A white leather sectional can be elegant, yet very functional and durable in a family room.

One major highlight last year was designing and decorating Chambers for a Supreme Court Justice, which was an experience of a lifetime.  We were certain there would be no project rivaling this for many, many years to come.  However, we are just beginning work on a home that has many design features based on one of my personal favorite movies of all time,  “Something’s Gotta Give.”  The movie easily stands on its own and is a favorite simply due to the chemistry between Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson.

However, as a design professional, it’s impossible not to notice and be completely enchanted by the Hamptons beach house, which is the backdrop for much of  the movie.  The clean, crisp white wood cabinetry and trim, simple off-white drapery panels framing every window overlooking the ocean and the transistional, slipcovered furniture and casually-striped rugs translate into the feeling of one comfortable home.

So, imagine our delight when our VA-based clients purchased a lakefront home in North Carolina with similar architectural and design inspirations as the famous Hamptons home, and asked us to decorate it, with seasoned, Janet Aurora as lead designer.  In addition to the interior, we will be paying special attention to the more than 3,000+ square feet of outdoor living space on the lake.

In 2011, we saw consistent demand for remodeling bathrooms and kitchens.  We updated more of each in 2011 than in any previous year.  Often times, clients only wanted a facelift to include maximum storage in cabinetry in more current finishes, decorative backsplashes, tile flooring, unique and much more useful lighting, and updated, oversized appliances – but all in the same or similar footprint as their current kitchen.  In general, these kitchens budgets were $45,000-$65,000 including labor.  (The two photos below are of a kitchen designed and managed by Gina Simpson.)

We also tackled our share of master bathroom renovations to include larger, walk-in showers with interesting tile and frameless shower doors.  Updates included custom sink cabinetry with granite tops and quality plumbing fixtures, (finally putting an end to those drips and leaks), new tile flooring and oversized mirrors and beautiful and functional lighting.  Our project management to cover design through contractor selection and oversight was chaotic at times, mostly because we decided to sprinkle in powder room and guest bathroom projects with the master bathroom and kitchen projects.  Our average bathroom redo started at $10,000 to over $50,000 with labor.

A decade ago, many of these same clients would have moved into a larger home and invested $175,000 in a kitchen and $100,000 in a master bathroom renovation and included all the extras:  top-end appliances, built-in, gourmet coffee machines, the rarest granite available, etc.  to create their “dream kitchen.”  The problem is the layout and functionality of large spaces makes it even more difficult to create the atmosphere and overall flow people want when entertaining.  It is not all that important how large a space is, it is how well the space you have meets your needs.  People want to be in their kitchens cooking for their friends and family, not hiring professional chefs every night to cook the meal and then clean up afterward.   So even though people are spending less overall in renovations, they are choosing much more affordable (and to think that almost sounded like a bad word before!) luxury in their projects.  And, for this, we thank them!

Finally, we completed the year with …. holiday decorating services for clients.  We purchased trees and ornaments, wreaths and lights and wire-tied more garland than we care to admit.  Many of our friends thought it seemed “not in the holiday spirit” to outsouce decorating to us vs do it themselves.  Year 2011 had most of our clients working in overdrive, so any relief we could provide to help prepare for a holiday party that brought people together or create smiles on faces (young and and old) when the decorating was done was a perfect match.

In addition to our normal interior decorating services: furnishings and window treatments, we are already waist-high in custom closet projects this year.  We enjoy creating organization and peace for clients, as much as, beauty and comfort so let’s get organized this year!  We will have a couple great before and afters next month – can’t wait to show you (as long as our clients are comfortable with us showing you their closets)!

Written by Sandra Hambley, Principal Interior Decorator of DecorAndYouDC.

This should have been a 30-minute delivery, if you do not take into account the 3-hour window given at 5 pm the prior evening.  However, let’s say it was an all-day, all night affair.  CLIENT LOCATION:  completely vintage, Capitol Hill Row House.  CLIENT NEED:  Fully-functioning office that looks good in an adequately-sized room.  EASY BREEZY:  Selecting the actual pieces for the space.  SLIGHT CHALLENGE:  slick maneuver of furniture through a narrow, and curved staircase.

The terrific team of 2 delivery men started with the most difficult piece:  the credenza.  As we waited 90 minutes for them to arrive, we decided to lay the rug pad and area rug to ease their workload and pain once they saw the staircase.  This little gesture did not eliminate their head shaking and frustration.  But, they are professionals and gave it all the effort necessary.

A standard credenza is 72″ long x 24″ deep x 30″ high and would easily have fit in the office.  However, as seasoned decorators who pride themselves on impeccable floor plans, we specified a credenza that measured 66″ long because it needed to go up the stairs.  We gave our delivery guys exactly 1″ on either size of the piece to maneuver.  We don’t recommend it as a standard, but tight spaces and older construction require more storage and functionality.  The compromise we all make in this business is we take on these challenges in the name of functional and stylish design in exchange for a stomach ulcer or two.  We don’t sleep the night before, require more eye concealer and cover up on delivery day, and a mirror so we don’t forget to smile and encourage others.

Although the guys were dripping with sweat visually - we three were sweating also.  So, what do you think ? - see photo of credenza and men inching up the stairs.  (We know what you think … yes, we tipped them very well this day, but probably not enough!)

One of our specialities is small, tight spaces and making the most of the space people have.  In Arlington, we’ve recently designed a space (formerly a screened-in porch) into a family room and office with at least 10 feet of surface area for paperwork.  We’ve also converted a narrow office and storage area into a formal dining room that seats 8.  More on those 2 fun projects later this year.

This article was written by Principal Interior Decorator, Sandra Hambley of DecorAndYouDC, NoVA Decorators.  The lead designer on the project was Janet Aurora.  DecorAndYouDC is a full-service interior decorating company specializing in turn-key design solutions.  They design and manage projects from inspiration to installation.

Welcome!

At DecorAndYouDC we work to simplify how people achieve comfort, style and value in their homes and businesses. We are interior decorators and designers serving Washington, DC, Baltimore and the surrounding areas.

“It has been a pleasure working with you on my window treatments. They look spectacular! Working with professionals such as you made all the difference in the world.” — Karen

Call 888.WOW.Decor (888.969.3326) and let’s get started with your project today!

It’s hard to believe that 3 days and 30 showroom visits can be summarized in 8 pages of inspiring images and top trends, but Katie McGovern of Decor&You DC has done it.    Take a look, and let me know what you like or don’t!

Trends_2011 PDF

Author of Trends 2011 is Katie McGovern, Interior Decorator with DecorAndYouDC.

Chair 1:   Womb Chair (and interior decorator, Patty Lustig of Springfield, Virginia)

History: The Womb Chair is probably one of the most comfortable Saarinen chairs in history. Made in 1948 by Eero Saarinen, as a request by Florence Knoll, the chair was manufactured just for and by her! With its cradle form designed for a relaxed seating position, the Womb chair is perfect for a modern living room as an accent piece or perhaps a quiet corner where one can kick off their shoes and catnap on this little piece of heaven.

The Womb Chair is enveloping, lap-like form continues to be one of the most iconic and recognized representations of mid-century Scandinavian organic modernism. In fact, ask most designers and architects what lounge chair design they covet and they promptly tell you it the Womb Chair. By applying foam molded over a fiberglass shell, Saarinen was able to create a single-piece form that perfectly facilitated a relaxed sitting posture and a sublime feeling of security.

Chair 2:  Bubble Chair or Ball Chair (and interior decorator, Katie McGovern of Clifton, Virginia)

History: Eero Aarnio created the Bubble Chair in 1967 which was born from the Ball Chair*** concept. Except this new and improved chair was reduced and suspended to lessen the bulk of the Ball. He also used clear fiberglass to let the light in from all angles for a weightless effect.

***Ball chair History: Designed in 1963, this retro modern Ball Chair also known as the Globe Chair still looks like something out of the future! Eero Aarnio created the prototype for what would be the most unconventional chair of its time which started a new line of fiberglass seating. Originally, the chair was geared towards industrial design and today these reproductions also function as home furniture all over the globe.  ‘There is no nice way to make a clear pedestal’ Eero Aarnio notes. That is the lucky reason why the Bubble Chair hangs from the ceiling.  Like the Ball Chair the Bubble Chair also impresses the user by the special accoustic. The Bubble Chair swallows the sounds and you feel isolated inside in a pleasant way, even when you are in a crowded place.

The biggest update to the chair this century is we can customize this chair with your own personal stereo speakers.

(Historical content of Chair 1 & Chair 2 provided by Whitney Giannelli, Vendor Relations Manager of Decor & You, Inc.)

Chair 3:  Motion Chair or Recliner

Most believe the history of the recliner starts in the early Twentieth Century, but the recliner chair dates back much further. The earliest recliner chairs actually appeared in the late Eighteenth Century, and were functionally similar to todays recliners – allowing the user to sit upright or recline back with the legs and feet off the floor.

What has been dubbed by many designers as motion furniture, the recliner has been with us in one form or another for over two hundred years. Modeled after the chaise lounge, the long history of the recliner has seen this popular piece of furniture go from simple to fully motorized. Thought to be an American invention, the recliner has its roots as far back as Napoleon.

Two American cousins, Knabush and Shoemaker, are credited with gaining the patent on a wooden recliner. There was nothing remarkable about the design as it resembled a wooden beach recliner. The difference between this and other recliners was the patent. Issued in nineteen twenty eight, the patent led to the founding of LayZBoy. It would not be until nineteen thirty one that the cousins would patent an upholstered model with a mechanical movement. It would not be until nineteen forty seven that a competing company would add a built in foot rest. The addition of a foot rest would become a standard part of recliner design (content from Mitch Endick, online writer).

Recliners have come a long way, don’t you agree?

Written by Sandra Hambley, Principal Interior Decorator of DecorAndYouDC of Herndon, Virginia.

Sandra Hambley, principal of DecorAndYouDC, is delighted to announce the addition of interior decorator, Connie Sims.  Connie brings her experience in construction and decorating of landmark and registered historic buildings and spaces.  Her expertise will prove invaluable with clients, particularly those who have homes inside the beltway and in the District of Columbia.

Connie Sims, resident of Alexandria for over 20 years, combines her extensive background in business and contracting with her passion for décor to help clients enhance their home’s value and beauty. Connie’s extensive experience with the building trades, contracting and project scheduling, ensures that each project is delivered on time and with the maximum amount of “Wow Factor” for each budget. As the mother of a busy household complete with several teenagers and a myriad of pets, including a large German Shorthaired Pointer, Connie knows the importance of creating functionality and style using beautiful, sturdy furniture, high quality (and stain resistant!) fabrics and floor coverings. Whether decorating for a large family, single executive or urban professionals, Connie’s goal is to ensure her décor plans reflect the unique personal style of each client.

“There’s nothing more satisfying than looking around your home knowing that it’s well designed, beautiful and comfortable. It’s so easy to down play the importance of a decorated space. But living in a home that is well designed and well-lit with beautiful, quality furnishings, truly makes a difference in how you feel about yourself, your life and your family time. It sets the stage for you and your family to go out into the world and do your best knowing you have a beautiful home to return to. Simply put, a beautiful home really does make for a happier life!”

Connie has been an active member of Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Alexandria for 20 years and has served as the chairperson of many Galas and fundraising events. She enjoys her busy life in Alexandria, but also spending time with family and friends at her home on the Eastern Shore. Connie’s easy going style and warm personality make her someone you’ll truly enjoy working with to achieve the dream of a beautiful home. 

You may schedule an appointment with Connie directly at connie.sims@decorandyou.com or by calling her at 703.389.0940.  Please join us in welcoming her to our team!

It continues to be challenging living for many people financially and emotionally, and these trends reflect this reality.  Organic looks really speak to people who appreciate discoveries in nature - that is, in their natural form and environment.  Getting back to the basics after having cut out many of the extraneous add-ons and excesses of the last decade can be completely liberating.  Vibrant colors and calming blues are a perfect palette to key us energized, cheerful and restful.  Industrial and commercial design of furniture made its biggest move from the hospitality to the residential market a couple years ago.  People who may not be traveling as much due to circumstances, such as an unpredicatable national or even global economy, are striving to create luxury accommodations at hotels and restaurants in their own spaces, especially their bedrooms, kitchens and eating areas.

Decorators at High Point 2011

Katie says, “We LOVE our lighting vendor, Natural Light, as well as, Soucher Marin, art vendor.   We also like the Artisan Shoppe line completely revamped, looks like a Paris antique market…Fabulous, for any style. Two new lines of solid mahogany and walnut, respectively.”

This summarizes most of Day 1.  Check back to see images of my team’s inspiring finds and what Day 2 brings.

Decor And You DC, Your NOVA Decorators

Designer Sample Sale Friday and Saturday, Oct 21st and Oct 22nd 8 am – 1 pm

Please come to our office, 1039 Sterling Rd., Ste. 104, Herndon, VA and pick up great finds at great prices:  window treatments, bolts of fabric, artwork, rugs, artwork and more.