I can come for just an hour and help you plan a general theme and color combination-starting with what you already have and re-working, or adding to, your items.  And if you’d like, I will do the actual decorating for you!  I can shop for items you may need or have difficulty finding, or we can peruse my holiday catalog filled with wreaths, ornaments, trees, ribbons, accessories and tons more!

Special holiday decorating hourly rates!!

Plus, one free hour of holiday decorating for scheduling by October 31, 2008!! 

For a fraction of your holiday budget, I will ease your stress level and develop a holiday decorating plan so that you and your family can enjoy the holidays even more, and, will be unique, special, and fill you with the warmth of the Christmas season…

Helping decorate YOUR lifestyle,

Carolyn

Quick Contact: http://www.ckdecoratinglifestyles.com/holiday.html

Gray/Neutrals- Gray is emerging as a neutral favorite.  Grays with warmer undertones - think old concrete - to the classic cooler, steel colored grays.  And as before, neutrals like tans and browns continue to inspire us with hints of yellow and gray.

Red - very bright reds see a shift to a more toned down palatte-with hints of oranges that are drawn from tropical flowers.  New reds have a touch of yellow to tone things down a little.  Pinks also lean a bit more tropical.

Yellow/Green - Sunny yellows are everywhere!  Green-influenced shades are seen in the yellow family and green continues to be popular with more yellow-based colors than before.  Some new greens offer a touch of blue as well.

Blue/Purple- purple is maintaining it’s stature in the blue world.  They are more red-based now, and look especially nice with greens, pinks, grays and even black!    Blues are still a favorite - maybe because of our love for the water, carribean colored blues are big with a crisp violet undertone.

Inspiration for these new colors are developing also in part to consumers who travel and want to bring some of the colors from their travels into their own homes.  Just being exposed to the world wide Internet offers people the same opportunity to draw color inspiration into their own living spaces!

If you’re an eco-minded consumer you will be happy to know that paint manufacturers are now creating more choices of eco-friendly colors to use than before. Sherwin-Williams has a new green product called ‘Duration Home’- it has a low-VOC formula, is resistant to mildew and water-streaking, and is washable (unlike the matte finishes that I normally steer people away from). I haven’t used this paint yet, but would be willing to try it-let me know if any of you do and how you like its durability and appearance.

So, if a paint project is in your near future, think about these color trends for 2009 and find one that will fit your lifestyle.  Send me your project photos or questions and - happy painting! 

Carolyn -  CK Decorating Lifestyles

step 1…..Start with the bulkier, bigger items at each end of the shelf.  Pick something with a unique shape or pattern.  This is your foundation.

step 2…..Add some color and height.  Taller items are needed to balance the larger end pieces, small bits of color catches the eye.

step 3…..Finish it up with “fillers” -  smaller items to fill in among the taller, heavier pieces.

Here are a few guidelines that I offer clients when taking on this project themselves.

~ If you’re not sure where to start, think about your outdoor entry or garage lights.  These seem to be forgotton about most often. 

~Think bigger this time.  Most outdoor lights, entry lights and chandeliers can be replaced with something a little bigger, usually it’s better to try going bigger - remember, lights always look a bit larger when on display in stores.  Here is a little guide that works great for selecting a new light that will hang over a table:  The light should be hung 20-27 inches above the table (most chandeliers are hung way too high, so try and follow this guideline for a well-decorated look!).  Add 3 inches to the distance for each additional ceiling foot.  So in those rooms with vaulted ceilings this rule should be followed precisely.  A chandelier or pendant lights width should be at least 12-18 inches less than the tables width.

~It’s OK to mix finishes, anything pretty much goes now.  A black or iron finish is versatile enough for most room styles, and you can mix a nickel or bronzy finish with it.

~One easy way to improve your lighting situation is simply to reduce the bulb wattage, especially on an overhead light in a family or dining room-if a 60 watt is the maximum, use a 25 or 30 watt bulb.  You may also want to add dimmer switches.

~We can’t forget about ceiling fans for those who have them.  First, do you really need a light fixture attached to it?  These can be removed and just have the fan.  Or if you do need the light, put those lower watt bulbs in, get a dimmer switch, or replace the light with a light kit that has a bowl light. This diffuses harsh downward light from exposed bulbs.  Most light kits are universal to existing fans.

~We should talk about other lighting sources as well - like lamps and sconces.  Three light sources are typically recommended in most areas.  Again, replacing table lamps can be very affordable and can update a room instantly.  Mix those finishes or go for a matching pair of floor lamps on both sides of a sofa.  Lowes or Home Depot will sometimes have a set of table and floor lamps in a box for as little as 50-60$.  I also like the wall sconces that can be wall mounted -JCPenney and Home Decorators Collection- and just plugged in to an outlet (make sure you are buying this type versus some that have to be wired by a pro or very good handyman).  Make sure you are not looking directly into a light bulb when sitting near a table lamp. 

Just start with one room and see what a huge difference updating your lighting can make.  My clients are always amazed at the change it makes to a room or area.

Please read my Decorating Tips category for a few more lighting solutions.

As always, be brave and make a few changes, you’ll love how it reflects YOUR lifestyle.

Happy decorating,

Carolyn

A few fresh coats of paint is what I call ”instant decorating”.  A new wall color can change the way our furniture and accessories look.  Paint is affordable and if you have confidence and you’re a fairly skilled painter, you can tackle the project yourself.  But if time is pressing or you have some high areas requiring special scaffolding or ladders, and you happen to have some extra cash, consider hiring a professional painter.  Most offer free estimates after looking at the job - ask this when contacting them - and will sometimes include the paint itself in their bid.  Confirm that they have insurance and ask for references.

Now you are ready to look at some color ideas, but not so fast…..first you must prep the area properly before painting.

PREP BEFORE PAINTING

~Remove everything from the room.  This is a great time to edit tired, old accessories and artwork.  I always assess the current light fixtures and lamps when re-painting - many need updating and this is the time to do it.  See my Lighting category.

~Repair small holes or nicks in walls with a little putty or mud, sand lightly a few times before painting.

~Do the doors and trim need painting?  Think about a high gloss black or deep green color for trim instead of the usual white.  Don’t think you have to paint the doors and door trim the same color as the base or crown moulding - mix it up a bit.

Now you are ready to begin  looking at colors.

 CHOOSING A PAINT COLOR

~ If you need inspiration, pull colors from sofas, chairs, artwork, and flooring/rugs that will be used in the room.  Also, keep in mind the wall colors in adjoining rooms.   Take as many of these “inspiration samples” as you can with you to the paint store when researching for your perfect room color.

~Change it up!  Try a butter yellow if you’ve had a deep rich red, or a bright new green, like Cress Green from Porter Paints.

~Think in terms of cool or warm as you look around at the rest of your rooms, do you have cool light maple cabinetry and brushed nickel hardware?  Or warm brazilian cherry floors and antique gold harware.  Let these pre-existing materials guide you toward the correct color hue.

~Cooler colors in paint decks are usually towards the front of the deck, warmer tones to the back.  Use the color cards that are to the right and left of the card you like to guide you as well, and offer even more color choices.   Also, look at the color chip at the very top and very bottom of the card you like.  If you are looking for, say, a neutral tan and the very bottom chip on the card looks “purple”  keep looking, you’re in the wrong spot.  Be careful with beige, sand, and taupe-they will tend to look purple-ish.  Also, some reds can look pink and some grays are very blue undertoned.

~I rarely use the very top color or lightest on the paint card-it usually ends up looking white.

~Don’t pay attention to the NAME of the color!  (Only if it happens to work for you).

~I always recommend eggshell finish, unless you are painting plaster walls.  Eggshell has a slight sheen-like an eggshell- and is very durable and wipes clean much easier than flat which has a chalky feel.  For trim and doors, use a satin or semi-gloss, or gloss.  I have seen some walls recently that were done in a high gloss-it looks very striking, but your walls need to be in great shape to pull this off.

~Buying small sample sizes of your paint color ideas is a great way to make your final decision.  Get these samples in the eggshell finish and apply a small square of each color on the walls in several spots - behind a picture, next to the trim - and look at the colors during the day and at night.  Please use two coats of the color on each of your sample spots.  This goes for the walls as well, once you’ve started painting.  To acheive the true color representation of a color, two coats must be applied, not “just one heavy coat”.

~Ceilings-paint these the wall color.  This is a tuff sell for my clients, but ALL ended up loving the idea and so far none have changed it!  Ceilings are ‘5th walls’ and painting the ceiling the same as the wall color wraps the room in color-this is especially true for vaulted ceilings or to pop crown mold or trim pieces, plus it saves time and money not having to cut-in!  It will end up looking like a  slightly different color anyway, due to lighting hues. 

~ Use bolder, daring colors in powder rooms or dining rooms where you don’t spend lots of time.

Paint is a small investment with a huge return. A new paint color in a room or area allows you to change the mood of a room, thereby affecting our mood and feelings.  So be patient and try some colors out- step out of your box- and start living the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of - all with a little paint!

Happy painting and let me hear from you with your latest projects and photos.

Carolyn

As the home seller, if you are considering home staging, talk to your realtor or ask co-workers or friends if they can recommend a home staging professional. Most interior designers and stagers will have an hourly rate or figure an estimate for the entire project. Depending on the size of your home and how much ’stuff ‘ you’ve accumulated, having your home professionally staged can range from $300-$5,000 or more. How about these statistics to help you make up your mind about staging: staged homes can sell three times faster, reduce the number of days on the market by 50%, and may increase the selling price 3-6%. 

It is difficult for homeowners to realize they must pack most or all of their treasures away when staging their home, and I remind them that marketing their home will be very different from living in it. I advise my clients to think of it as decorating a display home - presenting to homebuyers a potential living space, in the most appealing way, to the majority of homebuyers.

BASIC STAGING PREP

1. 50% RULE- Eliminate clutter in your home by at least half. This is your mantra until your home is ready to go on the market.  This is my favorite rule, but my clients’ least favorite. Homeowners are attached to memories or hobbies they have displayed with knicknacks and collections throughout their homes. But…….lots of ‘chotchke’ makes rooms feel small and un-organized.  Besides, you’re moving so why not take the opportunity to get rid of things you certainly don’t need to pack up and move with you. Make 3 piles when de-cluttering -  donate, trash, and re-use/pack (this last one hopefully will be the smallest pile). If you come across anything you haven’t seen, worn, or used in the past year-get rid of it!

2. CLEAN - Give your whole house - inside and out - a thorough cleaning. Clean carpets and wash windows. You may even want to invest in a cleaning service to do some of these bigger jobs or to come on a weekly basis while your home is on the market.

3. REPAIRS - Have the dripping faucet or cracked tile repaired before you put your home on the market.

4. DE -PERSONALIZE - Back to the chotchke thing. You really must remove personal objects - potential buyers will not identify with them. Buying a home can be emotional and you want potential buyers to make that emotional connection with your home by picturing themselves in it, which they cannot do with your personal things displayed.

STAGING DETAILS

1. CURB APPEAL - Before the buyers even enter your home, their first impression will be what they see when they pull up. This is a good place to start your staging process, and maybe spend a little extra time and money. Repaint or replace the front door. Replace old or worn house numbers, mailbox, door handle. Get a new door mat. Replace and update outdoor light fixtures ( don’t forget about the garage) and make sure there are no burned out light bulbs. Remove window screens - this makes a huge difference from inside the home and offers a cleaner look from the outside. Trim bushes, pull weeds, and pick up leaves. Plant a few flowers or place flower containers on the front porch or steps. Give this same attention to the back yard as well. Put bikes and scooters away.

2. ENTRY/FOYER -  Remove or re-position bulky or awkward furniture pieces that hinder easy manuverability when standing in your entryway. Remove rugs and replace outdated light fixtures with new. Remove any family photos or wedding photos (everywhere). Tuck shoes, backpacks, etc. out of sight.

3. KITCHEN - The de-cluttering of this room is vital in staging. Kitchens sell homes. Absolutely anything that is sitting out on the counter or taking up valuable space on the floor has to go. Remove everything from the frig front. Consider refacing outdated cabinet doors. Update cabinet hardware with new knobs (check Lowes or Home Depot, this adds up when you count all your knobs and pulls so keep this in mind when pricing). Touch up paint or scratches as needed on cabinetry. Clean out every cabinet, drawer and pantry shelf and re-organize items. This impresses homebuyers -’it looks so well kept and neat that this home must be loved and very well cared for’. Clean appliances, oven, refrigerator, and microwave. Remove all wall decor and accessories/plants from cabinet tops. Hang just one picture somewhere and place only one decorative object on the counter. Consider new light fixtures ( again, Lowes and Home Depot have good,  affordable selections).  Please see my Lighting Post for more lighting tips.

5. FAMILY/LIVING ROOM - Keep furniture to a minimum. Go ahead and de-clutter extra chairs or tables in these rooms. Remove area rugs, throws and pillows. Maybe a few new throw pillows, but only a few. Re-arrange furniture to enhance any feature in the room -  fireplace, bay window, etc.  Position furniture so that these features are easily seen. Take most or all of wall decor down, leaving one or two pictures. Remove most items from bookshelves - especially photos and personal memorabilia. Place a few accessories on these shelves, most can be empty (think ‘display home’). Keep window treatments to a minimum or remove old or worn curtains and rods and just leave the window with nothing on it. Be sure to patch holes left by the rods.

6. BEDROOMS, GARAGE, EVERYWHERE ELSE

Again - think 50% Rule. De-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter. Remove knicknacks, rugs, throws and blankets. Organize closets and remove enough garments so that things hanging next to each other are not touching. This sounds extreme, but I have heard many positive comments from homebuyers when they see closets staged this way. Remember, it’s ‘pretend house’.

Dead or dying plants must go. Repaint walls a neutal color-it’s OK to use the same color throughout the house - each room or area will look like a different color due to lighting variations.  Consider replacing carpet or flooring if it’s worn or stained. Homebuyers love this because new flooring lends a certain ‘newness’ to a home. Stay neutral with your color choice though, no blue or mauve carpet or tile please!

Organize and edit your garage so that you could actually park cars in it. Buyers don’t want to see a cluttered garage.

Leave before the potential homebuyers arrive.

Displaying photos of your garden or before and after remodeling photos are a good idea.

 Next is a checklist to follow after you have completed the staging prep rules and staging details. Use this ‘must- do’ list on a daily basis once you have your home on the market.

STAGING CHECKLIST

 Turn on all outdoor lights - even during the day

 Sweep sidewalk/front porch

 Pick up animal droppings in yard

 Clean glass on front door

Clean sinks, bathrooms, stools, mirrors - squeegee glass shower doors after each use

Vacuum

Wash and put away dishes

Empty wastebaskets/trash

Put away clothes/personal items

Organize mail, magazines, newspapers

De-clutter kitchen countertops

Fold towels-stash bath rugs and personal items

Make beds

Open all blinds/shades/drapery panels

Turn on all lamps and lights-even during the day

Wipe out microwave

Quick dusting of coffee tables/wood surfaces, dressers, etc.

Limit cooking to very plain foods so odors don’t linger

OK - Now you have your work cut out for you. Try and follow all these tips as close as possible, doing things half-way won’t be as profitable.  Good luck and keep me ‘posted’ on your project and email me with any questions!!

As an interior design consultant I am at times a sort of  ’cheerleader’. People need encouragement and confirmation that their investment in new furniture is like investing in their entire home - living in style and comfort, spending time with family and friends, and generally improving their lifestlyes are all great reasons to consider when updating  furniture.

  Most furniture stores offer in-home consultation services -  usually at no charge. Use this special service if it’s offered-it could potentially save you lots of time and worry.   You can also hire an independent interior decorator to assist you as well.  Usually charging an hourly rate, a decorator can look at your room, discuss your wants and needs, offer suggestions and inspiration, then either shop with you or even pre-shop for styles and fabrics to present to you at a later meeting.

If you are brave and willing to do some of the research yourself, I’ve written a few  decorator tips to know before you go!

~Measure the room including ceiling height, door openings and any existing furniture pieces that will stay in the room. Use these measurements to do a simple room layout and take this with you.

~Take photos of room and any furniture pieces that will stay in the room.

~Bring a swatch of  the rooms wall color and a sample of the flooring or carpeting ( a photo is OK if you don’t have an actual sample ), and any pillows or upholstery swatches from pieces that will stay in the room.

~Consider arm and leg styles before you go-will you look for a traditional skirted bottom or the more clean open look of a wooden leg, a square or rolled arm, a higher or lower back, - loose, attached, or semi-attached cushions? Also consider the depth of the seat-some sofas and sectionals can be get very deep.

~Think about the scale of the pieces you want to put in your room. There are lots of smaller scaled pieces available now-even in sectionals.  Generally, bigger rooms=bigger pieces, but there are ways to use larger scaled furntiure in smaller rooms as well. Furniture stores often have a computer to lay out the furniture pieces you like using the room measurements you brought along.

~Be open to new ways to arrange your sitting area. Don’t think you have to put the sofa in the same place as before.  In fact, it’s fun to mix up the furniture layout, especially since you’re getting new pieces. See my notes under Decorating Tips regarding room arranging.

~ Also, where is the TV going? - an important factor in the furniture arrangement. Will you need a new TV cabinet as well? If you move the TVs location, are there outlets in the proper place?

~Don’t forget to include in your furniture budget: a new end table? coffee table? floor lamp? table lamp? ottoman? rug?

~A lot of furniture stores let you ‘build’ your own custom furniture with options for fabrics, finishes, and arm, back and leg styles. I have created pieces for some of my clients with much success and delight to really capture that ‘custom’ look.

Good luck and remember - you deserve a comfortable, warm,  welcoming,  beautifully furnished room!

CAROLYNS TOP 5 ‘DO RIGHT NOW’ DECORATING TIPS

1. MOVE FURNITURE AWAY FROM WALLS

“I swear if you move this sofa 8 inches, it’ll transform your life”-Diane Keaton from the movie “Because I Said So”

Yes, that’s right everyone-’move the furniture away from the wall’. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest family or living room -or both- and get started!

~Move furniture away from your walls and INTO the room at least a foot - most people probably need to think several feet if they have the commonly found ‘gymnastic’ area they are staring at from afar.

~Try forming an ‘L’ or group pieces facing each other with an ottoman or coffee table in-between. You may need two of these areas if you have a particularly long room.

~Cozy your stuff ‘in’ - remember, a person needs only 18 inches to maneuver comfortably between pieces of furniture. It’s OK if the arms of the furniture pieces are touching.

~Now, at first this will seem “not right,”too closed in”, “tight”, “funny-looking” - be brave and strong, live with the new arrangement for a few days- at least- and when you begin to feel the warmth of your newly decorator-inspired rooms, you will realize that it has transformed your life!

2. LOWER PICTURES/WALL DECOR

What else can I say - Hanging pictures too high is a common decorating don’t!

~Lower pictures/artwork at least 5-6″-maybe a little more.
~Think eye level for a SHORTER person.
~Some naysayers ( i.e.husband,friend,mom) will say “that’s too low” - but do it anyway - be brave - it’s not!

3. CREATE A WELCOMING ENTRY

Sofas and chairs are often blocking the ‘path’ from your front door into the rest of your home.

~Move furniture pieces that are blocking the entry area. If you have successfully completed Tip # 1, this is not an issue and you can move on. Yes, it IS better to have the furniture closer into the room and closer to other pieces of furniture rather than tripping over them as you come through the front door. BRAVE!

~As these pieces are now INTO the room and out of the entry path, you have started to create your welcoming entry - even if it’s a matter of creating a  ‘visually spacious’ entry.  The path should be at least the width of your front door if not more.

~If space allows, place a narrow entry table or console table at your entry, with a mirror or picture above and if possible a buffet lamp or two on top. Remember the 18″ rule.

~Check your entry light fixture. If you have had your entry fixture for 7-10 years - hopefully not longer! - or if it seems somewhat small, you should update to a newer finish and maybe even something a little larger. See Tip # 4 for more lighting tips.

4. UPDATE LIGHT FIXTURES

A lot of clients will paint, re-decorate, buy new furniture and not think about updating their light fixtures.  Finishes and styles have changed considerably over the past several years. There are so many options available now, that replacing all of your outdated light fixtures can be affordable, even if you do it a room at a time.

~Check to make sure you have at least 3 light sources in a room. A couple of floor lamps flanking a sofa, a table lamp or two, or even wall mounted sconces or lamps that are simply plugged into an outlet are a few ideas to add lighting sources to a room.

~Ceiling fans need to be updated as well, or at least update the light kit on it. I like the covered bowl light kits so the overhead light isn’t so harsh. Most of these fan light kits are ‘universal’ and will fit on any fan.

~A chandelier should be hung 20-27 inches above a standard table in a room with 8 foot ceilings - add 3 inches to the distance for every additional ceiling foot. To find the appropriate size, a chandeliers width should be at least 12-18 inches less than the table.

~Dimmer switches are fairly simple to install and inexpensive (I had one client who installed some herself!) - add these to most or ALL of your switches if possible - especially in living and dining rooms.

~It’s OK to mix finishes on lights and fans throughout your house - you can use combinations of black/iron with a brushed gold or nickel finish for example. I have tons more lighting tips I will share in the future.

5. REMOVE DRIED FLORALS/WREATHS/IVIES/DOILIES/LACE

You know who you are - you have all that ivy and eucalyptus above your kitchen cabinets or on top of the entertainment center, the dried floral you “paid good money for” sitting in the same place for the past 6 years, or maybe even the doilie collection on every side/end/coffee/console table because, “they were Grandmas”.

~Tuck those doilies and lace away and take the dried florals/ivies, etc. to Goodwill -or just pitch them if they’re really dusty and be done with it - it will feel refreshing!!
~I get this question a lot - “What should I put above my kitchen cabinets?” Sometimes I will suggest removing everything - especially ALL that ivy. Live with the openess for awhile. If you feel you must put something up there at a later date - think big and groups of three. Also, mix textures - like a ceramic garden stool, with Grandpas old wooden trunk and maybe something wrought iron - even a garden item find.  Don’t forget to vary the sizes of the pieces.

~And remember - if you never get rid of stuff, you’ll never get new stuff!!