Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Wallcoverings

Wallcoverings. What a scary idea. We have all seen the horrid wallpapers from past generations and many of you have probably attempted to remove these “decorative” touches only to find the removal to be even worse than the paper itself. Well there is light at the end of that tunnel. Today’s “wallcoverings” (wallpaper is out) have much more to offer than crazy floral prints. They have faux finishes to look like Venetian plaster, Swarovski crystals, easy to remove adhesives, and the list goes on.
Wallcoverings can serve many design purposes now. You can use it for accent walls, architectural elements, artwork, creating focal points, and more. Think of wallcoverings as another design element that is an inexpensive way to really transform a room. Mixing painted walls with wallcoverings will add a visual interest you can’t achieve with just paint.
One inexpensive and dramatic change would be to use a printed wallcovering on the fireplace. This adds a new element of design that is fresh and can even take the place of hanging a mirror or artwork over the mantel.
Another idea is to use a wallcovering with movement and a pop of color for an accent wall. You will get the wow! look you wouldn’t get with just paint.
Another place wallcoverings can really make an impact is on architectural elements. Try a pattern that will grab ones attention and put it on an architectural detail like an archway to really emphasize the character of your home.
Wallpaper can be very scary but Wallcoverings can be spectacular and really have that huge bang for your buck.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Make Your Old Holiday Decor Look New

My Decorating Plan
www.mydecplan.com
805.933.0222

It is finally winter. The chill in the air and the holiday music blaring in all the stores are a quick reminder of that. We heard from Robin, in the November newsletter, that this time of year isn’t her cup of tea when it comes to decorating the home. But for me, it’s one of the best. What better way to feel that Christmas cheer than to wake up to the smell of pine needles and cinnamon? Decorating can be daunting or even sometimes boring. You pull out the boxes with the same decorations you use every year, put everything in the same place it was the year before and move on. Ho Hum.

Does it sound like I’m speaking from experience? I am. But there is a way to spruce up your tried and true decor. Try changing the color palette. I know that sounds like changing everything but here me out. The traditional colors of the holiday season are red, green, and gold. Now try to add some pops of color with jewel tones of blues and violets. Throw a few pillows on the sofa that are red, blue and violet, add some beaded garland in the same colors on the windows, and what about candles? Try some scented cinnamon candles and add a couple candles from your new palette of Red, Violet, Blue, Green and Gold. It is easy to go over board so watch out. Just a few touches of the new colors will add pizazz to your existing decor.

By: Mishanna Rischar, Lead Designer

Chocolate and Blue

My Decorating Plan
www.mydecplan.com
805.933.0222

Still Love the Chocolate and Tiffany Blue Combo?

We do to! This color combination first came onto the market more than 10 years ago and is still going strong. Many analysts are shocked that this color scheme is still so popular, most color schemes go in and out of style every few years and the color blue seems to have the shortest shelf life. So to have a pair of colors last so long is wonderful. If you happened to have jumped on the band wagon and brought these colors into your home or are ready to start bringing these colors home, here are a few quick tips to reviving your home and making it seem new and fresh again.

The newest trend with the chocolate and blue combo is to add a pop of color. Throw a bright citrus, like orange or yellow into the mix and you will be amazed at the fresh new look it will give. Another idea is to add more color but in the same family. Use three types of blue that have the same tone but vary from dark to light. And last but not least mix patterns. Don’t feel locked into what you already have, be adventurous and add some throw pillows with a pattern or change out your drapes with a bold print that has similar colors as to what is already being used.

Remodeling?

My Decorating Plan
www.mydecplan.com
805.933.0222

Often times designers are left out of the remodeling process and then pulled in once it is complete to do the finishing touches. Consider having your designer with you through the whole process. When the builder presents you with the new floor plan, it tends to always look great. Anything is better than what you have right? That is why you are remodeling. But what about the furniture placement, the view, the light, etc. These are the things your designer will be thinking about. The master bedroom remodel may be perfect to you, and the builder promises a cal king bed will fit in between those two windows, but will your bedframe fit? Little things like this can be addressed at the beginning so costly mistakes will be avoided.

Once all blueprints are worked out, it is time to select materials. And your designer can help you out there too. They can help you select flooring, tile, trims, paint colors, etc. The best part is your designer has the whole picture in mind, so they can make sure everything is going to work together and help you get the exact look you are striving for.

After the remodel is complete, your designer will already have been working with you for some time and will be able to nail down all

Monday, October 26, 2009

An Adventure - Trends and Colors for 2010

My Decorating Plan
www.mydecplan.com
805.933.0222

Are you ready for the new trends and colors for 2010? Well, get ready! The 2010 color palettes are going to be taking us on an adventure...from the roots of Africa, to our treasured past, to a simpler life and then to a leap back in time to the 1960's.

Our first stop is Africa. It’s human instinct to seek the safety of the tribe. In today’s complicated world there is something deeply satisfying about re-exploring the world’s oldest, most enduring cultures. In pursuit of this heritage, African and Native American influences are back. You will start seeing more animal prints being used, as well as natural materials. The colors themselves will be rich and earthy with a hint of mystery. This color palette will consist of ocean blues, clay reds, earthy browns and golds and sandy grays.

Our second stop is our treasured past. In today’s society we are more aware of what we already have and we are valuing it more than ever before. We are now making savvy, resourceful use of what we have and discovering untold stories in exposed, painted layers. We will cherish flea market finds to rustic artisan-made pieces. The flaws and imperfections in older pieces now are looked upon as character and history. The new color palette reflects this in historical colors of creams, subtle greens, soft grey blues, rich browns and pale golds.

A simpler life has become a highly sought after luxury in this increasingly complex world. This is an enduring trend, as we choose to use clean lines and simple shapes. Now color is following in those footsteps. The hues are calm, subtle and nuanced, with undertones that shift according to the surroundings for easy versatility. This color palette is full of soft soothing colors of whites, grays and browns and gold.

And now our big leap back in time to the 1960’s. Tropical blooms. Sunny days. Playful exploration. It’s time to take a vacation and let our cares melt away. Happy spaces are here again - bringing fresh florals, bright juicy colors and exuberant combinations. It’s the kaleidoscopic spirit of the 60’s married to the jewel tones of the 80’s, but with a global twist. A mouthful, I know, but truly an inspiring and refreshing take on color. With bright yellows, oranges, corals, greens, blues, and violets this color palette will certainly wake us up and put smiles on our faces.

2010 - very exciting. These new color palettes are fresh and comforting to our senses, and will soon be seen in home decor throughout the stores. So be ready for your new world of color!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Add Some Curves

My Decorating Plan
www.mydecplan.com
805.933.0222

Many window treatments have straight lines, panel draperies, box-pleat valances, shades, etc. Try to add some curves, such as a scalloped valance or shade that pulls up into swags.

Natural Light

My Decorating Plan
www.mydecplan.com
805.933.0222

Natural light is very important, be sure your treatment is functional and allows in light when needed.