Get A Goode Start Decorating Your Home

Giving Your Home a Lift for Spring!

2012-02-16T12:28:00.000-08:00

Spring is just around the corner -- so are you in the mood for some spring cleaning?
If you have some stubborn areas that need attention, here are some tips that you may be able
to do quickly and easily to be ready for spring.
Grimy bathroom walls?
If you have surface mold on your bathroom walls, mix a spray bottle with one part water and one part bleach. Spray it on the wall and watch the mold disappear. Wipe down the walls and you’ll see the color of the paint again! Of course, if you want to make your bathroom feel even more refreshed, repaint the walls for a new look.
Don't replace a yucky shower door. Try this instead.
Glass shower doors can show dirt and grime quickly. Instead of replacing the door, take the door off the track so that you can clean if more easily. Then, scrub it with steel wool and a mixture of one part muriatic acid and about 10 parts water. After wiping it down, reinstall the door and you’ll think you have a new shower door!
Do you have an overpowering brick fireplace that is an eyesore to your room?
If the answer is “yes!” here's an easy way to tone it down with paint. Use a rag or brush to rub a light coat of paint on the bricks, one at a time. This will give them a new tone without covering them completely. And, if you use a paint color that matches the walls or paint it the color of your molding (white?), your fireplace will no longer be an eyesore!
Updating an old fire screen:
Is your old fire screen worn out and dirty? Here’s an inexpensive way to update it. After removing the screen and wiping it down to get rid of the dust, Then, buy a can of heat-resistant spray paint and give the screen a facelift. Of course you'll need to go outside or someplace where you can spray the paint and not worry about getting it on your walls, doors and windows.
Here's another tip: Hold the spray can about 18 inches away from the screen and use long, even strokes. So...for less than $5, you will have a “new” fire place screen!

Hope these ideas will help you spring into spring. Please let me know if you have any questions. Happy Decorating!

Staging Can Help You Sell Your Home

2012-01-27T16:50:00.001-08:00

It’s almost spring and the time of year that you may be considering whether or not to put your home on the market. If you’re one of those homeowners, I’m sure you’ve been thinking about your options. Unless homes in your area are selling fast and furious, home sellers today need to seriously consider staging their home to get a quick sale and a high return on your investment.
Today’s real estate market is uncertain, so you want your home to stand out from the rest! Hiring a professional home stager would be a very good investment to ensure that your home will show well and appeal to a prospective buyers. So, unless you have some training in real estate property staging, I encourage hiring a professional home stager. What’s the difference between a home stager and interior decorator? Interior decorators decorate to please the home owner’s taste; home stager’s decorate to please a prospective buyer’s taste.
Decorating to sell your home will help and selling vacant homes will need to have rental furniture inside to give the home a lived in look and not empty and cold like a vacant home can appear.
If you’re a do-it-yourself person, you may want to start by cleaning out the clutter in your house, painting and landscaping your home. But you still may want to consider hiring a home stager to give you an objective assessment on what needs to be done from the view of a prospective home buyer.
Pricing your house correctly is important, and realtors can be a huge help doing the research necessary to come up with a good price. But don’t stop there - talk with others --friends, family and neighbors--and try to decide on a price for your house. But be flexible and decide what's most important to you. If you need to sell quickly or for the right price, your realtor can help with those decisions, so tell them what you want and expect in the real estate sale of your house.
Best of luck to you and feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Happy Decorating!

THE NEW "HOT" COLOR FOR 2012 - HOT PINK!

2011-11-16T08:12:00.001-08:00

Last year, it was purple -- but for 2012, I predict the new “hot” color in interior decorating will be, ironically, hot pink! The color is bright and fun. With the retro feel of the 1970s, I predict that hot pink will become a popular color and will be paired with many different colors – from lime green to cobalt blue, orange to violet. When used with those colors, the decorating color scheme will be daring and adventurous.
In my opinion, hot pink is a very versatile color. As most people know, pink is a mixture of red and white. It has many different tints (light colors, mixed with more white) and shades (darker colors, mixed with more black). Hot pink is an intense shade of pink, although different from “shocking” pink, which is closer in color to magenta (it has a little purple hue).
Hot pink is a very bold, almost florescent pink. For many years, it has been associated with the color of girls’ bedrooms. But it can be used as an accent in a sophisticated, neutral color scheme. To achieve this, pair hot pink with more subtle colors such as grey and dark brown. So don’t worry guys, if you want to add the new “hot” color for 2012 to your masculine decorating scheme, hot pink looks great as an accent color with neutral colors such as dark brown, grey and black.
So – have fun decorating with hot pink – it’ll add some ”pink punch” to your color scheme!
As always, Happy Decorating!

Photo Book

2011-11-12T17:31:00.001-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Create your own personalized photo books at Shutterfly.com.

Spruce up your home for the holidays!

2011-10-31T13:09:00.000-07:00

If you are dreading the holidays because you’re unhappy with your living room or dining room - especially your worn-out sofa and/or chairs - here are some budget-wise decorating ideas to update your upholstered items:

- If your sofa or chairs need recovering or need to be replaced, consider slipcovering them instead! You can buy stretchable slipcovers at stores such as Walmart and Target. For even more selection, look at Surefit, J.C. Penney or Pottery Barn slipcovers online.
-If you can’t find a ready-made slipcover to fit your sofa, find a nice quilt or throw to drape over your sofa.
-Add accent pillows for some added color to your “new” sofa.
-Dining room chairs that have removable seats can be recovered easily.
Just unbolt the seat from the chair frame and stretch your new fabric over the seat. Make sure you have extra fabric to tuck around to the back and use a staple gun to attach it.

Hope these ideas will help you (and your wallet)get your home ready for the upcoming holidays! I'll blog some more ideas later this month. Check out my facebook page for pictures of rooms decorated by A Goode Start Decorating! I'd also welcome any comments
from you on my blog.

As always, Happy Decorating!

Redesigning Your Child’s Room on a Budget

2011-10-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

Redesigning Your Child’s Room on a Budget Please check out the attached - I was interviewed for the article.

Get A Goode Start Decorating Your Home: The Benefits of Home Staging

2011-10-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

Get A Goode Start Decorating Your Home: The Benefits of Home Staging: The term, “Home staging” is being used more and more these days. Just tune into the HGTV and you’ll see a bevy of shows about staging and h...

The Benefits of Home Staging

2011-10-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

The term, “Home staging” is being used more and more these days. Just tune into the HGTV and you’ll see a bevy of shows about staging and house hunting. But for many homeowners who don’t watch the shows, “home staging” is a relatively new term.

In previous years, it was left up to the homeowner to prepare their home for showings. Although some real estate agents are knowledgable and can advise the homeowners about home staging, most agents are experts in the field of selling and closing, not home design. Agents generally know what factors can help sell a home, but they don't have time to assist the homeowners in what can be a long process in getting their homes into selling condition.

Professional home stagers are experts in the art of preparing a home for resale. They can help eliminate clutter, arrange (or remove) furniture, assist in enhancing curb appeal and help the house look welcoming. With the assistance of a professional home stager, your house can make a positive first impression on potential homebuyers.

The first impression:

As the real estate industry often stresses, a potential buyer can make up their mind within ten seconds after they step in the front door. And they are already forming an opinion as soon as they pull up in front of the house. Given that first impression, curb appeal is extremely important – and you usually don’t get a second chance.

How to find a home stager:

These days most people have access to the internet. You find and select a professional home stager or other professional service by searching on internet for a stager in your area. Or you can ask your real estate agent for a recommendation, or you can ask around and get referrals.

Some facts about home staging to consider:

Based on statistics from the Real Estate Staging Association, staged homes sell 50% faster and on the average sell about 6-10 percent more than homes that are not staged. In addition, a 2011 Home Gain Survey showed that hiring a professional Home Stager yielded a 299% return on investment.

Another consideration for home sellers is generally the longer a home stays on the market, the more the price drops. The faster you sell your home, the more you save in mortgage payments, the less you will lose in time spent on the market and the sooner you can move on to your next home!

So, if you're thinking about selling your home in the near future, I encourage you to seek the advice and guidance of a professional stager.

If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact me. As always, Happy Decorating!

Home Staging FAQs

2011-09-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

Do you have questions about home staging or property presentation services? I've found that a lot of people do not know what a home stager does or how they can help a home seller. So, here are some of the most commonly asked questions that will shed some light on what home stagers can offer you if you have decided to sell your home:

Q. What is home staging?

A. Home staging is a way of showing a house in the best possible light to prospective buyers in order to sell the property faster and for a better price. Home staging usually involves reducing and reorganizing a clients' belongings, rearranging their furniture and accessorizing the home. The home stager's objective is to transform the property so that it appeals to the widest range of prospective buyers.

Q. Is there any difference between a home stager and an interior designer?

A. Although these professions seem to have similarities, they in reality are worlds apart. An interior designer’s role is to make your home in your style, tastes and preferences. A home stager actually aims to turn your property into something that a majority of people will prefer in order for it to appeal to the maximum number of buyers at sale time.

Q. Will furnishing my vacant property actually make a difference to the buyer?

A. Yes, but just placing any old furniture in the room is not the answer. We can use furniture that enhances the property and shows the property like a "model home" and clearly defines the room purpose. We then style the room to give it a finished and complete look.

We will use quality furniture and accessories that give your vacant property the greatest chance of appealing to the widest possible buying audience.

Q. Does home staging work?

A. Quite simply, yes! Nothing appeals more to a buyer than a clean and defined space without all the clutter and personal effects of the current owner. This helps the potential buyer envision themselves living in the property and leads to a faster sale and often for more money.

Q. How much will it cost?

A. The aim of home staging is not to cost you money, but to make you money through better presentation -- which increases the demand for your home. The cost will depend upon the condition of your home and how much needs to be done to transform the property to appeal to the widest range of buyers.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email me at AGoodeStart@hotmail.com.

Until next time, Happy Decorating!

Designing Study Areas for Your Kids

2011-08-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

Now that the summer is over and school is back in session (for most of us at least), it’s time to think about the dreaded homework scenario for your kids. Since doing homework is a vital part of their education, I think it’s really important to have a dedicated area in your home for the kids – of all ages -- to do their homework.

This is especially important to teens. Although the usual spot for studying may have been the kitchen table, teens need another area of the home that can be quiet for studying and provide a decent amount of space to “spread out.”

If the space in your home is limited, then a folding screen or divider, even a bookcase, can offer some privacy or divide the space between the other areas of the room and the study space.
Here are some ideas when you’re designing your kid’s study area:
A computer desk is essential these days – and, if possible a good-sized one so that they can spread out their books, folders and other homework materials. Of course, a desk chair that provides good back support (and I like the ones on wheels) is another essential item.
Good lighting is very important in the study area – provided by a desk lamp (task lighting) and, if possible, some overhead lighting and/or natural light as well.
Some other items such as a bookcase is very useful in organizing reference books and other materials that they’ll need. And since kids love hanging things on the wall, I think a cork board or memo board over their desk is a nice addition so they can post notes, calendars, or messages.
So…there are some ideas for the study area. I’ll talk about decorating the study area in my next blog.
If you have any specific questions you’d like to ask me, feel free to e-mail me at AGoodeStart@hotmail.com or post your question under my blog.
Until next time, Happy Decorating!!

Decorating Items with Spray Paint

2011-07-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

They call me the “Spray Paint Queen” – but it works so well and is so affordable!!! It’s amazing that they make spray paint that can cover almost any surface, not just metal but plastic, wicker, and rattan and wood. But I caution you to READ THE LABELS before you purchase!

My latest projects were two wicker chairs and - believe it or not – the motor of a ceiling fan. I found a really nice, inexpensive wicker-look ceiling fan for my sunroom, but the motor was black. Since I determined that this would not look good in my tropical-inspired sunroom, I decided to spray paint it a multi-color bronze that looks fabulous in the room!

So – if paint will adhere to other surfaces, you could repaint lamps and other accessories as well. Using a tarp or lots of newspaper to cover the floor or ground, I always paint outside or in a well-ventilated garage or basement.

Hopefully, you’ll start looking at some of your older pieces or garage sale finds as potentially new decorative accents. As always, Happy Decorating!!

Refurbishing Furniture Ideas

2011-06-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

I'm just like everyone else - I don't have much money to spend on lots of furniture and accessories. Especially as a home stager. Although the owner's rent furniture, I try to keep the cost to the owner to a minimum by adding some of my own furniture and accessories. And it pays off - I always have very satisfied clients who sell their homes quickly and for more money!

But - back to repurposing furniture and accessories. Believe it or not, I have always been shy about visting other people's yard and garage sales. As I've always heard...one person's junk is another person's treasure.
One reason I avoided garage and yard sales was because I hated to walk away without buying something. The sad and desperate look on the owner's faces always make me feel pressured. But no more - I finally have transcended to a different state of mind and have evolved to a shop-aholic at garage sales.

After a recent impromptu visit to a local yard sale, I have decided that yard and garage sales are a worthwhile use of my time. Since I'm getting ready to stage another home, I have been researching and pricing bistro sets. The most inexpensive set was from Walmart at $200. I resigned myself to keep looking, but this time I started visiting yard and garage sales. Well, my perseverance finally paid off. I found a cute bamboo and wrought iron set, sans a glass table top and with only three, versus four, bamboo iron chairs. Although they had that worn out, weathered look, I knew that I could refurbish them with a can of spray paint. So, I purchased the table base and three chairs for $25. What a deal! And after one coat of primer and two coats of spray paint, a cute bistro table and chairs have emerged. I found a 30 inch glass tabletop at Pier One for $60. So for a total of about $90 (instead of $200 plus), I have a cute bistro set.

So, don't rule out yard and garage sales. Be a garage sale shop-aholic and look for bargins that you can redo to look like new!

As always, Happy Decorating!!

Deborah Goode, CID
Certified Interior Decorator & Accredited Home Stager

Make Your Rooms Feel More Spacious

2011-05-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, I don't like to walk into a room and feel that it is closing in on me - this probably means that it is crowded with too much furniture and accessories - or just "stuff". I love an open, spacious feeling in a room - even if the room is small. Whether it is in a house, an apartment, condo or dorm, decorating small areas can be challenging.

One of my "fans" has asked me to address some solutions to the crowded feeling. In response to her request, I've enumerated some decorating tips below that may help with those rooms and areas that are smaller than we'd like.

Some of my suggestions are merely optical illusions which attract the eye and center it on the focal point. The end result is a room that feels larger than it is and much more spacious.

One thing to remember: dark colors usually make a space feel more intimate and cozy while light shades make a room feel more open and spacious. If you want that spacious feeling, choose white or light neutral shades for best results. "Neutral" colors can range from off-white to various tints of beige and grey. But any light color - green, blue, yellow, etc., can make a room feel more spacious. I'd like to suggest that you paint the ceiling white or off-white to draw the eye upward.

However, if you're in love with a dark shade of paint color, it will make the room feel more cozy and less spacious. So if you have your heart set on a darker paint color, you could use it as an accent wall. An accent wall can be dramatic and can be the focal point of the room.

Here's another idea if you're stuck on a dark color - use a high gloss shade of the paint. Light will reflect off the gloss paint like a mirror. Still another suggestion - paint the ceiling a deeper shade than the wall color. The ligher color on the walls will expand the space, while the darker ceiling color will make the room feel cozy.

I love vertical elements, such as moulding, which can draw the eye upward and make the ceiling appear higher. Make sure that you paint the molding a high gloss white for it to pop!

Horizontal elements, such as chair rails, borders or picture frame molding below the waist, draw the eye downward and make walls seem farther apart.

If you deside to keep or add a chair rail, paint the wall in two different colors, with the darker color on the bottom.

Picture rails and moldings generally lower the perceived wall height. If you wish to have them, for a more spacious feeling, paint the picture rails the same color as the wall.

Baseboard and crown moldings should be kept thin to ensure that the walls are accentuated.

To draw the eye upward, mount drapery rods for curtains as close to the ceiling as possible. The optical illusion will make the ceiling feel higher and may also may the window appear higher.

Vertical striped curtains from ceiling to floor will make the walls seem taller. (Match one of the stripe colors to the wall paint if possible.)

Sheer curtains will allow more light to enter the room -- adding more natural light in a room.

Ceiling lighting casts the light downward and creates shadows which can make a room feel smaller. Wall sconces and accent lighting (and uplights) reflect upward and make the ceiling appear higher.

Reduce visual clutter — try to keep it clean and clutter-free.

Make sure your furniture placement and arrangement is open as well. In furniture arranging - if you have room - pull the furniture away from the wall into a conversation area. This is an optical illusion but it will give the room the appearance of more space.

You can use mirrors to help to reflect light and expand the room. Tall mirrors can help draw the eye upward and make a ceiling feel taller. Be sure to consider what the mirror is reflecting for best placement.

Although decorating small rooms is challenging, it can be fun. Hopefully these ideas will help you - happy decorating!

Budget Tips for Decorating Your Outdoor Room, Part 2

2011-04-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

One of the considerations in setting up your outdoor room is privacy. If this is one of your concerns, here are some ways you can do so.
If you’re one of those lucky homeowners whose deck or outdoor patio is protected by a wall or a fence on at least one side, you’re probably not as concerned about privacy.
If you do want to add some privacy, you can use a trellis on one or more of the other sides. For additional privacy you can plant a vine that is fast growing, on the base of the trellis. We made our own trellis with a sheet of lattice set inside a wooden frame with a T-base for ground support. To make your trellis portable, you can anchor them in a planter and move it however you want them to be placed.
If your outdoor room is protected from the weather by a roof, like the end of a deck you can forget the trellis and just hang panels of sheets, muslin or a material such as Sunbrella (which is rather costly, but it is fairly resistant to sun damage and fading).
For a quick fix, use a staple gun to hold the sheets or material together and don’t forget to add tiebacks to use when you need to let the breeze in. If you like to sew, you can sew the seams together to make a wider panel. This is one of the best and affordable ways to create your own outdoor room that you can change every year.
Coming to the lighting aspect of your outdoor room, this can also be taken care of in an affordable yet stylish manner. Use candles or torches for that elegant and peaceful atmosphere and if you are worried about safety you can go for solar lamps. If you want to create a festive mood, hang some holiday lights over the porch beam or on a nearby tree. You can even make luminaries by dropping a candle in a punched recycled can. My personal preferences are inexpensive, decorative paper lanterns with battery-powered lights that are sold at stores like Pier One.
Finally, add style and charisma to your outdoor room with creative accessories. You don’t have to spend much to put together a bunch of accessories that blend with your outdoor room setting. Collect scrap lumber and paint some attractive signs or lean a used picket fence on one side of the porch wall. You can paint it or start growing some attractive flowering vines around it. Hang pretty bird houses or just place them in a corner to add character to your outdoor room. Add some pretty cushions and throw pillows to your chairs and some eye-catching napkins or placemats on the table to add color to your outdoor room. If you have an old ladder or bookcase, paint it and put plants or flowering plans on it for decoration.
Your new outdoor room will quickly become your sanctuary or your party room once you have it ready for summer. So – as always – Happy Decorating!

Budget Tips for Decorating Your Outdoor Room, Part 1

2011-04-12T12:52:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and I’m starting to think about spending more time outdoors during gorgeous days of summer. I love lounging on my back deck, reading and sipping iced tea (or an adult beverage!).
Since outdoor rooms are very popular now, there are many more options to the homeowner. Your outdoor room can be an extension of your home and you can personalize it with some exterior decorating ideas.
Selecting outdoor furniture which suits your personal taste and style may be challenging. Prices range from the inexpensive (resin or aluminum) to the more expensive (wrought iron or wooden) – for example. You can choose from many different styles and colors to meet your needs. And there are many bright new colored accessories (pillows, cushions, umbrellas) featured this year!
If you’re on a budget, discount stores usually have less expensive outdoor furniture available or you can pick up a white Adirondack resin chair for a very reasonable cost. This year, you can even choose some brightly colored Adirondack chairs. Fun! Once you add throw pillows on the chairs, they look great in most settings. You can even find some bargain outdoor furniture at consignment shops and garage sales. If they are wooden or metal, you can usually spray paint them – but make sure you read the label to ensure that you buy a paint that will adhere to the surface.

So - start planning for your time outdoors this summer now - while the selection is great! Happy Decorating!

Spring Cleaning Tips - from Ceiling to Floor!

2011-03-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here! If you're like me, I'm now in the mood to start spring cleaning. If you'd like some ideas to begin your mission, here are some suggestions - from ceiling to floor:
1. Ceilings – Dust from corner to corner and wash if possible. Remember to clean the light fixtures, ceiling fans, smoke detector covers you may want to replace, light bulbs and smoke detector batteries while you’re up there.

2. Walls – Dust corner to corner, floor to ceiling; wash & scrub walls & everything on them (fixtures, pictures, mirrors, doors & door frames, hanging shelves, clocks, etc.). I often find little dust bunnies and cob webs in the corners of room, which I tackle with an extendable cleaning mop.

3. Windows – Clean them inside & out, including the tracks & frames; wash or have curtains professionally cleaned and clean the blinds.

4.Cabinets, Counters, Drawers, Shelves – Empty shelves and drawers, remove shelf paper, wash inside & out, top & underneath, line with fresh shelf paper, sort items as you put back (keep/trash); (I found a can of five-year old tuna fish in my cupboard!).

Wash all knick-knacks; tighten, repair or replace handles and knobs where needed; declutter & organize all items in drawers and on shelves.

5. Furniture – Pull out the furniture and clean floor & walls, including the sides of furniture or appliances (inside & out); if possible, have upholstered furniture professionally cleaned (check the labels first).

6. Appliances - Clean the kitchen appliances. Dust all electronics; clean lamps as well as lamp shades (that could consist of a thorough dusting!).

7. Floors – Sweep well and clean; vacuum & clean carpets and rugs. Make your non-carpeted floors sparkling clean!

Organize and Declutter as you go! Sort through bedding, linens and towels. Discard ones that are getting threadbare or too stained, or cut into cleaning rags for future cleaning projects. (Animal shelters always appreciate donations of old towels and sheets for the animals).

Clean and sort clothing to be given away, pull items that you can repurpose;
store off-season clothing in plastic boxes. Pack away household files from the previous year and prepare new folders for the upcoming season. If you don’t have a filing cabinet, a cardboard filing box will suffice.

Items to be tossed are sorted: box them up for charity or a garage sale. Toss food items that have no expiration date, especially if you’re not sure of their age. Replace spices and herbs you don’t regularly use. Make a list of all food items that need to be re-stocked on the next grocery trip.

Be inspired to get your home sparkling clean and ready for the busy summer!

Check out Real Estate Tips and Spring Cleaning advice on this link

2011-03-08T17:11:00.001-08:00

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dunkirk-MD/Calvert-Anne-Arundel-Real-Estate-Tess-Armiger-Century-21-New-Millennium/118725231505345

ADD SOME SPRING TO YOUR HOME!

2011-02-17T13:07:00.000-08:00

Spring is in the air here in Maryland – at least for a day! The nice weather inspires us to get going if you’re thinking about any remodeling, redecorating or putting your home up for sale.
If you want to bring a touch of spring into your household, here are some budget-wise ideas:
-Bring some live plants into your home by clipping outdoor ivy and then rooting them in water. Or purchase some inexpensive annuals, such as impatiens, begonias, primroses,or fushias, and keep them indoors. These flowers like low-light so they will live indoors, as long as you keep them watered.
-Embellish candles for an expensive way to decorate your home. Attach dried flowers, shells, pebbles or twigs for a new look. Then you can group different sizes together for an arrangement on a table or shelf.
-Spray paint or stencil some old houseplant pots to add some color to your table or shelves. Pot your shade annuals or cuttings into the “new” pots and you have a new decorative item at a minimal cost!
-If you have an old metal or wicker shelf sitting in your basement or garage, you can give it new life with two coats of spray paint. You can use it to display plants or flowers either inside or out on your patio.
-Speaking of garage finds, you can refurbish an old wooden stepladder with a coat of paint or varnish and use it either outdoors or indoors as a bookcase or a plant stand.
- Do you have old magazines or picture books with beautiful botanical pictures that you love? If your answer is yes, perhaps you could add some spring color to your walls or shelves by framing those pictures.
By the way, I am now juggling many different projects since spring has sprung. I hope to at least post a blog once a month but my busy schedule may preclude my ramblings until summer. Don’t give up on me – I still have lots of ideas to share!!

Tips for Buying Upholstered Furniture

2011-01-31T17:02:00.000-08:00

After selling furniture for a couple of years and 20 years experience as an Interior Decorator, I’d like to suggest the tips below if you are in the market for new upholstery. When looking for upholstery, you should ask the salesperson for information on fabric and construction before making your decision to purchase.

Fabrics:

Durability and function should be paramount in selecting which fabric you choose for your upholstery. Fabrics can add color, character and charm to your room.

-Leather has features which can make it superior to other upholstery materials since it will not tear along the seam lines or easily rip as some other fabrics do. Leather is made to provide you with years of timeless beauty, however, it is a bit pricy.

-Leathermatch is a more economical material choice. Leather match upholstery means the piece has a combination of real leather and dyed-to-match vinyl. It features the look of leather at a more affordable cost.

-Microfiber features superfine filaments that are manufactured and woven together to create synthetic fabric. It has a softer, almost suede-like texture and is generally lighter than conventional fabrics. In general, microfiber fabrics are resilient or resist wrinkling; have a luxurious drape and body; retain their shape; and resist moisture very well. In addition, they are relatively strong and durable in relation to other fabrics of similar weight.

If fabric durability is a concern when purchasing your upholstery, a fabric constructed out of synthetic fibers (such as Viscose and Polyester) may be the right choice for you.

-Organic fabric:You can also consider wools and heavy cottons, which usually wear well. Cottons can range from twills to chintz (polished cotton). In my opinion, I prefer chintz because they clean better than twills.

In summary, all fabrics are subject to wear-and-tear. Sunlight and humidity can affect the quality of your upholstery. I highly recommend taking proper care of your furniture to ensure that the quality and appearance of your furniture does not change.

Furniture construction:

Comfort is key to a great piece of furniture. When deciding upon the construction of your furniture’s cushions, it is important to keep in mind that both down and synthetic cushioning have different advantages. Synthetic cushions (i.e., foam) tend to give firm yet comfortable support for upholstered seating. Down filled pieces will provide a smoother seat, allowing you to feel like you are "sitting on a cloud."

The other important aspect of your furniture's construction is the spring foundation. If you prefer sinking into the softness of the cushion, you should explore styles that are supported by 8-way suspensions. This type of support is achieved when single coil springs are attached to the webbing with link and then hand tied to each other to create superior elasticity in the seat. This gives the entire cushion a durable but very soft feeling with little support from the frame.

Sinuous Spring support is made up of S-shaped wires that are also known as “S coils” and “zigzag springs.” Springs are fastened with clips and no-sag nails to be staggered every few inches from front to back or top to bottom under the seat cushion and behind the seatbacks. This tightly held formation provides a slightly firmer support for your sofa, chair or ottoman.

Furniture frames are most commonly constructed out of kiln-dried hardwoods. Typically, Oak, Maple, and Poplar woods are used in this type of frame construction. Kiln-dried hardwoods provide sturdy structure and long-lasting durability to your furniture. Other pieces are constructed with rattan or metal, making your furniture stylish as well as strong.

Function of the Room:

Before selecting upholstery for your room, consider the function of the room. Is it a formal seating area? What about a casual living room where friends and family can feel at ease?

Furniture styles and fabric choices can aide you in creating a space that will meet your needs and provide your room a great new appearance. Fabrics with details (such as damask, tapestry, brocade) and matched with elegant framing structures create a more formal appeal. While furniture with darker fabrics and softer style-lines (such as microfiber or leather) are ideal for high-traffic areas in your home.

Style of your Room:

Style is a channel through which you are able to express your imagination and individuality. Here are some common style themes that are useful to consider when purchasing furniture for your home:

-Traditional Style: Calm, orderly, and conventional. This style is functional and uncomplicated. Traditional furniture pieces tend to accommodate a busy lifestyle, by being easy to maintain and child-friendly. However, there are many traditional pieces that adhere to the non-trendy design principle (for example, 18th century furniture) which can create a more formal atmosphere.

-Transitional Style: Transitional style is the synthesis of traditional and contemporary furniture. Finishes, materials and fabrics are combined to create a timeless and versatile design. This furniture is simple yet sophisticated and utilizes straight lines and very carefully balanced proportions.

-Modern Style: Modern style features clean lines and unique shapes. You will notice neutral elements accentuated by bold colors and geometric patterns. Modern style can be both casual and formal in appearance.

-Casual Style: Casual style is warm, comfortable and inviting. This style is defined by simple details, neutral colors and comfortable seating. Textured elements of fabrics along with softer choices of fabrics create an informal, welcoming atmosphere.

-Formal Style: Formal style features delicate, opulent fabrics which are ideal for light-use and if the room is used only for entertaining or conversation.

Tips for furniture buying - Part 1

2011-01-23T17:52:00.001-08:00

During January and February, many furniture manufacturers decide to have sales. If you're in the market for some new furniture -whether you need one piece or an entire room full of furniture, this is usually a good time to shop. For the furniture-buying novice, I'd like to pass along some advice to my readers before you go shopping. Since I've had some experience with furniture in my career as a designer-salesperson at two well-known furniture stories in Annapolis, I hope you will benefit from some of these tips:

First, when searching for a particular piece of furniture, ask a salesperson about the construction of the furniture.

If shopping for case goods (dressers, tables, chests) -- are the drawer corners dovetailed and glued? Or just glued and stapled? The best drawer construction is dovetailed and glued. Lower end furniture drawers are made by stapling and gluing the corners. This is sufficient, but it is not the optimal way to build furniture. If you want your furniture to last a long time and withstand a lot of abuse - choose furniture with dovetailed corners or glued and screwed corners, instead of only stapled.

Speaking of drawers - make sure you check them out. Are they easy to pull out? Are they on glides? With time, most drawers start to stick a little, but the best made drawers glide easily and effortlessly. This is a good sign that they are properly made and will not stick on you in a year.

Are the tops veneered or solid wood? Or if it is veneered with only one layer or more? Some well-made veneer tops are very resilient to wear because they are constructed of thin sheets of wood that are adhered together in alternate directions and generally attached to particle board. For example, Thomasville furniture's veneers are seven layers thick.

Although solid wood furniture is very nice, the wood could prone to cracking with age or a lot of abuse. However, solid wood furniture is preferred by many people.

For me personally, it depends on the manufacturer which one I prefer. Solid wood furniture is always beautiful. An advantage to solid wood furniture is that you can refinish it without being concerned about sanding through the veneer to particle board - just a thought if you're planning on keeping the piece in the family or you have a penchant for refinishing furniture!

If painted wood is your preference, it is still popular. If the piece is painted, it's important to know that the top (and sides) could get scratched and there may not be any way to fix it. I'd like to suggest that you ask the furniture manufacturer for some touch-up paint in the same color paint (which could be hard to find but I wholeheartedly recommend it). Otherwise, if your furniture will be used regularly, consider covering the top with a runner, doily or maybe a piece of glass cut to fit the top.

Last of all, please remember that woods range from soft- to hard-wearing. Pine tends to be a soft wood; whereas, oak and maple are hard woods. Therefore, pine furniture may not be a good choice for children's bedroom furniture!

So, I will give guidance on purchasing upholstered furniture in my next blog. Until then, Happy Decorating!

January is the Time to Buy Bed Linens

2011-01-13T13:16:00.001-08:00

Did you know that the average person spends about a third of their life in bed? Since most of us spend between 6 to 8 hours (and for the lucky ones, 8-10 hours) in bed, it’s important to choose the right bed sheets for your bed. And – it’s an added bonus if the sheets enhance the overall décor of your bedroom as well. Since January is the best time of year to shop for new bed linens, here are a few tips to be aware of before you start sheet-shopping:

Size: Before you go out and buy new sheets, I’d like to suggest that you measure your bed (including the width of the side of your mattress). In the past, sheet sizes such as “twin,” “full,” “queen” and king” were reliable and would fit all beds according to size. But recently, many mattress manufacturers have added extra comfort features, such as pillow top mattresses which are deeper than older mattresses. There are so many different size mattresses now that it is important to know before you venture out on your quest for new bedding. Some sheets are now made specifically for deeper, more luxurious mattresses or longer bed sizes – and they usually state it on their packaging.

Threat Count: The TPI (or threads per inch) is an important factor to consider before purchasing bed sheets. The rule of thumb is – the more threads per inch of material, the softer the sheets. Therefore, I would highly recommend purchasing sheets with more than 250 TPI for more comfortable bed linens. Of course, they are usually more expensive, but they are worth it in my opinion.

Decorating with Bed Linens – if you’d like to accent or create a new ambience to your bedroom, consider buying new bed sheets! You can add complimentary colors or prints to your bedroom’s color scheme; opt for a rich, opulent feeling to your bedroom; or create whimsical surroundings. Enhance your bedroom’s décor by adding new bed sheets – it’s the easiest way to redecorate your bedroom.

As always, Happy Decorating!

NOTE: Sferra and Pottery Barn bedding pictures are featured in this blog. However, this does not imply endorsement of any specific product.

Tips for Decorating a Christmas Tree

2010-12-14T12:40:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays to all! If you're ready to start decorating your holiday tree, here are some hopefully useful tips:

Beginning the task: When decorating your Christmas tree, put lights on first, then the garland, and finally the ornaments. I think of my tree as a three-dimensional painting. Do you have a color scheme or theme that you want to follow? Sometimes having a plan for your tree makes it more fun to decorate – at least in my opinion. You can spend all year collecting items for your tree – but a good time of year to find bargains is, of course, the post-holiday sales.

Ornaments: Begin by hanging "filler ornaments" and evenly space them around the tree. They could be basic solid color balls that are easily found at discount stores in a wide range of colors to coordinate and enhance your decorating scheme. You'll need about 20 "filler ornaments" for every two feet of Christmas tree. Don't hang all your ornaments on the tips of the branches. Instead, hang ornaments and other decorations 'inside' your tree to add depth and interest.

Light it up! If you do not have a pre-lit tree, here’s a suggestion for adding lights: You can’t really have enough! Lights give a tree dimension and beauty so pile ‘em on!! I have a 6.5 foot tree and it has 500 mini-white lights on it – it’s gorgeous! Start arranging Christmas tree lights on the branches near the base of the tree. Weave strings of lights along the branches "inside," then move to the outer edges of the branches.

Adding the extras: There are so many beautiful accessories to add to your tree – from pine cones to flowers to bows. Once your tree has lights, garland and ornaments, you can fill in the "holes" with your accessories. And VOILA! Your tree is a masterpiece. By the way, my 6.5 foot tree is embellished with 400 ornaments and accessories, and each year, I receive so many compliments. You can accumulate these over time so that you don’t break the budget!

Keep your live tree fresh! If you bought a live tree, cut the stump of the tree with a fresh cut and set it in water immediately. A fresh-cut tree will absorb several quarts of water right from the start. So it's important to check and refill the water level several times a day for the first week. You can cut down on frequency later. Be sure to place you Christmas tree in a stand that has a large water reservoir and keep it filled.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday. Happy Decorating!

Decorating Your Holiday Table

2010-12-01T18:14:00.000-08:00

Looking for some suggestions to decorate your home for the holidays? If so, here are some ideas for you for this holiday season.

Welcome your family and friends -- and get in the spirit yourself -- by beginning your holiday decorating in your family’s usual gathering spaces - the living room and dining room.

If you’re planning for an intimate gathering or a large feast, this season is the time to have fun and go “crazy” in your decorating. This year, the color selections are wide and beautiful – from traditional, reds and green; to the serene, blue and silver; to the trendy, fuchsia and teal.

My first suggestion is that you pick a theme for your holiday decorations – I usually select the colors and motif that will dominate the décor. If you are very ambitious, you can adjust the theme from room to room by focusing on one idea.

One popular decor is derived from the colors and motifs connected with the North Pole. The red, green and white color scheme, with accents of gold, are a common theme.

If you like to decorate in these colors, here are some suggestions for your holiday table: Start with a white, plaid or patterned tablecloth or, if you prefer, simple table mats in red or green. You don't need a matched set of dishes, but include bowls or plates that complement the color scheme or motif. If you have all white dishes, add a bowl decorated with red flowers or berries, or bread and butter plates or chargers in a solid hue: gold, red or green.

Napkin rings and place-card holders should be in the color or motif of your décor. I’d like to suggest that your centerpiece be low and long, stretching along the center of the table for greater effect. Ribbon, berry sprigs and small ornaments work well. For a simple touch, your focal point could be a tall, fat candle surrounded with evergreens or holly.

Accent your dining chairs by simply tying ribbons around the back of each chair, hang a bow, or small stockings, or even special ornament from the back of the chair.

Another highlight of your holiday table could be the chandelier. Hang some colorful ornaments or garland from the arms.

For your side tables or mantle, add clear glass vases or jars – in various shapes and sizes. They are an inexpensive ways to decorate and can be used throughout the year. You can fill them with evergreens, ornaments, berries, fruits and nuts – depending on your holiday theme.

So I hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season – my next blog will focus on decorating your holiday tree. Happy decorating!

Decorating Your Thanksgiving Table

2010-11-17T17:08:00.000-08:00

It's only a week before the big day! If you're still scratching your head for decorating ideas for your table, here are some suggestions:

1. You can either make or purchase a fall-inspired or Thanksgiving centerpiece. Make one yourself by using a traditional cornucopia centerpiece (similar to the one featured on my blog) with fruit or a fall floral arrangement made with clippings from your garden! Believe it or not, my mums and marigolds are still in bloom! Or, you can then scatter some fall leaves from your yard, very small pumpkins, berries or nuts on the table around the centerpiece to highlight it around your centerpiece (remember to wash your yard-treasures thoroughly before adding them to your table). If you don't feel adventurous in making your own arrangement, then I encourage you to get one from a local florist.

2. You can add candles to your table in fall colors - shades of golds, rusts, greens or browns - or use a set of rustic wooden or metal candleholders to decorate your table. Another suggestion - you can use the candles as a centerpiece. If you use them as your centerpiece, you can arrange autumn foliage, wheat sprigs, berries, nuts, and mini pumpkins and other seasonal vegetables around the base.

3. In lieu of a vase, use a large, hollowed-out pumpkin to display your floral centerpiece. Scatter sprigs of wheat, clusters of berries, nuts and autumn leaves around the base of the pumpkin.

4. Set your table with a tablecloth, table runner, place mats and napkins in the colors of fall -- prints and/or coordinating solids. To avoid a cluttered appearance and to highlight your centerpiece, be careful not to use too many prints on your table.

5. Use napkin rings that reflect the season as well or you can slip a twig of wheat or fall foliage into the fold of the napkin. You can also coordinate the napkin rings, with a similar autumn-inspirted motif, into the table scape.

6. If you have good china or dishes that have autumn motifs and/or colors, suggest that you coordinate them with the colors and other elements of your table's decorations.

7. For a unique place card, beautiful maple leaves (or other suitable leaf) or a mini-pumpkin can be used. If you use leaves, please rinse leaves carefully and pat dry. Once dry, write each guest's name on the leaf or mini-pumpkin with a black or gold felt-tip pen.

Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Decorating Ideas for the Exterior of Your Home

2010-11-08T17:03:00.000-08:00

Do you want to create a welcoming and exciting home for your Thanksgiving holiday? If your answer is, yes, here's some tips to say "welcome" to your guests the minute they arrive at your front door!

1. Start with the exterior of your home with a simple wreath in the colors of autumn - gold, rust, green and brown. Add a colorful ribbon and attach other fall touches such as nuts, gourds, and raffia.

2. To perk up the area leading to your front door, place one or more gorgeous potted mums and pumpkins near your door. After the holiday, you can plant the flowers. They may pop up next year to provide you with flowers you can use inside.

3. Cover your front door with gift wrap in fall colors for Thanksgiving.

4. Add a "welcome to our home" sign or banner and attach your ribbons or raffia or fall leaves which you've gathered from your yard or garden.

5. Create a grouping of pumpkins, mums and vines for display on the porch or by the walkway to your front door. Be sure to adjust the vines to add height and movement - or add corn stalks or other dried leaves from your garden or flower beds. Make sure to hose off any bugs from your garden additions!

Check in next week for some ideas for decorating the interior of your home for Turkey Day!