Home-Decorating-by-Design

More design toys to play with

2004-09-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

I found another really neat tool that will make your life easier when matching colors. It's provided by Behr Paint at their website:

http://www.behr.com/behrx/workbook/

Behr features an interactive paint matching system. It allows you to select different types of rooms and applies the colors you select directly to the picture. You can start with one color, and the system will suggest trim, ceiling and accent colors. Even better, you can tweak the lightness and intensity of the color.

It's really simple to use, but if you're on dialup internet connection, it does take a while to load. Once you're in and with a practice run or two, you can try different "what if" scenarios. The picture below took about 45 seconds to create:

This is fun and can save you time, but here are a couple of things for you to consider:

-It's easy to lose sight of the forest for all the trees. When you're testing different color combinations, remember to keep your overall design goals in your mind. If you don't know what you're trying to accomplish, you can spend a lot of time and still come up short! I think the best use for this kind of gadget is to try different colors quickly to decide what's best for your personal taste and style.

-When you look at the "Inspiration" section, remember that the architectural style of the room will affect the overall look. What I mean is if you see something you like in a picture of a room with vaulted ceilings and you live in a ranch home with 8 foot ceilings, you will probably not get the same effect as the picture. This applies to any decorating magazine, too-- theory and application often end up in different places.

-It's so easy to become enamored with a certain color that it becomes difficult to move it throughout your home. If you're not careful, you'll end up with a home that has a chopped-up, "themey" feel, instead of one where your colors flow together. I'm not saying all your colors have to match exactly, but having a harmonious consistent look makes everything work together instead of competing.

Would you like more information on mixing and matching colors? Please download my free ebook chapter on Color Flow-- making colors work together from room to room. If you're life is hectic and stress-filled, I promise this chapter will bring you some peace of mind! Click on the link below to download your ebook chapter.

http://www.decoratebydesign.com/freeform.htm

You'll also recieve, if you wish 21, days of decorating tips via email. Just make sure to confirm your subscription on the followup email!

Armed with this tool and with my knowledge, you're on your way to creating interesting and exciting color combinations-- whether you're doing your whole house OR a room at a time!

Happy Decorating!

Mary Cynthia

A fun design website!

2004-08-31T20:01:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled on a website filled with neat little toys you can use to help with your design projects, especially if you're the type of person who needs to see it first (and who doesn't?).

Here's the link: go to the paint resources section, fourth link down...

interior paint design Resources
>: "Welcome to SeeMyDesign. Your source for interior design with the best SeeMyDesign features free, interactive tools for interior design visualization and related theory and resources. Use SeeMyDesign Room Preview, Layout, and Planner to start your next ... "

Seemydesign.com will allow you to play with color combinations, floor planning and resources to find what you need. The color layout tool was pretty basic with limited options of design elements, but it was a snap to use. I created this picture in about 30 seconds:

Not sure you like that coffee table with that color scheme? No problem! It's easy to go back in and change the different design elements.

The floor planning tool was useful, and loaded quickly; I changed the size of a table, for example and it showed up right away. This little tool is worth a trip to the site alone. I always use graph paper and furniture templates, so this was a nice "hi tech" change of pace for me!

Furniture placement can be difficult for some, but just remember: pick your focal point (center of attention) before you start moving furniture around. If you have two focal points (like a TV and a fireplace), try to get them next to each other-- you'll get double the design effect that way.

Mary Cynthia

Window treatments

2004-08-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun article on window treatments. They author says they can "make or break" a room but why? Eye level! The eye is drawn not only to the source of light in a room, but also what's directly in front of it. So, window treatments can make a big difference in the first impression a room gets.

I generally use a big pattern or strong colors on a window treatment-- at least bigger than what's on a chair or pillow for example. You can get a lot more bang for your buck at eye level than anywhere else.

As for types of window treatments, valances are real trendy right now. A valance is similar to a cornice in that it covers the top of a window. I use it a lot to cover the tops of shutters, blinds, verticals, or venetian blinds-it hides the headrail well.

Valances are usually soft treatments, sometimes shaped. It's a more casual look. A lot of them I see in magazines or showcase houses are not very well done.

When I say that I mean that they tend to look too top-heavy or too skimpy. It's important to get the scale right. The rule of thumb is about 2 inches of valance height for every foot of wall height. So, for 8-foot ceilings, make your valances 14-16 inches tall. For 9-foot, 16-18" and so on.

I've seen too many valances that sit on a window that look like a 10 gallon hat on a midget-- way too heavy and tall! Now you don't have to worry about that.

Mary Cynthia

Go to 2nd article down under interior design news:

Interior Design Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting : "Windows deserve special attention (Oakland Tribune) I STARTED in this business 20 years ago designing and manufacturing window treatments. Even though I have worked in this industry far longer than that, my favorite part of interior design continues to be window treatments. They are so important, they really do make or break a room's potential."

My fickle friend...

2004-08-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

The summer wind... ah yes....

Here's an interesting article if you're looking to hold on to that sunny feeling a little later in the year. Scroll down to "Recent news", third article down:

design interior room small Resources
"10 ideas to make summer decorating last (Groton Landmark)
Long after the season has ended and vacations are over, wouldn't it be nice to have a place where you could go to recapture the languorous mood of warm weather retreats? Take the time now, with your own home, to create a summer place that will give you pleasure every day of the year.":

A couple of observations

Color-- it's hard to say what a "lively" pallette is. If you're already getting a lot of sun when you use the room, you may want to stay away from reds and yellows; stick with blues and greens. If you're a "blue" person, you may have had trouble finding much variety the last few years. Blue is coming back in a big way.

Floral patterns-- If you like florals and you're in a position to re-do an entire room, try a one pattern room: window and bed treatments, pillows, upholstered headboard, even co-ordinating wallpaper. It's one of the most effective types of design, especially for small guest bedroom; you're not contrasting or cutting up the room, so you'll actually make it look bigger. Be careful about the size of the flowers, though. With small, "Laura Ashley"-type patterns, it can be hard to get a good design effect without using it everywhere, which can get expensive. Big patterns will give you more mileage.

Iron furniture-- always a great idea in my book. The good news is there's all kinds of choice on the market today. Koch Furniture makes a great line of value-priced iron pieces, from dining tables to baker's racks, with great attention to detail for a reasonable price.

Happy Decorating,

Mary Cynthia

Home Accents on a Shoe "String"

2004-08-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

This article is actually a pretty good idea if you're accessorizing a table top. You can also apply the general principles to a bookcase. I like it because it will shift you into a new perspective. I find many people can be a little rigid about accessorizing; for example many people buy the same size accessory. To create interest and excitement, mix it up and buy small, medium and large.

To create interest on your walls, go for the "wave"-- vary the heighth of your pictures, lamps and furniture rather than making sure everything is even.

Anyway, here is the article, fifth one down under interior design news.

Interior Design Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting
"Just a long piece of string leads to design success (The Arizona Republic)Sometimes it just takes an unusual visual prompt to help us understand the art of accessorizing. Is a piece of string memorable enough..."

Interior design course online

2004-08-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

If you want to learn more about the interior design profession, I can teach you the simple tricks and tips of our interior design firm.

If you're in the business, I can show you simple ways to explain your ideas to your clients and show you lots of time "shortcuts" to get the design effect you're looking for.

If you just want to create a home that expresses who you are, I'll teach you the decorating principles my design firm has used for over fifty years in over 5,000 homes.

To create the best possible online course, please take three minutes to fill out my online survey. Just click on the link below:

Take the survey.

If you have any comments, please leave them in "comments"section below.

Distinctive Decor: Interior designer strives to create a home that can be lived in

2004-08-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

Let's talk some more about the decorating article. Click on the link below-- a new window will open, then click on the top picture.

Distinctive Decor: Interior designer strives to create a home that can be lived in
"Distinctive Decor: Interior designer strives to create a home that can be lived in"

Here's a quote from the article:

"Truthfully, one of the requirements was that the palette and design be calm," says the owner. "We have enough chaos with four boys."

Let's talk about the color scheme. Do you like it? Is it calm? I think so, but can you spot how they could have improved the room?

Look at the rug. The colors in the rug have no relationship to anything else in the room. They might have "cherry-picked" a color out of the design, but it would have been soooo much better to use the background color of the rug. This is a red-based beige, where the wall colors are a yellow-based beige. They clash! Rather than producing a calming effect, to me it actually produces a jarring effect.

So, if you're decorating with an Oriental rug in the room, start with the colors in the rug. You'll end up with a much more coherent design effect and harmonious look.

Talk to you soon,

Mary Cynthia
www.decoratebydesign.com

Balance can be tough-- even for the initiated

2004-08-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

Many of my design class students come to my class because they've tried to copy something out of a decorating article and failed to recreate the look.

Over the next couple of days, I'd like to take an article and give you a couple of examples of why that might happen.

Click on the link below to go to the article-- first one under Interior design news.

Interior Design Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting
"Distinctive Decor: Interior designer strives to create a home that can be lived in (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Balance is a beautiful thing. Seeing it in nature is proof of a higher power, but finding it in the home is evidence of great interior design. The comfortable coupling of gloss and matte, old and new, stylish and staid can be an Olympian feat for the uninitiated."

When you get to the article, click on the first picture and let's look at it. What do you think of the design?

First of all let me say I am not judging the taste of the designer or her clients. I'm trying to point out a couple of things that may be an obstacle for you if you like this style. If you don't, that's OK, because you can take these comments and still apply them when you find something you do like.

Now, the individual design elements in this room are exquisite: the furniture, the window treatments, the chandelier, the rug. The room is a showcase to display them.

So, if you're decorating on a budget, this look may be hard to duplicate unless you already own exquisite things.

This happens a lot in decorating magazines. The majority of magazines on the market will not even show you fabrics under $90 a yard. If you see a decorating-windows-with-sheets how-to articles, the photo will probably show the window next to a $600 lamp or a $1500 headboard. Again, unless you own a $600 lamp, your sheets probably will not look as good as the photo you're trying to copy.

I'll let you in on a little secret: decorating with a large budget is a piece of cake! If you're not in that position, join the rest of us. If you like this look, there's no reason you have to have two of everything exactly the same (the sofas, the wing chairs, the lamps on the mantel). Mix it up and make it interesting!

Next time, I'll talk about color and how you can use it to your advantage.

Mary Cynthia

Window treatments for your style

2004-08-07T08:13:00.000-07:00

When I'm trying to get some decorating impact for my clients, I almost always start at eye-level. Why? Because it's the first thing you see when you walk into a room.

One of the main things at eye level are window treatments. They can make a great first impression-- and they don't have to grab the throat or be over the top to do it, either.

Click below to see the answer to this question:

Home Decorating Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting
"Q: What kind of window treatments give a cozy feel? Should they go to the floor, even though my sofa's in front of them? "

Hello Mudda, Hello Fadda....

2004-08-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

I am here in,
Camp Grenada,
camp is very,
decorating,
counselor says our color scheme
she is just hating....

As I scan the news headlines, I am continually amazed how teens are becoming more and more aware of home decorating and design.

I grew up in a design family; instead of a lemonade stand, I set up an imaginary furniture store and would invite my family to come shop. I guess you can say I have it in my blood. But none of my friends really cared about home furnishings like I did.

I guess I was born um, "twenty nine" years too late ;-)!

Click below to read the article, 4th headline down the page:

Interior Design Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting
"From hanging art to placing a sofa, teens learn to design (North Raleigh News)
RALEIGH -- Instead of the traditional fishing and canoeing at summer camp, 11 teenage girls sketched rooms on graph paper, lugged rugs and slid sofas during Tuesday's session of Moon Interiors Decorating Camp"

Tips on carpet and flooring

2004-08-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

How can they make such a simple thing like carpet so complicated??

I have been selling carpet for over 20 years, and every other year they introduce...

The next big thing!!!

Remember Scotchgard? That was hot once upon a time, now you can't even buy it. Bad for the lungs or something...

I like to keep it real simple with carpet. Here's a question I get all the time.

Home Decorating Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting
"Q: I've got kids. What kind of carpet really takes a beating? The most practical thing you can do is spend your money on the traffic lanes: hallways, stairs, front- and back-doors. "

LOL! What a question!!

2004-08-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

Having seen the Stepford wives, (which was an amusing takeoff of the original), I found it interesting to get a peek behind the scenes about where they shot the movie.

The articles mentions Nina Campbell, who makes a GREAT line of upper end fabrics and wallcoverings.

Be careful what you ask for: after a "Stepfordized" house, is a "Stepfordized spouse far behind???

Here's the link:

contemporary design home interior Resources
"Bringing the Stepford look into your home (The Morning Call)
What does it mean to Stepfordize a home?"

Mixing decorating styles

2004-08-03T16:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a good article on mixing home decorating styles: Contemporary, Traditional, etc.

I thought it really explained the thought process behind mixing styles and working with furnishings already present in the home.

I think they just missed, though. If you click on the photos, you can see they're working with Oriental rugs in both rooms. When I work with Orientals, I start with the colors in the rug, because the rugs tend to dominate a room with their strong patterns and colors. The wall colors are not even in the ballpark-- I would have gone with a red-based beige rather than yellow.

One caution when you do eclectic: try to weave some of each style in every room. Otherwise you end up with themey type rooms or, as I like to call it, the "White House Syndrome" (the Lincoln Room, the Washington Room, and so on).

Here's the link, halfway down the page, under Interior design news, first article:

contemporary design home interior Resources
"Greenwich Time - Traditional, transitional, contemporary can you mix them? (Greenwich Time)
Traditional, transitional, contemporary can you mix them? We were recently asked to provide the finishing touches for a large home in Armonk, N.Y. The homeowners, a young couple with two children, had worked with two design firms over the past several years."

Have a Home Decorating Dilemma? Click on this Audio!

2004-08-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

If you need new home decorating ideas, or are having a decorating dilemma, maybe we can help!

My name is True Knowles. My wife, Mary Cynthia and I own an interior design firm in Danville, Kentucy. Mary Cynthia has been teaching home decorating for over 20 years.

Our decorating website is http://www.decoratebydesign.com . What's different about our site is that rather than an endless stream of decorating tips and interior design tips, we have developed simple, basic decorating ideas that work-- no matter your taste, style or budget!

We are testing the Blog as a tool to help people solve their interior design and home decorating dilemmas. Here's how it works:

1) Post your question on our blog

2) We will check the posts daily and respond via audio blog listing. If you want to be notified, leave your email. Otherwise check back in a couple of days to see if we posted. If we didn't email us at marycynthia@decoratebydesign.com

3) If you need new home decorating ideas and you're ready to post, click on the link below and listen to our message (you'll see how easy it is to listen to our response), then post your question by clicking on the comment link directly below!

All the best,

True Knowles
http://www.decoratebydesign.com

design resources: Pocket guide

2004-07-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a neat idea: a small guide you can take with you when you go shopping. Clink on the link and go to interior design resources halfway down the page.

"Design inspiration (The Journal News)

Pamela Banker and Leslie Banker have come to Cross River to promote their new book. By the time the authors of 'The Pocket Decorator' have taken a spin through The Yellow Monkey, they'll have shared a few design tips."

Sounds like a good idea, although the article doesn't say if it's on bookshelves yet or where you can get it (the article could use a re-write!).

There's something else going on here though: the idea that things or products can solve your decorating problems. Things can't make you happy. I've always approached interior design from the relationship aspect; the relationship of the client to their own wants and needs ("oh, that's beautiful but I could never afford it!") and the relationship between the individual design elements themselves.

I've noticed that when I look at magazines or tv shows where everything in the picture is the best, the most expensive, the most well-done, unless the creator is vee-rrry skilled, all the expensive stuff starts to compete with each other. It's like a pretty girl who wears too much makeup-- it can be a little over the top!

Same thing with decorating showcase houses. For most designers, a showcase house is their main advertising expense for the year, so they really want to flex their muscle. I don't know about you, but a 4 foot high dining room table centerpiece with ostrich feathers might look great, but it's not very practical when you're trying to talk to your family at the dinner tale.

After 24 years in the interior design business, I'm real practical: Home decorating's always about give and take, making your good stuff stand out, and hiding the stuff that's, um, not so good but you gotta keep!

Mary Cynthia

interior design battle pits teens vs. parent!

2004-07-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

The age old battle between parents and teenagers has erupted on a new front: home decorating.

If you have a teen with a decorating "wish list", you're not alone. Teens have always been sensitive to fads and trends in clothing and music. Now, with all the decorating shows and Lizzie Maguire, it's not surprising they want more color in their rooms.

On the other hand, parents, according to the linked article below, are more reluctant to do theme rooms the young folk will grow out of in a couple of years.

What to do? Here are a couple of suggestions.

If your house is done in pastels and your daughter wants electric purple paint in her bedroom, go for it-- if you can't see the bedroom from the rest of the house, it won't break the color flow (just post the area off-limits to visitors!;-)

You can get a lot of mileage out of bright colors and big patterns. A coat of paint and some pillows made from remnants or seconds might be a great compromise design scheme! Stencils are a great way to add pattern and contrast, too.

If you have a spouse that's handy in the toolshed, a headboard can fill a wall with a little labor of love. Here's a headboard my husband True made for his son:

Here' the article link. Go down to Interior Design News, first link down:

interior design online course Resources

"Youth furniture sales growing (The Spokesman-Review)
'My room is so boring. It has no color. I need a new room before I go mad.' Or: 'Help this room go from ‘penitentiary/insane asylum white' to ‘hip, bright, party atmosphere.' PLEASE HELP .'"

Sneak Preview my new website!

2004-07-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'd like you to take a look at the new look of my website, decoratebydesign.com

If you're tired of random home decorating tips and are looking for something you can actually use, my site fills the bill-- no matter your taste, style or budget!

I've used these interior design and home decor principles for over 1,000 clients. Now you can use them to create the home of your dreams.

Please take the feedback survey on the last page.

More to follow soon. Click on the link below to sneak a peak:

Home Decorating Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting

"Color for a lot of people is the most fun area of interior design. Mixing and matching colors can be like play time!

At least on paper. It can also be frustrating. Like when you're trying to match a fabric with your paint color. Or carpet to your fabric. Or a RED to a RED-- ANYTHING!! "

Interior Design Ideas and News: Licensing Designers

2004-07-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

Please allow me to get on my soapbox for a minute...

There is a clothing store in Chicago whose slogan is, "An educated consumer is our best customer." After running a retail store for 8 years, what that means to me is it's easier to service someone who is confident, knows what they want, and understands the value of what they're considering for purchase.

Let me give you an analogy and ask two questions:

1) What is the price of your favorite breakfast cereal?
2) What is the price of a good type of carpet?

You probably know the answer about question #1 to the penny , and might be just in the ballpark on #2. Why? Because you buy cereal every month, but not carpet! It's that simple.

Many people are embarrassed by their lack of knowledge of home decorating. I've never understood that. I'm not embarrassed because I don't know how to change the oil in my car-- I take it to a reputable service shop. Am I going to pay more than if I did it myself? Of course. But I'm not going to be standing in my driveway standing in a puddle of oil, not knowing where to attach all these funny looking extra parts I ended up with...

You get the idea.

If you don't like that new cereal you bought, you'll probably throw it out and buy the old standby next week. If you don't like the guy who changed your oil, you'll probably try someone else in 3 months or 3,000 miles.

Unfortunately, you're going to have to live with that paint job that just missed or berber carpet that holds smells and stains-- probably longer than you would like! Your home is a big investment, so getting a little help is not such an extravagant waste of money.

That's why I was glad to see the following headline:

Interior Design Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting
" Interior Design World News
Interior Design Title Act Passes in New York (Interior Design)

'Interior Designers' will have to be licensed in the future.
Interior Designers are more like lawyers and doctors than one might think. In the waning hours of the New York Legislature's spring session bill A8587-A came to a vote."

I live in Kentucky and our state is just now putting together standard for interior design and home decorating. Some people in the business might feel threatened by this, but I welcome it: it protects you, the client, and separates the hobbyists from the professionals.

I will now step down from my soapbox ;-)....

Happy Decorating!

Mary Cynthia

http://www.decoratebydesign.com

Decorating with flooring and carpet- insider tips

2004-07-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

Today I'm talking about the benefits of knowledge.

I have been struggling a long time with companies that offer "free decorating services". It's hard to establish the value of someone charging for their time if people are used to seeing the word free.

On the other hand, people attend my decorating classes and are willing to pay $100 and drive 90 miles round trip-- 4 times in a month. Many go on to become clients.

I guess that's because we get to spend enough time together to establish a relationship of respect and trust. They feel safe and trust that I am not going to tell them to throw everything out and start over (because I respect their likes and needs) and they respect the value of the knowledge I am sharing with them.

Here's an example of just one home decorating "buying secret!"

Home Decorating Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting

"Here's a 'Tip from the Top':

Like I said, in carpet you get what you pay for. Here is another gimmick. What carpet mills do is that they take the carpet fibers and apply heat just like we do to our hair. What happens to your hair under a blow dryer? It fluffs or frizzes out, right? Same here! When they apply heat it makes it appear really full on the top. What you want to do with carpet is bend it back and look to see how tightly woven those threads are. The closer the fiber is, the less it mashes down and the better it looks!

Q: When is it okay to change from one floor covering type to another? "

Happy decorating!

Mary Cynthia

http://interior-design-sourcebook.com

interior design colors Resources

2004-07-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

In previous posts, I've talked about creating 'mood' with color, and how subjective mood can be. I've also commented on the "information overload" in the home decor business; there's so much out there, where do you start?

Let me give you another example. Click on the link below and go to
Additional Interior Design Colors Resources , second link down:

interior design colors Resources
"Interior design ideas:
An easy way for beginners to coordinate design
...beginners to coordinate design colors and implement interior.....fear of choosing the wrong design colors or selecting wallpaper and.....Like Pros.. Do you know why many interior design ..."

Take a minute to read the page. Here we go again! I'm sure the folks that created this site have been in the home decorating business for some time, and they're on the right track. But when they talk about 'lively' or 'laid back', again we're talking about terms that are very subjective; they mean different things to different people.

Plus, it completely ignores the properties of the color! If you want a 'lively' room, use a warm color, and you get a lot of direct sunlight when you use the room the most, be prepared to:

a) sweat a lot, or
b) spend a lot of money to control that sunlight!

Same thing with furniture placement and sunlight. I can't tell you how many of my home decrating students put in the cable plug before they placed their furniture, and have to end up watching sunglasses while watching TV. Not fun.

I have a "domino theory" about home decorating. All your choices affect one another, one after the other. It's about give and take and balancing all the home decor elements you're working with. It really does pay to know some simple rules THEN use the right tool to get your interior design effect.

Oh Martha!

2004-07-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

We're busting a few home decorating myths today.

I'm a real practical person. I judge things by results:
sometimes good, sometimes bad, but always fair!
After more than 20 years in the business, almost everyone
I talk to as a client or even at a party have had at
least one "decorating disaster"-you know, things didn't
turn out the way you wanted, for any reason. And, a lot
of folks are embarrassed by this, especially women for
some reason.

I think it's because women are brought up expected to be
able to do certain things naturally; one of them is
having a "knack for decorating". But why? Why should it
be that just because we have two X chromosomes that
we're supposed to be able to "nest", to be able to match
colors, to get the furniture in the right place, to pick
the right wallpaper out of a thousand books? Who says?

Maybe that's why Martha Stewart has become such a diva
herself. Don't get me wrong; Martha educated herself and
is competent in many areas of home décor. But she also
surrounded herself with very, very talented marketing
people. They helped her craft an image, a persona that
some women secretly believe they SHOULD be.

I couldn't disagree more! My whole philosophy about
decorating is INSIDE- OUT! Who are YOU?? What kind of
home do YOU want to create?? Then, I give you the tools
to create it and the language to speak it forth!

Click on the link below (or copy and paste it in your
browser, and I'll share with you a story about my first
client. That should bust another myth-about designers
(at least this designer ;-). Be sure to turn up your
speakers!

Click here to here to go to the audio

Consider the following quote: "I picked up a fork and
explained that as long as I used it for eating, the fork
would last indefinitely. However, if I began to use it
to drive nails or dig trenches, it would soon break.
The key was to use it for what it was designed to do."

The myth is: "I'm a women and I should know how to
decorate." We don't come into the world with knowledge,
we learn as we go! So if you've had a disaster or
dilemma in your day, you're in good company. I'll help
you turn your decorating disasters into designer dreams.

How do you feel about this subject? Do you have
expectations about yourself? What are they? Are you
subject to the "Super Woman" syndrome? Have you had a
"decorating disaster"? How did you feel about it?
About yourself? Drop me a line by clicking on comments.

I'd really like to know!

All the best,

Mary Cynthia Knowles
www.decoratebydesign.com

3d design home interior Resources

"E-mail this story to a friend (U.TV)

The multimillionaire is famous in America for her cookery and interior design books, magazines and television shows. She expected to contest the sentence which includes 5 months on house arrest as well as a 30 thousand dollar fine."

Practical application of color theory

2004-07-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

I've had too many clients come to me after they've shot their decorating budget, asking me to fix something that didn't turn out quite right. It's really too bad, but it's natural, because most people redecorate every 10 years or so (depending on what part of the country you live in and how often you move). So, it's really not surprising that some folks have a hard time with it-- they don't do it that often!

Take a look at the post below this one for more thoughts. I mean, if you've had a "decorating disaster", join the human race! If you're going to do it yourself, though, take the time to educate yourself so you don't waste time and money. Home decor product in and of themselves don't solve your decorating problems-- knowing how to use them does!

Here's something I wrote on applying all this business of interior design rules and decorating theory.

A lot of people don't have a lot of patience to read about theory and rules. They just want to get their room done and have fun doing it!

That's why most of my home decorating rules of thumb are really, really simple-- one sentence tops. Here's an example I use over and over: the more you contrast colors, the smaller you make the room look. Click on the link below and read more:

Home Decorating Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting

"Q: How do I get a cozy look in my great room? It's so big!

Normally in a room with 8, 9, or 10 foot ceilings, I'll paint the ceiling the same color as the walls, generally in a cool or receding colors. This makes the walls and ceiling go up and out."

What does "cozy" look like?

2004-07-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

I was just talking about communicating to clients. It also pays (I mean "saves", as in saving money by getting your decorating right the first time) to be very specific when you're decorating your own home. The best way to decorate a home that feels a certain way (inviting, warm, fun, casual, elegant) is to know what home decorating elements-- like the right paint colors-- will help you achieve that feeling. I talk more about this on my website. Click on the link below to learn more:

Home Decorating Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting
"Q: What color can I use to make my rooms feel cozier?

What does 'cozy' mean to you? Once you know that, pick the color that physically reacts to give that effect.

Our interior design firm deals with over one hundred clients in an average year. I have to be very exact and precise so I don't waste their money. I work with the physical properties of interior design and decorating elements like interior paint colors or even vinyl siding colors-- and try to match the property with the feeling!"

top 10 interior design school Resources

2004-07-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

Someone emailed me last week about going to interior design school. She wrote about how excited she was, and was looking forward to having a career where she could express herself artistically. She wondered if I could give her any advice.

Gee, where do I start? My first impulse was to write....

"RUUUUUUN!!!! Run away! Run away!

Just kidding-- halfway. What I mean is a career in interior design and home decorating is so much more than just putting together pretty colors or doing handsome renderings. It's also about communicating those ideas to the client.

My father, Joe Martin, has been a practising ASID for over 50 years, and he's still going strong. He has mentored 27 apprentices through passing the ASID test, which has got to be some kind of record.

His favorite saying is " a good interior designer is part plumber and part psychologist." To me, that means getting inside his client's head and figuring out exactly what they want. Many times, the client is unable to articulate the home decor look he/she is after. There are many subjective terms in interior design, and it's easy to take them at face value (see the post above this one).

Anyway, I was browsing through sites about interior design schools and found an article I thought was pretty good about describing what it takes to be successful: creativity, communication and organization.

That's a really honest perspective about what type of person it takes to really succeed-- you have to have use both your left brain and your right brain! ;-)

Here's the page link-- scroll down to Top 10 Interior Design School Resources, then click on the third link down:

top 10 interior design school Resources
Interior-Design-Colleges.com
Interior Design Schools
...interior design school ... online interior design schools

decorating design home idea interior Resources- What's hot

2004-07-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

Here's an article about about new products at the Atlanta Market.

I wasn't really impressed by the product pictures, but having some metalwork in a room filled with wood pieces gives a room interesting texture and "weight" (light vs. heavy looking pieces) and makes the room more balanced. Click below to go to the a summary of the article-- it's the third article down under the "Interior Design World News" banner:

decorating design home idea interior Resources
"Top five newest, hottest products that could become all the rage — or not (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

For the past nine days store buyers have sifted through thousands of products at AmericasMart.":

Home Decorating Ideas- Choosing the perfect accent color

2004-07-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

In home decorating, trial and error can get expensive! Click on the link below to read a decorating tip about knowing what color to pick before you buy.

Home Decorating Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting
"Q: What color do I reupholster my seat cushions in to make my dining room table 'pop'?

Colors have specific properties that effect a room. Just like clothing fashion, home decor uses color to create interest and excitement. ":

Home Decorating Ideas- working with black appliances.

2004-07-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a common question I get. Click on the link to see the rest of the tip:

Home Decorating Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting: "Q: What color do I paint my kitchen to work with my black appliances and wallpaper in the dining room that opens to it?
The good news is black is a neutral color: that is, it works with every other color. As for the wallpaper, work with the background color, not the color in the tiny flowers (or whatever motif you have)! Newer homes especially are designed to have multiple uses for a single space. "

interior design photo Resources

2004-07-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

Check out this site! Even being in the home decorating business, I was stunned at the number of pictures on this site.

It is pay-to-subscribe, but they have lots of free samples on the home tour. It's worth a look.

The downside of a site like this is that you can get lost in the forest for looking at the trees; I mean it's a great place to go for ideas, but it's easy to forget what look you're really going for. If you're not careful, you'll get a jumbled-up random interior design effect instead of something that works together. (see the post above for more!).

Here's another hint: most of these sites and decorating magazines don't show cheap materials! For example most of the fabric I see is over $100 per yard retail. Yikes!

Anyway, here's the link...

interior design photo Resources: "getdecorating.com: Home Decorating Photos, Interior Design Photos,
GetDecorating.com, is the largest collection of interior design and decorating ideas on the Web. Whether the user is thinking about decorating a new..."

Cheers,

Mary Cynthia

Home Decorating Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting

2004-07-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

Home Decorating Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting: "Q: How do I match the colors in the rooms I've already done and still have variety?
Picking a 'travel' color-- a color you'll use in every room in your house. Blues, greens and browns (including beige) work best, because you can't clash them.
Once you have a travel color, all your decisions will be easier, including picking different sized and shaped patterns. You'll focus on avoiding duplication, adding variety, and creating interest."

Interior Design Resources

2004-07-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting article I found on revamping a home-- from the ground up!

Well, what if you have to live with your home's structure and just want to freshen things up. I don't think this article's what your looking for. Some great pictures though-- exposed beams, light color pallette, simple lines. Click on the link to see the article.

3d design home interior Resources: "Interior Design - Slimmed Down for Summer * (Interior Design)
'My first everything-down- to-the-towels project,' is how architect Walter Chatham describes the weekend house he revamped for a retired executive and his wife in Southampton, New York. The single-level structure—please don't call it a ranch—was built in the 1960's for the Nederlander family, of Broadway theater fame, and set among the shingled manses of the village's tony estate district."

Home Decorating Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting

2004-07-12T15:18:00.000-07:00

Home Decorating Ideas from Lifestyles Consulting: "Based on talking to the students from my live classes, 'Decorate by Design with Mary Cynthia'any can benefit who:
Wants more confidence in their decorating.
Has to use what they already own with greater effect.
Wants a beautiful home.
Wants to express themselves in their home.
Needs a helping hand getting started.
My e-book and videos were designed to work for you, no matter your taste, style or budget. I guarantee the principles of classic design have been tested in thousands of homes over many years."

Home Decorating and Color Properties

2004-07-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

2004-07-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

You know, there are so many books, TV shows and magazines out there on home decorating these days, it boggles the mind. If you had a dollar for every source out there, you could pay off your mortgage (OK, at least a couple of payments, anyway!)

The decorating tips and interior design ideas I'm posting here aren't just theory; they've been tested and proven on over 5,000 homes! It's practical knowledge you can't get in a four-year degreed program.

What I want you to come away with is to:

* Make your rooms look bigger,
* Make what is pretty show,
* Make what is plain hidden,
* Put your best foot forward.

So, I am giving you stuff that I haven't even read in a book; however, I do know that it exists in designer rules. It is a combination of many, many things, and many, many years of experience.

Q: What color do I paint my kitchen to work with my black appliances and wallpaper in the dining room that opens to it?

The good news is black is a neutral color: that is, it works with every other color. As for the wallpaper, work with the background color, not the color in the tiny flowers (or whatever motif you have)!

Newer homes especially are designed to have multiple uses for a single space. A lot of people today want a relaxed, open feel to their homes. For example, fewer and fewer homes are being built with formal dining rooms. But these open areas present special problems when redecorating.

What's the solution? "Decorate by Design with Mary Cynthia"!

Happy Decorating!

Mary Cynthia Knowles
http://www.decoratebydesign.com