Decor&You Blog

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Where Do I Even Start? Start With the End in Mind

Where Do I Even Start? Start With the End in Mind

If decorating is a struggle for you, you’re not alone. Many people get overwhelmed and feel unsure of themselves – but, it all becomes easier and more manageable when you follow a system.

Before you can have a home filled with rooms that wow you, you must focus on what you want. How is each piece of the puzzle going to fit into the whole? Once you understand your goals for your home and each room, it’s easier to address the challenges in front of you.

As Steven Covey writes in “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” the way to begin is to start with the end in mind, habit number two. Think about what you want the outcome to be, as opposed to purchasing odd items of decor such as a piece of furniture, an accessory, or a rug, and seeing what happens from there.

When you start without knowing where you want to go, things go downhill fast. What works time after time is to start with where you want to end up and work backward from there. The counterintuitive part here is that you may start with one piece of furniture or art or a color that you love and build around it. There is a difference between consciously selecting something that you love and using it as the inspiration for the rest of the room and aimlessly selecting something because it strikes you at the moment.

Looking at the process from the perspective of the desired result helps you to focus and think about the look, feel, and function of the room. You must be happy with all three of those criteria in order to declare the project a success in the end.

For assistance with this thought process, go to www.styleprintdesignsystem.com, download Worksheet #1 (“Focus Step”), and listen to the podcast that walks you through the thinking involved in filling the worksheet out.  Call our Decor&You today for more info at 203-405-2123

Posted 341 weeks ago

Give Different Design Possibilities a Chance

Give Different Design Possibilities a Chance

It is necessary to take two concurrent paths to create and complete the room, home, or office that will make you want to say, “Wow! I love my space. It’s everything that I need and want!”

The first path is the logistics sequence. This is where you identify the result you want and consider the options for achieving it.

The second path is good design according to accepted industry standards – this is where you drill down into the design elements, guided by your personal preferences. In our book, “The Styleprint Design System” we guide you through the specifics of these design elements.

As a part of this process we recommend that individuals create three unique plans—three possibilities—for consideration. It’s always nice to say no to something because it validates the things you say yes to, resulting in less buyer’s remorse or thinking, “I should have…” For this to really work though, don’t just select the same old things that you always gravitate toward. Have at least one plan that is out of character for you.

This is a great exercise to stretch your thinking a bit, and sometimes you will find something that is more enticing than you expected when it is paired with other things you are more comfortable with. Remember you do not have to choose it. You’re just giving yourself options as this point.

To learn more about the critical design elements, pick up a copy of “The Styleprint Design System” available for purchase here. Also, be sure to explore our site for additional free resources or give me a call at my Omaha, Nabraska area Decor&You Group at 603-672-9452

Posted 341 weeks ago

Redecorating Your Home – Where Do You Begin?

Redecorating Your Home – Where Do You Begin?

You have to limit your choices at some point, or you won’t ever do anything. All you have to do is pick a spot and begin.

It’s simply a matter of selecting a direction. And just because we’re going in one particular direction doesn’t mean there won’t be many choices within that direction. So first, pick a place, and get started creating your space for enjoyment, something that you’re happy with.

When people ask what room to begin decorating in, I usually ask them, “ Where do you spend most of your time?”

First, determine your starting point. Is it a room that you want to decorate, or is it a category that you want to approach first? For example, if you decided to replace the windows in your home, you will want to review your window coverings, or if you are replacing flooring in more than one room, you will want to address that first.

Anywhere you decide to start, the critical thing to remember is that each choice is not totally independent, just the opposite. Each choice will have an effect on all other choices—new choices must be blended into the mix of past choices and will also affect the direction of future selections.

To learn more about what to do once you’ve chosen a starting place, pick up a copy of “ The Styleprint Design System” available for purchase here. Also, be sure to explore our site for additional free resources. For addition information call the Decor&You Group at 203-405-2123

Posted 341 weeks ago

Does a Redecorating Project Make Sense Right Now?

Does a Redecorating Project Make Sense Right Now?

When it comes to decorating, most people get overwhelmed before they even get started. They run wildly from room to room with a dozen paint chips in their hands and wind up getting nowhere but frustrated. Or worse: they go out and start shopping. Paint, couches, and carpets roll in, and then they realize it’s still not looking good…only to quickly find out that there is a lot more going on behind the scenes to complete a project.

Typically, every seven to twelve years, it happens all over again. That’s when people tend to have a change in their lives or get tired of their surroundings. When you buy a new home, you redecorate.

If you have a child, you’re bound to redecorate. You finish the basement … time to decorate. The kids grow up and want a bedroom makeover … you redecorate again. And when the kids go off to college or get married, it’s a good time to take a look around and redo some things. Then, at some point, you think about downsizing because the house is a lot to keep up.

With our Home 2.0 worksheet, you can identify whether tackling a decor project makes sense right now. This one-page document is designed to help you think about your space to determine your level of discomfort with that space and identify, in broad terms, just what it is that’s bugging you so that you can set goals for improvement.

Download our free eBook here and see whether you’re ready to begin a décor project. Be sure to explore our site as well for additional resources and information on our book, “The Styleprint Design System.” For additional question call the Decor&You Group at 203-405-2123

Posted 341 weeks ago

Wallpaper without the mess

Wallpaper without the mess

How often have you admired a great wallpaper in a Connecticut home, resort or hotel room and then talked yourself out of it for your home because the thought of installation makes you cringe?  There’s also the idea of living with it long term.  What if you hate it a year from now?  Decor & You has found a fantastic product that looks and feels like wallpaper that is removable and reusable and installs without glue.

WallCouture™ by Soicher Marin is a fantastic new product that is just as durable as wallpaper, but is actually a peel and stick fabric that can be used on any smooth or semi-smooth surface.  The fabric will not damage your walls or leave any sticky residue behind and if you want to remove or reposition it, it’s simple to peel off and reapply.

WallCouture has an archive of over sixty thousand images to choose from plus they can create custom murals, designs and patterns. Custom designs can be created by simply providing two to three colors for inspiration.  Or consider a custom life-size recreation of your children’s or your own artwork for a mural.

If you’ve been considering wallpaper but have been hesitant for one reason or another, this could be a great solution for you.  We encourage you to think beyond the walls.  Consider WallCouture in some of these spaces in your home:

  • On the ceiling
  • Table tops
  • To decorate shelving
  • Doors
  • Inside drawers
  • As framed art

Ready to try it out? we will work with you to select a WallCouture pattern that will highlight your existing furnishings or we can create a custom mural or design that’s completely unique.We can also handle installation for you.  Get started today by calling the Connecticut Decor&You Group at 203-405-2126 for more information on WallCouture or for any of your decorating needs.  

Posted 341 weeks ago

Secrets to creating an outdoor livingroom

Secrets to creating an outdoor livingroom

There’s a new movement in outdoor living and it’s bringing the indoors outside. When we are inside we like to enjoy the view and the natural light from the outdoors.  But when we are outside, we want to bring the comfort and style from inside our homes to our outdoor spaces.  In recent years, we have worked with manyConnecticut homeowners who are looking to create outdoor living rooms.  This is a far cry from a simple weather resistant dining set and umbrella.  Careful thought and planning goes into designing a great outdoor space and we have a few secrets to making it a success.

Here are the decorating secrets to creating a fantastic outdoor living room:

1.      Focus on designing a functional space with a consistent look.  Your outdoor living room should be as cohesive as your indoor spaces.  This means thinking about how you want to use the space and what type of design aesthetic you envision.  Consider how many people you want to be able to seat for entertaining.  What type of environment would you like to create – casual and relaxed or elegant and formal? How will this space work with adjacent areas?

2.      Choose comfortable sofas, sectionals and/or seating in weather resistant fabrics. There are some fantastic options out there from great, slip-covered sectionals to wicker and rattan pieces with cushions.  Think about adding ottomans or chaise lounges for maximum comfort.  A professional decorator has access to quality furnishings and knows how to pull them together in ways you might never imagine.

3.     Don’t forget tables.  Again, consider how you want to use your space.  If you’d like to enjoy snacks and cocktails in your outdoor living room, you’ll want a coffee table and side tables.

4.     Accessorize!  No space is complete without accessories.  An outdoor rug is a must to tie your décor together.  Pillows, ottomans, candles, and throws will make your space feel welcoming.  And don’t forget to add some plants and flowers!

5.     Use color and pattern. Feel free to go bolder here than you are comfortable doing indoors.  The outdoor setting will embrace brights in a way that an indoor space cannot.

Are you ready to bring the indoors out and create an outdoor living room? Call the Decor&You Group at 203-405-2126 and let’s create a space you’ll love for years to come.

Posted 341 weeks ago

Organic Furnishings make for a Healthy Happy Home

Organic Furnishings make for a Healthy Happy Home

I always searching for new top quality furnishing vendors that offer products our clients will love.  While in Las Vegas this January for the furniture market, the Decor&You team had the pleasure of meeting Cisco Pinedo, founder of Cisco Brothers to learn about the company’s sustainable furniture line.

Growing up in a small Mexican community, Cisco’s family grew their own vegetables, raised chickens and lived simply.  He credits his childhood for instilling his love for nature, which in turn drove his passion for designing and crafting pieces that have minimal impact on the environment.  What sets Cisco Brothers apart is their handcrafted “Inside Green” 100% organic furniture line.  Every piece is made of natural fibers, sustainable woods, and contains zero toxic FBDE flame-retardants.  These organic furnishings can be a godsend for those who suffer from allergies.

We are excited to have this option available to Connecticut homeowners and know you are going to LOVE the look of these pieces.  We tested the comfort of the sofas and chairs and inspected the craftsmanship and can say Cisco Brothers is Décor and you approved!  In addition to their furnishing lines, Cisco Brothers has truly unique industrial lighting options that will surely be the star of any room they grace.  These lighting fixtures are works of art!

I took some photos of the latest from the Cisco Brother’s line in the showroom. Feast your eyes on these great pieces that offer you welcoming and relaxing spaces perfect for family evenings and entertaining. Notice the great natural fabrics combined with rustic woods and metals to create a cozy yet refined look.

If you are interested in learning more about this line contact…

The Decor&You Team. at 203-405-2126 and we will be happy to work with you to create a custom space designed to fit your tastes and budget.

Posted 341 weeks ago

Wow Decor...Decorate your home with texture

Wow Decor…Decorate your home with texture

We spend a lot of time talking about color and pattern and its importance in decorating a space, but there is another component that is just as critical, and that is texture. Without texture a room can feel flat and visually boring.  Many people equate texture to fabric selection, when it’s actually applicable to the look and feel of any and all surfaces.  When you open your eyes and experience the textures of everything in your Rhode Island or Southern Massachusetts home, you can create a fantastic space that has depth, interest and feels alive.

Creating Textural Balance

A room with all smooth textures can feel cold and conversely a space full of rough finishes may feel overdone and cluttered.  The key to success with texture is finding the balance between both.

Here are few examples of creating great balance:

·         Sleek wood flooring with a fuzzy, high pile rug.  Or you could use an animal hide, though smooth to the touch, has great visual texture.  

·         A wood dining table with rattan chairs.

·         A smooth leather sofa complimented with a granite or reclaimed wood table.

Textural Opportunities

Your walls offer a fantastic opportunity to add texture.  You can do this with a paint finish, grass cloth wallpaper, ceramic tile, or even wood.  And don’t forget your ceiling!  A textured wallpaper on a ceiling looks fabulous with a crystal chandelier light.

Consider the lighting in your room, the finish of the fixture and the shadows and shapes that are reflected by it.

Accessories are the most cost effective ways to add texture.  Pillows, throws, tablecloths, plants, even drawer and cabinet pulls are great options.

The artwork you choose for your walls should also compliment the other surfaces in your room. Consider metal pieces to add some shine or smoothness or a patterned area rug (yes you can hang it on your wall!) to bring in some visual depth.

This blog is just a taste of what you can do! Feeling inspired and don’t know where to start?  Call the Connecticut Decor&You at 203-405-2126 and together we will decorate your Connecticut home in a way that inspires you and defines your sense of style.

Posted 341 weeks ago

Find your Color Confidence

Find your Color Confidence

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Neutral tones are the canvas for creating many great interiors and while we love grays and browns, color is what really brings personality and life to a space.  Selecting the colors to enhance your space can seem tricky.  Many people are fearful of selecting the wrong shade or color combinations that may date their décor or not look the way they intended. This is where a professional decorator is a godsend.  They can help uncover the shades that inspire you or invoke the mood you are looking to create in your space.

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I’ve put together a few tips to help you start thinking about using color in your home with confidence.

-Broaden your definition of neutral colors.  Today, neutrals go beyond beige, cream and gray.  Black and navy can also be considered neutral, as well as metallic.

-Use Pinterest or Houzz to search for rooms with color that you like.  Once you have created boards or idea books with 10 or more photos you are likely to see some commonalities.  

-Find one shade that you love and balance it with other textures and neutrals in your room.

-If you are apprehensive about a bold color, go a few shades lighter in the same color family.

-Look at your existing artwork for inspiration.

-Test the color out with accessories or a statement piece such as a side table or dresser.

Ready to give color a try? I will  work with you to uncover your distinct style with our Styleprint™ Design System. When I design a room for you I bring samples of upholstery, wallpaper, rugs, and paint for you to touch and feel.  When my clients find their color confidence, they are pleasantly surprised by their selections and are thrilled with the results! Call Decor&You at 203-405-2126 to schedule a consultation.

Posted 341 weeks ago

Navigating This Year’s Color Trends.

Navigating This Year’s Color Trends.

Every year, fashion and decorating enthusiasts anxiously await the announcement of the color of the year. The problem is, with multiple reputable sources making predictions, which do you believe?  Pantone, the world-renowned authority on color? Benjamin Moore, industry favorite paint company that’s been around since 1883?  Each group looks at slightly different influences to determine their color choice. For all you color lovers out there, we’ve put together this 2016 color trend guide.

Pantone – Serenity Blue & Rose Quartz

For the first time ever, Pantone selected two colors of the year.  If you close your eyes and imagine a beautiful sunset, you can visualize these two shades melding beautifully together.  Serenity blue is a pale tranquil blue, like the sky on a clear day. Rose Quartz is a nude pink, similar to the gemstone.

Pantone looks at many influences including fashion, the entertainment industry, art, design, popular travel destinations, and even current lifestyle trends and socio-economic conditions. Serenity Blue and Rose Quartz reflect a blurring of genders seen in fashion and evoke a sense of wellness and peace that we are seeking in our stressful lives.

AkzoNobel – Gold

Gold seems very fitting for an Olympic year doesn’t it? If you aren’t familiar with AkzoNobel, they are a paint and coating company headquartered in Amsterdam. Metallic shades are commonly used as neutrals in today’s decorating as it can create visual interest without taking away from other colors and textures.

AkzoNobel selected gold for its nod to both

Posted 341 weeks ago