MyDesignGuide's Fun(ny) Designs

Make My Book Case Beautiful

2012-01-22T18:21:00.000-05:00

So many people (me included) struggle with making a large bookshelf or built-in both functional and fashionable. Coincidentally, we are working on another master bedroom design, that's is going to include a large and luxurious one. So we thought we'd share our designers insights on bookcase beautification.

First we always start any design (even bookcases) with:

1. Inspiration - the place or thing that excites you and makes you smile. Learn about this and more in our exclusive design book "My Room Rescue."

2. And, then define your style using our Stylefinder.

3. Besides the consultation with your designer, our custom designs always include a mood board or two to make sure we are on the right track. It's part of the process. The process of you getting exactly what you dreamed.

So for this client, because the bookcases were such a big part of her space, we found 6 unique bookcase inspirations for her, and now you, to consider.

This bookshelf from our friend 'Centsational Girl' uses white accessories

against a blue background and symmetry to make the books “pop”. Hanging

pictures on the edge of the bookshelf provides even more display space and adds depth.

Have a collectible you want to show off like her white pottery? This is for you.

Shelves of different sizes and shapes giving the space a bit more casual sense.

The contents of each shelf are very different from one another. Unique organization and

displays of pictures, and accessories anchored by the green wall color. Built-ins can

help define your room's color palette. Have a lot of unique pieces, a focal point bookcase

and a more casual setting? This might be for you.

This uses few accessories or pictures and functions as a small library. The color of

the binding on each book brings color to the shelf and it appears tidy and

organized. Each shelf is uniform in size and shape. More tradional, like symmetry,

love books? This is for you.

Each shelf is uniform in size, but has a different color scheme created by a collection of

both books and accessories. Shelves are not full,and the books are either on one side

of the shelf or the other. Transitional because while traditional in it's color groupings and

structure, it is open (less heavy design) and a bit playful.

Has color as an element of organization and uses books as bookends. All the shelves

have a “pop” of color and incorporate a lot of small statues/pictures. Eclectic tastes?

Have a lot of smaller colorful accessories, statues and vases that you want to display?

Try this.

Everything is organized by color palate. Uses accessories and books to create this

blue/white composition. It's almost like a painting itself. Does a good job of layering

within the shelves. Emphasis on accessories rather than books. Like things a bit more

organized, complementary and traditional? This might be you.

I can't wait to see what our client decides. And, I feel a little more bookcase empowered.
See a bookcase that says 'You?" Or maybe have one you could share to add to
the collection? Please do!

Free Quick Fix Gallery - Get Yours Too!

2012-01-14T22:43:00.000-05:00

So you know that we do a FREE Quick Fix for all our peeps so that you can 'Get to Know MyDesignGuide.com ' Isn't that the way it should be? I mean - it'll help you see how easy the process is, how great our designers are and that we are all about affordable interior design.

Lot's of folks have done it....what about you?

Check out these mini masterpieces (peci?):

Whether you need some color and pattern....

Furniture and draperies....

Chair options that can accommodate family friends - this dog is a cutie....

Or help in the bedroom - is this duvet gorgeous or what?

Our Free Quick Fix can get you there...

Just login here...
Upload your photos
Tell us what you you need help with

And in about a week you'll get an email telling you - Voila! it's done.

Get to know MyDesignGuide....

Next up...Office Redo...Must Do's. See you soon.

What People R Saying About Our Designs

2012-01-09T14:55:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder what people are saying about My Design Guide services? Here are some of our peeps from around the country - a little bit of everything from everywhere.
See It!, Or Order Your Own!

"I was very satisfied with my service. I would recommend the service to a friend who was looking for design advice. I think the process worked well- the phone consult seemed to capture everything I was looking for and the design consultant was very helpful with the questions I had. I was very concerned with paying for all of that money and then having someone recommend and then never get back to me and that was not the case. " Amy from Collegeville, Pennsylvania

See this Window Treatment Service or Order Your Own!

"Thank you so much for the quick fix and curtain designs you did for me. I LOVE them and am already looking forward to doing the accessory plan on my dining room once I get the curtains upsuch a difficult time making decisions about these types of things and it really helped me focus what I wanted for my rooms. It also helped take the time out of shopping store to store to find what I was looking for and with three kids I really appreciate that." Holly from Chatham, IL

"Thank you very much for the design, I am very pleased with the overall look." Tasha from Rancho Cucamonga, CA See this design!

"Hi, I found the free quick fix room narrative very helpful and a lot more in depth than what I expected for a free service. I am very interested in going the next step and actually purchasing the visual for the room. I have already referred your service to a few people.
Thank you!" Michelle P.

"Thank you so much!!! I am SOOOO excited I found your site. You can thank Young House Love :) I love their inspiration and it has motivated me to finally re-do the house. I have wanted to paint the house for years, but just wasn't sure of the colors I should use or how to decorate, etc. Then I found your website on their blog and it felt like my prayers were answered! I thought having an interior designer come in would just be way out of my price range, but your design services fall right into my budget! from Kim and Chris T.

See this Design Consult Or Order Your Own
"Thank you for the design help...it was very useful. I've already picked up a few items on your list." Bradie from Chesterfield, Mo.

"I love your concept of \"bargin\" decorating, since I myself am somewhat of a \"cheap-skate\" and love to

make something out of nothing."
Thanx!" Kim

See this design!

"I really like the things and colors you have chosen. I am excited to see the style desk used in the mood board because that's the style I'm currently using. I think the twin sleeper/chair and !/2 is plenty. Thanks so much for finding cohesive loveliness in my vague uncertainty!" Anita B from Silverton, Oregon.

Get excited about Your Design!

Decorating Don'ts for the Holidays

2011-11-30T07:45:00.001-05:00

You know our motto 'Less is More" and this goes for the Holidays as well. I know, we love those ribbons and bows, Annalee dolls, tinsel, candles, and giant blow up Grinches too, but we MORE love family time, good smells, tasty foods, laughs, kids excitement, the snow and the glow:)

So, here's some inspiration that we hope will help you get a giggle, a smile, a sense of peace and memories to last a lifetime:

Memories don't cost money. Do you have a Holiday tip for keeping it on the 'Down Low?"

10 Steps to Designing Your Own Room

2011-11-04T15:17:00.000-04:00

Welcome to this My Design Guide exclusive. If you want your home to look as if it were professionally done, take charge of your own Design Destiny right here. Really, you can do it.

And here's why:

1. We tell you how in non 'Designer-fied' language no 'nap or twill', no 'Bergere or Bombe' - just regular person words.

2. We show you in pictures. No offense to 'About.com' and such, but reading about interior design is Booooorrrrrinnngggg....What's more inspiring than a beautiful picture?
3. It's just 10 steps - whew! Hello, I'm busy.

Over the last few months, we've been crafting these never before seen posts and now bring them to you all in 1 spot. So, pick a room and get started making your home stylishly YOU.

10 Steps to Designing Your Own Room

1. What's My Style - what do I like, love or loathe?

We always start with our patented Stylefinder -

and you should too.

2. What am I doing in this room? I say that a lot:) But here's our
designer exclusive on Room Function and why you need to plan
it up front.

3. Find Your Focal Point. It's fast and its FREE:)

4. Give me some Cuuuulllluuuuhhh!

You only need 3.

5. Furniture Arrangement - Living Rooms, and
Other Stuff.

6. Scale - is your furniture too big, too small or
just right?

7. It can be really good, or really not. Make your room
Pattern Perfect. You only need 3.

8. Got Wood? Picking the Right Finishes
for your room.

9. How to Select Art & Accessories - the fun part!

10. The Wrap Up - Advanced Secrets and Styles

Your friends will be shocked.

Congratulations.....You did it! What did your room look like before

and is it amazing NOW? We are here to help and celebrate with you.

If you love your new space - please post on our FB page.

If you need a tidbit more help try our 1) Free Quick Fix, 2) Design Consultation

or go hog wild with the very affordable 3) Custom Room Design.

We have a surprise coming soon about our 10 Step Design Destiny Program...so stay tuned..

How to Design Your Room - Step 10 The Wrap Up

2011-10-21T14:29:00.000-04:00

Doo, da, da, doohhh! Congratulations and whew! We are on the final step of our journey to take charge of our own Design Destiny. This is step 10 of our designers helping you and me learn how to design our own rooms.

Don't forget, we have design solutions for all your dilemmas on our website. Or, if you'd rather have our professional designers create your custom room design  ..it's costs less than the price of 1 chair!

But, if you want to take charge of your own design destiny, we're teaching you how to design your own rooms in 10 steps and, we do it with pictures - 'cause Hello! We are all busy.

Last time, we learned How to Select Art & Accessories to complete your space.   The secret? Use them to show off your chosen accent color. Check your success by standing in the middle of your room. Look around.  Can see that fun little color in every direction?  Whether via a vase, a painting or a pillow - it should be there.

Now on to The Final Chapter .... Step 10 is a hit list of those things we didn't cover before.  Top secrets, advanced advice only for the you the cream of our design class....   So, here you go.

1. Gotta Have Texture.  I seem to have a hard time with this one. Guess I like smooth surfaces. With that said, a professionally designed room (unless crazy modern and Jetson-like) should have furnishings with texture like these:

In non-designer language, texture makes your room look rich and it will make you want to reach out and touch the piece and to look more closely at its detail.

2. Room should have Rhythm - repeating amazing objects, typically of the same size or even identical. A great way to fill in a big empty wall.

http://www.beneathmyheart.net/

3. Unity - have your connecting rooms to work together in some sense, particularly with color palettes. Think of the rooms in your home like chapters in a book, each building upon the other. One way to cheat - choose 3 colors and alternate wall color, upholstery and accent color across 3 adjoining rooms. That is, if green is your accent color in the kitchen, it might be your wall color in the living room and so on.

4. Lighting - You've heard us say it in our 'Rules of Thumb' and in the Free Quick Fixes we do. Every room needs 3 sources of light. OK, that's easy. My only additional recommendation is "Spend a little money here." (Again, do as I say, not as I do:) Get larger chunkier lamps and quality lamp shades. They will make your room.

5. Window Treatments - Draperies serve a real function - keeping in/out the heat and cold and as we prioritize energy savings, they are even more valuable. I adore floor length draperies. They are glamorous in any home including a log cabin:) . Here are our 'Do's, Don'ts and a little bit more'

6. Rugs, flooring - ditto form (beauty) and function. All you need to know is here on our blog post " how to buy the right rug." And,remember, rugs are a great place to introduce pattern into a room.

7. Decor is like Makeup - One of its purposes is to move the eye away from things that are not pretty and instead make you look at things that are. Putting draperies on a window that looks out onto a parking lot is a great example. Decor is the Spanks of your space or the hair color of the home. You are not alone. Everyone has interior blemishes.

8. Give yourself a Break... there is no one right answer in interior design. If you ask 10 designers to do a room, you'll get 10 different designs and some of them would be 'good.'

NOT Good.

Don't freak out about one pathetic pillow or a scruffy sofa in your home. With that said, home is where you make memories so, it never hurts to:

9. Get Professional Help from our peeps at My Design Guide.com - our designers have degrees in design and experience to create a space that is Simple, Affordable and Totally You.

This is our exclusive '10 Steps to Designing Your Own Room' - it's fast, full of pictures and shortcuts and written for us non-professionals. Take charge....of your own design destiny. And let me know how it goes.

Cheers!

Cheers

Art & Accessories - How To, Step 9 Designing UR Own Room

2011-10-10T20:51:00.000-04:00

This is step 9 of our designers helping you and me learn how to design our own rooms. Don't forget, we have design solutions for all your dilemmas on our website. Or, if you'd rather have our professional designers create your custom room design  ..it's costs less than the price of 1 chair!

But, if you want to take charge of your own design destiny, we're teaching you how to design your own rooms in 10 steps and, we do it with pictures - 'cause Hello! We are all busy.

Last time, we learned How to Select Room Finishes  - and our exclusive answer to this problem is: "Unless you are an interior designer, pick 1 wood and 1 metal and stick with it." Even I... can do that.
3 Things U need to Know about Art & Accessories....is one of the last steps in learning how to design your own room, and that's because it should be. While we all love to go out and buy cute little candles and lovely little lamp, we really should make those purchases last. That's what designers do. It's like solving any problem - tackle the big stuff first. So, to complete your "designer-fied" room with accessories remember:

1. Accessories should complement your design style. You can figure out your style by taking our Stylefinder quiz.

If your Style is Modern - you probably don't want to go with this:

Instead, buy this sleek modern mirror:

2. Accessories help define your room's accent color.

If your rooms accent color includes warm tones
like these:

Try this pillow.

Instead of this one:

3. And Mostly Importantly - Less is more.

It is allowed by law to have surfaces without 'stuff' on them. I promise. Even the tops of kitchen cabinets...designers don't put 'stuff' up there - the rest of us do. I'm just sayin.'
Fewer larger pieces of art and accessory look more 'professionally designed' than a lot of little pieces.

Group family photos in one or two places in your home on a table or wall gallery making those your special spot(s).

I know, some of these are hard - like not buying that cute modern pink fluffy pillow when your style is rustic and cool blue colors....but give it a try. It's not that we can't buy stuff....it's just that we gotta be a little more patient in finding the right thing..(I so, do not follow this advice, but it is true.)

Next up, Step 10, the last and final step in the process of You becoming your own room designer. Congratulations....Ding, ding, ding...we are almost there...

Cheers

How to Pick Room Finishes - Step 8 of our Series

2011-09-27T18:41:00.000-04:00

We are almost at the finish line....step 8 in our series 'How to Design Your Own Room' where we take charge of our own Design Destiny and in 10 steps - can create a professional room design. Last time we covered one of the Top 3 Room Design Problems - lack of pattern! If you missed it - here's our exclusive answer in english - not the designer - speak that many of us cannot understand.

Once you've read this, you might still say - 'You know, I get that, I could defnitely do it, but, I'd really rather have someone do it for me because I work hard." If so, you know we have the best and most affordable design services around....Order it now in time for the 'H' word (holidays).

To Finish our "How To's" on interior design...we'll talk about finishes. Finishes are the color, tone or product from which metal or wood furnishings are made. (I'm translatin' in 'non-designer language').
When we talk about metal we talk about things like knobs, pulls, lighting fixtures, curtain rods etc...

Find each finish with description in our shop.

And, when we talk about wood, we talking about tables, chests, chairs, chair or sofa legs, etc...

If you are ~~lazy~~ super busy like me, the easiest way to choose metal or wood finishes is to select one of each for the entire room. Your choice should depend on your design style - ask yourself...who am I? what am I trying to say about myself.?......Remember, our Stylefinder Quiz can help you decide. In my case, it turns out, I am a walnut, or some type of nut:)

Are you sleek and sophisticated or cute and coastal?
Whichever you're feeling, let your style shine through in these finishing details....

Try 'brushed nickel' metals and 'espresso' woods

Or whimsical and 'white' woods - very cottage / coastal

How about 'rubbed bronze' and 'walnut' - very traditional

'Wrought iron' and oak - very country, rustic or
even Tuscan.

Can we mix and match finishes and do it well.? Yes, if you are an interior designer. I am not, and so I rely either on my designer peeps at MyD - or I stick to 1 metal and 1 wood finish per room. I'm pretty much down the brushed nickel path these days and unfortunately a lot of walnutty wood. Don't get me wrong, it's lovely, but I really feel a bit more modern and espresso:).

So, in summary:

1. Remind yourself about your design style - we covered that in step x.
2. Select 1 metal finish that reflects (hee, hee, get it? ) your style,
3. Select 1 wood finish that feels like it says 'I'm gaww....jjjjuuuss' to you.

Don't miss our next and almost final step - no quizzes don't worry. And don't forget to share My Design Guide our great designs, tips and pricing, with a friend - please....we are trying to make new friends.

How To Design Your Own Room - Step 7 Pattern

2011-09-20T11:57:00.000-04:00

This is step 7 of our designers helping you and me learn how to design our own rooms. Don't forget, we have design solutions for all your dilemmas on our website. Or, if you'd rather have our professional designers create your custom room design ..it's costs less than the price of 1 chair!

But, if you want to take charge of your own design destiny, we're teaching you how to design your own rooms in 10 steps and, we do it with pictures - 'cause Hello! We are all busy.

Last time, we learned How to Design Your own room - Scale! - and our exclusive answer to everything scale - 'Two-thirds." How did it go for you? Anything too big or too small going on in your home?

Now, one of my favorite quick fixes for every room - pattern. Lack of pattern is one of the top 3 design mistakes in anyone's home - mine included (before our designers got their hands on it). Here's our easy tip that will make your peeps think you had your room Professionally Designed.

Every room needs 3 patterns.

A solid (we can all do that). A geometric - you know, circles, checks, stripes - like these.

and an organic - gotta figure this one out? Organic means living, alive - so that translates into patterns like flower, seashells, leaves, vines, plants, pets and/or pretty much anything that is not solid or geometric.

Great organics from http://www.calicocorners.com/

By making sure you have at least one of each in your room, you have a designer touch. Here's how it works in different combinations, My Design Guide style.

Ready for the advanced tip? Ok - this is a bit more challenging and I'm about to mess it up in my own home by buying this rug I really want....you need to alternate between large, medium and small scale patterns so they don't, as my designers say 'fight with each other.' (We have enough of that with our kids don't we?:)

So that means that this chair and this rug DO work well together.
A medium sized geometric pattern and large organic pattern
very designer.

He's on sale:)

These DON'T - 2 geometrics of the same size - this give me a headache :(

Yes, you get our special My design
guide discount on this chair.

Well that's our exclusive How to Design Your Own Room Step 7. No one else shares designer secrets in down to earth, non-designer language. What do you think...make sense? Help a little or a lot?   I'm headed off to try to find a rug that doesn't fight with the one next in the room door....patience required.

Don't miss this weeks before and after design - a gorgeous girls room - you might want to 'borrow' some of the furnishings....or order your own little "gulls' custom room design.

Cheers

Room Design Step 6 - Scale

2011-09-12T19:33:00.001-04:00

This is step 6 of our designers helping you and me learn how to design our own rooms. Don't forget, we have design solutions for all your dilemmas on our website. Or, if you'd rather have our professional designers custom design your room ..it's costs less than the price of 1 chair!

But, if you want to take charge of your own design destiny, we're teaching you how to design your own rooms in 10 steps and, we do it with pictures - 'cause Hello! We are all busy.

Last time, we gave you 5 furniture arrangement tips - this is a quick little check list for your home - taking your room design to the next level! How did it go for you? Were you surprised by any of the recommendations? Did you pull your furniture in a little bit closer? Get a chair for your bedroom?

If so, then you are ready for the next challenge, but beware - we have enemies in this space. Today, we are talking about SCALE....Scale means that a furnishing (chair, art, lamp etc..) - is the right size for the space. OK - not terribly helpful. "Well, how do I know it's the right size for the space?" Good question, read on - and don't cheat by looking at the bottom.

How about this mirror? Is it the right scale?

Are these chairs the proper scale for this space?

Lamp just right or not quite?

How about the size of this bed: too large or too small for the room?

Maybe you already know a bit about scale . The answer to all of the above is 'Yes' - they are all in pretty good shape. I disagree a little bit with the mirror in pic 1 - seems a little large - but who's to argue with Tommy Bahama:). You got most of them right!

Now, check out some not so stylishly scaled spaces.

Can you say Art 2 Small?

Coffee table and bookcase too petite. Entertainment area -
definitely not fulfilling it's form or function.

And then there is the living room furniture, some times it's just too much, too many, too mongo....

These plush puppies are often too large for our average size living room...so beware. They look great in the show room, but gigantic in your home.

So just what is the 'right scale' - our answer........drum roll please......

2/3 (two-thirds). Your room should be 2/3rds full of furniture (unless you are going minimalist), your art should cover 2/3rds of the wall space, your lamp shade should span no more than 2/3rds the space of your side table, art above a fireplace should be approximately 2/3rds the size of the mantel, a coffee table should be about 2/3rds the length of your sofa ...you get the idea.

This is our My Design Guide secret....you will not find it anywhere else because no one wants you to know...but we do. Whenever you are thinking - what's the right size xxxxx for my xxxxx - the answer is probably 2/3rds. Try it and tell us how it works for you.

Here's how it looks done right...using the 2/3rds tip.

Art above the sofa - 2/3rds,
lamps and a console table 2/3rds of
the wall and a great coffee table -
2/3rds the scale of the sofa...

Last but not least....the 3 most frequent scale problems we see are:

1. Sofa's too large
2. Lamps too small
3. Art too small

Still confused? We can help. Our Art and Accessory service (includes lighting) - gets your room finished in style and Scale...! Order today.

Cheers.

Back to School Bedroom - Small Spaces

2011-09-06T18:55:00.000-04:00

Small Back to School bedroom spaces can be a big problem...but not when you have creative designers like we do. Whether you have a NY townhouse or a Nebraska nest.....we get your needs. Because every design starts with a personal consultation!

Bold color is the hallmark of any kids room - it's just fun - and for gosh sakes, when else in your life can you have an orange bedroom? This amazing tiny space works perfectly for 2 kids in tight quarters - with privacy! Have you ever seen a bed with stairs - how fancy! Keep small bedrooms free of clutter and make sure bunkies each have light and a spot for storage.

Must have bedroom designs are our specialty like this red, pink and orange modster.....again with the white furniture - (it works) and pattern (don't forget every room needs 3). And, while I'm not a white wall person - its a must with all the goings on here...Maybe it's time for us to design a bedroom for your little peach? What's his/ her favorite color? Let's get started, now.

Next up - back to our series on "How to Design UR own Room' - or maybe a new design - we have a bunch in the hopper...can't wait to share. And, by the way, when are you going to try our Free Quick Fix...we are waiting!

Cheers!

Back to School Inspiration - Oh Deer!

2011-09-01T20:22:00.000-04:00

If decorating your child's bedroom makes you feel like a 'Deer in the Headlights' we've got the answer for you....This design is oh so deer to us and can be re-created in your child's room - Yes it can!

Just like you saw in our blog post yesterday - white furniture for the kids room - is always right.

And 3 tips to follow today:
1. Great color (cause it's for kids),
2. great focal points (the deer and the bed)
3. lots of crazy pattern - (make sure to combine small patterns and large ones in any space).

Get the Look by using these affordable products - or show us your version of this Moroccan Pop Culture Design.

Where the heck would you get a full sized deer like that one? Garden Ridge, maybe? Any ideas - please let us know! We found this faux mounted trophy that would look stately above a bed....

As always you can find it - on Etsy:

Stay tuned - our next post is all about small Back to School bedroom spaces - can't wait. I have such a surprise for you - how about a shared kids room with separate apartments?

Cheers.

Back to School Bedroom for your Prince or Princess

2011-09-01T16:55:00.000-04:00

You're busy....but excited because it's time to help your kids to go back to school and get the most out of it. (And you to have some peace:) A little bit of pattern, simple furnishings and a lot of color can make your kids bedroom / office the place they will love. This week we inspire you and show you how to do it in oh so many styles....

Gold and Glam

This bedroom for a princess (or prince?) makes use of many of the My Design Guide hallmarks of design like:

1. Defining fabulous focal points (yes there can B more than 1),
2. great gold accent color,
3. and our must - every bed must have a throw - to make it cozy and complete.
Get this affordable look for your child's room with the products here. Or maybe it's time for their very own custom room design. If they are hitting the tweens -'Mooohhhmmm, I gotta have it."

White furniture is always right in a kids room. Stay tuned, tomorrow's Back to School Bedroom inspiration is deer to me - and will be to you too.

5 Tips to Fix UR Furniture Arrangement

2011-08-22T15:57:00.000-04:00

This is step 5(B) of our designers helping you and me learn how to design our own rooms. Don't forget, we have design solutions for all your dilemmas on our website. And, if you'd rather have our professional designers create a room for you ..it's costs less than the price of 1 chair!

But, if you want to take charge of your own design destiny, we're teaching you how to design your own rooms in 10 steps and, we do it with pictures - 'cause Hello! We are all busy.

Last time, we talked about arranging the living room - because it's the biggest trouble spot for most people. How did it go for you? Did you apply the 'I Love U' plan?

Now that you've conquered the living room, here are the 5 things you need to know for arranging any room.

1. Function, function, function - in Step 2, we wrote down the things we want to do in this room. Playing with the kids, watching TV, reading, putting on makeup - lots of different things might be going on. Check your list and make sure you have furnishings to make it happen.

2. More is more. With accessories, we always say less is more. With furniture many of the homes we see actually don't have enough furniture in the room. I'm guessing that big open space in the living room for salsa dancing, wrestling or perhaps archery:)

When do our Salsa Lessons Begin?

Cozy, and correct!

Get that furniture off the walls and snuggle up a bit. Sofas, chairs and accent tables require 12-18 inches of space for getting around them. A major walkway in your room needs 3 feet of walking space.

3. Scale - Our houses are not 5000 sq. ft furniture show rooms. Many of the Gi-Mongous sectionals and Mac Daddy club chairs....will take over your room like lava from an active volcano. Refer to tip #1 to figure out how much space you have available....or let us do it for you!

Who lives here? Herman Munster?
This sectional is waaaaayyyy to big for its britches.

Too little and too petite for this space.

On the other hand....you don't want to use a bunch of twig like pieces either. We all want to flop down and put our feet up and not worry about hearing a crunch or crackle.

4. Balance - Make sure your room doesn't tip over. Too many furnishing on any one side of your room make it lop-sided. Place heavy or large pieces opposite each other to give the room a sense of balance.

The grand windows and heavy TV are balanced

against the sectional.

5. Last but not least: Every bedroom needs a chair and every seat needs a place to set a drink!

Even a small chair:)

Cheers!

These tips were written by my designers and then translated by me...into regular people language.... How does your home stack up? I personally have a bit of work to do:) Any surprises?

STEP 5 B UR OWN INTERIOR DESIGNER - FURNITURE ARRANGEMENT

2011-07-30T11:20:00.000-04:00

This is step 5 of our designers helping you and me learn how to design our own rooms. Don't forget, we have design solutions for all your dilemmas on our website. And, if you'd rather have our professional designers create a room for you ..it's easy and costs less than the price of 1 chair!

But, if you want to take charge of your own design destiny..we're teaching you how to design your own rooms in 10 easy steps and, we do it with pictures - 'cause Hello! We are all busy.

STEP 5 FURNITURE ARRANGEMENT. The Living Room.

This is what you've been waiting for - the secret to furniture arrangement. It works like a charm and money back guarantee! (Ok, it's free.) But seriously these are not 'tips' these are the answers you've been waiting for and in this post and it all comes down to a little... I Love U.

Does your living room look like one of these?

These aren't furniture arrangements they are furniture failures and unfortunately, they don't work. Why? They don't focus on the focal point and allow you to 'conversate,' interact, eat, drink and be merry...you get the point. We have nothingness, we have major back to the window action and in photo 3 somebody has a great view of a doorway into the next room. Each is a bit of a scatter shot.

To arrange your room like a designer:

1. Check the room functions you figured out in Step 2 - to know the furniture you'll need in the space. You know, sofa, chairs, love seat kinda stuff.

A Great Piece of Art

2. Find your focal point(s). Remember Step 3 of our series? - Do this so you know what you'll be gazing upon from each seat. A beautiful window, a piece of art, a fireplace etc....(yes, even the TV)

3. Here's what you've been waiting for 'How to Arrange Furniture Using and the Secret of 'I Love U.' The most popular furniture arrangements are just that - in shapes of 2 I's, an L or a U. So we use I love you to remember.

At top of this design we created are 2 I's (not eyes). Horizontal seating facing each other. And
a view of the gorgeous fireplace focal point.

At bottom is an 'L' shaped arrangement. L for Love:) gazing upon the TV...ahhhhhh

Sofa, love seat and chair in a U formation around the focal point.

Advanced tips:

1. Are you stumped by living room furniture placement? Start with the sofa on the long wall.
2. Every room looks more designerfied' (that's not a word) with at least one pair of matched chairs.
3. Keep that furniture floating - off the walls unless the space is tiny...here's how to do it.
4. Seating only need be 18" from another chair or coffee table. We all have a lot more room than we use.

Again, 2 I's

L shaped for Love

Really, realllyyyyy Love!

An a U-shaped room
(photo by Ron Brenner - thanks Ron)

Does your living room fit one of these styles? Can you do it in your home? I think so. Now, get out there and re-arrange and remember, I Love U. (ok, that's a little creepy, but you get the idea.) Next, up - furniture arrangement in the bedroom....Think it's easy? You'll be surprised.

60 Second Style: Step 4 B Your Own Designer - Color

2011-07-18T16:07:00.000-04:00

This is step 4 of our designers helping you and me learn how to design our own rooms. Don't forget, we have design solutions for all your dilemmas on our website. And, if you'd rather have our professional designers do it for you in only a week...it's easy and costs less than the price of 1 chair!

But, if you want to take charge of your own design destiny..we're teaching you how to design your own rooms in 10 easy steps and, we'll do it with pictures - cause we are all busy.

STEP 4 GIVE ME SOME CUUUUULLLLLUUUUHHHH!

Lack of color is one of the biggest design problems we see in everyone's home. We all seem to have the builders beige and brown sofas going on....and that's an ok start.

Our designers do recommend using a neutral base for your room. But, you can't stop there. There are 2 more steps to defined by our little 60-30-10 rule of color. We did not invent this,,,,but love it and you will too cause it's easy to remember.

60% White, 30% Blues, 10% Yellow

60% cream walls and chairs, 30% dark brown, 10% red accent

60 % yellow walls, 30% gray upholstery, 10% red accent
yes, red is a good accent color for a lot of palettes.

That's great - but what if we aren't starting from scratch?. Most of us have a lot of furniture already and frankly, some of it works together and some not so much...

1. Choosing your 60% - if you are willing to change, it can be any color in the universe (theoretically) but we love neutrals here. So Builders Beige is not the problem, it's the rest of your room. Yes, blues and greens are neutrals too, not just tans.

2. Choosing your 30% - move more toward colors you love - again, neutrals are recommended for the big ticket items like sofas because they will work with your color choices as your tastes change and styles change over time.

3. Choosing your 10% - have fun! We want to see pink, orange, turquoise and lime green out there in your homes...You can do it. This will be your disposable color - you can change it when you want using art and accesssories, the less expensive items. Sprinkle it around the room. Make sure you can see a bit of it in each direction in the space.

Love Orange - me too! Do it....

How about something a bit more subtle?

See, it's easy. Start with a neutral background, add richness and color with your upholstery, rugs, drapery and WOW us with your chosen accent color.

Think you can do it? I do. Have great furniture, but need a little help...we are here with our Art & Accessory service. Have a color palette already picked out in your room? Please share it so we can all learn more.

60 Second Style - STEP 3 Design My Own Room

2011-07-11T11:18:00.000-04:00

This is step 3 of our designers helping you and me learn how to design our own rooms. Don't forget, we have design solutions for all your dilemmas on our website. And, if you'd rather have our professional designers do it for you in only a week...it's easy and costs less than the price of 1 chair.!

But, if you want to take charge of your own design destiny..we're teaching you how to design your own rooms in 10 easy steps - and it WILL look professionally did - I mean done:) Yes, you can do it. You aren't a Nascar driver are ya? But you certainly can get those kids to the soccer match in the van - it's the same thing. We'll show you the rules of the road. We won't use design-speak like 'unity' and 'nubby fabric' and 'tertiary color' - puuullleeaassee what am I, a rocket scientist?

And, we'll do it in pictures - cause we are all busy. If you missed STEP 1 on INSPIRATION or want a refresher Check it out here. STEP 2, here..Room Function (i.e. what am I doing here?) Get ready, here's step 3.

STEP 3 - Find UR Focal Point(s)

What's going to be that aha view peeps will see when they walk into your room? And, the only gotcha here - is there might be more than 1. Sounds simple, but sometimes there's not a good one and sometimes there are too many. MyDesignGuide can always fix that for you as we design your room , your style. But if you want to go it alone, think about this...

In the Living Room:

The sofa with the great artwork is the focal point.

In a living room likely candidates for focal points are:

1) fireplace,
2) sofa or pair of chairs with art above or
3) a beautiful window (let's say you live on a lake, ocean or have a great outdoor view)

Great example of 2 focal points - the fireplace and the bay window
Nicely done!

Yes, we need a TV in the room - but prefer that it not be THE focal
point. Here the windows and sofa are...

In the bedroom:

In the bedroom, the bed is almost always #1 - start by situating
it on the longest wall in the room, you just can't take your eye's off it.

The bed ofcourse - but check out the chest and mirror -
definitely a focal point for this bedroom.

Dining Rooms:

Trick Question, Is the focal point the table or the view? Hmmm

You can have more than one focal point in a room - and in fact, U should. Sit in each seat in the room and make sure that your family/guests have something inspiring to look at from that spot. For more 60 second design solutions, like this visit our website.

Meanwhile, what's the focal point of your living room - and how did you choose it? Do you have a room that you really think just can't be focal pointed??? (that's not a word) Let us know, we can help.

Happy Decorating.

60 Second Style - Step 2 Design My Own Room

2011-07-03T13:59:00.000-04:00

This is step 2 of our designers helping you and me learn how to design our own rooms. Don't forget, we have design solutions for all your dilemmas on our website. And, if you'd rather have our professional designers do it for you in only a week...it's easy and costs less than the price of 1 chair.

But, if you want to take charge of your own destiny..we're teaching you how to design your own rooms in 10 easy steps - and it WILL look professionally did - I mean done:) Yes, you can do it. You aren't a Nascar driver are ya? But you certainly can get those kids to the soccer match in the van - it's the same thing. We'll show you the rules of the road. And do it in pictures... If you missed STEP 1 on INSPIRATION or want a refresher CHECK IT OUT HERE.

STEP 2 - FUNCTION. What am I going to do in this room? If it's your family room it might be:

In the bedroom you might do :

Lots of us have them in the bedroom.

I know - I'm not supposed to watch TV in the bedroom, but I do.

We ask you about these things in our My Design Guide Stylefinder - because our designers need to know so they can select the right furnishings. For example, if you like to play games in your family room, you might need a game table. If you have 5 children you might need a Looootttttt of seating. So, in order to design your own room, you need to know too.
Write down the functions for your room and we'll come back to them in the end and make sure we covered them in our final design. Today is just for thinking about what functions you'll do in that room that you are designing all by yourself. You can do it!

And for telling us....is there anything unique you do in your kitchen? Scrapbooking? Yoga? Or how about the family room? I work out in mine.

60 Second Style - Step 1 Room Inspiration

2011-06-16T11:06:00.000-04:00

Because I'm not a designer I always read and asked design friends questions trying to learn how to improve my home. And....as my hubby will tell you, I re-arrange incessantly. I even took classes. After all that rigorous study (and help from my designers -who are highly edu-ma-cated in Design) we've developed a program so that you can design your own rooms and home - and it WILL look professionally did - I mean done:) Yes, you can do it. You aren't a Nascar driver are ya? But you certainly can get those kids to the soccer match in the van - it's the same thing. We'll show you the design rules of the road.

Over the next few months - with 60 Second Style.posts.- "XX Steps to Designing your own Home" (it says XX because we don't know exactly how many steps we'll have - but it will be short sweet and to the point - with LOTS of pictures you will create your own professionally designed room - I promise.

STEP 1 FIND YOUR INSPIRATION

Start your room design with inspiration. What do you want the room to look like? Everyone we work with says I want it to be 'comfortable, warm and inviting' - hmmm, that's a great start - but it means a lot of different things to different people. Our Stylefinder - gives you pictures that help you show us - and yourself, pictures of rooms that you like. Start with that. Magazines, website and blogs (like this one from Simplified Bee that we love) or our very own blog are fabo ways to get inspired.

Your inspiration could be a piece of Art.

brightboldandbeautiful.com

a pair of beautiful sheets,

or a vacation photo.

It should just be something that makes you smile. It's that simple.
Pick the room you want to work on today and tell us about your inspiration for it ....and get ready for step 2. I can't wait to see what you've picked.

60 Second Design - Cheap Thrills, I mean Throws

2011-06-12T11:05:00.000-04:00

Part 2 of how fabo throws are on your bed. (see part 1 here) ...starts with my guest room makeover. Isn't it time to update your guest bedroom . It's summer, someone is coming to visit:) I got my guest room a new dress. I was tired of this gold and blue outfit it had been wearing from the fall/winter.

Yes, I change my bedding most every season - ok 3 seasons...Not really clear on the difference between fall and winter in re: bedding and please - do NOT tell me there are bedspreads with Christmas trees on them.

Wow, ok there are.

I was dying for a more modern gray palette with pink and black accents.like this one...and asked my designers to help.

housetohome.co.uk

My D Rule of Thumb: start with a neutral comforter or bedspread and add color with a throw art and accessories. They recommended this twin bedset, from BBB for $39,,,Huh? I said, my bed is Queen sized. ..".Not to worry" - they said,"at My Design Guide, creativity rules."

By de-constructing the Twin set they made my Queen room - look glam new, yet not so matchey-matchey.

The crisp white comforter works with everything and so the twin comforter became the throw at the foot of the bed (oh so luxury hotel), the pillows became ...the pillows, and the flat sheet a table topper. Still wondering what I can do with the fitted sheet and bedskirt - but I really feel like I got my $$ worth already:)

They found this handpainted print ($29) - from our fav Home Goods - a view of Notre Dame. And, it works perfectly complementing my grandmama (pronounced grandmumah) candelabras and helping to infuse the pink around the space.

Remember the 60-30-10 rule of color - to create your perfect palette. What is your favorite go to accent color? Pink?

Same room, 2 changes, $59 bucks....professional interior design - is much like changing your clothes.... If you can change your clothes...you can change your room design - but do you? If you can't change your clothes...sorry we can't help. But on the room front - we gotcha covered. Click here to get started.

Want this fresh look in your guest room? Here are some ideas.

kitchen before and after

2011-06-09T16:34:00.000-04:00

Casey's green tile, oddly shaped island and pot rack (visible from the front door - ouch!) all needed help. But! The bones of this kitchen were
great.

We helped her by selecting Benjamin Moore's Spring Meadow Green paint color.

to complement the yellows in her adjoining rooms, gloss white trim and black accents starting with Uba Tuba granite.

Memo boards in the kitchen are almost a must! But need to be hidden from primary view.

The pot rack was replaced with pendant lights and the small closed in eat in area was opened up and defined by new architectural columns. Did you know our Art & Accessory service includes lighting too? What a deal:)

Got Rhythm? Rhythm is a design technique that can be used to fill a large wall space in your home...these prints create just that and move the eye from right to left and around this eat-in kitchen space. My D - Rules of Thumb - less is more and a few larger pieces of art or accessories give your room a cleaner design, than lots of little items. For tips like this - visit our Design Solutions page often - you too can design.

Looking for lovin in your kitchen?.....We can help with a Design Consultation - only $59!

Want to get this look in your home? Here are some of the products.

60 Second Products and Peeps

2011-06-02T11:02:00.000-04:00

We've gotta share - oooohhh, la la!
Our fav (can you say bargain?) outdoor pillows and rugs.

Don't forget. Every room (even outdoors), needs 3 patterns, a solid, a geometric (stripe, circles etc.) and an organic (birds, trees, flowers..) See more tips on our My D Design Solutions page.

Peeps

How to build your own fireplace - Really???? Yes, they did it. See how from our friends at Remodelaholic.

Window Seat Wonders...from the Inspired Room see all these gorgeous photos.

60 Second Design - Bedroom Beauty Tips

2011-05-30T07:00:00.001-04:00

We are all about sharing interior design tips and 'rules of thumb' you can use to make your home look professionally designed - but as always, affordable:)

Today, let's take a look into the boudoir (naughty, naughty). Our MyD must....is a thick, fabulous, throw on the foot of your bed to give your room great style. Yes, I know it's 1000 degrees outside (at least here) - you'll love it anyway. Especially if you feet are always cold like mine.

The bed is the focal point of your bedroom - so make it fancy and make it be the thing that makes you smile after your long hard day. Ofcourse, gorgeous bedside lamps, ofcourse great sheets and shams, but do NOT forget the icing on the cake - a warm, fuzzy colorful throw.

countryliving.com

This cableknit throw gives this neutral space great texture....

puji.com

Keep your comforter or bedspread neutral (we love this crisp white) and change out your throws seasonally to give your room a whole new look. Apple green in the summer, brown in the fall. You get the idea.

If one throw is good - multiple might be mahhhvelous! Again, neutral background and fabulous color layered on in simple inexpensive pillows and throws. I'm kinda hung up on apple green these days as evidenced by our designer Caitlin's Fab Fireplace design? Anyone else gaga for it?

conspicousstyle.com

This photo was featured in one of my fav new blogs....very high end, I know - but let's steal the good ideas here and make them our own. Neutral colors...and a throw that just makes you want to run and jump on that bed...oh so luxury hotel. Don't forget, your bedroom can look like this on your budget - and we can help.

Coming soon - we'll tell you more about throws and how to get them on the cheap (no not used, that's creepy).

Happy Decorating.

60 Second Design - Make the Flat Screen Phat

2011-05-15T13:03:00.000-04:00

If you are like me and you don't know what Phat means - (I think it means 'cool' or 'hot' or something similar), we can help. Today we are trying to make our mongo TV's that hubby is so proud of, NOT be the only thing people see in our room. Did you know that the bigger your TV the more intellgent you are? That's what my husband told me:). There's no chance of getting rid of them, but let's do what we can to make sure friends and family notice prettier things!

1. You've been thinking about doing a gallery wall anyway. We even showed you how recently in our blog posts...(clickety click here). Use the gallery wall concept to hide your TV in plain site....How fabulous is the coat rack, for which there is never seems a right place?

apartmenttherapy.com

Do you think that (cityscape) is a piece of art or a real window on the TV wall? Either way this gallery wall / TV combo works.

2. Take the focus off the TV with art and accessories. Need help? Try our Art & Accessory service.

3. Home Decorators offers a beautifully simple (and affordable) bookcase for your TV. Take the eye off the TV by creating an interesting display of your collectibles....U can even see how we used this Transitional Entertainment Stand in a recent family room consultation.

4. Paint a simple architectural accent on the wall behind the TV. It's is a great diversion.

parissharing.com

5. We tucked this TV into an existing built in bookshelf in this My Design Guide family room design.

6. Surround your TV with vinyl wall decor. What can you NOT do with VWD?

7. Or distract your guests with a CD that offers an on-going slide show of art, oceans or dramatic views....great idea if you are entertaining.

theartoftv.com

8. This modern frame can be purchased,...but consider simply painting a circle, square or other large subject matter behind your TV.

artofcinema.com

Do you mind seeing the mongo TV - or maybe it doesn't bother you? Seen other solutions we should know about....we want more of less TV.

Nautical Nest Mood Board

2011-04-27T13:42:00.000-04:00

Can you say?

Alicia's living room is large and open with a view of the water - oohh, ahhhh, but created by a weird addition - see the tiny fireplace side vs. the mongo TV side? What's a girl to do? (and goodness we need some culluuaahh!)

And there is a door to the right of the pair of blue chairs - so you walk between the fireplace

and the chairs/rest of the space - not cool.

We do love your pillows Alicia - and your coastal
maps and prints...I think we can use those!

A dog, kids, family and fun....can you see the end
results:) we can!

The TV side of the space needs to seat at least 6 - so sectional it is....we love that Torrey 5 piece sectional from PB - so very vacation. Do you think this rug says 'organic' or 'oriental?"

Bronze drapery hardware - so in and
so right for this room.

What do you think of this rug for Alicia's space?

Relaxing Blue - is it relaxing enough?

Want this look in your home? Our custom room designs are on sale thru April 30th...$20 off - just use coupon code 'winner'.

Or check out these products that you can use to give your home that beachy feel...