Question: I heard I have to have something black in every room. Is that true?

I can understand the concept of having something black in every room. Black can be used in moderation as an accent color that will anchor a room. However, any darker color (not necessarily black) can be used sparingly as a contrast color to the overall decor. For example, a room with different shades of white will come together dramatically with a dark brown wood floor (or window trim, or woven shades). Not only will it act as a stark contrast to the white decor, but it will ironically emphasize the light, calming affect of the different shades of white.

Tip of the Day - Space Planning

So now we've arrived at Space Planning. Yes, it is always best to take the measurements of the overall space. You can buy some graphic paper at any office supply store. Each 1/4 inch square (or 1/2 inch if it's a smaller space) can represent 1 foot. So, measure the space with a tape measure and then draw it out on the graphic paper. Measure the existing furniture that you will be using (mainly the length and width, or depth) and get measurements of the furniture that you want to purchase. For beginners, it is always best to draw the pieces to 1/4" or 1/2" scale (which ever you are using for your floor plan), then cut out the pieces of paper furniture and play with them on your drawn floor plan to see where they might best fit. This will save you time and money as well as the headache of returning a piece of furniture that doesn't fit in the room. Oh, and don't forget to measure the DOORWAYS! You have to make sure you can get the pieces IN the space! Measure elevator doors and widths. Measure stairways and landings, etc. Remember, the most important part about designing - is planning.

Once you have your space planned out with furniture, lamps and area rugs (you will need to draw where you want the rug to go so you'll know what size to buy), then you'll need to pick an inspiration piece. Something that you want to design around. This will determine the colors, textures and overall feel of the space. But we'll talk more about that in the next tip of the day. For now, let's make sure you have a set plan of attack by measuring and playing around with your paper floor plan. Have fun!

Tip of the Day: Identifying Feel and Function

OK, so by now, you have survived creating your design budget. The next step is to identify how you want to feel in the space and what activities you want to be able to do in the space. For example, is it a space that needs to calm you (i.e.; bedroom, sun room?), or energize you (i.e.; work-out room?) Does it need to inspire you creatively (i.e.; craft room, music room?), or keep you grounded and focused (i.e.; home office?)

Ask yourself, "How do I want to feel when I walk into this space?"

The answer to that question will help you select your color scheme and textures. If you want to feel calm and tranquil, you will want to stay in the blues and purples. If you want to feel energized; yellows, oranges and reds. If you want to feel a sense of balance and comfort, then go with earth tones (greens and browns.)

Next, we need to identify the activities that need to take place in the space. Make a list of all the things that NEED to be able to happen in the space, and then a list of the extra activities that WOULD BE NICE if they could be accommodated in the space. Here are some questions to get you started:

Do I need a surface for studying, or cooking? How many separate surfaces will be used at the same time for different tasks? Do I need a storage space for toys, books, supplies, extra blankets/pillows? How many people need to be able to sit in this space at once? Do I need extra task lighting? Do I need to minimize sound? Do I need a lot of natural light? Do I need to be able to achieve complete darkness?

So, once you identify the desired FEEL of the space and the activities that need to be accommodated in the space, then we get to the fun stuff; pulling together furniture and fixtures, colors, and concepts. See you at the next posting - this is going to get crazy...

Tip of the Day - Creating your design budget

Nobody likes this part of the design process. Who can put a dollar amount on true creativity and soul-stirring inspiration? Actually, our husbands can! They are pretty good about abruptly drying out any creative juices that may have been flowing while we are flipping through the design magazine, saying... "Why would any one spend money on that?"

OK, so besides, the whole Mars and Venus thing, we actually have to respect our spouses and our financial responsibilities to each other. And that is why we need a design budget. You know, as a designer, one of the hardest things to do is to get the client to decide on a budget. It's not that they don't want to, they just don't know what things cost.

So, here is the tip of the day: Do your homework. Go ahead and splurge on one or two things that you absolutely must have. Then, look at the other items and google-search the heck out of them. There are always great bargains, knock offs and substitutions out there. And then, with your new knowledge, set a budget about 20% lower than your max (the number that would send your hubby out of the house to "get some air".) Then, really (and I mean REALLY) stick to it. Create a spreadsheet with EVERYTHING you plan to buy on it and then go through each item and price it out - don't forget to allow for labor, taxes and shipping.

Remember, you don't have to get everything at once. Maybe you buy one lamp this paycheck and another next pay check. Then, next month, you can buy the area rug. Maybe you have to sell your kid's run-down dresser first so you can put that money towards the newer chest of drawers. Whatever works (but it would help to have a budget to know what would and wouldn't work, right?) Maybe instead of buying a new nightstand, you just repaint it to freshen it up. Doing your homework and your design budget will help you make these kinds of decisions.

Yes, making a budget is tedious and sometimes painful. But I PROMISE you will be in greater control of your project and much happier when you realize you actually can stay under your budget. Happy planning!

Question: How do I start a project?

Starting a design project can be a very daunting task. But, if you take the time to plan out the project, you will save money, prevent disasters, take less time to finish the project and you will be far more satisfied with the out come than if you had not planned. Over the next few postings, I will elaborate on each stage of the process, but here is the main outline:

1. Identify the space… and Budget!!

2. Identify the intended feel and function of the space.

3. Identify Design Pallet (colors, materials, fabrics)

4. Specify wall colors, floors, doors and trim colors.

5. Window coverings.

6. Furniture

7. Lighting

8. Accents

9. Review/Edit/Budget Check

10. BEGIN!

Tip of the Day - Simple Seating

OK, here's a really simple tip for families with small kids. Keep the seating in the main dining area simple. Solid wood or metal. No fabric, cane or rush seating. I know it looks cute and stylish, but to everything there is a season. I don't even want to entertain the thought of picking rice or stuck-on, milk-laced cheerios from the reed-like fibers or $30/yard fabric. And what about Kool-Aid, and spaghetti sauce stains and ice-cream drippings? Naaa. Let's go for practical now and indulge later. Simple!

Tip of the Day - Hanging clustered picture frames

As a rule of thumb, I like to tell people to use any shape and size, but keep them all one color. There might be some exceptions to the rule (i.e.; different finishes, but all antiques, etc.,) but it is a safe rule to follow. And it is always smart to take the time to make templates and lay them out first before you start nailing away. Also, make sure to take into account the whole space. If you are clustering the pictures on one wall, find the center of the wall from the sides, then start the center of your cluster 2/3 the way up the wall and work your way out. If you are clustering above a piece of furniture (sofa, hall chest, piano etc.) then you still want to stay roughly around 2/3 the way up the wall, but the bottom of your cluster should not be higher than 18" above your piece of furniture - no matter how high your walls are.