We were featured in an article this past weekend in the AZ Republic. Great inexpensive & creative decorating tips!
See the article here:
http://www.azcentral.com/style/hfe/decor/articles/2009/06/27/20090627things0627.html
6.29.2009
6.23.2009
Amazing what a little drapery (and de-cluttering) can do for a space!
Sunroom BEFORE
Sunroom AFTER
Dining Room BEFORE
Dining Room AFTERWhich room would you rather spend your time in? :)
6.17.2009
Lighting Design and the Aging Eye
The correct lighting plan can improve the vision of the aging eye. As we age, natural changes of the human eye diminish our visual abilities including our ability to read. The cornea becomes more opaque because of increased fat deposits making it more difficult for the eye to recognize the visual images, weaker ciliary muscles and an increased rigidity and hardening of the lens reduce our ability to focus and to adjust to different light levels easily. In dark adapted conditions, the 20 year old eye receives about 16 times more light. In comparison to younger people, it is as though older persons were wearing medium-density sunglasses in bright light and extremely dark glasses in dim light.
See the rest here:
http://www.bellacor.com/proKnowledgeCenter.cfm?article=47
See the rest here:
http://www.bellacor.com/proKnowledgeCenter.cfm?article=47
6.10.2009
Creating a Home Office you'll love waking up to
In this economy, more and more people are opting to work out of their homes instead of incurring the high cost of rent. The key to a successful working environment are functionality, cleanliness, and organization.
The good news is, creating a beautiful home office you will be proud to show off doesn’t have to break the bank!
The first thing you will need is a good, functional desk. Check out places like Ikea, they have beautiful (and functional) desk units from $140! Check out the Galant series which has tons of flexible options:
Next, make sure you have adequate storage for all office necessities, such as fax machines, paper supplies, pens, pencils, etc. Purchase several different types of storage cabinets, to ensure you’ll be able to keep everything tidy. Filing cabinets are always essential to keep paperwork organized and in its proper place. We really like the multiple options of the Effectiv series from Ikea to keep all those necessities neat and out of sight:
Here are some great tips on "dressing up" your office space:
• Use a minimal amount of accessories to keep the space looking crisp and clean.
• Opt for great artwork on the walls instead of lots of accessory items to clutter up your work surfaces.
• Paint the walls a great color. If you’re afraid of all-over color, paint an accent wall to brighten up the space.
• And last, but not least, make sure you have comfy chairs for you and your guests!
Follow these tips and you will have a beautiful, functional working environment that you will love waking up to every morning!
The good news is, creating a beautiful home office you will be proud to show off doesn’t have to break the bank!
The first thing you will need is a good, functional desk. Check out places like Ikea, they have beautiful (and functional) desk units from $140! Check out the Galant series which has tons of flexible options:
Next, make sure you have adequate storage for all office necessities, such as fax machines, paper supplies, pens, pencils, etc. Purchase several different types of storage cabinets, to ensure you’ll be able to keep everything tidy. Filing cabinets are always essential to keep paperwork organized and in its proper place. We really like the multiple options of the Effectiv series from Ikea to keep all those necessities neat and out of sight:
Here are some great tips on "dressing up" your office space:
• Use a minimal amount of accessories to keep the space looking crisp and clean.
• Opt for great artwork on the walls instead of lots of accessory items to clutter up your work surfaces.
• Paint the walls a great color. If you’re afraid of all-over color, paint an accent wall to brighten up the space.
• And last, but not least, make sure you have comfy chairs for you and your guests!
Follow these tips and you will have a beautiful, functional working environment that you will love waking up to every morning!
6.08.2009
Need a magician instead of an Interior Designer?
Do you need to squeeze 3500 square feet of stuff into 1200 square feet?
Downsizing can be extremely emotional, especially if it’s not completely by choice. These days, it seems many of us are forced to decide what is important now versus what was important a few years ago. And the size of your home seems to be one thing that just isn’t as important any longer. We’re finding that we can live better (and less stressful) lives in less space. Less space means not only a lower mortgage usually, but less area to clean and less area for clutter to collect.
Check out our June 2009 newsletter for tips to effectively downsize - without losing your mind!
Downsizing can be extremely emotional, especially if it’s not completely by choice. These days, it seems many of us are forced to decide what is important now versus what was important a few years ago. And the size of your home seems to be one thing that just isn’t as important any longer. We’re finding that we can live better (and less stressful) lives in less space. Less space means not only a lower mortgage usually, but less area to clean and less area for clutter to collect.
Check out our June 2009 newsletter for tips to effectively downsize - without losing your mind!
6.03.2009
Great post from Frusterio Home Design Blog
What a wonderful statement they are making!
Obama's Redecorate on THEIR dime...not ours
"As is traditional, the new President and First-Lady receive an allowance of $100,000 to redecorate their private quarters in the white house. This money comes from American tax dollars, i.e. yours and mine. In a time when we are all having to get creative financially and everyone is learning the value of saving and being financially secure all over again, it seems a little excessive to give the new President $100,000 for some new furniture. Apparently, the Obamas agree. They have declined to use the money allotted and have stated that they will fund their redecorating ventures with their own personal money. Decorator to the stars, Michael S. Smith, will be hired for the job and the cost of the project will remain private due to their decision to pay for everything themselves.
I think this is a great example that the President is setting. Far be it from anyone to say that he shouldn't redecorate if he wants and can afford to. I, however, definitely appreciate his sensitivity to the desperate situations that many Americans are finding themselves in by declining to use their money to fund something they could not do for themselves at this time."
See the entire blog post here
Obama's Redecorate on THEIR dime...not ours
"As is traditional, the new President and First-Lady receive an allowance of $100,000 to redecorate their private quarters in the white house. This money comes from American tax dollars, i.e. yours and mine. In a time when we are all having to get creative financially and everyone is learning the value of saving and being financially secure all over again, it seems a little excessive to give the new President $100,000 for some new furniture. Apparently, the Obamas agree. They have declined to use the money allotted and have stated that they will fund their redecorating ventures with their own personal money. Decorator to the stars, Michael S. Smith, will be hired for the job and the cost of the project will remain private due to their decision to pay for everything themselves.
I think this is a great example that the President is setting. Far be it from anyone to say that he shouldn't redecorate if he wants and can afford to. I, however, definitely appreciate his sensitivity to the desperate situations that many Americans are finding themselves in by declining to use their money to fund something they could not do for themselves at this time."
See the entire blog post here
6.01.2009
Making your home a stress free sanctuary
This weekend, Dr. Andrew Weil had some awesome tips on making your home a stress free "sanctuary":
"Your home - whether big, small, or somewhere in between - should be your sanctuary, a place where stress is left at the door and your soul is nurtured. For a more comforting environment, gradually implement the following changes into your home":
Check out the entire article here:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/ART00577
"Your home - whether big, small, or somewhere in between - should be your sanctuary, a place where stress is left at the door and your soul is nurtured. For a more comforting environment, gradually implement the following changes into your home":
- Bring the outdoors in. Cut flowers and blooming bulbs, or pieces of wood, rocks and other natural elements can create a feeling of nature indoors.
- Bring green plants into your home, especially varieties that filter indoor pollutants. According to the Foliage for Clean Air Council, these include Gerbera daisies, Boston ferns, English ivy, chrysanthemums, Areca palms, spider plants and golden pothos. The Council recommends having two plants for every 100 square feet.
- Paint a room to correlate with how you want to feel while in that room. For instance, blue and green promote a relaxed feeling and may be good for the bedroom.
- Surround your senses with beauty. Artwork, fragrance, smooth textures and calming sounds all provide a pleasant environment in which to relax.
- Set aside a room or area for peace and calm. A place for spiritual reflection and meditation can provide shelter from noise and distraction.
- Clean out the clutter. A low-maintenance home is refreshing after a day of hectic meetings, errands and chores. Fewer items can mean less frustration.
- Create an atmosphere of love. Display handmade or meaningful gifts from loved ones and photos of family and friends.
- Allow natural light to flow into your home. To take advantage of the sun's cycle without heating up your home, hang linen curtains (organic cotton, if possible) on windows that face north or south. If you have a nice garden or view from a window or two, keep those windows uncovered as much as possible when you are home. Read a book instead of watching television, or listen to music. If you desire or enjoy background noise, consider installing a small fountain to provide a soothing hum.
Check out the entire article here:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/ART00577
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