Dream It, Design It

Creating the Perfect Home Office!
Gone are the days when you only had the choice of a desk and chair for your home office. Today’s home office furnishings options are all but endless. So, first things first! As with any decorating project, you first need to determine what you want to accomplish in your new home office, and then match those needs with the right furnishings!
While many people purchase a conventional desk, more and more are requiring extra space. If you fall into this category, you might consider a workstation. With an L-shaped configuration, you should find that it provides approximately twice the work space of a traditional desk. Plus, the storage options are virtually endless – cubbyholes, drawers and cabinets are all designed to store office essentials.
Another popular workstation option is the office armoire: two tall doors open to reveal a drop down work surface and plenty of storage space. Available in a multitude of design styles and furniture finishes, these popular pieces can easily fit into any design style.
Chairs, too, have vastly improved in terms of aesthetics as well as comfort. This is one place you can really put a personal stamp on your home office. Who says you can’t work from a traditional wing chair? Or even a country style Adirondack chair? Once you’ve determined you style preference, you next need to give careful consideration to the ergonomics. If you spend a majority of your time working at a computer, you may want to opt for a chair with separate adjustments for lumbar and lower back support, arm width and height, seat back angle and seat height.
Another extremely important consideration in creating the home office of your dreams is storage. Books, files, mail, magazines, and a plethora of other paperwork are essential to any full-fledged office – and as we all know – every piece of paper deserves its own home. Take stock of how many linear feet of open and closed storage you need right now, then multiply that figure by 25% to 50% to allow for future growth. Once you’ve come to a comfortable conclusion, consider various storage options – everything from conventional steel files to traditional wood cabinetry.
And finally, don’t forget those furnishings that will put the “home” in “home office”. Decorative lighting, an ottoman for put-your-feet-up comfort, even a home entertainment unit can add up to an office ready for any job. And of course, those finishing touches – custom window treatments, area rugs, artwork and collectibles will all help to say, “This is my space!”
Given the right decorative approach, you’ll find it hard to leave work when 5 o’clock rolls around!

Our kitchens have long been the center of our homes! Many of us have happy memories of the wonderful aromas we remember when our mother’s were baking. And, since so much of our time is spent in our kitchens, it’s natural that when considering remodeling or redecorating this space, you would want your décor to be comforting and satisfying – just like a great meal! It’s also very important to be sure that your new redecorated kitchen reflects your likes and your personality!
Above all else, I suggest you consider making your decorating scheme reflect your personality. Are you a gourmet cook? Then, why not considering incorporating some unique utensils and gadgets in your new décor – wooden spoons, spice graters, whisks, copper molds, etc., are all great kitchen accessories. And, because many of these accessories can be hung on the walls, your new kitchen makeover will actually provide you with a two fold purpose – redecorating your space, and making these vital items more accessible as you cook!
Picking a great color plan is also important. Often, color choices are dictated by the “given’s in your room – flooring, appliances, cabinets, countertops – so let your good judgment prevail. If you really want a drastic change and your color choices don’t blend with your “givens” consider changing what you can now, and replace other items over time. What’s most important is that your colors be of the same intensity and tone.
Window treatments for the kitchen are wide and varied in style. In fact, more and more homeowners are opting for uniquely designed fabric top treatments, usually placed over a privacy treatment like wood blinds, cellular shades or pleated shades. Kitchen window treatments don’t have to be 100% utilitarian. Swags and jabot treatments do have their place in the kitchen. Sometimes a simple scalloped valance in a patterned fabric, edged in a contrasting cording is just enough to add pizzazz to a ho-hum room. Stagecoach valances, mock throw swags, tabbed valances; all displayed on unique decorative rods can really fit the bill to!
And don’t forget those little special accents that give any room a total decorative look. You’ll need to consider repeating your fabric selection in other areas of your kitchen for a truly coordinated look. How about adding some upholstered seat cushions, pillows on chairs, lining on the insides of cabinets, shelves and hutches. Tablecloths, placemats, table runners and coordinating napkins are also a must!
So have fun with your kitchen! Just remember, be sure to let your cooking personality and color preferences shine through.

I hear this question often. And, because windows vary so much in style, construction and function, they always end up playing an extremely important role in every decorating plan.
Here are some things you need to think about before planning your window treatment design:
1. Function. How is the window being used? Do you need to block outdoor light? Is privacy your priority? Or, do you have a beautiful view that needs capturing?
2. Focal points. Are your windows a natural dramatic architectural feature of your room? If so, you have a built-in focal point, and should plan your treatments accordingly. If not, then consider working with a professional decorator to make your window treatments true show stoppers!
3. Style. What’s yours? Casual? Formal? Traditional? Contemporary? Window treatment designs vary greatly by design style, so think about the ultimate style and feeling you’d like to incorporate into their design.
4. Challenges? Are your windows too small? Too large? A carefully designed window treatment can actually be a clever cover-up to any window challenge.
Because there are so many fabulous window treatment design options available today, it’s wise to start doing your homework early. Visit model homes, read magazines…start developing your own Window Design Idea File!
And remember, by working with a professional decorator, your window treatments are guaranteed to be the perfect design and function solution!

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Add Some Personality to Your Kitchen!
A truly successful kitchen remodeling – or new design – project does more than function well for the homeowner. It has personality! Your kitchen should become a gathering spot, a cook’s oasis, even a mission control for a busy family. Kitchens are truly a full-fledged living space – deserving of its own memorable style and personality!
Individuality is the earmark of a room with personality. So, in composing the design elements of a kitchen’s style, I suggest you trust your own instincts and put your imagination into overdrive.
Are you a clean-counter type person, or do you truly enjoy showing off cherished collectibles? Do you yearn to re-create an era of long ago – one that might be reminiscent of the Victorian or colonial times? Or are you soothed by the spirit of a homey, comfortable country kitchen? And perhaps, you prefer a more eclectically designed kitchen space. The mood of our kitchen should make you and your family happy. And if you kitchen space is open to other living spaces, it’s important that you consider complementing your kitchen style with those rooms as well.
Whatever your style, call on design elements such as color, fabric, surface materials, lighting, art and one of a kind accents to create your own personal touch!

Nothing in your home will generate warmth and appeal more than the decorative fabrics used. A review of available fabrics will assist the homeowner in the sometimes-confusing selection process.
Is any fabric as rich as silk? Imported from the Orient for centuries, the very word silk generates opulence in one’s imagination. How can a room not feel elegant with the incomparable sheen, texture and depth of color that silk offers?
While there may be no more beautiful designer fabric, there are certain cautions to be taken when using silk, primarily its sensitivity to direct sunlight. Your decorator will specify not only a quality lining but also an interlining for protection from the strong Florida sun. When used for upholstery, silk should always be enhanced with a knit backing.
Cotton is Still King
Originating in Egypt, cotton is one of the most versatile and appealing of all fibers, natural or manmade. In the home, cotton is a decorative fabric mainstay. It dyes beautifully, and when finely spun, combed, and tightly woven it is both beautiful and sturdy, lasting for years.
If opulence is your goal, but budget and durability are important, choose a high quality cotton fabric in a rich hue or fabulous print.
Pre-historic Linen
Long before anyone thought to unwind a silkworm cocoon or plant a row of cotton, linen was being woven into fabric. While dimensionally stable and easily bleached, linen generally does not take dyes well thus limiting the range and depth of colors available.
Since linen is readily recognizable and tends to be expensive, it immediately lends prestige to any room it adorns. However, linen is prone to wrinkling and does not iron easily so those who enjoy perfection should make another selection.
Manmade Fabrics
The 1950′s brought manmade fabrics but they lacked many of the features that were so desirable in the natural fabrics. But chemists persevered until today we have many beautiful choices in the man-mades.
Still, there are a few drawbacks. No synthetic fabric will have the depth of color in a silk nor the ability to be woven into the complex patterns available in cottons. Yet, these fibers and what they offer in appearance and price extend to a greater population the pleasure of having their home make a strong statement about quality and opulence.

Designed to meet the needs of today’s homeowners who want to expand their living spaces “outdoors” Sunbrella fabrics are among today’s most important fabric choices. So, if you’re wanting to take advantage of the “great outdoors” in your own backyard, utilizing Sunbrella fabrics in your new décor might just fit the bill!
Originally designed and used in awnings, and then boating, Sunbrella fabrics have been in existence since 1961. As today’s homeowners began creating additional living spaces outdoors, Sunbrella fabrics began taking on a whole new look. Featuring many fabulous designs, colors, and patterns, you’re sure to find a fabric that will fit your new décor beautifully.
Before “green” became a prominent force in home decorating products, the manufacturers of Sunbrella fabrics were committed to exceeding industry standards for environmental stewardship. Here are a few ways that Sunbrella fabrics protect air, earth and water, while producing beautiful, high performing textiles.
1. Sunbrella creates no wastewater from dyeing. Their unique coloring process avoids harmful effluents associated with conventional dyeing processes.
2. Sunbrella fabrics are extremely durable. Believe it or not, their lifespan is two to ten times longer than conventional fabrics.
3. Sunbrella fabrics offer significant sun protection. Umbrellas, awnings and shades made from Sunbrella fabrics actually aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin. And not only do you receive a bit of personal protection, but these fabrics will not fade or rot from the harsh rays of the sun.
4. Sunbrella features a soil and stain-resistant finish, so it’s very easy to clean. You can spot wash your fabrics by sponging briskly with a soapy solution of natural soap in lukewarm water. Then, simply rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the soap and let the fabric air dry.
5. These solution-dyed yarns do not promote mildew growth. However, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To remove mildew stains, prepare a mild solution of one cup bleach plus two caps full of a natural soap per gallon of water. Spray on entire area, and allow to soak in. Sponge thoroughly with clean water, and let air dry.
You’ll find this fabulous fabric available for use throughout your home. From decks, patios and poolside to dining rooms, family rooms, and even the kitchen and bath. So if refreshing your outdoor décor is in your future, why not give this fabulous fabric a look! You won’t be disappointed.