6 Decorating Tips from Spotlight on Design Experts 2009
One really important thing that I tell people is if you want to make a big difference without spending a dime, just move things. Rearrange furniture and accent pieces and you can give a room a great makeover, without costing you anything.
( Sayeh Pezeshki of Sorting with Style and The Office Stylist )
[Tip] to shop for paint colors at a home improvement store:
Grab a few of the paint chips you are considering and walk over to the lighting department. Making color selections while standing under the chandeliers and ceiling fans in the lighting department will give you a better idea of how that color will look with the lighting in your home.
( Mary Elizabeth Beal of Trend Funnel )
When you buy your next home do as much of the redecorating or renovating right away and live there long enough to enjoy it all! Too often I see home owners doing all these things to get a house ready for sale only for all their efforts to be enjoyed by new owners.
( Christine Skaley of Pillow Throw Decor )
I think the most important thing I’ve taken away from working in the paint industry to know your paint. Really consider all aspects of the color and the factors that go into choosing the color. Consider lighting and furniture and how these things affect the color. Don’t just look at it in the paint store, under the intense florescent lighting, because that will skew the color. Take it home and put it on every wall, look at it, walk by it, stare at it. Ask for larger samples, especially sample paint. It’s worth the $5 to not make an $80 mistake.
(Heather Bourgeois of Create H Designs )
[M]ake your house look like you live in it. The furnishings and accessories you surround yourself with should tell the story of your life, not the life of a hotel or a magazine spread. When someone sits in your living room, let them see you through the object you own.
(Paul Anater of Kitchen and Residential Design )
I love this quote from Chuck Palahniuk: “You buy furniture.You tell yourself,this is the last sofa I will ever need in my life.Buy the sofa,then for a couple years you’re satisfied that no matter what goes wrong,at least you’ve got your sofa issue handled.Then the right set of dishes.Then the perfect bed.The drapes.The rug.Then you’re trapped in your lovely nest,and the things you used to own,now they own you.”
My decorating tip has nothing to do with the physical aspect. I’ve been to many beautiful and expensive homes that have no soul. There is a disconnect between the owner and its inhabitants. Whereas, love filled homes emanate great energy even in a mild state of dishevelment. The role of a designer is to enhance the personality and lifestyle of its client but not take over.
Continuously Evolve. Know when to Detach. Be yourself. Have fun. (Maybelline Te of Snug Furniture and Frou La La )
Excerpted from the following Spotlight on Design interviews:
- Sayeh Pezeshki of The Office Stylist & Sorting with Style
- Mary Elizabeth Beal of Trend Funnel.com
- Christine Skaley of Pillow Throw Decor
- Heather Bourgeois of Create H Designs
- Paul Anater of Kitchen and Residential Design
- Maybelline Te of Snug Furniture & Frou La La
6 Top Kitchen and Bath Experts Advise on Remodeling
What advice would you give to homeowners considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel?
To paraphrase the carpenters’ maxim, plan first, purchase second. A great kitchen or bath starts with a great plan. And great plans come from professionals with knowledge and experience. The fees that you pay for such expertise are offset by the savings you’ll reap in avoiding expensive mistakes and frustration. I’m naturally biased toward the National Kitchen & Bath Association (nkba.org) as the source for such professionals, as kitchens and baths are our full-time focus. (Jamie Goldberg, AKBD, CAPS, Jamie Goldberg Kitchen and Bath Design LLC )
Create their wish list and hire a professional kitchen and/or bath designer to assist with their project. (Lori Carroll, Lori Carroll & Associates )
Realistically budget the amount of money you can comfortably afford, then expect that sum to double. Enjoy the process, the privilege, you have to enhance your life with ability and the means to remodel. Then, by whatever means, with whatever help, professional or otherwise, make inspired design with your own hands-on participation if possible. (Fu-Tung Cheng, Cheng Designs )
Don’t skimp on the quality of your materials – purchase as much quality as you can afford and determine what your priorities are by working with a design professional. You can always get inexpensive decorations, but make sure the cabinetry, counters and other essential materials are of a high quality so that you maximize the investment and enjoyment for the many years to come. ( Susan Palmer, CKD, CBD, Susan Palmer Designs, Inc )
Hire a design professional and spend twice as much on lighting as you have budgeted. (Matthew Quinn, Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio, Matthew Quinn Collection )
Where do I begin!? Here is the best advice I can give. Write up a list of questions to use to interview professional kitchen/bath designers. Have that list of questions in front of you at each interview. Listen and talk equally. Do not talk more than listen in your interviews. In my blog I’ve done a post on specific questions to ask a designer. Selecting a designer is the single most important choice you will make and adequate time should be allowed for this initial process to evolve naturally and fruitfully. Consider not only the answers, helpful for comparison, but the connection you feel to the designer, his/her enthusiasm for your project, important factors as well. Understand that people, processes, and products are not perfect. If you choose the right professional, you will receive "near perfect." ( Susan Serra, CKD, CAPS Susan Serra Associates, Inc )
Excerpted from the following Kitchen and Bath Design Experts’ interviews:
- Kitchen Design Expert: Susan Serra, CKD
- Kitchen and Bath Design Expert: Susan Palmer
- Kitchen and Bath Design Expert: Matthew Quinn
- Kitchen and Bath Design Expert: Jamie Goldberg
- Kitchen and Bath Design Expert: Fu Tung Cheng
- Kitchen and Bath Design Expert: Lori Carroll
3 Design Bloggers Share Their Favorite Design Blogs
 Sayeh Pezeshki of Sorting with Style and The Office Stylist |
|
![image17[5]](http://thedecoratingdiva.com/images/6ca4b5ead592_126B4/image175.png "image17[5]") Heather Bourgeois of Create H Designs |
|
 Maybelline Te of Snug Furniture and Frou La La |
|
Excerpted from the following Spotlight on Design interviews:
- Sayeh Pezeshki of The Office Stylist & Sorting with Style
- Heather Bourgeois of Create H Designs
- Maybelline Te of Snug Furniture & Frou La La
6 Design Experts Share The Inspiration Behind Their Creative Ventures.
What inspired you to launch Sorting with Style , as well as your blog “The Office Stylist”?
The online boutique, Sorting with Style, came from my love of office supplies, though not the kind you find at the office supply chain stores. I’m talking about the unique and colorful designs that really bring a workspace or desk together. Though to find a great selection is pretty tough, so I decided to combine my love of office supplies with my eye for beauty.
We spend more than half our lives at work and more time working than we do sleeping, so why do we neglect our workspaces/work-life? Creating a work environment that inspires and motivates you is VERY important so that’s why I started “The Office Stylist” to share tips, tricks, and how-tos to make your work life better. ( Sayeh Pezeshki of Sorting with Style and The Office Stylist )
What inspired you to launch Trend Funnel?
Whether I was working as a Visual Merchandiser for manufacturers in their showrooms or retailers in their stores, or working as an interior design consultant with residential clients I began to realize that one of the main services I was providing was an answer to the simple question “Does this go together?”
I developed Trend Funnel as a way to move shoppers through the thought process that I go through as a design consultant when I am shopping for products to furnish a space. Trend Funnel is a way for me to multiply the volume of people I am able to help. I am not just selling them a piece of furniture; I am selling them a method that they can use to decorate
their entire home. ( Mary Elizabeth Beal of Trend Funnel )
What inspired you to create and launch your design business, Pillow Throw Decor?
My passion is designing and creating one-of-a-kind, luxury, decorative pillows and throws with designer, “to the trade” fabrics. My “Eclections” include eco, funky, modern, retro, traditional, geek, chic and almost everything else.
[Moment of inspiration came when] I completed a bedroom ensemble with 16 coordinating pillows for a client. I enjoy it so much I just never stopped creating pillows, pillows and more pillows! You can never have too many pillows. They‘ll always make you feel happy and loved. ( Christine Skaley of Pillow Throw Decor )
What inspired you to develop and launch “CreateH Designs” blog?
My blog, and interior design are two of the loves of my life. I’m in love with design, and all aspects of it. I can’t NOT be creative, in any parts of my life, from fashion, to my apartment. I love textures, and visual prints and patterns. I am completely enamored with what I do every day, playing with color and making paint, so it’s only natural that my life and work is surrounded by it.
I started the “Create H Designs” blog as a way to document my discoveries as a student of interior design and art school, and to list my loves, hates and wish lists, and all the things I learn along the way. I like to share interior design, furniture design and graphic design news, anything to do with art and anything to do with my work and life. (Heather Bourgeois of Create H Designs )
What inspired you to pursue kitchen and bath design, as well as your blog “Kitchen and Residential Design?
I have always been creative and after a ten-year stint in advertising, I stumbled across Kitchen Design. I have a split mind sometimes. I can be very creative and artistic, but at the same time I love analytical thinking. Kitchen Design was a perfect match because it combines my dual loves of art and science.
I have been a writer my whole life and I decided to start a blog a year-and-a-half ago,“Kitchen and Residential Design” , to work as an online resource for my clients. After a few months it took off and has since taken on a life of its own. Writing it every day is one of my life’s great pleasures. Greater still is the chance I get to interact with my readers. (Paul Anater of Kitchen and Residential Design )
What inspired you to pursue furniture design (Snug Furniture), as well as your blog “Frou La La”?
I attribute family influence, curiosity and a Third World perspective to my drive to create. Growing up, we had a textile store and my grandmother was always making us something with her Singer machine. My parents are both creative. My father experiments with materials and designs furniture aside from being an astute entrepreneur. My mother is adept at needlework and has an innate talent in putting things together. I was always at our furniture factory before I worked there professionally so there was never a dull moment being an all around girl. I used to wish I had more play time like my friends but in hindsight, all those times spent in the factory have been invaluable.
When one possesses a Third World perspective, nothing goes to waste so in the Philippines, people try to find many uses for one material. The coconut is a good example. It has about 20 uses as food and/or product. (Maybelline Te of Snug Furniture and Frou La La )
Excerpted from the following Spotlight on Design interviews:
- Sayeh Pezeshki of The Office Stylist & Sorting with Style
- Mary Elizabeth Beal of Trend Funnel.com
- Christine Skaley of Pillow Throw Decor
- Heather Bourgeois of Create H Designs
- Paul Anater of Kitchen and Residential Design
- Maybelline Te of Snug Furniture & Frou La La
2010 Interior Design Trends
The Decorating Diva LLC Compilation: Top 10 Design Trends 2010 {Nov 30 – Dec 9 2009 }
1. ECO-HOME REDEFINED DESIGN TREND
Though constrained by current economic influences homeowners look to unique, luxury architecture, furnishings and decor for inspiration. Bringing home little forms of extravagant home products like luxury tile mosaics from industry leaders such as Trend Group or Bisazza. This phenomenon is nothing new: Women have long been inspired by the luxe looks of the runways, being unable to afford a Chanel jacket or purse, but very much being able to carry the Chanel luxury brand in the form of polish, eye shadow or an alluring red lipstick, proving that a little luxe goes a long way.
|
Trend Group USA Wallpaper glass mosaic tiles from the “Virgin 1” collection (an idea for an accent wall) |
A full mosaic installation utilizing high-end, luxury tiles may be beyond some budgets today, but a smaller mosaic tile installation using those same tiles can be, realistically, within budget. Illustrated above are two examples of mosaic tile installations that add a sense of luxury and richness to a home’s interior. {Excerpted from Nov 30th 2009 “Eco-Redefined Trend”}
2. SOPHISTICATED GLAMOUR DESIGN TREND
Last year’s glamorous trend of Hollywood Regency design takes a turn to modern sophistication with touches of white, silver and color married with black. Streamlined glamour is brought in with the use of rich, opulent details such as glass mosaic tiles, crystal chandeliers, upholstered headboards, and memorable one-of-a-kind decorative accessories. Our favorite implementation of “Sophisticated Glamour” is Matthew Quinn’s Intarcia bath collection at the MTI Whirlpools’ exhibit booth at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show 2009 (shown below).
How Sophisticated Glamour Applies to Home
Implementing this trend at home requires moderation and a sense of balance. Using too much black can be overpowering and visually harsh. Take your cues from Matthew’s use of black, blue, and silver as well as his exquisite (and balanced) mix of feminine and masculine design elements used to create the sophisticated, and elegant bathroom vignette below. {Excerpted from December 1st, 2009 “Sophisticated Glamour Design Trend”}
3. THE HOME OFFICE DESIGN TREND
In past years home office design wasn’t given much thought and the resulting office furniture and accessories mirrored that fact. The home office as an after-thought has seen its last days. More and more people are working from home and they are creating functional, ergonomic, chic, stylish, unique and inspiring offices at home that are a far cry from the office of yesteryear, and even a further departure from the office they left behind in the world of cubicles.
Bisazza Home lacquered wooden writing desk with inlaid black and white mosaic tiles “Correspondances” designed by Andree Putman and a favorite of Rosella Bisazza for it’s chic and elegant styling. {Excerpted from December 2nd, 2009 “Home Office Design Trend”}
4. OUTDOOR LIVING ROOM DESIGN TREND
Outdoor living design expert Marcia Blake commented that the prevailing trend for outdoor living:
… for the past few years has been and continues to be a move from the inside out. People are integrating outdoor living into their daily lives and are creating finished outdoor living rooms. This time spent outdoors has contributed to the increase in outdoor grilling and cooking, thus the creation of an outdoor kitchen with all of the bells and whistles found in interior gourmet kitchens are now present outside. Pizza ovens, ice makers, grilling stations, Viking appliances and wine refrigerators are part of this new trend. (Interview with Marcia Blake of Outdoor Interiors Inc and designer of Outdoor Couture by Marcia Blake)
We see that trend continuing strongly into 2010 and beyond. The popularity of “Staycations”, which were initially driven by economic forces, has led to the desire to expand the interior home sanctuary beyond the backdoor and homeowners are now designing and creating lush, relaxing, resort-like exteriors furnished with high-end outdoor all weather furniture, high performance outdoor flat screen televisions, fashionable accessories and rugs, pro-level outdoor kitchens, and outdoor lighting- all of which rivals indoor furnishings for beauty and functionality. {Excerpted from December 3rd, 2009 “Outdoor Living Design Trend”}
Outdoor Living Room by Home Infatuation
5. UNIVERSAL DESIGN TREND
Universal Design is not a new concept, as it’s been around for some time. However, in the last few years the demand for products and design services, such as Aging-in-Place design that incorporates the principles of Universal Design, have seen a boom. The reason is simple: As the Baby Boomer generation retires in record numbers, more and more are seeking bathroom and kitchen designs and redesigns that contain fixtures and appliances that will make their lives easier as they enter their golden years. This demand is leading to the development of bathroom fixtures and kitchen appliances with modern styling that are easy to use no matter what the physical limitation – and this ease of use is leading to wide acceptance throughout the general population. {Excerpted from December 4th, 2009 “Universal Design Trend”}
Delta Faucets’ Pilar Touch20 is an easy to operate touch faucet that does away with the often hard to operate turn knobs- making this an ideal faucet for everyone from the passionate foodie to the grandmother with debilitating arthritis.
6. COLORFUL PAST DESIGN TREND
Tremendous design influences from India, Morocco, Central Asia, China and Russia with a design twist such as pop-color infused antique rugs like the one shown below from ABC Home’s Color Reform Collection or traditional symbols like Buddha infused with modernity through the use of Andy Warhol inspired pop colors.{Excerpted from December 5th, 2009 “Colorful Past Design Trend”}
ABC Home & Carpet Color Reform Collection Turkish rug.
7. TECH DECOR DESIGN TREND
Our daily lives are greatly influenced by technology. We check our Facebook updates on our mobile phones. We send email messages across the globe in milliseconds. News breaks and we’re immediately notified, once again on our wireless phones, Pocket PCs or Netbooks. We are connected and moving at the speed of technology. So now are our homes. We can create our perfect home by jumping online, a few mouse clicks buys decor, furniture and whatever else our hearts desire.
Technology is now allowing us to create the decor and furnishings we desire – not just buy it, but design it. We are now the design artist. Case in point, "Digital Leather" utilizing a new patented digital print media called SmartFilm developed by SIF Technologies, which makes it possible for you to design (From color to pattern to texture) the leather which can be used to upholster any number of products from chairs to sofas to headboards to walls and doors. {Excerpted from December 6th, 2009 “Tech Decor Design Trend”}
Sofa custom upholstered with Digital Leather decorated leather.
8. GLIMMER & SHIMMER DESIGN TREND
Refined, elegant touches of crystal, glass, mirror and metallic details add interest to decorative accessories and furniture. {Excerpted from December 7th, 2009 “Glimmer and Shimmer Design Trend”}
Shine Home Infinity Pillow with Swarovski Crystals/White Opal on White Linen
9. ZEN-FULL DECOR
This isn’t the Asian influenced decor so familiar through the 80s and 90s. Today’s Eastern influences have been updated for the new century. Capturing the very essence of far eastern style interpreted in a soothing, modern-influenced fashion while leaving behind the heavy, kitschy feel that would transport you back to the decor of the 90s. {Excerpted from December 8th, 2009 “Zen-full Design Trend”}
Currey and Company East Lake Bamboo Chair in black.
10. PASSION for FASHION PATTERNS DESIGN TRENDS
Four patterns: stripes of all sizes and colors, houndstooth, Greek Key and “the bubble”, will dominate textiles, lighting, tabletop, furnishings and decorative accessories for 2010. {Excerpted from December 9th, 2009 “Passion for Fashion Patterns Design Trend”}
Houndstooth pocket pillow from Pillow Throw Decor.
All images copyright of respective owners.
Read More »2009 Christmas 12 Days of Design Notebooks {Days 10-12}
12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 10}
12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 11}
12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 12}
All images copyright of respective owners.
Read More »2009 Christmas 12 Days of Design Notebooks {Days 7-9}
12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 7}
12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 8}
12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 9}
All images copyright of respective owners.
Read More »2009 Christmas 12 Days of Design Notebooks {Days 4-6}
12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 4}
12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 5}
12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 6}
All images copyright of respective owners.
Read More »2009 Christmas 12 Days of Design Notebooks {Days 1-3}
12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 1} 
12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 2}
12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 3} 
All images copyright of respective owners.
Read More »12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 12}
DESIGN FOR THE BEDROOM
|
Alahambra bespoke bedding –
DESIGN FOR THE STYLISH HOME OFFICE
|
DESIGN FOR THE WALLS
|
Tiered “Spikey Flower” blue lamp from 
Decorative ceramic wall art “Paolo Crisante Imperial” collection from
DESIGN FOR THE TABLE
|
Taika dinnerware designed by Klaus Haapaniemi and Heikki Orvola for
DESIGN FOR THE LIVING ROOM |
Devon sofa couture home furnishings from
DESIGN FOR THE BATHROOM Tiles from Walker Zanger for this inspired spa bathroom design. |
DESIGN FOR ILLUMINATION |
Modern chandelier (model MDN-561) from
The 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day by Day}
- 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 1}
- 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 2}
- 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 3}
- 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 4}
- 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 5}
- 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 6}
- 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 7}
- 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 8}
- 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 9}
- 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 10}
- 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 11}
- 12 Days of Design: Christmas Gift Guide {Day 12}
All images copyright of respective owners.
Read More »