Furniture and Appliance Donations Needed

I am often asked by clients where they can donate their old, but still serviceable, furniture and appliances.  I thought it may be time to post this again, as I hear this organization is in need of donations! 

It’s Finished!

After many months of writing, and trying to find the time to upload photos and information, my new-and-improved website is up and running!  What a process, but the new site is such an improvement over the old one – it was totally worth all the time it took to produce.  I hope you agree!

I have included tons of new content, and more information about how I offer my services.  You may be surprised to find out that, unlike many designers, I don’t require my clients to purchase products from me.  Nice to have options, isn’t it?

Check it out, and please leave a comment here with your thoughts.  If you find any problems with the site – broken links, etc – please let me know that as well.  I’m sure there will be more tweaks to make along the way.

While you are at my site, take a moment to sign up for my monthly E-Newsletter, Design Line.  It is full of design tips and tricks, and you will not be hit with tons of spam emails for subscribing; the newsletter is all you will receive.  The August issue was just sent out, so subscribe today for your copy!

Small Bedroom? No Problem.

I was just glancing through the latest West Elm catalog, when I spotted this very cool storage bed frame!  For anyone who has a small bedroom space, an option like this could save the day.

I would especially find it useful for a guest room, or other space where extra linens need a home.  Those extra pillows and quilts can sure eat up closet space in a hurry!

My bedrooms are small, making a dresser a luxury in each of them.  Having a bed such as this for storing off-season clothing would really be handy. 

I can’t imagine one would want to store things inside the bed that need to be accessed daily; a bed frame with drawers would be a handier alternative.  And, I would imagine that any under-the-bed storage has been lost with this option.  Although – I’d rather have my off-season clothing or bedding INSIDE the bed, rather than under it.  I’m sure it stays dust-bunny free that way!

What do you think?  Have you recently found a great storage idea for your home?  Share it – I’m always on the lookout for ways to save and create space!

What’s the Difference?

I’m sure I’ll stir up a hornet’s nest with this post, but what can I say?  As an interior designer, I know that designers are so weary of being called decorators.  Now, don’t get me wrong – there is nothing wrong with being an interior decorator.  It’s a fine profession.  I often function as a decorator, and I enjoy that part of my job very much.

That said, there is a significant difference between a designer and a decorator.  Did you know that?  I just wrote an article to try and explain the differences.  So many people assume that the terms are interchangeable – and they aren’t.  In fact, I attended design school at UW-Stout in Menomonie, WI, and they offer both an interior design degree, and a decorating degree – both in different colleges.  Each profession has a purpose, and its own specialities; they aren’t the same.

I’d love to hear your thoughts – have you hired a decorator, only to find out later you actually needed a designer?  Is this new information to you?  Well, you learn something new everyday, right?

Furniture and Appliances Needed

I know I have posted on this before, but with the economy the way it is the need is especially great right now.  Families are looking for clean used furniture, working home appliances and help with other basic needs.  A local organization, We Do Feet, has been helping local families with these needs for several years.

If you have furniture that is in good repair and no longer needed, please consider donating to We Do Feet.  They now have a new website dedicated to their work, which offers more information on what they will accept, how to contact them if you have a need and how to volunteer with the organization.  Thanks for considering a donation to a great group!

Newest Look in Quartz Surfaces

In the latest issue of Kitchen & Bath Business magazine, I found the latest look in quartz surfaces – patterns!  Manufactured by CaesarStone, this product makes use of a polished/unpolished finishing process to produce a pattern in the countertop surface.

Motivo comes in a couple different patterns – an animal print (similar to an alligator skin) and a wallpaper-like damask.  According to their website, the product is still non-porous and very low-maintenance.  Very interesting look, and something completely different.  While it’s not for every client and every space, I can definitely see applications for it!

I think it could be especially interesting in a commercial space – to dress up a boring ladies’ room or spice up a bar.  What do you think?  Is it something you could see in your home?  If so, where would you use it?

Poll: Bathroom Color

Personally, I like the colors of water in a bathroom – shades of green and blue are lovely and soothing.  What is your favorite bathroom color?