Colors to Calm the Money Challenged

  Duralee Spice Fabrics                                                                                                                                                           Baker Milling Road Spot Table

    

                   Newel Design's Gazelle Sideboard

Motif Designs' Atlanta Chair

Most trend experts are predicting that the current economic downturn will be one of the key factors in determining the "it" color schemes for 2010.  As people are feeling  more stressed and uncertain than every before about their jobs and finances, colors are trending towards:

1. Calming and predictable neutral shades and greens found in nature;
2. Earthy, spice colors and metallics that evoke total escape into the far-away and exotic; and,
3. Bright, unexpected colors that represent rebellion against the current depression.

Usually, we all tend to become more concerned with the longevity of our bigger ticket items when money is tight.  We will instinctively choose more neutral furniture, rugs, etc., but experts predicts that we'll see this natural tendency carry over into all areas of home decor.  More and more, we want to play it safe.

Pantone's is the preeminent authority on color matching, measuring, and trending.  Their take on our need to neutralize the stress of our daily lives is seen in their Tinged Neutral palette in which the tones include comforting names such as olive gray, taupe gray,

silver gray, charcoal gray, tea, bog, champagne beige, and angora.  According to Pantone, it will be "in" to tinge some of these neutrals with hints of blue or green.  While I agree that we will see a dominant return to neutrals, I don't think they will be quite as drab as some experts predict.  As shown below,  some of the Pantone colors may be so low-key that they may potentially be a "downer" instead of a calming element.

Pantone's takes on the move to neutrality

As for the classic safe bet, off-white, I agree with the prediction that it will most likely begin to resemble a pale champagne, or rich beige.

Arzu Modern Collection, Resourcefulness

                                            James Duncan Collections' Louis XV Jacob Chairs

Fine Furniture Restoration: Special Guest: John Mark Power

I think many of us do not fully understand the techniques and skills necessary to properly repair our older furniture -- which in my opinion -- is usually well worth restoring because often times the wood and workmanship cannot be found in today's marketplace. I have had the pleasure of partnering with a highly skilled antique furniture conservator based in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia named John Mark Power.  John Mark specializes in the restoration of original finishes of vintage and antique furniture.  He also builds reproduction furniture and designs and builds uniquely custom furniture.  John Mark blogs about many of his latest projects and has agreed to guest blog here from time to time so that we may better understand the restoration process .  Enjoy this account of his restoration of an oak office chair to its original function.

This chair had broken in several places and the joinery had loosened in the base.  I was asked to repair the chair and to replace the casters.  The following photos detail the repairs to a leg and to the arms.  In both cases, the breaks were across the grain and required what is called a bridging patch.  A bridging patch is new wood applied to both sections of the break to span the break.  Two patches are usually required for a strong repair.  The photos below help explain the process.

This first picture shows the legs disassembled and the leg in the bottom of the photo with all of its broken parts.

This next photo show the leg being glued up with the original parts.

After the leg had dried, I cut away material on both sides of the leg to receive a patch.  Note how the break (and previous repairs) can be seen in the center of where the wood has been removed.

The patch is inserted into the space with glue.

The patches being glued in place.

After the glue dries, the patch is cut to a rough shape on the band saw.

The patch after it has been carved to shape and sanded.  It is then stained and touched up to match the existing finish.

The same process was used for the arms on the chair.  Each arm received two patches.  Here is a photo of a patch ready to be glued in place.

Gluing the patches.

Gluing the patches on the other arm.

A completed patch carved, sanded, and ready to stain and touch up.

Here are two pictures of the chair with the arms and the broken leg (facing out) repaired and touched up to match the existing finish.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

Well maybe not at your house or mine, but if you go to any local department store you may have to double-check your calendar!  I can't say that I am much better about containing my Christmas excitement.  We have just opened our virtual Christmas Shop and begun to add some of the cool holiday stuff that's available this year.  I am continually searching for high-quality, unique items to offer  you to help you pull together your special look.  So be sure to browse the shop often because you never know what I may find from week to week.  Don't forget:  Until 11/15/09, take an additional 15% off your order when you enter coupon code REDECORATE at checkout.

 

 

15% Off Custom Silk Draperies and Home Decor

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Save on custom draperies, designer lighting, furniture, and more...
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Redecorate for less. Enter Coupon Code: REDECORATE

Talent + Integrity = The Design Professional You Should Hire

While I have faith that you can successfully decorate your own home, I know that many of you still want professional assistance with the process.

For those of you who plan to hire someone to help you pull it all together, I have to share an article that is creating lots of buzz lately about the increasing number of interior designers who are turning to scouring local flea markets and discount stores, as well as Craigslist and eBay online to complete projects within specified budgets. This story is definitely worth a read, but I find it interesting that it reports that many designers are turning to these sources because of necessity; not necessarily because of their basic integrity and commitment to their clients.  The economy has forced their hands into areas that they previously would not touch -- even while wearing Italian silk gloves!  Sadly, prior to our current weakened economic situation,  some designers were simply unconcerned about giving their clients more for less?

I have always contended that every one of my clients -- no matter how much they can or cannot afford -- deserves my full commitment to stretching their dollars as far as possible.  It would be presumptuous of me to assume that clients who have lots of money, do not mind spending lots of money!  It's too bad that we have had to come to a situation where many designers are backed into survival mode in order for them to treat their clients' money as though it is their own.  Should you decide to hire a professional, please make sure that you know that he/she is resourceful, open-minded, and has your best interest at heart.

Read the full Baltimore Sun article at www.baltimoresun.com/features/home-garden/bal-design0909,0,7782847.story and let us know your thoughts.  What do you think?

Fabulous Finds on eBay and Craigslist this week:

This Bernhardt sofa and coordinating chair is $650 on Craigslist
                                                
                                                             This French chair is just $175 on Craigslist
41Hx24W mirror for $95 on Craigslist
         
 

Lillian August Drexel slipper chair $299 on eBay       
          
                  
            Sofa and chair set on eBay for $750
                 Gold gilt bamboo 32Lx22W mirror on eBay for $99

Hot September Budget Decorating Tips

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September Hot Tips for Decorating on a Budget

Fabulous budget stretchers to help you personalize your space.  Check it out!

Z Gallerie's Chiang  Mai Tables:   10"Wx8"H, $24.95, 14"Wx12"H, $39.95     
                             

Martha Stewart's Faux Suede Pillow.  Also available in chocolate and moss, only $5 each

Pottery Barn's 2'x3' bordered sisal rug, $49

Ballard Designs' Capiz Shell curtain, 78"Lx38.5W, $47.99

                                                                                                                     

                                                                            West Elm's  Sketched botanical prints in black lacquer frames, 9.75"Wx13.25"H, $9.99 each
Urban Outfitters' Album Frames, 12"x12" inside dimension, 12.75"x12.75" outside dimension, 2 for $20         

Special Ceilings

I prefer to incorporate ceiling decoration in rooms where the furnishings -- no matter their pedigree -- are the usual expected pieces. For instance, utilitarian rooms such as dining rooms and bedrooms are perfect candidates for ceiling embellishment. Most of our dining rooms hold a table and chairs for dining and a cabinet, hutch and/or server. Most of our bedrooms have a bed for slumber along with an assortment of utilitarian pieces revolving around it.

Should every dining and bedroom ceiling be decorated? I think you must consider certain attributes of the room to determine whether or not you would be better off leaving your ceiling unembellished flat paint. It is very difficult to successfully decorate low ceilings. I recommend that embellishment be kept very simple for ceilings that are 8 feet high or less. A simple sky with a few clouds,or perhaps a large scale geometric pattern will help "stretch" the ceiling's visual depth. But in rooms with ceilings that are 9 feet high or more -- particularly those with architectural extras such as a tray or a cove -- the sky's the limit!

Cove ceilings are rounded and concave where the ceiling and wall meet.  This effect may be incorporated into arched doorways, hallways, or other areas for an overall continuous flowing effect throughout a home.

This barrel vault shown here in centuries-old St. Nectan's Church in Devon, England                      This stunning architectural feature not commonly seen in today's residential settings.  The wood embellishment of the barrel ceiling may be ancient, but it is still a relevant decorative option for any vaulted ceiling. 

A coffered ceiling provides the latest approach to a beamed ceiling.  This version is currently more popular than the rustic beams commonly seen in homes in years past.

Tray ceilings are extremely popular in middle to high end new construction master bedrooms and dining rooms. 

They start horizontally at the wall intersection and then are built upwards in a cut out resembling a tray.  The cut can be vertical or angles, and the tray itself can be virtually any depth.  Sometimes a series of steps is added and/or crown moulding for an even more dramatic effect.
  

Tips for your tray ceilings:

1. Be daring and paint the vertical and horizontal portion of the tray ceiling a unique color that is complimentary but different from the color of your walls and ceiling.
2. Try painting the ceiling and vertical potion of the tray one color, and painting the wall and horizontal feature another color.  I prefer to use this treatment without crown moulding.
3. If for some reason, you prefer to minimize the impact of your tray ceiling, try painting it the same color as your wall to encourage it to "disappear".

We Now Offer Interior Design Center Access -- More Options for Your Home

I hope everyone has enjoyed a great Labor Day weekend!

When I first started to write here last month, I swore that I would only write an article every other week, or so.  But  that idea seems to be getting promptly kicked to curb.  I thank all of you who have noticed my presence and I am encouraged by the number of people already reading my blog, but I must encourage everyone to comment, share information, suggest a topic, etc.  I'm dying for some human interaction here!

Well, I just wanted to post a quick note about the latest new offerings that have been added to our website.  This weekend, I finally completed my ultimate goal of bringing you three distinct, effective virtual aids to assist you in creating your dream spaces:

1. Shop in our Discount Online Store:  www.shop.carladavisdesigns.com
2. Shop in our Virtual Selection Center:  www.carladavisdesigns.com and e-mail us at requestaquote@carladavisdesigns.com to request your discount quote
3. Shop using our Interior Design Center Access:  decorati.com/product/recent products and e-mail us at requestaquote@carladavisdesigns.com.com for your discount quote.

   

                                                                                                                     

No matter your budget, we now have everything you desire for your home pictured online.  All products can be seen from your home to save you money and your valuable time.  We will continue to focus on making the process of creating your living space easier for you, and for your decorator should you choose to work with a design professional other than us.

Most merchandise in our discount online store and virtual selection centers ship for free within 3 to 5 business days.  Once we place a design center order for you, shipping varies by manufacturer but is typically 6 to 8 weeks.  In-stock items have lately been shipping within 3 to 4 weeks.
                                                                                        

Happy Decorating!