My Blog
The Room Planners, LLC - Affordable Home Decorating
RSS Follow Become a Fan

Delivered by FeedBurner


Recent Posts

DIY Furniture Transformation
Color Selection DIY Project
Super Easy DIY Spring Project (Part 1)
Inspiration for Any Room Decor
Ready-Made DIY Design Plans

Categories

DIY Interior Decorating Tips
DIY Organization Tips
Home Decorating Articles
Interior Decorating Business Tips
Staging Articles

Archives

May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011

powered by

My Blog

Home Decorating Articles

DIY Furniture Transformation

Replacing the furniture in your space is another quick way to give your space a new look.....But when buying new furniture is not in your budget what do you do?  
              PAINT!!!

Painting a piece of furniture can be very intimidating to many, but by following a few short easy steps, you will soon discover that it is not as difficult as you may think and the reward (knowing you did it yourself) will be immeasurable!

Painting furniture can also help with many design dilemmas within a room. For example, if you have inherited a family piece that just does not fit with your home's decor, giving it a new paint job could be the answer.  Or, if your decorating style is more eccentric, painting existing furniture will allow for your to express your personality and create a one of a kind piece that is unique and perfect for your home.

So don't let painting your furniture intimidate you.....Go for it and remember with patience all things work its way to perfection. 


        BEFORE                   AFTER
        

Color Selection DIY Project

Have you ever heard the saying "Paint is the Affordable Decor"?
Well, it is true.....painting is the quickest and most affordable way to get the biggest bang for your buck when redecorating your space!
 
Why? Well think about it......
The walls in a room are usually the most dominating visual aspect of a room; therefore any changes made to them will capture the attention of one entering the room and cause a natural emotional response, whether good or bad. And if you are like so many homeowners out there, the thought of select colors for your walls is down-right frightening!
But it does not have to be......
 
Most homeowners select paint colors by going into a paint store, picking up a bunch of color swatches and taking them home only to be frustrated with the process of trying to visualize the color on their wall from a tiny paint swatch. For most, this process only contributes to their indecisiveness therefore they end up either postponing/canceling the project or paying a professional to make the decision for them.
But, there is another way..............
 
Most interior design companies use CAD (computer-aided-design) programs to give their clients a visual look of their room with, the selected paint colors.  This can be helpful when making decisions on colors before making the investment for labor & material cost. 
CAD programs can be very expensive and difficult to use, but
Better Homes and Gardens has an on-line tool that's ideal for a DIYer willing to put a little time in to get the results they want.
 
Giving your room a fresh new paint color is still the most affordable way to update your space and get instant gratification.  So, if you are having a hard time selecting colors give the BHG on-line tool a try, or give us a call and ask about our Color Consultation Services
 

Super Easy DIY Spring Project (Part 1)

Spring
is in the air!!!
 
This is the time most of us spruce up our yards to showcase the beautiful spring flowers. 
How would you like to find a creative, affordable way to also spruce up the inside of your home to showcase those same beautiful flowers and plants featured outdoors?
 
Here is an easy to do DIY project that will showcase your creativity and instantly liven up any plain wall in your home.
 
Step 1>  Purchase any size blank art canvas from your local craft store
 
Step 2>  Purchase semi-gloss or gloss spray paint in color(s) that
              coordinates/compliments your home's decor
 
Step 3>  Select fresh flowers, leaves and/or branches of your choice from
             your yard
 
Step 4>  Arrange your pick on the blank art canvas, and secure it with
             straight pins, tacks, or sticky glue to ensure it does not move
 
Step 5>  Spray paint canvas, then remove & dispose the picks, and
                                WHALA!.....The perfect wall art!
 
 
   Tips:  Create an interesting border by cutting a piece of paper into four
             strips.  On one edge of the strip cut a pattern or rip the paper to
             create an jagged edge. Arrange strip on the blank canvas, along
             with your picks, then spray paint the entire canvas.
 
             Group together several of these art pieces, on the same wall,
             to make a strong first impression!
 
 
 
 

Inspiration for Any Room Decor

Often times I get asked the question "what are the best decor colors" and my answer is always the same.......
                      What inspires you?
 
There is color in everything around us, and often times when you stop and look at an image, a photograph or a landscape your eyes will automatically be drawn to the colors that you are most attracted to.
The key is awareness; allowing your eyes to naturally find what it is attracted to and being aware as it is communicated back to you.
 
 
 
In this photograph my eyes are automatically drawn to the beautiful hues of yellow that brightens up the picture, in spite of the well lite landscape.
 
The insect's colors inspires an updated decor style, while the landscape's natural pallet neutralizes the total image, which visually translates into an ideal transitional decor. 
 
 
 
From this simple photograph a bedroom design plan is inspired that incorporates many of the features seen in the picture, such as the colors, lines and patterns.
 
The design offers the sophistication and elegance displayed by a butterfly, while also providing a beauty that stands out and naturally lightens up the room. The outcome is a well balanced decor that encourages positive energy.
                                                       click on image to see all our
                                                              Ready Made DIY Design Plans
 
 
If you have a room that needs decorating, let us know the color(s) that most inspire you. We'll take your information and create a
                   Semi-Custom Design Plan just for you!
 
      For full details, please visit The Room Planners, LLC website
 
 
 

Ready-Made DIY Design Plans

They're Finally Here!!!
 Our New Ready-Made DIY Design Plans  are now available on our website.
If you are a Do-It-Yourself decorator but need a little help with your design choices, then these plans are ideal for you!  We have taken all the guess work out of decorating a room, and have published 15 budget friendly design plans that will turn the most novice homeowner to a professional decorator.
 
 
 
 
 
Turn a
COLORLESS, DREARY
Room
 
 
 
 
 
 
               
 
                 Into  a BEAUTIFUL & INVITING
                  Space
 
At a fraction of the cost of                  hiring a
    professional decorator
 
 
Plan shown is the Voluptuous Luxury 1 - Living Room
                               Ready-Made DIY Design Plan                                                            
 
There are three (3) room plans for each color story, and each plan was designed to aesthetically coordinate and harmoniously flow with the other rooms.  We have addressed the three (3) main rooms in the home
Living Room, Dining Room and Bedroom
 
Whether you have a Traditional, Transitional, Modern or Eclectic style home, we have a plan to fit your needs. So look through our plans now, and get started decorating!!!!
 
                             COMING SOON
                      ON-LINE STORE
  a fine selection of our "Decorator's Choice" Products at affordable prices!

Planning for the New Year

By now, many of you have finished making your holiday gift list and some have even completed your shopping.  With only 19 days left in the 2011 calendar, now is the time to look a little further into the future and start jotting down your wish list of home improvement projects. Taking the time to plan now will help in prioritizing and budgeting each project on your wish list.
 
Start by looking around your home to identify rooms or spaces that you are unhappy with.  Write down the room or space, and next to it describe what you feel is wrong with it. Maybe it's the lack of color, lighting or personality in your space, or it may be that the space just does not feel very inviting.
 
Next, write down the items that you would like to change in that space (i.e. painting, accessories, new lighting, upholster or replace furniture).  If you have magazine pictures, paint or fabric swatches place them all in a large folder or envelope and label it "2012 Home Improvement Projects Wish List".  You can use these pictures and swatches for inspiration when working on your project or share them with your contractor to help explain the vision you have for your space.
 
Finally, take the time to set a budget to help determine your deadlines. Start by looking at each project, on your list, and writing down your best GUESS as to what the project will cost to complete.  Another approach is to write down how much it is that YOU are willing to spend on each project.  Knowing how much you're willing to spend can help guide your choices as you start working on your project. 
 
 Next, and this is were honesty is key, write down how much you can afford to spend each month on home improvement projects. If all your projects will not fit within your annual budget, then weigh out the pros and cons of doing it now or putting it off another year. With today's economy, it is wise to avoid going into debt to accomplish everything on your wish list.
 
Taking the time to create a  plan will empower you in accomplishing your home improvement goals. The key is to stick to your list and not waiver from your budget.
 

Why Add Color To Your Walls

Upon entering a room, one of the first human senses we use is sight.
Our eyes sends a signal to the brain that catapults our emotions. There have been many studies done confirming the correlation between color and the human emotions.
 
Interior DecoratingA monotoned (one color) room will often be perceived as uninteresting and provoke boredom. Neutral colors, such as white and cream, are consider to be colorless and are often used as foundation builders.  This is the reason why most home builders paint all the walls, of a new home, a shade of white.  White is a neutral color that evokes no human emotion; it causes the eye to continue moving onto other objects of more interest and color.
 
Interior DecoratingThe most cost effective way to quickly transform a room is through the addition of color on your walls; but be warned..... selecting the wrong colors can also have a negative impact on a room's vibe or harmony.
 
There is an art to selecting the right combination of colors for a room, which includes understanding the design & architectural style of the home as well as the homeowner's personality and usage for that room.
 
Selecting paint color for your walls can be intimidating, but it does not have to be. Take the time to look through magazine picture and compile a file of pictures that you like. Then sit in the room, that you're planning to paint, and review the magazine pictures you've selected to help you envision how those colors will look and feel in your room. Once you have reached a decision, take your selected magazine page into your local paint store and have an associate help you find a color to match your magazine picture.
 
If you become weary with the process, you may want to consider calling in a professional decorator.  The benefit of hiring an interior decorator, for color selections, is their ability to provide you with a snapshot image (rendition) of your room with the new selected colors, making it easier for you to decide on your color selection before spending money on paint or a painting contractor. 
 
If you decide to call in a professional, make sure you verify that they will come to the home to work with you in the space you're looking to paint as well as provide you with a snapshot image or rendition of your room to help you with your color selection.

Holidays Staging

When hosting a special event, or a party, most people want to ensure their guest enjoy themselves and have fond memories of the event.
 
Holiday DecorIt is known that the human psyche is influenced by the 5 senses (seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting), but what is often overlooked is the most powerful of those senses, the sense of sight. There are studies which indicate that most humans form an opinion within 15 seconds of seeing an object. When that object is aesthetically pleasing, it is more likely to be enjoyed and therefore remembered by the person.
 
 
 
 
Interior Decorating
Staging is the art of creating an ambiance, in a space, that goes well beyond decorating.  By accentuating the home's (or venue's) key features, proper staging can create an illusion that makes a strong first impression and gives that "WOW" factor that is remembered long after it has been seen.
 
 
 
 
The holidays are quickly approaching. If you are planning to host a special event or party, this season, allow us the opportunity to help you create the perfect room decór that commemorates the day's festivity and leaves you and your guests with everlasting memories.
 
Interior Decorating
 

Preparing your Interior Decor for the Holidays

Walking through retail stores today you begin to sense the holiday season fast approaching, which also indicates the start of the busiest 8 weeks in the interior decorating industry.
 
If you have a decorating project planned, to be completed prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, now is the time to schedule an appointment to work with an interior decorator to help you execute your plans.
 
AdvertisementIf you live in the south Atlanta area, please see our ad in this month's issue of the Home & Decor Ideas magazine inserted in your local Savvy Shopper mailer.
Or visit our website at www.theroomplanners.com
 

How to Weather the Storm

Rushing to the finish line is not always a good idea when decorating your home, especially if you do not have a plan. Yet this is exactly what many homeowners do when the interior of their home is affected by weather related circumstances.
 
With the many recent weather related events, that have occurred throughout the country, the odds are in favor of it either affecting you our someone that you know. So the question is....
           How would you weather the storm?
 
storm damage homeIt is all in how you choose to view your situation.....either the glass is half full or the glass is half empty. This in no way is intended to diminish the seriousness of having your living space damaged by forces of nature, but it is to help those who are dealing with a bad situation, see the opportunity afforded to them.
 
Often times when a home suffers damage from a storm, the homeowner rushes to restore the space back to it's original condition. Instead, by slowing down the pace, they may discover the grand opportunity to create the space of their dreams.
 
Because these are stressful and emotional times, this is when working with a professional interior home decorator will be of tremendous value. They will be able to help you generate a plan that both you and your contractors can easily follow to ensure, that as repairs are made, they are being done in accordance to your interior design goals.
 

How Does Color Influence Your Home's Decor?

It is known that a person's psychic (or state of mind) effects their choices, and their choices effects their mood and/or emotions.
 
Are you satisfied with your home's decor?
 
If your answer is no then most likely your state of mind, at the time that you were decorating your home, had a major influence in your decor selections.
 
When I walk into a new client's home, I am immediately tuned into their state of mind, based on how the home is being maintained, which often also reflects in their personality and/or mood.
 
Successful decorating starts with a plan, which consists of a defined decor style and color pallet. Rushing through the planning process is sure to have an adverse effect on the outcome of your final decor.
 
fancy-yellow-colors
Because color is a key component to a design plan, choosing the right color is key to the success of that plan. The intensity (brightness or dullness) of your color selection will evoke your emotions, which effects your moods; that is why if you select a paint color when frazzled or rushed you are sure to be dissatisfied with your choice once you are rested and your emotions have settled.
 
Calling in a professional decorator is always ideal to help you make color decisions. Their training and listening skills enables them to sort through a client's present emotional stage and bring forth their true personality through color. When your home reflects your true personality it becomes a place where you want to be.
 
So, watch yourself......the colors your choose says a lot about you!
 
 

Fall Interior Decor Inspiration

The fall season is fast approaching and interior decor elements, inspired by the 2012 color trend, are quickly arriving in stores around the country. So how do you select the right elements to fit with your design style?
 
I believe in simplifying design choices, therefore I like to assign each seasonal color trend pallet a design style.  Of course, there are always exceptions to these rules, but it helps to have a starting point that you can  build from.
 
Below is the inspiration I'm using when developing the design concept for my clients:
 
Interior Decorating
Traditional Decor
 
A southwest inspired feel, that is almost faded or antique looking, combined with refined patterns and contemporary structures. Leather, wood and stone become important elements in the design and colors will be updated warm tones, such as rusty reds, yellows and browns.
 
 
 
Interior Decorating
 
 
 
Contemporary Decor
 
Exotic travels inspires this style decor; relaxed yet sophisticated with exotic details and natural materials. Metallic and mirror surfaces are a must, along with layered sheer fabrics.
Earthy colors in shades of soft taupes, off whites with touches of green accompany staple neutral colors such as black, browns and grays.
 
 
 
 
 
Interior DecoratingCasual Decor
 
I call this the fairytale look...softer, light hearted feel with a true feminine touch that may even be considered flirty. Fabrics are shimmery and layered, combined with dainty florals and embroidery accents.
It is a very cheerful color palette that includes shades of aqua, mint greens and violets; some warmer colors such as peach and pink mauve also are trend right for this decor style.
 

Why hire an Interior Decorator?

The Japanese art historian Kakuzo Okakura once stated that "the art of life and living is in constantly readjusting to our surroundings." We are living in times where the average household, office and business is experiencing change more and more frequently. Any time there is change, the likelihood is that it will effect the people involved in that environment like the members in a household, the employees in the office or associates and clients within a business. Anytime there's change in your environment, it proposes the opportunity to call in a professional Interior Decorator.
 
Interior DecoratingAn interior decorator is ideally a vision coordinator. They are in tuned to identifying the emotions a room can evoke just by the usage of colors and the placement of objects within that room. An experienced decorator has mastered the art of listening to the client's specific concerns and needs, therefore is able to generate unique design plans that addresses the exigencies rather than providing cookie cutting solutions; after all no two people, spaces or situations are the same.
 
There are many that have an obscured notion of what an interior decorator provides; they believe that if you can intuitively match colors together and place pretty pillows on a sofa, you are officially a decorator. On the contrary, an Interior Decorator is much more than that. There are many factions that an experienced Decorator must take into account when proposing a design plan to a client. Among these are the room's shape & size, the client's decorating style, the flooring, furnishing and lighting in the room. Mastering the art of interior decorating requires the ability to take these denominators and pair them with the knowledge of how color evokes emotions to help create the desired environment.
 
Unfortunately many home and business owners will still take on the task of attempting to decorate their space to no avail, only to later recognize the unnecessary expense in purchases & labor that did not produce the outcome they were looking to achieve. Because emotions derive from subjective response or reactions to a person or situation, here at The Room Planner, we take pride in building intimate lasting relationships with our clients. Our goal is to get to know our clients personally in order to completely understand their life's change and needs. By investing time in our clients we can provide the ideal design, that is both practical and affordable and most important, aligns with the client's specific budge and needs.

What makes a House a HOME?

Recently I was asked, by a good friend of mine, what was the difference between a house and a home. To me there is a huge psychological difference. A home says alot about a person; it showcases their personality and serves as a place of refuge. When the decor in the house does not fit the homeowner's personality, they will always have this sense of something lacking in that space.    
 
To read more on this topic, click here to view my latest Newsletter
Website provided by  Vistaprint
Website
provided by Vistaprint