20 February 2011

Designer’s Comments

Recently I was invited back to a former client’s home. I had done some hourly consulting for her when she initially relocated to her new home in a new city, and had not seen her since. Selling her home of 30+ years that she lovingly shared with her late husband, my client  chose to begin a new life.

Walking in the door of her home this week, I was both surprised and pleased. Not only did she create a loving home in a few short months, on her own,  she claimed her new space defining a new phase in her life.

When we met we talked about balance and harmony and creating a nurturing space. And with intention and care, she created a new home in her new city. I could tell that every color, every pillow, each light and piece of furniture was chosen with loving care. That everything in her home had meaning and brought her joy. In showing me around, her face was radiant, her comments loving.

Clearly my client’s nesting instinct took over, and her resilient and strong spirit guided her to create a space so personal, so intimate, and so very beautiful. As her designer I felt so very proud. And it occurred to me that the best designed spaces are those that are almost painfully personal.

16 February 2011

Painting Sloped Ceilings

Question: We have huge ceilings cant refreshen paint without scaffolds and we are elderly. want to divide the wall horizontally so can repaint reachable area easier. how to divide and what to initially and permanently do to top area above horizontal line. thanks

Answer:Thank you for contacting us with your design challenge. In answer to your question about painting, I would paint the “bottom” the same color that you have on the walls already.
This way you will freshen up your space as well as maintain the wonderful spaciousness and volume that the continuous color provides. Good luck!

16 February 2011

A Color Plan for Florida

Question: Hello! I am buying a home and moving to FL in March. The home is a foreclosure and needs carpet and paint. I need some assistance in choosing both! I want to contract to have it all done before we arrive.  I can send you a link to the home online. I am currently living in Arizona! Please let me know if this is something you feel comfortable with and what your rates are.
Thanks
Rachel

Answer:

Why don’t you send me a link to the new home and I will take a look

From Rachel:

What a great idea!  I have attached the link to the new home and a virtual tour of our home in Phoenix AZ so you cna see our furniture.  As you will be able to tell we are downsizing quite a bit.  The first order of business is paint and flooring in the new home.

Answer:

To seee some color ideas, visit my other website and look through the portfolio, at: www.interiorsbyshellypreziosi.com

16 February 2011

Making use of Space

Question: I have a “cookie cutter” bilevel home, with a half wall at the top of the stairs; only solid wall is directly across from this wall, with windows on one outer wall and an open doorway to eating area.  Any suggestions of furniture placement?

Answer:After looking at your photo, it looks like you have already made good use of the space that you have to work with.

If possible, you may want to wall mount the flat screen TV, or re locate the desk to open up the space a bit more.

There seem to be too many chairs as well, perhaps one can go.

When it’s time to replace the furniture I would suggest just a small sectional with an attached chaise on one side, a pair of tables in front, and floor lamps.

Good Luck and thanks for contacting us.

14 October 2010

Color……Ask the Designer

Question: I have trouble with pulling color together for my rooms. I move between everything being one color-a light tan, to every room being a different color. I also have trouble chosing colors and making a room feel pulled together.

Answer:

You are not alone! Color can be scary…and it’s powerful. Color actually has a physical effect on us. It can cause strong emotional reactions, make us feel energized or relaxed, and can evoke memories.

When I work with my clients we talk about the feeling that you want to have in your home before colors are selected.
The very general rule is that soft colors and earth tones are relaxing and grounding and brights and jewel tones are uplifting and energizing.
Some colors are active and some are backgrounds. But all colors have an impact on you.
The important thing is that the colors in your home flow, and that they make you feel good.
Benjamin Moore and other paint retailers have small samples that you can purchase so that you can try them on….paint a white poster board and tape it up to the wall. Try one color at a time.

The best way to get started is to look through some magazines and note the rooms you like. Tear out the pages and set them aside.
Afterwards, lay out all the pictures that you chose and you should begin to see a pattern of color…….that’s a good starting point for knowing what colors attract you.

You can paint hues of one color from room to room, or different colors throughout, but just make sure there is some common thread, such as all jewel tones, or all earth tones.
At Design interiors on Line we offer a complete color consultation. We’ll design a color plan for you, and provide specific color samples that you can give your painter or take to the paint store.
Let us know if we can help…and good luck.

With Regards,

Shelly Preziosi, President, Design interiors On Line

29 June 2010

Sloped Ceilings pose a design challenge!!!!

Karen asks about decorating with sloped ceilings and limited light in a garage apt for her daughter….
Designinteriorsonline has solutions!

1. Balance: The key to conquering a sloped ceiling is to balance the furniture by size….placing the larger or taller things on the lower side of the slope, and the lower or smaller items on the up side. This helps the eye to adjust and bring the room into balance.

2. Designing with Color: Paint the room a cool pastel such as pale green , yellow or blue ….look at Benjamin Moore’s Atlantic Southeast color collection, like # 842 green cast, # 2144-40 soft fern, or 2028-60, celadon green. These are colors that open up space and create an expansive feeling. Remember to paint the ceiling the same color as the walls.

3. Windows: To maximize the eastern sun, drapes that are hung on either side of the glass will open up the room. Have the drapes mounted so that when they are open, the fabric is just 6 inches or less into the glass area. If privacy is not an issue, a light and airy gauze or sheer cotton would be great.

4. Lighting: On the low slope, place a lamp that shines upward one corner. Make sure the rest of the space is evenly and adequately lit.

5. And lastly….include some organization, like shelves or cubbies. The less clutter, the more open the space will feel.

18 May 2010

Dogs Matter

Tracy from Jupiter, Fla asks:

I have dogs, and we can’t imagine “banning” them from any room in the house. I want my home to look good, but I want my dogs too. They jump up on the furniture, snuggle with us, and lay on the sofas when we aren’t home.

HELP!!!!!

Shelly replies:

Hooray for our wonderful pets !!!

Here’s an idea:

Buy some inexpensive throws in washable fabrics. Check out Home Goods, Pier One, Macy’s, Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn.   Select a solid color, or a great pattern  that harmonizes with your room’s colors, and throw it over the couch, chair or ottomans where the dogs sit.  Remember to wash them each week.

With throws to cover your furniture, your room will look great with added colors and your furniture will be protected.  Most importantly,  you’ll enjoy your dogs. And remember, some one once said :

“Home is where my Dogs are” !!!

18 May 2010

What about wallpaper?

Risa from Philadelphia asks:

I love the idea of wallpaper, but it feels like a big  decision.  Where can I put it in smaller amounts?

Shelly replies:

Wallpaper is a wonderful accessory…and it can absolutely dress up a room. I love to use dramatic wallpapers in powder rooms. Usually  powder rooms are small,  and everyone who visits  your home will end up in that room!   What fun it is to create drama there. be bold, and have fun with color.

I suggest papers with  smaller patterns as large patterns may not “read” completely in a smaller span of space. If there is no natural light in the room, paper the ceiling. Start by looking at papers in your favorite colors. Schumacher has a great selection of dramatic papers, check it out at :www.FSchumacher.com

And remember,  balance the room with light!!   Have fun.

18 May 2010

The power of Color

Color is the single most effective tool that can really change the feeling of space.

I love the newest  colors by Sherwin Williams. The Rooted Collection with dusty shades of naturals and jewel tones can set the stage for a really soothing background.  I especially like the red tomato shade,# SW6607 ….I can just feel the warmth of a  summer tomato, ripening on the vine, warm and aromatic, and I would absolutely put it in kitchens. Come winter, you’ll be basking in summer warmth with memories of sun drenched  days.

Check out  the whole collection at: www. sherwin-williams.com