Decorating Journey: Space Plans

Okay, so I have been working away at my space plan and have also started selecting some of the furniture pieces for the new space.  Here is the layout for the living room:

The space is too large to have only one seating area, so I have broken it into two- one will be for watching tv and the other will be used more for reading/conversation, etc.  Each area is defined by an area rug to serve as an anchor for all the furniture pieces and to add some warmth.  The reading/convo area is situated across from the open kitchen, so it will easily become a gathering place when we are entertaining.  There isn't an overhead light in the main section of the living room, where the tv and sofas will be, so I had to incorporate plenty of task lighting (floor and table lamps) to illuminate the space for the evenings.  The window treatments, and most of the items in the reading area will wait until phase 2, but most everything else will be implemented during phase 1 of this project.

The other room I have focused on is our dining area.  Here is my plan for that space:

This space is fairly simple.  I did the plan to help determine what size rug we will need and to get a feel for the best placement of our larger supplemental pieces (sideboard & china cabinet).  I can't say enough about how much a rug can help define a space!  In this instance, it will help to soften all the hard surfaces in the room (the floor, furniture, and architectural features such as doors,etc).  The rug also serves as a way to incorporate more color into the room, along with a window covering.  I will be using a simple cornice board over, yet another sliding glass door, in this room to bring in additional movement and color.  Since personally, I am not a fan of using OR cleaning table cloths- the window treatment and rug provide an alternative way to make the space more interesting.

As you can imagine (and as many of you have experienced), I ALWAYS use a space plan for my client's projects. Nothing is worse than buying furniture that is too large or too small for a room.  With a space plan, I know exactly what pieces we will need and what size they should be.  A plan isn't set in stone,  it can always be modified if necessary- it just serves as an important starting place for a re-design.

I am working on pulling together all of my textiles for the space and once I finalize those, I will share the color scheme and patterns I am using with you.  Until then, happy space planning...

Decorating Journey...

I thought I would give you a break from the holiday decorating discussion and give you a glimpse into my world.  I try to keep my personal life out of my blog because there is nothing fascinating about me and I don't want to bore you with my mundane day- to- day.  However, I feel like my current situation has the opportunity to be a GREAT illustration of how to implement the tips that I share with you.  I mean, what kind of decorator would I be, if I didn't follow my own advice??!

My husband and I are in the process of purchasing a new condo and we were lucky to find a place that suits our needs and does not require anything but minor cosmetic work.  So, naturally I immediately began the planning for the new space- selecting paint colors, doing a space plan, the list goes on and on!  And my thought was-how great would it be to share with my readers my journey through the redesign process?!   I am just like you and will be doing all of the things I recommend for you to do (working in phases, starting with a budget, and making sure that the space meets our personal tastes and lifestyle).

Each week I will discuss a different aspect of our first phase which will include everything from drywall repair and painting to reworking or bringing in new furniture and area rugs.  Since I am a firm believer in promoting those who do good work for you, I will even highlight some AMAZING local vendors along the way :) I truly hope you enjoy reading my chronicles of this decorating journey and that you are able to find a tidbit of decorating advice that you can apply to your own space!

Please become a follower and spread the word to your friends and family.  Leave me comments along the way to let me know your thoughts, because I love getting feedback (I started this business and have been successful thus far because I listened to YOU and I don't plan on stopping now)!

Happy reading everyone!

Here Comes Santa Claus...

As annoying as it can be to have the retail stores shove Christmas down our throat starting in early October, the truth is Christmas is swiftly approaching whether we are ready or not!  Since we have no choice in the matter, we might as well be ready for the holiday.  Christmas decorating can be tricky- you want to make your space welcoming and festive but you don't want to go overboard with themed items.  Then you add the stress of volunteering to host that office party or family gathering and suddenly the decorating becomes an integral part of the event that you don't have time to do.  Here are a few tips for this year's holiday decorating:

- Get started!- Don't wait until the last minute to get the decorations up.  When you have some spare time during a weeknight or on Saturday afternoon, pull out those boxes and start tackling the space.  It won't hurt anything if you have to spread the job over a few days.  Before you know it, it will be over.

- Don't forget the outdoors- Spread some of that holiday cheer to the exterior of your home.  This will set the stage for what guests should expect once inside (however, I don't suggest going Griswold style). There are some great people who can help you if you aren't so keen on climbing the ladder to hang the wreath over the garage.  In Lexington, Eddie McNeal owns Just a Twinkle for the Season and the business exists solely to decorate homes and offices for Christmas.  (I can give you his number of you want to get in touch with him.  Just shoot me an email).

- Jazz up your color scheme- Bust away from the traditional red and green.  Bold jewel tones and warm earth tones are the HOT items this year.  Pair some bronze ornaments with your traditional green decorations or keep your trusty red ornaments and throw in a bold blue hue to the decorations.

- Get creative- Re purpose ornaments by using them in a hurricane to make an interesting tabletop accessory (see picture below).  Lay your wreath around a collection of varying height candles and place in the center of the dining table to create an unusual centerpiece.

Above all, remember if the task of decorating for the holidays is overwhelming- get help.  The season should be exciting and fun for you not stressful.  If that means putting aside a little extra money (hiring help can cost around a couple hundred dollars) to get some help then do it, it can be your gift to yourself :)

*For more info and useful tips on holiday decorating, come by 2331 Fortune Dr Tuesday night at 6:30 pm.  I will be speaking to a lovely group of ladies on this topic and attendance is open. I would love to see you there!*

Happy holiday decorating!

Indulge

This is the last installment from the "Tips to Transform Your Space" segment. Indulging doesn't have to mean  over the top or breaking the bank.  You can provide yourself little luxuries in your space that make it the place you want most to be.  For example, your master suite is your personal haven, so treat it that way. Splurge on beautiful tiles, massaging showerheads and luxurious linens (for some this means paying more 9.99 for a set of sheets, for others is means silk sheets).  Another example is wall mounting a tv and adding surround sound in the family room.  The list of ideas could go on and on.  Everyone's tastes are different.  Just remember that whatever you decide to splurge on, always be sure it makes sense for your home and for you.

Happy Indulging!

P.S.- Stop by the Signature Club tomorrow night for the PWF Networking and Business Showcase.  5-7 pm.  $20 includes admission, food and drink.  Lots of prizes given away.  Attendess can take advantage of my discount on holiday decorating and custom painted gift items.  You don't want to miss this event!!