The business of design ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcItmLaTP5gPget-zFwVDMyj6nbN2krs0ov2jnTCcidXeo0pRgl_JG1p3U6fMc3NvgGSvgrC31gvpBNsIdoRm_7veoskdj76Kf5Vo4ao1BNUz1FjZjtqeg3HwuW-d7Dffske-NcbL31lk/s1600/designerhightea.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497946265631915778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcItmLaTP5gPget-zFwVDMyj6nbN2krs0ov2jnTCcidXeo0pRgl_JG1p3U6fMc3NvgGSvgrC31gvpBNsIdoRm_7veoskdj76Kf5Vo4ao1BNUz1FjZjtqeg3HwuW-d7Dffske-NcbL31lk/s400/designerhightea.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 322px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Seated from left to right: myself, Tina Melanson, Ann Chapdelaine,</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Sandra Biondo, Rosanne Palazola enjoying High Tea at Glen Magna</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">After enjoying some yummy </span><span style="font-size:130%;">scones, </span><span style="font-size:130%;">tea sandwiches and desserts at last week’s <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/07/high-tea-at-glen-magna-farms-part-1.html">Designer Tea</a> held at Glen Magna (food provided by <a href="http://www.harvestcateringinc.com/index.php">Harvest Catering</a>, another <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/07/how-this-butlers-pantry-changed-my-life.html">coincidence</a>) the guests in attendance were able to pose some of their design questions to us. We took turns giving our individual answers to the questions. Here are just a few of the questions with my<br />(now written) responses ...</span><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuh-PWIoK-My8DkXR0mLSR0qM3hvVx6LCrQfBGN2xsmkKd-km0XtqzSDQJUa1jO6a6nzkp6WIhJNuI7J945rHGrwoPV0p29NJYvoX5T4LDmGcEpqPbctxnCGcq3HQPvXGyU8GdKH0yT_o/s1600/teaserviceGM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498493309544520898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuh-PWIoK-My8DkXR0mLSR0qM3hvVx6LCrQfBGN2xsmkKd-km0XtqzSDQJUa1jO6a6nzkp6WIhJNuI7J945rHGrwoPV0p29NJYvoX5T4LDmGcEpqPbctxnCGcq3HQPvXGyU8GdKH0yT_o/s400/teaserviceGM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 317px;" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Q. When designing for a client,<br />where do you start?</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I like to meet my clients in their home and start out with a tour. Even if they plan to change an entire space, there are always fixed features that will influence the end result. What style home is it? How is the available lighting? What colors are in adjacent rooms? What types of flooring are in the home? What items have they collected over the years? Is there a favorite pattern or color scheme that keeps reappearing in their choices? Really listening to them as they point out what they wish to change and what they wish to keep is the best way for me to get a sense of their design needs. It is all about getting to know what they respond to and then working with them to create a space that feels like an extension of their personality. Of course, a blank slate (like new construction) is always a great opportunity to approach design with a fresh start, but many design reference points are usually discovered in that<br />first face-to-face conversation. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.yvonneblacker.com/Design_Inspiration.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498489346912149698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodo6NiScPc7BhiWgYWoiZeKm6Y27_9BMueHNlCxCaHCgLqNx4JPKeIgJtDdgFMXFe9pNqKesS6C48aeOLgHgecjEIUPD3XYzwxGrZcIlkH9R-Gu53lMsRD9IYMq_WC4E5_DEXoUu057s/s400/sampleboardcolors_YB.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Q. How do you present your<br />ideas to your clients?</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I usually put together sample boards using graphic design software (Quark Xpress and Photoshop are the tools of my trade) </span><span style="font-size:130%;">or I will use <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=971780">Polyvore</a> to create a mood board pulling images of furnishings and patterns right from the internet. I also use <a href="http://www.icovia.com/design/">Icovia,</a> another great online resource, to quickly establish floor plans. I prefer to present ideas in person, however, I am always willing to send a quick email with the design boards attached to answer design questions in a more immediate way. Even with all of these computer aided design tools, I have discovered that lots of clients still love a real hand-drawn view of their future space. When I show an illustration of my ideas for a<br />client’s space, it is much easier for them<br />to visualize the end result.<br /><br /><br /></span><br /><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/04/decorating-spring-mantel.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498992747654683906" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CKmRjuu71PhX4oy-OYBwuCmJrsu_EYeiEO_etq6zKBIDSMWZAxU0G0s6mNpwWE210hHumSrE416UPl6wBOJ898UKrjwweE-yeZcfkZioau0tRECcvrWL-Se_-jlu2JmdJ7tXVP48840/s400/eggwithvase.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/04/decorating-spring-mantel.html">Styling small spaces</a> is always<br />a fun design project for me</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Q. Has the downturn in the economy<br />affected your design business?</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> I am happy to say that through client referrals, and with participation in the past few design shows, my business has actually been growing. What has helped me, I believe, is that I am willing to take on design challenges that are big or small. Creating a<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">“</span><span style="font-size:130%;">special spot</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> in a home is just as satisfying to me as redesigning an entire room. It is also a great place to start a design relationship with a new client. I still do a lot of color consultations (which is how I started out 10 years ago), and I also love to spend an hour or two providing mini “design coaching</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> sessions where I offer design tips that can later be executed at a client’s own pace. Whether faced with a complete renovation or a simple “freshening up</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> my goal is always to help people make design decisions with confidence.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-xKT5AFQkTky13OoT0GrMbNvggJeJuvkYm7IS_aLvt7wMBwz-oT3qieF4LwwGW_JlOrSDJR-RFqh6_e3AlkT7Iaf9zDcIYXgegtdtRseUvQWDMI2WmDwYueQZN7Jap01ODs0rzo1zXA/s1600/bunny:rings.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/07/design-show-preview-party-in-danvers.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498988455548574770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWCzwTDM_o_DLssj7V718RXvjS8EhwppW9swtQebenNQfPBH2BuY6Thi371GS_T5YqtTQhDd_PYqBGxkspWOPo2_9yHAffBxBpwCwT-fb_SLljcjm69GorG5UzWLH74939e06VWzhgt0/s320/zebradragonflycardYB.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">A notecard I designed to coordinate</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />with my space at the Danvers show</span></span><br /><br /><br />In addition, as I mentioned to our guests, I have actually been putting a lot of thought into creating other ways to market my design aesthetic, whether it be in <a href="http://alluminaire.com/">pattern design</a>, </span><span style="font-size:130%;">printed reproductions of artwork, </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> or some other type of creative representation of my design style. <a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/">Jonathan Adler</a> and <a href="http://www.lillypulitzer.com/Home/At-Home/icat/homeproducts&bklist=icat,5,shop,accessoriesandgift,athome,homeproducts">Lilly Pulitzer</a> are just a couple of designers who have successfully created a marketable brand out of their approach to design.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">And I can’t forget to mention how important this blog has been in helping me to grow as a designer. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">It is a great way to share what I know about design while actually being able to connect with an audience. If someone <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/07/alphabet-walk-letter-y.html">gets to know me</a> here, they are more likely to feel comfortable working with me on a future design project. And through blogging, I have made a lot of <a href="https://twitter.com/yblacker">valuable connections</a> with other design professionals. I actually have some neat collaborations in<br />the works that I will share with you later!</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">If you have any design questions of your own, feel free to pose them in the comment section below and I will answer each of them personally or in a post. And if you have an upcoming design project that you need help with, please give me a call at 617.899.1226 or<br />email me at yblacker@verizon.net<br /><br />I look forward to any and all design conversations!<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/06/danvers-design-show-sneak-peek.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499000861027709362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eg36p3qeB7jm1f3_gggMloggGEJxyn1J4ZxfLjjX5bNsN3IGo2UVzYyJpAPa-6KYjTeJCQtSdjMjUouAHf5D3E9wQJy32c-J_nEuNxgXccbLdgGgM39WXiYVftWmC8BTJ5wMKMOtzo0/s400/DHSdesignshowbanner.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 171px;" /></a><br />Don’t miss out! This is the last week to view<br /><a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/07/weekend-update-design-show-sneak-peek.html">the designer vignettes at Tapley Hall</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuh-PWIoK-My8DkXR0mLSR0qM3hvVx6LCrQfBGN2xsmkKd-km0XtqzSDQJUa1jO6a6nzkp6WIhJNuI7J945rHGrwoPV0p29NJYvoX5T4LDmGcEpqPbctxnCGcq3HQPvXGyU8GdKH0yT_o/s1600/teaserviceGM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /></div>

The business of design ...

Seated from left to right: myself, Tina Melanson, Ann Chapdelaine, Sandra Biondo, Rosanne Palazola enjoying High Tea at Glen Magna After enj...

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Storyboards online ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphen0TEi5G2vLadkWRFocMsN4wJfiB-oTXfWXZ1IBMr9BgIvepOrhH0gK8b_gWAGpNhMGLlhzbZ6ncU7V3AnPUQRbd32YEXCJGisPzo16enOCeC7zUUtGkGKod2EOZUfpmQIDbrggmpCOA/s1600-h/polyvoregap8.17.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371169424544589394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphen0TEi5G2vLadkWRFocMsN4wJfiB-oTXfWXZ1IBMr9BgIvepOrhH0gK8b_gWAGpNhMGLlhzbZ6ncU7V3AnPUQRbd32YEXCJGisPzo16enOCeC7zUUtGkGKod2EOZUfpmQIDbrggmpCOA/s400/polyvoregap8.17.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 255);font-family:lucida grande;" ></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >What were you born to do?</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />A storyboard I created to promote <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/gap_jeans_challenge/contest.show?id=94508">Gap jeans</a></span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">In the world of advertising, art directors create storyboards to portray a concept to a client. As an interior decorator, it is a great way to show a collection of items along with the intended mood for a space. I have seen <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/explore">polyvore</a> storyboards on other blogs, and after giving it a shot, I have a new addiction. It is just like working in Photoshop, but SO much easier. Tons of trendy items already silhouetted, neat graphic icons to choose from, cool fonts, and much more. Prices and links are automatically posted with each item.<br /><br />This is my first “set” as polyvore calls it. Expect more to come (along with bags under my eyes from late night posts like this one ... once you get started, it is almost impossible to stop!)</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/search.users?query=designvignettes" style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">designvignettes</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">on polyvore</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.mid=badgecolor&id=971780"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-colorbadge?.out=png&count=10&src=set_stream&uid=971780" width="120" /></a><br /><br /></div>

Storyboards online ...

What were you born to do? A storyboard I created to promote Gap jeans In the world of advertising, art directors create storyboards to portr...

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A decorators Q & A luncheon in York

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM78SXLc6OGS1hK_0Lq6frzhBA1394MiK2ycciLqjUsDzTr9_Pp8_EaLlBgdJcTvWfSIMg8vDVNQmNUe7vkfO-gk3mEJW1Tc1tX_mLFbYAp9Jb0u8nJ1CoBpGHAKsxFB0reaa-zWk0iA/s1600-h/readingroompc.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367396505389870690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM78SXLc6OGS1hK_0Lq6frzhBA1394MiK2ycciLqjUsDzTr9_Pp8_EaLlBgdJcTvWfSIMg8vDVNQmNUe7vkfO-gk3mEJW1Tc1tX_mLFbYAp9Jb0u8nJ1CoBpGHAKsxFB0reaa-zWk0iA/s400/readingroompc.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Postcard image of the York Harbor Reading Room</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Recently I enjoyed a design discussion/luncheon presented by the <a href="http://www.oldyork.org/">Museums of Old York</a> at the <a href="http://www.yorkharborreading.com/AboutYHRR/default.aspx">York Harbor Reading Room</a>. A panel of five decorators from the <a href="http://www.oldyork.org/visit/showhouse.html">McIntire Farm Show House </a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">presented tips, techniques and design stories that related to both their work on this year’s show house and the business of design. After the initial introductions of the panel (in order </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://blog.accentmagazine.com/life-in-new-england/fd-hodge-interiors-updates-from-old-york-designer-show-house/">Frank Hodge</a>, Kacey Graham, Michaele Boehm, <a href="http://blog.accentmagazine.com/life-in-new-england/ny-interiors-updates-from-old-york-designer-show-house/">Nicole Yee</a>, and <a href="http://www.joycejordaninteriors.com/">Joyce Jordan</a>) the guests in the audience were able to pose their decorating questions. Here are some questions (and answers) that I thought would be of interest: </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ3LP37dgxEAq_69ZM8wnaDyrmAJWH2qhuFTMlJvHQ4pFxr9fe8iYd1Xt1DQzEj6BJcITDXJOsMMog4GjeGS2DC9ZUldSKQ0zrswi-LmprGAy3KBN_9_Ed79ULZ0c4ZV4nBe7r7AAn5c/s1600-h/seashorepage.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366949616499162738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ3LP37dgxEAq_69ZM8wnaDyrmAJWH2qhuFTMlJvHQ4pFxr9fe8iYd1Xt1DQzEj6BJcITDXJOsMMog4GjeGS2DC9ZUldSKQ0zrswi-LmprGAy3KBN_9_Ed79ULZ0c4ZV4nBe7r7AAn5c/s400/seashorepage.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >A story board I designed around pillows from my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5555213">Vintage Seaside Collection</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >based on colors from the shore: coral, sand, seafoam and beachglass</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Q. What color did you use in your room?</span><br /></span><br />A. When people see a room that makes them feel good, the first question they ask is often about color choice. If you see a room that you like at a show house, don’t be shy ... ask the designer directly. If you see a room that you like on the web or in a magazine, keep in mind that the image is most likely affected by the printing process or monitor settings. Bring a magazine image directly to a paint store, they can color match what you see to get the result you fell in love with. But beware ... a wall color is greatly influenced by <span>fixed variables like lighting, flooring and objects in the space</span>. I always recommend to choose colors for your home while in your home – take a look around and see what colors are already there that will be interacting with a color you saw and loved somewhere else. Also, as most of the panel noted, a good design plan will take into consideration the colors in adjoining rooms for the best overall flow of the space.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJsgqCaIfdsLvFdpFCfHtf141-s5nLNhjMu-o7iGSRGWxwB0outTFgsWjVQUWabsjn9FBnUJ5AMxr8SBM2Aafcwpbsf_UArYsdqiMnS8mbQY51WpaqN-RFP19fHCdYH8yaoj7VBykzBM/s1600-h/bluedining.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367387639477471378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJsgqCaIfdsLvFdpFCfHtf141-s5nLNhjMu-o7iGSRGWxwB0outTFgsWjVQUWabsjn9FBnUJ5AMxr8SBM2Aafcwpbsf_UArYsdqiMnS8mbQY51WpaqN-RFP19fHCdYH8yaoj7VBykzBM/s400/bluedining.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 297px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >I chose a blue ceiling to make this dining space more intimate.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Ceiling: Benjamin Moore Jamestown Blue<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Walls: Benjamin Moore Yorkshire Tan</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Q. What are your thoughts on colored ceilings?</span><br /><br />While some designers prefer white ceilings, others treat the ceiling as an opportunity to add intimacy and/or interest by treating it with a color. A color other than white on a high ceiling can make a room feel much more cozy. Give it a try if you never have. Blue on a ceiling is a lot like looking up at the sky (I loved it with yellow walls in my first baby nursery). Even using a 50% value of your wall color can add a new dimension to the overall look of a space. Something all of the designers could agree upon, however, was to refrain from painting a textured or “popcorn” ceiling with a color. If at all possible, have it scraped down (add a skim coat if necessary to clean it up) and then feel free to highlight with that touch of color.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSJVCkprSXzouY4MCRcJkNWwaIYguel_-5w-OETzLoDQ3VzxF3AwS0djgsThjry8iNrGPfS5S8U05xwlmHdUdreW5Kn3FF6epslpGqdLGr5MUaahhRu-JN31Pkox_8LPb7Lqx7g2bGPM/s1600-h/graynichewithflowers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366943931773368642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSJVCkprSXzouY4MCRcJkNWwaIYguel_-5w-OETzLoDQ3VzxF3AwS0djgsThjry8iNrGPfS5S8U05xwlmHdUdreW5Kn3FF6epslpGqdLGr5MUaahhRu-JN31Pkox_8LPb7Lqx7g2bGPM/s400/graynichewithflowers.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >From my home, a recently added niche in the foyer</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >painted entirely in Benjamin Moore Aura Paint in Secret</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Flower arrangement designed by <a href="http://www.friendswhodesign.com/Flowers_and_Jewelry.php">Beth Hylan</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Q. What are some current design trends?</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >A. The color gray is hot</span><br /><br />I love grays ... they make everything else pop. Put a bright white in front of gray, furnish with rich chocolate browns, add vibrant colors as accents ... it’s all good! Gray acts as the perfect backdrop to make everything else look its sophisticated best. As the design panel mentioned, gray is the new neutral, replacing beige in a lot of instances. My tip: If your room does not receive a lot of natural light during the day, I would recommend going with a warm gray (more brown in undertones) as opposed to a cool gray (which can be more blue). Well planned lighting will help to keep the space feeling warm, like the recessed light I had installed in the niche above.<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >A. Going “green” is in</span><br /><br />Green decorating is not just a passing trend. Choosing energy efficient appliances, natural fabrics, paints that produce low emissions (like the Aura paint used above), reducing waste in building materials and re-purposing existing furnishings are now common requests from clients and are highly recommended by designers. While costs in the past have been higher for eco-friendly design, with the increase in green providers we are now experiencing a larger supply of choices that will hopefully drive prices down (so glad I took economics in college!) My advice: start small. It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing way of decorating. Even the smallest green choices can make a difference to our environment while adding to the comfort of your home.<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:180%;" ><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Q. How do you deal with a client’s collections?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExBMJ1_mlJm2bJRew-RYPxnysCIINi86QjNp-59cRY_8cXGsIg02D4AbTGZQblAMMxEGNzgRL0_5uThtNHY0eJu8bX-2cM9eJqnTsCJdGxMlFsYpfjA8Q5R48vIS10WkoKFGswHqH_cQ/s1600-h/RDR-+kitchen+after.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366327780927587698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExBMJ1_mlJm2bJRew-RYPxnysCIINi86QjNp-59cRY_8cXGsIg02D4AbTGZQblAMMxEGNzgRL0_5uThtNHY0eJu8bX-2cM9eJqnTsCJdGxMlFsYpfjA8Q5R48vIS10WkoKFGswHqH_cQ/s400/RDR-+kitchen+after.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >I was inspired by my clients collection of pink appliances (she has a great Kitchen Aid Mixer, Blender and more in pink) and her large collection of vintage tea pots, cups and saucers when choosing the colors and fabrics for this kitchen makeover. The china cabinet was painted a shiny black to anchor the space while being the perfect backdrop to the variety of china patterns. The yellow dinette set is the one unexpected color in the space that keeps the palette interesting.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Ceiling: Benjamin Moore Pleasant Pink</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Walls: Benjamin Moore Cappuccino</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><br />A. Grouping collections together will offer the biggest impact. Collections truly tell the story of the home owner. Whatever your collection is, be proud of it and find a special place to display it. Rotating items in and out of your collection is a nice way to keep the look fresh while not overdoing it. One great tip for starting a collection inexpensively was to add seashells to a space. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors and textures, and are extremely accessible. Keep this in mind when strolling the beaches this summer ...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIUE_DIOnUWKPal3aDbcNMgJBDw9Pb_YYSTkfR-KJlIT0fZQndiUCATNalLH7YaGjWpOhxXuspXhcwTy3yM7wPVkbJuos0BGroEbzMAjjKcW1Kh03Q3oPeO5VhQWgfhtEZvgrZtDyzSI/s1600-h/kitchenaidmacys.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367402363556598930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIUE_DIOnUWKPal3aDbcNMgJBDw9Pb_YYSTkfR-KJlIT0fZQndiUCATNalLH7YaGjWpOhxXuspXhcwTy3yM7wPVkbJuos0BGroEbzMAjjKcW1Kh03Q3oPeO5VhQWgfhtEZvgrZtDyzSI/s320/kitchenaidmacys.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">If you love pink, embrace it!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Kitchen Aid available at </span><a href="http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=106695&CategoryID=29425" style="font-style: italic;">Macy’s online</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />Q. In your opinion, what are some of the top decorating faux pas?</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:180%;" ><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANsBztU2DS-K4LP6ZyD9hylNL9wskLYP1m1hBvKS8-n9VKXxkQrVvof2J0pwHFUfY8jRupFEgXeZTe5ozGuNJT7S3wAjcENpZK1iZcuMWfKqaxf9IZpDMk3iT79I2blqw0kmdp3PFbOo/s1600-h/CP+-+fireplace+b4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366335233031323586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANsBztU2DS-K4LP6ZyD9hylNL9wskLYP1m1hBvKS8-n9VKXxkQrVvof2J0pwHFUfY8jRupFEgXeZTe5ozGuNJT7S3wAjcENpZK1iZcuMWfKqaxf9IZpDMk3iT79I2blqw0kmdp3PFbOo/s400/CP+-+fireplace+b4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />A client of mine inherited this room in her new home that was painted with blue walls and a white ceiling that included the slants of the roof lines.<br />Highlighting too many angles created a disjointed look.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYSC-gsmCDk4modIsxL-5TU4UXGeNXAO6p5CsAQebsVwmHtntuUbhnSmUilLd3GFskCEBoMJn4CttMtbAacqWLAHolFO3CrVI5svPzR2TA9DjD8LTKwbhlpCg9-3kxBojOhKW1ghps-g/s1600-h/CP-+fireplace+bottles.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366334745776961202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYSC-gsmCDk4modIsxL-5TU4UXGeNXAO6p5CsAQebsVwmHtntuUbhnSmUilLd3GFskCEBoMJn4CttMtbAacqWLAHolFO3CrVI5svPzR2TA9DjD8LTKwbhlpCg9-3kxBojOhKW1ghps-g/s400/CP-+fireplace+bottles.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">My advice: By painting the entire room the same color (treat slants as part of the wall, not the ceiling) the angles disappear allowing focal points more prominence. A new collection of colored glass bottles creates interest in what once was a dead corner.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Walls and ceiling: Benjamin Moore Timid White</span></span><br /><br />A decorating “mistake” that I often run into are slanted walls that are treated as part of the ceiling as shown above. The room will look so much bigger when wall color is applied to the slants, extending the visual dimensions of the room. The McIntire Farm panel mentioned a few of their pet peeves: Overdoing a theme was one. Not editing a space another. Not choosing the right scale of furniture or objects for a space. Special challenges that many clients face today regarding the subject of scale include the wide array of over-sized pieces that have been created to fit in the “great room” scenario. A better way to approach this “how do I fill such a large space dilemma” is to break the room out into smaller conversation areas instead of trying to fill the space with the largest sofa available.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Q. What are your thoughts on HGTV and do you have a favorite designer?</span><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkT9hsG_eFIHu-G8hodyr3U71ayXwtuGUmqJ1WBgCZSb5Sr-9yXAdTeev5ier2jxSNwVrtzYWCuzx8NkuApymnQ13bajnr58o8uIuJh2A7PDajQbE7MKQA9GGGYIPxkQG1mHxI9kIsSCw/s1600-h/candace.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366322196182287634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkT9hsG_eFIHu-G8hodyr3U71ayXwtuGUmqJ1WBgCZSb5Sr-9yXAdTeev5ier2jxSNwVrtzYWCuzx8NkuApymnQ13bajnr58o8uIuJh2A7PDajQbE7MKQA9GGGYIPxkQG1mHxI9kIsSCw/s400/candace.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Candice Olson autographing my copy of her book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Candice-Olson-Design-Inspiration-Ideas/dp/0696225840"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Candice Olson on Design</span></a> at a lecture she gave at <a href="http://www.circlefurniture.com/">Circle Furniture</a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > Yes, she is just as tall, gorgeous and funny in person as she is on her </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >HGTV </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >show Divine Design!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hgtv.com/divine-design/show/index.html">Candice Olson</a> received a lot of nods from our designer panel as an HGTV favorite, and other prominent designers <a href="http://www.barbarabarry.com/">Barbara Barry</a> (love her!) and design legend <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/architects/legends/archive/baldwin_article_012000">Billy Baldwin</a> were mentioned. While a lot of good ideas can come from televised design shows, most of the panel agreed that they present an unrealistic picture of what actually can be done “in a day” and “on a dime.” The largest omission is the cost of labor (and materials) for each makeover, which significantly adds to the reality of a projects bottom line.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV94GFJQpFWZovaAsN-RnkC-nLI6Gy8-o42-AwpX-EdCM-YF5Fj7kfUaN3NBzymUXES_MrxY7vomRUxJ7wrhIFxvIQbuKRkhpDTc0eZX0fK9wKRmBKUVZDgEqWiuQ16rjzCau85ozcv4o/s1600-h/natesbook.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367437453247713474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV94GFJQpFWZovaAsN-RnkC-nLI6Gy8-o42-AwpX-EdCM-YF5Fj7kfUaN3NBzymUXES_MrxY7vomRUxJ7wrhIFxvIQbuKRkhpDTc0eZX0fK9wKRmBKUVZDgEqWiuQ16rjzCau85ozcv4o/s320/natesbook.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">My (unsigned *sigh*) copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Rules-Transform-Place-Youll/dp/1401301371">Nate’s book</a></span></span><br /><br />Another favorite design personality of mine is <a href="http://www.nateberkus.com/">Nate Berkus</a> (and not just because he is adorably handsome!) His love of organic objects in a space and creating sacred moments in a persons home is something I firmly believe in. Items do not have to be expensive to be of value. I actually got to see Nate in person at the <span style="font-style: italic;">Oprah Live your Best Life Tour</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>when it was in Boston. The question I wanted to ask him at the time was how he felt about the incredible amounts of money spent on a lot of the decorating makeover shows. While I didn’t get the chance to pose my question that day (honestly, I got too nervous to raise my hand!) soon after that event Nate became the host of <a href="http://abc.go.com/primetime/oprahsbiggive/index?pn=about"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oprah’s Big Give</span></a>, a show that rewarded the contestants for their creative ability to find ways to help those in need. I think I know what his answer would have been to my unasked question. Creating beautiful living spaces can certainly have a positive influence on one’s overall well-being, but in doing so, it is important to keep in mind that people, and not things, are what truly matter.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >What design questions would you ask if you had the opportunity to receive free advice? Post your questions on my blog, and I will answer as much as I can with pictures to illustrate if possible.<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />And if you haven</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >’</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >t already, there is still time to visit the <a href="http://www.oldyork.org/visit/showhouse.html">York Decorator Show House</a> (it is open through August 15th). If you are lucky, you just might meet one of the <a href="http://blog.accentmagazine.com/new-england-style/meet-the-designers-update-from-old-yorks-decorator-show-house/">designers</a> mentioned in this post (I thought each of their spaces were truly fabulous and I really enjoyed hearing them talk about their love for the design process – I hope to run into them again soon). Remember, don’t be shy ... introduce yourself and ask them about their work. Half the fun of being in a show house is to see how people react to a designed space (the other half is getting a new client or two, of course!). At the end of the day, a person who designs interiors is very much like a favorite artist ... our canvas just includes four walls, a floor and quite likely a ceiling! </span><br /></div>

A decorators Q & A luncheon in York

Postcard image of the York Harbor Reading Room Recently I enjoyed a design discussion/luncheon presented by the Museums of Old York at the ...

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