C.R. Laine show room

Tip of the Week #15: Wall Art

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Another great way to display a collection of art is to anchor it on either side of a beautiful bombe chest.  This photo is from a new collection from C.R. Laine furniture and was on display at the spring furniture market. I loved how the artwork really helped make the room setting shine.

Accessories and art are the final touches that make all the difference in a room scene. At The Decorative Touch we do all the final touches for you so you can relax! Why not just leave the key under the mat and come home to a beautiful, finished living space you will love to show all your neighbors. Get ready, the holidays are just around the corner.

Janine

C.R. Laine show room

Tip of the Week #14: Colorful Inspiration

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Well, for those of you who fear color, this beautiful photo should inspire you to let your fear subside. This year the words “POP of color” are all the buzz and C.R. Laine Furniture has done a beautiful job to create a room of furniture that not only is gorgeous, but functional as well. When choosing your daring color palette, consider having one room that really dazzles the senses like this one. Shades of peacock blue are the colors this year chosen by Sherwin Williams Paint to be the ones that will really stand out.  I think this photo is certainly a representation of an outstanding use of color. Don’t you? C.R. Laine room
Why not step out of your comfort zone and get a little more daring?  Call your designer today.
Happy Inspiration,
Janine

Tip of the Week #13: Complete with a Lamp

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LampDo you feel like there is just something missing from your room? You can’t quite put your finger on it, but for some reason it doesn’t feel complete. Chances are you’re right, and that finishing touch is a lamp. Adding lighting to your room is one of the most important factors to completing a room. Lamps serve two very distinct functions—to illuminate and decorate.

When choosing the finishing touch for your room the function and style must be taken into consideration. You don’t want a well lit room that doesn’t match your decor. Accent or desk lamps should be used in areas with other focal points because they cast light downward. Table and floor lamps cast warm light which are inviting for multiple situations. And for drama, torchiers should be used because they shine light upward to bounce off the ceiling and wall.

After you figure out what function your lamp will serve you can choose the style. Keep it consistent with what you already have in the room so the design flows. Lamps come in every style so you are sure to find something that fits.

Once you have it place it, plug it in and enjoy the illumination and decoration!

Janine

Tip of the Week #12: Inspiration

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Have any of you seen the July issue of Architectural Digest?   The article and photos of Cher’s Indian Fantasy are amazing!  What I really love about this is that this home is such a reflection of the home owner. If you don’t see Cher reflected in this space, you are missing something.  She is exotic and over the top in her performances as well as her use of large scale accessories that enhance the rich neutral palette chosen for this daring diva. I commend her designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. He truly represented the spicy, bold, woman who lives in this space. And yet, this feels serene and romantic at the same time. Bravo!

I do love Architectural Digest as one of the best design resources for great “ahhh” photos. If ever you need great inspiration there is always something wonderful between the pages of this magazine.  Perhaps our lives are not so grand, but there is always something to modify into our own space. For example, the neutrals chosen for Cher could be a great starting point for many of you, and your accessories like hers  should reflect your personal taste. Accessories are the “jewelry” of the home.  Choose those that make you feel at home. Maybe you would prefer more color, look to your closet. What we wear reflects what we love.  As always, look to your designer for expert advise!
Happy Inspiration,
Janine

Tip of the Week #11: Sex and The City 2 Interiors

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To ‘all the single ladies’ and all the married ladies for that matter, if you haven’t yet seen the movie “Sex and the City 2”  let me just say, I for one genuinely enjoyed it. While watching the very talented Sarah Jessica Parker and team, you can certainly get a tip or two not only for your interiors (Carrie even admitted to cheating on fashion with furniture), but fashion on as well. In true form, interiors always follow fashion. Take a special note as to how much wallcovering is used in Carrie and Big’s Manhattan penthouse. What a gorgeous uptown showcase!  I would want to relax a little more comfortably, in a less stream lined sofa, but leave it to Carrie to select the sofa that doesn’t make perfect sense. Sex and the City 2 is a movie that takes you away for an hour or two and leaves you wanting to go shopping in more ways than one (You single girls know what I mean!). Enjoy every minute and who knows, maybe we will see a nursery in Carrie’s next penthouse.  It’s possible right?  Are you a Carrie Bradshaw fan??  Or have the Sex and the City girls gone far enough, traveling across the world?  Let us know what you think…

Sex and the City 2 decorSex and the City 2 decor

Janine
Images from Elle Decor

In Shape With Your Decor

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measuring tapeDoes your interior design make you eat more or less? According to Dr. Oz there are ways your home décor can help you stay in shape. Sounds too good to be true right?  Well Dr. Oz said it so we are going to keep an open mind. Try some of these home décor tips and see if they help you keep the pounds off this summer.

  • Open and Airy: Keeping the windows and shades in your home open this summer makes you indoor environment light, which will reduce your appetite.
  • Fruit on the table: Keeping a fruit centerpiece on your dining room table will help you lose an extra 5 pounds a month studies show. The sweet smell of flowers increases your appetite while fruit decreases it.
  • Opaque Dishes: Using opaque dishes reduces your appetite because you can not see through them.
  • Go Outside: People naturally eat less in the summer when its hotter outside. Sun light also decreases serotonin levels which reduces any depression or need for comfort foods.

In addition to these tips, remember to eat healthy and continue with your regular exercise routine.

First seen on casasugar.

Janine’s Tip of the Week #10: Area Rugs

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It seems like lately I have been asked how to transform a space with a reasonable investment.  Well,  given the economy that is certainly understandable.  If you have good “bones” in your space, you might consider a great new area rug.  Often that is the one piece to the puzzle that is transforming and will give you the “wow” you were looking for that can change everything. If you are at the luxury of starting your design project then I suggest you begin with the area rug. Area rugs ground an entire space and add texture, color, and pattern. They tend to give the entire space the much needed connection that was once lacking. It can set the stage for the rest of the  pieces  and help you select the wallcovering, furniture, fixtures, drapery and accessories. Area rugs truly are a great accent to any room…living, dining, hearth, and bedrooms.  I might suggest a few favorites that we carry in our showroom:  Jaunty Rug Company, Feizy Rugs, and Davis and Davis Rugs.  Happy rug shopping…as always, we are here to help!
Jaunty Rug

Jaunty rug

Feizy Rug

Feizy rug

Davis & Davis Rug

Davis & Davis rug

Janine
Images of rugs from Jaunty, Feizy Rugs and Davis&Davis Rugs.

Janine’s Tip of the Week #9: Wallcoverings

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To those of you who cringe at the idea of wallpaper and have lived through the “country craze” of blue and mauve days, may I re-inspire you to think again about the beauty of great wall covering?  You cannot transform a space more quickly than with great wallcoverings, and the artists today are out to capture your heart.

Take a peak at what York Wallcoverings has to offer in their Ronald Redding Collections. Menswear prints have never been the same!  Take a look at their Manuscript collection for the true traditional home. It makes you want to add a library on to your renovation.

Also, Thibaut Wallpaper & Fabrics has a new book called Filigree that is very lovely and full of delicate glamour that is modern and simple, with an elegant flair.  It might be the perfect fit for a new look in your foyer, dining room or bath!

Just open your mind to what wallcoverings can do. For a little more investment wise, it gives you a major transformation and makes an ordinary space extraordinary!

Strip with Damask by York Wallcoverings

Thibaut Wallpaper and Fabrics

Filigree Greenbriar by Thibaut Wallpaper & Fabrics

Janine

Use What You Have

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Do you have some mix match vases or other figures and you don’t know what to do with them? Instead of buying new things just transform what you have. This DIY project found at Style Me Pretty was intended for a wedding, but can be used as a table centerpiece. All you need is your items of course, and a bottle of spray paint.

  1. Make sure your items are clean and dry.
  2. Lightly coat each and allow time to dry
  3. Repeat step 2 until desired shade is reached.
  4. Fill with flowers and arrange closely together on your table.

After your seemingly pricey DIY project is complete, all you have to do is field raves from your guests.

Before DIY vases

Before

After DIY vase

After

Janine’s Tip of the Week #8: Buying USA Made

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To my friends and clients alike, the more I learn about furniture the more I am amazed about how important the “buyer beware” concept becomes. How do you know what really lies beneath the beautiful fabric on that sofa you are about to purchase? Well with Norwalk Furniture you know.  Norwalk is made in Norwalk, Ohio and after visiting the factory I can tell you first hand, I was impressed!  The folks at Norwalk are truly dedicated to the “made in the USA” concept and you can be proud to know you are buying quality, custom furniture.  We are proud to carry several of their pieces on our studio floor so come in and try Norwalk Furniture, you will be glad you did.
Norwalk Furniture
Janine