Are you ready for a FLOR update??

No, it's not spelled wrong!! It is a rug/carpet system named FOR.  It will give your room a whole new look without the permanency of carpet nails, glue, etc. Samples are always available!

Why would you hire an interior designer?

I think this really sums it up!!

According to Judy Sheridan ASID, in her book, "How to work with an interior designer" there are seven common problems found in today’s interiors. In her book she also talks about what a designer should bring into a project, and what a designer offers that goes above and beyond the call of duty and how it can save you money and add value to your home:

1. The seven most common problems found in today’s interiors:

• Awkward floor plan
• Out of date kitchen and/or bathroom
• Problem windows
• Lack of space or storage
• Inadequate electricity and electrical conveniences
• Low light and/or poor light
• Lack of or poor architectural details

2. What a designer brings to the project:

• Most designers can help you lower the cost of materials or resolve the situation in an economical way to lower the cost but still get a great result, so whatever is done to the property looks like it belongs to the design instead of being fixed in in an uncomfortable space. This is the secret.
• A designer gives you a professional assessment of your situation.
• Helps you develop a solid plan of action.
• A designer helps you to work with an architect, homebuilder or contractor, knows how to read and make blueprints, and can actually advise you on whether whatever the architect is proposing will work with the furniture arrangement.
• A designer transforms your living space.

3. A designer offers the following that has no price tag, such as:

• Many practical suggestions
• Years of knowledge that lead to informed insightful observations
• The ability to see and envision what you can’t
• Ideas that come forth that wow you
• The expertise of knowing where to go to find things
• The necessary guidance.
• A trained eye that knows when something is not right, even if you don´t
• A discreet listening ear for you to wish-list your desired lifestyle
• If planning on selling or renting your property, a designer helps you create a space that will appeal to a potential buyer and add value to your home.

4. A designer can save you money

• “When a designer saves you money, it’s the kind of number that includes the time, aggravation, and worry. It is hard to put a price tag on not having stress”
• A designer can and will provide you with discounts you would normally not get, depending on your contract; it can be between 10 and 15%.
• “You make sound informed decisions with a designer at the helm. This always saves you money” .

And there it went...

O.K. so we knew we were having a snow day and that the "big storm" was on it's way, until we woke up this morning to extreme disappointment.  Just some freezing rain and a few flakes.  Boo hoo.  Was looking forward to really being snowed in and having some family games, etc.  I guess Buffalo has relinquished the the bad rap of having so much snow! (maybe) I wouldn't want to be in New England right now, though.  My thoughts and prayers to those who are snow bound and without power.  We sure know what that is like. Stay cozy and fed my friends and be thankful for each other.  -R-

Here comes the snow!!!

We are ready! Just got back from doing a little shopping and the local supermarket is pretty much wiped out.  People were out getting gas and some last minute groceries just in case we are cut from power and have to stay in.  I am so glad for my wood burning fireplace and family and games!  Hunker down and keep warm my friends...more to come.  xo

"There's a Zombie on your lawn!"

It's Friend Night!!

Just have to say that it is friend night at my house tonight.  We deserve to sit around in our sweatpants, eat, drink, and enjoy the company of each other!  I am so looking forward to it.  Reserve some time with you friends.  Life is so full of running errands, working, and keeping the home that we really need time to connect with one another.  Enjoy Life!

"Off with HIS head!!!"""

http://www.buffalonews.com/topics/mo-hassan/article142153.ece

I am so angry and disgusted...why are these people allowed any courtesies at all??!! Read the article about this beast.  He chopped his wife's head off.  I can't even comprehend how any human can have a look on his face like this after what he has done.  Sad, sad days.

Bathrooms Pretty In Pink?? I don't think so!!

This is an article from The New York Times Today...http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/30/garden/30pink.html?hpw 
Pink may be the next "design color rage" but do you know how this color affects your mood?  Just think, if you are using this bathroom on a daily basis to get ready for work or even to just start your day, you may not like it after a period of time.  Here is a study that was done on the color pink that I think you may find interesting...

Darren Higgins for The New York Times

Nancy Burns plays up the bathroom in her 1959 split-level house in Fairfax, Va., with poodle decorations and a vintage scale. “Pink makes you happy,” she said.

By KATE MURPHY

Published: December 29, 2010

DRUNK TANK PINK

http://www.colormatters.com/body_pink.html

Don't get me wrong, I like the color pink.  But, when painting the interior of your home, you should be very careful of the colors you surround yourself with!

After Pictures...

Stone wall accents with square stainless steel backsplash tiles

Another backsplash done with 1/4" stone along with tile floors and skylights for natural light

The client requested stainless steel, natural stone, tile floors and the look and feel of a warm working environment. Skylights provide natural lighting and the green color brings in the feel of outdoors.

Horrible Space!!

I want you to see some before pictures of a space that I turned into a brand new kitchen.  I will not post the after pictures until next week.  Yes, this is a tease, yet I would like YOU think of ways that you might design it and see what your creative juices come up with!  Keep in mind that I had to do this within the clients' budget and their tastes in colors, etc.

Make a small bathroom look larger!

Trade a standard door for a sliding pocket door to gain additional floor space once reserved for the door swing. Bifold doors (doors that fold up like a screen) can also save space.

Mirrors stretch space by reproducing it. Mirroring the long wall of a narrow bath, for example, can change the room's proportions and make it seem wider.

Because pale and cool colors reflect light, soft whites, pastels, and neutrals can make a bath feel bigger. Woodwork, trim, and doors will "disappear" if they are painted the same hue as the walls.  Also, Black is the perfect look for a little drama and draws your eye to object!

Mood-Lites!!

Remember my posting about how colors affect your mood?! (look for it!) Well, here are some more facts and even light bulbs to help...you can find them at Bed Bath and Beyond. You spend time, energy, and money creating a colorful and unique environment with your paint, curtains, and furniture. Why not do the same with your lighting?  Introducing Mood-lites.

Mood-lites allow you to create the atmosphere you want by using color, just as you do with everything else you select to make your space beautiful.  Research has shown that colors affect our moods, so they have taken that concept and applied it to lighting.   All of the products are named according to moods.

Interested in feeling Tranquil?  Add some Tranquility lighting.  Need some extra Happiness?  Try the yellow Happiness Mood-lite.  They have taken the guesswork out of the sense of sight, color, and moods by naming the products according to the moods they provoke. Check out their website!!

http://www.moods-inc.com/main.sc

I love these houses...

Cody Foster Christmas Houses.  They are the most adorable representations of cottages in my book!

http://www.codyfosterandco.com/index.html  To view their website click on the link!

A Wonderful Birthday Present! Thank you Darling!

These are two beautiful HAND MADE recipe books that my tender hearted cousin made for my birthday!  One is solely for my Halloween recipes (our favorite Holiday) and the other is for everyday collections.

The inside cover of the Halloween recipe book

The inside of the everyday recipe book

They are hard cover and bound with a coptic stitch as well as parchment signatures on the inside.  I can't wait to start personalizing them and adding recipes.  Please feel free to send me any recipes you would love to share!!  Home made gifts are the best to give especially this time of year.

Here is our snow!

Trees at my driveway heavy with the wet snow

Close up of my miniature crabapple

Lights are still working on the patio!

Now I am in the mood!

I woke up this morning to snow!! The 1st day of December and I am so happy to see snow to get me excited about decorating.  It also helps that "The Grinch" agreed to getting the holiday decorations out from the cupboard under the stairs tonight (just like Harry's).  Big chore ahead. Will try to post some pics of the craziness!