Decorate Your Home from Home

In today’s busy world we all have less time to accomplish everything we want to do. Creating a perfect home might always seem to be on the back burner. It doesn’t have to be that way. Make it easy on yourself. Take advantage of the many ways to make your home the way you want it to be, without leaving your home! Build your decorating theme around something you love. Maybe its a color, a collection, artwork, or a piece of furniture. Use that item as the launching pad to define your style. To maximize your budget and time, start with a Design-by-Mail. Right from your computer you can choose your lighting, furniture, paint colors and accessories. I provide you a design plan so you can start your shopping. With a customized design in hand, you can shop on the internet at your leisure. You will save you time and money purchasing the best items to suit your style. Contact your favorite small shops (like mine) and ask for photos of available products. Most shops should be able to email you photos and coordinate delivery or shipping. Through the Design by Mail service, I am available, via email and phone, to consult with you to make the best selections for your project. The most important element of a design project is to be organized and focused to make the right choices. It will all fall into place and the result will be fabulous. You will wonder why you didn’t tackle it sooner. Start today! www.DesignByMail.com Julie Fergus, ASID is a nationally recognized interior designer. Her projects have been published in Better Homes and Gardens, Country Home, Yankee and NH Magazine.

Ultimate Pantries

Don't underestimate the power of an organized pantry. A pantry can help your kitchen work better for your everyday needs. The pantry doesn't have to be a built-in, a cabinet or a closet. It can be a piece of furniture. Let a freestanding piece provide needed storage. Locate the piece near the kitchen. Maybe a nearby hall or adjacent room.

Create a Focal Point

The television and the fireplace have been competing with each other for years. The flat panel has helped to bring the two together. But sometimes it is not always feasibly possible. Here is an example of how the fireplace is the focal point and the television secondary. This works because the wall is a dark color so the black of the television blends in. If the wall were white the television would jump out. So consider a way to visually create the fireplace as the focal point and make the television blend.

Storage Ideas

Chests of drawers and dressers do not have to be limited to the bedroom. Incorporate chests into other rooms for all kinds of storage from linens, games, gadgets, compact discs, videos, food, supplies, hats, gloves and so on. This is a great way to have storage along with a surface to display your collections, framed photos and a place for a lamp.
  • Go vertical! Use the walls for storage. By adding bookshelves vertically you will minimize the spread-out factor. Buy the tallest bookcase possible to maximize floor space.
  • Custom made built-in shelves and cabinets in rooms other than just the kitchen may be just what you need. The money spent on this may keep you from a costly addition and renovation. Bookcases in hallways (if there is room) will optimize that space and remove stuff from other rooms.
  • Consider stock wall cabinetry for storage. This is a great idea for home offices. It provides ample concealed space for typical office clutter.

The photo illustrate how furniture can simplify and organize a small space and provide opportunities for color and interest. When you see piles around your house, think of a piece of furniture that you can add to hide and store your clutter and everyday items.

http://www.juliefergus.com