Designs Refined Tips

Adding Drama with Pictures from your Past

Designs Refined Tips — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 01:42:06 GMT

It 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.

Finding New Solutions with Old Things

Designs Refined Tips — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:14:33 GMT

Recently, 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.

The Temporary Accent Wall

Designs Refined Tips — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:08:26 GMT

While 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.

Let the Christmas Decorating Begin

Designs Refined Tips — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 02:31:11 GMT

With Thanksgiving being only a memory for most of us, the holiday decorating now begins in earnest. Like many, I need to have and enjoy my Thanksgiving holiday without Christmas getting a foothold in my mind before its time--not an easy task if you go out into the retail world any time after the Back to School posters come down.

Proportion is Important

Designs Refined Tips — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:35:50 GMT

Finding the right proportions when designing and decorating a room is difficult for many people without some assistance. Whether in a designer showroom or at the local furniture retailer, it is easy to be seduced by large, comfy sofas and chairs. Often, people don’t go beyond these pieces to seek out furniture better proportioned to their room; then they are disappointed with the result once the furniture is delivered. Suddenly, the room is too tight for comfort and the furniture is not returnable; however, sometimes it is, so always check before you finalize your purchase.

Proportion is Important

Designs Refined Tips — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:34:43 GMT

Where You Hang Your Hat or Helmet

Designs Refined Tips — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 01:16:20 GMT

Storage where you enter and exit your home is one of the most important things to consider when thinking about efficiency and saving time. Think about having coats, hats, gloves, scarves and back packs all stowed in one place to pick up as you leave the house and drop off as you enter. Having a bulletin ...

Autumn Foliage and Decor

Designs Refined Tips — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:18:19 GMT

For months now, home decor and craft stores have been filled with items to help decorate for fall, but why not turn to nature for your decor needs. Clear glass jars, vases and apothecary jars make great decor, when filled with a bounty of mixed nuts in their shells and make a interesting focal point. Sprinkle a few fall leaves and scatter some nuts about the base, and you have an edible vignette; add a candle or two, and you have a great centerpiece.

Some Respect for Vinyl

Designs Refined Tips — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 17:18:07 GMT

In the vast supply of building materials, vinyl gets a low score in appeal and often in performance; but ;let's not be so quick to discredit vinyl as an option in some cases. In the 1960's housewives of America were thrilled to finally have a product that did not require a paste wax application for a clean ...

Make the Most of a Small Bathroom

Designs Refined Tips — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:27:22 GMT

When you have a small bathroom you need to make every inch work for you. If you have to share a bathroom with others, the space is even more important is the space. Typically a small bathroom will consist of a commode, a sink and a shower or a tub/shower combination-- just the essentials. Put all these fixtures into a small space, only slightly larger than a closet and you have a real challenge. A bathroom five to six feet by eight feet is a tight squeeze, so make it all work for you.