Want color in your living room? Tips to add color in any room.

An inexpensive way to freshen up a room is to add some color. Here are some ways you can do that with little or no money:

1. Paint a wall
A splash of color on a wall can immediately transform any room. Find a color you like (see previous blogs on painting tips) paint one wall and make it a focal point.

2. Paint the back of the bookshelf.
This is probably one of my favorite tricks. It is so easy and so uncomplicated. But has a huge impact.
Paint a bookcase or shelving system in two colors.

3. Colorful pillows
Pillows are so versatile. They add comfort to a chair or bed and can easily be covered in a different color or texture. Pillow covers can be made of almost any fabric. A pair of jeans, bed sheets, an old skirt, mens suiting, a patchwork of men's ties, etc. the sky is the limit. You can even show your artwork on a pillow. Pick a plain fabric and paint your own artwork! Fabulous and unique.

4. Add an area rug 
Don't forget about floor, the largest surface after your walls. An area rug under the coffee table or dining area, at the bottom of your bed, or between two rooms ground the space and make everything look better.
You can move a rug in from another room. If you are purchasing a new one, be sure to take measurements before heading to a store. Take your tape measure with you!


5. Plants and flowers
Potted plants or flowers in a vase instantly add life to your room. For the short of time, (or those with pets) invest in good quality silk plants and flowers. But be aware of scale or your room. In a small room chose a taller plant. In a large room chose one with height and volume.

6. Colorful throw
A colorful soft throw on a beige sofa or a white bed instantly transforms your room. Try it!

7. Add a colorful lamp
Lamps provide light, but also can bring in whimsy and color into a room. If you have an outdated floor or table lamp, you can paint the base and buy a contemporary shade.



8. Fresh upholstery
Chairs can be upholstered with new fabrics. A slipcover is another option to get a fresh look.



9. Colorful accessories
Artwork and vases, candles, coasters, place mats, and runners can also be used to bring in seasonal colors. Accessories can be moved from room to room and freshen up the look on a regular basis. But be sure not to go overboard with too many of these items in one area to avoid a cluttered look.

You probably already own many things you can move about your home to creat a new look. So go one and explore and see what you can come up with.

Working with an interior designer- 7 steps to a successful relationship

Do you fear you may lose control of your project or your budget if you hire an interior designer? Do you fear that you may not like the results?

Here are few things to consider when working with a designer to assure you stay within your budget, and get what you want and need in your project:

1. Prepare yourself. Know your project. Are you looking to remodel, or change colors and finishes, or buy new furniture? Collect some photos of interiors you like and note what you like about them, color, texture, furniture layout, lighting, etc.

2. Know your budget. No one likes having a budget, but everyone has one. A designer can even save you money by allocating resources wisely. For example invest more in a substantial purchase such as a sofa or bed, but spend less on accessories when there are budget concerns. There are many ways to use a designer on a very tight budget.

Good designers also will do their best to work with what you own. If you own a good quality sofa it can be reupholstered or the cushions can be replaced to be firmer. Even the arms can be altered by a good upholsterer. A good designer will have good crafts persons for variety of needs.

 3. Find your designer. Now that your know what your project and your budget are, you can look for a suitable designer. You can ask a friend for a recommendation, or you can find them in a local home design publication where you can see photos of their work. Designers often have web sites or blogs that can give you an idea of your local designer's philosophy or previous projects.
You should know that an educated and experienced interior designer may do many different things. They could simply provide color suggestions or design an entire building from ground up including where to put the sprinkler heads or manage a construction project from start to finish. Make sure you hire a designer with a formal education if you are looking for more that a decorating project. A designer with a formal education will be concerned with local codes, health and safety issues as well as the aesthetics and quality of products. Describe your vision. It is important to make sure your designer is comfortable with the simplicity or complexity of your particular projects.

You can start small using a designer for a short time on an hourly basis for a specific project. This helps you get to know each other and you can decide to pursue more projects with this designer.

4. Ask about the fee schedule. Make sure you're very clear on exactly how you'll be charged, if a deposit is required and when the work will be completed. Designers charge different fees and have different way of charging clients. Some charge hourly, some charge a flat fee, plus percentage of product purchases, or a combination of both. Ask if you will be charged for phone calls or emails.

 5. Be prepared for a contract. You should always work with a designer with a contract. A contract will protect both sides. It should include the fee schedule, the scope of services, and a time frame. It should also include how the contract can terminate and method of arbitration should there be a dispute. Take time to read the contract on your own time and do not feel rushed to sign. Be sure to point out what the terms of the contract you disagree with and work out terms agreeable to both sides. A contract can be amended in writing at any time if both parties agree.

6. Communicate your thoughts. The more information you can give to your designer the better. Let the designer know what your budget and your vision are. Your needs, your preferences, and your hopes can be conveyed in both words and pictures that you collected.
Once you are presented with a proposal, study it. You don't need to love everything. Let your designer know what you like and dislike about the proposal.

7. Listen and be open to suggestions.  Good designers educate their clients about their choices. There are many reasons why a designer may not completely agree with you. For example, polished tiles and stones look fabulous on the floor of foyer, but not a safe choice. So your designer may suggest a honed stone instead.

Finally enjoy the process. A designer is there to help you realize your vision.  You can get what you want and even better.

Painting tips: Achieving a flawless RED wall in 6 easy steps

A friend called with frustration, "I got that sudden urge to paint a wall red! I have put on seven coats and I still see white coming through," she continued, " what do I do?"

This is a typical expensive experience many of friends go through after seeing my red wall.

Here are some tips when you get that "sudden urge" to paint Red, on a white wall. But it applies to any time the new paint has a high contrast (or saturation) to your existing paint. For example white to a saturated blue or dark blue to light cream.
Also it is important to find a paint retailer with knowledgeable staff who can set you up with appropriate tools and help with amount of paint and primer required.

1. To find the best shade of color refer to my previous post,  Painting tips: 7 designer tips for choosing the perfect paint color

2. Buy tinted primer. This is where you save big on time and money. Going to a contrast color, you must prime before you paint. Priming also covers dirty walls and spots.  Also if you are painting flat, satin or eggshell over a glossy paint, you need to prime.
The store attendant should be able to help you with the amount of paint and the primer. If you are painting with a contrasting paint color, you should have the primer tinted. All good brands will have a primer tint guide. The attendant should be able to look that up (no guesses here)
Unlike popular belief, you don't use pink primer under red, but a shade of gray.

3. Make sure that you have separate paint rollers and brushes to cut in for primer and paint
You should never use the same brush and roller for priming and painting. Label your brushes with a magic marker, paint and primer. Choose the right roller for the paint.
If you have hairline cracks or small holes or chips on the wall you should repair them before priming.

4. Tape your trims or wall corner that will not receive the new paint. Run your finger along the edge to seal. Paint will seep under the tape if not sealed well and will create

5. Use one roller to roll the primer on. Roll up, down and diagonal. Note that primer just needs to cover the surface, but will not be completely opaque. Wait till completely dry.

6. Repeat the process of cutting and rolling with your paint. Two coats should be sufficient, but wait in between coats till completely dry.

If you cannot finish the job in one day, you may cover your paint tray and wrap your brushes and roller with saran wrap and store in a cool place until you have time to continue.
To save leftover paint, label the lid with a dab of color and a sharpy : for example “living room walls” and store in a dry and cool space.

Well-done! Sit back and enjoy your work.

Healthy Home: 6 tips to reduce allergens in your bedroom

We spend close to 8 hours in our bedrooms. It is supposed to be a soothing and rejuvenating place for our hardworking minds and bodies. Yet many bedrooms are the causes of our allergies and some serious health problems. Here are 6 ways to minimize the causes of allergies in your bedroom:

1. Reduce dust: One of the easiest and least expensive way you can minimize allergies is by de-cluttering. Clutter traps dust and makes cleaning an unpleasant chore.
Get rid of piles of paper (they are also a fire hazard!), reduce the number of furnishings and accessories  in your bedroom. Make sure your vacuum can reach under all furniture.
Hard flooring surfaces are ideal. Good bamboo or linoleum (not vinyl) are easily mopped.
Cotton washable rugs are preferred to other rugs. But if you must have carpet, pick one with tightly woven pile and vacuum often. Avoid detailed architectural moulding and wall art that can trap dust.
(if removing architectural moulding is not an option you can build a box around them. Otherwise, make sure your weekly cleaning includes these.)
Clean air and ventilation filters or replace them frequently. Opt for higher quality filters.

2. Reduce chemical off-gasing: VOCs (Volatie Organic Compunds) are found in many home improvement products including paint and stains. Manufacturers have recently produced great quality paints and stains with zero or low VOC. You could paint your walls using 0 or low VOC paint to seal the old paint. Minimize items with stain or make sure the stain is zero VOC with new furniture or hard wood flooring.

3. Avoid synthetic fibers on your bed: Use cotton sheets. If natural latex mattress is not an option, get dust-mite covers for all your bedding.

4. Increase Ventilation:  It is very important to have fresh air in any room.  If you are not allergic to pollen open your windows early in the morning and early evening. Otherwise, mechanical ventilation should be utilized daily to prevent moisture buildup. Moisture buildup will cause mold.

5. Black mold hunt: If you get condensation on your windows, you may be at risk for having mold.  Look for black mold behind drapes, closet interior walls, and around the window sills. It may look like round penny size spots or black dust. If you find mold do not blow it in the air. Do not use a spary cleaner as it will blow the mold in the air. Make a simple solution of water, vinegar and a drop of soap. Protect your nose and mouth. Wear rubber gloves. Wipe the mold clean with a sponge soaked in the solution.

6. Cleaning agents: Most household cleaners contain irritants and chemicals. Use natural cleaning products free of chemicals. There are many safe and multi-purpose cleaners on the market. Remember to read the label. Just because it says "Green" or "Natural" it may not be safe.

DYI home staging: 8 quick tips for staging your home for a quicker sale

Do you have to spend a lot of money on professional staging? If you have some decent furnishings, you may only need to follow these 8 quick tips to achieve the same results:
A house should look like it is in moving condition when potential buyers arrive.

1. Curb appeal- Remember that the home buyer should feel at home as soon as they arrive at your drive way. A curb appeal is very important in selling your home.
So consult with your agent about the exterior of the house before it is on the market.

2. Paint- Many home buyers will not get passed that bright yellow wall you love so much. A fresh coat of neutral paint will make your home look more comfortable and relaxing.  Also no one likes to see dirty walls.

3. De-clutter- Store away all your excess accessories, furniture, artwork, blankets and family photos. A cluttered room looks smaller and distracting from all the nice features your home offers. Concentrate on one or two neutral colors with one splash of non-neutral in each room. To many colors are seen as clutter.

4.  Focal point- Look for the most pleasing about your living room area. It may be the view of the garden or the fireplace. Avoid creating a focal point around a non-pleasant view or the TV.
Make sure your focal point is dressed properly. Window coverings should be pulled back to show off the view. Fireplace mantel should have three nice accessories: a small bouquets of flowers and two candles. A row of three identical vases. Do not clutter your mantel. Fireplace screen is also helpful. but you could place candles in the fire box.

5.  Furniture arrangement- Arrange your furniture such that they do not block the natural flow of traffic. Upon arriving into the room, the most off-putting sight is the back of the sofa. It tells the buyer “do not come in.” Consider a diagonal arrangement of furniture. In a large room a sofa can be a divider between two rooms but in a smaller room, it cuts off the diners from the rest of the room.

6.  Lighting- Make sure there is plenty of light in your main living areas. If your agent is showing your home after dark, place floor  and table lamps if there are no ceiling lights.

7.  Function- Focus each room on its main function. If you have a home office, move away the workout equipment. If your have an office in the bedroom, move your office equipment temporarily out of the bedroom. Perhaps into a closet area in a guest room.

8.  Clean and repair- This seems like a no brainier, but I am obligated to mention it. If you have pets, you must make sure your buyers cannot smell it! Buyers open your closets to see the storage space. Make sure stored items do not avalanche on their heads. Clean dirty carpets, drapery, and shelves. If you smoke, clean and deodorize and do not smoke in the house till you move out. Repair broken door handles, railings, lights, etc. When one thing is not working it may signal the buyer that the house has not been maintained well.
Again, ask your agent for feedback. They are the experts.
...and good luck...

Painting Tips: Proper disposal of paint and primer

Paint, primer and stains contain chemicals and compounds that should be properly disposed of. Never wash brushes and supplies or dump paint down to storm water drain or in your kitchen sink.
You may call your local paint disposal or recycle center if you have leftover paint you don't need.

When you are done painting, squeeze all paint from your brushes in a tray or bucket. Rinse your brushes in warm water in the utility sink or your bathroom sink.
Leave paint cans in the sun to completely dry and then dispose of the cans.

Let disposable rollers and brushes dry completely before disposing.

Painting tips: 7 designer tips for choosing the perfect paint color

Do you get those tiny paint chips from the store and try to choose a color only to get frustrated and put off painting indefinitely?

I am going to share with you my secret to choosing a paint color.

But before rushing to the store, consider your lighting, the color of your furniture and accessories. Then settle on one or two color families. Beige, taupe, gray, blues, greens, etc.

1. Choose a brand with sample size jars (2 or 3 oz) for testing. Recently many paint brands including the ones at your local hardware stores offer sample sizes. I like Benjamin Moore because they have a large selection of samples. Pratt and Lambert also has a large variety of samples. Call your reputable retailer and find out what they sell and how knowledgeable they are.

2. At the store, find the color chips that match the jars before you buy the jars. Get as many different shades of the color family you picked and bring them home and stick them to your walls with removable tape. Look at those colors at different time of day and night. Color changes drastically with light. Do you have the proper lighting to make that color look good at night?

3. Narrow your options to maximum 3 possibilities and buy the small jars and disposable paint brushes, and paint two or three 6"x6" or larger cardboard sheets and label each on the back so you can keep track.

5. Remove the little chips and stick the larger sheets on the target walls.

6. Now you really can see the paint color. Live with these at least for 24 hours and pay attention to how they look through out the light changes and at NIGHT.

7. Choose the winner. Measure the area of your wall in square foot before you head out to buy paint. You may need only one or two quarts or you may need a gallon or two. Consult your retailer. They should be able to tell you what the coverage of the paint is and how much you need.

If you are painting dark over light or vice versa, you need priming. See my post: Painting tips: Achieving flawless RED wall in 6 easy steps.