Interior Decorating for Columbus, Ohio

Taking the Indoors Out

2009-07-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm sure I'm not the only one who can say that they love to spend most of their time outdoors during the summer. Who wouldn't? Its so relaxing to curl up with a book on your patio or take a nice long walk all while enjoying the weather.

With today's economy many are opting to spend this time at home in their own setting with their own amenities. To most its more comfortable to be in their own environment.

This is part of the reason why taking the indoors out has become such a big trend right now. There is nothing more inviting than an outdoor room. Sitting outdoors in a beautiful setting, in a comfortable chair, with a drink and book....or with friends over wonderful tidbits of food and a grilled dinner... is one of the most pleasurable experiences in life.

The outdoor room consists more of than just a garden or yard. It's a cozy, inviting space that makes you want to sit and enjoy your environment. It's like taking your living room or dining room outside - in a weatherproof way, of course.

Creating this space can be very simple. Use the space that you already have. You don't need to go out and have a new deck put in to create this. In fact, you don't want your space to be too large that you loose the intimacy and comfort of an outdoor space.

After you've defined the space you want to use for your outdoor room, create a floor with pavers or brick. You could also think about adding a roof with a retractable awning or pergola. Another option is adding walls to your space. Not to enclose it in completely, but to add coziness.

After you've done all of this and you have your furniture for your space, its time to accessorize it with items such as pillows or candles. This are the things that personalize and beautify your space. It also helps to add lighting to the area so you can sit out there until all hours of the night!

I promise you will love the outdoor space you create. It is so easy to do and so worth it. Not only will you have the extra space to entertain in, but you will have the space that you can enjoy all summer long!

Outdoor Fabrics are Fashion-Forward

2009-07-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

Many may not realize that most of the outdoor fabrics these days are bulletproof and stain, mildew and fade resistant. No wonder people are buying outdoor fabrics to upholster their indoor sofas. These fabrics are crossing the threshold to enliven and soften our interior spaces as well as our gardens.

Fabric technology has come a long way over the past decade. I'm sure everyone remembers the summer-evening ritual of collecting all the cushions and bringing them indoors. With the newest outdoor fabrics, this ritual has become a thing of the past.

The best of the new outdoor fabrics are cushy, yet water beads up, dirt washes off with a little soap and water and they're impervious to mildew. Not only do they have these wonderful and practically maintenance free qualities to them, but they come in beautiful patterns and colors.

Crossover fabrics are a big trend; they're very family friendly. Many cannot even distinguish the difference between indoor and outdoor fabrics. Which is pretty amazing for 100% solution-dyed acrylic. This type of dying locks the colors into the fabric.

So now the fun part... what are the new color trends??? Last year orange was a big hit, now you'll find more aqua, teal and other watery blues, along with sunflower yellow.

Now that you know all the facts, go out and have some fun with colors and fabrics!

Tips on Painting

2009-07-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

For many, picking a paint color is a very difficult task. Most of my clients have problems picking a color for just one room. And many just have no idea where they want to start or what color they want to do.

The first step in picking a paint color is deciding what your inspiration is for the room. Pull a color out of something else that's going on in the room, such as a fabric or a piece of artwork.

Or maybe your inspiration is the paint color. This route is fine too. You can start with a paint color and decorate a room around it. Pick your fabrics and artwork to complete a cohesive look.

Many narrow their color choices down to two or three choices. If you can't decide which on to go with, buy a quart of each and paint a small part of your wall. You can also buy big pieces of foam board and paint those too to see what the colors look like.

The most important thing to remember when doing is this is to make sure you see what the color looks like at different points of the day. Natural light can make a color look totally different in your home. Also, make sure you see what your furniture looks like up to the paint colors.

Many do not know what sheen or gloss level to go with once they've selected their paint color. Here is a list of all the selections and what each means:

1) Flat- Matte finish, no sheen- for lower traffic areas

2) Flat Enamel- Non-reflective finish with superior durability. Ideal for interior trim and doors

3) Eggshell- Appearance of matte with a very low sheen- for medium traffic areas

4) Satin- Medium sheen, multi-purpose finish- for medium to high traffic areas

5) Semi-Gloss- Created for stain resistance and repeated washings. Good for kitchens and baths

6) High-Gloss- Stain resistant and scrubbable finish. Ideal for doors or trim

7) Ceiling Paint- Non-reflective finish that is made to go on easy without dripping

Now that you've picked out your color and the type of paint you want to go with, it is now time to move on to the next step. The next thing to do is to prepare the surface you are painting. This step is just as crucial as proper painting practices. It is essential that the surface to be painted is clean and dry.

If you have any gaps, seams or holes that need to be prepared it is best to do this before painting as well. The gaps and seams can be done with paintable acrylic caulk. You can fill the holes with spackling compound. After you finish this, you will want to prime the area.

Now you're ready to paint! Tape off the trim, cover your furniture and floor and start painting away! If you're still having issues selecting your paint, I do color consultations to help with this.

Scale & Balance

2009-06-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

Most of my clients forget the impact that a good sense of scale and proportion can have on a room. It can make or break a room.

By this I mean taking into account the size and shape of furniture and accessories. Not only this, but the way they are arranged in relation to the size and height of their particular living space.

The easiest way to avoid costly mistakes is to draw up a floor plan to scale and then measure up the length and width of each piece of furniture. I do this for all of my clients every time to avoid putting furniture in the room that is not to scale. This is something that takes time, but could help so many people choose the right scale of furniture for their room.

The average living space often looks less than interesting today, however it is the pieces we choose to put in them that make them look interesting. Varying the heights of furniture and accessories helps to add drama to a room.

Rooms that have a series of high and low points cannot help but look more exciting because the stimulus of changing heights is actually as important to the eye as bright color in a neutral scheme or an unusual design in a fabric.

Back to Black: How to Make Black Walls Work

2009-05-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

Back to Black: How to Make Black Walls Work

Black is no stranger to the world of interior design. It adorns sofas, desks, entertainment centers, tables and accessories. But consumers willing to take a little risk with their interior design are starting to use black in larger swaths- particularly walls- with bold, stylish results.

Black walls are very current right now, but I think a lot of people shy away from them because they have this sort of ghastly reputation. But depending on how you do it, it really doesn't have to be that way at all. Ultimately, black is always chic, and through it's dark, it is a neutral and goes with everything.

Think of black walls as the equivalent of the little black dress: It takes many forms and can really shine when paired with the proper accessories. There are many simple tips for successfully dressing up- and pulling off- the black wall in any room.

Start Small. As many prudent designers knows, suggesting small does of change to wary clients is a smart strategy that can have far-reaching effects. For example, the bathroom may be the perfect place to branch out with black. The mirrors and typically chrome fixtures that are already in there really pop against the black and create a dynamic environment.

Think patterns and texture. Consider painting a wall a flat black, then covering it with a sheen in the form of graphic repeating pattern. You could use the vintage floral or geometric '80s pop art patterns to accomplish this. The sheen change is very subtle and elegant.

Experiment with gradation. If you have a large, well-lit room, particularly one with high ceilings, paint the walls black up to about eye level, switch to gray up to the ceiling, then finish off the room with a white ceiling. The black anchors the wall while the gray creates the impression that the room is opening up to a white sky. The effect is stunning. When used on one wall or two adjacent walls in a smaller room, it can really make the room seem much bigger, and the gradation is very uplifting.

Pick the right lighting and accessories. Picking the right type of lighting for a black wall is important, since it will absorb light. Track lighting can work well because you can angle the lights to hit the dark spots. Another great idea that is a huge hit right now is a chandelier. Using high-gloss paint rather than a flat or eggshell finish helps reflect light better. From an accessory standpoint, go for pops of color against the black. Especially if you're not a huge fan of just black and white. A pop of color makes a HUGE difference in the look of the room. Because it is a neutral color, any pop of color would work. Just don't over do it, you don't want to take away the impact of the black.

If you or anyone you know could benefit from my decorating services, please feel free to contact me at cperry@decorandyou.com.

Tips about window treatments

2009-04-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

TIPS ABOUT WINDOW TREATMENTS

I find that short curtains are rarely successful except perhaps in small cottage-type windows or small windows in a deep embrasure or tied back at a kitchen window.
If windows have deep recesses it is better to hang curtains outside the recess because this will let in the maximum amount of light during the day

If windows have radiators below them and you want the softness of curtains but do not want heat loss, tie or loop them back permanently at either side of the window and use a shade of some sort or shutters at night.

Too short long curtains are as bad as too short trousers. They should always generously touch the floor or slightly ‘puddle’ onto it. But neither should they be so long that you trip over them.
Always allow the most generous hem you can to withstand shrinkage when cleaned.

All curtains hang better if they are lined and interlined unless they are meant to seem light and breezy. To make curtains look really professional and luxurious, pad each leading edge with an extra strip of interlining rolled lengthwise and invisibly hand-stitched inside the curtain lining.

Unless daylight is at a premium most curtains look better tied or looped back during the day than left hanging straight unless they are of heavy material like velvet. If you live in a city or anywhere where there is a lot of pollution in the air, avoid using light colours and elaborate folds, so that the fabric does not need to be cleaned too often.

If windows face East or South in rather dark rooms, ensure that your chosen style will obscure as little of the light you get during the day as possible. This rules out tied-back curtains that meet in the middle, deep pelmets and elaborately draped styles. If windows face North or West and you get a good deal of light and sun avoid using fabrics that will fade or rot easily like silks and very bright colours. Consider filtering the light with translucent blinds or sheer curtains as well.

If you or anyone you know could benefit from my professional decorating services, please contact Crystal at 614-485-0917 or email me at cperry@decorandyou.com

High-End Decor on a Low-End Budget

2009-04-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

With today's economy, strapped homeowners intent on sprucing up their spaces are saying goodbye to marble back splashes and luxurious spa baths and opting for less-expensive material and furnishings instead. Of course doing this you can still get a stylish and cohesive look to your space, but you also have to make sure you're not getting ripped off with cheap products.

Homeowners with smaller budgets are exploring other alternatives for the items they want to complete. For example, there are many flooring alternatives, such as tile, which can be cheaper than some woods. Not only this, but many home owners are opting to use faux wood instead of real.

There are other ways to improve your house that don't involve remodeling or ripping up your flooring. Decorative improvements can have a big impact on your space. Bold accessories like large paintings, urns and mirrors add more drama than smaller pieces. Even getting a new paint job or adding a rug to a space can transform it. One of the biggest things you can do to your space is add custom window treatments to your space. It instantly adds drama and height to a room.

Although, many are aiming for a lower budget on their projects, you might want to consider not skimping corners on certain items. Pieces that you plan to use everyday or plan to have for a long period of time you might want to consider looking at other pieces besides the lower end ones. Other areas that you want to think twice about skimping on are things like a paint job or the one unique piece that will complete a room. Paint can make or break a project, especially if its done poorly.

If you or someone you know has anymore questions about this topic or any others on my blog, please feel free to contact me at cperry@decorandyou.com or 614-485-0917. Feel free to visit our website as well at http://www.decorandyou.com/. We can complete any project from floor to ceiling in any style and budget.

Decorating with texture and patterns

2009-04-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

Decorating with texture and patterns

Texture and pattern play a pivotal role in design. They add depth and character to a space, helping to make it original and dynamic. Ranging from traditional patterns to more modern styles, these are crucial details that are essential for great design.

The easiest way to make a room feel interesting and alive is to add texture and pattern. Contrasts of smooth and rough, thick and thin, shiny and dull pump up the interest quotient and prevent a room from appearing too staid. A room full of the same thing is boring. Magic happens when elements with diverse qualities are brought together. Happily, many times, this allows us to use what we have -- baskets, books, quilts -- in a fresh manner.

Layers -- a pillow atop a pillow, chair pads on rush seats, matchstick blinds with cotton drapes -- cook up warmth. Especially in cold climates, textures relieve rooms of any sterile or chilly overtones. Of course, how you introduce texture will depend a great deal on the style of your decor and the room's application. An elegant dining room will call for a more subtle hand than a mountain ski retreat. In the dining room, flame-stitch fabric on the dining chairs and a large, heavily textured oil painting is all that's needed. Inside the lodge, Navajo blankets, chenille sofas, and leather armchairs will turn up the heat and form a pleasing interior.

Whatever you style is, it is easy to add texture and pattern into your space. Many of us forget this step and can't quite figure out why our spaces don't feel complete. Keep in mind that texture and pattern can be added in many simple ways; pillows, accessories, upholstery or rugs. If any of these tips made you realize you could use some interior decorating help, please contact Crystal Perry at 614-485-0917.

Hot Trends Consider Mother Nature

2009-04-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

A beautiful home is desirable, but its what's inside that counts most. And what counts inside these days includes using environmentally conscious material, and choosing a few areas of the home to pop with colour and uniqueness in what can often be a neutral sea.

Before going green inside your home, there are a few things to know. It is important to understand that the concept of green embraces three key concepts:

1) ENERGY EFFICIENCY

2) SUSTAINABILITY

3) ENVIRONMENT RESPONSIBILITY

Most of my clients that I work with that are concerned with being green still like classic designs with the use of natural materials, including hardwood, granite and stone. But I do have clients looking at more green options than these. That's the biggest trend happening right now. I get inquiries about sustainability, manufacturing processes and recyclability.

Here are just a few of the hot green trends:

1) Flooring: As the demand for bamboo and cork continues to grow, the price for such flooring products has become more mainstream and more affordable for anyone to use in their home.

2) Tile: Questions usually arise with tile about how the stone affects Mother Nature. Greener trends include recycled glass and semi-precious stones in the stone mix. Many are using recycled glass pieces from Coke or Sky Vodka bottles.

3) Carpet: Many recycled material are also showing up in carpet. Wool carpeting is a great green solution. It's natural, renewable resource, classic, soft and inherently stain resistant.

No matter what you are looking to do in your home, it is more than likely that you will be able to find a "green" way to go about it. Please contact me at cperry@decorandyou.com if you are interested in going green or would just like some decorating help.

Crystal Perry

2009-03-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-23T08:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

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.