Tips Archives | Page 8 of 12 | The Decorative Touch Ltd.

Glamorous Design Ideas for your Home Office

May 9, 2011/in Tips /by decorativetouch

Given your busy lifestyle and the latest innovations in technology are you able to work from home a few days a week? As more people begin to take on work duties from their house home offices are on the rise. And we don’t just mean a room with a desk and a computer, but a completely functional and well designed office. You may not realize how important the design of your home office is until you try to working in one with completely bare walls, or better yet from the kitchen table. To keep you motivated and excited about working from home consider these glamorous home office design ideas…

Create an accent wall with the help of a decorative wallcovering, or bold paint color.
Include an equally stylish and comfortable office chair.
Use creative home accessories to store office supplies.
Use a chic desk lamp to provide task lighting.

FEMTALKS

Material Girls

creamylife

The Design Fairy

After working for two different design centers for about 10 years, my small design business started right in my old dining room. I know first hand how important it is to stay focused on work even when “at home”. Creating your working world is incredibly important, and having everything at your fingertips is critical. It didn’t take long before my business expanded right into my living room as well, and then into my entire lower level…and then….into our current design studio.

The bottom line is surround yourself with what makes you happy, inspired, and organized. You really don’t know where you might go. Maybe you will find yourself expanding right out of your home as well! Give us a call at 913-888-1388 and let us create a chic home office space for you to work in.

Add Sparkle to Your Kitchen Design with a Chandelier

April 11, 2011/in In Style, Tips /by decorativetouch

Does your kitchen seem to be missing that little something extra? If you’ve been finding the design in your kitchen to be slightly drab lately we have the perfect pick-me-up. New lighting can always transform the look of a room, so why not add sparkle to your kitchen with a chandelier? We know you’re probably thinking chandeliers are typically found in more formal rooms, but work just as well in kitchens.

No matter the design of your kitchen be it formal or casual, a chandelier can bring the slightest taste of elegance, and not to mention a unique look. If you favor over the top design go for a large, elaborate chandelier. If you prefer a more simple design you can achieve the look with two mini chandeliers. Take a look at these well executed designs and tell us what you think.

Images from houzz

Would you like to add sparkle to your kitchen design with a chandelier? Let Janine help you find the perfect one by calling The Decorative Touch at 913-888-1388.

Accenting your Gray Rooms for Spring

March 29, 2011/in In Style, Tips /by decorativetouch

Did you jump at the first mention of the “gray as a neutral” design trend and now have gray hues throughout your home? Although you may love the use of gray in your home you may be finding it slightly drab now that spring colors are popping up everywhere. There is good news; you don’t have to eliminate the gray in your designs as we enter the brightness of spring. All you have to do is accent your gray with vibrant colors. Since gray is one of the latest neutrals you can pair it with any bright color of your choice. Take a look at these rooms designed around gray hues and how the colorful accents immediately liven them up.

Country Living

zgallerie

Chicago Home Magazine

decorpad

houzz

Fixture World

Let us take the guesswork out of picking the right accents to highlight the gray in your rooms, call Janine of The Decorative Touch at 999-999-9999.

Add Accessories to Your Room for a New Look

March 11, 2011/in Tips /by decorativetouch

With a new season on its way in are you looking to switch up the decor in your room without having to completely redesign it? The easiest and quickest way to transform the look of your room is with accessories. Just as an outfit can transform into something new with the addition of a cocktail ring, pendant necklace or gorgeous pair of chandelier earrings, so can the interior design of your room with a few accessories. Keep these tips in mind to bring a new look to your room with accessories.

Follow the season. Add accessories that match the weather of the current season and your design will always have a fresh look.
Add a new rug. Breathe new life into your room with a rug that pulls everything together in a new way.
Play with pillows. Bring texture to your sofa by adding pillows with touches of colors and bold designs.
Use more than one. Accessorize your room by adding multiple numbers of the same item.

Need more help adding accessories to your room for a new look? Put your home in the hands of Janine Terstriep of The Decorative Touch by calling 913-888-1388.

Tips adapted from House Beautiful.

Image from decor pad.

Tip of the Week #19: Why Hire an Interior Designer?

February 3, 2011/in Tips /by decorativetouch

Janine @ Decorative Touch

I have been asked a lot lately…

Why use an interior designer when there is so much “do it yourself advice” out there? What does an interior designer really bring to the table?

Boy, if I had a dollar for all the times I have been asked that question in the last few years! It really does seem like out of all the professions, we designers seem to have to “justify” our positions and experience more than any other certified field.

And I think that is the point. A true designer has years of experience and/or a certification in the field of interior design. As the client, you have to do your homework and ask for referrals as well as credentials. Hiring the right designer can save you money, quite the opposite from what most people think.

A good designer should have an interview with you about your project and your goals. Your designer should then explain how he or she works, and ask a lot of questions about your desires for the project you are about to begin. Your first appointment after the initial meeting should be a productive one. You should feel like you are making some progress in communication and decision making on the first pieces of the puzzle that fit into your design scheme.

Your designer should help make choosing items easy by having selected things she feels would suit your needs based on previous conversations. He or she has access to an extensive reference library that you couldn’t search without having a design degree. My opinion is that you can’t afford not to use a GOOD designer on your project, but you have to find a GOOD one.

Ask your friends and family for referrals and ask your potential designer for references. If you are not comfortable, find a new one…your home is your haven, it’s as important to trust your designer as your doctor. After all they are doing a type of surgery on your home, and spending your money as wisely as possible. You have to trust them with decisions that can be very costly, which are investments in your home and your lifestyle. A high level of communication throughout is very important for the process to go well. So be sure to find someone you can talk to and are comfortable being with.

If you find the right person you will know he or she will have your best interest at heart. As a designer with 27 years experience, I know my joy comes from truly helping reach beyond my client’s goals…and even better if we achieve that within budget!!

As busy as we are in today’s world, the more need there is to hire an interior designer to help make your home your haven, there truly is a difference. Costly mistakes of purchasing the wrong pieces, painting the wrong colors, and buying the wrong accessories will keep adding up to money used in the wrong direction. Call your designer today, you simply can’t afford not to!

Sincerely,
Janine Terstriep
Certified Interior Designer

Keeping Up Custom Upholstery

January 28, 2011/in Tips /by decorativetouch

Interior design by The Decorative Touch

If you are in the market for a new interior design for any room in your home you may end up with custom upholstery. Using custom upholstery is beneficial because it it specially created for you and your furnishings, and it will be unique to only your home. While custom upholstery is an amazing addition to the design of your room, it’s important to remember it will need special care. If you are investing in well worth, quality upholstery you want to take any and every precaution to preserve and keep it clean. Consider these tips for Keeping up custom upholstery:

Choose cautiously. When working with your designer be sure to define your lifestyle so that the fabric chosen is a reflection of it.
Avoid the sun. Be sure you keep all your furniture that features custom upholstery away from direct sun to avoid the fabric fading.
Fluff and flip. Depending on how much use your cushions endure, vacuum, fluff, flip, and rotate them regularly to even out wear and fading.
Clean spills quickly. If an accident occurs on your upholstery clean it quickly by blotting the stain with a clean, white clot. Rubbing may damage the texture of the fabric.
Proper placement. Create places for guests to sit food and drinks on side cocktail tables with coasters
Call the professionals. Have professionals give your custom upholstery a deep cleaning once every or two years

Want to include custom upholstery in your home? Call The Decorative Touch today to discuss your design ideas.

Tips adapted from ShelterPop

Tip of the Week #18: Norwalk Furniture 2011 Color Trends

December 9, 2010/in slider, Tips /by decorativetouch

As the year is fast approaching its closing I am sure you all are wondering whats in store for 2011, well…

Norwalk Furniture, an American made upholstery line has just sent me their newest samples of color trends for 2011 and they are wonderful!! I had the opportunity to visit the factory last Spring and wow did I learn some things about how hard the folks who make our fine furniture really do work. And not to mention the time and attention they put into every detail!
So yes, I do recommend Norwalk and I love that they are fabricating right here in the USA.

The new Collections for the coming year are:

Brittany Cottage: The appeal of the natural weaves of grayed-down base colors that conjure memories of simpler times. Paired with sky blues, charcoals, and deep reds, all french inspired, the Brittany Cottage Collection creates a casual approach to carefree living!
City Lights: Imagine the views from your penthouse apartment–blue gray clouds, or “vapor” as Candice Olson calls it, coordinated with rich velvets, soft wools, and highly textured foundation cloths in nutty tones. While dove grays play a complementary role, the addition of green-cast golds adds a subtle punch to this sophisticated pallet.
Coconut Grove: You will see just a bit more upscale with this tropical, yet sophisticated twist that would make it in almost any coastal environment. While green shades of palm abound, colorful prints and bold stripes anchor this great look.
Highlands Manor: Inspired by the warm hues of the Scottish highlands, this collection is a lively mix of traditional and timeless menswear plaids, leathers, and rich velvets. Stripes and feathers, paisleys, and hounds tooth all reflect the heritage of quality in this look.

Another thing I love about Norwalk Furniture is the interactive on-line catalog. You might like to take a peak and see what you can create, try it out at www.norwalkfurniture.com.
Enjoy! Janine

Highlands Manor

City Lights

Coconut Grove

Brittany Cottage

Tip of the Week #17: Thanksgiving Tablescapes

November 22, 2010/in slider, Tips /by decorativetouch

To all of you can I just say THANK YOU! Yes, it is the season to give thanks, and without you my loyal customers, readers, and friends, I would be so much less. I know you are the reason I am successful, and I am so very grateful! I do know you have a choice in your interior design specialist, and I hope I always exceed your expectations. It has always been my pleasure creating wonderful spaces with YOU!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU!

AND speaking of Thanksgiving, I have enclosed a few photos of some great tablescapes to inspire you before your guests arrive. If you are anything like me, you are already thinking about the Christmas decor! But lets hold off just a little longer. There are still some wonderful Fall inspirations to allow you to let mother nature show off her best! If you can get your hands on some cut bittersweet vines or cranberry stems you will be able to see some beautiful bursts of color right now. Add a few candles, gorgeous glassware, and ta-da take a peek…

And again, thanks for being so loyal to me….Happy Turkey Day!

Sincerely,

Janine

Eddie Ross

Image from HGTV

Image from Country Living

Tip of the Week #16: Half Bath Interior Design

October 15, 2010/in Tips /by decorativetouch

This week’s tips supplements my first post from earlier in the week, Beautiful Bathroom Inspiration. Decorating the full bathrooms in your home is important, but don’t forget the interior design of the small, half bath in your home. It can be the one space your guests get to use that allows you to “spoil” them. It’s the place where they can discover the special things that you have been able to select while keeping them in mind.Often times they are surprised to wander into a small room and feel such a luxurious tone. Take a peek at this half bath design and you will see what I mean…

Happy discovery!

Janine

Soothing Seating

September 3, 2010/in Tips /by decorativetouch

When it comes to the seating areas in your home you want your furniture to help you maintain good posture, but also allow you to relax. What better way to come home than to have soothing seating inviting you off your feet for a few minutes of reflection? It’s one thing to have beautiful furniture, but to have beautiful, well made furniture that is comfortable and makes you feel good is priceless. When considering relaxing seating options think soft, cool, muted plush colors for the ultimate soothing setting. Here are a few relaxing images that are sure to inspire, what do you think? Can you feel yourself relaxing yet?

Images from Traditional Home