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Decorating with Purple: A vibrant, yet tranquil color
Purple is a wonderful color. It combines the passion of red with the tranquility of blue, and the result is beautifully multi-layered and unique. Color psychologists have determined that purple is the color of imagination and spirituality. Purple promotes harmony of the mind and spirit, and helps to balance thought and emotion. If purple is your favorite color, you are probably sensitive and compassionate, the person people come to when [...]
Designer Updates Her Own Décor
So, what does a designer do when she is tired of her own home décor? You might think that I change my décor all the time, but between a busy work schedule and saving money for my kids’ college tuition, time and budget are definitely an issue. (Just like my clients.) A few months ago, however, after seven years of living with my existing décor, I got the itch to [...]
Decorating Help for Your Bookcase
Take a good look at that bookcase in your living room. How are the items arranged on the shelves? Does the bookcase look attractive or does it need help? One of the most common mistakes people make is crowding too many books and knickknacks on the shelves. Your living room can look instantly cluttered and unattractive if you let these shelves get out of control. Resist the urge to display [...]
Use a Variety of Fabrics for a Warm and Cozy Living Room
Q. I just bought a new sofa with a floral pattern, and now I’m not sure what I should do with the chairs. Should they match the sofa? What about the drapes? Should they match the chairs, the sofa or should they be different? Help! A. Many people find it challenging to mix different patterns. They feel more comfortable purchasing a matching sofa, loveseat and chair. Good for you for wanting to avoid that [...]
Planning a Bathroom Remodel? Here’s what to expect
Bathroom remodels are one of my specialties, and by far the most common questions clients ask me are “How long will this take?” and “What should I expect during the remodeling process?” To help clients understand the process, I’ve created this sample timeline. When everyone is on the same page, the remodel process goes much more smoothly. Whether you are undertaking the project yourself, or hiring a general contractor, here [...]
Tips for Making Rooms Look Larger
Some of my clients live in large homes with soaring ceilings and plenty of space, but the majority live in average-size homes. A very common question my clients ask is: How can I make this room look bigger? Let me just start by saying that not all rooms need to feel as large as possible. Sometimes it is best not to fight a small space. Just make it as comfortable and beautiful as you [...]
Interior Decorating Frequently Asked Questions
In this column, I thought I’d share with you answers to questions that clients ask me all the time. I’ll focus on paint colors this week, and then tackle other topics in the weeks ahead. Q. Won’t this dark color make my room look smaller? A. Our goal should not always be to make the room look as large as possible. The goal should make the room look as good as possible. While [...]
Tips for Displaying Your Artwork
Q. Dear Anna: We’ve recently painted our home and all our artwork is stacked up waiting to be hung. Do you have any ideas about how we can hang our art effectively? I sure do. Hanging artwork properly is essential for creating a beautiful, comfortable room. Here are some tips: Select artwork that complements the style and mood of the room. Is the room modern or country-style? Is the color [...]
How to Dress Your Windows
Are your window coverings in need of an update? Perhaps you notice a cold air entering or warm air escaping through your windows; perhaps your needs have changed and you would like to have a dark room in the morning so you can sleep in. Perhaps your current window treatments look outdated or worn out, or privacy is an issue. No matter what the issue is, there is always a [...]
Dining Room Decorating Tips
Is your dining room in need of a facelift? Whether your dining room is formal or informal, here are some decorating tips to help make it special. Before purchasing new dining furniture, measure the room to keep you from buying a table that is too large. Ideally you would want at least 36-42" of clearance around the table, measured from the edge of the table to the wall. This will [...]
Decorate without Spending a Fortune
You want to spruce up your home, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money. In this column, I’ll give you suggestions for how to improve the look and feel of your rooms without spending a fortune. Entry: Let’s begin at the front door. Create a welcoming space for your family and guests. If your entry is too small for a table, hang a crownmolding ledge with a mirror above it to [...]
Fabulous Living Room Makeover Before and After
Earlier this year, a client hired me to help her update her home. She had inherited her childhood home and was ready to make it her own. The house was quite outdated, and in need of some repairs, as well as redecoration. Her task to me was to make it modern but comfortable, with a Japanese flair (she is Japanese), in neutral colors with some accent color thrown in. Her favorite accent color? Red! [...]
Decorating with Radiant Orchid, Color of the Year 2014
Say goodbye to last year’s Emerald green, and hello to Radiant Orchid, Pantone’s color of the year for 2014. According to the Pantone Institute, Radiant Orchid is "an enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones" that "inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health.” As you spend time shopping this year, you will see clothing, jewelry and home décor in this color. Purple is a great color for interior design, because it is [...]
What’s New for Kitchens and Baths? 2014 Design Trends
I recently attended the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, where my colleagues and I got to see a wide variety of beautiful and innovative products for remodeling kitchens and baths. It was like Disneyland for designers--tiles, cabinetry, countertops, cabinet hardware, and fancy gadgets as far as the eye could see! We saw cabinetry made from gorgeous, rich-looking exotic woods and very unique finishes (picture a bleached finish resembling driftwood), quartz slabs [...]
The Fifth Wall—Interesting things to do with your ceilings
“Should I just paint the ceiling white?” It’s a question I get asked all the time. And the answer is yes—SOMETIMES. However, my answer more often than not is to think of something more interesting to do with that ceiling. Here are a few ideas: 1- Put some color on that ceiling. Painting your ceiling an actual color can make the whole room much more interesting. And don’t be afraid [...]
Home redecorating an evolving process
A house evolves over time. I’ve said this numerous times to my clients to reassure them when they feel their home is not “finished.” Instead, think of your home as a work in progress. Due to time and budget, it is rare when all changes and improvements can be made all at once. Not only that, but you probably have noticed that your tastes change over time too. What really [...]
Decorating with Blue
Did you know that blue is named by most people as their favorite color? If you study color psychology, a topic I find fascinating, you will learn that being surrounded by blue actually has a calming effect on the body. It can reduce blood pressure and slow down your heartbeat. It must have something to do with the ocean and sky. I don’t know about you, but being by the [...]
Daughter’s Room Receives Soothing and Restful Transformation
This summer I am embarking on a re-decorating project of my own. Since my daughter has moved to a small apartment closer to school, her room here is ready and waiting for some changes. Several years ago, I wrote an article about decorating her room when she went from a little girl to a pre-teen. Wow, how time has flown! Since her pre-teen years, she made many decorating decisions for [...]
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