Windows should be seen and not heard. They are another integral part of your decor. Notice in this room setting, how no one element overtakes all others. The draperies make a soft back drop setting for the quiet tones in the room. Everything works together to make an inviting look. In this particular dining room the drapery was used as a measure of softening the large sliding glass doors. We did not want to obstruct the beautiful intracoastal views.  Privacy was accomplished with soft silhouettes which could be raised up and out of the way. When the silhouettes were needed for glare control, they could be easily adjusted.

In planning your window treatments, first analyze what you need them for: beauty, privacy, sun and glare control, or blackout conditions for sleeping. Then look at the style of your decor. Is it contemporary, traditional, transitional, island or British West Indies ?? Window treatments should follow suit no matter what their purpose. In a contemporary setting for instance, blinds often stand on their own, whether sheer weaves, silouhettes , or duettes. In more transitional or traditional settings, valances and/or drapery panels are almost utilized for the warmth and beauty.

I prefer more minimal soft draperies.I think the days of heavy valances,swags and jabeaus, and heavy tied back panels are waning. Our windows are more energy efficient, eliminating draft control and most clients do not want heavy dust collectors in their homes. So think about the purpose of the treatment ,your window's views, the rest of your decor, and what will enhance the look, not dominate it when you begin the process of window dressing. You will be glad you did.

HOW TO BE A GOOD CLIENT

How to be a good client?? Much emphasis is always put on the skills of the designer, the efficiency of a designer and the cost of a designer. I think it is also important to stress the importance of how to be a good client.
A photo is worth a thousand words, show me a picture of a room you like even if you don't know what you like about it. I will figure it out. Let me know what colors and textures you like or at least what you know you DON'T like. For a hint look in your closet at the clothing you choose.
Let me know how your family lives , sloppy or neat, casual or formal, large groups for entertaining or small groups. How important is privacy to you so we know how to address window treatments. Do you have small children or grandchildren whose needs we have to consider? Are there pets in the home?
Most designers work on cost plus formula, and even a 50% deposit doesn't cover our costs so pay on time. We are giving you an affordable professional job.
Let me know what you like or if you don't like something, say so and don't order it. Most designers do not have a shop or warehouse to take your returns. Special orders are just that , special for you , we can't return special order merchandise and therefore neither can you. So pay attention to the swatches and samples we show you. This is what you will be getting. Study the floor plan so you understand it and if you don't, please ask questions.
Realize that there is no perfection in the world period. Things get delayed, damaged or just are not perfectly perfect. Most issues can be corrected or replaced. My industry has drastically changed in the 15 years, and everyone in my field has had to change with it. And all the designers I know try very hard to accomodate their clients.
We as designers love what we do, and take pride in our work. It is a field that requires much passion because it is a problematic career for sure.

So we love you dear clients and want to make you SO happy, so rejoice in our dedication and know when everything is said and done, we are always trying our best!

FUN WITH ACCESSORIES

"Accessories are where I like to make a statement. They’re the soul of a room." — Austin Warner

"Accessories are a great way to tie in all decor together. They can pull all the pieces together to give your space a finished look. Accessorizing is another way to add a personal touch to your space as they often tell a story of where you have been and where your interests lie. If you are too timid to go for large amounts bold color, patterns or decor in your home, you can still create a colorful atmosphere with the accessories you choose. "
You have so much play with accessories, be strong in color, be daring in texture, be showy with collections. Whether you are symmetrical or assymetrical by nature you can have great fun with accessorizing. Be sure you balance strength of color , size, or texture when displaying your artifacts. Even if you are symmetrical, if you balance these factors you will be pleasantly surprised how much interest you can create.
Every room always benefits from some humor or surprise in it and also something alive (plants, flowers etc.). If you have a hobby or collection it personalizes your space even more. Family photos in small amounts also add a personal touch.
And remember, objects always look better displayed in odd numbers ! Have fun and learn to break some rules.

WHY HIRE A DESIGNER

Why hire a designer???

• Why hire a designer? First and foremost, you will save money. No huge costly mistakes will have to be done over and over. Even a paint job, our most economical design tool, will eat away at your budget when you have color change after color change.
• A designer will optimize time and budget to keep your project on track.
• Through a designer's education and experience you will be guided through the process with piece of mind and a vision.
• A designer will direct you to reputable contractors to get your project done most efficiently and cost effective.
• A designer has countless access to trade only sources and showrooms.
• 
  A good designer will be able to translate your needs and wants into a home that is all you with none of the hassle and sleepless nights.
• So there is no reason not to hire a designer.There is a vision waiting for you in any price range, so relax and enjoy the process !!!

High Point, N.C. is probably the largest home furnishings market in the world. Here manufacturers gather to display and strut their stuff to the furniture buyers and designers of the world. I attend to find wonderful pieces for clients as well as new sources for future projects. It is also exciting to see the new trends in the marketplace that will soon fill stores and shelter magazines. Here are my observations from spring market, 2012.

Driftwood, reclaimed wood, and rustic "Restoration Hardware" look was everywhere. Manufacturers had entire collections of furniture and accessories in this direction. maybe too trendy at this point? Time will tell but for now, it is BIG!!!

It is also clear that transitional and contemporary design are a huge presence now. Even furniture and accessory lines that were totally traditionally entrenched came out with cleaner softer lines and looks. Century Furniture came out with a stunning , colorful new contemporary/asian group. They did a fantastic job with it and i know it will enter my designs come Fall when it will become available.

Orange was again a big color as well as bright greens and vibrant aqua. With the driftwood trend, mostly beiges and greys were shown with colorful accessory accents.

Relaxed, more casual lifestyles seemed to take presence over more traditional, formal looks.

The market gets larger every year and no matter how many days you are there, it is never quite enough. It continues to be a source of inspiration and excitement to all those who attend!!!

THE BLANK CANVAS

    When you have a room that is a blank canvas, where do you start? How do you determine what you want to do? First you must determine the style you prefer: contemporary, traditional, transitional or eclectic? If your not sure where your taste falls, do some research. Read some shelter magazines, i.e. Florida Design, Architectural Digest etc. Or take yourself shopping in Design Centers, like DCOTA in Dania, Fl. or furniture showrooms. Even visiting model homes will help you define your tastes. You will determine if you like straight or curvy lines and shapes or a mix of both.
    Next you need to plan your color choices, monochromatic, primary etc.! What colors are you always drawn to? What are your favorite colors, and what could you live in daily without tiring of it???
    Backgrounds set the scene in a room, wall colors and wallcoverings, ceiling treatments, architectural features,(mouldings, built ins, soffits etc,), flooring (tile, hardwood, concrete, stone or carpeting). These are all the backdrops for your furnishings, art , and accessories and should be planned with all the elements in mind. A well thought out room will turn out gorgeous in the end even if you have to do it in stages.
    You will complete the picture with your window and drapery treatments, lighting, art, and accessories. And if you are exhausted even thinking about the entire process, hire a designer to guide you through all the fun, based on your needs and budget. Avoid the sleepless nights and really enjoy the process with your designer ,it really should be a fun experience.

THE POWER OF PRINTS

Stripes, plaids, florals, petite and oversized, ikats, toilles, and textures, just how are you supposed to figure out what goes together??? You might own a rug with a pattern , how do you deal with that ?? Does everything then have to be solid in the room?

Only if you want to be boring... patterns thrive on other patterns, they add life to each other, you just have to know how to use them.

Scale is your first consideration. You must vary the sizes of the designs. You can combine a small check with a large plaid for instance. A petite floral will look lovely with an oversize floral. An ikat print looks fantastic combined with striped patterns.

Usually I combine at least 5 patterns in a room: could be found in the rug, the draperies, the upholstery fabrics, patterned case goods,or the pillows,depending on the decorating style and size of the room. Contemporary decors require less pattern, traditional & country the most combinations and transitional somewhere in between.

It is a skill most designers are born with but you can educate yourself by examining photos in shelter magazines , for instance. Try studying the components, looking at the variance of size of patterns and types of print, you will gradually begin to see how things are put together and what works successfully. It is clearly for me the absolute most fun you can have in a room. Go for it!!!

THE IMPORTANCE OF COLOR TRENDS OR NOT

     The High Point Textile market was recently held for the Trade . It's where furniture manufacturers buy their fabrics and project what we will buy. Designers will get a preview of the "trends" April market in High Point. Here are a few of the predictions:
Big colors- Burnt orange and teal with apple green and bright lemon in the contention.
Grays will become more driftwood and natural beiges.
Masculine trends from menswear with leatherlooks, houndstooth and more hair on hide, Also crocodile will be BIG.
Patterns will be paisleys, (do they ever go out of style??), cabana stripes, toiles, lace ,and suzanis. Botanicals resurge with ferns, leaves and trees portrayed.
So what does all this mean to the consumer? Well it is a prediction of what you will find on the fabric racks in furniture lines and on the floors of furniture stores. But what does that really mean in terms of what you choose for your homes? Should you redecorate to incorporate the boom of burnt orange and teal? Should you choose those colors to be trendy??
A firm NO from me. Colors and patterns are very personal. Choose what you know you love every day, not when its just trendy. Furniture and drapery are  large expense items, not going to be redone every time a new trend emerges. So be true to yourself and choose what you love, and what you are drawn to. And then you will always smile when you walk into your home at the end of the day. 

FALL MARKET 2011

The Fall furniture market is just behind me. It is always such a thrill to see all the new introductions, furniture, fabrics, accessories and rugs. No where in the world is there a furniture market as large and as varied as High Point, N.C. Buildings spread out for miles, furniture and accessories from everywhere in the world, old enormous vendors and new baby businesses blooming. It is always a shot in the arm for new ideas and excitement.

This market was colorful. Yeah to the demise of beige beige beige! Red and Orange were everywhere, in fabrics and accessories. There was also alot of purple and aqua visible. Shots of lime were injected as well to add some more fun!

Reclaimed wood furniture was everywhere, from quiet wood countryish tones to colorful tones of aquas, reds and rusts. Designers reinvented old product in new stains and colors! One chair manufacturer now does their frames in any color of Benjamin Moore paint, fantastically fun!!! Linen finishes have made a comeback as well as goatskin and shagreen. Comfortable casual reigned in the upholstery intros. Contemporary still strong but heavy Tuscan has a much lessened importance.

Fantastic accessories were everywhere! The Phillips Collection had the most dramatic showing for me with beautiful furniture made of rejected wood from manufacturing, dramatic indoor fountains, and beautiful silver accessories.

So stay tuned as all these wonderful new products hit stores, websites, and design studios. The fun will be yours as well.

Windows should be seen and not heard........

     Windows should be seen and not heard. They are another integral part of your decor. Notice in this room setting, how no one element overtakes all others. The draperies make a soft back drop setting for the quiet tones in the room. Everything works together to make an inviting look. In this particular dining room the drapery was used as a measure of softening the large sliding glass doors. We did not want to obstruct the beautiful intracoastal views.  Privacy was accomplished with soft silhouettes which could be raised up and out of the way. When the silhouettes were needed for glare control, they could be easily adjusted.

In planning your window treatments, first analyze what you need them for: beauty, privacy, sun and glare control, or blackout conditions for sleeping. Then look at the style of your decor. Is it contemporary, traditional, transitional, island or British West Indies ?? Window treatments should follow suit no matter what their purpose. In a contemporary setting for instance, blinds often stand on their own, whether sheer weaves, silouhettes , or duettes. In more transitional or traditional settings, valances and/or drapery panels are almost utilized for the warmth and beauty.

I prefer more minimal soft draperies.I think the days of heavy valances,swags and jabeaus, and heavy tied back panels are waning. Our windows are more energy efficient, eliminating draft control and most clients do not want heavy dust collectors in their homes. So think about the purpose of the treatment ,your window's views, the rest of your decor, and what will enhance the look, not dominate it when you begin the process of window dressing. You will be glad you did.

YOU LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE!

Ok now,are you reading in the dark or is your lighting blinding your eyes? Lighting is one of the toughest design decisions. Let's start with your above dining table fixtures. size? height? brightness? key word is DIMMERS, no question about it. Dining tables are used for a multitude of purposes from paper work to card and game playing to dining. All require different lighting ......... and dimmers are your answer. Next, how high should they hang??? anywhere from 30"- 36" from the table top to the bottom of the fixture. If you use the table frequently for card playing or paperwork, might want to consider a downlight fixture, primarily for dining can be up lighting only. For both? Might want to consider a fixture that utilizes both, uplighting and downlighting. Also proportion your fixture to the size of the table, a fixture should measure about 1/3 to1/2 of the diameter of the table.And there should be NO risk that someone getting up from a chair could come close enough to hitting their head on said lighting.
Bathroom lighting is critical for make up applying and shaving, and recessed lighting cannot be the only source here. It creates major shadows on your face.You must have addtional side lighting as well or I will guarantee scary results.
Do you read in bed? Again, recessed lighting is just too harsh for this purpose. A 3 way bulb in a table lamp is the way to go. Just keep in mind the height of the lamp with your sitting position in bed. You should have light falling over your shoulder onto the book and you should not be able to see the bulb if you turn your head towards the lamp. Generally the ht. of a nightstand lamp should be 30"- 35" but the range is wide due to variance of heights of nightstands and mattresses these days. And you thought lighting was going to be easy!

Table it............

Maybe skip the candlesticks on the dining table, and try to rethink.... or maybe add more and more, maybe nine candlesticks of varying heights and styles to create an interesting centerpiece.

Don't worry about the guests not being able to see each , most centerpeieces leave the premises during dinner in order to make room for the delicacies and the table needs to look fantastic mostly when its not being used, so be wild. Look around your home and play around with an arrangement of vases , orchids, sculptures or bowls. Keep in mind ODD #'s, they work so much better in groups: 1, 3,5,7,9. This also pertains to end tables , one item , three items, five items, small groups of three can rule as one, this will be fun I promise.

And don't forget to vary the heights...On an end table, consider the lamp (the tall), a vase (the medium), a picture frame (the short). This also is true for cocktail tables, maybe 15-24" for the tall, 8-12" for the medium and 3-6" for the low, even lower as a fantastic book, you love to display. Keep things diverse, a variety of textures, and finishes: shiny, flat ,smooth, textured. Variety is the spice of life and your table.

The Importance of Being Artsy

Artwork has an undeniable influence in a room. Whether you are an avid art collector , art festival junkie, or Marshall's shopper, everyone can find something pleasing to their eye.
A room is absolutely not complete without it. It is the frosting on the cake and no matter how much money you have spent on your furniture all will be for nothing without it.
It is also an element in the room which does not have to match either the furniture or the other art pieces in the room. It should be chosen because you love it or invokes memories that you do love. But keep in mind, your display techniques can make it or break it.
For instance , art needs to be hung so that it relates to the piece below it , whether a sofa, console, chest etc. The maximum height over a piece should be 5-8" to the bottom of the frame. Otherwise your art will have a floating feeling in the room , no connection or grounding to what else is going on.
In a grouping of art, styles can vary, frames can vary, sizes can vary BUT keep all the bottoms of the frames in line with each other for a better look. Proportion your art to the scale of the furniture it hangs over and the height of the ceiling. In a dining room where you usually will be sitting down, hang the art at a comfortable "sitting" eye level. In a room , for instance a hallway, that may have no furniture to gauge height with, hang eye level of an average person, not a 6'4" person.
Look for new pieces everywhere you go, vacations, galleries, even consider printing favorite photographs and framing.
It is a venue to really have some fun in your home so go for it!

The Importance of Accessories........

• A design job is never complete without the addition of accessories. This includes a multitude of objects : artwork, lamps, table accessories, pillows, photographs, and plants and floral arrangements.
• You should allow 10-20% of your budget in this category, as this is what makes a room sing...
• Everything in the room contributes to the all over picture so when you walk into a room you capture the overall look ,not just the sofa, the rug, or any other piece. It all needs to work together.
• Accessorizing a room is where most people fall short. It is far more difficult to choose a correct lamp, style and height than a sofa.
• It is even more difficult to choose artwork in the correct size,(there is no correct subject matter-anything goes here) and even harder, hang it correctly.
• In my next few blogs we are going to dissect each category and give you some design tools to use.

Why hire a designer???

• Why hire a designer? First and foremost, you will save money. No huge costly mistakes will have to be done over and over. Even a paint job, our most economical design tool, will eat away at your budget when you have color change after color change.
• A designer will optimize time and budget to keep your project on track.
• Through a designer's education and experience you will be guided through the process with piece of mind and a vision.
• A designer will direct you to reputable contractors to get your project done most efficiently and cost effective.
• A designer has countless access to trade only sources and showrooms.
• A good designer will be able to translate your needs and wants into a home that is all you with none of the hassle and sleepless nights.
• So there is no reason not to hire a designer.There is a vision waiting for you in any price range, so relax and enjoy the process !!!

Why we love our homes........

• I just love walking into my home after a day away or a vacation. What makes us love our homes so much that we get that warm cozy feeling when we walk in? We are going to examine that today.
• First we start with color, because it is the most single important aspect of our homes. I always ask a client in the very first meeting, what colors do you like?? What colors do you not like??? Sometimes it is surprising when people cannot answer what colors they like, but almost can always tell you what colors they don't like. If they still have trouble answering, i ask them to think about what colors of clothing do they like to wear? What's hanging in the closet?
• The next element of loving your home is the style. Are you a minimalist contemporary, warm clutterey traditionalist, or somewhere in between, transitional to ecletic. I fall in the ecletic range as it is an occupational hazard to like so many things. I could never choose between styles unilaterally in my own home. But it is the reason why i am so comfortable designing in so many different styles and color palettes and successful at it. If you are unsure what style you are, try to find things you like in shelter magazine,such as Florida Design, Elle Decor etc.
• So now we have established color and style, the next critical element in your home are the personal things you put in it. The family photos, the artwork, the mementos, accessories. These are the things that make our homes US. Just think about if you knew a flood was coming , what besides your family photos would you save first? These are the things that make your house ,your home , the place you love opening the door into.