Taking in the gorgeous weather today and got inspired to clean house! Windows are open, light coming in, and then I realized it's time to clean those drapes and blinds; and the windows need cleaning before the screens can get put in to let in all that great fresh air and get the mustiness of winter out of the house! Where to start?!

First things first- if you have custom drapes that cannot come down for professional cleaning, then get out the vacuum and put that soft brush attachment onto the wand! Gently clean your drapery following the pleats or folds in the fabric, and if there's trim, be cautious when going over it. Vacuuming drapes will keep the fabric fresh and make them last longer. After all, investing in custom treatments you love means you want to cherish them for years to come. A little tender care is all they need.

While you've got the vacuum and wand in hand, hit those blinds or pleated shades! The same technique, going with the blind in a slow motion will ensure they will last. If they really need more cleaning, especially blinds, then take a soft damp cloth and wipe the dust away. Take care around the cords.

When cleaning your windows, please be cautious not to get any windex type cleaner on your custom drapes. If you can machine wash, or remove drapes for dry-cleaning, do this before the windex hits the glass! This makes for easy cleaning and ensures no chemicals on the fabrics!

Once your windows are sparkling and the drapes are all dust-free, open those windows this weekend and let that fresh air pour in!

~Happy Designing,
Julie

Spring is in the air....FINALLY!

It's been a long long winter here in the Northeast and, just like everyone else, I am so happy that Spring is finally here! So, why not express yourself and welcome spring....here are some fun ways to celebrate spring:


If you're the crafty type, create a new front door floral arrangement bursting with the colors you love! (if you don't like to do it yourself, check out your local craft store; they'll create one for you!)

Fresh cut flowers (tulips, daffodils, pink roses) placed in a small round vase or a natural container can create instant spring inside your home or office! (and it doesn't take up too much room on your desk at work)

















Light up a scented candle to instantly surround you around the scents you love- my favorite spring scent: lilac!


Change those heavy, long, dark drapes (if they're not custom made) out for some lighter lace panels or tab top linen ones. Open the windows and let the breeze come in!

Hope you get the idea....have fun with your small changes and remember, designing can be fun!
Happy Spring!
~Julie

Fall Table Decor

Here are just a few ideas for table decor for the fall! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Storage design at it's best

Sleek cocktail table by German designer Kevin Krumnikl's low table, Library, provides storage spaces for printed materials of various sizes.

Rotterdam-based designer Reinier de Jong introduces a storage solution to accommodate our ever-changing needs: REK is an expandable bookcase that grows with your collection and is always full, regardless of the quantity of books and objects it holds.

Fall is in the air!

Wow! I've been away for a week and the Northeast has already had it's first nor'easter!
But, on the bright side, this is my favorite time of year. Leaves are changing; the air is crisp; sweaters & boots are coming out of the closet again. And the colors are glorious! This week I'll be decorating the outside of my home- not just for Halloween, but for Fall.
Mums of all colors will line the walk to my front door where visitors will be greeted by pumpkins and fall leaves on my stoop. A wreath of brilliant fall florals and fruits will adorn my door, giving a taste of the fall decor that lies inside! Stepping inside, the banister will be draped with fall vines and ceramic pumpkins will be scattered throughout the kitchen. Pillows on my sofa will echo the fall motif. Throw blankets in burgundy and burnt orange plaid will dress the ottoman and a soft chenille blanket will drape the back of the love seat. Put the fireplace on and we're all set for a comfy, cozy night.

Decorating Tip: Table-scape for Fall Decor

When setting a table for a the holidays (or any occasion), make sure you have a centerpiece! Centerpieces can be as simple as a single cut flower in a thin vase....line up 3 or 5 of these down a runner and some votive candles and you have now created some ambiance as well.
This picture of a Fall Table was a little more involved- I created this room at the Marketplace in Philadelphia, in the Robert Allen Showroom, for a fund-raising design event last year. Using a pumpkin from the craft store, I cut off the top and filled it with all types of fall florals, leaves and berries. Then I surrounded it with tulle and votive candles (pumpkin spice), leaf salad plates and accent plates.
Table-scapes can be fun- let your creativity and imagination do the work!
Happy creating! ~Julie

It's been a while....but I'm back with a new idea!

So, life has taken me away from posting for a bit, but I'm back!!
And, I thought some advice on decorating tips might be interesting to you, so I am going to begin posting monthly tips beginning now! Hope you enjoy them! And, please, send me an email with your ideas for tips and I'll add them to the list!
Thanks for sharing.
Julie