Design Deals

Art to the Rescue!

June 1, 2021 by LuxeSpecs

Here is another example of the power of custom detailing! Unsightly AC access doors were in the hall between the main living area and the master bedroom. They were right beside the powder room. From my art file I selected a couple of photos for inspiration. The end result looks nothing like either! The point isn’t to copy; it’s inspiration! The former owner had found a painting large enough to cover the space – a primary colored horse. But the painting needed space to be viewed properly and it had a heavy frame which cluttered the narrow hall space. Dawn Bowman, one of my all-time favorite artists, had a canvas stretched for a perfect fit and painted this neutral piece that carries the eye down the hall to the grey toned master. Interior design professionals have artisans they have worked with for years to call on who can bring the project together!

How To Add a Contrast Wall

August 19, 2019 by LuxeSpecs

We’ve all been in the white wall phase for a few years now and it’s time to add some contrast! The new photos on my Paint and Wall Finishes board on Pinterest will give you inspiration to add a dark wall -charcoal, navy, purple? You may need a second opinion (like a great interior designer!) as not every area will be enhanced by this addition, but in the right place it adds the wow! Add it to unify space in the hall with the great pop of color at the end. Powder rooms are often conducive to a dark contrast. Bedrooms become cozy incubators. And there is always the man-cave / office with an alternative to dark wood. Take a look at your spaces and go from boring to brilliant!

Your Interior Design Dreams

March 12, 2015 by LuxeSpecs

What would you buy if you won the lottery? Think about it and you will probably discover that you don’t need to win in order to dream and make your plan for an improved look! It does help to be creative and use your time and energy wisely! The same applies for all phases of pleasing interiors. A competent interior designer can save you money by not making mistakes and making it happen!

Another game is “Would I move it?” Between the two questions, you can begin to edit your personal belongings and have a more attractive interior. Remember – useful, beautiful, meaningful or it goes! If you wouldn’t move it why keep it? Think big picture.This is what I would want if cost were no object! Early on in my career it was important for my home to look like it was well put together on a small budget. I did custom built ins, just like they do now on HGTV. They look best, fill the space perfectly and give you the best storage. Paint is the least expensive way to add color but for resale neutral is best with bright accents.

In order to save, you have to look for the parts and put them together yourself. You can find a bigger table top that may have repairable damage, glass that is slightly scratched and separate bases. Painting and repairing is part of extending your budget as much as possible.
Appliances may be from a showroom changing to new offerings. Antique stores offer a variety of options that are affordable.

The difference between your home looking great and like left overs is knowing when to spend money on the items that elevate the entire home to a higher level. Ever add up all of the small purchases and garage sale items and know that for that amount you could have purchased one great item that you would keep and love? Look to award winning designers and their portfolios – a consultation will pay for itself! (And you can still say you did it yourself!)

Visit my Pinterest board – Favorite Rooms to see a few of my favorite dreams!

Every Day Staging

March 10, 2015 by LuxeSpecs

It is a natural to want our surroundings to look as good as possible!

Staging a home is a natural for anyone that is accomplished in design! In fact, it is a good idea to take a look at the residence of your prospective designer as most designers started by experimenting with their own homes! Followed by others saying “Your home looks better than mine, can you help me?”

When my award winning design friends move, they work tirelessly until perfection is achieved!

The beginnings of staging are making the most of what you have to begin with, furniture in the best places, then artwork and accessories follow. The finishing touches include fresh flowers, bowls of fresh fruit, music and coffee or cookie smells. The total home experience! Why live in a home that is less than it could be, only to make the changes when you have to sell it?

I am not a feng shui practitioner but a few have made an impression on me over the years. Get rid of anything that is dead (plants, not Grandma!) and clutter which stops the movement of chi. These are very motivating to help you CLEAN UP. Try a spring cleaning then for the reasonable cost of a design consultation you can get some great new ideas that may spark your new look to greater heights!

Visit my Pinterest board Bedroom Staging for some ideas.