http://www.blog.ckdecoratinglifestyles.com Interior Design in St. Louis by Carolyn Kluesner Wed, 15 Oct 2008 01:38:02 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en It's really not too early to start thinking about the holidays.  And even though the current economy is rocky, the holidays WILL come and we WILL need to be ready. If nothing else than to just be organized, have a plan/budget to guide you, and maybe take some of the stress off you by ... http://www.blog.ckdecoratinglifestyles.com/2008/10/14/holiday-decorating/ This fall of 2008 sees the beginning of some color changes ( yes, we've all been hearing that word alot-even when we talk about decorating!!) which will set the tone for 2009.  The rich, saturated colors we've seen in the past are revealing themselves as calmer, more toned-down, relaxing, maybe even a little.... conservative?  Color analysts say this may be from our ... http://www.blog.ckdecoratinglifestyles.com/2008/09/16/color-forecast-new-color-trends/ When you have a bookcase or multiple shelves, stagger the items so they're not all lined up.       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 ... http://www.blog.ckdecoratinglifestyles.com/2008/06/29/artistic-arranging/ Have you taken a look around your rooms lately, or even outside, at your current light fixtures?  This area is so often overlooked - people will purchase new furniture, paint a new wall color, totally re-accessorize a room, and not think about updating the lighting!  Besides the fact that new lighting ... http://www.blog.ckdecoratinglifestyles.com/2008/06/04/lighting/ In my past 10 years as an interior designer, I have probably been on more paint color consults than anything else.  The reasons:  choosing a paint color can be overwhelming - Porter Paints alone has close to 2,000 colors in their collection.   People want to "use color", but in the long ... http://www.blog.ckdecoratinglifestyles.com/2008/05/12/color-matters/ Home Staging is finally beginning to catch on with home owners and real estate agents. Considered a 'secret weapon' in selling a home, home staging can be done either by a professional interior decorator or stager, or, by a 'do-it-your-selfer' using my basic staging prep and staging details lists. If your home has been on the market for ... http://www.blog.ckdecoratinglifestyles.com/2008/04/23/home-staging-to-ell/ Have you seen all the faux florals available now?  Target and Home Goods have some great options. Check these out that I saw recently at Target. I am especially fond of the faux orchids - they are very life-like and come in colors from white to purple to orange. Also, the little greenery ... http://www.blog.ckdecoratinglifestyles.com/2008/04/15/faux-florals/   If you are considering new furniture, yet are leary to do so considering our struggling economy, here are a few notes of encouragement.  First, furniture is one of the greatest values available to the American customer today. Based on consumer price index, a mid-price sofa at $299 from over 40 years ... http://www.blog.ckdecoratinglifestyles.com/2008/04/02/furniture-shopping/ March is a perfect time to do some decorating and boost your rooms with a little style. Before you go much further, how about following my tips below to get kick-started? Sometimes this is 'boost' enough. Simple furniture rearranging and purging of old, out-dated accessories can totally change the look ... http://www.blog.ckdecoratinglifestyles.com/2008/03/20/do-right-now-decorating-tips/