Serendipity is such a good word to roll around the tongue. It’s an even better word to describe the fortuitous luck, the un-thought of touch, which can creep into decorating to make effects that we had not anticipated but for which we are nevertheless grateful.

I shall never forget the change made unthinkingly by a friend who had left a Purple cardigan behind in a living room that I had designed. It was undoubtedly a pretty room. The walls were glazed a pale honeysuckle, the geometric carpet was Indian red and green and honeysuckle on a white ground. The curtain fabric was a Colefax & Fowler design of honeysuckle with Indian red stamens and fresh green leaves on white. The sofa and classic modern Italian chairs were nicely neutral.   Books and paintings added more color and  texture and there was the elegant bonus of a pair of stripped pine columns and old double doors in stripped pine as well.

I was pleased with the tranquil effect. Yet that one left-over cardigan nonchalantly resting on the back of an armchair gave the room a shot of vivacity that I had not realized was missing. The little slash of purple made the space look glowing without in any way losing its former tranquility.  And from then on I made sure to always have a vase of irises, or a small jug of violets, or  bowl of  anemones’, or whatever appropriately colored flowers were in season, and if they were not,  just a purple throw,  to introduce a subtle amount of that felicitous color purple against the prevailing honeysuckle.

So always be on the look out for some fresh and accidental introduction of color into a space. And its not just color.  It could be a quite different texture; a painting, or a piece of sculpture, or a new  large plant, or antique or sculptural occasional chair or side table or even a screen or an accidental  re-positioning of things come to that.

You never know your luck – or when that serendipity will come your way.

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Decorating a home is a project and the process requires:

• Knowledge of design trends
• Access to a variety of choices for furniture, window treatments, flooring, lighting and accessories
• Project management skills for scheduling and budget management

We find many busy business professionals need to be just as productive at home as they are at work, yet they still find themselves too busy to accomplish everything they need to do when it comes to interior decorating. There are a wide range of services available to help you manage interior decorating projects. Working with a professional interior decorator can simplify your life and allow you to concentrate on the important things while helping you achieve your goals in a timely and cost-effective manner.

When planning your interior decorating project, here are a few things to consider:

Does the individual or firm offer full service interior decorating services which include color schemes, floor/space plans, selection of custom window treatments, furniture and accessories as well as the full execution of spaces and projects? For busy business professionals, project management skills are important for any project. And, especially important for interior decorating projects that include a myriad of details.

Design trends are important and frequently change. Consider solutions that are flexible and stand the test of time if you like to periodically change your environment. Gain an understanding of the choices you have for furniture and any larger ticket purchases. Can they be used in different arrangements? Do you like to switch out some of the accessories with the seasons?

A good interior decorator will ask you a lot of questions concerning your decorating goals that may not be obvious to you from the start. Also, the best interior decorators will be those that have experience with your specific project type. For example, if you are interested in a kitchen make-over, ask for references and examples of similar projects completed by your interior decorator.

When decorating a home, discovering the best sources for furniture, window treatments, blinds, artwork, and accessories is key. What works without breaking the bank requires multiple sources and knowledge of reliable suppliers that deliver on their promises. Does your interior decorator have experience with the suppliers?

Certain suppliers maintain they can provide almost anything but really specialize in certain products over others.  In addition, certain products you’ll find in the local home stores aren’t always “the deal” they appear to be on first glance. A certified interior decorator will know the difference and often can find higher quality products for similar prices from reliable sources. Understand that having multiple options is key to creating a unique look of your own. The goal is to obtain the biggest “WOW” for your investment.

Layout and traffic flow are very important for entertaining yet the design must be comfortable and inviting for everyday living. Is the design organized and does the lighting function well for both? Consider all of the uses of the space early in the planning process. This will help you make better decisions when considering your furniture and accessory selections.

Delivery and installation requires the selection of qualified contractors; ones that understand how to get it right the first, show up on time and meet the needs of your busy schedule. Ask your interior decorator if they have worked with the recommended contractor on similar projects? What are their strengths? Any surprises or challenges to overcome? Work with professionals that listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and understand you needs.

When meeting with your interior decorator, discuss your expectations concerning the completion date. What are your time constraints? Can the interior decorator commit to your deadline? How well have they done so on other projects? Review testimonials and ask about project details associated with the client feedback provided.

Decorating a home can be exhausting if you go it alone but it doesn’t need to be. Professional interior designers and decorators typically have decorating knowledge, experience and ideas to help you achieve your end result faster and with less cost and frustration. And, hiring a qualified interior decorator and designer is less costly more often than one tends to believe.

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Are you preparing a home for sale? Our interior designers and DC real estate brokers agree on one thing; sprucing up window treatments is a fail-safe way to create a look that sells. But what sells? Instilling emotion with the potential buyer, and doing so quickly, is vastly important. People congregate in the kitchen – filtered natural light, comfort, conversation. In the bathroom, consider a smooth, soft-touch that reflects privacy without darkening the space.

And of course, cost. Given window treatments are most often attached to the wall, it is expected that they’ll come with the home (although this can be negotiated in some cases). Value is the word of the day. Consult with an experienced interior decorator that can readily access a large selection of window treatment options as well as manage and install the final product if you’re a busy professional.

For those staying home, entertaining and looking for comfort with style, custom-designed window treatments are a popular option. We’ll touch on the trends in our next post. But until then, here’s a few window treatment photos for you.

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Solid Surface Counters – While maintaining the footprint of the existing kitchen, enlarging the island to expand a bar and create more comfortable seating is easy.  Contrasting granite in the main kitchen area and island is often suggested.  The island becomes a fine piece of furniture and creates a natural focal point.  Quality, sealed granite averages $50-$80 a square foot installed to make a standard kitchen counter upgrade from $3,000-$5,000.

Tile Backsplash – Backsplash makes any kitchen look new.  Choose from subway tile in a natural stone, a 1×1 glass mosaic in 12” pieces, tumbled stone in 4×4 squares on the diagonal, or even some combination blended together to create permanent art.  Before the tile design is installed, be sure to add under cabinet lighting if it’s missing.  Lights will reflect off solid surface counters and tile backsplash to add dimension, interest and mood.  Installed tile backsplash in average-sized kitchens averages $2,000-$3,500.

Lighting Fixtures – Add new fixtures above the bar and eat-in areas.  Try burnished metal lighting fixtures to create a transitional look, or brushed nickel fixtures for a more contemporary feel.  Drum lights come in every style to create an updated look.   A few new lighting fixtures with high style can range from $500- $1,000.

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New Cabinets – If tastes have changed or new cabinetry is finally an option, upgrade cabinets to a better quality, color and style.  With the proper resources and a reasonable budget, replacing cabinets is within the reach of many homeowners.  New cabinets which are installed and available in a mid-range quality for a 15×15 kitchen start at about $14,000.

Whether you have $2,500 or $25,000 to invest in updating a kitchen, consider a kitchen designer to ensure that a budget is maximized, while style and function are not compromised.

For more information, call us at 703.599.0648 or contact us online.

Kitchen photos compliments of Monarch Design and Remodeling.

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An Indonesian hardwood creating excitement in design is called Mindi.  It has a straight grain, is lustrous, coarse in texture but sands to a smooth finish.   It accepts light through dark stain colors nicely.  Mindi dries easily with little shrinking or warping resulting from the process, making it easy to mill and create furniture.

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From a design perspective Indonesian hardwood is used for all types of furniture styles whether country, transitional or contemporary.  Priced a bit more attractively than American Oak or Mahogany, it’s filling a gap for consumers who want elegant, attractively-priced solid wood furniture that is still good for the environment.

Decor&You DC is pleased to work with a wide range of furniture makers who are leading the industry in both fashion and quality.

Photos are compliments of Palu, Ltd. For more information on the Mindi furniture styles and other interior decorating solutions, please contact Sandra Hambley.

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As an official sponsor of the event, the Decor&You DC Team looks forward to transforming properties into beautiful homes for thousands of local residents selling and buying distressed properties,” Sandra Hambley, Decor&You DC (Herndon, VA).

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Marina De Leon
Center for Foreclosure Alternatives
Phone: 703-574-6206
E-Mail: info@ctrforeclosurealt.org

Fairfax, VA/Sept. 17, 2009: COMPLIANCE COUNSEL has partnered with The Virginia Realty Group, RE/MAX Gateway, Chantilly, VA, to form the Center for Foreclosure Alternatives®
Firms create not-for-profit center to assist homeowners in avoiding foreclosure.

Due to the lagging economy and record number of foreclosures, two locally based organizations have formed a not-for-profit organization to reach out to homeowners who are experiencing problems paying their mortgage. The Center for Foreclosure Alternatives, based in Fairfax, VA was created by Dena Roudybush of Compliance Counsel and Bryan Felder, of The Virginia Realty Group, RE/MAX Gateway to explain options and assist homeowners in distress.

The Center is a resource outlet for consumers to help educate them on the options available to avoid foreclosure and to obtain detailed information on each option. The guidance is available at no cost to homeowners from the certified specialists associated with the Center. The goal of the organization is to provide real and truthful options to homeowners specific to each homeowner’s unique situation. The Center provides mortgage counseling and advice, advice on loan modification and short sale options, foreclosure avoidance, and bankruptcy.

With the support of CBS Radio, the Center is currently planning Community Outreach programs and clinics to assist the Latino community as well. The Center does not charge a fee to homeowners to meet with a housing counselor or bankruptcy attorney, when necessary, to discuss options specific to the homeowner.

Bryan Felder, of The Virginia Realty Group, RE/MAX Gateway and his team discuss and assist homeowners with short sales and rental options available. Dena Roudybush of Compliance Counsel focuses on assisting clients with loan modifications and bankruptcy options. Based on the clients they serve, it’s clearly evident that there is a great deal of confusion as to what alternatives a distressed homeowner has at their disposal.

“The Center for Foreclosure Alternatives is the hope the American people have been looking for!  So many Americans are lost and struggling with how to handle any and all of their housing issues.  The Center for Foreclosure Alternatives offers truthful and knowledgeable answers.  The Center for Foreclosure Alternatives is HOPE for a better future.”  - Faith Poe, CBS Radio

“Forming the Center for Foreclosure Alternatives has been the best thing for consumers since they can get free information on the options they have and what to do with their home or investment property,” Charlene Jones, Branch Manager of Wells Fargo Mortgage.

“What a good way for the average person who hit a bad spot in their life because of a job loss or a divorce to find some options to get back on their feet,” Freeman Klopott, reporter for the Washington Inquirer.

For more information:

Contact Decor&You DC, Sandra Hambley

or visit the Center for Foreclosure Alternatives® at: www.ctrforeclosurealt.org

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As printing and other techniques improve, there are correspondingly more innovations. There are huge choices in printed and jacquard weave velvets. Many fabrics have their own matching or coordinating sheers, or smaller-scaled and co-coordinating-related fabrics, so that you can hardly make a mistake in mixing patterns and designs. Many are available with coordinating borders and trims, or even fringes.

Fabrics for Windows Treatments
On the whole, almost any fabric can be used at a window, though clearly some fabrics are more appropriate for particular rooms and climates than others. But just because chintzes, glazed chintzes, light cottons, and silk taffetas, moirés are conventionally suited to bedrooms, there is no reason why flannels, wools, or weaves of one sort or another should not be used. Heavy textures such as wools, tweeds and velvets, as well as chintzes, silks, moirés, damasks, and brocades (depending on formality) are thought good for living-rooms – but these spaces could just as well be a riot of airy textures, if it seems appropriate for the situation, the climate, and the client. As I mentioned in my previews articles, function, mood, and style are what should dictate a room (as well, of course, as budget). Besides, successful and interesting decoration is rarely achieved by sticking to rigid rules, but rather by using firm preferences with assurance.

There is, however, one very practical rule for draperies and that is, that it is far better to use a very great deal of cheaper material, smartened up with a border or trimming like cord or braid, if need be, than a skimped quantity of more expensive fabric.

Most fabrics also look, hang, and last better if they are both lined and interlined (depends of the fabric). If the ‘floaty’ look of unlined curtains or draperies is specifically wanted in a delicate room scheme, or in conjunction with contrasting shades, use an interesting texture such as filmy silk, raw or watered silk, or silk taffeta, softly printed voile, or embroidered muslin, or light linen. Try to ensure that any such light curtains are three times the width of the window, with deep hems – say, ten inches deep, both to help the fabric hang better and to allow for shrinkage.

Roller shades need a rather light, easily rolled fabric, though it is possible to get a variety of fabrics specially laminated. Roman shades, which are raised and lowered by strings, can be made in literally any material, even velvet, as long as it is not too thick to roll up and pleat evenly. Balloon shades need very light, soft fabrics to be as successful and look as soft as they should.

Upholstery Fabrics
There are rather more rules to be observed in the choice of upholstery fabrics, all of them based on common sense. Primarily, the use to which they will be put should be determined from the beginning. As well as the extent to which they will come into contact with those destroyers of any pretension to elegance – namely, small children, dogs, cats, sun, grease (from food eaten before the television, for example).
Living rooms obviously take greater wear and tear than bedrooms; people who entertain a lot, or who have young children, are likely to need much tougher fabrics than childless, less sociable people; and dining chairs take more of a beating than occasional chairs. This all sounds elementary, but the simplest rules are forgotten time and time again in the first rush of enthusiasm for a design or a finish.

The toughest wearing upholstery fabrics are densely-woven cotton, sailcloth, denim, twill, brocade, and corduroy, which are all cotton-based; linen union, which is linen mixed with cotton and the most traditional slip-cover material; velvet, which can be either cotton or linen-based; woven, textured, or plain damask; and even satins. Wool is an excellent, but softer, upholstery fabric, and is the basis for tweeds, wool reps, jacquards, and some tough, shaggy textures. Never buy loosely woven wool, or a loosely woven texture of any sort, for upholstery.

Acrylic has made a tremendous difference to pile fabrics and velvets, since it makes them washable (though it is always preferable to have covers dry cleaned). Nylon mixed with wool gives greater toughness, and nylon on its own has been especially useful for stretch covers needed for some occasional chairs.

Leather and suede, while a bit expensive, always look luxurious and are extremely long lasting, so remain popular. Ultra-suede can be easily spot cleaned so it is a good substitute.

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PRIOR PURCHASES
Your last home décor purchase can be a great indicator of your style.  Certain qualities about that piece attracted you to it so step back and really take a thorough look at it.  Think about what really stands out about that piece that led you to purchase it.

Where you shop for home décor also lends to your personal style.  Stores tend to cater to certain looks.  Think about what stores draw you in, even if just to browse.  A client in Fairfax frequented the same shop to browse but was never comfortable buying on her own instinct.  After talking more about that store, we were able to determine the contemporary style with clean, uninterrupted lines really attracted her but their fabric choices were not her style.  She loved the look but wanted to make it her own with bolder, more exotic prints.  Being able to pinpoint exactly what she was attracted to allowed us to move forward and decorate her home in a way that truly reflected her personal style.

WHERE YOU TRAVEL
Some designers suggest you look at your closet for a clue when establishing your color palette.  I suggest you also think or dream about your favorite vacation city or resort.  What stands out in your mind most about that location?  When we think about our favorite vacation spot, a strong image typically comes to mind that is rich in color, texture and feel.  Where you stay can also say a lot.  Do you prefer luxury hotels or cozy bed and breakfasts?   Resorts and hotels cater to establishing a certain image so think back to your favorite resort or hotel and the furnishings and accessories that made that space “feel like home” for you.

YOUR CURRENT HOME
Take an inventory of your favorite pieces in your home already.  Does a piece stand out more than others for you?  This my be a sign that you’re interested in incorporating that look into your home but may not be ready to fully commit to it or have over committed.

A client in Great Falls loves mirrored chests.  She wanted to incorporate a chest into her bedroom to create a chic look reflecting old Hollywood Glamor.  Unfortunately, when 2-3 mirrored pieces were purchase for the same space, it looked more like a furniture showroom than her intimate, sophisticated bedroom.  Less is more when integrating certain pieces.

I often hear that people feel their place does not look “pulled together.”  This is usually a sign that they have not committed to a single style, and are challenged with using color, lines of the pieces and varying forms to create a cohesive look.  Not to worry, sometimes a few new pieces can pull everything together perfectly.

That thread bare, lumpy sofa probably holds many insights into your design style and you’re afraid to give it up for fear you won’t be able to replace it.  The art on walls can be one of the best indicators of your personal style.  Art is very personal and the images and colors say a lot about your style preferences.  It clearly indicates what look you feel drawn to.

Defining your personal style can seem overwhelming at first but apply some of these basic guidelines.  I guarantee you will be inspired to decorate.

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Good lighting is one of the most important elements in the design of a room, and certainly most necessary at night or on a gloomy day. Apart from its primary function of producing light to see by when natural light has faded, it can enhance strong points in a space and diminish weaker ones; provide warmth and glow and mood; highlight art and collections of objects, plants and flower arrangements; and create a definite sparkle.

Yet lighting is often overlooked when decorating a home. People forget to plan for lighting placement and adequate lighting levels in a room until well after their project is under way or even completed. Taking the additional time to plan and design a useful lighting scheme is well worth it and can save you time, money and aggravation down the road.

When planning your lighting layout, keep in mind that most rooms need three basic types of lighting:

• Ambient or overall light
• Work or task light (for reading, writing, working on the computer, cooking, playing cards, sewing, etc.)
• Accent light (for lighting art, objects, shelves, table tops and adding sparkle)

Recessed lighting should be your first layer of lighting, providing overall light for the room. If recessed lighting is not an option, a ceiling mounted fixture can also serve this purpose but keep in mind it will not emit as much light and you may need to compensate with additional lighting in the other layers.

Work or task lighting should be your second layer. Consider what tasks will be performed in the room and plan your lighting accordingly making sure lamps are properly placed and sized. The scale and proportion of a lamp should be in relationship to the furnishings it serves. In addition, the bottom of the shade should be at about eye level when seated in an adjacent chair, sofa or bed. Lamps can add a great decorative touch to any room and even serve as a sculptural art piece.

The last layer is accent lighting. Uplights can be used to accent corners and plants and give interesting patches of light and shade. Spots or wallwashers are ideal for highlighting artwork.

For added benefit, make sure that all lights are attached to dimmer switches and that all lamps have three-way bulbs. This allows you to adjust the lighting levels and conserve energy. For a cleaner more vibrant light, consider replacing your standard incandescent bulbs with one of the newer natural light bulbs that filter out the dull yellow rays.

The bottom line is, don’t underestimate the impact of lighting. Lighting truly can make a difference not only in your ability to function in your home but also in how you feel in your home.

Decor&You is a national interior decorating franchise that offers comprehensive personalized service with a complete line of fine custom furniture, window and wall coverings, art and accessories for all budgets.  Contact Sandra Hambley for more information about your next decorating project.

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For immediate assistance with your interior decorating project, please call Sandra Hambley at 703-599-0648.

We serve the Greater Washington (DC) area, Northern Virginia and Maryland.

Virginia
We serve the following areas of Virginia:  Aldie, Alexandria, Amissville, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Bowling Green, Bristow, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Dahlgren, Dale City, Dulles, Dumfries, Dunnloring, Fairfax, Fairfax Station, Falls Church, Fort Belvoir, Fredericksburg, Fort Myer, Gainesville, Garrisonville, Great Falls, Haymarket, Herndon, Leesburg, Loudoun, Lorton, Lovettsville, Manassas, McLean, Merrifield, Middleburg, Mount Vernon, Nokesville, Oakton, Occoquan, Prince William, Purcellville, Quantico, Reston, Roundhill, Spotsylvania, Springfield, Stafford, Sterling, Tysons Corner, Vienna, Warrenton, Waynesboro, Winchester, and Woodbridge.

Maryland
We serve the following areas of Maryland:  Aberdeen, Abingdon, Annapolis Junction, Baltimore, Barstow, Bel Air, Bel Alton, Beltsville, Bethesda, Bladensburg, Bowie, Brandywine, Brentwood, Callaway, Capitol Heights, Chase, Cheltenham, Chesapeake Beach, Chevy Chase, Churchton, Churchville, Clarksburg, Clarksville, College Park, Columbia, District Heights, Dunkirk, Edgewater, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Galesville, Germantown, Glen Burnie, Glen Echo, Glenn Dale, Hagerstown, Hanover, Kensington, Laurel, Montgomery, Potomac, Prince Frederick, Prince Georges, Riverdale, Rock Point, Rockville, Sandy Spring, Silver Spring, Upper Marlboro, Valley Lee, Waldorf, Washington Grove, West River,and White Plains.

Washington DC
We serve the Greater Washington DC area, including:  Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill, Downtown D.C., Dupont Circle, and Georgetown.

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