Decorating for the Holidays (cont'd)
Now, specific to decorating, here's a short list (beyond the Christmas tree) to bring instant holiday cheer. Remember, these are only suggestions:
- Door: Wreath - Start with an instant festive welcome.
- Foyer - Another floral arrangement and some edibles will help guests relax when they enter your home.
- Living/family
room - The tree, of course, more wreaths
(above a sofa, a fireplace mantel, at windows), stockings hanging from
the mantel (Red
Cuff Holiday Velvet Stocking
), garlands for stairs, railings, or doorways, a few colorful holiday pillows (either contrasting or coordinating with interior design), candles (preferably large pillars with the aroma of pine, berries, apples, cinnamon, spices) in a fashionable holder, like the Casa Seville Hurricane Pillar Candle Holder (99049)
, potted poinsettias or amaryllis (real, to plant outdoors after the holidays or artificial, which can be used each year), a holiday throw (San Remo Chenille Throw, 47 x 67
) for covering up on a cold evening, or a Christmas tapestry for a blank wall. An accent lamp that could possibly be used throughout the year, if the colors are suitable, (Jacquard Porcelain Lamp
) can add a festive touch.
- Dining
room - Have readily available tablecloths, runners, placemats, napkins,
napkin rings, more candles, red or gold chandelier shades (Red
and Gold Floral Lamp Shade 3x6x5 (Clip-On) (66119)
red berries or white pearls to drape around the chandelier; and remember, the holiday china (Parchment Red
) and stemware.
- Bathrooms - Add some holiday towels and potpourri for instant results.
- Bedrooms
- A red coverlet, spread across the foot of the bed, over the comforter
or bedspread, or a decorative throw (Renaissance
Collection Cord and Tassel Accent Throw (35683)
will immediately brighten up a room. Add some coordinating pillows (Renaissance Collection Pleat and Tassel Bolster Pillow (35650)
) throughout the room, and on the bed to finish it off. Again, wreaths fit beautifully here too.
The Kitchen Evolution From the SUBLIME to the DIVINE (cont'd)
Yes, those days are gone. Today's kitchen has evolved so dramatically, that oftentimes it does not look anything like the traditional kitchen of yesteryear. With today's technology and design sense, appliances are easily disguised with matching door and drawer fronts, giving the appearance of furniture, hence the look of a "living area." With their openness, grandiose styles, kitchens are considered to be the focal point and gathering spots for most social and family events.
I have been in the kitchen and bath cabinetry industry for 30 years, and have seen some major and much needed changes come along in the cabinet world. It is always exciting to see new ideas and concepts. As designers, we are always facing new challenges in the industry. Once upon a time, it was unheard of to have any angled walls in kitchens. In today's architectural industry, angled kitchens seem to be the norm. Although it takes a tad more creativity on my part, it usually works out just fine. One bit of advice that I'd like to convey to help you avoid headaches and delays when building your home. It's a good idea to take your blueprints to your builder's contracted cabinet company, or your own personally selected cabinet company. Their on-staff designers can look at the kitchen and bath layouts, and, if experienced enough, can tell you if the layout will work for you. I have come across layouts which are absolutely not functional at all for the particular client's lifestyle and needs. For example, it could be as simple as the location of your range, or dishwasher, or sink. Not so simple if it does not work for you, or it may not work period. If brought to your builder's attention in time, preferably before commencement of the slab, and the issues are corrected, think about how much time and money can be saved and how much happier you are likely to be once your home is completed.
In today's cabinetry market, you have so many choices. Beginning with the species of woods, the finishes, the textures, the styles of doors, the accessories, and let's not forget all the options in countertops. You have laminates, a number of man-made solid surfaces, tile, concrete and the most popular at this time, Granite.
You can see how just deciding on cabinetry and countertops can get pretty overwhelming. That's why the decision to use the services of a designer can be a practical and wise one. As your kitchen or bath designer, I can help you as you consider those sometimes numerous and overwhelming questions to be answered. Asking the right questions, to arrive at all of the necessary answers, will ultimately lead to your dream kitchen or bathroom. If you are working with a decorator, input from both of you can be very beneficial in achieving the look you and your decorator are seeking.
Also, a helpful reminder. If you anticipate selling your home down the road, the two critical rooms that potential buyers will be interested in are the kitchen and the master bathroom. If they are updated, the buyer does not have to spend additional money on remodeling after they've moved in. So, if you have an older home that has a kitchen and bathrooms that need serious updating, do it before the sale. You will always get a better return on your money, more than adding a pool.
Bonnie
Tripi, of BT Design, Inc., an independent kitchen designer in Florida,
offers services via e-mail. She can be reached at btdesigninc@cox.net
or by phone at 352-266-1293 or fax at 352-854-2892.
How to Avoid Decorating Pitfalls (cont'd)
Decide on your objectives - Why are you decorating? What benefits will you enjoy by undertaking this project? Will the space serve the desired purpose once completed?
Prioritize - What should be done first? Is there a need for any structural work? If so, it is best to take care of that before you begin decorating. Replace, repair anything that is not in order or good condition.
Quality vs quantity - Whenever possible, always choose quality over quantity. In the long run, you will be the winner when you are enjoying your furnishings long after others are forced to replace lower quality products.
Seek professional assistance if you need it - Don't try to do something that is above your level of expertise. If you want to arrive at your goal with the least amount of hassle and headaches, or if you just prefer to have someone else do it, get help (not everyone "loves" to decorate, but most people want a pleasantly coordinated, preferably a fashionably, decorated environment). A professional is dedicated to that area of his/her profession, gaining a lot of understanding, foresight and experience, which can benefit you tremendously in time, money and enjoyment.
Stay away from fads and impulse purchases - Again, a professional can help here, even if you are a do-it-yourselfer, a bit of advice from the expert is always to your advantage. So, seek it, unless you are 100% confident in your decisions, and even then, it does not hurt to hear another opinion.
Most importantly, have fun!
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