The summer flew by and we are already into August and back to school. This is the perfect time to get those decorating projects you've been putting off, into the works. The first glimpses of holiday decorations are already showing up in the stores and catalogues, the season of visiting relatives, family gatherings, and house fulls of guests is fast upon us. Since decorating typically takes time and certainly furniture orders can stretch to 12+ weeks, the earlier you start, the better chance of having it all just in time! The guidelines here will get you started, remember this can be fun!
Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or hire professionals, it is always a good idea to get some design expertise whatever the size of your project. Interior design is an investment in your comfort and lifestyle and when done right, will wear well and look inviting. Having a master plan in place will enable you to break the project up into manageable pieces, on your own timeline, and still get a great looking end result. Remember decorating is a dominos effect, one change will cause many subsequent changes! Many designers and decorators will work with you on an hourly consulting basis to help you avoid costly mistakes and stay on track. Most will also take into account your family heirlooms and treasured collections and can make valuable suggestions on reworking and rearranging what you have. They can also provide retail resources for suggested purchases or work directly with you on custom pieces.
The best way to start a room is with either a rug, at the bottom, or with a cherished piece of artwork, at the top. This will give you necessary parameters for selecting colors in paint, fabric, and other finishes. When selecting paint, you'll want to invest in a couple of quarts of colors you like and try them out either on the wall directly or on a moveable piece of foam board (office supply or craft stores). In either case, it should be a section about two fee by three feet with a minimum of two coats (if a deep color, may require as many as 4+). Not even the experts select from thumbnail size chips, color changes in light dramatically, and intensifies in large expanses. Once you've settled on a color, and be sure to include trim (high gloss white is the best for a fresh look that maximizes even neutrals) and ceiling (no longer always white), then consider fabrics for upholstery.
The minimum number of fabrics any given room can take is five, a solid, a stripe, a plaid, a large print/floral, a mini print/floral. Many of us have seen rooms with less, and even far more. This is just a helpful guideline. It is important to balance your geometric straight-line prints with softer curved pieces. While florals may not appeal to you, consider adding a paisley or acanthus leaf print. If you stick with more of a solid or tone on tone on the larger pieces, you are less likely to get tired of these and need to recover. Keep your busy patterns in the rug, artwork, and accent pillows. Throws are also a great way to build softness and interest. Balance your textured fabrics such as chenille, velvet, and boucle with slicker pieces, like leather, silk, or polished cotton.
Every room needs a combination of the five elements for optimal balance -- wood, metal, stone, glass, ceramic. Often a room doesn't ?feel right? because it is out of balance, missing elements or too much of one in particular. Consider using wood end tables, but a glass coffee table (yes, you can still put your feet up!) to show off the rug, then add some metal and ceramic with the lamps, stone could be at the fireplace or on a countertop. Be sure also to use a mix of shapes, square, round, oval, rectangular, even triangular and octagonal for greater interest. Using a round or oval also eliminates sharp edges!
Once you've got the main pieces of a room determined, it is time to have fun with the accents and accessories, including the window treatments, and lamps.
Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt
Whether you're 20 or 50, you've probably seen the kids headed back to school; chances are, you've even thought some of them looked pretty darn cute. So how do you pull off the back-to-school fashions of this fall without looking like you're trying to be someone you're not? We've got some ideas on how to play up these ultra-cute and ultra-versatile looks, whether you're headed to the soccer field or the boardroom.
First up, layers. If you've been anywhere near any clothing store in the last two months, you know this is a great look. And really, who hasn't gotten up on a Saturday morning and thrown a long sleeve shirt under a t-shirt once in a while? It's comfortable and gets you through your Saturday morning errands. But what if you want to have the same look in the office? It's simple. Pair a long-sleeved turtleneck made of cashmere and silk, or a fine knit henley with one of this season hottest items, the swing jacket. Many of the swing jackets are coming with 3/4 sleeves, or "bracelet sleeves," as they're being called, so cover that extra skin with an eye-popping color like cobalt or red. Give your black pantsuit a little oomph!
Embrace color this fall season. Soon we will have long winter days filled with heavy grey clouds - why not brighten everyone's day by throwing on a bright red scarf or grabbing a patent-leather red purse on your way out the door? Don't want to go that big? Slip on a pair of your very own ruby red slippers, minus the sequins, and strut your stuff through the office. These look great with that staple black pantsuit that every working professional has in her closet.
Ballet flats are big this season with everyone. And while the kids are sporting them with skinny jeans, the rest of us who can't wear skinny jeans can pair them palazzo pants, jeans of our own, and knit dresses. Really, flats are perfect for just about any occasion.
Do you ever look at the girls coming out of the schools and long for the days when you could rock a baby doll dress with a cute pair of those flats? You can! Baby doll dresses are hard for anyone to pull off without looking totally pregnant, which is not a look anyone wants. However, a shift dress is a great alternative! As a straight dress that is waistless and skims the silhouette, the shift is flattering and modern. You don't need to go super short, and you can wear solid black tights for a uniform look that makes your legs look long and lean. Be sure your dress is cut above the knee and made from a fabric that drapes well, such as velvet, knit, or jersey.
Kids can be cute, and often times they get some of the coolest clothes around. Don't hesitate to steal their style if you can do it, without looking inappropriate.
Both Melissa Galt & Elli Rose are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Melissa Galt has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interior Design, Kids and Teens and Home Improvement. Melissa Galt is a Lifestyle Designer and Speaker based in Atlanta, GA. She hosts a series of blogs on design tips and trends and produces a monthly ezine dedicated to helping subscribers design their signature life. For the latest teleclasses, seminars, a. Melissa Galt's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.
Elli Rose has sinced written about articles on various topics from Entertainment Guide, Kids and Teens and Skin Care. Elli Rose is a fashion industry insider who writes about the latest trends in clothing, makeup and accessories. Love to be noticed? Find gorgeous fashions and helpful advice at. Elli Rose's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.