Color Confidence

How can you use color to its best advantage when you're considering updating your design scheme? Many of my clients ask me this question, so I'd like to share some simple "Color Confidence" steps with you that I think will be of help.

Choose colors for larger areas first. Large areas in your room would include the walls, ceiling and floor. Once you've settled on colors for those areas, select fabric colors for upholstery pieces and window treatments, or begin by selecting the colors and patterns of an area rug.

Next, it's important to consider limiting yourself to 2 or 3 colors, achieving variety and interest with shades, tints and intensities of those colors. And, of course, any color scheme can be extended by using neutral shades.

If you want your room to have a feeling of spaciousness, consider focusing on lighter colors. They will tend to reflect light better instead of absorbing it. And, conversely, bright and strong colors will help you create a cozy feeling in especially large rooms.

If your rooms contain interesting architectural features, you might consider emphasizing these details with a strong accent color. Or, if architectural defects are present, then you'd want to select a neutral color that would blend with the walls, ceiling and floor.

And by all means, if this all sounds overwhelming, just give me a call and we'll choose those colors together.

Decorating Den Interiors 2010 Conference New Orleans

I just returned from a week in the great city of New Orleans where Decorating Den held our annual national conference. It was a wonderful and busy week full of company updates, design workshops, awards ceremonies and two days of viewing the latest products from our vendors in the design center. Above is a picture of me and the Chairman of our company, Mr. Jim Bugg. He awarded me with the Prism Award for my outstanding acheivements in 2009. I am excited to be home to continue on my journey to, "Make the World More Beautiful, One ROom At A Time."

CHECK US OUT!

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bus/1730606643.html

Check out the latest addition to my website!

www.decdens.com/lriddiough

Click on the link to view the latest tab added to my website: GRAND OPENING. Here you will learn all about our exciting evening of career opportunities as well as a Dream Room makeover presentation. Hope to see you all there!

Decorating Tips May 2010

Decorating Tips, May 2010


FASHION AND FUNCTION IN DECORATING

All of us love the way sunshine lifts our spirits, but dislike how its harmful rays damage our faces and fabrics. Decorating Den will leave preventative measures for the sun’s effects on the skin to the dermatologists and cosmeticians, but will take responsibility for finding ways to keep harsh sunlight from damaging home furnishings. One of the values of our interior decorators is their ability to locate appropriate products that best meet the aesthetic desires and practical requirements of their clients.

A recent Decorating Den project, a new sunroom addition, relied heavily on this type of expertise. First, it was necessary for the treatment chosen to cover the large expanse of windows not to block the lovely view but also protect the upholstery fabrics from fading too fast. At the client’s request, draperies were not an option. Another concern was finding flooring that would withstand outdoor foot traffic from the pool area. These needs had to be met without compromising the client’s wish for a fashionable setting for entertaining.

On the practical side the decorator chose wicker furniture and frames that are able to withstand the sun’s harsh rays. On the design side, rather than using the same tropical print on all of the pieces she supplied the element of variety by covering the chairs and ottoman in two different fabrics, but kept them all in the same color palette. The neutral ceramic tile flooring that flows into the adjoining kitchen perpetuates the room’s carefree attitude. Silhouettes hung at each of the windows were the ideal solution for filtering the sunlight without obstructing the beautiful outdoor view.

The attractive home furnishings combined with ease of maintenance make for a relaxed living style...just what the clients ordered. If only cosmetics and suntan lotion worked as well to enhance and preserve our faces!