Misconceptions

Since Tuesday, my company- Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors- has been the featured deal on Living Social for the Lexington area. When I was first approached about participating, I was leery. I've worked very hard to construct a business model that doesn't include discounts or sales because I feel that attracts the wrong kind of attention. Attention from buyers who otherwise would never consider my services or products. My assumption about Living Social was that is exactly what they did- deeply discounted services and products to create a rush of business that cannot be sustained. After careful consideration and research into the Living Social brand and their subscribers, I changed my mind.  I rectified my misconceptions and came to understand the idea behind Living Social was to create an experience for their loyal followers and a strong customer base for their featured vendors. Now that, I loved.

Since there had been no interior decorating deals run through their company in this area before, it required much thought and discussion before coming up with an experience that suited. Luckily we had some pointers from other markets that had success with interior decorating offers. Ultimately, my goal was to create a situation where people who have been mulling over updating a space for months or even years could realize firsthand how helpful interior decorating services can be. Those people can purchase the deal and no longer dream about a new space, but instead watch it come to life with their input and my guidance. I can't tell you how many times I've heard from people that they were scared to hire someone to help design their space because they didn't know if the end product would reflect them. Others thought it would cost a fortune to call in a decorator for their project.  Once they went through the process with me, they realized their previous thoughts were merely misconceptions. My website and Facebook business page are littered with these types of testimonials. My hope is this Living Social experience will prompt others to call out their own misconceptions and try getting decorating help. 

If you are considering a makeover project to your home or office, take advantage of this deal while it's available. Would you share it with two friends, too? The experience won't be offered after today.

Keep in mind, while this offer covers consultation and custom furniture, we offer so much more. Here is the link to our website for all the information: www.polkadotsandrosebuds.com

Office Space

Do you remember that movie, Office Space?  That crazy guy in suspenders would always ask for the TPS reports.  The guy that wore the glasses was obsessed with his stapler and nobody would ever tell him he was fired.  Jennifer Aniston worked at a Friday's knock-off.  I'm sure there are a lot of us that would love to change something about our office space.  The colors are drab.  The furniture is held together with duct tape.  Your cubicle feels too institutional.  The carpet is from 1972.  Sadly, if the problem is your boss, your co-workers, or your desire to date Jennifer Aniston I'm not going to be of any help.  But if a cosmetic makeover is in order, I'm your gal!

Recently, I wrapped up a total transformation of a local office space.  The business had been in the same space for 10 years.  When faced with some challenges, the options were to move or to renovate.  They chose to renovate.  Enter me.

When we began there was a small room blocked out in the main area that chopped up the poorly lit office.  On top of that, everything- carpet, desks, walls and ceiling were beige.  So as you can imagine, it left a lot to be desired for the business owner and her employees.  They took this opportunity to update the style of furniture, blinds and art that was housed in the space.  The result was a sleek and colorful new office with an open floor plan!

Every employee received an ergonomic desk chair with a stylish fabric on the seat.  Streamlining the back work stations and opening up the wall to the kitchen area makes the space feel larger.

What once was a private office, has now become an intimate conference room for office meetings and private discussions with customers. 

 A major problem with afternoon sun bouncing off the cars outside was solved with some new window shades that also added to the office's sleek new aesthetic.

 
The warm color scheme (Sherwin William's Harvester, Folksy Gold, Marshmallow & Concord Buff), rich wood tones and extra details like the crown molding now invite employees and customers alike into the space.

Pssst....Be sure and tell your boss that under section 179 you can write off all furniture purchases made for an office space this year (instead of over 7 years, like in the past).  That's a sure-fire way to get that office makeover you are dying for!

Taking Care of Business

Even though money may be a little tighter, people are wisely investing in quality furniture pieces for their office space.  CPAs are willingly paying for ergonomic desk chairs so they don’t have stiff backs after putting in long hours through tax season.  Doctors offices are ditching the old stiff armed chairs and opting for sleek, armless seating in their place so that patients of all sizes may sit in them.  Insurance agencies are saying “goodbye” to the utilitarian metal desks with overhead storage and bringing in warm toned wood work spaces that welcome their patrons.  Businesses recognize that these upgrades are necessary that for the good of their employees and for the sake of their clients.

Business owners who have had the same mundane office furniture for 10+ years will really find the benefit in updating in 2011!  Did you know there is a tax incentive offered this year that includes office furniture?!  Check out all the details here .  What better time to give that office space a facelift?!