top and larger ones near the base of the tree.

Ribbons & Fabric: People have been using ribbon for years – the decorator tricks are to use plenty of it, only use wired ribbon and anchor it inside the tree – never on the tips. You can place ribbon in several patterns:

• Vertical: You can run the ribbon down the tree vertically for a symmetrical look. Start a little ways down from the tree top to allow room for your top decoration. Anchor the beginning of the ribbon by wrapping a branch around the ribbon. Then make a half loop and drop down about one foot before anchoring it to the rear of another branch – never the tip. End with a pretty tail for a finished look.


• Double Hurricane: This is one of my favorites. Lay two ribbons on top of each other folding the doubled ends over to create a loop. As in the vertical style, attach the doubled loop to to the tree by bending a branch over it, the pull the ribbons slightly apart highlighting the two ribbons. Next, continue on a diagonal, making half loops every foot or so as you work down the tree – spreading the ribbons apart so you can see the tree through the space between them.


• Freestyle: This is an economical use of ribbon scraps. Randomly place the strips in your tree in half loop patterns, securing with branches as you go. This tricks the eye into thinking you have yards of ribbon swirled in your tree.


• Frame: Create one or more triangular shaped frames around your statement piece. You can add more drama by placing bows at the top and edges of the triangle. Use the same half loop, anchor to branch technique as in the other methods.

Fabric: Lightweight fabrics like tulle, satin or lame make dramatic tree trimmings. You would use this in place of ribbon. The formula needed is two yards per foot of tree. Fold the fabric on top of itself to create a rose shape and secure with floral wire. Then attach it to the tree similar to the vertical ribbon pattern – making sure the fabric loops are full and billowy. For more drama, pool the fabric under the tree as the skirt.

Garlands: Made out of everything from popcorn and cranberries, to paper snowflakes, feather boas, to plastic beads and tinsel, garland should be hung before adding ornaments. For a seven-foot tree, use 48 to 60 feet of garland. You can either tuck the garland a little deeper into the tree for more depth or hang it in a wedding cake pattern, where the garland drapes near branch tips – you will need a few more strands to do this properly. Start at the bottom and attach garland by twisting a branch around it, drape the garland horizontally, be sure to space it evenly. You can use garland of one color or combine two colors and bead sizes.

Ornaments: Now it’s time for ornaments – the options are limitless today. Use the proper hooks or floral wire for the weight of the ornament. Think dimensionally – meaning, apply the shiny ornaments deeper in the tree where they will reflect light. A classic decorating mistake is to hang the ornaments on branch tips.

Fillers: These space fillers like angel hair, birds, feathers, fruit or floral picks complement your theme. You can insert a pick directly into your tree or wire it to a branch with floral wire. Place picks as you would find them in nature – don’t hang a bird upside down for example.

Treetop: It’s best to stick with your theme here but a tree topper tends to be a very personal item – some insist on the same angel they’ve used for years. That’s fine just jazz it up with a large bow or some finials or a cluster of crooked branches for dimension. Scale is important – a large tree calls for a large treetop, narrower trees look better with smaller toppers.

I hope you received at least one new idea for trimming your tree this holiday season. Let me know how it goes - I'd love to see photos!