Interior Design and Redesign

Helpful Tidbits From a Friend

2006-09-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

Bed Sheets
After drying my sheets, I put both sheets and one pillowcase in the other pillow case. Fold neatly in a square. Next time you change sheets, you just take the one pillow case and all the sheets and pillow case are inside. No need to look for matches. Takes up less storage room too.

Clean your glass shower
To clean the glass in your shower easily, apply lemon juice to the glass with a sponge. Then, take newspaper and wipe the lemon juice off the glass. It will be clean and sparkle with no scrubbing!

Reheat Pizza
Heat up leftover pizza in a non-stick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works.

Easy Deviled Eggs
Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up.

Expanding Frosting
When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar/calories per serving.

Reheating refrigerated bread
To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.

Newspaper Weeds-Away
Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go, cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic, they will not get through wet newspapers.

Broken Glass
Use a dry cotton ball to pick up little broken pieces of glass - the fibers catch ones you can't see!

No More Mosquitoes
Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away.

Squirrel Away!
To keep squirrels from eating your plants sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it.

Easier thank you's
When you throw a bridal/baby shower, buy a pack of thank you cards for the guest of honor. During the party, pass out the envelopes and have everyone put their address on one. When the bride/new mother sends the thank you's, they're all addressed!

If you purchase a new bike for your child, place their picture inside the handle bar before placing the grips on. If the bike is stolen and later recovered, remove the grip and there is your proof who owns the bike.

Flexible vacuum
To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

Reducing Static Cling
Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and -- voila -- static is gone.

Measuring Cups
Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill it with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry the cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out.

Foggy Windshield?
Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth!

Reopening envelope
If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Voila! It unseals easily.

Conditioner
Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's a lot cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair...

Good-bye Fruit Flies
To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass fill it 1/2" with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dishwashing liquid, mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever!

Get Rid of Ants
Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it "home," & can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, esp. if it rains, but it works & you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed!

Take baby powder to the beach
Keep a small bottle of baby powder in your beach bag. When you're ready to leave the beach sprinkle yourself and kids with the powder and the sand will slide right off your skin .

Overhang of Table Cloths

2006-09-20T18:21:00.000-07:00

QUESTION
How many inches is a tablecloth supposed to hang from the table? 6-8"?

ANSWER
It's personal choice, but either length is good. Sometimes you're handicapped and limited by the size of the talecloth you particularly want to use. Depends also on height of chairs compared to height of table too. Should come down and close the gap between top of legs when seated but not so long as to bellow over on top of one's lap.

Extremely large tables will probably look better with 8" overlap.

When Grass Won't Grow Under Trees

2006-09-07T10:28:00.000-07:00

Got a big tree in the front or back yard preventing grass from growing?

It's difficult to keep anything alive under a tree, especially ones that have large roots that appear above ground.

So convert the area under the tree to moss.

Moss looks great and has an almost magical feeling. It loves shady areas and nooks and crannies and will grow quite happily in and around the roots of the tree.

Best of all, it never needs to be mowed or fertilized. And you never need to apply pesticides.

Adding Substantial Drama to a Room

2006-09-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

Some rooms are meant to be subtle. They are filled with soft colors. A very blended look.

Other rooms are made for drama.

When creating a dramatic room, don't think that strong, bold colors are the only way to add drama. While they are one of the least expensive ways, and easy to implement with paint, there are other effective ways to strengthen a room or a portion of a room.

In your master bedroom, turn your bed into a canopy bed. Not only will the canopy bed add height to the room, but it makes a huge statement, thereby adding drama.

Canopy beds can extend all the way to a flat ceiling, or sit out in the openness of a vaulted ceiling room. The soft fabrics you can add to all of the corners will also help define height as the vertical lines are repeated.

Purchase and custom frame an oversized mirror, say one that is 4-5 feet wide by 8-9 feet tall. Put it in your entry. Stand it on the floor, leaning back against the wall. Wow! What an effect. It is such an unexpected treatment of a room, the drama is enormous.

Living Room Becomes Bedroom by Night

2006-07-31T15:34:00.000-07:00

QUESTION
I am about to move; but the thing is my boyfriend, our 13 month old son, and I are on a tight budget and my boyfriend will be going to school during the week and my son & I will be moving into a 1 bedroom apartment. Well my question is 'How can I turn the living room into a bedroom at night & a living room during the day with a full size bed on a fixed income? (his is so my 13 month old can have the bedroom.)

ANSWER
Put the bed up against a wall with the length side against the wall. Put a coordinating comforter or spread over the bed. Fill the bed up with throw pillows of various sizes and shapes and stack them against the wall on the bed, going down the length of the bed. You'll need somewhere between 7-13 pillows roughly. This will make the bed look more like a sofa during the day, and of course it's easy to toss them on the floor at night when sleeping. Keep the bed made during the day - that's the most important part.

Weathering Furniture

2006-07-22T11:13:00.000-07:00

Want to make that dinged up chest look weathered and antique? Give it a helping hand.

Take it to our local auto body shop and ask them to put it in their sandblasting booth. That alone will make it look instantly weathered, adding years to the look of the furniture.

To make the metal hinges look weathered too, rub vinegar on the metal and leave for at least 24 hours. The metal will get "pocked" and start looking antique. Wipe away the vinegar when you get the look you want.

Plumbing in Your Home

2006-07-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

A client began to notice some mold on the drywall in their garage. There was a toilet immediately overhead the area. But the client didn't do anything about the situation. The husband kept saying he would call in a plumber, but he never got around to it.

Extremely hot weather set in. The mold seemed to triple overnight. By now there was a serious problem.

A plumber was hired and it turned out to be a leaky toilet which the client's husband had installed incorrectly. But the mold-covered walls had to be removed and replaced. The area had to be decontaminated, then thoroughly dried before new drywall could be installed.

The whole process took over one week to complete at a cost of $3600.

If you notice any sign of leaking water in your home, address the issue instantly. The problem will not go away on its own. Some plumbers offer contracts where they will visit your home on a scheduled routine visit to check everything.

Is it needed? Only you can determine that.

By the way, many insurance companies will pay for repairs, but you should know that if you report a mold problem to your insurance company, your home will be forever memorialized as being a "mold problem home", which could make resale more complicated. So you might want to think about self-insurance for this type of issue.

Choosing Art for a Bedroom

2006-07-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

QUESTION

I love the look of oil paintings with traditional scenes. How do you choose subject matter for particular rooms, for instance, a bedroom?
>I have dark walnut antique bedroom furniture with a predominately red/gold bedding for fall and black and white toile for spring and summer. What do you think of green for the walls, and what color would the masterbath be?

ANSWER

1) If you have one look for the fall and a different look for spring, consider changing out your art to suit each of the two looks.

2) Subject matter isn't as important as color and size. You want the overall color palette of the art to "blend" with the colors in the room. They may be darker (for more drama) or lighter (for a softer look), but the colors of the room should be repeated in the art. You also want the size to be appropriate (scale/proportion) to the place where the art will hang.

3) So then it just is personal taste when it comes to subject matter and style. If your fabrics say "vintage, very traditional" then pick art that is more realistic and traditional. If your fabric is a little more contemporary, perhaps look at some impressionism.

4) If you're married, the subject matter might need to be less feminine. Landscapes are always in vogue. Some men don't like flowers (like my husband), so I try to make the room a little less feminine, just to make him happy too.

5) Heavy oils tend to feel best with traditional styles and heavier fabrics.

6) Be careful with the wall color. You already have walnut (brown) wood, red, gold, black, white. You don't want more than 4 colors, typically, in a room. Change up the intensity and saturation, but don't get too many colors going on. For best unity, keep the color of the walls in bedroom and take into bath area if they connect openly. For variety, just change the shade or go with a tint of the same color. This helps unify the areas, yet gives a subtle change of pace too.

Update Your Floral Arrangements

2006-07-12T00:28:00.000-07:00

I real give-away of the passage of time is the floral arrangement you have in your home. Of course, if the arrangement is artificial, dust will give away its age.

Nowadays, large dramatic floral arrangements are "in". So get rid of those small round ones.

Repetition is very popular now too. Like 5 bud vases all alike, each with a single red rose, all alike.

And get rid of those dried arrangements from the 70's and 80's.

Think fresh. Think live. Think big and dramatic.

Clean artificial floral arrangements with a cleaning spray available at most floral and craft shops. Or douse them with water.

Plumbers Can Try Your Patience

2006-07-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

In a recent bathtub replacement project, I was left with some tasks at the end that had to be completed before the tub could be used. Normally my drywall man would have done this, but he had saved me from a dilemma late at night and I was in a hurry to get the tub ready for an out of town guest.

So I thought I'd pass on my experience by way of some tips:

1) Don't think that a tub replacement is an easy task and that it will go totally the way you want it to go. That's a very unrealistic dream.
2) Your plumber will probably arrive late.
3) Your plumber may take off in the middle of the project, saying he has to go get something from his office or that something is broken and needs to be replaced. It's amazing how many of these guys don't have the little part needed on their truck. Can it be they are actually going to another home to start a project, only to leave that homeowner mid way to return to you? Don't be fooled.
4) Your plumber will probably be gone much longer than he says he will be gone.
5) Your drywall or surrounding walls WILL get damaged.
6) Your plumber will probably tell you he doesn't do drywall very well, and you'll have to wait to bring in another guy to do that.
7) If it's late, the new guy might not stick around to wait for the drywall patch to dry so he can prime it (twice) and seal the tub and wall where they meet. You'll have to do that yourself.

I know things can come up and these types of jobs can be very time consuming. But wouldn't it be better to guestimate the time rather than promise you emphatically that the job will be done by a specific time?

Updating, Remodeling or Decorating Bathrooms

2006-07-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

If you're in need of some quick tips for remodeling your bathroom, visit these pages:

Decorating Bathrooms

Remodeling Your Bathroom

Redesign and Staging Baths

Kitchen Remodeling

2006-07-04T16:04:00.000-07:00

If you're thinking about remodeling your kitchen, or even your bath, you should check out all of the current ratings put out in this month's issue of "Consumer Reports".

The issue is devoted to Dream Kitchens for Less.

You'll find unbiased rathings of 172 different products: anything from flooring, counter tops, appliances, you name it.

That's the August issue.

You'll also find an online cost calculator at www.consumerreports.org.

What Size Tile to Get?

2006-06-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

QUESTION
My house is an open floor plan. I'm removing all my hardwood floors that start at the foyer of my house that leads down a short hall way to the kitchen. What would be the difference if I chose a 13 inch cermamic tile of an 18 inch? Is it just what I like best or will one make the room look larger/smaller?

ANSWER
Compare the price of the smaller size to the larger size (square or rectangular) or whatever configuration you choose to see if there is a price savings on one size as opposed to the other when you factor in your total square foot needs. That might have an influence on your decision.

As for making a room look larger or smaller, that probably would be determined more by the direction of the tile, whether square or rectangular, and perhaps color.

If square, the smaller size might appear a bit more busy than the larger tile. If rectangular, and the longest side is parallel to the length of the hall, it might have a lengthening effect. If the longer side of the tile is perpendicular to the length of the hall, it might have a widening effect.

If the tiles are laid in at an angle, it can make the hall appear wider.

It's always good to test it out if you're not sure. You can buy samples of each size and lay them in the hall to get a better feeling for what you want before you lay down the big money.

Try to look at plenty of examples in the showroom of the effects of each tile size, particularly in the color you are selecting.

Should you dump your plumber?

2006-06-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

I dumped my plumber after he made inappropriate comments of a sexual nature to my daughter. I then discovered from another plumber that he did an inappropriate repair on a tub that was leaking.

Obviously it was a no brainer to dump him.

Here are some other clues that problems may be ahead:

1) He shows up at 2:00 P.M. when the appointment was for 9:00 A.M.
2) He doesn't cover his shoes before entering your home.
3) His tools are as nasty as your old pipes.
4) He doesn't give you detailed answers to your questions.
5) He helps himself to food.
6) Your final bill doesn't even come close to the estimate.
7) He leaves a big mess when he leaves.
8) He gives you no guarantee or warranty on his work when he's done.

Outdoor Decoration Tips

2006-06-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

Colors and Accents

Easily add color to your yards by putting in plants, pots, a railing, window boxes, hanging flower pots, colored baskets, painted benches, wooden boxes, metal pots, an assortment of wind chimes.Paint your tired old gate or fence. Recover old chair cushions, buy a new table cloth, visit 2nd hand stores and pickup some color coordinated dishes. Get a new umbrella. A strong color on your back wall will really add flair as a backdrop.
Plant colorful and sweet smelling flowers near your windows so you can enjoy the fragrance when you have your windows open.

Inspiration and Themes
If you don't have a theme, choose one that blends with the style of your home or the colors you have painted your home. Don't feel that you have to choose one style and only one style. Mix two styles together. Mix even more for a very eclectic look, just make sure you have one style dominate the other.

Summer Decorating Tips

2006-06-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

Now that school's out for most students, and summer is officially here (I know, because my daughter was born on the first day of summer, June 21), it's time to get out doors more often and just relax.

So here are a few tips to make the outdoors more inviting:

1) Put a bench in the back yard and create an instant reading place. Add some posts behind the bench to create a backdrop. Put a small end table or coffee table nearby. Get out and read a good book, sip some iced tea, enjoy the kids playing.

2) Add a colorful new umbrella to your outdoor dining table. A splash of new color will enliven the area and add instant charm for outdoor entertaining.

3) Spray paint some of your old baskets different colors. Add some potted plants. Display them in groupings in and around your lawn or deck furniture.

4) If you have a large lawn in the back, put up a large tent and open up the front to face your home. Add some charming furniture to the inside of the tent and you've instantly added additional space for evening enjoyment.

5) Get some outdoor lanterns or light posts and place around your garden. Eat outdoors more often and enjoy the balmy weather.

6) Invest in a movable gazebo, the kind you can now find in most home improvement stores, at Walmart, KMart and even grocery stores. Position the gazebo near your family room or any room that opens to the backyard. It will provide shade for the home and give the appearance of an add-on room. Put a dining table and chairs in the gazebo and enjoy eating dinner outside every evening.

Different Colors for Ceilings

2006-06-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

QUESTION
I have a question regarding painting a kitchen ceiling. It's a cathedral knock-down ceiling but changes to popcorn between the kitchen and family room doorway area which is only about a 4 or 5 foot space. My client doesn't want to paint the family room ceiling because it's popcorn and flows to most other areas of the house, but the kitchen is separate except for the doorway area into the family room. She is painting the family room a warm gold color and leaving the ceilings white, but we are thinking about painting the ceiling in the kitchen the same gold color because it is a high ceiling and the gold matches the kitchen faux wallpaper nicely. Would it look funny to just end the paint at the break in ceiling types or is there a better way to do this?

ANSWER
I don't have a problem with changing the color on the ceiling when it is clearly a different room and the texture changes, so long as a colored ceiling does not make the room look smaller. It will, but when you have high ceilings to begin with, you can get away with it.

After it's done, if it doesn't feel perfect, you can add a faux beam or molding to separate the two to make them visually more separate. Or perhaps the lighting will allow you to section off a portion inside the gold and paint it white to match the outer area, creating a "border" with the gold rather than an all one-color ceiling.

Decorating and Redesign Tidbits

2006-06-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

1) If you never use a particular room, it will never be comfortable. So then it just gets relegated to color and pattern. Be totally honest about what you like. If you don't care that much for books, don't create a library. If you always make excuses about exercising, don't create a home gym.

2) If you're going to be afraid to use something, don't buy it. Years ago I purchased a living room set with black ebony wood and gold velvet fabric. I was totally afraid to even sit in the room. What a waste.

3) If you're remodeling or building a home, put your light switches where they make sense, not where they will be cheaper. You'll hate where you put them for as long as you live there if they don't make sense. Go for convenience, not savings.

4) If you use brilliant white plumbing fixtures, they will sparkle and always feel clean.

5) Place your shower drains in a corner, not in the middle of the shower. No one likes to stand on a drain.

Your home should be a place of comfort and refuge.

Rugs vs. Furniture: What to Buy First?

2006-06-20T11:44:00.000-07:00

QUESTION
I have a great room, exposing my dining room, kitchen, hallway, and living area. I plan to purchase the same pattern rug for all rooms. Which should you purchase first, furniture, or rugs?

ANSWER
I'm taking it you're talking about area rugs and not wall to wall carpeting.

First I recommend you work out on paper the furniture layout you want to use, because area rugs need to be coordinated with the configuration. I would purchase nothing at all, were it me, until I knew what my furniture would be, it's size and location. This will play a part in deciding the size of the rug needed for each room. I would also pay attention to whether I'm likely to want to change the configuration of the furniture around from time to time, as the rug could hamper that process.

I would also make sure that I have plenty of fabric choices that will blend with the color of the rug before committing to either furniture or rugs.

You should gather samples if you can of everything you think you might like to get to make sure they look good together and in the light conditions of each room.

Using Fabrics in Interior Redesign Services

2006-06-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

Are your fabrics dating your rooms? Certain colors and combinations of colors, patterns indicate a strong remembrance to times past. This is a good clue as to when your room was last updated.

For example, avacado green and gold was prevalent in the 60's. Blue and mauve was indicative of the 80's. Teale and green was prevalent in the 90's.

But changing everything can get expensive, especially of the "give away" fabrics are on your walls, carpeting or upholstered furniture.

So if you need a quick fix that is inexpensive, consider slip covers for your seating. Good companies to explore are Surefit.Net or Domestications.Com.

To keep the slipcovers from moving, tuck lengths of PVC pipe or rolled magazines pushed behind the cushions to keep the slipcover in place.

If budget allows, use custom slipcovers. You can get them in components so you can Velcro the skirt in place, each arm separately and then add the cushion covers for a very fitted look.

I've even known people to drape the top and cushions with large throws. It just depends on how much you have to hide and the style of seating you're working with.

Some wallpapers can be painted over. I don't like it myself, but it can be a quick remedy when you need one.

Exterior Redesign Tips

2006-06-12T13:15:00.000-07:00

To evoke happy memories of the past, don't overlook the value of a well scented garden - or beautiful scents in your home.

I returned home yesterday from a seminar to the beautiful aroma of garden flowers in my kitchen, all brought to me by the scented oil fragrance coming from one of my plug-ins.

But before I even got in the front door, I walked past my night blooming jasmine filling my entire front garden with such a sweet fragrance. I just love this time of year.

When planning your scented garden, select plants that bloom at different times of the year so that you always smell something good out there. But don't limit yourself to flowers. You can get wonderful aromas from some leaves, shrubs, trees and vines.

Be sure to place heavily scented plants (particularly if they bloom at the same time of year) apart from one another or their combined scents might become overwhelming.

Enclose your garden with a fence to hold in the fragrance. Reflected heat from a wall or your home can help intensify scents.

Plant the larger, more dense fragrant shrubs in the back of the garden to act as a windbreak.

Be sure to plant scented flowers around windows and doorways. Place night time scented plants around your bedroom windows. Jasmine and gardenias are perfect for this.

Two other good plant choices are mock orange, which blooms in the summer and lilac trees. Other plants to try: chocolate cosmos, winter daphne, hybrid tea roses, sweet autumn clematis.

Interior Redesign: Scented Gardens

2006-06-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Hanging Art Over Mantle

2006-06-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

QUESTION
I'm going to help a friend hang 3 pictures over her mantle. Each picture is 14 3/4" wide. The mantle is 5'. How high above the mantle should we hang them and how far apart? She is going to display other photo's and the tallest is 17 3/4" and one of the others is 10 1/2".

ANSWER
How high above the mantle depends, in part, on whether you're going to sit anything ON the mantle. Naturally it's good to overlap behind what's on the mantle, because you don't want the eye to be drawn to the wall between objects.

14-3/4 is fairly small, so I'd probably hang the pictures somewhere between 2-3" max apart.

The key is to find an arrangement that fills approximately 2/3rds of the width of the mantle and that is balanced. So what you want to do is lay all of the different pictures out on the floor in front of the mantle and play with different arrangement configurations until you find the one you like the best. Be careful that the width of the total arrangement doesn't exceed (at least not by much) the 2/3rds measurement of the mantle if you want the best feeling.

The reason for this is that you don't want the grouping to appear crunched in the space, but also you don't want it to feel overwhelmed by the space.

You can lay each piece on butcher block paper and outline the piece and cut out the shapes. That makes it easy to rearrange them, but also easy to tack the paper on the wall itself so you have a good idea of where to position them and if the overall arrangement will fill the space nicely.

Group like kinds together. If each piece doesn't "feel good" with the others, don't try to force them into a group, as no matter how good the arrangement is, it still won't look good.

Choosing the Right Seating for You

2006-06-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

Over the years I've gain more than a few pounds. Guess it happens to most everyone.

And every year, as my body wears down more and more and I get new aches and pains, I think more about comfort than anything else. I can remember when my Mom would buy the ugliest of shoes merely because they were comfortable. I thought she was insane. Now I see myself doing the same thing.

So as our bodies broaden and become heavier, the force of gravity takes a bigger toll. We're heavier and we're spreading out.

So look for seating in your home that is comfortable for your body type. If you're a larger body type, you're not likely to be comfortable on a hardwood bench. On the other hand, if you have a bad back, you're not likely to feel adequately supported on an overly soft sofa.

Orange Continues to be Strong Decorating Color

2006-05-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

Orange is the new red and continues to be a strong choice by interior designers across the country.

Mix it with other warm colors: yellow, off white, blue, purple, green.

Choose subdued tints and shades. If doing a tone-on-tone look, vary your textures for the most pleasing results.

Redesign Finishing Touches

2006-05-18T20:32:00.000-07:00

A decorative or handsome tray placed on an ottoman or bed. Fill it with things that relate to the room.

Bed: Open book, pair of glasses, bud vase with rose, potpourri in a decorative bowl, decorative handtowels.

Ottoman in the Den: Pens and pencils in a decorative holder, some monogrammed notepads, an address book, pair of glasses or magnifying glass.

Ottoman in Living Room: Wine bottle and two crystal glasses, fresh flowers in clear vase, book of poetry.

A bowl of color coordinated jelly beans or fresh fruit is a nice touch.

A mixture of textures: shiny surfaces mixed with rough textures. Keeps people off balance and that generates interest.

Current Decorating Colors by Interior Designers

2006-05-17T11:32:00.000-07:00

Here are what some professionals are saying:

Lots of blue, framed with creams and whites.
Glacier-white lacquered walls.
Khaki, linen and white with one single accent color in subtle values, such as red, blue or green.
Golden camel with black and ivory. Chic and grounding.

Decorating Touches

2006-05-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

Think about your accessories as you would your earrings or a fine necklace. It's the accessories that express your personality and add the finishing touch to your decor.

That's why they are so important.

For a change of pace from the typical plant one sees on a table or shelf, try adding some succulents in coordinating pots. Group them in small clusters of say 5 or 7. vary the sizes and heights for the most pleasing arrangements.

It's an unexpected treatment that can really look terrific.

Avoiding Decorating Mistakes

2006-05-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

Before you buy furniture, make sure it will pass through the door of the room and that it is not too tall for the height of the room. You don't want to have to cut a hole in the floor or wall so it will fit.

Ordering furniture from a website. Make sure to check the dimensions. You don't want to mistakenly wind up with children's furniture or doll furniture.

Be sure to measure the width, height and length of furniture and compare it to the space in the room. If you buy furniture that is too big, you'll be really limited on arrangement configurations.

If you buy furniture that is too small, it will feel dwarfed and you'll have to buy more to make up the difference.

Decorating Dining Room

2006-05-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

QUESTION
A client has a teak dining room suite. Her chairs are not that attractive (more outdated appearing than the rest of the set). She has four new chairs in her travel trailer that are of a lighter wood but the seats are much nicer upholstered and the chairs are more modern and heavier. If the two colors of the wood blend or compliment each other, that switch should work shouldn't it?

ANSWER
My dining room chairs don't match the table itself and I love it. If they blend, you get a nice eclectic look. Another alternative is to put slip covers over the current chairs in a fabric that blends with the wood and the room. You can buy slip covers ready made which look especially contemporary in white, off white or black, or make them yourself, etc. Some come with contrasting colors on the piping too.

Interior Design Tip #7

2006-05-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

Take a second look at your lighting.

Change out the bulbs to colored ones. Or just decrease or increase the wattage for a pleasant change of pace.

Add or remove a lamp. Make sure that the room has light in all the most important areas - especially if they are task areas.

Add lights that highlight just the art for a dramatic effect.

Add uplights on the floor behind a tree or plant. Watch the interesting shadows that appear.

Spring Decorating Tip #6

2006-05-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

Add sparkle to your entry with a couple of glass lamps. Or add an ornately framed beveled mirror.

When the light hits them in the evening, it's like adding diamonds to a dress.

Many stores will have discounts for Mother's Day. Shop around early. Look for bargains. Take advantage when you find them.

Saturday I happened into an accessory store going out of business. Everything in the store was 40% off. I loaded up. Even if I can't use some of the merchandise for my home, I can always use it for my redesign and home staging business.

Spring Decorating Tip #5

2006-04-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

Polka dots are especially great to add to a room, especially for a touch of humor. It doesn't matter if they are dainty or bold, they bring that bohemian look out.

You can mix them with stripes or solids or plaids. Try to keep the background colors the same for continuity.

You can even mix them with other dot patterns so long as the dot is the only variation.

Spring Decorating Tip #4

2006-04-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

I just bought new fabric to recover some old pillows for a bed. If you do several pillows at the same time, it's easier to coordinate the fabrics you will use right there at the store.

When combining patterns, make sure you use one large, one medium and one small pattern together for best results.

Don't mix more than 3 patterns together or becomes too tedious.

Use left over fabric on something else in the room. The repetition helps to create unity and balance in the room.

Spring Decorating Tip #3

2006-04-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Dress up your home with some sparkle and shine. Add some gilt for extra flair and depth. It should have a patina and not be totally perfect. Don't overdo it.

Buy some clear vases for your coffee table.

Put a candle in one or two, some potpourri or rocks or glass beads in another one.

Light from the window or from a lamp at night will make these accessories gleam and sparkle. What a nice effect, especially on a glass table top.

Window Treatments

2006-04-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

QUESTION
I have short windows in my home, they have mini blinds on them and I want to put valances up. Any idea which style to use to make the windows look not so wide?

========================

ANSWER
Well, any time you have horizontal lines going across the window it will look wider and not taller. The horizontal line of the valance, plus the horizontal lines of the blinds all contribute to this.

If you can't change the blinds for verticals or shades and if you must have the valance, try to put vertical lines in the valance. You didn't say how tall the valance will be.

You can also hang faux drapery panels down the outer edges of the window, coming from under the valance on each side. This will add a strong vertical line and counteract the impact of the horizontal lines. They will also reduce the width of the window automatically. Run the fabric from top of window to the floor.

Spring Decorating Tip 2

2006-04-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Shakers chose to wear checks as a reflection of their simple, orderly life. But in decorating, checks are considered dignified, versatile and sophisticated, whether they are bold or demure prints.

Be feminine with checks that are delicate in nature, like in gingham.

Be classic with broken checks, say from a houndstooth pattern.

Go tartan for that British look.

Small checked patterns are great for chairs and look great beside a solid fabric on a sofa.

Current Interior Design Trends for Spring

2006-04-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Stripes have come into their own again. They are respectable and stylish and add a lively look to a room. Multi-colored stripes can pull together diverse elements in the room and unify an otherwise random look.

To get a more understated look, use tone-on-tone stripes (varying shades of the same color). It will bring a subtle sophisticated style to the room.

Vertical stripes will make a ceiling look higher and create the illusion of space.

Horizontal stripes make a room look longer.

Interior Redesign Course: Kitchen Decorating Dilemma

2006-04-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if this is how I go about asking a question, but I will give it a try. I purchased your Décor Secrets Revealed on 12/29/2005 and I'm working my way through it and having a great time.

I moved into a home within the last year and have been slowly making it our own. I have completed the living room/dining room and part of the family room and now would like to work on the kitchen. The kitchen has a U-shaped set up with beige tiles, frost is the name of the finish on the cabinets, and the wall are white. I cannot replace the cabinets or tile at this time (we will not be in the house that long.) The cabinets are builder grade and are not very attractive (beige in color with a wood grain) and the counter top is gray, black and tan Formica.

What I would like is a Wow factor when you enter the kitchen. The area opens up to a eating area and the family room. I replaced the carpet in the FR with hardwood floors and painted the large 14' wall at the end of the room Mulled Wine, the furniture in the FR is navy and cream check (sofa and love seat), along with a wing chair and ottoman in a color similar to the wine. The wood furniture consists of dark pine and natural pine pieces. The kitchen table is pine with black chairs with rush seats.

The cabinets originally had no knobs so I just put on very nice pewter swirl knobs which really made a difference, now I am trying to figure out what color to paint the walls in the kitchen, eating area and FR. I thought that if I painted the walls a color similar to the color of the cabinets that it would make the cabinets blend into the walls, (since I do not like the cabinets), I plan on replacing the counter top and I thought it should be a solid black (which could be a focal point), and I will add a black roping or crown molding to the top of the cabinets. Possibly paint the small wall in the kitchen (one with frig, in the old) the same Mulled Wine that is in the FR. I would then carry the same cream color walls into the eating area and family room, hopefully leaving the wine color wall.

Since I do not plan on replacing the tiles, I will find a rug for under the kitchen table with compliments the colors.

Will painting a wall the similar color as the cabinet make them blend? Do you think that this might work? Am I headed in the right direction?

Answer to Kitchen Decorating Dilemma

Magical Decorating Tips

2006-04-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

Fill several vases with fresh flowers, hopefully cut from your own yard, and place them through your home. Put them in the bathroom, beside your bed, near your home office desk, on the dining table, near the entry.

You'd be amazed at how beautiful your home will look and smell.

The flickering light of candles is another wonderful decorating accent. Buy some clear glass vases with openings wide enough to insert a decorative candle. Sprinkle these around your home. The glass vase will not only highlight the candle more, it will help protect your home if you're not always right by the candle when it's burning. Do place your candles where they will not get bumped over or where small children cannot access them. Safety comes before beauty.

Dining Room Tips; Painting Wood in a Room

2006-04-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

QUESTION
I have a couple of decorating questions. I am doing a dining room for a client who has no furniture yet. The dining room is approximately 10 x 10 square and it has a 14 foot round tray ceiling. is a round table the only shape that will work because of the ceiling or could we also use an oblong table or would that look odd with the ceiling? Also, I did a color consultation for an older home that needs updating. All the trim, doors, baseboards, etc. are the darker wood. I've been asked if that look is coming back so we wouldnt have to paint it, but I think it stills needs to be painted a cream or maybe antique white to also brighten up the somewhat dark house. I've selected different hues of a gold palette with accents of Sienna (trying to get her away from all beige).

ANSWER
A round or square table in a square room will be ideal, for proportional reasons. Hard to do anything else and have it look good.

First you have to make sure that the wood in the room will take the paint ok. Some woods are hard woods and act like plastic where paint won't adhere properly. The wood has to be porous enough for the paint to sink in or it will scratch off quickly when used.

Assuming the wood is paintable, I personally like lighter backgrounds with window treatments the same color as the walls. It makes the room look more unified and less pieced up and then the furniture and accessories stand out more. It also makes the room look much larger.

Having said that, it's still personal preference. Rather than focusing on what's "in", focus on what the client likes. That's the only important factor. Fads come and go. What one really likes stays much longer.

Home Decorating Tips and Tricks

2006-04-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Want to make your windows appear larger?

Instead of placing the drapery rod just above the window, place it at your ceiling. If you have crown molding, place the bar just under the molding. Hang your draperies.

Then by using tie backs, pull the drapes back on each side of the window, leaving the top part of the drapes treatment closed over the wall above the window.

This trick also makes the room look more elegant, by accentuating the height of the walls, especially if you're hanging sheers behind the heavier drapes. Leave the sheers closed from floor to ceiling for a beautiful look.

Yes, the drapes will cost more because they will need to be longer. But it's well worth it for the final result.

Mix Up Your Decorating Style

2006-04-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Don't be afraid to mix up your style, your colors, sizes and shapes. While the colors do need to blend, staying too focused on one and only one palette or style becomes rather boring and expected.

Even mix up your eras and patterns.

You want your rooms to be exciting and interesting - even surprising.

Bring in some additional plants and accessories. Buy big! Most people I redesign for have few accessories and almost no plants.

And what they do have is very small and hard to work with. They buy cheap accessories when they should be putting their best money into the accessories.

Why?

Because your personality is expressed by your accessories, not your sofa and chairs.
So don't let your accessories (or lack of them) drive down your room's ambience.

Three Decorating and Redecorating Tips

2006-04-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

TIP ONE
Re-cover your existing furniture in a more elegant fabric. Choose from sateen, wool, velvet, silk or cashmere. These are great fabrics to use on sofas or chairs and feel truly wonderful too.

TIP TWO
When you're shopping for furniture, look for interesting shapes and curves. For instance, perhaps the curve of a camel-back sofa or the arm of a chair. Adding interesting curves to the mix will also bring a touch of glamor and rhythm to the room.

TIP THREE
The mood of a room is important. Choose colors that appeal to you and that fit the mood you want for a room. However, in a bathroom, you want to choose colors that blend with your skin coloring for the best effect.

Popular Decorating Colors

2006-04-05T11:33:00.000-07:00

Kool-Aid Colors (red, yellow, lime green) are great for city dwellers fighting against all that gray and dingy lighting.

Neutrals with Black, or Chocolate Brown with Beige/White are always "in" and kind of understated elegant.

Peacock Blue, Burnt Orange with Charcoal Black create a timeless classic look.

To create a calm backdrop for your lighter shades, consider earth tones: chocolate brown, eggplant, bronze green, burnt siena, ocher.

For a vibrant look that is crisp, try pistachio green and prussian blue, with accenting in tobacco and just a tinge of burnt apricot.

Update Your Decor Using the Outdoors

2006-04-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

You can easily update your decor using elements found in nature. As an example, how about stone, wood or slate?

Snip a few branches from a bush in your yard - add some leafy fauna and instantly create an inspired arrangement in any season.

Use cuttings from the yard that haven't bloomed yet. This forces them to bloom ahead of their natural cycle.

Try cherry, magnolia or money plant.

Incorporate ferns in your bathrooms. Use found objects from your yard.

Display your cut flowers in clear vessels to display their bright green stems.

Keeping Flowers Fresh

2006-04-03T10:02:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how other people are able to keep their fresh flowers looking great for a long time?

Wash the vase carefully to remove all traces of flowers that were in it before.
Fill the fase with lukewarm water for most flowers, cold water for bulb flowers
Use any preservative as the label directs. A preservative can be sugar, biocides to discourage growth of bacteria and fungi and which allow easier water uptake, and acidifiers, which lower the water's pH. - DIY potions include ingredients as diverse as pennies, aspirin, lemon-time soda, vinegar and mouthwash. However, more common solutions include 1 teaspoon of bleach and 1 tablespoon of sugar stirred into a 1 gallon container of water.
Remove foliage that will be below the water line as that is a breeding ground for bacteria.
Hold each stem under water and cut about an inch off the end at an angle, using a sharp nonserrated knife. A knife won't crush stems as scissors can. Under water cutting prevents air from blocking water uptake. Cutting at an angle keeps stems from resting flat against the vase once inside the container.
Stick flowers into filled vase of water right away.
Place the vase out of direct sunlight and in a cool spot. Keep vase away from radiators, vents or warm appliances.
Every other day, refill the vase, add preservative, recut the stems and put them in fresh water right away.
Enjoy your fresh cut flowers.

Linen Source Catalog

2006-03-30T08:43:00.000-08:00

Are you on the mailing list for Linen Source? You should be if you love seeing new styles in bedding.

Their spring line is absolutely lovely.

You can call and get your catalog sent to you free at (800) 431-2620.

Can You Learn Redesign Online?

2006-03-29T09:16:00.000-08:00

QUESTION
Barbara,
You returning my message so promptly speaks volumes for your company.
Some of my concerns are as follows:

How can I learn from reading about staging/redesign when it is a hands on business?

ANSWER
The high priced seminar people want you to believe the only way to learn is "hands on", but the simple fact is that they have to tell you that to justify their high prices. I train more people in a month than any single seminar trainer does all year. I just finished taking a Flash class online that was excellent. As you know graphic design is a very visual business too, but I learned just fine and could do it at my time table in my home and I loved it.

QUESTION
How will I know if what I am doing is correct, if I don't have a teacher to see my design ideas and critique them?

ANSWER
My ebook on design techniques is loaded with over 500 photos. Many are before and after pictures. If you train as a Gold or Diamond level, I will guarantee your certification. I make you pass an exam to make sure you understand the concepts and know how to apply them. I make you turn in a portfolio of 5 rooms to see what you're doing. If you don't pass, I personally retrain you.

I've had many, many people come to me for training who took the seminars and were very disappointed. If you can read and understand my copy on the website, you'll find my training is written in the same style. I have lots of people write and say how easy it was to understand. Have you read the testimonials? You'll see there are a wide variety of them in there.

Read Some of Our Testimonials

Sheffield School of Interior Design

2006-03-24T11:14:00.000-08:00

QUESTION
I have just completed the Sheffield school of Interior Design program and loved it. How does your program in design compare to theirs. I am really interested in your redesign program and would not need all the design background stuff (ie color theory, etc). Which one of your programs would be best suited for me??

ANSWER

It depends on your goals, actually.

I offer both Redesign and Home Staging in basic training tutorials (ebook or printed versions). Rearrange It (redesign) covers a little of home staging, but focuses mainly on redesign, setting up business, marketing, promotions, etc.

Home Staging for Profit covers only staging business and parts are very similar to Rearrange It, because some marketing, organization and promotional stuff is the same for every business one earth.

Advanced Redesign covers advanced stuff for both businesses, but maybe more for redesign than staging, hence the name.
Then there are nifty tools of the trade I highly recommend and use myself.
Don't know anything about Sheffield, though they have been around a long time. I have periodically had interior designers tell me they learned more from me on arrangement of furniture, however, than they did in all their formal design training, but I couldn't tell you where they studied. So I cannot help you compare what I teach with what you already know. One gal in Florida said she didn't learn anything new in Decor Secrets Revealed, but was reminded of several things she had forgotten about and she had been a full service designer for many years. So it is different for everyone.

What Are You Doing?

2006-03-23T17:33:00.000-08:00

What are you doing to promote your redesign or home staging business?

You should have no less than 5 referral gathering systems in place, all working diligently to garner referrals.

1) Never leave an appointment without one or two referrals.
2) Never host a party without getting one or two referrals from each guest.
3) Never attend a party without getting one or two referrals.
4) Strike up a conversation while standing in line: postoffice, grocery store, movie theater. Ask for a referral.
5) Stay in contact with clients on a monthly basis. Remind them you are looking for referrals.

Going the Extra Mile

2006-03-22T23:48:00.000-08:00

If there's one thing I've learned, it's that in this business it's important to give more than you promise.

Over deliver on what you say you will do.

If you quote a flat rate for services based on a certain length of time, stay longer.

Don't be in a hurry. Get the job done. Be a perfectionist.

I stayed an extra 3 hours on a full day project. I did not up my price as I felt it was smarter to "over deliver".

It paid off too. My client was so grateful, she paid me an extra $250 as a bonus.

Focus on the client's needs, not your own. You'll go farther in the long run.

Can You Make Money in Redesign and Staging?

2006-03-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

I periodically get asked whether one can really make money in interior redesign and/or home staging.

It is impossible for anyone to predict the experience of someone else. While 10 people make take the same training, each person brings their own skill sets to the equation.

The trainee is the X factor.

It really doesn't matter what other's have or haven't done. Because your experience will not match anyone else's.

On that note, I just got paid $1000 to redesign a home. I actually worked about 8 hours. You do the math.

Stay in Tune with the Past - Redesign vs. New

2006-03-20T23:33:00.000-08:00

The older I get the more in tune I am with nostalgia. I drive a PT Cruiser. My home is filled with Asian decor reminding me of my childhood growing up in Japan.

With the escalating prices of homes all across the country, and especially in Orange County (where I live), one must look carefully at the advantages and disadvantages of buying a new home as opposed to restoring and repairing an older one. I'm in the process of doing the latter.

When we appreciate the past it gives us a clearer vision for the future.

I just redesigned a multi-million home in Long Beach, a city that has undergone a huge redevelopment of the downtown area. Driving through that part of town last week, I hardly recognized a city where I had lived and worked and attended college.

Look to your past for inspiration and appreciation. It's an important part of your family's heritage. Treasure it. Own it. Preserve it.

Website Design for Business

2006-03-20T12:32:00.000-08:00

QUESTION
I want to get started with a business in the Los Angeles area and I need to put a website together. I have done design work for years (for free) & just retired from an administrative position in marine & commercial refrigeration. I would like to name my business REARRANGE HOME DECORATING. I would aim my business toward homes & real estate sale preparation for homes. I need help putting a wesite together. Can you help or advise?

ANSWER
I could do one for you but I'm very pricey at $2000 and above depending on size.

There are many places where you can purchase a small website and they provide you with a simple template to work in and you can do it yourself. I would refer you to my daughter, who is very good, and not as expensive as me, but she is swamped getting ready to go on tour to Europe in April.

A search on the internet should be advantageous to you.

Good luck,Barbara Jennings

Home Staging Selling Out

2006-03-16T14:06:00.000-08:00

I've been totally overwhelmed with the popularity of my new tutorial, "Home Staging for Profit". The first printing completely sold out in the first day. More have been ordered, but the ebook is always available.

http://www.decorate-redecorate.com/home-staging-training.html

Send Interior Redesign Questions

2006-03-14T19:47:00.000-08:00

I would love for this Blog to become a forum for questions on decorating and redesign.

Send your questions to:

http://www.decorate-redecorate.com/support.html

Tell your friends who are in the decorating business of interior redesign.

Home Staging for Profit Now Available!

2006-03-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

My newest tutorial, "Home Staging for Profit" is now available.

208 pages of fabulous, very detailed business training for staged homes career goals.

Available either ebook format (Windows PC Users Only) or in print version (comb binding).

http://www.decorate-redecorate.com/home-staging-training.html

Stage Homes for Your Career

2006-03-13T20:05:00.000-08:00

Staged homes sell faster and for far more profit than unstaged homes, particularly if they are vacant. A huge industry has sprung up that is proving to be very profitable for real estate agents and stagers who provide this service to homeowners putting their houses on the market.

Now you can learn how to break into the lucrative home staging market with my newest training ebook/manual called "Home Staging for Profit".

Details: http://www.decorate-redecorate.com/home-staging-training.html

Home Staging for Profit

2006-03-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

Announcing my newest training!

HOME STAGING FOR PROFIT COMING IN 3 DAYS

If you want to start a home staging business and get paid for doing what you love, then you absolutely must get your copy of this new ebook/manual of over 200 pages. It will teach you just about everything you could hope to know to start a home staging business of your own.

No experience necessary. You will train at home at your own pace and can be up and ready for business in as little as 7 days.

More more info: http://www.decorate-redecorate.com/home-staging-training.html

Bronze vs. Silver, Gold and Diamond Training

2006-02-23T12:01:00.000-08:00

To clarify our Training Options:

Recommendations are simply that: recommendations, not requirements.

The Bronze Program is not a Package. It is merely a Category that enables anyone to purchase any single training product or tool individually. You can select whatever you want, whenever you want it, and in whatever sequence makes sense to you.

The Silver, Gold and Diamond Packages are not "Programs" like Bronze. They are actual Packages that have their own freebies and discounts, perks and bonuses for one grand price.

While we occasionally make recommendations about sequence or what we feel a person should acquire (at the bare minimum), we never impose recommendations as requirements. This allows anyone at any time to "tailor" the training to suit their own individual background and resource level and suit their individual goals.

For a bird's eye view of our options, please visit Training Options.

Behr Fan Decks

2006-02-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

Barbara, I have your e-book and love it. However, after purchasing it, several life events prevented me from redecorating my home. I'm now ready to go and purchased the color fan from Behr that you suggested.

My question: how do I know which are warm colors and which are cool? Obviously just a bit of another color in the mix changes the hue, so where do I go from here? I have $40 invested in the fan, plus the e-book, and need to show my husband that it's been advantageous. lol - Debra

===================================

ANSWER

Debra, the Behr fan deck is not separated into warm vs cool colors. I was also disappointed to find out that my old favourite (Devoe) had stopped separating the colors. They have two sections, but they have all yellow in the warm section, and not all yellows are warm. They have all blues in the cool section and not all blues are cool.

So they did dump a very helpful way of doing color consultations.

The only advice I can give you is to visit a Home Depot store or other paint store that carries Behr. Then stand back and look at the color display. Usually the colors will graduate on the display from warm to cool and you can help narrow the field for yourself by writing on the back a C for cool and a W for warm.

The tricky part comes when you merge to the center where they can pretty much fall into either category. But those wouldn't be the colors I would be that worried about anyway.

I know this is so unscientific, but it's all that we are left with.

Barb

P.S. Thanks for the compliments. Glad you are pleased with the training.

A Friend Is Like a Bra . . .

2006-02-17T08:16:00.000-08:00

Hard to Find
Supportive
Comfortable
Always Lifts You Up
Never Lets You Down or Leaves You Hanging
And Is Always Close to Your Heart!

Share This With a Friend.....

What's In and What's Out?

2006-02-16T14:34:00.000-08:00

QUESTION
I live in a very small city and I think that is part of the reason I lack confidence in knowing when some items may really be out of styles (don't get a lot of opportunities to really study the 'decorating' stores) e.g. certain styles of window coverings (eg. swags & jabots), brass lamps, etc. I do get three decorating magazines monthly but they are a bit high end.

Is there any other way(s) of keeping on top of this? Or could you recommend a magazine, etc. that you find particularly beneficial?

Thanks loads,

Phyllis
-------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER
I never worry about what's "in" because by the time you hear about it, it's probably on it's way "out". I always recommend that people simple go with what they love. Then no matter what the trends bring or how fast they come in or go out, they will still love what they have.

Home Staging Short Primer

2006-02-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

While this is not meant to be a thorough business plan, it will give you some ultra basics. You should acquire more thorough training if you are really serious. More about that at the end.

STEP ONE

Use your knowledge of design; acquire more training. There is a difference between decorating for yourself and doing it for a fee.
Find out what small business legal steps you need for your community and state. These differ and are called different things.
If you want to use a name other than your own, you'll need to set up a ficticious name.
Create a business card that clearly states what you do.
Gather together some useful accessories.
You may need extra help. Hire some if necessary.
Promote your business with advertising and word of mouth.
Buy a domain name and create a website.
Set an appointment for consultation. Listen to what the client wants and then create a step by step plan to achieve that.
Decide how much you want to earn each month (be realistic) and set your rates accordingly.

AUTHOR: Barbara Jennings is one of the top interior redesign and home staging experts and trainers in the country. She has written several decorating books on redesign and staging, and has created many exclusive tools of the trade to help stagers and redesigners to build their business ventures. For a more extensive training program, visit More on Home Staging.

Redesign Powerpoint Slides and Script

2006-02-08T22:57:00.000-08:00

Wait no longer!

It's finally here. 60 Beautiful Slides in a Powerpoint presentation, together with a powerful script, make speaking to a group about the benefits of redesign so incredibly easy.

The script is editable. The slides graduate from listing the most common problems homeowners make to a ton of before and after pictures.

It finishes with a list of benefits of hiring a redesigner followed by a strong call to action.

Redesign Presentation Slides and Script

Decorating Organizer/Tote

2006-02-08T22:51:00.001-08:00

Whenever I go to a store to purchase paint, wallpaper, fabric or furnishings, I also have a hard time keeping all of my swatches, measurements, measuring tape and other items in a neat, organized place. Seems like I'm always leaving something behind or dropping someone along the way.

I found a beautiful, extremely well-crafted organizer/tote, especially designed for the do-it-yourself decorator.

Decorating Organizer/Tote

Valentine Wish for You

2006-02-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

This Really Made Me Cry

I can get misty-eyed very easily but I really cried when I watched this.
It was so touching to me, especially since my mom is 91 years old.
Please take the time to view this short piece.
The music is beautiful and I hope it touches you too.

http://www.decorate-redecorate.com/valentine.html

P.S. Please forward the link above to your address list before Valentine's
Day. Thanks.

Move Heavy Furniture on Carpet

2006-01-31T15:07:00.000-08:00

Don't risk hurting your back.

With these professional furniture sliders, you can easily move heaving furniture on your carpeting, without damaging the carpet or your furniture.

They come in a set of 4 and no homeowner should be without them.

Furniture Sliders for Carpet

Coming Attractions!

2006-01-31T00:07:00.000-08:00

In our ever constant desire to bring you the very best, most practical tools of the trade to help you build your interior redesign and/or home staging business, we will be adding the following unique tools of the trade:

1) Professional moving sliders for carpeted surfaces;
2) Professional moving sliders for hard surface floors;
3) A Decorating Shopper/Tote Bag and Organizer;
4) A Redesign PowerPoint Slideshow with 60 Redesign Slides and Editable Script.

Check back within the next 7 days for more details.

New Home Staging Slides and Script

2006-01-17T10:11:00.000-08:00

Want to make a professional presentation to a real estate office or a group of real estate agents? Don't want to take the time to create your own visuals?

Well, now you don't have to.

I've put together a very professional and colorful Powerpoint Slideshow for you. It has 50 slides, together with a 29-page script.

It's perfect for showing to a real estate agent.

It explains what the home staging concept is (we call it Home Enhancement). It shows before and after pictures, gives them some statistics on the power of staging services, then hits the benefits for the client as well as the agent.

You'll be able to use it on a laptop, pop into the agent's computer (if you don't have a laptop), and even use it in front of a large group of agents.

This is hot!

For more details and to see a demo on this slideshow and how you can use it to promote your home staging business to real estate agents, click here:

Home Enhancement Slideshow and Script

Remember, there is a difference between redesigning a home to live in and redesigning a home for someone to market and sell. While the two sister businesses are very closely aligned, the end goals differ.

We want you to be successful in both redesign and staging, so we'll be following up with this slideshow with another one you can use to present your services on redesign to women's groups and associations. Stay tuned. More great tools are coming.

New Diamond Redesign Training

2006-01-15T01:51:00.000-08:00

Announcing! The Brand New Diamond Interior Redesign/Home Staging Program includes, not only all of our training (design and business, both basic and advanced), and all of our tools of the trade, but a fully functional, custom designed 10-page brochure website.

And not just any website.

Diamond trainees will have the unique advantage of having their website designed and written by the world's largest, most popular interior redesign training center.

We are specialists at creating copy that motivates people to act. We thoroughly understand the industry of interior redesign and staging and we are experts at marketing on the internet. You won't find that combination anywhere else.

For more details, visit: Diamond Redesign/Staging Training Program

2006 Resolutions for Us All

2006-01-05T17:15:00.000-08:00

This is so precious, I had to pass it on.

Note: Turn Your Sound On First!

Resolutions You'll Love

Happy New Year!

Barbara

My Traditional Fruit Salad Recipe

2006-01-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

Every year that I can remember, my Grandmother made a special fruit salad, which she called "Twenty-Four Hour Salad". She may have gotten the recipe from my Aunt who is a professional caterer. My Grandmother would serve it to us every Thanksgiving and Christmas whether she was hosting the meal or going to a relative's home. I came to look on it as a family tradition, which I have continued in my family
to this very season.

So I began thinking a few days ago that you might appreciate having the recipe to this delicious fruit salad. Here it is:

2 eggs, beaten

2 T vinegar or lemon juice
4 T sugar
2 T butter
1 cup cream, whipped
2 cups green or red seedless grapes, or other fruit

2 cups baby marshmellows
2 cups diced pineapple
2 large oranges or 2 cups mandarin oranges

Blend eggs, sugar and vinegar in top of double boiler (or sauce pan on low heat) and cook until thick, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat, add butter; let cool. When cold, add cream and fruit that has been drained. Fold in marshmellows and chill for 24 hours. Do not freeze.

Our Robin LaMonte on Good Morning America

2005-12-13T10:18:00.000-08:00

One of my sweet trainees from some time ago wrote me that she had been selected for a piece on Good Morning America about being hired by clients to decorate their homes for Christmas. This is a service that full time interior designers and other reative people have been giving to busy homeowners for decades without any criticism from the media. So it is disheartening to all of us to see the slant that ABC gave the piece all for the sake of boosting their ratings by trying to turn it into something controversial.

The ABC people knew that Mrs. Gunther "has an ill parent, her children are in college, and her husband doesn't have the time to assist in decorating" so she has used her decorator the last 3 years. But, of course, they don't give that side of the picture either. Robin wrote me, "that Kate Snow said she was outraged" that people would not decorate their own homes - yet she apparently hires a "baby coach" (a new term for "nanny"?) to look after her new baby. Isn't parenting an older tradition than decorating for Christmas?

Decorating for Christmas is not a sacred duty, please. I think everyone would like to do their own, but they have to set priorities - and let's face it - some people just don't have the talent for it.

Read The Piece

I think it would be awesome if all of you were to write, call or email ABC, and Kate Snow, and Good Morning America and voice your collective opinion on the outrageous comments. I don't even like the negative slant in the piece on the website. It makes it seem like our precious Robin is out "preying" on homeowners by their choice of words and phrases. She's providing a very valuable, time consuming and talent-driven service for people who can't do it for themselves, no matter what the reasons are.

Here's a link to write to Good Morning America and register your disgust:

Write to Good Morning America. We in the profession need to stick together as it reflects on all of us and makes it harder for us to provide the good, valuable services we give.

Just so you know, when you register a complaint, all you'll get back is an email from another source full of blatant advertising on how you can buy DVD's from them. It's a blanket response and set up just so they can pitch money-making products they are selling. But please register your opinions anyway - about the commentators, not the segment on Robin. Thanks.

Please also write to Robin and encourage her. Her website is: www.rooms-revamped.com.

Mirror or Art?

2005-12-11T18:31:00.000-08:00

Barb,

Would you choose a mirror or a painting directly on a brick fireplace (6' wide up to the ceiling - no mantle)? I would like to suggest having a mantle added but this client has already gone to a lot of expense! Since nothing can be put directly in front of the mirror, only the opposite wall will be reflected. If you could suggest one over the other or even something totally different I'd appreciate it.

Phyllis

=======================================

No point in putting a mirror unless it will reflect something very nice.

Art will add more personality.

You can even do wall mounted sculptures, light weight, like birds in flight, or a large decorative plate, artificial plants, etc.

Hanging on brick is no fun, so do something simple that only requires one nail/hook.

Barb

Redesign for Spa

2005-12-08T22:43:00.000-08:00

Hello,
I am scheduled to redecorate a Spa for a client this weekend. I am excited about the opportunity and I have many ideas about how to rearrange the furniture but I am curious if there are any guidelines for places like these. Since it isn't a room in a home are there different things to consider? There isn't exactly a focal point such as a fireplace or TV.
The spa owner has a couple of different areas ie: haircutting chair, skin & massage chair (which is located behind a folding screen, reception desk and waiting area.
I just wanted to know if you have any tips regarding a place like this as I might have more in the future if this one is successful.
Thank you,
Laura
============================================

It's totally impossible to advise you with no knowledge whatsoever of the space or what's in it. Then you have to choose a focal point, or focus on the way to best make clients at the spa feel the most comfortable. Many businesses like this have a lot of literature scattered about. Try to declutter the space and make it as peaceful a setting as you can. Create vignettes with the furniture if you can, rather than the "chairs pushed up against the wall in a row" sort of thing that one normally sees. Look for ways to make the waiting area pleasant as it's gets boring quickly in there.

Barbara

Are Your Christmas Lights Up Yet?

2005-11-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

NOTE: Turn your sound on before you click on this link.

Enjoy These Holiday Lights

Black is Back in Cookware

2005-11-22T08:33:00.000-08:00

LeCreuset, which is famous for its colorful cookware, is now embracing "satin black" as its new color. Other cookware manufacturers are following suit.

However, color is coming back in for large kitchen appliances, starting with washers and dryers. "Pacific Blue" and "Sedona" (a burnt orange) are two new colors being introduced by Sears.

Refrigerators: green, yellow, turquoise and pink. The colors of the 1950s. These are new inspirations from Big Chill.

Last Minute Thanksgiving Tips

2005-11-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

Here are some last minute tips for your Thanksgiving celebration.

Tips for Thanksgiving

Have a Great Celebration.

Barbara

To Fill Shelves or Not?

2005-11-17T13:48:00.000-08:00

Barbara, thank you for responding so quickly. I am diligently studying the
books I bought. I have registered my new little business and have opened
new bank accounts. Creative Home Care will be up and running soon. I have
identified twenty different realtors in just our community alone to target
with presentations on the three-phase service I'm developing. There's an
older gentleman in our church who is very wise about taxes, and I already
started getting some good advice from him on how to handle employees and all
that paperwork. I have one team trained to help clean and organize for
clients and am building a second team to do the same. It's exciting to see
the Lord working out all the details. Ive been praying for wisdom to go in
the right direction. My husbands job of 16 years will be ending soon and I
hope to be advertising by then.

I remember what you said about giving clients a little more that what they
expect. That goes along with Scriptures that talk about having a servant's
attitude. I hope to always keep that in mind.

I constantly think of how rooms could be staged , if I ever got the chance,
while I am cleaning for my current clients. Some have multiple shelves that
surround fireplaces. When staging for sale, does each shelf need to have
something on it to be pleasing to the eye? The bottom shelves are partially
hidden by furniture.

I know that you are a busy woman. I appreciate any input you might have.
Thanks again.

Ann Beach

=============================================

ANSWER

Sounds like you are progressing nicely.

I generally like to put something on every shelf, whether seen or not. It will at times, at certain angles, probably be seen, so I put things of a non-essential nature on those shelves. As long as they are color appropriate, it's a good way to add "extra storage space" for the owner.

But if staging for a sale, you can get away with less. You just want to make sure that the lower shelves are visually supportive of the upper ones so you don't have the upper shelves appear top heavy.

Regards,
Barbara

When is Enough Enough?

2005-11-12T23:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Barbara,

A friend I'm helping in house decorating wishes to purchase three matching leather pieces for her living room - two love seats and one chair. The furniture is beautiful (Ekornes)! She asked me what I thought and I wasn't sure how to answer. I prefer not more than two matching pieces so I did mention that. This furniture comes in many color choices but they are all solid colors (I guess leather always is a solid color!) I purchased a set of three pieces in matching fabric years ago and was so sorry I did ---variety is so important. I don't want her to feel the same way I did but maybe three matched pieces is right for her. However, all the magazines of beautiful homes show lots of matched pieces so maybe that's only my taste and not a poor decorating plan. I'd appreciate your opinion here, please! I know its the client's decision but I feel when asked I'd like to give a correct answer. Her other furniture all matches (beautiful teak purchased years ago) so I was trying to get her to realize variety is good.

Phyllis

-------------------------------------

ANSWER

I personally would not do 3 matching pieces either normally. That can become sort of boring. But the rest of the room and the style play a part in any decision. For instance, if the room is Asian decor or very high tech modern, perhaps "unity" and "simplicity" are the most important aspects. You didn't say what the style was, so I can't comment too much. If she goes that route, then she should consider some outstanding work of art, or bold pillows with varying patterns to give the room a splash of high interest and drama.

Barbara

Perplexing Window Treatment

2005-11-11T22:34:00.000-08:00

Barbara,

A friend's home I am helping to rearrange and decorate has the same window treatment on three windows in the living room/dining room area. She has in the past couple years purchased vertical blinds enclosed in sheer fabric with a 4 -inch hard valence form (gold edge top and bottom) that comes with them. The center part of this narrow valence has tightly gathered fabric that matches the sheers but is very noticeable since it is much thicker, making it look almost like satin. She had an upholsterer/drapery lady make side drapes. Very expensive decorator rods were put up completely across all three windows 6 inches above these valences (which are needed to hide the verticals hardware). The drapery fabric is lovely but the drapes have tabs at the top (which I personally think cheapens the look). The problem is the top of each window looks disjointed--like there is a big mistake there! You see a shiny puffy little valence, and then an empty rod for the most part except for the drape tabs on either side of the windows. My friend thought if the fabric was taken out of the narrow valences and replaced with a single sheer fabric the look would be improved. I guess they'd be a little less noticeable, but seeing a valence and then a rod just above sure bothers me. The drapery fabric is now discontinued so a valence on the rod to hide the other valence doesn't seem to me like a possibility. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Phyllis

===========================================

ANSWER

Sounds like too many after thoughts.

You're right. The idea of an empty rod above the valance is strange, indeed.

It's tough to advise without actually seeing the treatment, but off hand I'd say she needs to sacrifice the expensive rod. Build a new valance that extends slightly above the rod and slightly beyond it on both sides. Build it wide and tall enough to cover some or all of the original valance plus the side panels. Cover with a coordinating fabric. Forget trying to match - blend. Use some of the new fabric elsewhere in the room, like on pillows, to help it feel at home in the room and give it a reason for being.

The finished effect with be kind of a double layer valance treatment with the original one acting like a filet and the top one the mat (if you can picture a double matted work of art).

Or, put the side panels hung with the tabs on a new cheap rod hung in place of the expensive one, but not as far from the wall as the other one. Then use the decorative rod above that rod and hang a drop down curtain-type valance on the drapery rod, going from one end to the other. Make it long enough to completely cover the curtain rod and the 4" valance, for at least cover the top portion of the 4" valance.

This way you keep all of the elements, but you're putting a whole new valance on the decorative rod and moving the side panels off to another cheap rod that will be hidden from view. Don't know if all this is possible, but you can see if it is.

By the way, you can put blocks of wood onto the wall where the drapery rod will connect to the wall. Then fasten the top rod to the blocks to get it far enough away from the wall to sit forward farther than any of the rods beneath it.

Other than that, start all over and design the WHOLE window treatment at one time instead of piece meal. Make sense?

Barbara

Question on Certification

2005-11-10T13:20:00.000-08:00

I was wondering if I do a job for trade if that would be considered the same as a paying customer to go toward the certification requirements?

Also, do you know of a "how to" book for instructions on jobs around the house such as using hardware to hang art. (ie molly bolts and nail anchors)

thanks,
Laura

------------------------------------

ANSWER

For certification purposes, it doesn't matter if you turn in a "paid" job, a "trade" job or a free job. We're interested in seeing your talent and application of what we've taught you. We don't care if you got paid or not.

In Rearrange It, at the back, there's 17 pages on hanging art techniques, though it doesn't cover molly bolts and nail anchors. You might do an internet search on the terms and see what pops up.

Barbara

Certified Redesigner Application

How I Always Get What I Want for Christmas

2005-11-07T05:41:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you and your family, but mine invariably come around every year and ask me what I'd like for Christmas. Duh! Like there aren't a million
things for the house I'd love to get! I'm only an interior designer. On top of
that, I'm tired of getting gifts I don't like, don't need, don't want and don't
fit.

So even though I think it's a silly question to be asking me, I always oblige and give them a few suggestions. So it dawned on me that I could hand them a pre-decided list based on what I already know I like and where to find it. That would save us all time.

Then I thought that just maybe you have family members who want clues from you too. Then I began to think about what are the most common household decorating items most of my clients lack.

Since there is a very common thread that I see in most homes, or rather I don't see in most homes, I thought it might be helpful to give you a list of things I strongly recommend you put in your home - if not in every room - then at least have somewhere in your home to help you with your decorating attempts.

Here then is a nifty list you can print off for every member of your family, friends, relatives and co-workers. Heck, use it just before your birthday too.

For a printable copy, visit: Christmas Decorating Gift Wish List.

What Decorating Will You Do for the Holidays?

2005-11-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving right around the corner and Christmas/Hannukah following on its heels, what are your plans. Share your tips.

For my latest newsletter on tips for Thanksgiving, visit Thanksgiving Decorating Tips.

Barbara

New Certified Redesigner - Karen Sue Long

2005-11-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Karen Sue Long, who just passed her exam and portfolio submission and has been approved as a Certified Redesign Specialist (CRS). I thought you might like to take a peek at some of her work.

http://www.worldwebcasting.com/karenlong/index.htm

Barbara

A Good Friend Sent Me This - Read to the End

2005-11-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

READ THIS VERY SLOWLY.... IT'S PRETTY PROFOUND.

Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.

I got to thinking one day about all those women on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible.

How many women out there will eat at home because their husband didn't suggest going out to dinner until after something had been thawed? Does the word "refrigeration" mean nothing to you?

How often have your kids dropped in to talk and sat in silence while you watched 'Jeopardy' on television?

I cannot count the times I called my sister and said, "How about going to lunch in a half hour?" She would gas up and stammer, "I can't. I have clothes on the line. My hair is dirty. I wish I had known yesterday, I had a late breakfast, It looks like rain." And my personal favorite: "It's Monday." .She died a few years ago. We never did have lunch together.

Because Americans cram so much into their lives, we tend to schedule our headaches.. We live on a sparse diet of promises we make to ourselves when all the conditions are perfect!

We'll go back and visit the grandparents when we get Steve toilet-trained. We'll entertain when we replace the living-room carpet. We'll go on a second honeymoon when we get two more kids out of college

Life has a way of accelerating as we get older. The days get shorter, and the list of promises to ourselves gets longer. One morning, we awaken, and all we have to show for our lives is a litany of "I'm going to," "I plan on," and "Someday, when things are settled down a bit."

When anyone calls my 'seize the moment' friend, she is open to adventure and available for trips. She keeps an open mind on new ideas. Her enthusiasm for life is contagious. You talk with her for five minutes, and you're ready to trade your bad feet for a pair of Rollerblades and skip an elevator for a bungee cord.

My lips have not touched ice cream in 10 years. I love ice cream. It's just that I might as well apply it directly to my stomach with a spatula and eliminate the digestive process. The other day, I stopped the car and bought a triple-decker. If my car had hit an iceberg on the way home, I would have died happy.

Now..go on and have a nice day. Do something you WANT to......not something on your SHOULD DO list. If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?

Make sure you read this to the end; you will understand why I sent this to you.

Have you ever watched kids playing on a merry go round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground? Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night? Do you run through each day on the fly? When you ask "How are you?" Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done, do you lie in your bed with the next hundred chores running through your head? Ever told your child, "We'll do it tomorrow." And in your haste, not see his sorrow? Ever lost touch? Let a good friendship die? Just call to say "Hi"?

When you worry and hurry through your day, it is like an unopened gift....Thrown away.... Life is not a race. Take it slower. Hear the music before the song is over.

Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND.

To those I have sent this to... I cherish our friendship and appreciate all you do. Thanks for being my friend.

"Life may not be the party we hoped for... but while we are here we might as well dance!"

Interior Redesign Training Special Ends

2005-11-03T23:28:00.000-08:00

I continue to get inquiries regarding the special discounts on the Silver and Gold Redesign Training courses and whether they are still available or not.

I'm sorry, but the sale ended on October 23 at midnight Gold and Silver Redesign Offer.

I do not know when (or if) it will be repeated.

My apologies to those of you who missed out.

Barbara Jennings

Lighting and Furniture Arrangement Questions

2005-11-03T11:37:00.000-08:00

Barbara:

QUESTION - Presently, there is only large track lighting on a high slanted open beam ceiling in a large L-shaped living and dining room--lights can be dimmed. I somehow feel that other lighting is needed (for ambience) even though the furniture is beautiful and she has great accessories and art work to choose from. Do you agree, or does this require some, "that depends..."? (A chandelier over the dining room table would need a very long cord but I don't think the track lighting goes with the rest of the dining room decor).

ANSWER - Seek to triangulate lighting in a room. If the track lights don't "go", try to hide them in some way. I once put a Japanese paper umbrella upsidedown to hang just below some ugly track lights on a high beam in a living room. The decor was Asian and the umbrella hides the track lights while letting them remain for when they are needed. We used a double headed nail into the beam, then attached a ceiling hook on the end of the umbrella (actually worked it into the hollow bamboo handle. Looks terrific!

Maybe there is somthing else you can try if you get creative.

QUESTION - How many pieces of the same upholstered sating furniture would you purchase for a large living room? No more than two on matching chairs.

ANSWER - Typically you want some patterns in a room for added interest. If the sofa is leather, have her buy two matching lounge/club chairs in a medium large fabric. Then if there is more seating, put a small pattern that blends on it, or save the small pattern for pillows. No more than 3 patterns in a room.

QUESTION - My client (friend--and a freebie!) plans on purchasing Ekornes leather sofa, etc. (just beautiful!) She doesn't know how many or which pieces to go for. That choice is hers but I feel three (especially if they're large, a hassock may be O.K.for a third) matching pieces is too much.

ANSWER - You are right.

QUESTION - I would like to recommend a sofa and loveseat or two loveseats in the leather and the other seating furniture different. Any help here?

ANSWER - Also depends on her lifestyle. She could go large pattern on a sofa, leather on two matching chairs, medium pattern on a chaise, small patterns on pillows. Or two leather loveseats, medium large patterns on two matching chairs, small patterns on pillows.

QUESTION - Can a 'created' focal point on a wall of a room be beyond a sofa which is facing into the room and is part of an L-shaped arrangement in the middle of the floor?

ANSWER - If the large artwork hangs over a sofa backed to the wall, and that is the focal point, then make sure all the other seating faces the art or is in a grouping with it.

Typically you want the main seating to face the focal point, so it's hard for me to tell without seeing it. For more tips, see my free tips list: Sitemap.

COMMENT - Thanks so much for this wonderful service! - Phyllis

What goes with mint green?

2005-10-31T17:26:00.000-08:00

June wrote me this question.

"I'm moving into a new apartment . . . I fell in love with a mint green contemporary sofa, . . .What color would go best the mint green as an accent wall. I want to cut down on the green . . . be as warm as possible.

===============================

MY ANSWER

Hi June,

It's always fun to start anew and get new furniture and plan, plan, plan.

There are warm greens and cool greens, so you first need to establish whether you
have warm or cool.

You didn't say whether there was any other color in the sofa, etc. other than mint
green or I would suggest you pick up the other colors in the fabric to use as your
neutrals.

If the furniture is solid mint green, then it is imperative you find other colors
that blend with it in the same Color Key, irregardless of whether you like warm
or cool. You don't want to cross Color Keys.

Take a pillow to Home Depot or your favourite paint store.

Most paint dealers have pre-arranged their colors from warm to cool. You should
be able to hold your pillow over the chips and see where the lion's share of colors
brighten next to the mint green. That can help you narrow the field if you're not
sure.

The current color palette is warm, but you have to go with the color of the fabric,
nothing else.

Autumn colors usually look good with green, or you can go into the blue/rose families.
Or you can go split complementary, such as red. There are a million directions.

Best advice: keep the major portions of the room neutral and soft. Choose bright
accent colors to put into your accessories: pillows, books, rugs, art, candles.
Then you can change the accent colors with minimal time and cost and get dramatic
looks that are quite different.

Orange is the "new red" so if you like it, use it.

Check out the free tips pages on the website regarding color.

Sitemap

Hope this helps,
Barbara

Invisible Walls Question

2005-10-30T17:24:00.000-08:00

What do you think? Give us your thoughts.

QUESTION
"When determining the longest wall in a room does one stop at the 'invisible wall' or go straight through to the end? - Phyllis"

Silver and Gold Training a Huge Hit

2005-10-30T17:15:00.000-08:00

I had a fabulous time in Japan while my staff was almost overwhelmed with new Silver and Gold trainee orders.

We ran out of CDs and books and had to madly acquire more. It's so exciting to see so many people wanting to do redesign and home staging as a part time or full time business.

Received this question today, so I thought I'd post it and let some of you contribute your thoughts:

QUESTION
"I have studied your layouts but was wanting to know if the entrance (from the foyer)leading into the living room should be met by a back of a sofa which is facing the fireplace (focal point) in an L-shaped arrangement? It appears to look all right but seems a bit awkward when people are sitting there and can't see who is entering until they are in front of them or else they are cranking their necks to see them. - Phyllis"

Return from Japan

2005-10-27T23:02:00.000-07:00

I decided to run a special promotion as I left for a week long trip to Japan. My staff needed something to keep them busy - but little did I know just how busy they would become.

One of the most successful offers I have ever offered, it is very gratifying to see a whole new crop of redesign enthusiasts who are starting their interior redesign training and home staging careers.

To all of you who grabbed the opportunity to take the Silver or Gold Training program at the special price, welcome aboard.

We're here to help you in any way we can, so be sure to write us if you need anything.

The next newsletter will be sent out next week focusing on decorating for the holidays.

If you haven't signed up for my free decorating newsletter yet, be sure to do so. It's easy. Click here and following the simple instructions:

Free Decorating Newsletter

Barbara

Trip to Japan

2005-10-16T04:20:00.000-07:00

Every year I visit Japan where I grew up and have family. I'll be taking lots of photos for an upcoming inspirational online movie (Trip: October 17-23). My capable staff will fill in for me and will be in touch with me daily.

If you need support, please fill out one of the forms on this page: Questions and Support

If you would like to submit requests for newsletter or blog topics, please do so. I'm here to help you in any way I can.

Barbara

P.S. It's a great time of year to start an interior redesign and/or home staging business. I now have 3 Levels of Training: Bronze, Silver or Gold. We're the World's Largest Redesign Training Center now, so don't miss out. Get the most affordable and comprehensive training on the planet:

Bronze Redesign and Home Staging

Silver Redesign and Home Staging

Gold Redesign and Home Staging

Home Staging Training

2005-09-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Barbara,
I am interested in the ebook on Home Staging Services but I can't see it
listed separately. Is it available to purchase separately?
Many thanks.
Glenda

Posting Prices on Websites or Not

2005-09-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Barbara,
What is your opinion on listing prices for services on websites? The two other redesigners in my community do not include prices on their websites and I am not certain whether to include prices or not. Your advice is valued and I appreciate your continued enthusiasm and encouragement.
Blessings to you,
Tracey

=====================================

Tracey:

Well, I like putting the prices up because it helps me weed out looky-loos, but I'm in a different place than you. I don't have time for them anymore and don't need them. I only do them to stay abreast.

If you're going to post prices, you have to make it so that someone really can trust you and believe that you will definitely be worth the money, or you won't get any biz.

I would test it. I personally like to see prices displayed on sites and hate very much to have to call up to get a quote. I like the fact that the price is posted and is the same for everyone.

So test it.

Put the price up for a week.
Take it down for a week.
Put it up for a week.
Take it back down for a week.

See what works best.

Regards,
Barb

Furniture at an Angle

2005-09-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

I put a couch on an angle position should I keep the 6x9 carpet in an angle postion with the couch or keep it straight? thank you!

Divina

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If you put a sofa on an angle, the area rug needs to be at the same angle for best results. I've seen professionals do it the other way, and invariably it looks bad. It is counter balance to what makes the eye feel comfortable with. If something "feels" off, then it is off. The only exception is where you're deliberately designing something with a definite "artistic" feeling: point/counterpoint. The whole goal is to disturb the mind. That works for art, but it doesn't work for decorating.

Hope this helps.

Barb

Tool Cases

2005-09-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

Can you tell me where I can find a tool case like you mention. I have
been having trouble finding anything like it.

Thanks,
Kitty
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A tool case for what? On wheels?

You can find professional "sales" cases on wheels at just about any office supply store. Do you have a Staples, Office Depot or Office Max in your area?

They come in black or other colors, but mostly black.

Run about $80 each, but well worth it. I carry my fan decks, paperwork, measuring tapes, camera, etc in mine. My hammer and nails and hooks, etc. are carried in a separate case.

Barbara

Matching vs Blending

2005-09-16T10:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Barbara,

I want to have chair cushions ( good quality 2 or 3 inch foam padding, tailored, piping, etc.) for my six dining room chairs and a bench. I have chosen a patterned fabric as well as a solid fabric that matches my accent colors already in place. I was wanting to get away from 'everything' matching in my dining set. I really wanted to have one side of my cushions in my soilid color and the other in the patterned fabric. However, I'm afraid that the seat part of the chair may look like I ran out of material if it doesn't match the front, back and side edges of my tailored cushions. Two of my chairs are put in a spare bedroom as there isn't room for them around my table when it is not extended (only two of us here now). I want the bench patterned so perhaps two of the chairs always out could be solid cushioned and two patterned and the two put away until we have company solid as well. These are costly to have made so I want it to be especially pleasing.

Any ideas or suggestions for me with all your experience?

Thanking you in advance,

Phyllis

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Phyllis,

Before I read all of your email, I was already thinking that you should not mix solid and pattern on the same cushion, but if you want a change, make some of the chairs solid and some pattern.

Make 2 either solid or patterned, and the rest the opposite. Just make sure that the pattern is the appropriate scale for the chairs: ie. a small pattern.

Do the bench in the pattern and two chairs as well.

Do the other 4 chairs in the solid.

Think "blend", not "match". Colors don't have to match, just blend. Far more interesting that way.

Barb