10 Tips for a Successful Decorating Project

Posted on June 18, 2012 by DishOnDesignGal

Photo Courtesy of House Beautiful

Ponder this for a few minutes…

I love that quote and it’s so true. Think about it… what makes a house a “home” is what each person uniquely brings to their own space. Every home is different – a reflection of who we are and what we love. Starting a decorating project is often daunting, but it doesn’t have to be – take a breath and enjoy the process. These ten tips will help you create a space you love…

Dream, explore, discover! Take some time to look through magazines, web sites, and newspapers; randomly clipping things that catch your attention. Don’t over think it too much. This will help you find an inspiration picture and ideas you may want to incorporate. Don’t be so sure that you and your spouse, partner or roommate are worlds apart. Designing for the sexes is not always as hard as you think!
Know your space. Whether reading a floor plan or drawing your own floor plan, understand your room. How does it feel? How do you want it to feel? What will you do in this room? You can have beauty and function in every room!
Develop a plan. Look at your house as a whole and then break down each area. Whether doing a single room or a whole house; this is important. Set a budget and priorities. Inventory the items you own that you will keep, and create a wish list of what you’d like to put in each room.
Get Organized! Keeping your project organized will save you time and energy. Keep everything in one place so you can grab it for shopping, meeting with contractors and finalizing selections.
Pick a starting point. Whether an inspiration picture, a piece of art, furniture that you love, or a favorite paint color; choose it and go from there. Still overwhelmed? Select the finishes for walls and floors and then work on the focal point or area of the room and spread out from there.
Don’t be afraid – especially of color! Everyone makes mistakes, (even the professionals!) but you’ll never know if you like it if you don’t try it. The biggest fear for many is picking paint and matching colors. When using the age-old “squint test” it’s easy! Click for more about the squint test.
Furniture. Arranging furniture shouldn’t overwhelm you. With a floor plan and some “rules-of-thumb” you’ll save your back and discover that arranging furniture is fun!
Remember ceiling! We all know we need to think about the floors and walls, but often forgotten is the ceiling. Ceiling details are a great way to add special touches and character to a room.
Lighting. This is key element of every space that is often forgotten. There is day-to-day lighting, task lighting, accent lighting are equally important a room that both functional and beautiful. Lighting can make or break a room.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Often neglected or eliminated because of budget, accessories are ever so important. They define the personality of the room. Plant ledges, mantles, tabletops, etc. are key places to create interest and tell the story of your home. Approximately 15-25% of your room budget should go towards accessories – this is not the place to negotiate.

Happy Decorating! xo Amy

Design Question: Hanging an Oversized Painting above a Sofa

Posted on June 6, 2012 by DishOnDesignGal

I received a design question the other day from Linda who said…

I have a very big painting 5′ wide x 7′ long that is a foot wider than my sofa . Right now it is centered on the sofa. It is about 6″ below the back of the new sofa… and there’s about a foot above it to the ceiling. If I raise it above the back of the sofa it will almost reach the ceiling. Should I move it up above the sofa which would only leave an inch to the ceiling? or leave it where it is to anchor it to the sofa.. it’s an abstract overall pattern so you don’t really lose any of the painting.

This sounds like an awesome piece of art and it’s difficult to answer without seeing, but here are my thoughts….

I am guessing that you have 8′-0″ ceilings.
The photo is most certainly the focal point of the room, the closer you place it to the ceiling, the higher the ceiling will “feel”, yet too close and it will seem cramped.
I don’t think I would like it right up to the ceiling, but I would like it a tad closer. I am thinking since there is 6″ of overhang on either side of the couch, let’s just raise it 3 more inches so there is only 9″ above, 3″ below and 6″ on either side.
I know three inches doesn’t sound like much, but I think it will make a difference.

The other thing that is equally important is to create balance. Make sure to add some bold pillows on the sofa to complement the painting and add a lamp on one, maybe both sides with a substantial base and shade. Anything too small in scale will look out of proportion. A large coffee table is important as well. Not necessarily “physically heavy”, but large in scale. Glass would work well as long as it has a nice frame – it’s really about the scale to balance the size of the painting. The key is to balance your artwork with items that are proportionate, complimentary (don’t compete) and of course beautiful! I made the above OlioBoard to help create an example.

I hope that helps- let me know how it turns out! xo Amy

P.S. Have a design question? Ask away and I’ll pick one each week to answer!

Pssst…look what I got! The Good Karma Swap

Posted on February 22, 2010 by DishOnDesignGal

How fun is this?

At the beginning of the year I set a goal to blog more often and get to know some of my fellow bloggers. I also started twittering diligently a few weeks back, which is when I saw a tweet by Kaileen of kaileenelise.com saying there was only a few hours left to sign up for her Good Karma Gift Swap. Moments later I posted a comment saying sign me up and I was in, along with 29 other Good Karma Swap bloggers. The assignment was to send a secret blogger a treat that calms, something that comforts, a bit of celebration and a piece the promotes creativity. I’m so excited about this I’m a big fan of sending good Karma and talked about it in a post a few years ago when I wrote about Pay it Forward.

A few days after signing up, I filled out a short questionnaire about things I liked and didn’t like and sent back to Kaileen to anxiously wait for a secret name to send my gifts to. I’ll blog about her when I know she’s received my gifts, but in the meantime, I want to share you what I received from the blogger that got my name!

This past Friday I went to the mailbox and was sooooo excited to find a package. Could it be the Good Karma Gift? It was!

A package from Megan (Yay!)

Megan Loftin of Megan-Moir had sent me a package, but I was in the middle of a deadline and saved it to open until I got home…it was killing me not to open it immediately, but I wanted to enjoy it!

I should add at this point that another New Year Resolution is to “have a place for everything and everything in its place”, so I’ll also share with you exactly what I’m going to do with all my new goodies!

Look at the goodies!

As I opened the package, the first thing I saw was a burst of color…

Tea with a bit of cream and sweetener -mmmmmm

It’s tea! Who doesn’t love a good cup of tea? This could be a new favorite…spicy but light…I’m going to have to find out where Megan got this…it’s that good!

This will not last long!

This is a no brainer…It’s going straight into my favorite mug!

Beautiful Stationary

Look at this beautiful stationary! I can’t wait to write my first note. After my son Tyler suffered a head injury this summer, I received beautiful notes from friends that I will forever treasure and I promised myself to make a point of writing notes this year. Tyler is doing better every day, by the way!

A new home for the note cards

The note cards are on a desk that has a special place in my heart. My father-in-law, a few months before he passed away, asked if I wanted a small desk that wasn’t fancy, but had been his mother’s - of course I said yes, Though I have a few random items placed in it now, I’m getting ready to give it a fresh new look and when finished, I’ll properly accessorize it. Of course, you’ll be the first to see photo’s when it’s done.

Isn't this journal beautiful?

I soooooo love this journal…I’ll use it more as an idea book and because a girl never knows when she’s going to get a fabulous bright new idea to jot down, this is where you’ll find my new journal…

Perfect in the outside pocket

Yep! I’ll carry it with me at all times and store in an outside pocket of my handbag.

A Happy Book!

It’s no secret…my friends all know that I’m a glass is half full kind of gal and I can’t wait to read this book…

I wish this for you too...

And isn’t this the most lovely note? awwww Megan… I wish you that too! I’ll tell you where this book is going after I show you the next gift…

I love words...

I wrote in my questionnaire that I love words. Quotes inspire me…and this word she sent is something I want need to see everyday, because I, like probably most of you, get so caught up in getting things done, that I forget to stop to enjoy the beauty of now.

On the road...

This is where you’ll find my happy book and enjoy…I carry this bag everyday to the office and sometime this week. It’ll be travelling with me to Florida on business. Enjoy is a daily reminder to stop and breath… The happy book is perfect to read on the plane!

Hugs to Megan for the beautiful and thoughtful gifts as well as Kailene for putting this all together. And while I’m at it hugs to you too… It’s been so much fun! xoxox

Great Suggestion for Neutral Bedding – Update to Working around a Forest Green Carpet

Posted on December 2, 2008 by DishOnDesignGal

Martha Stewart Greenhouse Pattern

Patricia posted yesterday that she liked the color combinations that had we put together for Patti a few months back for a room with an existing forest green carpet that she couldn’t afford to replace. Patricia also has a forest green carpet and had originally pulled it together with a waverly comforter that matched a green ivy pattern in her bathroom. She’s ready for a new look and loved the color pallette that we created for Patti.

Patricia had mentioned that she was considering using Martha Stewarts Greenhouse pattern and when I googled it, I found that it’s a fabulous choice and even better – it has an amazing price tag. It’s a 24 piece set that includes everything from sheets to draperies and includes two decorative pillows. I really like the mix of texture and pattern that is used within the set. It will do a good job of pulling together Patricias white walls and the neutral colors that she prefers. The orginal price at Macy’s is $500.00, but a queen set is marked down to $150.00. For all you macy lovers out there, I know you can find a great coupon to get it even lower!

This set would work for any bedroom and for anyone fighting a carpet that they don’t like - it’s an easy inexpensive way to tone down the carpet and get a great look on a tight budget. Add accessories in lighter or darker shades of the carpet or pick shades of a complimentary color and instantly, you’ll have a fresh new look.

I’m hoping that Patti and Patricia will send us pictures when they are done! It would be fun to see! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Patricia – you found a great deal!

Creat an Outdoor Haven Now and Save!

Posted on September 24, 2007 by DishOnDesignGal

If you haven’t yet gotten around to creating an outdoor room this summer, it’s not too late! Most of us still have some sizzling days of summer left and fall evenings will be well spent gathering with family and friends around an outdoor firepit. Best of all, you can find some great bargains right now on outdoor furniture and accessories at your favorite stores. Here are some things to look for to add personality and warmth to a concrete patio or paved area.

Indoor/outdoor area rugs - they can instantly tie an area together and add an element of warmth to an outdoor space.
Mix and match furniture – remember, you don’t have to have a matched set for a fabulous look.
Metal gates and wall hangings - these can be hung on a wall or even hung from the bottom of a balcony for interest or to define a space.
Oversized planters, fountains, concrete sculptures, and decorative stones -these items will last for years, add an architectural touch and can pull an area together.
Whimsical Items - allow you to have some fun and add surprises that will make this space your own. Hide an adorable frog or garden fairy in an unexpected place; put a “face” on your favorite old tree and accent with a spot lite at night – it’s a great way to start conversation.

By creating an outdoor room you’ll have a great place to unwind and spend time with friends and family. I can’t think of a better way to enjoy the last days of summer and the beautiful evenings of fall!

Designing a Home Office

Posted on April 24, 2007 by DishOnDesignGal

Planning a home office? By asking yourself a couple of quick questions before you begin, you can save yourself a lot of time and aggravation. Take a moment to evaluate every way you will use the space which could be for business operations, home management, school work and studying; perhaps even as a private space just for you. Is this room going to be used by multiple people for different reasons? Do you need a computer, cable connections, telephone outlet, electric, etc… and can you plan around the existing location of each without having to relocate an outlet? Do you want to sit looking out the window or do you prefer facing the door to view what’s going on inside your home? Also consider what visitors will see when entering the room. is it possible to hide the wires to electronic connections? Draw your floor plan first and try out several furniture layouts. Visualize yourself sitting in each layout and which one would be more comfortable and efficient. When dealing with electronics – it’s much easier to plan ahead, than to connect all those wires and change your mind. Tip: When moving a computer and equipment, before removing a plug, place a piece of masking tape on each end of the connection and label them the same (such as “A”) so that you know exactly where to reconnect it after moving. The next connection you can call “B, and so on!

Once you have the basic layout of the room, then you can work on beauty and function! Lighting is always important. Of course an overhead room light is important, but just as important is a task light over your work area. By adding some special lighting such as a fragrant candle, or an accent light for a plant you’ll create a space you enjoy spending time in. When accessorizing, use pictures and items that both inspire and embrace you! My favorite thing in my home office is quote by Mark Twain that is painted across the walls. It continues to remind me of my goals and dreams. Make your space meaningful to you and it will be a much more productive place to be!