Kid's Rooms

Last night's episode of Design Star got me thinking- so many of us ignore our children's rooms. Kids are messy and outgrow things quickly but they still deserve a great space of their own. There are SO many ways to create a beautiful space for them that won't break the bank.

My suggestion is to select classic styles and finishes for your larger, more expensive pieces (ie- furniture). If you are beginning with baby furniture, select a bed that converts from crib to toddler bed to twin bed. That one piece can see the child from diapers through high school. Keep in mind that styles get discontinued so it is wise to purchase all the conversion pieces when you buy the crib, otherwise you may be back at square one in a few years.

Once you have the staples, it's very inexpensive to change the paint color every few years if desired. The finishing touches can be a number of things- custom murals, bold and graphic fabrics to bring out their personality, vivid paint colors, personalized items (monogrammed linens, name canvases, etc.). Personally, I like to give clients a mix of custom and store bought items. This allows me to give them a few unique/ big impact features that may cost a little more but then complete the space with some less expensive (but not less fabulous) items. For example, if I am painting an in-depth mural in the room we may bring in ready-made window treatments that look great but are more cost-effective than custom ones since most of the budget went into the mural as the "wow" factor. Another example- if I bring in really fun bedding for the child and window treatments that cost a little more, I will select a simple, cost effective rug like a fun shag to round out the look.

The possibilities really are endless AND attainable for any budget. So don't neglect the kids in your life!

Tile Savers

A few weeks back, I went to an event at Mee's Marble & Tile that focused on tile trends. Wow, was I impressed! The product that had the most impact on me was the Tuscan Leveling System by Pearl Abrasives. Having installed a tile backsplash and floor in my own kitchen, I know the effort it takes to ensure the tile is level and that the grout lines are small and evenly spaced.

I was amazed by the demonstration and recommend that clients ask their tile installer if they use the product. This system creates thin grout lines without the use of those pesky spacers, and it eliminates lippage between tiles (you know you have lippage when you run your hand across the tile and some corners are higher than others, creating an uneven surface). The coolest feature of all, was that you can use it on floors, walls or ceilings (helpful when tiling a shower).

If you want more info, you can check out their website:
http://www.pearlabrasive.com/TLSP1.html

Happy tiling!

Bookcases: Friend or Foe?

Over the past few months, I have become keenly aware of the trouble that built-ins, armoires and other shelving units can cause a client. It's great to have these pieces for storage and display reasons, but the problem comes when trying to balance those two purposes. When we cram all of our books, papers and trophies onto the shelves for storage, it becomes distracting and unsettling to the eye. So then we try to "show-off" some accessories and cool knick-knacks, but if we display too many things, our space starts to look like Cracker Barrel with items covering every square inch. On the flipside, if we leave too few items on the shelf, our space looks unfinished.

So, we need to find that perfect balance of function and beauty. Don't think it's possible? There is life between show-house and mad-house! Take a look at these "before" and "after" pictures. (Before pictures are found on the left and the top respectively)

Neither picture is an example of the extreme cases I have written about today, but they do exemplify how to functionally accessorize a space that real people live in. With a little rearranging and clustering you can have a shelving unit you are no longer embarrassed for your friends to see. Better yet, you can have it at an affordable price!!

Business has really picked up which is fabulous and as a result the blogging came to a halt!

Baby Name canvases are the latest item to be offered from Polka Dots & Rosebuds. They are so fun to do and completely customizable- every one has a different color scheme and design theme to it. They are great for baby shower gifts, Christmas or Birthday presents. They aren't just for babies, either- kids of all ages enjoy a little personalization in their room. They are sold in sizes 8x10 or 11x14, and with or without ribbon hanger.

I project these items to be HOT during the holiday season and will be showcased at some upcoming events (list of events and dates to follow). Orders will be taken and delivered to clients within 3 weeks. If you can't make it out to an event, individual orders are always an option, just give me a call!

I have exciting things to share so look for more posts to come...