It is hard to believe that it has been since April that I last wrote, but I guess with summer, work, kids and travel I shouldn't be so surprised.  Inspiration returned when I saw this project board that one of my daughters created for a geometry class assignment.  The students were asked to show how geometry is part of our every day world.  Interior design is the connection my daughter made with the above board as her proof.  In past years I have spoken to students for career days, emphasizing how math plays such a large role in what I do every day.  Obviously it includes addition, subtraction and multiplication, but geometry is really a core part of interior design as it is used not just in the space planning but in the visual appeal of a room.  The balance of angles and curves is what gives a room a sense of structure and movement.  Geometry is absolutely an essential part of the overall success of a room design.  My daughter's project is a clear example of how many aspects of design go into the large picture of a room and most cerainly the design of the individual pieces themselves.  It was exciting for me to think my career inspired her to complete this school assignment but the bigger truth is that once again my kids have inspired me. 

From time to time, I come across an item that is just so fabulous I know I will find a home for it someday...somewhere, that I just buy it and anxiously await its final destination.  Sometimes I have something made, like this window treatment, as an example for a client or a demonstration piece for a lecture.  This valance is now "on the market".  It is custom made to include designer cording on top to coordinate with the designer brush fringe along the bottom.  The fabric is a faux silk.  Of course it is lined  for a clean look from the outside.  This is perfect for a small laundry room or bathroom window or could be used on an exterior french door.  The dimensions are 26"W x 15"L by 1.5" D and is mounted on a board for easy installation.  Contact me if you have the perfect home for this custom valance!  Only $75.00!

Keep watching for more "On the Market" items!

Love That Lamp!

Anyone who knows me, knows I have a passion for lighting fixtures of all kinds.  To me, more than any other aspect of design, the lighting fixtures show all sorts of personalities and moods.  A fixture can be handsome, sexy, smart, conservative, funny and more.  So, when I go into a store looking for a table or any other piece of furniture it is no surprise that I leave carrying a lamp.  This past week I was on the hunt for a pair of nightstands and I walked out with this lamp, having no doubts that it would find the right home.

Plan It Out

As a follow up to my previous post, I wanted to show the design boards that were created for the builder as an additional sales tool for the terrific town homes.   By using a space plan, potential buyers can now not only see how much furniture will fit in the spaces, but what size furniture will fit as well.   A room filled with furniture is more telling than an empty space. The boards show the spaces in 2D as well as 3D.  It is as if you are standing right there, in a space already decorated!  Space planning answers so many questions and in the end eliminates worry about  what might  work in your own situation be it a new home purchase or a remodel.  It really is true that good planning also saves you money.  Who can argue with that?

Beautiful Space! Now, What Fits?

This beautiful townhome built by Hoffman Custom Contracting is full of upgrades and as you can see is really spacious!  As you take a look around this townhome with 3 bedrooms and a spacious loft it is easy to imagine yourself living comfortably and stylishly.  Sometimes, though, an empty space can also play tricks on the brain, making you unsure as to what size furniture will fit and how much furniture will the space accommodate and still maintain that great spacious look that first drew you in.    Space planning is so helpful in this case as it allows you or in this case,  a potential buyer, to look at the plan, notice the details of furniture sizes and really start to envision his own belongings or even future purchases in the space.  Oddly enough an empty space appears smaller and makes us all question if our furniture will fit.  Will we be comfortable and therefore rejoice in our new home purchase?  The answer is "yes".   The space plans you will see soon will quickly confirm this and these two townhomes will be off the market.  But don't worry, if they're gone, Hoffman Custom Contracting will be glad to build more.

Bring On The Samples!

It is always fun to get a package and for me even more fun when it is new samples from a business account.  Not long ago the delivery man brought these samples....wood finish samples!   It is always a thrill to be able to offer more products to my clients giving them the total look we have created and knowing I can offer a competitive price point, too!   I can't wait for the next box of samples!

Make it your own.

BEFORE.....

A great cocktail table with four wedge shaped, faux leather ottomans like the one above has a terrific clean-lined style!  Additionally, the four pull out ottomans are an instant way to add seating to any room let alone a room that may not allow for tons of seating on a daily basis.    The faux leather looks nice, but why not purchase a piece like this and adapt it to your room's decor?   I purchased this piece, inexpensively I might add, and reupholstered the seats to further coordinate an apartment model's living room.  The addition of cording to both the top and bottom of the cushions makes the whole piece look more expensive.   By just changing the fabric and adding detail to the upholstery work, the table went from ordinary to custom with very little additional expense.  So go ahead.  Make it your own!

Vintage in the Mix

If you haven't had the chance to search www.Etsy.com, it is a great resource for finding once of kind items.  So often we find ourselves in a rut of searching our normal sources for home decor, but that can lead not only to a predictable outcome, but also missed opportunities.  I found this highboy for a girl's bedroom that adds a vintage look to the room and when combined with the sparkle of chrome light fixtures and some fun, more contemporary pieces, the room gains personality.  The room takes on a look that is current yet classic and will stand the test of time.  Etsy has custom pillows, vintage and reworked furniture and  much  more.   Take a look and take a chance at combining vintage with contemporary!  Even if you don't find exactly what you want or need, it is sure to inspire your own creativity!

Trim, Glorious Trim!

When you walk into an older home built in the early part of the 1900's, what do you notice first?   You are immediately awe struck by the great baseboards, crown moldings,wainscoting, coffered ceilings.  The list goes on.  Today, most homes are without the beauty of great trim work yet if you look around your space and it feels lacking in personality, this is a great place to start.  Wood trim adds not only to the quality of your space, but it adds dimension and interest.   It is important to understand trim and how it relates to the scale of your doorway,  the height of your ceilings and the size of your room.  Molding profiles can be simple for a more streamlined effect or quite detailed.  Again, use of trim is a terrific tool that will reflect your personality.

The photos below show where trim has been added to a home where previously very little to no trim existed.  A design plan was created for the homeowner that will include window treatments, furniture purchases and more but starting with the addition of trim, glorious trim is the perfect start in reaching what will be a gorgeous finish.

What you see is prior to any paint color changes on walls or painting the trim itself.