http://blog.designsrefined.netQuick Blogcasthttp://blog.designsrefined.net/2012/05/14/transform-a-dull-staircase.aspx?ref=rssThe staircase is an often overlooked feature in a home-- unless you happen to have a sweeping open staircase like the one in Gone with the Wind. Most staircases are pretty utilitarian, whether they are open or closed; however, you can wake them up a bit with some clever carpet or color treatments.DecoratingInterior DecorationphotoshardwoodInterior DesignsartworkKidsDesignsDesigns Refined Tips2012-05-14T22:18:40Zhttp://blog.designsrefined.net/2012/04/29/staying-true-to-the-period.aspx?ref=rssHaving attended the Pasadena Showcase House Tour for many decades, I was particularly impressed with how well the designers managed to preserve the integrity of the period while updating this beautiful 1927 Spanish Colonial to a modern family home. Like many people, I try to relate what I see in the design world to my own surroundings or those of clients. This year’s home was a shining example of staying true to the period. DesignRefinedInterior DecorationDecoratingCreateColorDesigns Refined Tips2012-04-29T21:50:17Zhttp://blog.designsrefined.net/2012/04/16/keeping-country-current.aspx?ref=rssWith all of my recent columns leaning toward the more contemporary side of the style wheel, so to speak, I thought I’d focus on country styles this week. Design will always be eclectic, to appeal to the varying tastes of the many. Country style has many facets, i.e. European, Early American/Colonial, Cottage and Rustic-- something for nearly everyone.Interior DesignColorSimpleCreateFurniturepillowsinterior decoratingUpholstryphotosFreshRoom styleDecoratingDesigns Refined Tips2012-04-17T00:44:02Zhttp://blog.designsrefined.net/2012/04/01/mid-century-today.aspx?ref=rssIt would be difficult not to see the changing trends in decorating; and as usual, those changing trends will not appeal to everyone. I wonder how many country dwellers can embrace the swing to the mid-century movement. It is certainly a style change and seems to be on the opposite side of the style chart from country.Interior DesignDecoratingCreateRefineFurnitureSimplemulti-purpose furnishingsTraditionfurniture that fits the spaceUpholstryDecorating with what you haveRoom styleRedecorationDesignsDesigns RefinedDesigns Refined Tips2012-04-01T17:00:57Zhttp://blog.designsrefined.net/2012/03/18/prepping-for-sale-of-your-home.aspx?ref=rssWith spring in the air, your thoughts may be turning to refreshing your living space whether you intend to sell your home or just finish some of those “to do” list projects that have been waiting in the background far too long.FurnitureFlowersgood use of spaceOutdoorsinterior decoratingfurniture that fits the spacegreat storageKidsDesigns Refined Tips2012-03-18T16:55:45Zhttp://blog.designsrefined.net/2012/02/28/the-secret-to-successful-shopping.aspx?ref=rss <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Much of my business is sourcing applicable furnishing for clients and helping them expand their idea of what will work and what can work with a little more thought.</span> &nbsp; It is not unusual for people to see a dresser as a dresser and a desk as a desk, but often theses versatile pieces can work in many areas of ...</p> Interior DesignDecoratingInterior DecorationFurnituregood use of spaceDesignsmulti-purpose furnishingsunused spacefurniture that fits the spacegreat storageDecorating with what you havestorageSmall spacesDesigns RefinedDesigns Refined Tips2012-02-29T00:14:43Zhttp://blog.designsrefined.net/2012/02/13/open-vs-closed-storage.aspx?ref=rss <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As George Carlin once said, we all need a place for our stuff.</span> &nbsp; I could not agree more with that statement, but it is how we store that stuff that makes a difference in everyday life.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">For some it is important to have everything out in the open and within easy reach, while others prefer ...</span></p> multi-purpose furnishingsDecoratingDesignsFurnituregood use of spaceinterior decoratingfurniture that fits the spacegreat storageDesigns RefinedDesigns Refined Tips2012-02-14T01:00:35Zhttp://blog.designsrefined.net/2012/01/28/adding-drama-with-pictures-from-your-past.aspx?ref=rssIt is no surprise to family, friends and current clients of mine to learn I’ve added another piece of drama to my home, through paint. I have always had a family picture wall, and everyone enjoys guessing the ages of the subjects and recognizing similarities between family members; sometimes it takes a generation or more to notice similarities; other times they appear in the next generation.CreateColorInterior DecorationphotosDesignDecorating with what you haveRefinedartworkDesigns RefinedDecoratingDesigns Refined Tips2012-01-29T01:42:06Zhttp://blog.designsrefined.net/2012/01/10/finding-new-solutions-with-old-things.aspx?ref=rssRecently, I acquired a china cabinet. I had seen this cabinet a decade earlier, but paid no attention to it, as it didn’t make an impression on me. Now it is offered to me since the owner did not wish to transport it and no longer had use for it. The task of getting it from the owner’s residence to mine was complicated; such pieces as this china cabinet are rarely light in weight nor compact enough for most vehicles. The giver was as relieved to be rid of the piece as I was disappointed to see it again.DecoratingRoom styleInterior DecorationFurnitureTraditioninterior decoratingfurniture that fits the spaceDecorating with what you haveDesignRedecorationDesigns RefinedDesigns Refined Tips2012-01-14T00:14:33Zhttp://blog.designsrefined.net/2011/12/13/the-temporary-accent-wall.aspx?ref=rssWhile accent walls are tempting in theory, often they are too risky a décor feature for many people. During the holidays, most homeowners will break out of their usual comfort zone and go “all out,” decorating with abandon. Why not try a temporary accent wall, just for the holidays? You could use paint, of course, but that is fairly permanent in most people’s eyes, not this intrepid decorator; you might have figured out by now.DesigndecoratingInteriorCreateHoliday DecoratingColorChristmasDesigns Refined Tips2011-12-13T18:08:26Z