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Janine’s Tip of the Week#6: Designing the Basement

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I just saw this blog post on Colour Me Happy (one of my favorite design blogs out there) about basement design and thought I would share some of my own thoughts about decorating the basement with you:

When doing a lower level, darker is definitely better! Remember that you generally have to turn on the lights anyway, so why not be a little more adventurous with your color scheme? Just go for it. Why not try something that may be out of your comfort zone? One step darker then you might usually go for, or even darker, makes the space seem cozy will be more like an extension of the upstairs vs. a regular ol’ basement.

Keep in mind that the basement is one area you can bring out your inner “designer” and go for it!! You will be glad you did. Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Adding mirrors will help expand the space, and be sure to incorporate the all-important TV for the relaxed viewing pleasure.
  • The basement is also a great area for the “man cave” with a woman’s touch. (He may get the 60″ television, you have to love being there, so the fabrics should be a reflection of both of you!)
  • Another way to create some ambiance is to install dimmers. Dimmers make the space cozy, which is perfect for movie viewing and entertaining.
  • Forget that cold cement slab. New flooring can also add some interest to the space. Carpets can really go from standard to fun here and could even be the starting place of your design theme.

You want your guest to walk in and say WOW, right? So, think a little “out of the box.” Remember, comfort, warmth and function are your goals here, so have fun with it!

Janine

I’ve moved!

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To all my loyal customers and friends,
I want to announce the NEW location of my design studio! We have been busy moving, updating, and making things even bigger and better to show you the best in the design industry! We are now just west of 95th and Pflumm in Lenexa right next to Pella Windows @ 14111 W 95th St. I am so excited to show off our new space and look forward to our big “open house” on May 1st. Check back soon for details!

Janine

News: Are You in the Market for New Upholstered Furniture?

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Miles-accessorizedI just got back from Norwalk, OH from the Norwalk furniture factory and wow, was I impressed. Norwalk has been transformed, cleaned up, and streamlined into a #1 US custom-made furniture option. Under new ownership and new vision, this company is another one of my favorites.  The employees just gleamed  with pride as we toured the factory, where we witnessed fine upholsterers and seamstresses putting the final touches on their product. It was such an honor to see each phase of the upholstery process.

After 25 years selling fine furniture, I have an even greater appreciation for what goes into the final product. I have just gotten a new chair in my studio, the Quincy chair,  and would love to share more about Norwalk with you. If you aren’t able to stop by,  be sure to check out the Norwalk Web site. It is well worth your time. I especially love the Copley Square collection as it fits almost everyone, but the new Elise Chair is a beauty. And if comfort with a flair is for you, take a peak at the Milford.

Have fun with Norwalk. They have really taken a step in the right direction.
Photo Credit: Norwalk Furniture

Janine’s Tip of the Week#5: Arranging Dining Room Chairs

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When thinking about your new dining room, consider a special chair for your host and hostess or maybe even the whole group.  I love these ideas from two of our favorite furniture companies called CR Laine and Jessica Charles, don’t you?  Wouldn’t it be nice to step out of the box and sit a little more comfortably? These beautiful chairs add a zip of color and set the stage for a beautiful new dining room.

Your friends will be talking about the new trend setter in the group and you will start using that room that has been sitting vacant and boring for way too long! These chairs add a little fun and flair to that once stuffy room and transform it into a modern social gathering space that’s long been forgotten. Why not have a little fun with your dining room?

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Janine’s Tip of the Week #4: Look at the Big Picture

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decorativetouch3I just spent the weekend taking part in the Kansas City Home and Garden Show at Bartle Hall in downtown Kansas City.  It’s quite an event and many re-modelers, home improvement suppliers, lawn and garden suppliers bring out their newest and best displays for spring inspiration.

While at the show, the questions I was asked most was “When do I get you involved in my project?” Let me just say, it’s never too early to consult with your designer. I spoke with over a thousand folks this weekend who thought that they might not talk to a designer or decorator until they needed the furniture or paint for the project. Please let me warn you to look at the bigger picture.

If you are thinking about any remodel, building, or updating project in your home or office, you really should consult a designer first. Designers add so much to the process–we actually help you see the project as a larger picture before you start looking at the smaller pieces. What you choose for tile, carpet, paint etc., can only be made by knowing which direction to take and the overall goal of the project. Unfortunately, many people think about one small part of the project, such as “I want to retile my bath” and forget how the tile will affect the walls, window treatments, bedroom off the bath, and so much more. So, before you select the first item in your “remodel,” think BIGGER. A designer can help guide you on the whole picture. There is more than one item in any give remodel and certainly more in every new construction opportunity and every selection fits and connects with the next. It’s like a giant puzzle. Does yours connect?

Janine Terstriep

More About Me: How Did I Decide to Become a Designer?

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0_0_0_0_250_373_csupload_15892677Well, it kinda just happened!  I was one of those crazy kids that when my mom would leave the house, as young as I can remember, I would start moving the furniture around, so that by the time she got home…ta da…everything was different!  Before long, she put me in charge of all the holiday decorating and whenever company was coming, I was her right hand girl at preparing the tablescapes and getting things shaped up!

I have had the “knack” my whole life and when I go to the movie theater and the rest of you actually watch the movie, I am focused on the layout of the room: the wallpaper, the light fixtures and the entire scene of the home or restaurant, not so much the actors. A sickness you say, a passion I say.

I am incredibly blessed to truly “love” what I do for a living and I get as much of a “thrill” completing a clients dream as they do. There is nothing I would rather do for work. In fact, most the time it doesn’t feel like work. It feels like I am helping someone complete something they could never do without me. It’s pretty awesome.  The ultimate reward is seeing that smile on their face and satisfaction and 5 or 10 years later having them call for the next project.  That says I am doing my job.

Janine’s Tip of the Week #3: Creating a Retreat

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The Decorative Touch

The Decorative Touch

I get asked: I want to begin a new Master Bedroom, but how do I create that retreat?

Master Bedrooms are truly the sanctuary of your home. It’s the one place I find that my clients want to shut out the rest of the world. And yet, I think it’s almost the most ignored space in the home. How sad is that! You deserve to spoil yourself in the master suite. I suggest that you start with deciding how you want the space to feel. This should be a true reflection of your “couple” personality, which means choosing options that are not strictly feminine or masculine.

The great news is bedroom furniture is not like our parents furniture! There are amazing leather headboards, upholstered headboards, and beautiful over-sized iron beds. And our nightstands can be totally different than our beds.  The days of everything being the same wood are over. Great design allows you to be a little playful with your furnishings.  Now if that is not in your comfort zone, no problem.  Instead, be more creative with your fabrics.

First, find fabrics that just feel good to you and you can’t wait to sink yourself into. Something that really just says “comfort.” Remember, this is your place of rest, relaxation, and tranquility. With all the beautifully bedding choices out there, something should grab you and just say ahh… I would suggest looking at Eastern Accents.com or Legacy Linens.com, both lines are great and a good starting point.

Next, paint color comes from your bedding choice, and don’t be afraid to consider an accent wall behind the bed for wallpaper, faux paint, or another great texture. Maybe try a drapery treatment. Bedrooms are all about textures. Drapery, privacy treatments like woven shades, or room darkening roman shades are going to be important as well. This is your cacoon so to speak, so don’t let mother nature in too early!

Again,  look to the experts, there are loads of great master bedrooms in magazines, so do your homework. Don’t settle for ordinary in this room,  it’s the one space in your home that you spend a great deal of time in.  It should reflect your personality; however, I would suggest you hire an interior designer before starting your project.

Janine Terstriep

Spring Palettes: Turquoise and White

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With spring fast approaching, it is hard not to notice all the spring decor that is popping up in the stores. What is really hitting the scene now is turquoise and white. Together, these two colors are bright and fresh, just perfect for spring. Check out this great image from the Color me Happy blog. What a lovely guest room this would make, don’t you think?

Click here to check out more spring palettes on the Color me Happy blog.

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Colour me Happy blog

Décor Double Take: The Blind Side

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blind side-www.imdb.com

The Blind Side, IMDB

Have you ever been watching a movie and have fallen in love with the décor? If you are anything like me, you notice the set design before anything else. So, speaking of a great movie, I would highly recommend The Blind Side. Not only is it a wonderful story, but if you are a crazy designer like me, you will love seeing the scenes in Sandra Bullock’s home.

It is a lovely home from the outside, but the decor inside is very well done, too. Sandra Bullock plays an interior designer in the movie and some of her scenes are easy for me to relate to–especially how much I talk on my cell phone…it is constantly connected to my ear! But seriously, don’t you just love the living room and that gorgeous sofa that Big Mike sleeps on? The movie is not only a good one for those who are design obsessed like me, but husbands will enjoy the show, too. On a side note, I do wish there were more good people in the world like the folks in this show. You just walk away feeling better.

By Janine Terstriep

Janine’s Tip of the Week #2: Furniture Selection

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decorativetouch4I often get asked: Where do I begin in my furniture selection for this room?

Well, again each case is different, but most of the time the largest piece dictates the space.  I often start with either the area rug or the sofa. Which piece is going to have more pattern?  If the area rug is the busiest and has a large-scale pattern, I start with that first. Then the sofa will be smaller or medium pattern. For instance, a tweed or texture looks great with larger patterned pillows. Additionally, I might choose leather or plaid/paisley patterned chairs  to complement the rug colors.  As a general rule of thumb, I like to work from that one large pattern; it makes it easier to find the perfect “go with” items.
Janine Terstriep