Designing Diva Interiors

The leaves are beginning to turn and we can finally sleep with the windows open! Fall brings about many of my favorite things and decorating for the cooler season is definitely one of them. That’s why I’m offering a

September Special!

$20 off first hour of Fall Decorating Service, entire month of September.

This service, like all DDI services, is completely customizable and includes anything from decorating fall trees to creating the perfect living and dining spaces for your fall parties!

As much as I am a proponant of custom window coverings that fulfill your every whim, let’s be honest: not everyone has the budget for them. At times it isn’t necessarily the issue of money that holds you back, but if you’re anything like me, your tastes simply change too often to commit to custom draperies. Whatever your reason, inexpensive store-bought window panels or drapes may be the answer to your decorating dilemma. Not sure where to begin? Here are a few pointers to get you on your way along with some of my top picks right now:

1) Start with your measurements. Store-bought draperies come in limited standard sizes so those of you with odd-shaped windows or exceptionally large windows will be out of luck. 84″  or 94″ is what you will likely find on store shelves and this is the typical window length.  However, I always hang the curtain rod closer to the ceiling than to the top of the window itself which makes a room appear taller. This means you will need to 94″ panels for an 84″ window, or 104″ panels for a 94″ window.

2) Pick your color palette. While its true that custom-designed draperies offer infinite color and pattern choices, there are plenty of options for the person buying off-the-shelf these days. So that you don’t get overwhelmed when shopping,  take a look around the house and pick one to three colors that you want to bring out in your window treatments.  Using decorating blogs like this one, magazine photos or search engines online can be a useful tool here; simply type in your color palette to see what’s out there (for example, “Red and white 94″ window panels”).

3) Know what you need them to do. If you’re buying for a bedroom and prefer complete darkness you will want to look for black-out panels which are lined with an opaque fabric on the backside to keep sun out. If natural sunlight and privacy isn’t an issue, you may be shopping for sheer panels.

Ready to start shopping? Here are some of my favorites of the season; maybe one of these will be the the perfect fit for your naked window!

"Amelia", Pier1, $24.88

"Woven Floral", Pier1, $45

"Smocked Drape", Pottery Barn, $50

"Velvet Drape", Pottery Barn, $89

"Textured Belgian Linen", Restoration Hardware, $129

                                                           

I like change. I love to rearrange my furniture, paint it every couple of years, sell tired accessories and find new ones. But with all of the coming and going there are at least five types of home accessories I make sure to keep around. They may vary in color, style or shape from season to season but the rules for possessing them are the same: they must be versatile (able to serve various purposes). They must be affordable. They must be special (I never purchase anything for my home that doesn’t inspire me). So what are the five types of accessories I think every home should have?

5) Vases in various color, sizes, materials and shapes. Ceramic, wood, metal, its all good! Set large ones on the floor holding tall reeds and let the smaller ones create smiles at the dinner table by holding tiny cut flowers from your garden….or your neighbor’s garden if they’re not home

4) Lamps. Floor lamps and table lamps can be moved from room to room and greatly increase a space’s vibe- no overhead lights with four or five lamps turned low sets an intimate tone while the right desk lamp says “time to get to work!”. Lamps are cuter and more affordable than ever these days and the shades can be changed out when you’re bored with it.

3) Black and white photos. These can be framed or on canvas with the subjects being your loved ones or some far away waterfall that makes you relax when you look at it. It doesn’t matter what the photo is, but a collection of them makes a huge statement in any room, in any frame.

2) Books. Old law books, architecture books from the 60’s, hard cover books from museums- any book that makes a statement about who you are or where your interests lie also make great decorating accessories. Stacked on the floor, piled onto an ottoman or lining bookshelves, these little treasures can be found for pennies at garage sales and when arranged properly make a room!

1) Huge pillows. On beds they scream luxury; on sofas they make everyone feel welcome and when used on floors they give added comfort to movie night. Thanks to designers who have gone main stream with their brand these over-sized cushions can be found in stores all over the place in amazing patterns and prices!

Some of you may have hired a professional designer or decorator in the past. Some of you are considering it for the first time and many of you have upcoming initial consultations with one. In an effort to minimize any confusion and to make the most out of your time with your home’s new best friend, I would like to take a moment to list a few common things you should know before diving into your next project.

1) Is he/she currently certified, liscensed, insured and/or registered with the state? Many people find that they have a knack for decorating and begin offering their services to others. While you may save money going this route, be aware that this is definitely one of those cases where you get what you pay for. He/she may not have the experience and education required to provide you with the results you want in a timely and desirably manner. Additionally, hiring someone who is not insured is a huge risk to you. If that person is injured while in your home they could sue and win.

2) Talk about fees. At or before your initial consultation your designer should discuss her fees. If she doesn’t, bring this topic up before she leaves that first appointment. You don’t want any surprises later. Make sure you are clear on the following: Is the rate hourly or by the job? When it payment due? Which forms of payment are accepted? Is there a late fee for past due payments?

3) What are your goals for this project? Over the years I have gotten much better at reading clients’ body language to help me understand what they want when they cannot verbalize it. However, this should not be the standard method of communication between designer and client. Before meeting with your designer for the first time make a list, no matter how long or short, of your goals concerning this project. This can include a desired budget, timeline and overall look. I encourage clients to tear pages out of magazines that show colors, styles or items they are inspired by. This will help to make the very most out of your time together.

4) Are you and your spouse on the same page? Again, this is something that should be determined before the designer arrives on the scene but if your wants differ from those of your spouse, a good designer can help bring the two of you together. But know this: we are not marriage counselors. We are here to create a look that compliments your style, needs and budget. If she wants a coastal vibe for the family home and he demands Old World traditional decor, there is only so much I can do. It is awkward to watch a couple bicker in front of me so please discuss your wishes with one another before bringing me in. This is will save everyone time and money and believe it or not, a designer WILL “fire” the client if the job is going nowhere because of this issue.

5) Does my designer have a niche or specific style?  Many designers across the globe establish themselves in one niche over the course of their career. This may mean that, while they can do all styles, they are particularly skilled at bringing French Country to life or really prefer doing childrens’ rooms. So why is this important for you to inquire about? If you hire a designer who’s portfolio shines with photos of rustic cabins and outdoor living spaces, you may not be getting someone who ”gets” your style which could be more modern.

6) How many clients does he/she work with at one time? No one ever asks me this and I am surprised by it. I have recently made it common practice to tell each person who inquires about my services that I only work with five clients at any given time. This ensures that each project gets my utmost attention and that I won’t be too busy to assist them with a last-minute or emergency need. With a designer-or any contractor- who overbooks himself the client comes up short changed. Make sure your designer will have the time to deal with any and all needs you require- whether you know about them yet or not.

From creating a spa-like retreat to adding a punch of drama, the color blue is universally popular thanks to its versatility. Below are some of my favorite shades and how I would use them:

1) Valspar’s “Regal” 4004-8C. Use in a high gloss on a front door for an instant “wow” factor. Looks good with terra cotta oranges and against neutrals.

2) Ace Hardware’s “Blueville” A41-7. A fabulous jeweltone that has more green than purple in it. Use on bedroom wallsto create a colorful but sensuous cacoon. Looks good against bright whites and soft greys.

3) Dutchboy’s “Tournament Blue” E26-1. Described by Better Homes and Gardens as an “all-American hue”, this classic shade of blue looks good in smaller doses. I would paint the fronts of porch steps or shutters this color. Looks good with whites, reds and purples (also used in small doses).

4) Sherwin Williams’ “Gulf Stream”. This is the shade of blue you find in Carribbean waters and is fun yet sophistocated in nearly every application. Use in a kitchen or bathroom for unexpected and cheerful color every day.

If I had assistant, today SHE would need an assistant. With the opening of the Symphony Orchestra Show House and the evening events that precede the days are even shorter (if not more fun) than they have been. Couple that with the fact that Designing Diva is at its max for client intake, this is certainly the wrong day for high heels.

I think that some people have this preconceived notion about I do, and I consider that a good thing. If my clients don’t realize how many hours go into the phone calls, shopping, sketching, driving to meet contractors, returning and picking up samples etc that go into making their home gorgeous… well then, I’d say I’ve saved them more than a few bottles of Tylenol. The downside is that some people might think that I wake up when I choose, spend the day shopping with other peoples’ money and doing fun things like designing rooms in show houses. My job is highly enjoyable– it is truly my passion– but it is not as laid back as one might think. Today, like all other week days, I was up and dressed by 6:30 am and returning clients’ e-mails by 6:45. Before the afternoon is over I will locate hardware for a clients’ kitchen sink, have glass cut for a custom desk I’m building (okay, I’m building it with the supervision of my husband), shop for window shades for a home staging client, shop for fabric for seat cushions and meet with a new client to help her find the perfect paint colors for her home. Tired feet? Yeah, I’m wishing I were in my Nike’s right about now.

Before 6:00 I have to get my room at the Show House cleaned and ready to go for this evening’s Media Party as well as get myself presentable because by that time you’re dealing with flat hair (helllooooooo headband) and makeup that isn’t doing such a great job anymore of hiding the last 48 hours.

By the time my clients have gone to bed I will have followed up with more e-mails and phone calls and completed any prep work required for tomorrow’s appointments. If I could fit some laundry into that mix somewhere, that would be awesome; my wardrobe is getting down to the wire. If I don’t intervene by Friday I could be down to a red swimsuit cover-up and my dresses that I only wear to funerals.

Oh boy. This is definitely a double-shot espresso day.

Today I am covering one of my favorite rooms to design, the master bedroom. This is arguably the most important room in the home and yet is often left for last and maybe never paid attention to at all. I believe that not a single thing should be in your bedroom that you don’t love and only design a bedroom with a TV if the homeowner absolutely insists. The bedroom is for romance, rest and rejuvination. A makeshift office and piles of clothing have no place here. With that being said, let’s continue this week’s series with “If I Could Add Three Things To My Master Bedroom“.

1) Inspiring artwork. And that means something different to everybody. For me its a pair of Ansel Adams prints that have been with me since my first apartment as an 18 year old who was just beginning to figure out what I liked in the world of art. For you it may be prints of your kids on canvas, hung gallery-style on the walls. Whatever your style, make sure that whatever is hanging on your walls speaks to you. If it doesn’t inspire, it isn’t worth your time. And it doesn’t have to be expensive to be worthy. One of my favorite smaller canvases was purchased at an estate sale for $5. The bright flowers make me smile even on the gloomiest winter days.

2) Speaking of headboards…. #2 would most definitely have to be an upholstered wall that doubled as a headboard. Not available in stores (that I know of) this is a custom job that you can hire out or do some research, save some cash and build yourself. Few things make a bedroom more luxurious and subtly sexy like an upholstered headboard. For walls with ceilings 10′ or shorter I recommend going all the way to the top with it for a more dramatic look. Bonus: this trick will make your room appear taller.

3) Dimmer switches belong in every room, really, but especially in the bedroom! This is a simple day project that you will not necessarily need the assistance of an electrician if you do a bit of homework before getting started. Lowe’s and Home Depot have everything you need to create the perfect ambiance in your master bedroom. Dim lighting comes in handy for more than just a romantic evening. For people like me who love to get their day started in as little light as possible, a dimmer switch allows you to gently wake up and get dressed without ending up at the office wearing the wrong color shoes. Love to read in bed? This is your solution to having the glaring light above or the poor lighting from the bedside lamp to read by.

As a browsed my favorite blogs over the weekend looking for ideas for various projects I found a few that could be easily implemented by any decorator, whether they be amateur or professional! So read on and add some style to your space already!

GETTING ARTSY IN THE BATHROOM: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32474

HOW TO EXPAND YOUR ART COLLECTION ON A BUDGET: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15640

MY YARD NEEDS STRUCTURE:      http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28941

MUST-SEE COLOR TRENDS:                        http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/must-see-spring-color-trends/pictures/index.html?nl=HGDeco_v066_60

For designers, the end is near at the 2010 Symphony Orchestra Show House, located at 2550 E. Overholser Drive. This is our last week to fluff the pillows, touch up the paint and put every last detail in perfect order before the home is photographed and opened to the public. Today was a productive day for Designing Diva’s room, the Guest Powder Bath, located in the front of the 17,000 sf mansion. The draperies have been hung, the last touches put on the hand-painted designs on the metallic ceilings and accessories were brought in this afternoon that will “wow!” guests upon entry.  You won’t want to miss the end result! Get your tickets at Bruno’s Home Furnishings or Cedarburg Square!

Sneak peek at the dramatic black walls of the guest powder bath

Designing Diva Interiors, LLC would like to thank the following local businesses for their contributions to the Guest Powder Bath:

Bruno’s Home Furnishings- Accessories

Cedarburg Square- Accessories

Lezley Lynch Designs- Painting

Cox Electric- chandelier installation

Custom Draperies- drapery design and installation