The Cottage Designer: June 2011

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

So you think you can decorate?!

Boring Kitchen

In my career of over 14 years experience in the design/decorating field in Buffalo, I have had the priviledge of entering many, many homes to guide people with their design dilemmas. First, let me tell you that for the most part, people generally have a good sense of furniture placement and organization. After that it goes stale.
Yes, you paint and buy new accessories but somehow it all seems to be so blah. Your furniture is boring (and possibly the wrong size or set up for the room), the paint colors you chose are just not right and your window treatments are hung improperly so they look like wet towels slung over a wash line. Sometimes you wish that your house could look like the ones on HGTV or in magazines, right? Well, the homes on t.v. and in magazines are professionally decorated and professionally lighted. Not to mention that the accessories are usually purchased through someone who has access to everything at a trade price and an avenue of endless supply. Unless you can devote many hours to scouring the internet, perusing magazines, and gallons of gas finding the right thing for that problem area, chances are you will buy something that everyone else has and now your home looks cookie cutter.
If you have an eye for design and decorating, you are one of the lucky ones! There are not a lot of people who have the vision to see the space totally restructured or re-decorated. Some people can't even visualize a different fabric on a piece of furniture or the way the furniture arrangement can be changed to make the space more appealing. If you know this about yourself, hire a professional and feel better about your space.
For those of you who like to keep things fresh and are willing to refinish or reuse an object to change it up, good luck and keep the creativity going! Never be afraid of color and never be afraid to ask a professional either! ;)
-R-

Poorly arranged

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Summer White Decorating

When living in Buffalo, we only have so many months that we can call "Summer". So change it up for a small amount of time and money and decorate with the brightness of white!
White is an ideal color for a small space. The monochromatic palette opens up the room and bounces light throughout, visually expanding the perceived space. In a small nook, the contrast of textures -- chenille fabric, light airy drapes, and sparkling crystal -- pleases the eye. The beauty of decorating with white is that it changes shade as the light changes. A sun-bleached palette can become a warm and cozy ivory in the evening when lights are turned on.
Don't be afraid to get out the paintbrush. Any piece of furniture with a dark finish can be transformed with a few layers of paint and a bit of sanding that gives it a distressed look, will suit an all-white bedroom. Layer different shades of white to provide more texture and a sense of age to a room. Even an old metal chandelier can find new life thanks to white paint.

Keep color to a bare minimum to bring furnishings of all eras and influences together with style. Creamy whites and taupe unify collected furnishings.
Slipcovers in white are easy on the eye and can be bleached when washed in case junior or fido makes an ice cream mess!
Use color as an accent and never be afraid of it!!

-R-

Friday, June 17, 2011

Need a Home Inspection??

Whether you are buying OR selling, it is almost a must to hire a home inspector. Check out http://contemporary-estates.com/ Click on the link Services to see the list of 11 things you need to know to pass your home inspection. Be informed, then give a call to set up your appointment!