May 11, 2011

Spring Cleaning!

I, like many of you, are undertaking my spring cleaning ritual and decided to tackle my outdoor shed and garage this year.  For some “unknown” reason I have accumulated several large cinder blocks, wood beams, old broken TV’s and printers and just plain old stuff in both places.  The tasks at hand were too much for me to do alone so I researched junk haulers online and came upon a Big Haul truck one day as I was coming home from a client project.  I checked them out on YELP and discovered they had great references so I decided to hire them.  On the day of my appointment, which was only a few days from when I contacted them, they called me to tell me when they would be arriving and were right on time.  They quickly removed all of my “junk” and even swept up after themselves.  The two gentlemen were very professional and courteous and the service was worth every penny.

Next time you need some help cleaning out your “stuff”, schedule Big Haul to help 1-877-770-haul.

February 11, 2011

Favorite Lighting

Any interior designer or architect will tell you that lighting, in or outside, plays a key role in the overall asthetics and feel of a home. 

I also educate clients on the importance of selecting the right kind of light blubs.  Now that topic is an other blogfor another time.  For example using a soft pink bulb in a lamp versus a bright white blub will cast a totally different tone into the room.  Anything that has a warm yellow undertone will warm up a space versus something with a black or grey undertone which will cast a cool, grey light into the space. So next time you are shopping for light blubs, consider that type of feeling you want to have you in space. 

I also am a big proponet of lamps that project light down into the space versus a lamp that projects light up to the ceiling. Consider where the light is projecting and what you need to be lighted before purchasing.

I love the Arteriors line of floor and table lamps for their sleek lines and classic color palettes.  The simplicty of this floor lamp above can be used in some many different ways. I love the elegant grey tones of the wood!

I also love Stonegate and Tech Lighting when I need something a little more contemporary in feel. Mixing textures of metal and natural materials provides a clean, fresh look.   Some of my favorites are below!This natural shell pendent or wall sconce comes in three colors and is absolutely beautiful when lite!

The Stonegate pendents and wall sconces come in a variety of fabrics and styles. Simple and elegant!

Lighting is so important so if you need some guidance, ask a professional or lighting specialist for assistance. Enjoy the light!

January 29, 2011

Paint Contractor: When & How to Hire One

Over the years as a color consultant I have experienced many clients that tell me they are going to paint themselves and then delay the project for many months or never end up painting at all!  It is my role to create custom paint palettes for a client’s home and to complete the process by having my client’s live in their beautiful, colorful homes. 

When you are ready for your house painting project, it is important to consider hiring a professional paint contractor.  The paint contractor’s only objective is to paint your home in a professional manner and then move onto the next project.  This is all they do so they are excellent with their technique and expertise.

For those of you who say you want to paint and love painting, it is important to determine what your hourly rate is and how much time you think it will take to paint.  Once you have determined these numbers, then triple each number.  Many don’t think they have an hourly rate when it comes to doing their own home projects.  Well I am here to tell you that your time is valuable and that you do have an hourly rate.  Is it $40 or $50 an hour?  What ever the number is be sure to place value on your time.  Also consider that life gets in the way and a project you think will only take a weekend can take up to 3 weekends or longer with the “unexpected” things that always come up.  Once you have determined your hourly rate and the time it will take to paint your project, you are now ready to get a paint contractors estimate for your painting project.  You can now compare apples to apples.

Always try to get referrals from friends or family of paint contractors they have used and are pleased with the quality of service.  Check references and ask to see pictures of client projects of the paint contractor.  I always tell my clients to listen to their gut when making an important decision like this. 

Before the painting begins be sure to put away all breakables and valuables into a safe place in your home. Remove all items from the walls and determine up front what the paint contractor will or will not move as far as furniture or appliances are concerned. 

Especially if you are considering putting your home on the market it is critical that you have a professional paint job so to get your home sold. Uneven lines or sloppy paint strokes will definitely deter potential buyers from purchasing your home.

House Beautiful Image

The goal is have you living in your colorful home quickly so you can move on to all your other home projects.  My advise, hire a professional to get a professional paint job.  It will be one of the best home investments you make!

January 17, 2011

Bellevue Home & Lifestyles Seminar Schedule

Are you thinking about remodeling or redesigning your home this year? Then why not visit us at this year’s Bellevue Home & Lifestyles Show, Friday, January 21st thru Sunday, January 23rd at the Meydenbauer Center.