submitted by: Jennifer
08/30/11
We’ve all been there- the dreaded phone call or email at 3:30 informing you that company will be arriving tomorrow. You’ve been working all week, the kids still haven’t mastered the art of putting the laundry AWAY instead of merely wearing clothes off the bed until the pile disappears and your humble abode is looking a little…worn. Below are my favorite quick fixes for giving any home a little burst of style in a hurry.
1) Clear the floors! Purchase a couple of storage ottomans or cubes now so that when that doorbell rings all you have to do is hide those shoes/book bags/pet toys in a decorative, easily accessible place on your way to the front door. A room automatically looks bigger and cleaner if there is no clutter on the floor!
Target.com, $229
2) Empty all trash bins. You can easily fake a “just cleaned” bathroom or kitchen simply by taking the trash out. Its a visual thing- just trust me on this one.
3) Candles still rule. I know that reed diffusers and plug-ins are all the rage today but while they may make a room smell fresh they still don’t add anything aesthetically. Unscented candles gathered on a platter on your buffet or entry table create a very welcoming, relaxing environment. Be careful that you don’t use so many that it comes off as inconvenient (“I can’t lay my purse anywhere! It will catch fire!”) or creepy (“Are we here for coffee or a romantic dinner with the Adams’ Family?) and keep the scents limited so that your home looks designer-esque, not like a gift shop.
4) Entry way a bit lacking? If you can’t afford a table, either monetarily or space-wise, pick up some vintage doorknobs and hang them on the wall by the front door to give guests a convenient place to hang up coats, purses, etc.
5) Lighting is key in any environment but nothing says “Welcome! Sit and stay awhile” like complimentary lighting. (Psssst! A little hint? The right lighting will also help to camouflage your room’s flaws). Switch out the lamp bulbs with amber or pink bulbs which compliment skin tones. Make sure your overhead lighting isn’t too glaring or too dim, depending on the room and the purpose of that room. Make use of natural light by opening up blinds and draperies, which also makes a room feel fresher!
Tags: candles, entertaining, home decor, interior design, lighting, tables, vintage knobs
Posted in DIY, Design Trends, home improvement | No Comments »
submitted by: Jennifer
10/20/10
By now you have had time to recount the last few winters and you get tired just thinking back to the trips to the store for ornaments, a second trip to the store when Fluffy broke your ornaments, decorating the tree at midnight (because when else were you supposed to do it?), getting the house sparkling clean, preparing the meals, entertaining the guests— WHEW!
WANT TO ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON AGAIN?
So you’ve wisely decided to hire Designing Diva Interiors, LLC to take care of the decorating for you this year but you’re not sure what to do next.
Schedule your consultation! But please be forewarned that you may not get scheduled in the same week you call. As this is the busiest time of the year for DDI we do our very best to meet the client’s needs as quickly as possible but may be booked several days out so plan ahead! A consultation is $85 and includes 1-2 hours with the Jennifer Hicks, owner and an experienced Certified Interior Decorator (C.I.D.). During this time the following points will be discussed (see below) and a plan of action/design will be laid out. Holiday decorating jobs are priced by the size of the job. The following are topics that you will need to think about prior to your consultation.
a) Time frame. If you intend to have the home decorated in time for a party, open house, home tour, etc, please give your designer ample time to complete the project so that every last detail can be perfect!
b. Budget. If new accessories/garland/ornaments, etc are required how much would you like to spend on these items? This may or may not be a realistic budget given your design preferences but your designer will be able to estimate costs for you before the decorating begins.
c. Style. Do you like your mantle overflowing with things that sparkle in the night or do you prefer a more natural, simplistic look? A custom holiday design is indeed very custom– no two centerpieces from DDI will ever be the same, no two Christmas trees donning the same ornament collection, no duplicated floral arrangements, guaranteed.
d. Inventory. Before your consultation it is important to go through your current decorations and determine what’s broken and needs to be replaced and what you would like to use again this year. Once your expert knows what you have to work with an appropriate budget and shopping list can be determined.
Tags: CENTERPIECES, Christmas, decorations, events, fireplaces, Halloween, holiday decorating, NEW YEARS, New Years Eve, PARTIES, PLANNING, PUMPKINS, tables, Thanksgiving, tree
Posted in holiday | No Comments »
submitted by: Jennifer
08/04/10
Designers have been decorating with bamboo for years and with good reason. It looks great, lasts forever and is an eco-friendly material. Below are some of my favorite ways of incorporating this hard-working friend of nature into my clients’ homes:
1) Curtain Rods. Ditch the metal rods and hang your window panels on rings and a bamoo rod. Because this isn’t commonly found in stores you will have to locate and cut your desired length on your own. The result is an unexpected focal point and where better to put a natural beauty like bamboo than in a place where it can frame the beauty outside?
2) Flooring. Bamboo flooring is catching on and your options aren’t as limited as you might think. Designing Diva Interiors has access to every style of bamboo available in today’s market and the looks are as varied as the clients’ personalities. Its soft on the feet and looks amazing, not to mention that it cuts down on household allergens. **DDI also offers discounts up to 40% off on flooring for clients.
3) Tables. Bamboo tables rock my world and I can’t give you a better reason than this: they last forever and stand up to daily wear-and-tear like no other. Plus, the pricing is usually pretty fabulous. Not sure what your style is? Bamboo fits in wherever its needed!
If you would like to work bamboo into your decor but need a little nudge, allow Designing Diva Interiors LLC to show you the way! Contact DDI today to book your initial consultation.
Tags: bamboo, coverings, curtain rods, decorating, design, Designing Diva interiors, draperies, flooring, interiors, tables, window treatments
Posted in DIY, Green Design/Living, Home staging, Remodeling/Renovation, home improvement | No Comments »
Designers have been decorating with bamboo for years and with good reason. It looks great, lasts forever and is an eco-friendly material. Below are some of my favorite ways of incorporating this hard-working friend of nature into my clients’ homes:
1) Curtain Rods. Ditch the metal rods and hang your window panels on rings and a bamoo rod. Because this isn’t commonly found in stores you will have to locate and cut your desired length on your own. The result is an unexpected focal point and where better to put a natural beauty like bamboo than in a place where it can frame the beauty outside?
2) Flooring. Bamboo flooring is catching on and your options aren’t as limited as you might think. Designing Diva Interiors has access to every style of bamboo available in today’s market and the looks are as varied as the clients’ personalities. Its soft on the feet and looks amazing, not to mention that it cuts down on household allergens. **DDI also offers discounts up to 40% off on flooring for clients.
3) Tables. Bamboo tables rock my world and I can’t give you a better reason than this: they last forever and stand up to daily wear-and-tear like no other. Plus, the pricing is usually pretty fabulous. Not sure what your style is? Bamboo fits in wherever its needed!
If you would like to work bamboo into your decor but need a little nudge, allow Designing Diva Interiors LLC to show you the way! Contact DDI today to book your initial consultation.
