{Here are my two sweet boys on a long road trip sleeping next to each other.  Jake is the 15 pound Chug (Chihuahua/Pug mix) on the left and Edward is the 6 pound Chihuahua on the right. Aren’t they just adorable? Can you believe that just a few days before they were rescued, they were slated to be put down? Lucky Dog brought them all the way from SC to VA to find their forever home.  I feel so blessed that they found their way to me!}

Because Jake and Edward bring so much joy to my life (as have my other pets through the years), animal rescue organizations are near and dear to my heart.  When you get involved with the other volunteers who work for these organizations, it really warms your heart and renews your faith in humanity to see so many people give their time, money, hearts and souls to save these vulnerable and defenseless animals who bring so much love to others.

Given how I feel about animals and animal rescue, you can imagine how elated I was when I was asked to participate in the 2012 Fashion for Paws (F4P) runway show.  As a runway model, I am chartered with raising a minimum of $5,000 for the Washington Humane Society.  If I achieve that goal, my dog, Jake, and I will be strutting our stuff down the runway on April 14th at the show.  Our fundraising web page just went live this week and as of today we already have achieved over $1,000 towards our goal…yeah!

Yesterday Jakey, Eddie and I participated in a photoshoot in my house to create some photos that we will be using to promote our F4P fundraising efforts.   I thought I would include a few of those photos here for you to see.

{Here is little Edward looking somewhat terrified.  He is so squirly it is difficult to capture a good photo of him, but this one wasn’t bad.}

{Here is a picture of Jakey and me in my living room.  I haven’t slept much all week, so these aren’t the best pix of me, but little Jakey looks cool as a cucumber. Unlike Edward, he is so easy to take photos with because he is an extreme lap dog. He just sits and waits for you to position him. A photographer’s dream!}

{Here’s one of the three of us. Edward was squirming all over the place and it shows.  Turns out my little guys were getting sick from eating something they shouldn’t have. They have been couped-up all day today with a stomach bug.  No fun for them and definitely no fun for me…lots of messes to clean up all night long (so much for sleep)!  I am hoping tomorrow will be a good day and that we will all get some much needed rest tonight.}

{This is one where Jakey really looks super cute!  Love this little guy. He is so cuddly and just wants to be with you all the time! My boyfriend’s 5 and 6 year old children fight over who is going to sleep with him all the time because he is just so darn cuddly.  I call him my cuddle-bug! Because he is so chill and can handle the nearly 2000 people who are expected to attend Fashion for Paws I have decided to walk the runway with him instead of Edward.  Poor little Eddie would be shaking in his skin…not good!}

I want to thank Sarah Willis who works with me for not only taking these fabulous photos, but also for helping me learn a new technique for curling my hair.  Having fine hair, I have never been able to hold a curl longer than a minute, but with the technique she showed me, I woke up today with the curls I went to bed with…amazing! Thank you so much Sarah for helping me capture these photos for such a worthy cause.

To learn more about Fashion for Paws, the runway show, and Jakey’s and my fundraising efforts, check out our site!

I’ll be posting some pictures in an upcoming blog of some of my animal rescue work, so stay tuned.  In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend and don’t forget to hug your furry friends!

If you’d like help creating a beautiful home or office you love, contact me today to learn how easy it is to get started.

Today, we start with Tory Burch’s Spring Fashion Collection. Her announcement of the latest line just hit our in-boxes and I for one am very excited! What is popular in fashion usually transcends into our homes, so it’s important for me to be conscious of what is happening in the fashion community.

After looking through all the new arrivals on her website I see that mixing stripes and polka dots is a central theme. Mixing patterns started to creep into fashion and design in the latter half of 2011, but rest assured this look is here to stay for 2012. I love the versatility we are now encouraged to display in our homes and wardrobes through the use of color, patterns and textures. And, anyone who knows me knows I absolutely LOVE polka dots!!!! Can’t get enough of them.

Here is what Tory has to say about the inspiration behind her spring line:

{Interview courtesy of toryburch.com}

I couldn’t agree more. Stripes and polka dots have been around for the ages; they are timeless and have been reinvented over the years to keep them looking fresh and up-to-date. I am glad we are paying homage to them this spring. Let’s take a look at how we can incorporate this look into our homes.

{Interior designer Tobi Fairley pairs two contrasting patterns together for a uniform look. Cohesiveness is created by keeping the contrasting patterns within the same color palette.}

{Your tabletop is an excellent place to experiment with different patterns. Kate Spade has a fabulous assortment of patterned china – mix and match her designs to create your own look.}

{These throw pillows found on etsy.com make mixing stripes and circles fun and flirty. Floral patterns are well complimented by stripes.}

{This room features a basic black and white stripe lamp shade that is offset by a bold wall treatment and turquoise end table. I love the mix of colors and patterns here, thank you pinterest!}

{This bright breakfast nook includes both stripes and dots. Hues of orange, green and white keep this color popping room anchored into place.}

{In this picture we have a few different geometric patters; the designer has stayed focused weaving turquoise and red throughout the room. Stunning don’t you think?  Photo Courtesy of Traditional Home Magazine}

{Right off the pages of Elle Decor this herringbone-pattern inlaid ash-and-walnut floor “wows” this entryway. Don’t be afraid to use geometric patterns on your floors especially if you want to keep them off your walls.}

{Garnet Hill is taking part in the trend with their new dot, stripe and damask towel collection.}

I hope you found a little inspiration not only for your home, but also for your spring wardrobe.  Happy decorating.

If you’d like help creating a beautiful home or office you love, contact me today to learn how easy it is to get started.

Q: Janet, tell us a little about Basic Organization. Why did you start the business and what services do you offer?

A: I started Basic Organization in 2005, at the height of popularity of cable organizing shows. That is really how I became aware that organizing other people could be a career and a business. Shows such as “Mission Organization” and “Clean Sweep” not only educated me, but informed the public that being more organized can change your life.

My company offers clients the option of working with a single organizer or a Basic Organization team. It depends on the scope of work (size and deadline of the job) as to what we will suggest for each individual client. For instance, a downsizing senior will need a team if they are interested in our service called “Done in a Day”. This provides them with a complete unpacking the day they move into their new home. An organizing team would be needed for the client who wants to clean out and organize their garage on a single Saturday because of the size of the job. A single organizer is appropriate for the client who needs to set up a filing system for their home office and get a handle on their piles of paperwork.

Q: Who is your typical client?

A: Basic Organization works with busy families, small businesses, downsizing seniors and the chronically disorganized in the Washington DC area. We help people rethink their priorities and simplify their lives. Our clients realize how their “stuff” is affecting their life and are looking for expert advice on how to make lasting positive changes.

Q: Do you have any training or hold any certifications in organizing or related areas (chronic disorganization, coaching, feng shui, interior design, etc.)?

A: Everyone at Basic Organization is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). It is an association focused on educating the professional on best practices in the organizing industry. I am currently the president of the Washington DC chapter of NAPO.

There is a certification for professional organizers. I am preparing to take the certification test in the Spring 0f 2012. I am currently a specialist in chronic disorganization with the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) and a member of the Association of Interior Design Professionals (AIDP).

Q: What is your process?

A: The process is always different, because each client is different. But our standard procedure is to meet with each new client for an assessment. This is when we study and discuss the project. We identify the client’s goals for each area they want organized. We then set up appointments for hands-on organizing. Our appointments range from 3 hours to all day.

The organizing process starts with sorting what a client has, so that they can decide what items will help them achieve their goal. The next step is to decide what to do with the items that are not supporting the client in the process. Basic Organization aids clients in determining how they will let go of the possessions they no longer need. We use whatever storage the client has or suggest options to purchase. The part of the process that is the most fun is when we get to put everything in its place. This is when it all comes together. Maintaining organization is the final and continuing step. We often help busy clients maintain the level of organization that they are comfortable with.

Q: How can clutter negatively affect a person’s life and well-being?

A: People don’t realize how their possessions affect their everyday life. It takes a lot of time and money to buy, bring home, place, clean, move, find, insure and use your stuff. There is research to show that the average American spends 55 minutes a day looking for things that they know they own, but they cannot find. Being more organized cuts down on that wasted time and frustration. What could you do with an extra 55 minutes a day?

Many of our clients have been through a dramatic life change: whether it is a positive change, like getting a new job or getting married, or a negative change, like an illness or unexpected move. They lose the level of organization that they are comfortable with, while focusing on the change. When things settle down, people don’t know how to get back on track. Basic Organization offers the support they need to get back on track.

{Clutter can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unproductive.}

Q: What are the benefits of hiring a professional organizer and how does a person know it’s time to take action and get the help of a professional?

A: Many of our clients are busy professionals who have a project they want to accomplish, like organizing their garage, but just don’t have the time to do it. We can offer the expertise to get the job quickly and completely. It’s great when our client can pull their car into a newly organized garage at the end of the day.

But if you have tried to get organized before and just can’t seem to accomplish much, or if you want options for the systems that are just not working for you, it’s time to hire a professional organizer. Many people can relate to hiring a personal trainer. You want to learn how to improve your life from someone who can offer you the most benefit for your time and money.

Q: What are everyday tips a person can do to keep their home organized?

A: Some of my favorite tips are:  1) Give everything a home; 2) Use labels to identify items; 3) Do a little each day and 4) Keep it simple.

Q: Are there any new organizational products on the market that you suggest?

A: One of the most important organizing tools is a calendar or planner. If you can manage your time and tasks, you are way ahead of the curve. It is easy to get stressed over what is required of our busy lifestyle. Staying on top of your commitments will ease that stress and give you a clear outlook on your day.

Everyday technology has become an important part of our 24/7 life. Look for apps to help you schedule your time, list your to-dos, and keep and share your files.

Another favorite tool for all Basic Organization organizers is a label maker. We love to label. It’s all about communicating.

Q: Tell us a little about what we can learn in your book, “Get Organized Today?”

A: “Get Organized Today” is a collaboration of many professionals, providing inspiration that affirms the power and importance of getting organized. The book provides practical ideas that you can use immediately to live a better, more effective life.

Look for my chapter Staging Your Home – Transforming Your Space to Eliminate Clutter and Fit Your Lifestyle in the book. I wrote from my years of experience working in an interior design firm. I teach you how to change each space in your home to reduce the accumulation of clutter.

Q: Any last bits of advice or inspiration you can give us before we embark on our quest for a more organized home in 2012?

A: Be clear about your goals for the project. Focus on the outcome you want. If an item doesn’t support your goal for the space then you don’t need the item.

It’s been shown that organizing is a social activity. If you don’t enjoy organizing by yourself, you are not alone. Find a friend or professional organizer to help you achieve your goals.

Thank you Janet for guest blogging with us and sharing your invaluable knowledge on this subject.   To learn more about Basic Organization, visit Janet and her team at BasicOrganization.com, or follow her Basic Blog. You can also connect with them on facebook at Basic Organization Professional Organizing Services, or on Twitter at BasicOrganizer.

I hope you find this information as valuable as I do. Organizing is not only visually appealing, but also it helps us to live a more balanced life.

For today our mantra is: Dream. Design. Organize.  Happy sorting!!!

If you’d like help creating a beautiful home or office you love, contact me today to learn how easy it is to get started.

While I love the warmth tangerine offers against the dark side of navy it gets dangerously close to looking like collegiate school colors, particularly my alma-mater, The University of Virginia (UVA). So, after some research and reflection, I have come up with a new color combination that is my new and improved obsession: Navy, CORAL and White.

Coral has the pink under-tones that offer the femininity I was so desperately seeking in this new play on navy. And white seals the deal in this trio. I have come across some photos I would like to share with you to illustrate just how fabulous this color palette is. Take a look and let me know what you think!

{San Francisco based interior design firm Massucco Warner Miller created this sumptuous bedroom. The headboard provides stability in this room in combination with the geometric wall treatment. White and navy dominate the bedroom, but coral pillow shams accessorize the bed brilliantly. The navy detailing in the tufted headboard is heavenly and the converted closet to workspace is genius.}

{Let’s face it; the nautical look is here to stay. It is reflected in every spring fashion line and interior design will follow suit. While I have not always been a fan, in recent years I have come around to the look because amazing designers have offered up alternatives to the traditional nautical themes of the past. This room exemplifies, a modern twist on a the nautical theme fantastically! The clean lines of these white and navy sofas are contemporary and chic. Pillows further accessorize the sofas in eye popping patterns of coral and navy. Ceramic jugs hand-painted with floral details in coral provide an amazing back drop while the stark white coffee table and vase allow the flowers to take center stage. My favorite detail…the piece of coral delicately resting on a few well-placed novels.}

{These coral color painted frames serve this wall as art. The varying sizes of the frames along with space consideration and strategic placement complete this sea-side nook. The coral and white fabric decorating the tiny ottoman bring a cozy feel and an extra seat to the space.}

{Clean and white are the claim to fame for this room. Amazing navy trim defines the lines of the chairs and ottoman. A coral inspired fabric graces the surface of another chair and throw pillow. Flooring is not forgotten in this space where a coral rug rests it’s threads. This room is like a breath of fresh air to me, I feel relaxed just looking at the picture. Don’t you?}

{Amanda Nisbit is the designer of this delectable home in the Hamptons. Natural wood, navy and coral are the focal point of this room. It’s important to note that some of the corals in this home reflect a more orange hue.  When shopping for coral accessories you will find a range of hues – some taking on a more pink undertone, while others displaying more of an orange tone. The natural wood coffee table in this photo is amazing, truly embracing the origin of its former glory. I certainly would welcome the opportunity to relax in this Hamptons retreat after a long day at the beach. Wouldn’t you?}

{Amber Interior Designs put this photo collage together and I just love it. Interior designers everywhere are embracing the endless possibilities this color palette offers to a home.}

As you can see, I am not alone in my passion for this trio of colors. Navy, coral and white are energizing while remaining dignified and classic. I hope I have given you some inspiration for your future decorating projects.

If you’d like help creating a beautiful room in your house or office, contact me at denise@decorbydenise.com today to learn how easy it is to get started.

This past fall Sarah and I had an amazing opportunity to do a series of “How to” videos for Knowlera Media.  About.com is in the process of converting all their text articles to videos and has reached out to media and production companies to get their help in creating the videos.  I was asked to shoot six videos on the following topics:

Right Size Bed for your Bedroom

Tips for Using Paint to Make Furniture Pop

How to Add Small Bursts of Color to a Room With Paint

How to Arrange Living Room Furniture

How to Find Storage in Hidden Spaces

How to Green Your Bedroom

I asked Sarah to tackle three of these, while I focused on the others. We had an amazing time and what a learning experience for us both! While these videos are chalk-full of useful information and decorating tips suitable for every home, they do not feature our work. Check out the videos at the links above or tune in to our youtube channel, decorbydenise. Enjoy!

If you’d like help creating abeautiful room in your house or office, contact me at denise@decorbydenise.com today to learn how easy it is to get started.

If you find yourself at the phase where you are about to embark on a design project and have setup an initial consultation with an interior designer or decorator, then my top tips below will help you get prepared for when he or she comes calling.

Decide on your budget. The amount of zeros in your budget is not nearly as important as the actual amount you can comfortably spend on the project. Decide on a budget before your consultation and don’t be shy about telling your designer what it is.  This is where many of my clients often fail. They either don’t want to share or are uncertain of the budget they have come up with and therefore they hold this information close to the vest.  I think people are “afraid” that if they share their “number” their designer will either be underwhelmed by it or will try to spend every last penny.

Not sharing this information up-front makes it very difficult for your designer (especially if you two have never worked together before) when selecting all the elements for your room–fabrics, materials, furniture and more.   He or she runs the risk of under- or overwhelming you when the design plan is presented as the price points he or she selects may not coincide with your expectations or comfort level.

It is always better to put a number out there so as to make the design process smoother, to help your designer when making selections for your project and to prevent lots of rework.  Defining a budget at the onset of your project helps keep your designer and you “on the same page” and is critical to a successful partnership throughout the various phases of your project.

Define your design style. Browse online to collect pictures of rooms and furniture you like. Or, visit your local bookstore and pickup some home and design magazines, such as Elle Decor, House Beautiful, or Veranda.  If you aren’t able to spend time online or visit the bookstore, you can also look through catalogs you receive at your house to see if anything inside of them peaks your interest.

If you find things online, you can post them to a Pinterest board to keep your thoughts organized or if you prefer a hardcopy version, start a design binder with clear sleeves to collect all your inspirations.

Evaluate the photos you have collected. Are you drawn to contemporary pieces, traditional rooms, eclectic accessories, soft french accents, clean modern lines? Whatever your style or combination of styles it’s important to harness them and be able to convey some looks you like to your designer.  It’s also important to note which colors you are drawn to.  You may love red (it’s my favorite), but would you want a red sofa or a solid red wall, or do you prefer just splashes of the color?

It is key to not only collect the photos of rooms you prefer, but also to put sticky notes on the pages with your comments as to what you like, dislike, etc.  I can’t tell you how many times I have met with clients and reviewed the rooms they liked only to discover that they cannot remember what drew them to the space.  Don’t let this happen to you as this is a critical time to relay as much information as possible about your preferences to your designer or decorator.

{Still need help defining your style?  Visit bhg.com and take the quiz, Find your Decorating Personality}

Think about how you will be using your space. Will this room be used for entertaining, eating, television watching, games, or perhaps quiet focus? If you envision that a year or so from now you want your youngster to start taking piano lessons or you want to transition your room from a kid’s play room to an adult space, let your designer know this so that he or she can factor these ideas into your design plan.  If the room needs to perform multiple functions, your designer needs to know this as well.

How long will you be in your home? The longer you plan to stay in your home the more creative freedom you have in design. However, if you plan to sell in the next few years, popular, durable and more conservative choices need to be considered to make your home competitive in the market place.  Be sure to consider your goals carefully and be open and honest with your designer during your consultation.

Think about what will be purged or re-purposed. Show your designer what furniture, fixtures and textiles you would like to keep. Also consider what furniture could be reupholstered or refurnished.  And, if you are expecting to inherit a few pieces in the near term, make sure to let your designer know up-front so that he or she can factor that into your design plan.  It’s truly amazing what a designer fabric can do to a tired old wing back chair.

{Bold and colorful fabrics infuse life into old furniture}

Thinking about these tips before your design consultation will make the most of your time with a designer and your design plan will benefit immensely from it. You might also consider things like storage (if that’s an issue), child friendly design, allergies, pets and sunlight. If any of these items is of concern to you, mention them to your designer during your consultation. Remember to have fun, be clear in your design wishes and be open to a new world of possibilities.  Happy designing.

If you’d like help creating a beautiful home or office you love, contact me today to learn how easy it is to get started.

ACCESSORIES

{These ceramic bowls are as eye catching as they are useful. Dress up your tablescape this spring with these Bloom Bowls, complete in abstract florals and hand finished to achieve subtle variations. They come in 10 patterns, which are based on paintings by edgy Turkish architect, Emir Uras.}

FLOORING

{This Sunrise Wings area rug is made out of carved silk and sculpted wool, and is offered by Decorative Carpets. What an amazing addition to your floors this would make! Be on the lookout for more bold color choices and textures this year in flooring.}

FURNITURE

{I love the color and pattern on this rose storage ottoman/table with glass top and nailhead trim by Lilly Pulitzer.  This ottoman blends functionality and beauty effortlessly and is super fun, bright and flirty.  It would be a welcome addition to any room where you want to brighten it up by adding a bold splash of color.}

ECO-FRIENDLY

{Livinglass, presents Fresh, their first non-laminated line of decorative glass. Highly customizable, Fresh draws inspiration from natural and geometric forms. Patterns are available in a wide variety of stunning finishes and are 100 percent recycled. I am loving the gold etching pictured above.}

KITCHEN & BATH

{The Bisazza Bagno Organico bathtub in methacrylate rests its high-gloss white varnished wooden frame on delicate legs that Spanish designer Jaime Hayon describes as “feminine.” The Organico line—which includes washbasins, washbasin tables, shower walls, cabinets, mirrors, and wall lamps in white or black—embodies Hayon’s vision of 1930s glamour in the modern bath.}

LIGHTING

{This coral ceramic wall sconce with polished-chrome backplate by Jesco Lighting Group is the perfect lighting choice to jazz up your interior.}

OUTDOOR

{I love the idea of creating an outdoor retreat. The Zen space-creating system by Ludovica and Roberto Palomba consists of furniture, lighting, structural elements, and even kitchen and bath modules that can easily be reconfigured. Handmade in Italy, the line is dominated by red cedar, while Sunbrella dresses the shades and plump seating.}

TEXTILES

{Trina Turk proves she’s a woman for all seasons with Beauty Bark. Showcasing the graphic sensibility and California spirit that mark the designer’s clothing line, the 54-inch-wide indoor-outdoor acrylic upholstery fabric comes in six sun-kissed shades: Cerise, Laguna, Sulfur, Jet, Violet, and Ocean. For more modern and sophisticated patterns infused with subtle texture and fashion-derived color palettes by Trina Turk visit F. Schumacher & Co.; its cold out today but these fabrics will have you feeling the warmth of spring.}

WALLCOVERINGS

{Marcel Wander’s four-pattern Whispers collection pits soft velvet decoration against rough-textured paper, like the winged nymphs dancing across damask on Forest Muses. It’s an update in sensibility but also practicality, as the 20 ½-inch-wide rolls can be cleaned with a wet sponge. I am a huge fan of damask prints and the texture, rich color and intricate design detail in this wall paper would dazzle on a bedroom wall. For more info on this line, check out Graham & Brown.}

I hope this list of new products gives you some valuable insight on what is to come this year in interior design, and inspires you to infuse some of these beauties into your own redesign efforts this year.

If you’d like help creating a beautiful home or office you love, contact me today to learn how easy it is to get started.

The holidays wreak havoc on your home and this is the time to not only storage away items for next year, but also clean out those cobwebs, dust surface areas and polish silver before putting it away.  Elle Décor recently published an article on designer cleaning secrets.  I really liked some of their ideas so I thought I’d share them with you…plus a few more I’ve come across.  Let’s start 2012 completely uncluttered, organized and CLEAN – your home (and your family) will thank you. Let’s take a look!

{Elle Decor recommends these Cape Cod metal polishing cloths and I could not agree more. I ordered some online to polish my silver and I love them. They are great for those quick polishes before you have guests over or in between major home cleanings. These cloths work wonderfully on candlesticks, sterling doorknobs, lamps with silver fittings and silver hardware.}

{I have a small laundry space so I love this next idea! RealSimple.com recommends using a clear shoe holder over the back of your laundry room door to house cleaning products. This makes them easily visible, out-of-the-way and organized.}

{Round up all those singleton socks you have lying around, place them in a designated bin and use them for your dusting. Simply wear them on your hand like a glove and wipe away.  This has been a cleaning tool in my family for years.  Socks also work great for polishing shoes.}

{If you have not discovered Mr. Clean Magic Erasers yet, you are missing out! These water-activated micro-scrubbers are a staple in my home. They can be used on walls, baseboards, floors, switch plates, blinds and more. They effortlessly remove scuff marks and dirt and can be found at your local grocer.}

{In an effort to be more “green” I have searched for more natural cleaning products without all the chemicals. White distilled vinegar  is a popular household cleanser, effective for killing most mold, bacteria, and germs, due to its level of acidity. Vinegartips.com has 1001 uses for household vinegar. My favorite tip is meant to clean your garbage disposal which can produce an unpleasant odor from time to time. Deodorize and clean the garbage disposal with white distilled vinegar ice cubes. Make them by freezing full-strength white distilled vinegar in an ice-cube tray. Run several cubes down the disposal while flushing with cold water.}

{Window treatments are often the anchor in a room. Upon hanging window treatments in a client’s home I often get asked, “So, how do I clean these?” It may seem like a daunting task, but if you have a vacuum with a brush detachment you are in luck. Gently go over the surface area of your window treatments with the hose of your vacuum – brush attached. If you do not have the brush attachment, place pantyhose over the end of the hose, it will work just as well.}

{I will end this journey where it started, a recommendation from our friends at Elle Decor.  Ms. Meyer’s is a collection of household products with essential oils from flowers and herbs that smell nice, but really pack a punch against daily dirt and grime. Their garden fresh scents include Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Basil, and Geranium. All earth friendly, cruelty-free and not tested on animals. I especially love the packaging and the consideration this company has for animals.}

I hope you find these cleaning tips as useful as I do. Remember, you can’t tackle purging, cleaning and re-organizing in one day – but, if you get started now your house will be sparking like new come spring.

If you’d like help creating a beautiful room in your house or office, contact me today to learn how easy it is to get started.

Fashion designers Nanette Lepore, Ellie Tahari and Tory Burch, to name a few, have already introduced this sultry orange into their spring fashion lines. It’s only natural that fashion will transcend into our homes.  As an interior designer this excites me! I have enjoyed using various shades of orange in my clients homes for years, but now I have the authority on color, Pantone, to back me up when I suggest accents of tangerine in a color consult.

Let’s take a look at how we can use this color in your home.

Today’s manufacturers have really turned up the “heat” so to speak with the wallpaper options they are offering, making them irresistible to homeowners who are looking to add a little extra twist to their walls.  Today’s sophisticated wall coverings include beaded papers like those from Maya Romanoff  (called Bedazzled), mother of pearl collections, bold geometrics, metallics that look like faux finishes, and even papers embellished with Swarovski crystals, yes Swarovski!  Here are a few of my favorite wall covering collections that use all kinds of amazing materials and finishes…

{Maya Romanoff’s Bedazzled Collection.  I LOVE this stuff! We have samples you can peruse through in our studio.}

{Here is a hand-dyed paper from Romanoff’s studios that is embellished with stitching to look like leather. Wouldn’t this look great in a Belgian Chic-inspired room like those seen in Restoration Hardware? I love this paper and can’t wait to use it on an upcoming client project.}

{For those of you who love Mother of Pearl, Maya Romanoff offers a lavish option for your walls. Truly decadent!}

{Here is a Carl Robinson collection that is cork that is flecked with a metallic finish and finished off with the large pattern.  Isn’t it stunning and truly unique?  Carl Robinson offers some amazing wall covering options.  If you love wallpaper, you definitely want to check out his site.}

{This Romanoff creation is made out of wool, yes wool.  It is a great option for something unique and totally unexpected on your walls.}

{This Adore Collection by Kandola is truly one of the most expensive and extravagent wallpaper options on the market in that it is embellished with Swarovski crystals, yes Swarovski!  This choice is definitely not for the faint of heart.}

Not only is wallpaper making a comeback with all the new textures and finishes, but also we are using it in new and distinct ways to dress up the home and offices we work on.

{Here is an example of a house we completed last year in the Pallisades in DC where we dressed up the ceiling with this stunning wallpaper from Seabrook. Doesn’t it look like a faux finish? This type of look historically could only be achieved with paint and a very talented decorative painter, but today, it is a breeze with wallpaper.  Our wallpaper hanger extraordinaire, Ami Byers of Byers Wallpaper & Painting, made this ceiling really shine!}

{Here is another example of how to use wallpaper to create a strong focal point or accent wall.  This nursery was done by Sarah Willis who works on my staff for a personal friend of hers.  The homeowner wanted to add a little drama to the space, without going too over the top, and wanted the nursery to have a more “grown-up” feel to it.  This Seabrook wallpaper was just the answer she was looking for! Way to go Sarah; the room is stunning!}

{This photo demonstrates one of the more creative ways to use wallpaper—at the back of shelving to make it pop!  I absolutely love geometrics and this wall unit is to die for with the addition of the wall covering.  Don’t you think?}

{As an avid pet lover, I ABSOLUTElY ADORE this last idea.  Here is a wallpaper line that can be custom-made to suit your whimsy. If you look closely, this paper is modeled after the cute little dog who is sitting in the chair. This is a new trend that is starting to take off and I can’t wait to use it on an upcoming client project! This particular wall covering is offered through Eleanor Grosch.}

I hope you will tune in tomorrow to get all the details, but if you can’t, we will be posting the video on our YouTube Channel as soon as it is available.

Have a blissful and happy weekend!

If you’d like help creating a beautiful room in your house or office, contact me today to learn how easy it is to get started.