Category Archives: Decor Designs, Inc.
DECORATING TO PASS THE TIME
A few months ago, COVID-19 was just a bleep on the radar. Just another novel virus that might make a few people sick and then disappear into the annals of history. Fast forward to today with millions around the world self-quarantined and social distancing to prevent the spread. No doubt, COVID-19 is changing our world.
Let’s face it, any kind of change is hard. We tend to avoid change out of fear of the unknown. Change is scary because we do not know whether change will make things better, or rather, worse. But if we’ve ever learned anything, we should’ve learned the only constant is change!
They say, “When life gives you lemons you make lemonade.” Since you’re, no doubt, social distancing as you read this post, why don’t we borrow from that life lesson and make some lemonade?
Here are a few ideas which will help you pass some time and also create some good changes in your decor as we wait for this “storm” to blow over:
CLEAN: Ok…. So this one is a win-win, right? You’ve heard me say before that beauty and cleanliness go hand in hand. Of course, disinfecting right now is an added bonus! I’m talking spring cleaning like you’ve never spring cleaned before. Yea, it might be a challenge to deep clean when your house is full of kids with a knack of undoing as fast as you do. But give it a whirl. Channel your inner Cinderella. Tackle those grimey winter windows so you can watch Mother Nature wake up from her slumber and wipe down those baseboards baby!
PAINT: Nothing, and I mean nothing, can change the look and feel of a space faster than a fresh coat of paint. A quick in & out at the hardware store, or better yet, a home delivery of paint and supplies will give you something to do for HOURS if not DAYS! Maybe it’s just a single room, even a small one like your powder room or hall bath. Or maybe you tackle the baseboards, doors and door trim with a fresh coat. The change will lift your spirit and the sense of accomplishment will do you good. If my 76 year old mother can do it (and she has been) so can you!
RE-ARRANGE FURNITURE: A quick and easy way to get a fresh, new look is to simply rearrange the furniture in a room or two. What the heck! If you’ve got the time, do ’em all! Just don’t overdo it and have to go to the hospital. That’s the last place any of us need to be right now. Remember to use your furniture slides so you don’t have to lift. (TIP: In a pinch an old pair of thick socks can work as slides on hardwood floors. Thick, flat plastic lids will work as slides on carpet.) At least rearrange the furniture in the rooms you use the most. And consider repurposing furniture from one space to another. It’ll give you something new to look at while you’re spending more time at home and give you that much needed attitude boost! If you can’t see your space any differently, try emptying the room and rebuilding it from scratch. And if you’d like even more ideas, download our E-book “7 Quick & Easy Steps for Arranging Furniture” for tips & inspiration.
RE-ACCESSORIZE: I’ll admit moving furniture can be a chore. So if you just can’t bring yourself to do a major overhaul, why not simply re-accessorize? It’s Spring after all! Drag out your tulips & forsythia, bunnies & baskets and give your home a makeover with cheerful seasonal decor. Some are even putting up their Christmas decorations now to spread some cheer. (Let’s Not Go Crazy!) Or you can re-accessorize using what you already have. Go around every room and gather all your accessories in one spot, say the dining room table. Now force yourself to redistribute them in different ways and in different rooms in your home. Create vignettes using odd numbers of different sizes & shapes and remember to leave empty space around your groupings. The change of scenery will give you something to do and might be just what the Doctor ordered.
SWAP WINDOW TREATMENTS, AREA RUGS & ARTWORK: If you want to take re-accessorizing a step farther, why not swap out window treatments in your rooms? As long as your color palette is consistent and it all works (size, length, number etc…), why not swap window panels between rooms for a new-to-you look? The same goes for area rugs and even artwork. Swapping artwork is probably the easiest and most sure-fire way of creating “newness” in a space. And you don’t have to leave the house or buy anything new. Give it a try! What have you got to lose but a few more minutes of social distancing?
Or course, I’m not making light of the situation we’re all facing right now. But, rather than focusing on what we CAN’T do at the moment, I find it helpful to focus on what we CAN. Since you’re spending a lot more time at home (or should be!), why not spend the time creating a clean & fresh new look reusing what you already own? It’ll help pass the time and you can enjoy the results right away and for however long this thing lasts.
Here’s to your continued healthy & happiness as we all adapt to the changes around us! I hope these ideas will inspire you to control what you can and embrace the possibilities all around you.
Happy & Healthy Decorating from Decor Designs. 815-245-2433
BED MAKING FOR BONEHEADS
Let’s face it. Making the bed is probably not your favorite thing to do every day. After all, you’re just going to mess it up again in less than 24 hours. Why bother, right? It’s so easy to want to pass on bed making and yet, it should be an every day priority! More than perhaps any other messy space in your home, a sad, unmade bed just screams ugly. Sure, most people won’t see it. But, you will! And who wants to climb back into an ugly, unmade bed after a long, hard day?
When choosing a hotel, most people are almost as picky about the beds as they are about the price and location. Why? Because who doesn’t love getting into a beautifully-made bed complete with freshly laundered and crinkle-free sheets. More than any other element in a hotel room, the bed is critically important. So, any respectable hotel or Airbnb worth its salt will make sure the beds are amazing even if the rest of the room could use some love.
Of course, bed making isn’t rocket science. But you’d be amazed how few people really seem to know how to make a bed properly. With that in mind and so you don’t have to be embarrassed by your own bed making skills (or lack thereof), here is a Step-By-Step guide to help you create a bed fit for royalty.
What You’ll Need:
- A bed! (vitally important)
- Mattress pad
- Sheet set (flat & fitted)
- Regular pillow shams (usually sold with or to match sheets)
- Blanket
- Duvet (& cover), Comforter or Quilt
- Decorative pillow shams
- Pillows (for sleeping)
- Decorative Pillows (Euro, throw, lumbar, accent etc… optional but important)
- Bed scarf or throw (optional)
First… Do yourself a favor. Don’t skimp on bedding! Your sheets don’t have to cost a fortune or be 1000 thread count. But, they do need to be as nice as you can afford even if you have to stretch the budget a little. You spend about 1/3rd of your life in bed (some more than others)! That’s a lot of time to be lying on cheap sheets. So, it’s worth the investment. Cheap sheets don’t last as long and only really soften up after a few hundred washes. That’s about the time you push your foot through and it’s time to replace them anyway!
More than just thread count (the higher the better), look for bedding made from 100% cotton. Natural fibers breathe better. Egyptian, Pima & Supima cotton are preferable. As strange as it sounds, bedding made from bamboo fiber is also surprisingly soft, luxurious and extremely durable. The key is to find some that feel good to you. Don’t just use your hands to feel them. Give ’em the old “cheeks” test (and not the ones in your pants unless you’re curious about the sheets in jail.)
Now to the good stuff. Hotel beds always look (or should look) amazing because they are well-dressed. And a well-dressed bed is all about the layers. Just like you dress yourself by putting on layers of clothing, “dress” your bed the exact same way… in layers!
Step 1- The Mattress Pad
Not only will a mattress pad protect your bed, it will also add a layer of ‘cush’ even if you don’t have the most expensive mattress. As with carpet, a good pad can make even the cheapest mattress feel better and last longer. Make sure it’s tucked in well and nice and taught all around.
Step 2- Fitted Sheet
While you might hate folding them, fitted sheets are the surface that can make or break your sleep experience. If you don’t want to iron them (and who the heck does), try drying them til they’re 95% done. Take them out of the dryer and put them on the bed warm & slightly damp. They’ll dry in time for bed and be wrinkle free. Make sure your sheets are deep enough to fit your mattress and tuck them tightly all around.
Step 3- Flat Sheet
Repeat as with the fitted sheet. Leave enough of the sheet untucked at the foot of the bed that you can fold it over a minimum of 4-6 inches or as much as possible at the top. If your sheets have a pattern or decorative edge, put the fitted sheet on upside down so when you turn back the top, the decorative bits will show!
Step 4- Blankets
Depending on your climate or time of year, this step is optional. But a nice, cozy blanket can come in handy for a little extra warmth on a chilly winter night. Or, it might be all you need during the summer. As with the flat sheet, folding back a portion at the top adds another visible layer for an opulent, inviting bed.
With both blankets and fitted sheets, try your hand at “hospital corners”. Think of wrapping your mattress like you would a present. And if you’re still confused, YouTube it!
Step 5- Comforter, Duvet or Quilt
Which do you choose? Obviously this is a matter of personal preference & the look you want. Patterned comforters are an all-in-one bedding solution. Some can be a little too “bed-in-a-bag” unless you invest in a nice one. Duvets (aka down comforters) & their covers offer more flexibility, are more easily washed and generally look the nicest. Quilts (patterned or otherwise) are quite trendy especially if you want a crisper, cleaner look to your bed. Sometimes it’s nice to go one size larger for this element. Turned sideways, it will cover more of the sides of the bed and frame.
Any of these options, fresh out of the packaging, is usually a wrinkled mess. Spritz them lightly with water, steam or spray with wrinkle releaser. Worse case scenario, you might have to drag out the iron. Don’t skip this step.
Step 6- Pillows
This is where we lose a lot of people, especially the guys! Who wants to take 100 pillows off and put them back on every day? As in life, moderation is key. Layering pillows on the bed gives it the inviting, cozy and soft feeling you want for your bed. The sheets & bedding are really the time consuming part. Adding the pillows is the icing on the cake and you’re worth a little icing!
Starting against he headboard and working your way toward the foot of the bed, layer pillows in this order:
- Sleeping pillow(s) to fit your bed with shams that match your sheet set
- Euro (large square) pillows (2 for Queen bed/ 3 for King bed) in front to hide “regular” pillows
- Decorative pillows with shams to match your comforter/duvet cover or quilt
(some prefer to reverse layer 2 & 3) - Square pillows (2 for Queen bed/ 3 for King bed)
- Decorative pillows (lumbar, roll or accent pillows)
- Decorative blanket or throw folded in thirds near the foot of the bed
Speaking of “bed-in-a-bag”, you get a much more custom, professional look by mixing and matching your bedding rather than buying a “set”. So, why not try your hand at pulling together everything you need off the shelf rather than in a big plastic bag? Coordinate colors and textures varying between dark and light colors! You might surprise yourself.
Again, the key to a beautifully made bed isn’t the expense or the number of pillows, it’s the layering and attention to detail. By rolling back the same bedding you already own to create layers at the top rather than just pulling it flat will make a noticeable difference.
There aren’t many; but here are a couple of bed making DON’TS in our book:
Don’t “cock” the pillows on a 45-degree angle. It’s kind of like you standing on your head. It just looks stupid!
Below looks so much better right?
And don’t pull the bedding up over the pillows. What are you doing… covering a corpse? It might’ve been good enough for grandma. But we’re supposed to be evolving. So, why not make our beds like we are and not like we’re trying to hide a murder.
So there you have it… bed making for boneheads! So many things in life are out of our control. Making our beds properly isn’t one of them. The few extra minutes it takes to make your bed properly is just about breaking old habits and creating new ones. And at the end of the day, when you walk in and see your beautiful “hotel” bed calling your name, you’ll remember why you’re worth it! You’re not a bonehead after all!
Here’s to a great night’s sleep and to great bed making from Decor Designs. 815-245-2433
WHY PEOPLE FEAR WORKING WITH A DECORATOR
When you start a decorating business, you’re ready to change the world! You’ve taken the classes, studied the trends and mastered the skills. And you can’t wait to go forth and help people transform their homes. Your business cards are printed & your website is fabulous. So, you put yourself out there and wait. But, why isn’t the phone ringing off the hook? Don’t people know you can help with all their decorating dilemmas?
Of course, it takes time to build any successful business. Eventually, the jobs start coming in, mostly from friends and family. But, as word gets out, people start to take you seriously and things pick up steam. Referrals become your best source of new business. And, over time, you gain experience working with all different types of clients, in many different styles of homes and with a wide range of budgets. But still, those out-of-the-blue customers are elusive no matter how good you are or how much you spend on advertising.
At some point, it finally dawns on you! It never crossed your mind that, no matter how genuinely interested you are in helping them, people might be afraid to let you into their homes. It finally makes sense when a good friend says she’s never inviting you over because she doesn’t want to be embarrassed if you don’t like her decorating choices! What the what???
The things we fear don’t always make sense. And you can be sure it doesn’t make sense to most decorating professionals. Their lives, livelihoods and passion are creating beautiful homes for others to enjoy.
Over the years, we’ve learned there are many different reasons why folks fear working with a decorator. Here are the Top 12 most common excuses we’ve found:
- Too Expensive/ Only for “rich” people
The common misconception that working with an interior designer or decorator is exclusively for the “rich” & “famous” is pure poppycock! Every home, no matter how grand, is worthy of being as beautiful as it can be, no matter the size or decorating budget.
- My ‘stuff’ isn’t good enough
Rome wasn’t built in a day. The vast majority of homes are filled with things, old & new, which have been accumulated over time. Some might be hand-me-downs and others have sentimental value. The entire collection is a visual representation of you. And while some might be tired and worn, that doesn’t mean they can’t still work in a newly-designed space.
- Fear of being judged, mocked or made to feel “less-than”
If you are brave enough to meet with a designer/decorator and they make you feel “less than” then kick their snooty butt to the curb. While it’s natural to feel like you’re being judged when you open yourself and your home to professional critique, a good decorator should be your ally and not your enemy.
- Fear of change
No matter how adventurous, it’s human nature to fear change. We are, after all, creatures of habit. We become comfortable in our surroundings, no matter how dated. So our default is “it’s good enough” rather than risking change which may or may not be a good thing.
- Fear of being taken advantage of or losing control
We’ve all been screwed over by a contractor, repairman or other service provider at some point. It’s easy to be jaded and skeptical. As with all relationships, communication is key. A good decorator will listen to you and really hear your wants/needs. Then he or she will help guide you through all the choices that fit your style and budget. Of course, communication is a two-way street. You need to open your mind as well so you can benefit from the experience and vision of your designer. If you’re hiring a professional just to “agree” with you, then you’re really just wasting your money.
- Too fancy
Any good decorator knows it’s not really what you spend but how you use it that makes the difference in a space. Even if you have a limited budget, the talented and trained eye of a decorating professional can help you see the hidden potential in the “stuff” you already own. A designer-look should still be functional and livable no matter the cost.
- Too overwhelming
As with fear of change, the idea of tackling a major decorating project can be overwhelming. If you’re redoing an entire room or multiple rooms, it’s easier to work with a decorator who helps you prioritize and tackle one thing at time rather than being overwhelmed and never starting at all.
- Finished design won’t be livable
Who hasn’t looked at the beautifully finished rooms in magazines and thought, “Who lives like that?” We all have! While magazine-worthy rooms are certainly inspiring, they don’t always look livable. Good design is finding balance between form and function and a talented decorator will do both. How you use a space should be one of the first discussions you have with your designer.
- My ‘other-half’ and I can’t agree
Similar to helping you with self-worth, your decorator isn’t in the marriage-counseling business. However, good ones are adept at negotiations and compromise. Whether it’s figuring the budget or picking a style or making the space livable, every member of the household should feel heard and a part of the process. A neutral third party (in this case your designer) can help make that happen.
- Decorators are “weird” & “pushy”
Newsflash… All creative types are “weird” and that’s what makes them invaluable! If everyone saw the things exactly the same way, the world would be stale & boring. As for “pushy”, a good designer should push you. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t listen as well. If you could do what a designer does, you’d have already done it. Again… communication is key. Opinions are just opinions. That doesn’t mean you need to settle for black ceilings or feathered walls if that’s not your cup of tea.
- I don’t deserve it
While a decorator isn’t a responsible for your feelings of self-worth, there is a lot of psychology in good design. Working with a professional actually shows just how well you know yourself and your personal strengths. Asking for professional help is never a sign of weakness.
- Decorator won’t waste their time on my little project
Home renovation TV shows are fun to watch. And the perfectly styled and photographed rooms in magazines are awe inspiring. But they can leave you with the impression that interior decorators only work on major projects. The truth is, decorators also like small jobs. Helping clients work on one room at a time isn’t only easier on you and your budget, it’s easier on the design professional.
After years of helping create beautiful spaces in their homes, designers learn how to help first-time clients work through these fears. Of course, they can only do that if given the opportunity. So, if you’ve always wanted a designer look but have used one or more of these twelve excuses to talk yourself out of asking for help, think again. You do deserve it! Your stuff is good enough! You can have a “fancy” and livable space! And you might actually save money in the process.
Happy Fear-Free Decorating from Decor Designs! 815-245-2433
DECORATING FOR GROWN-UPS
Growing up, you can hardly wait to be an adult. After all, no one tells grown-ups what to do or how to do it, right? Of course, once you get there, the reality is “adulting” isn’t everything you dreamed it would be. And you realize, there are still plenty of people telling you what to do! But, sometimes being told what to do, even as an adult, is a good thing. Take decorating for grown-ups, for example.
FAMILY ROOM
We’ve been working with a younger couple who recently purchased a beautiful, new-construction home in the far-north Chicago, Sauganash neighborhood. Essentially starting from scratch, these young professionals had moved from their downtown apartment into a much larger home to raise their growing family. Decorating an entire 3,500 sq. ft., 3 bedroom-2.5 bath house while caring for twin, two-year-olds and a newborn and working full time would be enough to overwhelm anyone. So, we were asked to come to the rescue and “tell them what to do” in order to create a home that was warm, inviting and, of course, family-friendly.
LIVING ROOM
Fortunately, with new construction, we didn’t need to waste a lot of time fixing other people’s problems. However, we did want to upgrade a few of the “builder-quality” choices. Over the course of numerous consultations and a joint shopping excursion, we selected new lighting, bathroom hardware & mirrors and enough furniture to finish filling every room in the home. After that, we took over the rest sourcing every single detail down to the coasters for the family room table.
As with so many projects, after months of planning ordering and waiting, we were finally ready to put it all together. Over the course of several days, our team gradually did what we do. We tweaked the placement of furniture that had been delivered, installed soft window treatments where needed, hung artwork, added lighting, placed rugs and accessorized every room.
DINING & LIVING ROOM BEFORE
DINING & LIVING ROOM AFTER
LIVING & DINING ROOM BEFORE
LIVING & DINING ROOM AFTER
FAMILY ROOM BEFORE
FAMILY ROOM AFTER
BASEMENT BEFORE
BASEMENT AFTER
BASEMENT BEFORE
BASEMENT AFTER
MASTER BEDROOM BEFORE
MASTER BEDROOM AFTER
MASTER BEDROOM BEFORE
MASTER BEDROOM AFTER
GUEST BEDROOM BEFORE
GUEST BEDROOM AFTER
Obviously starting with very little, the Before & After transformations are nothing short of spectacular! And, with most of the items delivered and work finished just before Christmas, our clients were able to show off & share their beautifully-decorated home for the first time with family and friends.
Working with this family, we helped expedite the decorating process and create spaces which might have taken months or years for them to complete on their own. The end result is a home no longer needing attention. Instead, our parents have more time to spend with their own kids who are ‘growing up’ very quickly too.
Of course, adulting certainly has its benefits. And while you’re old enough to make your own decisions; in our crazy, busy lives, sometimes it’s just nice to have someone make them for you. So, if you’re a grown-up who might like being “told what to do” (in a good way) with your own home decor, give us a call. You’ll be glad you did!
Happy Grown-Up Decorating from Decor Designs. 815-245-2433.
REDECORATING, THE NATURAL ANTI-DEPRESSANT
I don’t know about you; it’s only January and I’m already done with the depressing Winter weather here in the Midwest. As anyone who lives this far north knows, this time of year is particularly challenging. It seems our brief glimpses of sunshine are all too fleeting and the fluctuating temperatures have everyone sick or sickly.
On top of the usual colds & flu, depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are as bad this time of year as the weather. You know what I mean. The holidays are over. The glitzy, glittery decorations are all down and packed away. Instead of “Ho-Ho-Ho”, we’re back to “Ho-Ho-Hum”!
According to the Mayo Clinic, a key contributor to seasonal depression and SAD is living too far from the Equator (either north or south). Folks who live in these locations endure decreased sunlight and shorter days especially during Winter months. (No leap of logic there!) So, la-de-da; let’s all move to Key West and watch our troubles vanish! If only it were that simple, right?
Also, according to Mayo, the signs and symptoms of SAD can include:
- Feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day
- Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
- Having low energy
- Having problems with sleeping
- Experiencing changes in your appetite or weight
- Feeling sluggish or agitated
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
So, other than moving toward the Equator, what is a person to do? All joking aside, there are several therapies and clinical fixes for helping cope with depression. Checking with a trained medical professional is crucial if you suffer from severe depression of any sort.
But there are some home remedies for those with mild cases of SAD. From light therapy to aromatherapy, regular exercise, limited alcohol consumption and proper eating, all can help with mild cases of SAD and seasonal depression during these gloomy winter months.
Perhaps a little unconventional but equally as effective in my book is re-decorating! What better time of year to focus on all things indoors than Winter? Yeah, you’ve take down your holiday decor and your house looks like a tired, old doily. So, what better time to avoid the dreary weather and make some changes in your home to help fight off the winter-time blues?
I don’t know why people wait til Spring for “spring-cleaning”. The last place I wanna be when the weather breaks is inside, cleaning. I’d rather use snow days to purge and clean so I’m ready to enjoy warmth and sunshine when they finally return. While they can be a pain in the butt; cleaning, purging and organizing are very therapeutic. A neat, clean home is a beautiful home. So even if you can’t afford to buy new things while you’re paying off those Christmas bills, you can “redecorate” with nothing more than a DEEP clean. You’ll be amazed how good it makes you feel.
After you have everything clean and neat, why not change a few things? Simply rearranging your furniture, art and accessories can give new life to your old stuff and give you a new-to-you look for the Winter. Stores rearrange their same, old merchandise displays all the time. Why? Well, they want to showcase different products . But they also want to create excitement and make you think their offerings are always new and changing, even when they aren’t! You can do the same thing in your house. Why do you think your house looks so beautiful during the holidays? Duh! You have shiny new things to look at.
Finally, if your budget allows, go for a deeper refresh. Maybe paint a room or two, buy a new area rug for your family room, replace some of your tired & dated window treatments, throw in some new pillows or change your art work using bright pops of color where you can. Any or all of these things give you “something new to look at” and help release “happy” hormones in your body. And who couldn’t use some of those, especially this time of year?
So maybe, rather than popping another pill or spending hours on a therapist couch, try redecorating. It’ll give you something to do to keep your mind off your winter woes. And the end result is something you can enjoy well into Spring and beyond.
Here’s to happier living and decorating from your friends at Decor Designs! 815-245-2433
MAKING A NEW HOUSE FEEL LIKE HOME
Having the opportunity to work with clients over a period of years gives a sense of continuity to what we do. No only do we get to see how lives and homes evolve over time. But we also get to know the family better. That helps us fine tune a look that is even more reflective of who they are and what is important to them.
We had that opportunity last Fall when a family we’d helped with a redesign 6 years ago told us they were moving to a new, larger property. Since we’d done such a great job helping them create a fresh new, look in their previous home, they knew we’d be able to help them settle in and make their new house feel like home as quickly as possible. Our goal was to repurpose as much as we could from their previous home. Then, we’d blend in the new things we needed to tie it all together.
Move-ins offer a unique opportunity to help clients see their “old” decor in a fresh, new way. Obviously, some things from the previous home will work and some things won’t. But, by using cherished furniture, art and accessories, a new house can feel like home much more quickly than starting from scratch.
We knew this larger house would need more to furnish and fill. So, the buyers negotiated to purchase some of the like-new, custom furniture that was already in the home from the previous owner. That saved a ton of money over buying new. And it expedited the entire process since we didn’t have to wait for custom orders to be delivered.
BEFORE
AFTER
We met with out clients a few times to come up with a game plan and shopping list. A few of the rooms needed to be repainted. So we selected colors more to the new family’s taste. We also needed some new area rugs, a few new pieces of artwork, window treatments, throw pillows and accessories to make everything flow. And while we were shopping, the new owners worked feverishly to get unpacked and settled so that we had everything unboxed and ready to place on the day of styling.
BEFORE
AFTER
DECORATING TIP: No matter how well you’ve planned, it’s important to take time and live in your new home for a period of weeks or even months. Learning how you and your family live in and use the spaces will help make better decorating choices when the time comes.
Anyway, after a few more weeks, our team arrived on site to fine tune furniture placement and finally layer in all the family’s cherished artwork and accessories which always help a house feel more like home.
BEFORE
AFTER
Even though it was a new house for the family, once we were done, it felt familiar. Repurposing, and restyling with many of their things, helped their new space feel like they’d lived there for years.
If you’re moving and starting fresh, that’s great. But, by using cherished furniture, art and accessories, a new house can feel like home much more quickly than starting from scratch.
BEFORE
AFTER
Happy Fresh Start Decorating from Decor Designs. 815-245-2433
FIVE YEARS OF HOLIDAY DECOR
Another long day of decking the halls, this time for our favorite holiday clients in Lake Barrington. This was our fifth year in a row helping bring holiday cheer to this home. And while everything was familiar, it felt brand new since we were decorating around everyday decor we helped update earlier in the year. With a different backdrop, the same holiday decor from previous years somehow felt fresh and new.
Our focus for change in holiday decor this year was the new ‘family’ tree in the renovated basement. Building on the whimsical style and cranberry reds & bright chartreuse greens from previous years, we added new polka dot ribbon and ornaments to the miscellaneous collected ornaments. (TIP- Since collected ornaments are all over the board in style and color, filling in with solid ornaments complimenting your theme helps unify the tree and still showcase your treasured family ornaments!) Topping it all off, we capped the tree with a pair of new glittery elves boots. How Fun!
With our last holiday home behind us for the Season, there might be hope for finally washing off all the glitter til next November. Well, one can hope anyway!
HAPPY HOLIDAY DECORATING FROM DECOR DESIGNS! 815-245-2433
FAMILY FIRST HOME DECORATING
“Home” and “family”, the two words are almost synonymous. Our homes are our sanctuary in a crazy, hectic world. And they provide the anchor that keeps our family group from drifting too far apart. So it should go without say your family and its members are a key component to successful decorating.
Sometimes folks have a grand vision of their perfectly appointed and decorated home. But, practically speaking, family needs and lifestyle throw a wrench into achieving that vision. We always try to encourage our clients to decorate for “the way they live” rather than “the way they wished they lived”. That’s not to say you can’t have a beautifully styled home. But, failing to consider the way you use a room is the first mistake most DIY decorators make when styling a space.
This week, we helped a couple with two young girls put a few more finishing touches on their beautiful home in Roselle. For this phase, we wanted to complete the main Living Room area, create a play space of the girls and brighten up the dark Master Bedroom.
In their long, rectangular Living Room, our goal was to create a kid-friendly, but adult space for tv and entertaining. We also wanted to create a separate play area for the two, young girls which could be tidied easily while keeping them under watchful eye.
Living Room Before
We began by replacing the fabric sectional with a leather sofa and love seat. Sectionals are very unforgiving and offer limited possibilities when playing with furniture placement. And while some wouldn’t consider leather to be kid-friend, it is strong and durable. It’s definitely easier to wipe clean and almost never looks dirty. To the new seating, we added new, walnut-colored end tables. The homeowners used chalk paint to give their entertainment console a fresh, new look and helped us avoid too many mismatched woods in the space. Finally, we layered in a new area rug, blue upholstered storage ottoman, off-white/blue floral window panels, large, colorful artwork, a pair of table lamps, greenery and accessories.
Living Room After
With kids come toys, lots of toys! So we looked for every opportunity for places to tuck them away when not in use. The storage ottoman in the “adult” area was a good start. To it, we added complimentary storage cabinets flanking the play area. Cube baskets inside are perfect for dolls & smaller toys. We also slightly angled the furniture to create a nook behind the sofa for larger pieces. Finally, we dropped in decorative boxes by the door to quickly catch smaller items.
Kid’s play area
Playing off other colors in the home, we blended teal from the adjoining Family Room and dark blue from the Master Bedroom as part of our color story. Luckily the girly-pink in the play area and the deep rich blues we used in the Living Room play perfectly together. So we were able to unite the two spaces using accents of both.
Master Bedroom Before
In the Master Bedroom, our goal was simply to lighten and brighten. While darker walls are restful in bedrooms, it’s important to balance them with lighter bedding especially if your bedroom furniture is also dark. Rather than replacing the bedding, we simply introduced a pair of white pillows and a white bed throw. We also angled a new, fluffy white area rug under the bed. We finished by replacing the dark, blue window panels with lighter ones with accents of blue embroidery.
Master Bedroom After
Home is definitely synonymous with family. Decorating for the way a family lives and functions is more important than having everything be pretty but not practical. Helping this family find a happy balance between the two is why we love doing what we do.
Happy Family First Decorating from Decor Designs. 815-245-2433
CREATING ADULT SPACES IN KID-FRIENDLY HOMES
Parenting… I’m guessing there’s probably nothing more satisfying or fulfilling. Then again, there’s probably nothing quite so stressful or frustrating. Every parent wants to create a safe and supportive environment for their children. But, that often means sacrificing as an adult, especially with home decor.
Whether it’s child-proofed corners, washable rugs, non-breakable accessories or toys galore, most parents simply give up on having anything too “designer”. At least they give up until the kids are teenagers or out of the house completely! Having strictly adult spaces with kids is a challenge for any family. So, it’s always fun for us when we have the opportunity to help clients create spaces that allow for adult activities while leaving others that are more family-oriented and kid-friendly.
We’ve recently been working with clients in McHenry, IL who wanted to create an adult space in their ground floor bonus room. With a young son, the couple’s entire three-story town home was very kid-centric to say the least. They envisioned at least one area in the home where they could de-stress, relax and just be without having to child-proof or sacrifice on any of the creature comforts adults enjoy.
BEFORE
Their vision for the space was a media room for relaxing, taking a nap, reading a book or watching tv & movies. With a monster 86″ flat-screen tv and killer sound system, this space would be an adult retreat from the organized chaos of family life upstairs.
Wanting several grown up elements, they asked that we incorporate a coffee/wine bar theme in the space. Since they’d already purchased a new ultra-deep sofa, entertainment center & bookcase, we were asked to simply pull their vision together by bringing in everything else from window coverings to artwork, lighting to accessories.
After several weeks of space planning and shopping for the details, we returned to give the room the adult theme the owners so desperately wanted and deserved.
AFTER
First, we replaced the white, wood blinds with new bamboo roman shades for warmth and privacy. Then, we added a reclaimed-wood & metal console table to serve as both wine & coffee bar. (espresso machine on order) To it, we added wine stem storage with wine racks on the floor underneath. Three gray, leather storage cubes were added. They can serve as extra seating, tables and storage for unused pillows and throws. A black, wire mesh chair in the corner offers additional seating. A new c-table provides a place for a cup of coffee or glass of wine while snuggling on the extra-deep sofa.
BEFORE
AFTER
Without a ceiling fixture, we needed to create a lighting triangle to take care of any dark corners in the room. So, we added a beautiful floor lamp from Crate & Barrel by the sofa. Then we placed a pewter teardrop lamp from World Market on the floor by the tv. Finally, a glass bottle accent lamp from HomeGoods found its spot on the bookcase.
An avid audiophile, the husband wanted acoustic panels in the room to help with sound. By some miracle, he’d already found some. Covered with burlap, coffee bean bags, they fit perfectly into our design. So we used 6 of them above the sofa doubling as artwork. We added a framed burlap bulletin and chalk board to cover the unsightly electrical panel. And we added a family photo wall and other metal bowl art from World Market to balance the space.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Every little detail from coffee cups and spoons to serving trays and flavored syrups were added. And lastly, we poured coffee beans into the vintage sugar molds on the window sill. Good design touches as many of the senses as possible. So we made sure the wonderful aroma of the coffee beans filled the air as well as any neighborhood coffee house.
The end result is a room that allows for plenty of “adulting”. Whether it’s for a cup of coffee with the morning news, a game of chess or a great movie, this space went from a sad, underutilized storage area to a media room any adult would enjoy.
The moral of this story is this. Finding the right combination of kid-friendly spaces, family spaces and adult spaces makes any home feel more balanced. It offers adults the opportunity to be adults in their own home while still having spaces for kids to be kids. When everyone’s needs are met, family happiness ensues!
Happy Adult Decorating from Decor Designs. 815-245-2433
