One of my favorite flooring companies is giving away a floor makeover! Your pals could win you one fabulous floor design that is not only as unique as you are but is easy to replace when stains occur. Does it get any better?! Check out FLOR’s Facebook Contest link for details!
*DDI does not receive payment of any kind for endorsements of FLOR.
You follow all the tips on the DDI Facebook page, you check out the blog from time to time to get trend alerts and you read my How-To’s in Edmond Active Magazine BUT you’re still not convinced. Come on… you need me… admit it… *nudge nudge*
All nudging aside, have you ever said/thought:
”I hate my house.”
“All of this stuff is so old!”
“I love running a store but don’t know how to make it all look good.”
“We have to sell this house-fast.”
“We have to get our asking price for this house.”
“I just can’t visualize.”
“I don’t know how to pull it all together.”
“I don’t know where to begin on my remodel.”
“Our builder wants us to pick out all of this stuff by Monday!”
“As a Realtor I can’t get my clients to understand the value of staging.”
If you fall into any of these catagories chances are you’re like the other homeowners, retailers or Realtors that DDI has helped. Professional decorating service is…guess what? For EVERYONE! Single, married, builder, Realtor, city, country, work hard, play hard- great design that meets you where you are both in budget and in functionality is a must. Not an option. If you can dream it I can help you make it happen. If you can’t dream it…well I can help with that too!
DDI is excited to announce a new partnership with
Brecheen Brothers of Oklahoma City, OK. Beginning June 1, 2011, we will join forces to bring our unique home decor and design expertise to Showplace Market in Moore. Shoppers will be able to see hand carved Moroccan accent tables, modern vases, hand woven rugs and everything in between! Not sure what your style is? Designing Diva can help you create the perfect space in any style! If you need a little (or a lot) of guidance for picking out that next dining table, paint color or nursery design, Designing Diva has you covered there, too. Initial Consultations are my own unique way of getting to know your home, family and decorating needs. Stop by our booth this summer in Showplace Market and schedule yours!
Are you following DDI on Facebook? If not you’re missing out on monthly specials, sale and trend alerts, DIY articles, local decorating-related events and more resources! Everything you need to get started on your next decorating project is waiting for you on the DDI fan page. Visit Facebook and “Like” Designing Diva Interiors LLC’s page to stay ahead of the curve!
I hear this question no fewer than three times a week. People know what my title is as a Certified Interior Decorator but few people know what that entails. Below is a detailed list of services I offer and it goes far beyond telling you which sofa looks good with which chair. The options available may surprise you…
Product Research, Selection & Shopping
This service is aimed at the client who is unsure about which items to purchase for their room(s). They know what they like when they see it but may not know how to put it all together for a stunning end result. This service is extremely customizable to fit the level of assistance the client requires. This means that for one client I may spend a few hours researching handmade rugs to find the highest quality, the right colors, etc. For another I may meet them at the showroom and walk them through their options so we can shop together and they have an expert present to bounce ideas off of. Some clients hire me to do it all- they don’t want to make the decision between eight different accent lamps nor do they want to spend hours driving all over town trying to pick a bed. For these clients I do the homework for them right down to having it delivered and even meeting the delivery truck on the job site to oversee placement and installation if required.
Home Staging
For those putting their home on the market. I’ve written multiple articles on the topic explaining why you need a professional home stager, what a home stager does, etc. I encourage you to check out the following links:
http://www.showmeokc.com/do-i-really-need-a-homestager-part-i/local-businesses
http://www.showmeokc.com/so-what-can-a-home-stager-do-for-me/seller-tips
http://www.showmeokc.com/anatomy-of-a-staged-home/home-owner-tips
http://www.showmeokc.com/a-staged-home-before-and-after/seller-tips
http://www.showmeokc.com/home-staging-tips-for-the-diy-crowd/how-to
Redesign
So let’s say you’re pretty happy with your current furnishings; you’re just bored with the layout. That same lamp has been on that same table in the same room for fifteen years. Time to shake it up a bit and that’s where I come into play! Taking an objective look at your rooms and your belongings I can help any household achieve the appearance of a freshly designed room using what they already own.
Organizing
Before any great design can really take place, the clutter must move out. Because this can be an overwhelming task for the family who owns said clutter, I offer this highly sought-after service to clients at competitive fee. For you this service may mean closets get a makeover. Maybe the kitchen needs to be wiped clean before the plans for the remodel can continue. Perhaps your hobby room is such a mess its hard to appreciate the great color on the walls you worked so hard to paint. Whatever your clutter issues, they don’t scare me!
Outdoor Living Spaces
Don’t ignore the outside!! This year people will spend thousands of dollars improving the interior of their homes without spending a dime on the exterior. For shame! Sure landscaping can get costly but it doesn’t have to. An affordable outdoor living space can be done if you have the right pro behind you and if you hurry, you can have a family-friendly patio ready for all those sunset BBQ’s before summer gets here!
Color Consultation
Your furnishings are fine. Your wall color is not. No problem! DDI will sit down with you and in about two hours you will have a new color palette to work with, whether it be for the entire house or just one room. Spare yourself the endless paint swatches over the next three weeks- let DDI handle this one early!
Furniture Layout
Does your room feel smaller than it is? Do you have to walk around pieces of furniture to get from point A to point B? Do you have too many pieces (or not enough) in one room? If any of these issues sound like something you’re dealing with DDI can fix you up in less than a day. Similar to what takes place with a Redesign but focusing soley on furniture placement rather than accessories. This task creates improved traffic patterns for a desirable ebb and flow from room to room.
Small Remodel Assistance
Working with multiple contractors is a necessary evil. Nearly every type of remodel requires more than one person on the job site and knowing how to work with these professionals can be confusing, time consuming and often times frustrating. At the client’s request I will not only find the right professionals for your project but will stay in communications with them throughout the job, setting up deadlines, placing orders, dealing with delivery and invoices, etc. The client remains in control of the final decision making but doesn’t have to deal with the hassle of coordinating a remodel. DDI already has preferred contractors for many projects like flooring, electrical, tile installation, wallpaper, etc. which are liscensed, insured and have a history of providing great service. However, the client is always free to hire whomever they choose and DDI will still provide the services mentioned above.
Jennifer (center) Patti Wommer & Lezley Lynch, drapery designer and specialty painter
Please be aware that Designing Diva Interiors’ services are completely customizable and are created around the client rather than making the client fit the service. If you are needing a design service that you do not see here please call me to inquire! 405.816.9716 or email Jennifer@decorateokc.net. I look forward to working with you!
Over the years I’ve realized that making a room look attractive requires much more than just knowing which chair to put where. There is a significant amount of psychology that goes into great design and any decorator worth her fee knows how to combat her clients’ fears and misconceptions, helping them overcome whatever is holding them back so that they get the room they really want. Today I would like to cover a few of the most popular fears or misconceptions that may be keeping you from hiring a professional decorator to finally achieve the design you deserve.
These items may be found at Cedarburg Square, Bethany OK
1. Decorators are too expensive. I can do what they do for a lot less.
As gently as I can may I ask “and how’s that working for you”? While to some it may appear that a decorator is nothing more than a paid professional shopper, there are many aspects that require professional education and training- knowing building codes is a requirement for those who call themselves designers, for example. Knowing which fabrics are suitable for certain items and environments is a big one. Having great taste simply doesn’t cut it. As harsh as it sounds, if you could do what we do on your own, it would be done. Professional decorators know of the resources available to the trade that it will take to get your job done right-the first time- while many homeowners wing it by searching online and hoping for the best. They are also aware of sale prices that could be of benefit to you- prices that retailers won’t tell you about. Additionally, the fees a reasonable decorator charges pale in comparison to the thousands of dollars one can spend trying to DIY without a clear plan of action.
2. I have no idea what my style is. Why hire someone until I know what I like?
While it can certainly speed up the process to know what you love and hate, part of my job is to work with you to help determine your true style. You may have gone the last ten years assuming your style was French Country but a series of questioning and some quality shopping time may reveal you’re really more modern. Just because you’ve been living with aunt Edith’s antique heirlooms all this time doesn’t mean you have to let them dictate your personal style!
A true professional won’t. Of course there are cases where the client dictates that everything goes and the decorator is given carte blanche to start fresh. But for the most part, I (and my thousands of colleagues across the country) am very good at due diligence- that is, discovering exactly what you will go for and what you won’t before any walls are painted or any furniture purchased. I tell all of my clients that I can think a room is amazing but once I leave, if the clients hate it everything was a waste. You have to live there, you should like it! I have a home that I get to decorate for me; a real pro will not force his or her personal taste on you but rather, will work closely with you to achieve the factors you want with ideas of her own that will complete the space.
4. My life is too hectic, there’s no way I have time to work with a decorator.
While every decorator works a little differently, most of them will gladly take the wheel for a busy client and do the legwork without them. If you would prefer not to go shopping with your decorator, he or she will gather up the pieces they want you to see and deliver them to your home. I personally love to utilize email, getting clients’ approval on work orders or items to save us both time. If you let your decorator know ahead of time what your schedule is like, he or she will work with you to keep your end of load nice and light. Most decorators will even show up on the job site to let contractors in if you have somewhere to be. Of course, details like how much access the decorator has to your job site should be outlined in the contract.
So if any of these sound like you, I’ve got your number! No more hiding behind that 70′s wallpaper, its time to get moving on the house you’ve hoped for but never got! It isn’t as scary as it may seem and once the ball gets rolling most people find its quite a fun process! Designing Diva Interiors LLC would be glad to answer your questions or schedule an Initial Consultation to help you define your needs. 405.816.9716
*Quoted sections of this article credited to “Basement Makeover” featured in Liberty Mutual’s “Liberty Lines Winter 2011″ Issue.
Some of us are lucky enough to have a little piece of added real estate on our properties called a basement. Not me- I live in Oklahoma, where attics rule (interesting, given our record for tornados). But some of you out there have the golden nugget of hidden potential in your unfinished basements. And you’re thinking of all the wonderful uses for that space: a play room, an extra guest room, a man cave. Hold your horses! Liberty Mutual says there are a few highly essential moves to make before calling in the decorator.
Photo by hometheaterdesignmag.com
1) Safeguard Furnishings. “High humidity is all it takes to ruin fabrics and corrode sensitive electronics. Fortunately, a portable or whole-house dehumidifier can dry out the air. Just be sure high humidity isn’t caused by water leaks in floors or walls or from appliances.”
2) Check appliances. “Imagine: You’re not home when a washing machine hose bursts. Unless you hear water running and shut it off immediately you face major flooding. The best prevention is to replace rubber washer hoses with stainless steel-clad hoses or install an automatic shutoff valve.”
3) Keep walls dry. “Water that collects around a home’s foundation can soak the soil and penetrate cracks. This may damage insulation and drywall. For prevention, divert water away from foundation.” Also, “make sure your sump pump us adequately sized to remove water from around the foundation. And ask a professional about using a backflow preventer, a device installed with the home’s drain system that allows water to flow only one way.”
4) Maintain fixtures. “Water heaters have life expectancies of 10 or 11 years so replace yours if its older. Also, make sure your toilet and sink supply lines have shutoff valves.”
5) Protect floors. Winter times means frozen pipes. Insulate them by wrapping in heat tape. “When choosing flooring, be sure the manufacturer recommends it for below-grade installation. Select carpet that’s made with a rubberized backing and can be easily removed.”
So now that you’re armed with the tips that professionals live by, its time to get started on those blue prints! And call in your favorite decorator for those tough decisions on flooring, paint colors, light fixtures and decor- the cherry on top!
Check out these informative blogs- there’s something here for every style, every room, every budget!
* http://www.restyledhome.blogspot.com/
* http://www.thejewelboxhome.com/
*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.
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.
