Archive for May, 2009

Past posts

This is the 3rd blog site I have set up and fortunately it is easy to see the dozens of archives even though they not originally posted at this address.

So click away on the upper right corner blogroll entries for past posts and past posts II.  There is a lot of useful information, photos, and decorating tips waiting for you.

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Handle that Mantel

Recently one of my projects was to decorate a fireplace mantel that had nothing on it nor any art hanging above it.   A fireplace is often the focal point of a room and making the most of it with good design and decorating is a must.

I made a video today showing a mantel decorating demo and am inserting it into my blog post on a first-time trial basis.  I hope it opens for you and that you enjoy it.  Please let me know what you think.

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Painting Walls – Do You Know What You Want?

Add an ImageSherwin Williams Color Visualizer

Sherwin Williams Color Visualizer

I am once again reminded of how many people consider this their number 1 decorating priority: choosing wall color.  I agree.  It is the first thing that hits you when you walk into a room, the main design element when it comes to color, because it is where the most color is used.  How to choose, especially when thousands of colors are available?

Many websites are good because they offer interactive programs to give color impressions and previews.  Sherwin-Williams‘ color visualizer and Benjamin Moore‘s virtual fan deck  are just two of the myriad choices.  Another one I like a lot is from Good Housekeeping‘s website section called Paint and Preview.

The power of the internet allows us to explore like never before, and yet the fact remains that no program or paint chip can replace the real thing.  You MUST test your paint color in the room before you go ahead with your project.  Buy the smallest quantity you can and paint a 2′x2′ square on one or two walls.  Let the light of morning, afternoon, and evening play off the color swatch and see how it looks.  Only then should you make your decision about what is best.

As ever, if you need help, feel free to contact me.  Affordable Interiors’ mission is to save you money by avoiding costly decorating mistakes.  We help you get it right the first time.

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R.L. wisdom

When friends enter a home, they sense its personality and character, the family’s style of living – these elements make a house come alive with a sense of identity, a sense of energy, enthusiasm, and warmth, declaring, “This is who we are; this is how we live.” – Ralph Lauren

A great quote from a quintessentially American designer.  This I found in Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach, a book of daily readings that has turned into an international sensation.  Learn more about Sarah, an expert on Victoriana and an interior designer in her own right.

Sarah Breathnach

Sarah Breathnach

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