They say, “If you work at what you love, you never work a day in your life!” or something to that effect. And since I love decorating, I’d have to say that’s true. Not that I don’t have my fair share of frustrations along the way; but when I finish a project and reveal a new space to my client, the happy smiles and sometimes tears of joy from them are worth all the challenge of pulling the space together.

I’ve learned that sometimes, the best way a client can express their satisfaction with my work is to thank me with a hug. And in our somewhat socially isolated world, I think a hug is about as good as it gets. So, I’ve coined the phrase “hug-worthy decorating™” since I think it best describes what I do and how I think it changes people’s lives for the better. I got to finish just such a project this week as a matter of fact.

I met with this client about 6 weeks ago to discuss the project. During our consultation, this Huntley, IL mom told me she had a vision for her space but just didn’t know where to start to pull it together. She wanted to reuse as much as possible to save on budget (right up my alley) but she had a few inspirations in mind. First, she had seen and liked the idea of using empty frames as art. Second, she liked the idea of an accent wall with a nice bold, geometric print wallpaper. With those two “requirements” in mind and a strict budget, I went to work sourcing and planning her space.

Since we only needed a couple pieces of furniture (new end tables to replace her inexpensive decorator tables), our largest investment would be in new lamps, draperies, frames, wallpaper/installation, hardware and the accessories we needed to finish the space.

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After everything was purchased, we got to work. The furniture was re-arranged and angled to make the rooms more inviting and conversational. 108″ ready-made panels were installed to accentuate the nice high ceilings and create drama in the rooms. Our empty- frames-as-art wall took shape in the living room while the dining room received the stunning wallpaper accent wall which helped brighten the dark space and add visual interest. Adding accessories and greenery to soften the edges of the manmade items helped pull it all together.

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Both rooms are now warm and inviting and compliment one another.

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In only 5 hours, the living room/dining room area was transformed and a daughter’s bedroom got a makeover as well.

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Like men seal a deal with a handshake, both women (mother & daughter) sealed our decorating deal with a hug. “Hug-worthy decorating” at it’s finest… letting me know that they loved and appreciated what we’d done.