GOING GREEN WITH LOW OR NO VOC PAINTS

Remember that pungent scent of fresh paint years ago? That was the off gassing of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), suspected in ills from throat irritation to cancer. Now, however, new water-based, fast drying, nearly odorless low-or zero-VOC paints offer quality performance.

What to keep in mind when buying these paints:

1) Beware of "greenwash." While the base paint may meet standards, added colorants can cause VOCs to shoot up. The darker the colorant, the more VOCs.

2) Keep in mind that some toxic ingredients, like ammonia and acetone, go unregulated, so they still might legally show up in paints labeled zero VOCs.

3) Federal government does not set standards for indoor air quality, independent testing groups like Green Seal and Greenguard certify paints.

Here are just a few of the green paints that are safe to use in your homes:

1) Freshaire Choice, $30 a gallon at Home Depot

2) Dutch Boy Refresh, $23 a gallon at Walmart

3) Aura, $55 a gallon at Benjamin Moore

4) Olympic Premium, $25 a gallon at Lowes

For a complete list log onto GreenSeal.org or Greenguard.org

How to Dress tall Windows

I am currently working on a job with a client that has a great room with a set of 3 windows from floor to ceiling, a 16' ceiling! It seems that most of my clients want to dress the window with drapery panels that run from the ceiling to the floor. This of course is a great way to accent the height of the room.

Sometimes these rooms can seem very fast and large. To some people, this is not what they are aiming for. For some, they want their rooms to feel cozier instead of grand. The good thing is that there are ways to treat the windows so your room doesn't feel so grand. One way to do this is to only treat the windows at a standard or 8' height and leave the windows above open or with blinds only. Because only the lower windows have a treatment, the eye stops at the height of the lower windows making the room feel smaller. This can bring the room in and make if feel much cozier.

So when dealing with a great room with huge windows, ask yourself first if you would like to call attention to the drama of the height of the room. If so, create ceiling to floor panels. If you're going after a more intimate space only dress the windows at eye level.

Decorate Your Bedroom First

Treat Yourself First

I find that typically the first room that I help my clients with is the Living Room. It makes sense to the client because this is the room where their guests will spend the most time. However, it’s not the room where the home owner spends the most time. Your house is meant for you to live in, not others, so why not address YOUR room, the bedroom. It’s the first thing we see in the morning and therefore can set the tone for our day. It’s the last thing we see at night, so complete satisfaction is needed in order to create for a restful night. You’re bedroom is your sanctuary. Why not create the room that makes you feel like you never woke up from that wonderful dream?

5 Tips for Decorating a Baby's Room

Decorating a child's room can be overwhelming, especially with all the other things that are going on in your life while expecting. After the many doctor visits, showers and birthing classes you have little time to help your little one feel at home.


Here are 5 tips to help you with your nursery:

1. Chose classic furniture that transitions according to age. Cribs that convert to a twin with removable railings that adapt to your child's age are readily available. This can be a one time purchase, that if flexible, can last the child until graduation.

2. Pick non-traditional colors. Shades of bright purple and lime greens or black and white with a splash of color, can be a different approach to your child's room. It's more fun to stimulate your child in a non-traditional way versus your every day pinks and blues.

3. Spice up the lighting. A fun way to do this is to use a chandelier on a dimmer. Whether your child is playing or going down for a nap it provides light control and ambiance for all types of activity.

4. Wallpaper adds texture and interest. Instead of using your time and energy to paint a mural that will loose your child's interest after age 3, use a fun and appealing wall paper that will last a lifetime.

5. Soften the nursery with fabric window treatments. A large part of adapting to a new a baby is establishing sleeping patterns. Window treatments create a sleeping retreat for your baby by softening and controlling light coming into the room.


At Decor & You we specialize in creating the perfect room for your new family member. Some of the decor that we can help you with includes furnishings, flooring, lighting, window treatments, wall coverings and accessories.

If you're expecting a baby and have no idea on how to tackle your new child's room come visit us this weekend at the Baby Bonanza from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Aladdin Shrine Center in Easton. If you're unable to make it to the show you can reach us at (614) 485-0917 or cperry@decorandyou.com.