Five Simple Steps to Decorate Your Space on a Budget

Written by Colleen A. Lora on June 30th, 2011
We all know about the economic conditions these days, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. I’m always asked, “How can I make my space look new without spending a lot of money.” Read on: 
  1. Color: Here is where you get the most bang for the buck. Think beyond beige, explore the science of color and re-visit the color wheel. How do you want to feel in the space? Do you want a serene bedroom? Do you want to bring the outdoors in? Having a baby? There is a whole psychology to color selection and mood is created easily with a gallon of paint. If you are afraid of making a mistake, contact a decorator for a color consultation.
  2. Area Rugs: So many people have beige wall-to-wall carpet. Just by laying a colorful area rug down you anchor the whole space and bring some art to the floor level. For further punch, bring in coordinating pillows or a throw to tie it together.
  3. Window Treatments: If you don’t have window treatments or are living with blinds only, it’s like getting dressed up and going out without your earrings – it just looks unfinished. Drapery panels bring the eye up and bring color to areas often overlooked. If you like to change your designs with the season, invest in reversible drapery panels. Just by flipping them around you can create an entire new look.
  4. Space planning: Most people live with the same furniture arrangement for years. If you can’t imagine it any other way – bring in a decorator to help you draw up some floor plan options. There are also some free room planning tools available on the internet. You can achieve a whole new look by new furniture placement or by bringing pieces from another part of your house into a new room.
  5. Think Multi-Function: If you need a coffee table, look for a storage trunk or ottoman and get two uses in one. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on artwork, get some beautiful fabric remnants or gift wrap and wrap artists canvas, attach with staples and hang on the wall. Did you recently invest in a flat screen TV? Don’t feel compelled to buy that entertainment unit – you can use a chest of drawers or a sofa table under the flat screen to house the other electrical components in a more stylish way.

Condo great room - before photo.
Condo great room – before photo.

 

 

Paint, window treatments, art and an area rug transform this space.

Paint, window treatments, art and an area rug transform this space.

(This article originally appeared on my former blog in December of 2008 and I have reposted by request).

 

Posted in Decorating Tips, How To, home decorating, interior decorating | 1 Response »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

The Decorating Ingredients for a Perfect Powder Room!

Written by Colleen A. Lora on June 21st, 2011
Wallpaper is a must for a windowless powder room

Wallpaper is a must for a windowless powder room

We’ve all experienced it… you’re a guest in someone’s home and you need to use the powder room.  But to your chagrin, you find yourself feeling awkward.  Perhaps it’s the “pretty” towels hanging on the wall that begs you to wonder if you are supposed to use them to dry your hands or not.   Or, you learn things about your host they you didn’t need to know based on the prescriptions, toiletries, makeup, and reading material on display for all to see.  Or, even worse — you’ve run out of toilet paper and there isn’t a square to spare or another roll in site. 

I’m here to tell you – creating the perfect powder room is not a luxury, it is a necessity if you want guests to feel welcome and comfortable in your home.  The good news is, it doesn’t take much turn these tiny rooms into a real jewel box.

1. Wallpaper.  Yep, I love it and think nothing else can add the artistic impact to an otherwise dull, often windowless space.  Here is where you can splurge on that pricey paper because you don’t usually need very much.  With wallpaper, always prime the walls first and you will have no problem removing it down the road.

2.  Disposable guest towels.  It’s great to have the monogrammed, linen “pretty” towels, but don’t get upset when someone uses them – or your shower curtain –  if you don’t offer them an alternative.  If you are expecting a crowd, purchase the Better than Linen, disposable guest towels at your local linen store and set them out on a pretty tray near the sink.  For a smaller group, pamper them with white or ivory washcloths and arrange them near the sink – just have a special place where they discard them after use.  Also, make sure your wastebasket is in plain sight – have you ever had to rummage around a host’s cabinets looking where to discard your tissues? UGH.

3.  TP Supply.   Be sure to have plenty of TP on hand and in plain sight for your guests to replenish.  I love using tall, glass apothecary jars (like this one from Barraveld)  to hold rolls of toilet paper in a decorative manner.  Wine racks with the rolls laying on their sides in another fun storage idea.  Rolls arranged neatly in a basket on the floor is entirely acceptable.  And while we are on the subject, the proper hanging of toilet paper is with the paper coming over the top towards you rather than hanging down the wall.

4.  Artwork & Accessories.  Think outside the box and add at least one fun item to your powder room.  In this powder room, a lion head door knocker acts as a towel stand. 

5. Stash Your Stuff!  If your guest bathroom is also your main bathroom, be sure you put your stuff away and out of sight prior to your guests’ arrival.  Noone wants to see what prescriptions you are taking, the makeup you use, your brand of deodorant, hair products, etc… If you have to, sweep it all in a basket and shove it in a closet.

6.  Candles and scented room spray.  I don’t want to elaborate on why – just be sure you have some so your guests are encouraged to use them should the need present itself. 

7.  Area Rug – if at all possible, do not use the rubber backed kind you buy at the grocery store.  Here’s an opportunity to purchase a really pretty rug since you likely only need a small size.  For safety sake, place a grippy rug pad underneath it. 

8.  Liquid soap in a pretty bottle.  Even if you prefer to use the big box, antibacterial brand – please transfer the soap into a pretty pump bottle and store the plastic thing in a closet or under the sink.  There are so many great scents out there – I love anything by Caldrea.  And they often have the candles, aromatherapy sticks and hand lotion to match.  Whatever you do, DO NOT expect your guests to share the same slimy bar of soap.

One last tip – periodically check your powder room over the course of your event to wipe down excess water, the mirror, stock up on paper products, etc. 

Whatever your budget and decorating style, the perfect powder room is easily attainable and fun to complete.  Your guests will reap the rewards of your efforts!  And as always, call me if you need a hand!

This glass apothecary jar stylishly stores extra TP

This glass apothecary jar stylishly stores extra TP

 

Posted in Decorating Tips, How To, home decorating, home staging, interior decorating | No Responses »
Tags: , , , , , ,

Use Greenery to Bring the Outdoors In When Decorating Your Space

Written by Colleen A. Lora on June 16th, 2011
This artificial parlor palm looks like the real thing!

This artificial parlor palm looks like the real thing!

Designing with greenery can help bring the outdoors in and evoke calmness in our interior spaces. The color alone adds a sense of serenity to a space.  Ideally, each room should have three pieces of greenery and/or floral elements.  This creates that pleasing triangle that I am always preaching to my clients!

 Initially, we have to choose between live or manufactured greenery.  Although most of us would prefer real greenery over imitation, there are several things to consider when deciding between real or artificial plants.

 Real Plants

Live plants help clean the air and add to a healthy environment.  They can also add fragrance.  There are however, three things to bear in mind before going live.

1.  Live plants can attract insects to the indoors

 2.  Live plants can cause water damage to floors and surfaces if containers leak or crack

 3.  Certain live plants can be toxic to family pets and to small children

 If you decide to go with the real thing, monitor your plants for insects on a regular basis. You should do your research before purchasing live plants to be certain pets and children will be guarded from plant toxins.  Also, place plants on surfaces that will not be ruined if the water leaks out or overflows. Choose quality containers and check them periodically for cracks and leaks. You may want to consider using decorative plates under your containers to catch extra water.

 Artificial Plants

 Try to select artificial plants that look as close to the real thing as possible. Purchase the best you can afford.  Good looking artificial plants like the parlor palm above by NDI.com will add to the peaceful impact of a space. 

 Stay away from artificial plants that are variegated, meaning they have a white line running through the leaves.  These plants never look natural or high quality.  Variegated leaves are almost always a clear sign that plants are not the real thing.

 Do keep in mind also that artificial plants will attract dust, so they require frequent maintenance.  An easy way to dust artificial leaves is with a can of compressed air; the same thing you use to dust your computer’s keyboard.

 Use Your Plants for Depth and Interest

Create a sense of depth and interest with trees and plants by layering them behind chairs, sofas, and tables. Use them in nooks and corners to fill the space and add texture and dimension.

 Display a group of three plants – in a variety of sizes – in an entryway for a welcoming effect.

 Whether you choose real or artificial plants, go for quality and safety, and let their healing and calming qualities be an important part of your overall interior design.   If you would like some help selecting the right plants for your interior spaces, give me a call – I’d love to help!

 

Posted in Decorating Tips, How To, home decorating, interior decorating | No Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Quick Decorating Tips to Transform Your Space… Even on a Budget!

Written by Colleen A. Lora on May 16th, 2011
Colleen Lora Clark explains how small changes can have a big impact in your home's decor.

Colleen Lora Clark explains how small changes can have a big impact in your home's decor.

Here is my latest Quick Tips video link:  http://youtu.be/lVo7824SBoM 

In this episode I give you ideas on easy ways to update your decor for a big impact – wtih little investment!

 

Posted in Decorating Tips, Holiday Decorating, How To, Video Tips, home decorating, home staging, interior decorating | No Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Quick Tip Video – Furniture Placement by Colleen Lora Designs

Written by Colleen A. Lora on May 3rd, 2011
Furniture Placement video

Furniture Placement video

The latest video in my decorating quick tips is all about furniture placement.  It just scrapes the surface and if you want more information or have a specific question – please just let me know and I’ll answer you directly.  You can now enter your email address to receive my decorating tips and videos automatically.

Here’s the link to the You Tube video:  http://youtu.be/jEfLxWRKtSw

 

Posted in Decorating Tips, How To, Uncategorized, Video Tips, home decorating, home staging, interior decorating | No Responses »
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Quick Decorating Tip Video – Lighting Your Home

Written by Colleen A. Lora on May 3rd, 2011
Colleen Lora Designs gives quick lighting tips

Colleen Lora Designs gives quick lighting tips

Here is my quick video tip on home lighting:  http://youtu.be/hWLNipgjQl4

 

Posted in Uncategorized | No Responses »

Just Beachy – Decorating Ideas to Bring the Beach Indoors!

Written by Colleen A. Lora on April 17th, 2011
A Beach Inspired Eating Area

A Beach Inspired Eating Area

Ahhh… the sound of the waves; the smell of the ocean air; the warm, comforting breezes.  Life at the beach is heavenly.

 But you don’t have to live near the ocean to enjoy a relaxing beach atmosphere in your home.  Try these easy decorating ideas from Colleen Lora Designs to transform your living space into a beach retreat that you can enjoy all year long!

 Choose light, gauzy drapery panels for the window, and make sure you install them at least a few inches above the window frame.  Soft, sheer, flowing panels give the impression of gentle breezes with lots of sunlight entering your room.

  • Use beach souvenirs as artwork.  There is nothing more “beachy” than seashells.  Starfish are also particularly beautiful.  And don’t forget sand dollars.  You can combine all of your beach finds in a large bowl, scatter them on a table or shelf, or position one unique piece by itself – on the wall or a shelf – as a focal point.
  • Select summer colors for your walls.  Soft blues and greens will remind you of the beach.  Buttery yellow is great to mix in.  Some of my favorite beachy colors are Rainwashed, Quietutde and Softer Tan – all by Sherwin Williams.
  • Keep your trim white.  Moldings, chair rails, wainscoting, and other accent panels should remain white for a clean, summery feeling.
  • Speaking of white… you can create a terrific beach mood by opting for all white accessories.  On a white shelf, display your white china, white vases, and white candlesticks.  On the wall, hang your family photos in white wooden frames, and intersperse some white starfish.   
  • If you have wood floors, scatter a few sisal rugs.  Your feet will enjoy the natural, beachy sensation.  Or, try one of the great new indoor/outdoor rugs like the one in the above photo.
  • Go nautical.  There are lots of great nautical accessories that can be added to your home.  Lean a ship wheel on a shelf.  Hang a wooden anchor on the wall.  Choose anything that reminds you of the water.   
  • Go for beach-inspired patterns.  Stripes are always great, especially if they are in blues, greens, and whites.  Wave patterns, of course, create an “oceany” atmosphere.  I also love the coral motifs that are so popular today.

 Enjoy beach living all year long!

 

Posted in Decorating Tips, How To, Uncategorized, home decorating, interior decorating | No Responses »
Tags: , , , , ,

Illuminate Your Interior with Proper Lighting

Written by Colleen A. Lora on April 11th, 2011

Interior lighting is one of the most important components of any decorating plan, yet one of the most common mistakes I come across in my design business is poorly lit rooms.   The proper lighting will add depth, wall-lighting-dining_300warmth, and mood to a space. And it serves a functional purpose, as well.  

Lighting should be chosen to match the use or purpose that it will serve.  There are four basic types of interior lighting.   They are: 

  1. Task Lighting
  2. Accent Lighting
  3. Ambiance Lighting
  4. Kinetic Lighting

 Task lighting illuminates work or task areas and provides light for reading, sewing, hobbies, cooking, games, and focused activities.

 Accent lighting is direct light focused at select surfaces. It is used to draw attention to a particular item such as art, and therefore it adds to the beauty of a space.  I discuss buffet lamps and show you how to use them creatively in this quick tip video.

 Ambient lighting is the overall illumination.  It provides general lighting and sets the mood.  It also helps to define the perimeters of a space.

 Kinetic Lighting is light that moves, such as flickering candle light or the glow given off by a lit fireplace.  It adds effect and drama to a space.

In addition to accomplishing a specific mood with lighting, it is important that every seating area in a space has a lighting source for tasks.  This is where table lamps come in very handy.  Table lamps are not only functional, but beautiful as well.  Lamp bases and lamp shades can be mixed and match to add to the overall design plan.   

A Few Quick Lighting Tips:

  • If a room seems closed in or cramped, let in the sun shine!  Choose window treatments that simply frame the window, rather than covering it up.  Use sheer fabrics that allow light to enter.  This will warm up the space and increase its “visual size.”
  •  To add interest and depth to a space, use up-lights in corners and behind plants for a stunning effect.
  •  Give yourself options with overhead lighting that can be used for tasks – as well as for creating a favorable ambiance – by using dimmer switches in each room instead of the typical light switch

For additional lighting how-to’s check out my quick tip video on the subject at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWLNipgjQl4

 

Posted in Decorating Tips, home decorating, interior decorating, lighting | No Responses »
Tags: , , , , , ,

Decorator Tricks to Brighten a Room

Written by Colleen A. Lora on March 21st, 2011

Not everyone has the luxury of having big windows that let in lots of sunlight.  Many apartments and houses have at least one room that is continually dark.  I recently designed a high rise condo in Columbus, Ohio that only had one window for the entire home.  Even in Naples, Florida trees may block windows limiting the amount of natural light that streams into your space.  Such dark rooms can cause eye strain, accidents, and even a sour disposition.  If you’d like to add more light to your room – without taking a sledgehammer to your walls, try a few of these room-brightening tricks.  A brighter room will lead to a brighter mood!

Paint your walls a light color, and use eggshell or semi-gloss paint.  Dark, matte finishes actually soak up the light, making the room seem darker – even when you put the lights on, but lighter, glossier paints will reflect light back into the room.

Keep your ceiling light and bright.  It’s amazing the difference that a white ceiling makes on a small room.  Just like dark walls, a darkly-painted ceiling will absorb a lot of the available light.  If you want to try a color, look to nature and paint your ceiling the palest shade of blue to make your ceilings seem higher.

Add more lamps.  Yes, this seems obvious and I’m always saying bring in more lamps, but many homeowners rely solely on overhead lights to illuminate a room.  Light needs to come from various levels – low, middle and high.  Combining uplights on the floor and lamps on tables around the room with overhead lighting will create a brighter, more comfortable room.   Uplights can be purchased at your local hardware store and are a great trick for illuminating dark corners; I like to place them behind indoor trees tilting the light upward for a designer effect.
 
Hang large mirrors.  Large mirrors can act like windows, reflecting the light back into the room.  As I always say, just pay attention to what your mirror is reflecting  – you want it to be a nice view and not something unsightly like the ceiling or the backs of doors.

Choose reflective surfaces.  Just like walls, other large surfaces can absorb or reflect your light.  Opt for glossy countertops, add glass panes to your hanging artwork,  and place mirrored trays on top of dark tables. 

Light is important for your physical and mental health.  So make sure your home is getting all the light it can get!

Uplights brighten a dark corner

Uplights brighten a dark corner

 

Posted in Decorating Tips, Uncategorized, home decorating, interior decorating | No Responses »
Tags: , , , , , ,

How to Choose a Paint Finish

Written by Colleen A. Lora on March 8th, 2011

painter imageThe proper paint application can dramatically change the look of a room with very little cost.  Paint influences the mood of your home, and even camouflages unwanted imperfections.  But how do you know which finish to choose?  This guide compiled by Colleen Lora Clark, a certified interior decorator and color expert, will help you decide.

A flat finish has no shine.  It is great for walls with nicks and blemishes, as it tends to hide them and make the wall look smoother.  A flat finish doesn’t reflect light, so it isn’t the best choice if you want to brighten your room.   It is also difficult to clean, so it is best suited for low traffic areas and areas without little ones fingers!

Some paint companies, like Benjamin Moore, offer a matte finish, which resembles a flat finish. It is slightly more durable and easier to clean.  It’s still good for camouflaging minor bumps and other small imperfections.

If an area has a little more traffic, you can consider an eggshell finish, which has a slight hint of shine.  This is what I tend to recommend most as it’s washable and pleasing to the eye.

For brightening up a room, choose a pearl or satin finish.  They are more glossy than eggshell and will reflect light back into your room instead of sucking it up.  Pearl finishes are highly washable and stand up to high traffic.  But imperfections in the wall will stand out.

Semi-gloss paint is used most often on trim, doors, and cabinets. It has a nice, subtle shine, and washes easily.  Extra care must be taken with wall preparation, since imperfections are highlighted by a semi-gloss surface.

High gloss paints offer washability and durability with their reflective, shiny finish.  Glossy paints are not often used on interior walls, but they are a dramatic look for cabinets, trims, and even furniture.  A high gloss finish will exaggerate and magnify surface imperfections, so careful preparation is essential. 

Whether you are updating one room or redecorating your entire house, paint is a simple, inexpensive way to achieve a striking new look.

 

Posted in Decorating Tips, interior decorating | No Responses »
Tags: , , , , ,

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »