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.

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.

Related Interior Decorating Articles:

• Decor and You DC Named Exclusive Provider – Center for Foreclosure Alternatives
• Thrive! Don’t Just Survive – Interior Designers Workshop
• Interior Decorating: Window Treatment Tips
• Interior Decorating: An Eye for Finishing Touches

This year, and over the next two to three years, color is evolving according to predictable influences: the Economy, given our recent recession woes, Fashion, as usual, and Nature, in alignment with a continuing concern for living “green.”

First, economic concerns have initiated a trend toward rising conservatism in decorating. Many homeowners are choosing to “stay in place,” and are looking for viable and affordable ways to refresh and invigorate their homes. Practical remodeling decisions are one way to do that—expanding living spaces or creating more storage, for instance—and color is another. The conservative trend is being felt in a resurgence of safe but updated neutrals, and a trend in pattern toward plaids. Gray is the new black—halfway between black and brown, gray can be warm or cool, but is always calming, solid and assuring. Plaids are reflected from menswear, seen as safe and traditional, easily updated with a color accent; a colorblocking trend in runway fashion also plays into plaids resurging in home design.

Despite economic concerns, a return to optimism is seen in bold, updated color as accent—just as a man’s tie creates that same color burst within his gray suit. This year’s showstopping color is yellow. The quintessential color for optimism, yellow is warming and energizing. Yellows with a citrus cast, in either green or orange undertones, dominate this year.

Fashion trends, however, are running counter to the conservative trend noted above; instead, Fashion is influencing Interior Design in a different way: focusing on fun, whimsy, and escape. Influenced by the runway, the bold accent colors noted above are adding the fun “twist” to otherwise neutral decorating schemes. Bold accents are easily—and economically—changed with the times or the trend. Colors reflecting this fashion forward trend are reflected in a significant return to purples, especially those that are red-based. Purple as accent will be seen in a variety of hues and saturations, and will even enter the neutrals category as a “grayed-out” plum.  Confident, luxurious purple runs a close second to yellow as accent for 2009. Bright pinks and oranges are also hot, along with a retro trend to paisley, spiral, and psychedelic patterns, as Fashion revisits the 60’s and 70’s.

Finally, the Environmental movement has us all going back to nature for inspiration. “Being green” is a fixture in society these days, and color trend is strongly influenced by it—though this year, the new green is blue! The spectrum of blues highlight the oceanic side of our Earthly concerns, as green takes a backseat to this soft, soothing color that is as changeable and versatile as the ocean itself. Blues translate to tranquility and calm, safety and security, and will be used in every shade from deep navy to watery aqua.  A return to nature also influences our bolder tones, bringing in citrus and other produce-inspired colors, as well as exotics, such as oranges, reds and teals.  As our world becomes more multicultural, and our access to formerly out-of-reach places extends, exotic colors and influences increase.  This will also be reflected in use of unexpected materials, such as exotic woods, reclaimed metals, shells, and grasses.

Color choice is a reaction to the world around us. When making yours, while trend and influence is important for inspiration, in the end, be sure to choose those that make you happy in your home.

Related Interior Decorating Articles:

• Decor and You DC Named Exclusive Provider – Center for Foreclosure Alternatives
• Katie McGovern
• Interior Decorating: An Eye for Finishing Touches
• Testimonials

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.

Related Interior Decorating Articles:

• Decorating Corner
• Interior Decorating: Window Treatment Tips
• Crystal Cline
• Janet Aurora

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.

Related Interior Decorating Articles:

• Interior Decorating – Make Overs
• Decor and You DC Named Exclusive Provider – Center for Foreclosure Alternatives
• Interior Decorating: Color Trend 2009
• Decorating Corner

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.

Related Interior Decorating Articles:

• Residential Interiors
• Interior Decorating: An Eye for Finishing Touches
• Interior Design – Where to Begin
• Interior Decorating: Thoughts on Color

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.

Related Interior Decorating Articles:

• Interior Decorating: An Eye for Finishing Touches
• Interior Decorating: Window Treatment Tips
• Decor and You DC Named Exclusive Provider – Center for Foreclosure Alternatives
• Interior Decorating: Color Trend 2009

• Furniture (upholstered and occasional)
• Flooring (hard surfaces, carpeting and area rugs)
• Window treatments (full spectrum of top quality hard and soft treatments)
• Custom fabric applications (re-upholstery and accents)
• Lighting (accent, general and task)
• Bedding
• Wall coverings
• Artwork
• Accessories
• Color selection

Having a wide choice of products can make a real difference in creating a beautiful, comfortable home. With choice, you can achieve a look that is truly individual. The problem is, for most of us, we can’t find the time for all that shopping.

In fact, you could spend several years shopping to find the superior and stunning selection of products in our exclusive Decor&You portfolio of trusted, global suppliers, which includes hundreds of collections. We work hand-in-hand with you to make the right selections for your unique style.

We’re full-service, but that doesn’t mean expensive.  In fact, Decor&You charges no design fees. We offer absolutely everything you need to realize a fully and beautifully, custom-decorated interior. We manage every step of the project, from start to finish… right up to delivery day.

What’s more, we bring it all to you – in your own living room. If you’ve never worked with a decorator, after Decor&You you won’t want to work without us again!  We turn the process of decorating into a lesson in relaxation and enjoyment.  As easy as 1-2-3:

1. Our approach works because we first get to know you and what your home needs, with exacting measurements, and careful analysis of layout and function.
2. We present three creative views that meet our “DecorRoom” standard for an interior that looks and feels complete, designed especially for you, your lifestyle, and your environment.
3. We help you select your preferred design direction,establish a comfortable, sensible schedule for investing in your favorite products, and we deliver it all to you.

Related Interior Decorating Articles:

• Interior Decorating: Good Lighting Makes All the Difference
• Crystal Cline
• Interior Design – Where to Begin
• Interior Decorating: Window Treatment Tips

Question: We have a fairly small room in our house that we barely use because it feels so small and cramped. What can we do to make it appear larger?

- S.W., Annandale, VA

People almost always fixate on trying to make smaller rooms appear larger instead of concentrating on the positive aspects of a smaller space. Sandra Hambley of Decor and You reminds us that smaller rooms can be fun and intimate – and less expensive to decorate.

“There’s a huge misconception that smaller rooms should be decorated in a more minimalist style to make it look bigger. But I don’t think that’s necessarily true,” says Hambley. “You want to make a small room as comfortable as possible, and often that means packing in a lot of furniture.”

As an example, Hambley recommends a short but deep sofa, a large upholstered chair and footstool, a writing desk or side table and an open arm chair. And if possible, two smallish occasional chairs, as well as end tables, possibly a coffee or cocktail table and some bookshelves.

“There will be a lot going on and the best way to counterbalance the effect of so much furniture in a small space is to use lots of pattern,” advises Hambley. “The larger upholstery can have a generously scaled print, and the smaller pieces can be covered in a smaller design in the same colors. Pillows on the seating can pick out the colors of the fabrics. The carpet can be patterned, and even if the curtains or shades are kept plain they can have a border of some sort.”

For the walls, Hambley would have it painted a warm, rich color – or a cool, airy color in hot climates – or papered perhaps with stripes and a border. The available wall space will look best crowded with prints, photographs, drawings, and paintings. “Yes, the room will be crowded, but everything will be comfortably within reach. It’ll be a thoroughly relaxing room. A room everyone will want to be in,” advises Hambley. “And that is what decorating is all about,” she concludes.

Related Interior Decorating Articles:

• Interior Decorating: An Eye for Finishing Touches
• Interior Decorating: Thoughts on Color
• Interior Decorating: Window Treatment Tips
• Decor and You DC Named Exclusive Provider – Center for Foreclosure Alternatives