October's National Kitchen & Bath Month - Time To Get Started!

In October, what are you planning?

Outside the fact that the kids are back to school, October marks the season for Halloween, scheduling time for those breathtaking Fall views, and of course - wait for it - three months of retail advertising (i.e., magazines, internet, and television spots) aimed to ready us for the holiday season.

Like any memorable and celebrated event, planning takes time and effort, sound budgeting, and great execution. Kitchen and Bathroom design and renovation projects are no different. Maybe that is why homeowners may find it strange to hear that October, known as National Kitchen and Bath Month (according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association), is the perfect time to start planning a kitchen or bath project.

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Spring into Outdoor Living

Two of my favorite times of the year in the Northeast are Spring and Fall.  And now that winter is behind us, I can safely say that it is time to Spring forward to those outdoor living spaces.


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From an Interior Designer perspective, I like to look at outdoor spaces from a behavior point of view followed by the aesthetics that make them simply fabulous.

It's all about the seating!  The size of the space does not matter since it's all about comfort.

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But what's the behavior?  Room on the deck for one, enjoying the end-of-the day with family, a place to sit for a little outdoor grilling, or even better- a good meal with friends.  Depending on your home and space, it could be all of the above. 

The ABCs of Home Improvement Projects: Follow Through Point C.

The anticipation of reaching the start date of a home improvement project is exciting.  Countless inspiration photos fill your folder, many visits to showrooms to look at product seems overwhelming, and consultations with architects, interior designers, and contractors feel overwhelming.  

More times than I can count, a theme/style does begin to develop from the floor plans layouts, furniture selections, and finishing choices that appeal to your senses.  If you hired a designer/decorator to work with you (as mentioned in part A & B of The ABC's of Home Improvement Projects series), moving through the next steps of the project feel daunting.  But, I promise that you will be thankful you took the time before the construction/installation began and moved through the steps vigilantly.

Let's finish up with the final steps: 1) Got Product?, 2) Who's Watching?, and 3) Punching The Punch-List.

Follow Through Point C

The Big Cat Obsession - Cheetah, Leopard, and Jaquer Prints

Follow any fashion trend, celebrity siting, or decorating blog/magazine and one thing is for sure - big cat prints will always capture our attention.  Whether it is a small accent such as a pillow, lamp shade, decorative piece, or a big focal point within a room and especially a gorgeous pair of shoes, a handbag, or piece of clothing...that big cat is here to stay.

Image:  The Decorista

3 Organizational Steps For Space Planning A Home Move

Moving into a new home based on marriage, relocation, a first home purchase, downsizing, or even a temporary move (e.g. building a new home or adding an addition) has exciting possibilities with chances to make beautiful, new memories.  There are a lot of checklists to prepare for a smooth move whether you are doing it yourself or paying a moving company for their services. 

All of the information available has a few things in common -- saving you time, money, and aggravation.

Photo by Better Home & Gardens

How To Make An "Interior Designer" Sandwich

Who doesn't enjoy a good sandwich with its delicious combinations of fresh and unique ingredients surrounded by the perfect pairing of homemade bread that can turn any lunch, dinner, or midnight snack into a mouth-watering moment filled with culinary delight.

Okay, but this is an interior design blog and talking about sandwiches does not seem to fit with the overall theme...or does it?

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