Prop Your Feet Up

To recline or not to recline? That is the question. Everyone deserves the option to sit back, relax, and kick their feet up! Elevating your legs can be as simple as propping them on the coffee table or stretching-out across the sofa, but what if you want your own special spot to unwind?

The ubiquitous recliner has long been the goal of many men and the scorn of many women. Thankfully, we have made great stride since the designs of the 1800s and even the Lazy Boy prototype (with optional magazine rack). We now have discreet recliners with hidden mechanisms, incliners for those with limited space, and power options for lift assistance or enhanced home theater experiences. With zero gravity recliners readily available, your chair can provide not only comfort but ergonomic support.

There are a number of factors to consider in making a decision for or against a recliner including small pets, allowable space from a wall, the need for flexible seating, etc. If you find yourself with a recliner dilemma, let a professional help to narrow down options to the best fit for you and your space.

#Authenticity- Be True to What Speaks to You

In an age of technology, we have the capability of seeing the latest trends whether Milan, NY, Denmark or other at the touch of a button. We can peek into the perfectly photographed homes of people we don't even know through the portal of instagram, pinterest, and blogs. With the influx of decor images and home renovation "before and afters," it can become all too easy to let our own "filters down" to fit-in with the masses. Remember to be true to what speaks to you.

What is one to do if they are drawn to Louis IV furnishings when everyone else is calling for Mid-Century Modern? If the trend is country chic with touches of industrial, should you follow suit even if the style is not your personal preference? Let your originality play-out in your home- if not there, then where? Be true to what speaks to you.

If where and how your furnishings are made matters to you, do not let your drive for quality be sidetracked. If your love of original and local art seems stifled by an abundance of reproductions and copies, seek makers and galleries that inspire your love of authenticity. If you are passionate about antiques, be not swayed by the newest furniture catalogue or decor app. Be true to what speaks to you.

Finding Your "Why"- True Motivators

I often find myself recommending what to some could be unusual design options. Why not paint your garage a lovely shade of blue or install the family photos in the Master closet? What is so wrong with placing your favorite piece of art in the bathroom?

These areas are typically seen multiple times each day- usually the first and last areas occupied. Why not enjoy them? Why not place things we appreciate in those spaces? The answer I most often receive is "no one else will see it!" This response leaves me to ponder why we place things of beauty in our homes, why we surround ourselves with the sentimental and/or inspiring. Is it for our enjoyment or can our dwellings become sanctuaries of approval, showcases for praise and recognition? 

We all strive to have a place we can be proud of, but let us not forget, or worse, deny, our true motivations in the selections and purchases we make. May your home always reflect, support and delight you!

Hospitality in the Home

As I reflect on 2017 and look forward to Christmas, I am very cognizant that this holiday season is different. With the massive flooding seen here in Houston, very few of the victims will have their homes fully back in order by the 25th. Many in California have experienced devastation through wildfires while Puerto Rico saw terrible loss of its own, and the list goes on in what has been a tough year.

As I help in the design of a flood re-model and speak with people in the midst of putting their homes back together, it becomes more apparent that 'home' is much more than a foundation and studs. Home provides a sense of stability, comfort, a feeling of belonging and place. Home is safety and memories. Though these attributes in their purest form cannot be washed away or inflamed, we need to be sensitive this season to the condition and needs of our neighbors, friends, and fellow humans. May we practice hospitality on a grander scale this Christmas and seek to offer others a place of comfort and belonging within out homes.

To Cherish Forevermore?

Many people love the idea of re-upholstering existing furniture in an effort to conserve resources- whether financial or material. Although "refreshing" upholstered goods can certainly keep supplies out of landfills, there are a few things to consider before ripping-off the old to make way for the new.

1. Does the piece of furniture have a quality frame? Sofas and chairs require stable structures on which foam or cushions can sit. Repairing an inferior frame in addition to springs, new Dacron, foam, and upholstery can be more costly than starting fresh.

2. Does the piece have a high sentimental value? We should not be compelled to hold-on to everything inherited or gifted, but some items are imbedded with too many precious memories to part with.  

3. Is it an antique in good condition? If the style does not suite your space, it might serve you well to sell the piece as-is to someone that desires the authentic material. A true antique, 100-years old or more, could significantly decrease in value if the original fabric is altered.

If you find yourself considering the worth of recovering a family heirloom or even a newer piece in need of an update, ask yourself these questions. Give yourself permission to "let go" of furniture that can serve someone else better or no longer serves it purpose, but keep in mind that re-upholstery can give new life to furniture in amazing ways.

Before

After

Hidden in Plain Sight

With the plethora of technological advances available today, does anyone else wonder why we cannot have a beautiful universal remote control? Home automation has allowed for the transition of control to cell phones and tablets, but what if you just want to change the channel on your tv?

I love the uncluttered appeal of side tables with drawers for these necessary gadgets to be tucked-away when not in use. Other options include decorative boxes or faux books to house controls attempting to take over the thoughtfully designed living room. If you prefer the ease of accessibility with having electronics "at hand", consider the artistic touch of keeping gadgets on a stand. Hunter Douglas has embraced the notion that controls can be both functional and attractive-so attractive in fact, that inquisitive little hands might not notice the alluring buttons. Hopefully other manufacturers with soon follow suit.

Lies We Believe About Design (Part Three of Series)

"I am just doing this ONE project."

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is one of my favorite childhood books, though the principle lesson still applies in adult life. As the story goes, if you give a mouse a cookie, "he will want a glass of milk." So it is with re-models or home updates, as one thing inevitably leads to another, which leads to another. If I update the paint on the walls, it will highlight how dated the cabinetry looks. If I re-finish the cabinetry, the age and wear of the hardware will be more prominent. If I install new hardware, the twenty-year-old, shiny, brass light fixtures will stand-out.

A re-model can quickly grow in scope and expense without an initial plan in place. Be willing to invest in the initial stages of design from the start so that your home desires and needs can be met in a cohesive strategy with a definite timeline. The benefit of focusing resources initially is that you will have a goal "in mind" should time be needed to save for an increased budget. "Scope creep" can gain momentum quickly if careful attention has not been paid to short term and long term needs and wants. Save time and money by having a professional guide you through the plethora of options and considerations. 

Lies We Believe About Design (Part Two of Series)

"Once everything is in place, I will never change it."

Unfortunately or fortunately, life is not stagnant. With the flux of life circumstances (birth of a child, job move, elderly parent requiring care, etc.) a home needs to evolve with the needs of the moment. Sometimes an addition is in order, other times a simple re-arranging of furniture is all that is required.

Even in rare situations of life maintaining balance and a steady course, design trends change rapidly. Staying current may not entail a home overhaul, but incorporating a few new accessories or painting a given area can produce dramatic results. An adaptable home is a worthwhile investment, as it supports various seasons of life.

Lies We Believe About Design (Part One of Series)

"It can be flawless!"

Instead of setting unrealistic expectations, why don't we recognize that to be flawless is to be supernatural? Let us dream, plan, and design for wonderfully beautiful, functional spaces worthy of our time spent in them. May we then embrace the fact that rooms will be covered in memories and full of evidences of life instead of clinging to utopian hopes of perfection.

I firmly believe that everything should have a place, cleanliness is essential, and good stewardship is displayed in maintaining and respecting a home. With that in mind, at the end of the day, if a home is truly flawless, I tend to believe it is unoccupied. 

Details to Discuss... A Custom Home Venture

• What doorknobs do you want? Lock type, handle shape, finish?
• What spread do you want between your sink faucet, levers, soap pump, and disposal button?
• What color mortar should coordinate with your exterior stone? Which color of vinyl window framing needs to be purchased?

If this short list of questions gets your heart pumping with anxiety, take a deep breath, and trust that there is hope. As an interior designer, I can serve as a guide through the process of selecting the necessary components for your home. You do not have to answer the litany of questions from your builder or contractor solo. Based on your shopping preferences,  I can narrow thousands of options throughout multiple showrooms down to the "top picks" based on your unique style and budget/allowance.

I work with home owner's and contractors to ensure that selections are made in advance of construction deadlines and organized in simple spreadsheets to limit delays and mistakes. With individual, professional expertise and guidance, let me help to reduce the pressure of determining the location and size of your shower niche and all the details that make a house a home. 

January Ambition

The beginning of a new year is traditionally a time of reflection on the past and resolution for the future. Even if we do not write-out our desires per annum, most people will confess to a list of mental dreams with the fresh start of January. Aside from personal ambitions, what about setting goals for your home? What do you want your home to achieve in 2017?

 Have you always wanted a place of solitude in your house, a personal retreat? Do you need added storage and efficiency in an effort to make life a little more streamlined? Is an inviting space on your wish list for entertaining guests? Do you need additional room for a growing family or aging parent?

Identifying your top desires is key so that a ranking of priorities can be created. Recognize the difference between needs and wants, as wants can be established in a secondary list. Communicate with other decision-makers- be it a spouse, banking institution, or other to formulate a realistic budget. If you are completely "in the dark" as to how much your intended project might cost, HomeAdvisor or a quick online search can help to provide a range in pricing. Please remember that this is for reference only and all factors are dependent on complexity of the project, selections made, contractors utilized, as well as geographic location.

Take the time to consider a reasonable timeframe. The majority of re-models are not completed in two weeks despite what HGTV projects. Not only the length of time, but timing of the start date should be considered. If an entire house of flooring, light fixtures, and window treatments is to be replaced before the summer, May is not the time to start preparing. Gather inspiration from online (Houzz, Pinterest) or paper resources (books, magazines) to help you communicate what you are drawn to and visualize what could be. Collecting photos of design elements that you do NOT like can often prove just as helpful.

Lastly, enlist support. An interior designer can help to not only develop the vision for your space with you, but also aid in the process of interviewing an architect and/or contractor while managing logistics and more. There are many decisions to be made in the painting of a home as well as building custom or re-modeling an existing. Let us guide you through the steps to realizing your home's true potential.

December Thoughts

Whether purging your house while Winter cleaning or updating for the new year, there are a number of resources to help in removing unwanted or unneeded items for the home. For those hoping to recoup some of their investment in furnishings, art, or accessories, consignment centers can be a great option. Instead of having potential buyers come to you as with Craig's List, Woodlands Online, or a garage sale, you can deliver or have your home goods picked-up. Home Consignment Center in Conroe can be contacted at 281-367-0420, and The French Courtyard (also in Conroe) can be reached at 281-363-1800. They will be happy to explain their terms, meet with you to inspect items for consignment, or view them via emailed photos.

If you prefer to donate items, Something Special in Shenandoah (281-292-0443) and the Hand Me Up Shop in Spring (281-367-4942) are wonderful local organizations. Both operations benefit special organizations with Something Special supporting the Montgomery County Women's Center, and the Hand Me Up Shop providing funds for Interfaith of The Woodlands.

Lastly, the end of the year is a great time for "out with the old" appliances and home improvement leftovers. Restore in Conroe (936-441-5888) is a wonderful place that takes building supplies, appliances, and other household goods with sales supporting Habitat for Humanity. You can visit the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Recycling Center in Spring (281-367-7283) to dispose of items not suitable for donation such as paint, stain, fluorescent bulbs, broken appliances and more. Be sure to contact them in advance for hours of operation and applicable disposal fees. Best wishes for a great start to 2017!