Awesome Interiors

Let’s Talk Decorating!

Cynthia — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:33:18 +0000

Change out your throw pillows

Making even small changes to you living space can add inspiration to your day! Time and time again when I go into the homes of my clients and make even a small change their whole mood changes. They get so excited. This is what I love about my job. So many people feel that cannot decorate their homes because of finances. This is so not true! I want to recommend small inexpensive changes that can make your home have a mini-face lift. ( OK mature girls we have heard of mini-face lifts)

+Hire me for a one day room make over using what you already have. $400.00 approx.
+Painting a bathroom, fast weekend project. $25.00 and a couple of hours
+Buying fresh flowers and putting them on your dining table. $6.00 ( pick them for free)
+Moving your furniture in a different arrangement
+Change out your sofa throw pillows and bring in a new “Pop of color”
There are so many way to decorate on a dime! Yesterday, I was so excited because my daughter and I faux finished my dining room. I added some stenciling to my bathroom. At the end of the day I was so excited and inspired about my space! Did you know that your space can build you up or it can tear you down emotionally? A cluttered upkept room with things in it that you do not love will subconsciously bother you. I always tell my clients to remove items in the room that they do not like, this makes way for change, then when the right time comes you will have space for the new.

Add fresh flowers to your table.

HOW DO I SIZE A CHANDELIER?

Cynthia — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:08:57 +0000

This is the almighty question, so let’s use the dining room as an example. First, determine the length and width of the room and add those figures together. The sum, converted to inches, will equal the diameter of the correct size chandelier. Example: Your dining room is 16 ft. x 12 ft. Knowing that 16 + 12 is 28, the proper size chandelier for the dining room would be 28 inches in diameter.

If this measurement seems small due to the size of your dining room table, size your chandelier three-quarters the width of the table. In addition, the bottom of the chandelier should be approximately 30-32 inches above the table top.

The above equation can be used when sizing a chandelier for a foyer, as well. However, foyers can be quite tall, so keep in mind the bottom of the fixture should be at least seven feet from the floor. Also, if you’re installing a chandelier in a foyer, avoid glare by purchasing one with shades or shade capabilities. Place it above eye level if it’s being used for a tall foyer near a staircase

What is Interior Redesign? What is Home Staging?

Cynthia — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 14:28:33 +0000

Interior Redesign, which has been frequently featured on HGTV and in many decorating magazines, is the art of transforming your home utilizing the wonderful and not so wonderful things you have accumulated over the years, with the assistance of a talented person who has a passion for making homes look beautiful. The goal is to create a space that is balanced and harmonious while reflecting the personalities of the family that lives in the home. There are many names for those that offer this service…interior redesigners, interior arrangers, interior stylists, one day decorators, visual coordinators, interior refiners…are just a few of the terms you may encounter while searching for a professional.

What is Home Staging?
You only have one chance to make a good first impression. When selling your home you want to insure someone does not overlook that it may be the home for them. Our homes are usually the most valuable thing we own and yet many people do not take the necessary steps to guarantee that their home “shows” in it’s best possible light.

I borrowed these definitions for the Interior Redesign and staging directory- I think the writer put it very well and I am often asked these questions.

Working with an Interior Decorator saves you money!

Cynthia — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 13:13:22 +0000

When you plan the home of your dreams, no detail should be overlooked. Among the many people on the jobsite, one key player must be there–the interior decorator. Having an experienced, savvy interior decorator with precise vision will help turn a new house into a home that reflects your unique personal style and needs. Working with a decorator can save you money, because it helps with costly mistakes or re-dos. I have had several clients tell me that I saved them a lot of money on their project by giving them solutions that created beauty and at the same time reduced cost.

An interior decorator can be your advocate and go-between with the other hands in the project. Decorators know exactly how to take a mental picture and make it happen by communicating it to everyone involved. They relay the concept to construction teams, pick out interior and exterior materials; to make your work much easier.
The layout should be influenced by the interior decorator so that all the desires of the homeowner are met. For example, flooring creates the first impression in any room. Therefore, decisions for types of flooring take into account color, texture, and materials. Also, window placement is a crucial element when designing the indoor atmosphere. Casual or formal dining areas, quiet and comfortable bedrooms as well as media centers will be placed with consideration for where the sunlight enters at various times of the day. A window in the perfect spot, like a breakfast nook or cozy study will add ambience and energy. Indoor plants are also worked into the design. If the designer brings in major pieces of furniture or special features [mention some?], these should be reflected on the blueprint.

In addition to the architect, there are other people on location who need the input of your interior designer. The electricians will be placing specific lighting fixtures and structures based on the overall design plan and feel for the space. Choices of hardware and location for directional, adjustable, or ceiling spotlights can be made by the designer who thinks about function and mood. Parts of the home that need this extra enhancement include any bar areas, work stations in the kitchen or study, reading areas, and focal points that include artwork, antiques, or collections. The designer works with plumbers to assure that fixtures are conveniently placed.

From doorknobs and switch plates to fireplaces and sunrooms, the interior designer plays a vital role in the construction of a new home. Their input can make the difference between a good design and a spectacular one. Choosing one before building a house will help you with the details, leave you with a refined look, avoid costly mistakes, and most importantly, add irresistible character to your home.

Home Staging–Vital to selling your home in today’s market!

Cynthia — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:00:50 +0000

In today’s real estate market you have to be competitive with other homes on the market in your area. When you put your home on the market, it worth every penny of your investment to have a home staging consultation from a certified professional. The curb appeal is the first thing that 74% of all potential buyers check out, virtually or in a drive by, before they schedule that all important appointment to see your home. As a Real Estate Stager, my job is to evaluate your property from the time I drive into your driveway, adding suggestions for you. Remember first impressions! The prospective buyer will formulate an impression in the first few moments of viewing the home for sale.

Awesome Interiors will increase your chances of selling your home for maximum dollars in the shortest time frame, by applying the principles of staging. Call us today for a staging consultation.

7 Layers of decorating a room

Cynthia — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:57:28 +0000

Ok so you have an empty canvas and we are going to create your beautiful room makeover! Here is where we begin:
Layer 1- Paint.
Layer 2- Flooring.
Layer 3- Upholstered furniture. This layer includes all upholstered furniture in the room. This is where you are going to spend some money. Good quality upholstered furniture will endure the test of time, this is why it is important to buy quality upholstered pieces. Comfort and beauty are a must! And yes you can have both!
Layer 4- Accent Fabrics. This is the draperies, rugs, throw pillows. This layer adds the personality to the room. It creates the “wow factor”!
Layer 5- Non-upholstered furniture (workhorses). Workhorses– what does that mean? These are the coffee tables, hutches, side tables, storage cabinets, the surfaces in which we live and hide our necessary clutter.
Layer 6- Accessories. I like to call this layer the whip cream and cherry on the top. It finishes off the space and makes it interesting. It includes your collectables.
Layer 7- Lighting and Plants.

This is my formula for creating a beautiful, balanced, comfortable space. Give me a call and let’s get started on your beautiful space.

What size of Rug do I need?

Cynthia — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:51:53 +0000

Think of the rug as the foundation for your room. The rug should be big enough to anchor the furniture grouping, however rugs are not floor covering. For many rooms with sofa and a couple chairs, the size of 8×10 is a good starting point. If you want to make the room seem as large as possible, go with the largest rug that your room can accommodate. Be sure to leave a nice proportion of hardwood!
For dining rooms, the rug should be big enough that the chairs can be moved away from the table without falling off of the rug. The rug size should be based on your day to day needs. We have found that an 8×10 rug is a minimum size to fit most tables seating six day to day.

To easily determine size requirements, use some old sheets or newspapers and cover up the floor to arrive at what looks right, then measure.

Standard sizes include 3×5, 4×6, 6×9, 8×10, 9×12, 10×14, 12×15, 12x 18. We can accomodate most size requirements , including unusual or custom sizes.

Faux Finishing…a great option for art niches!

Cynthia — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:24:28 +0000

This is a dining room that I decorated. We added new artwork, custom draperies, new beautiful rug. My decorative artist and wonderful daughter Ashlie, faux glazed the niche in this dining room, here are the before and after pictures. Small changes add so much! What do you think about the before and after picture?

Road Map to Decorating

Cynthia — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:27:23 +0000

Without having a decorating plan for your living room or kitchen or master bedroom or whatever room, you are basically out there twisting in the wind. You must know where you are heading (design-wise), you need to know what you will need to purchase, you need to know what you are looking for, you need to know how much money you have to spend, and the list goes on and on. Awesome Interiors offers a step by step plan to help you design your rooms in your way so you know exactly what you need when you go shopping. A road map gets your were you need to go, a decorating plan is the beginning to the beautiful space you deserve. Contant me to get started!

New Year- New Space, with out buying anything!

Cynthia — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:31:02 +0000

We are starting our new year. A wonderful start is to declutter, remove items in our spaces we no longer need. If there is any thing broken or something in the space that you do not like, simply remove it. Sometimes less is better. A furniture rearrangment gives us a new look and new start in our homes. I rearranged the furniture in my own home last week and I feel like everything is new and I didn’t even buy at thing. Our spaces effect us– give your living space a facelift, without spending a bundle of money!A room rearrangement can do just that! Happy New Year…and remember your space in your new year resolutions.