A Designing Diva favorite, Showplace Market in Moore, is looking for new friendly faces to add to their team!
1) Full time store employee with duties that include but are not limited to cashier/front desk customer assistance and Cafe barista (training is included).
2) Website manager for Showplace Market and sister/parent companies.
For further information or to apply please contact Jenny Campbell: http://www.showplacemarket.com/find-us/
* This post originally featured on this blog in December of 2009.
Not falling asleep quickly? Maybe you just don’t feel rested once you wake up. Of course there may be a medical explaination for this. Or maybe the bedroom itself is the cause of your restless nights. If the latter may be true for you, read on for five tips that should help you get on the road to peaceful sleep.
#1. Clear the clutter. Nightstands and dressers are no place for yesterday’s coffee mug, stacks of magazines, laundry piles, etc. Hit the dollar store for baskets and other containers that will neatly store your necessities out of sight (don’t forget about under the bed!) and trash the empty lipstick tube.
#2. Consider color. If you have jolting colors in your sleeping space they could very well be causing your mind to stay active long after your body is ready to shut down. If a restful retreat is your goal, steer clear of reds, oranges, pinks, etc and go with blues, greens or greys.
#3. Scents you brought it up… The scent you surround yourself with alters your mood without you even realizing it. Plug-ins or linen sprays in lavender and eucalyptus all have calming effects to signal your brain that its time to rest.
#4. You made your bed now you have to lie in it. Most of us spend several hours each day under the sheets so why would you buy designer clothes but skimp on bedding? If you can afford it, get the right mattress for your sleep style. If that kind of investment is out of reach right now, you can compensate with a feather bed which goes on top of the mattress but under the fitted sheet. Used in Europe first these ultra plush beds are about 2″ thick and help to even out lumps in the mattress. Next, go for sheets that simply beg you to return. Ditch the pilled ones you bought when you were in college. Don’t be fooled by high thread counts, though. Once you get past 400 its an equal playing field. And make your bed daily! A made up bed makes the entire room look instantly more calm and picked up.
#5. Kiss the TV buh-bye. When designing bedrooms from the ground up I never put a TV in unless the client specifically demands it. TVs act as a distraction that keeps your focus off of rest. And if you are in the habit of falling asleep with the TV on you are preventing your REM cycle from completing which means you’re less than perky come dawn. If you must have a TV in the master bedroom put it inside a cabinet or armoire with doors so you can close it up at night.
*This post by Jennifer Hicks, owner of Designing Diva Interiors LLC, was originally posted on this blog in Dec. 2009.
Unless you live under a rock (a well decorated one since you read this blog religiously!) you are no doubt being inundated with calls to make New Year’s Resolutions. Personally I’ve never been a fan. Why make positive changes in your life just one time a year? But the call to action does have its benefits for homeowners who will be using January to kick off long awaited projects. For my household that means installing new trim and crown moulding. For you the job may be much smaller or much more grand; either way, there has never been a better time to start creating a new look for your home. Why? Motivation is at an all-time high in January for everything from weight loss to quitting smoking. Why not use this universal momentum to get the master bedroom repainted? Additionally, prices on the items you will need for your home’s new look will be delicously discounted as retailers try to make up for decreased profits during the holiday season. This is also the time of year when many home furnishings stores clearance out their inventory to make room for shipments that will soon arrive from market.
You may be asking yourself “Where to begin?” and the answer is undoubtedly, “nowhere unless you’ve done your due diligence”. Side effects of your new burst of energy may include a desire to jump in with both feet… without looking for rocks first. Below is my simple guide to tackleing a new project in the new year without falling short of your own expectations.
1) Budget. Whether the project be large or small, some money will be involved. Know what you want your end result to be that way you can research the cost of what is involved. This is similar to “never go grocery shopping while hungry”. If you don’t know what you really want you are more likely to overspend and end up with unecessary extras. Even if you are just organizing all the closets in the house it is helpful to know how many containers you will need for each space. You may find that you need 24 clear boxes with lids and each box costs $3.00 for a total cost of $72.00. When you know the cost of your project ahead of time you get only what you need and you can (hopefully) avoid using credit cards/financing to get it done because you have had time to budget it in.
2. Measure. Now measure again. There aren’t too many projects around the house that do not require at least a rough measurement. Painting a room? You will need to know how many gallons to buy so you don’t get half way down the hall and need to rush to the store, paint brush in hand. Organizing closets? Measure the depth, width and height of each space to make sure you get the right size containers the first time. Buying a new duvet for the master bed? You may be tempted to pick up any package that reads “King” but your measurements may show you that you really need a California King so that your bedding reaches all the way to the floor. Get it?
3. Do your homework. As with #1, doing some research on your larger jobs now will save you a lot of time, money and headache later. If you want to add a kitchen island have a kitchen designer draw up some sketches for you first to make sure everything will fit and match your family’s needs. You may find that you have room for a larger island than you first thought or that it involves more than you are able to do yourself and the help of a pro is required. For reputable kitchen designers I recommend RenovateKate (www.renovatekate.com) or Amanda Harolds AKBD, both of Oklahoma City.
4. Get thrifty. You may think you need new lamps (and maybe you do) but it could be that a new shade is enough to freshen up the entire room. New lamps could cost hundreds but buying new shades or recovering your existing ones with a stylish fabric is only a fraction of the cost. Paint the base (make sure to use wood paint for a wooden base and metal paint for a metal base!) and you can create a very different look on a small budget and not much time. Think outside the box with various rooms to see what small changes you can make to create a whole new look.
5. Be willing to admit defeat. This may sound like the worst advice ever but when it comes to your home (especially when it comes to your home) knowing when you’re in over your head is the difference between getting the job done right and spending a month in a hotel while contractors work to finish the mess you started. Do-It-Yourself has become such a household name (I blame HGTV) that many people simply never met a project they didn’t like. It is true that you can save yourself a lot of money this way but there may be a few things on your list that are better left to the experts. Electrical and plumbing projects top the list. One mistake here and your new New Year’s resolution is to simply move rather than deal with the disaster you’ve created. Other home improvement projects that make a huge difference but may need a pro: installing new flooring, expanding a room, adding an appliance and any carpentry work. Designing Diva Interiors, LLC has a list of local home improvement experts for each of these topics and would be glad to refer you to one that meets your needs.
Article By Amanda Harolds, AKBD
Millions of baby boomers are preparing for the golden years of retirement, and their homes are in need of a remodel—not just a facelift, but a redesign that incorporates features and technologies to make them healthy and comfortable places to live, today and throughout retirement.
“Aging in place” is a concept for living that permits homeowners to maintain a healthy and desirable lifestyle in the same place they have lived throughout their lives. Baby boomers can expect to live healthier and more active lives than any generation before and generally prefer to remain in their homes decades after retirement. By incorporating the principles of aging in place into your clients’ homes, you can ensure comfort and livability now and years into the future while enhancing the aesthetics of their environments. As a bonus, these features add value in the growing housing market for active retirees.
KITCHEN ACCESS
The kitchen is the heart of any home, and its importance in daily life makes it ideal for a design update. Widening kitchen aisles to 3 ft. and walkways to 3 1/2 ft. will make them accessible to walkers and wheelchairs. And replacing doorknobs on entry doors to the kitchen and throughout the home with lever pulls ensures one-handed operation for easier handling.
Of course, appliances featuring Universal Design should be installed, including drawer refrigerators, dishwashers and microwave ovens. They should be positioned within easy reach and have controls that are audible and clearly labeled. Induction cooktops increase safety because heat is supplied only when a pot or pan is placed on the surface, and double ovens provide flexibility. The top oven eliminates bending and stooping, while the lower is accessible to individuals who use a wheelchair. Similarly, a microwave oven mounted to the base of a cabinet is ideal for shorter individuals, as well as those who suffer from arthritis or use a wheelchair.
As to countertops, opt for those that are low-maintenance and have rounded corners to minimize injury to children and adults who may fall against them. Glossy surfaces should be replaced with a matte finish to reduce glare, and maximum color contrast between cabinets and countertops makes each easily distinguishable while providing a dramatic aesthetic effect. Installation of a double-offset basin sink featuring a smaller, shallow—preferably 6 1/2 in. or less in depth—bowl and a single-lever faucet mounted to the side will provide seated individuals with comfortable access without the need to lower countertops.
A low-mounted desk with a 3-ft.-wide knee drawer is great for household management and can double as an accessible countertop. Ample and evenly distributed lighting is a must. The replacement of old-style overhead bulbs with modern fixtures and the addition of T8 light strips under wall cabinets will illuminate countertops evenly and reduce glare. Finally, a commercial rubber mat with a smooth-transition surface provides a non-skid surface and prevents fatigue for both seated and standing individuals.
Many modern cabinet designs incorporate features to maximize organization, and existing cabinets can be fitted with user-friendly after-market products to improve ease of use and access to stored goods. A sturdy drawer with a pullout chopping block installed 30 in. above the floor provides a lowered counter that’s great for those in wheelchairs and also doubles as a place to knead dough.
Wall cabinets with transparent doors reduce search time and make items more readily available. They should be mounted 15 in. above the countertop to make them accessible to all users. Base storage with drawers or roll-out trays provide better access to stored items; and for corner spaces, a lazy susan or swing-out shelving improves organization and brings items closer. Finally, cabinets appointed with D-shaped finger pulls increase ease of use for those with arthritis, not to mention everyone else in the household.
Freedom and independence are essential to a quality lifestyle and our homes should facilitate enjoyment of those qualities throughout our lives. Age-appropriate design incorporating the concept of aging in place will ensure that your clients’ homes remain comfortable and safe throughout their retirement years. As Oprah Winfrey said, “Quality of life is about how you live it, the joy and fulfillment you receive when living it.”
TEN TIPS FOR A UNIVERSALLY DESIGNED KITCHEN
1. Flooring. Add a commercial rubber mat with a smooth transition for an anti-fatigue, non-skid surface.
2. Cabinetry. After-market, user-friendly products can be installed in existing cabinets for increased ease of access to stored goods.
3. Cabinetry hardware. Exchanging knobs for pulls—preferably D-shaped—makes for easier handling for clients with arthritis.
4. Countertops. Exchange glossy surfaces for those with a matte finish to decrease glare.
5. Sink. Installing a double-offset basin sink with one smaller bowl that measures 6 1/2 in. in depth or less allows seated users increased ease of use.
6. Faucet. A single-lever faucet mounted to the side of the sink provides improved access for a seated user without lowering the countertop height.
7. Lighting. Increase countertop illumination by adding undercabinet T8 light strips, which evenly distribute light and reduce glare.
8. Appliances. Upgrade old appliances for those with Universal Design features. Some great examples include drawer refrigerators, dishwashers and microwaves, which decrease stooping and bending.
9. Doors. Swap doorknobs for lever pulls, which can easily be operated with one hand.
10. Bulbs. Update overhead bulbs to reduce glare and increase uniformity of light distribution.
—Amanda Harolds, AKBD, has a BFA in Interior Design from the University of Central Oklahoma. She is a kitchen designer working in the Oklahoma City area.
So much pressure befalls on folks to “have a style”. If you’re not sure what that answer may be there is no shortage of quizzes, online tools or design “experts” to choose an answer for you. If you’re tired of giving the same old response of “I dunno…Pottery Barn, I guess”, may I suggest three simple ways to identify what your styles may be. I use the plural form of the word because most Americans don’t have just one favorite these days- not like in the 90′s when French Country was French Country and not “Country Chic mixed with Bohemian Rustic”. Because our markets are expanding and our resources broadening (thank you world wide web) our own decorating senses are too so we’re drawn to multiple styles.
1. Walk through each space in your home and make a list of things you’re definitely keeping and 
things you would like to replace or get rid of. Decorating is emotional for a homeowner so if your home is filled with items you have certain feelings about its time to start paying attention to those.
2. Make note of possessions that bring you joy/peace/comfort/etc. These may be photos, a ceramic elephant your crazy sister made you in art class or books you collected during your summer travels after college. They can be anything that evoke happy emotions. Take special note of jewelry or even clothing items. You have a LBD (Little Black Dress for the male readership) that makes you look like a goddess? Make note of that. Are ALL of your clothes black? You’ll definitely want to keep that in mind later on. If you are a visual person, gather these items on the floor of one room so you can see them all together.
3. Think about places you have been and enjoyed. These don’t have to be exotic locales, they can be your own backyard. I once decorated a cabin’s interior to mimic the sprawling beauty of nature sitting just outside its own doors. You may have photos or artwork from these places. Add these to your pile from step #2.
Now that you’ve assessed your current belongings and gathered up what truly makes you smile, its
time to use these steps to your advantage. Look at your list of furniture that you’re keeping as well as your collection of items that make you happy. What do they all have in common?
Our attire tends to reflect our decorating personality so if the majority of your “feel good” clothes are crisp, tailored and solid colored your furniture may tend to be similar. Therefore your decorating style may be classic chic, a bit like Jackie O perhaps? If your collection is hodge-podge, ranging in dates from the early 40′s all the way to current day and your clothing favorites consist of hand-me-downs or vintage finds from your beloved thrift store, your style could very well be eclectic. This style can be a tough one to get right because it can go from “free spirit” to “cluttered up” in a hurry. If you find that your closet looks more like a Western wear photo shoot, you believe in comfort first (no stilettos here!) and every Christmas you get something made of iron, your style is likely Rustic.
The list goes on and on- as do our personalities- but I hope this helps to shed some light on that highly annoying question ‘What’s My Decorating Style?’ To gain more insight on the look that suits you best, schedule your initial consultation with Designing Diva Interiors LLC today.
Jonah Takagi is taking the industry by storm with his innovative and outside-the-box creations, like this Subdivision LED table lamp which can be seen at the Civilian Art Projects Gallery in Washington D.C.
“Made of cast concrete and blackened steel, the Subdivision (Luminaire) is a limited edition LED table lamp inspired by the much-loathed public lighting that surrounded Takagi in the suburbs where he grew up and named after a song by the legendary Canadian rock band Rush.” -InteriorDesign.net
So what say you? Is this new addition to the lighting world too quirky for you or will it be added to your Christmas wish list?
Previously on this blog I listed items 10-5 of my favorites for the home this winter. Let’s continue shall we?
4. Photo frames. Nothing makes a house feel like a home quicker than memories in pretty frames. Go by the rule of odds and hang them in groups of 5 to 7 or set them on tables 1 to 3 at a time. Pottery Barn’s collection is my top pick for silver (see the Miranda Spinning Frame, above, or their Abigail Frames in stores and online). Mix it up! Plain silver framed mixed with chunky painted frames only looks more collected over time.
3. Lanterns. Available everywhere you turn this winter from estate sales to outlet stores to your favorite home decor catalog. Fill the bottom with a bit of faux greenery and pinecones, mini glass ornaments or faux snow. Add a nice, tall pillar candle and you’ve created an instant touch of winter. May be used on nightstands, the front porch, the walkway or as a centerpiece on the buffet! Arches Lanterns by Pottery Barn, seen above. $19-$69
2. For a lot of us, bitter cold weather means spending a bit more time in bed; sleeping in, reading, catching up on “Grey’s Anatomy” episodes– the finer things in life! So why not splurge on the right pillow for you? Since everyone sleeps differently, the same pillow may not work for everyone in the family. Now is as good a time as any to create the bed of your dreams and help your neck out at the same time. I prefer Private Quarters’ luxury bedding and their pillows are worth every penny! Check out www.myprivatequarters.com to find a dealer near you. Skimp on the decor in the bedrooms if you have to but a comfortable bed can change your life!
and the #1 item for the home this winter is….
A shower head that “wow”s every time. So you may not need a cashmere throw or a plush velvet sofa to help you unwind after a long day. But everyone showers. And this is one product everyone can apprecite. Lavaca’s collection of Rain Shower Heads will cause just one problem- those holiday house guests may not be leaving on Monday after all. Check out http://www.interiorarcade.com/furniture/bathroom-furniture/lavacas-rain-shower-heads/ or talk to your bathroom remodeler for more info.
It seems like everyone has a list these days; The Hottest Couples of Hollywood, Most Coveted Hairstyles of 2010, Worst Red Carpet Wardrobes, etc. How about a practical list for once?
I have compiled my Top 10 list of must-have’s for the home this winter. Read on and stock up!
10. Himalaya Cashmere Cable Knit Throw, $164.99 at www.overstock.com
Looks as beautiful as it is warm! When it isn’t keeping your tootsies cozy it dresses up the footboard of your bed or any chair! Double duty, I love it. And cashmere… I REALLY love it!
9. Chloe Velvet Metro Living Sofa, $699.00, Macy’s.
Any velvet sofa gets my heart racing, really, but this one is not only an incredible price but the color and tufting is oh just so right! Nothing says “cozy retreat” like velvet.
8. Rustic Glass Pendant, $99.00, Pottery Barn.
Its classic, its practical, it looks like it belongs in a Vermont cottage and Vermont cottages make me think of winter so it makes the list!
7. Gold Laquered Tray, $18.95, Pier 1 Imports.
As with the sofa, just about any tray will do. So versatile and affordable, I use one in just about every room! In the office a tray on your desk keeps time sensitive paperwork at arm’s reach. In the powder room, use one to display pretty parfum bottles and guest napkins. In the living room, display magazines in style and in the dining room, serve your drinks on a tray for easy clean up.
6. Amber Beamline Dinnerware, $3.75-$4.50, Pier 1 Imports.
A favorite of mine because it so easily mixes in with other patterns. Since I love to use our grandmothers’ china year-round this style and color fits in no matter what else is on the table! And you can’t beat that price.
5. Live Garland, $1.50 sf, Showplace Market in Moore, OK
Swag across mantles, over chandeliers and shelves (and of course the staircase!)
Stay tuned tomorrow when the rest of the list is revealed!
Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar 2010
Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, Centennial Building
Free admission, family friendly, live music and 100% handmade goods!
Over 70 vendors
11am-5pm
Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar 2010
Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, Centennial Building
Free admission, family friendly, live music and 100% handmade goods!
Over 70 vendors
11am-5pm
