ReLOOK

What's new for 2012

2012-01-26T00:55:00.000-08:00

What do I love most about moving into a new year? Seeing what will be popping up in the world of interior design, of course!
This year, largely due to the fact that the economy is keeping people put in their current homes, there is a lean towards recreating rooms that have become boring by incorporating small affordable changes that offer a maximum of comfort and personality.

Let's take a closer look.

Color trends:
Adding color to a bland room is the most effective and affordable way to make a change to a room. This year vivid colors (especially jewel tones) are put in combination with ivory, brown, silver, and camel/caramel yellows for a chic and comfortable atmosphere. Keep in mind to balance the color scheme in your room - 50% neutral, 30% color, 20% coordinating or contrasting accent color.

Materials and textures:
This year the push is towards smooth glossy surfaces and luxurious textured fabrics. Velvet and polished wood fit well into the continuing trend of the industrial look. Whereas tufted upholstery and sleek steel or glass fit well together for a chic vintage room makeover. Introducing rich fabrics such as silks, wools and velvets in patterns and solids in the form cushions, draperies, and rugs add elegance and comfort at an affordable price.

Decor and more:
This year the trends are mixing decorative accessories made of materials such as stone, metal, wood and glass - think polished, shiny and flashy. Large mirrors and mirrored tiles as well as metallic or beaded wallpapers can also be a unique and spectacular addition to your rooms. That being said, your choice of decor should enhance the existing style of your rooms. It should represent your unique character and work as a whole to bring your room to life.

With trends coming and going year by year, most people are hesitant to incorporate them into their homes for fear they will go out of style too quickly or cost to much to implement. However, while working with clients I find most of them already have the latest trends lurking on their shelves or in their closets. Yes, recycling an old stained embroidered tablecloth from your mother-in-law into throw cushions for your bed or repainting that tired end table high gloss black are low cost relooking options that people don't even think of. So if you're inspired by these ideas and need help getting your new look or want some ideas on how to update your rooms. Give me a call. Happy relooking for 2012!

Ringing in the New Year

2012-01-03T09:26:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year. May 2012 bring health, happiness and peace to your home.

Phone Home

2011-10-03T23:15:00.000-07:00

These past 13 years living in France, I've relied mostly on the telephone to keep in touch with my close friends and family in the US. I enjoy catching up on the phone and hearing the voices, especially the laughter of my loved ones. So naturally I'm tuned into any devise that incorporates great design and helps me communicate.

Recently I came across a couple new telephone "gadgets" that made my head turn. They both reminded me of how far we have come in the past 20 years not only in communication but also phone design and liberation from the days of my family's mustard colored, wall mounted, rotary dial devise with a cord span of 2 feet, and the egg timer ticking away the 5 minutes I was allowed to use it.

What I miss most about the telephone of my youth is the feel of it in my hand. Not too large or too small, not too heavy or light and a receiver length that was just perfect to talk into and hear what is being said.

The ePure telephone from Swissvoice combines that retro style with modern telephone technology. The stripped down (icon looking) design is both high tech and timeless at the same time. It has all the pops and buzzes that we expect from a modern day phone, but can ring like an antique. From a design aspect, it's fantastic, but from a comfort aspect, this phone feels just like it looks - angular and lacking consistency (very light weight plastic construction). To me, it's more of a design piece (and conservation piece) for the home or office than something I could see myself having lengthy conversations on. The keypad is located on the underside of the receiver, so be careful when handling not to push any buttons (or accidentally hang up on your caller).

The POP phone from Native Union is the brain child of French designer David Turpin. Designed to fit into any mobile phone, tablet or computer, this retro-style receiver combines the classic look and feel with modern features such as: a high quality speaker and microphone, noise cancelling and one touch call pick up and ending. It's available in a whole slew of bright colors (as well as black). What I like best about this product is the texture and weight. It's silicon cover makes it easy to grip and won't slip when held between the ear and shoulder. It has also been said to be safer than blue-tooth ear pieces. I'm hoping Mr. Turpin will take his idea one step further than this mobile attachment and create a telephone adapted for home or office use. I'll take one in purple, please!

In this day and age where phones come in all shapes and sizes (and are progressively getting smaller), it's comforting to see the return of the traditional telephone design. Do you think there will be a return to traditional typewriter keypads too??

WC relooking

2011-08-30T01:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy month of August around our homestead. Lots of changes for everyone and practically every room. One of the smaller projects I took on, was the relooking of the WC (or as we affectionately refer to it as, the throne room).

This busy little room quickly moved up my "must be relooked" list due to the large gray PVC evacuation tube that was installed vertically along the back corner linking the attic bathroom (yet to be installed) to the rest of the toilets in the house.

When we moved into this house a few years ago I used what I had to make it harmonious, comfortable, and functional. The first thing I did was put up a linen panel over the window for privacy, then hung a small storage unit and toilet paper dispenser on the wall that was white with natural wood accents. This was bought from Ikea years ago. On the opposite wall I hung a natural wood frame with 3 photos. The rest was a mismatched green garbage pail and pink rug that injected a hint of color.

For my relooking, I opted for a simple, clean and monochrome approach. Since the whole room needed to be repainted, I used a basic white and kept the white linen curtain. I sanded and spray painted black the natural wood from the storage unit and paper dispenser and replaced the white toilet seat with a shiny new black one. Added a black and white rug and then turned my attention to the blank white wall.

My idea was to create a photo montage using the family portraits that were recently taken by the very talented and self taught photographer Céline Piat from Make every pic happy (www.makeeverypichappy.com). Céline took so many excellent photos of us that I wanted to display them ALL.

I chose simple black frames to hang 12 individual photos which became the focal point and highlight of my room. To create this harmonious arrangement, I mix and matched sizes and formats and hung the frames using 3M Command hooks (see my last blog entry) so I can cleanly remove, rehang or add to this collage. The effect is spectacular and meaningful for everyone in the family.

The overall time it took to relook this room was a little over a weekend, including repainting the entire surface and the multiple coats to cover the PVC tube. Total cost of the relooking was 60€.

This was just one of the summer projects completed around our house, stay tuned for more articles on my relooking and organizing adventures.

5 tips for hanging art

2011-08-23T01:56:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's not only a question of what to hang on your walls, but also how to hang it. Should it be hung high or low, symmetric or asymmetric, and what type of hardware works best? To answer these questions and more, I have compiled 5 tips to help you with your wall hanging dilemmas.

What to hang - What you hang on the walls of your interior is very personal. Some people prefer a minimalist approach, while others use their wall space to expose their treasures. While we probably agree an antique oil painting deserves a wall of it's own, often there is one wall that merits a few pieces to create interest and harmonize the room. In any case, to create a maximum effect wall hangings should be hung by theme, color or to create a focal point. To add perspective and texture, try hanging objects as well as framed art. For objects that cannot be hung directly use a shelf to expose them. Never forget the importance of mirrors in an interior. They add visual space and luminosity.
Hanging for maximum impact - Be respectful to the size of your room, it's contents and the shape of the walls. A few choice pieces of art work in a small room are better than hanging large pieces. However, in a large room a mixture of smaller works and large pieces can be very effective. If the room is already filled with lots of furniture, avoid hanging large pieces or several small pieces. You don't want to create an overstuffed or busy atmosphere. If your wall space is vertical, then a vertical arrangement is called for. If it is rectangular in shape, then a rectangular piece or arrangement is best suited for it. Hanging your art at eye level or even lower will create volume above and can even make your room look larger. If you have high ceilings, then hanging your art closer to the ceiling is more appropriate.
How to group arrangements - The objective of a wall arrangement is to enhance the harmony of the room. This can be achieved by hanging a collection of art (or photos) from the same artist, grouping together a theme, or framing your art in the same colored frame. An effective wall arrangement also depends on the shape of your wall and the effect you want it to have in the room. To create a linear effect, choose an arrangement that is symmetrical horizontally or vertically. To create a bit more interest, try an asymmetrical arrangement. Keep in mind when hanging arrangements they should be treated as one unit. Laying out your arrangement on a table, bed or even the floor to find the right combination often helps.
Where to hang it - Every room can benefit from some type of art hung on the walls. Often wall hangings can be used to correct or balance aspects in a room, for example, the use of a mirror can brighten up a dark room. Water color paintings (or other visually soft media) are good choices in bedrooms. Adding colorful art to a bland room or monochrome art in a colorful room. Whatever your style or tastes, the goal is to create harmony and balance between the room, the walls and the furniture.
Solutions for hanging it - Whatever you decide to hang in your rooms, give some thought to how it should be hung. Most hardware comes in several sizes to accommodate different weights of artwork and styles of frames. For this designer, there exists a type of wall hanging product that is revolutionary. It's called CommandTM and can be found in most DIY stores. It allows you to hang most types of frames without putting a hole in your wall (great for renters) and can be removed from your walls without damaging them!! A basic kit comes with a plastic hanger (or locking strip) and a set of removable adhesive strips. To avoid problems, respect the weight limit indicated on the product packaging and follow the directions on how to properly apply the adhesive strip (including the cleaning process). To see all the wonderful CommandTM products, check out their site: http://www.command.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NACommand/Command/

There you have it. 5 basic tips on how to hang your artwork. Should you require further assistance or have anything to add, drop me a comment. I'm here to help. Happy hanging!!

Itchin for a flea market

2011-07-26T00:48:00.000-07:00

I've just spent a couple weeks in the south of France, like I do almost every year. Usually I scream "HALT" at least once to my husband/chauffeur when I see signs for a brocante (a second hand shop). Usually these little shops or renovated barns are a treasure trove of odds and ends, old and gently used. I am not embarrassed to admit much of my homes furniture, lighting and deco comes from such shops. However, this year was different. Not only did I not have the occasion to step foot into a shop, I didn't even see signs for local weekend flea markets which are usually very popular in the summer. So I'm wondering where did all the stuff go?

After a bit of research, I think I found the answer (or at least some of the loot). On-line brocante sites are springing up all over. These blog-type boutique sites are no laughing matter. The photos of each object are gorgeously presented and after scrolling through the long list of items for sale, you want to buy it all and invite the seller to come and set it all up for you, just like it looked in the photo!

These sites are a step up from buying on ebay and the whole bidding process is eliminated. For me, while I love the concept of at-home shopping in your jammies, there are some draw backs. The biggest one is not being able to see/touch the items I'm interested in. The second is not being able to haggle the price with the seller (a part of the fun). Another inconvenience is the shipping. Rather than struggling to find a little spot for it in the trunk amongst the beach gear and bedding, you have to wait for it and hope it won't arrive damaged or broken.

Nonetheless, these sites are enjoyable to look at and whether your looking for something specific or just want some new decorating ideas, they have a lot to offer. Here are a few of my favorites:

Les Enfants du Marais
Broc' Charme
au hasard...Balthazar

If you happen upon a good flea market or brocante this summer, I'd love to hear about it. Write me a comment!

Until next time. Enjoy the summer everyone.

Have you met Philippe?

2011-05-16T04:30:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the privilege to meet a famous French architect and designer. The one and only Philippe Demougeot, whose 7 year run of the segment SOS Maison on the France 5 TV series Question Maison always left me with stars in my eyes.

I was apprehensive about meeting him. This guy is big time, the whole sha-bang! However, even though he has alot to brag about (his show, his private practice and his books) he was down to earth and very enjoyable to chat with. When I raved over his amazing ability to sketch out rooms, then with a wave of his magic eraser show the "after transformation", he shrugged his shoulders and said, "well, that's what I know how to do".

He indulged my questions and flattery and before you know it, we were laughing and sharing experiences. I was not surprised to hear that after transforming hundreds of homes, he has never once had an unhappy customer. Proof that he really does listen and deliver what people want.

His books display his design super powers as well. My favorite is SOS Maison, before and after. It basically reads like his segment series. You see before photos, learn what the problem areas are and see the before sketch. Then the project is revealed through gorgeous after photos. Philippe marries his talents for architecture and design flawlessly. It shows through in the functional layout and in the details of lighting, color schemes and accessories. His ideas seem endless.

I hope to meet Philippe again to learn more about his process and hear about his amazing transformations. Who knows, maybe some of his genius will rub off on me.

Check out Philippe's blog and website for more information.

Tackle your Spring cleaning in 5 steps

2011-03-25T00:39:00.000-07:00

Most people dread Spring cleaning. True, for some it is a daunting task to take on. But, the benefits of living in a well arranged and organized home are priceless. No more frustration over not having enough room or not being able to find what you need, when you need it. A bit of time and effort now will certainly pay off for the rest of the year.

Here are 5 simple steps to motivate and help you concur your Spring cleaning projects.

Pick your battles - Choose a room, area or storage space you feel confident to start and finish cleaning out. You may decide this is the year you tackle a big project like the basement (cave), garage or attic. Or, if your time and motivation doesn't allow, try a smaller space like a closet or the bathroom cupboard. Every little bit helps move one step closer to organized and stress free living.
Sort it out - Using 3 boxes and a garbage bag as tools, look at each individual item and decide whether you will keep it, store it, give it away or sell it, or throw it away. Items you want to keep should be arranged by what you use on a daily basis. Items in your storage box should be sorted by what they are (clothes, souvenirs, etc.) and the box labeled accordingly.
Cleaning and repairing - Once your space is empty you can give it a good cleaning or repair any damage. You may decide to repaint or install more shelves or make other improvements.
Take action - Pay close attention to what you put back into your space. Items you use regularly should take precedence over items you use occasionally. Your storage box or boxes should be taken to your storage immediately so you are not tempted to let those things creep back into your space and items you want to give away or sell should be taken care of quickly for the same reasons. The trash bag is the easiest to deal with - simply dump it and be happy to be free of "stuff" you don't need or use.
Beautify - Coordinating your storage space to your style will help integrate that space as part of your overall interior and keep you better organized. Accessories such as hangers, storage boxes, baskets and shelves can be personalized for every style and everyone in the family. Think color, motif and practicality when choosing your organizational accessories.

I hope these 5 tips will help motivate and make your Spring cleaning projects easier. Happy cleaning!!

Happy Chinese New Year!

2011-02-01T03:59:00.000-08:00

February 3 marks the beginning of 2011 according to the Chinese calendar and the start of the year of the Metal Rabbit. The rabbit is traditionally associated with home and family, security, diplomacy, and peaceful relationships. According to the Chinese tradition, the rabbit also brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves.

Here are a few suggestions using the feng shui bagua to enhance the "rabbit elements" in your interior for 2011.

The feng shui energies in the Northeast are the most favorable to enhance in 2011. This area nourishes your relationships, so family photos in metal frames, or any other objects in pairs that you love will represent the feng shui cures for love and relationships. This can also be an excellent area for reflecting both professional and personal goals.

The Northwest feng shui area (wealth and prosperity) is also one of the luckiest sectors in 2011. You can enhance this area by using colors such as pink, red and purple or orange and yellow. You may also choose to store your financial papers in this area in 2011 and using crystals in amethyst or rose quartz to enhance the wealth energy.

The Southeast feng shui area brings the energy to achieve your goals through helpful people. Water element colors such as blue or black are good in your Southeast decor in 2011. Real quartz crystals are also an excellent feng shui cure for this area.

These are just a few simple suggestions to improve the rabbit energy through feng shui in your home. Keep in mind, improving an area does not always mean adding to it can also mean avoiding or minimizing elements and colors that can work against the enhancements you want to make. The most effective feng shui can (and should) be done just by using what you already have. That way, your enhancements not only increase your home's energy but also blend with your existing interior style and color scheme.

I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous year of the rabbit!

2011 Design trends

2011-01-09T04:05:00.000-08:00

According to experts, the trends for 2011 will reflect preserving the past. From a practical view, we will continue to see a shift from quantity and excess to personalization and quality. One reason for this is the result of the financial crisis. People are questioning what it is they need to live well. This is leading to the emergence of simplistic, formal or severe designs that combine the basic and old with the modern and the high-tech.

Style

Trends show a resurgence of people becoming interested in their roots and becoming more interested in patterns, textures and colors that have a global influence.

On the contemporary side, designers have begun to push the boundaries between art and design. Watch for experimentation with archaic forms and nature represented by glass and metal complemented with hard and soft plastics to form a changeable surface.

The classical design approach will be focusing on the concept of looking back to move forward. These periods will be popping back on the scene in new and inventive ways:

Tudor – the return of voluminous velvets, tapestry accents and tear-drop pearls.

The 1940s - will feature wood materials in light maple, pecan and walnut; and textiles in seersucker, jersey and cable knits.

Mayan, Incan and Hopi – these tribal influences will be reflected in geometric florals, trapezoids and primitive portrayals of the sun. These graphic prints will work with traditional chairs and sofas.

Color

Experts’ predict that cool neutrals and muted hues from icy grays to chocolate browns to bright reds, fuchsia purples and sapphire blues will be reflected in paints and fabrics. Subtle color tones and soft interior paint colors will be popular for those large wall surfaces of in 2011. Bright and sharp colors will be reserved for decorating accents. Purple will continue into 2011, as well as gray. In fact, according to designer Kimberly Ayres “gray is the new beige” and pairings of gray with teal, magenta, tangerine and yellow will be popular.

While it is interesting to keep up on the latest in design trends, you must decide how to create a harmonious look in your home and usually this requires a blend of highly personalized styles, colors and patterns. The most successful rooms I see don’t look like they’ve been copied from an interior design magazine.

Where to find the good stuff

2011-01-04T04:27:00.001-08:00

Now that the holidays are behind us and we are into the new year, you may have an itch to refresh your interior. No need to spend hours going from one showroom to another to find that perfect rug or coffee table. Why not do your browsing from the comfort of your own sofa.

There are so many web boutiques to choose from now. All have high quality products that are delivered to your doorstep and ready to settled into your interior.

Here are a few of my favorites:

MyFab - A collection of furniture, lighting, art and accessories. Orders are collected and made in bulk mostly in China. Don't be fooled, MyFab tests their products from quality and safety and their prices are competitive for well designed furnishings.

Made in Design - If you are looking for the real thing, this is the site for you. They have all the latest goodies by top designers such as: Stark, Kartell, Alessi and many more.

Le Pelican - They've got everything from teacups to tables. Often featuring new design trends such as ethanol burning fireplaces and the latest in wall stickers, the Pelican can help you add a finishing touch to your interior or allow you to revamp it from top to bottom.

Bonjour Toile - This site transforms your snapshots into works of art. After uploading your photo, you choose the size, the finish and even have the option to add an effect such as sepia or a funky background. A 60 x 60cm photo reproduced on a canvas then stretched over a wooden frame goes for 52€. Not a bad price to immortalize yourself or your favorite photo for your wall.

Ikea Hacker - For those of you who are DIYers and fans of IKEA, this site is a must see. They don't sell anything, but you couldn't pay for better ideas. This blog shares creative transformations on any and all IKEA items. This site is one of my favorites as it truly shares my passion for relooking and reusing.

I hope these sites provide a resource as well as inspiration for your interior. Good luck!

So you've Staged your home, now what?

2010-11-29T06:10:00.000-08:00

Imagine your house just went up on the market for sale. You've worked hard to get it in order, by a professional Home Stager or by yourself. Now the question is: How do you keep it in order?

We all know, the most crucial selling point is the visit. Statistics show buyers make their decision about a home in the first 3 minutes of the visit. Here's some tips to keep buyers in your home longer and help them feel "at home".

Refresh and repeat - Every morning and just before a visit, open your windows for a few minutes to revive the energy and air in your rooms
Curtain call - Keep all your curtains open and blinds raised during visits. The only exception to this is if you have a particularly displeasing view.
Light bright - Light creates space. Turn on lights, even accent lights in your rooms. If you have dark corners, the room will not look as large to visitors, so considering moving your lighting around to brighten up these areas.
Clear the way - Be sure to put away shoes, jackets, school bags, and just about everything else that clutters up an entry. These spaces are usually small so do your best to move visitors quickly out of this space and into the rest of the home.
Under lock and key - Do not leave out any valuables during visits. This includes: keys, wallets, purses, phones, jewelry, money, etc.
Details, details - a quick wipe down of kitchen and bathroom sinks and counter tops as well as sanitizing the toilet will give visitors the impression that your home is well cared for. It should also be noted that anything laying around (dishes, books, magazines, mail, clothes, etc) will catch the eye of visitors and give an unkempt impression of your home.
Unfriendly odors - If you feel your home has a particular odor due to pets, smoke, cooking, moisture, etc. Use an odor absorbing product such as Febreze. Alternately, you may choose to light scented candles, however, beware if children are present. The most effective method of dealing with odors is to simply air the home out regularly.
Better than a welcome mat - Brewing a pot of coffee and having a few cups set out for visitors and accompanying agents is a simple and welcoming touch for visitors. Not only does this keep visitors in the home a few extra minutes but also gives them time to imagine themselves living in the home while enjoying their coffee.
Alive and kicking - Brighten up your room with fresh flowers. The bouquets don't need to be big or elaborate. The objective is to accent your interior with something fresh and colorful.
Your home is your spokesman - If you or your professional Home Stager have done a good job Staging, then you shouldn't need to say a word to potential buyers to add value to your home. It should speak for itself in arrangement, color, lighting, and use of accessories.

I hope these tips help you better prepare for visits and lead to a quick and profitable sale. If your home is not yet on the market, but you want to get it ready to sell, let Relook Interiors Stage your home. Contact us for more information.

Fung Shui basics - the bagua map

2010-11-22T06:31:00.000-08:00

One of the main tools used in Feng Shui is the Bagua. It is a grid or map that is placed over your home or office to determine the energy within a defined space.

The Bagua is composed of 9 separate sections each corresponding to a life energy. Using the Bagua like a map to determine which energy lies in your space will help you evaluate the specific areas you want to improve in your life.

The Bagua is always positioned so that the front door to your home (or door of the room being evaluated) is along one of the three front areas (Knowledge & wisdom, Career, Travel & helpful people).

Energy flows in a predictable manner throughout your interior space thus creating different zones that can be identified by the Bagua telling you what type of energy resides in the 9 sections.

In addition to knowing what energy resides in each section there are corresponding elements and colors. For example, the colors blue, purple and red as well as the wood element are linked to the Abundance section located at the back left of the bagua and thus in the farthest left corner of your home.

Now that you know how to identify the specific life energies in your home you can begin to apply Feng Shui techniques to improve the areas you feel are lacking in your life.

Stay tuned for our next article on Feng Shui to learn more about harnessing your home's energy.

Organizing for the winter

2010-11-10T07:21:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but at this time of year I get the urge to bake apple tarts and big batches of soup to freeze for the long winter months ahead. It is also the time of year I feel the need to organize my home for easy living in those long months of hibernation.

It's not hard to understand why organizing a home at this time of year becomes a priority. An uncluttered and organized interior pays you back in peace and reduces your stress and frustration. Whether you start out small with the kitchen gadget drawer or go large with sorting out the whole basement, here are some tips to help you complete your organizing projects successfully.

The 4 box method
Collect 4 boxes or containers. Label each as such: KEEP, STORE, DONATE and TOSS. Then simply go through each item asking yourself, where does this belong?

If it is something you use everyday or often it goes in the keep pile.
If you use it from time to time then it goes with the store pile. Keep in mind your storage can be split up into short term and long term storage.
Items relegated to the donate pile could also be sold or given away to someone you know who could use them.
The toss pile will usually be the items that have little or no value and you don't feel guilty about getting rid of.

A word of advise. Be ruthless with yourself, you won't regret it and it will help you keep your space organized for much longer.

Here's another simple strategy to use in organizing:
The C.O.P.E method
Cope stands for: Category, Order, Proximity and Ease of use. This method is especially helpful in kitchens and bathrooms. But can be used for every area in your home. Here's how it works:

Category - first sort your items into categories
Order - within your categories, put items into a logical order
Proximity - Items that you use frequently should be placed within arms reach
Ease of use - Frequently used items should be place where they can used easily

Here is an example of how I use the COPE method. I have a category (and dedicated space) in my kitchen related to breakfast. On the shelf in the cupboard I have an orderly arrangement of cups, bowls and small breakfast plates. On the counter top is the coffee machine and in proximity is the bread box. In the cabinet below, where they are easy to grab we store the boxes of cereal and other items we use at the breakfast table. In addition, this cabinet stores the snacks my kids need to pack each morning to bring to school. All this is adjacent to our small breakfast bar where we eat together every morning. Having this arrangement in our small kitchen has made the start of our days a stress free experience. Everything is stored in a logical, orderly place where it is within arms reach.

If you liked these ideas for getting your home organized, or would like a helping hand to get you organized, feel free to give me a call. I have organizing packages starting at 150€.

You are how you live

2010-10-22T04:02:00.000-07:00

My most recent good read is: The Emotional House by Kathryn Robyn and Dawn Ritchie. Their book is a step-by-step workbook on how to relook your home to change your life.

So what exactly is an Emotional House? It is "a home that functions practically, is organized, inviting and is a great place to just settle in and be".

Everyone is unique and this book helps you define your style and being in your home. The book is divided into 3 sections. The first, Your Blueprint is filled with interactive exercises on how to examine and define your existing home, tangibly and emotionally. Where are you most comfortable in your home? What is most disorganized? Are their changes you foresee such as the arrival of a baby or a child moving out? And so on. They also delve into our emotional state and how that is reflected in our homes on a daily basis. An unclean kitchen could reveal you don't feel supported, since the kitchen is the heart of the support structure. Don't worry, in section 3 they explain how to correct this.

In part 2, Your Foundation, the authors establish a 12 point system to follow on how to create your Emotional House. This section deals directly with organizing and decorating to your tastes and needs, both in function and emotion to find true balance and harmony.

In the final section, they get down to the logistics of how to transform projects and ideas into reality. Again through the use of interactive exercises, you establish goals and then make a plan to achieve them while taking into consideration the time, budget and complexity of your plans. The last part of section 3 breaks down individual rooms and spaces in the home and explains their practical and emotional function. They even offer a list of tips and reminders for each room to help you keep your Emotional House in check. For instance, the living room where the emotional function is equalizing, they suggest that camaraderie and fellowship (which is what primarily is exchanged in this room) means no one gets to hog the remote, among other things.

Overall a very motivating and concrete way of relooking your home to support you, your family and your life style.

Kitchen remodel - The follow up

2010-09-12T02:57:00.001-07:00

Heavens me!
I completely left you hanging by a thread to see the finished kitchen.

Well, without further ado...

The feedback I've had is amazing. Some actually thought we expanded the size of the kitchen by building out, others thought we added the back door. By far, the most heard comment was, "it's so spacious and organized". This was music to my ears.

I can report that the ergonomie turned out to be better than expected. Everything is at a hands-reach for what we use on a daily basis. Even the little one can get what she needs to make her own breakfast in the morning. The textured granite countertops are amazing. Easy to clean and no cuts, burns or dings on the surfaces. I highly recommend this type of countertop.

The inconvenience for me is my 5'2" stature. I still need to use a step-stool to reach the rice cooker and other rarely used items stocked on the upper shelves. But at least I have a space for them in the kitchen, rather than having to store them in the basement.

A project well done! Next on the docket, the attic! Stayed tuned, José and his guys start Nov 15.

Staging your home for sale

2010-08-04T03:13:00.000-07:00

You've decided to sell you home and want to make it the best before putting it on the market. There is no secret to creating a home that sells. It requires just a bit of time and a minimum budget.

Home buyers are looking for a place that is in ready to move in condition. That being said, most people have a hard time projecting how they will live in a new home, let alone making repairs and putting their style into it. That's where Home Staging comes in.

Through out the home it is important to capture the buyers attention, this is especially important in the foyer or entry of the home. You have 60 seconds to impress that potential buyer and it starts at the front door.

Everyone knows Home Staging is about cleaning, getting rid of clutter and eliminating personal items, but there is more to it than that. Here are some other tips:

Neutralize your home's decor - tone down bold colors with neutrals and remove any large collections.
Likewise, edit your home's amount of furniture. If you have to turn sideways to fit through a passage, then it's time to rethink the layout of the room and the amount of furniture in it.
Bathrooms and bedrooms should have a "hotel room" feel. If these rooms are too personalized, people will not linger there long enough to picture themselves living there.
Show off the storage space your home has to offer by removing and storing (boxing up and moving to the garage, basement or attic) off-season clothing, shoes, linens and anything else occupying that valuable space in your home.
Keep in mind you are selling the house, not the things in it. Creating a focal point to highlight your fireplace, beautiful view or architectural features will help buyers focus on what they are getting when they buy your property.

When someone decides to visit your home, you know they chose it because it meets their criteria (location, size and price range). Your job, and the key to selling your home, is to help that buyer make an emotional connection to your home. Applying these tips will give them the comfortable "at home" feeling needed to turn a visit into a sale.

5 ways to spruce up your interior

2010-06-09T02:54:00.000-07:00

With the Spring cleaning behind you and Summer soon within reach why not turn your attention to some small ways to spruce up your interior.

1. Musical chairs - Rotate your collection of knick-knacks to change the look of your rooms. Dig those treasures out of the basement or back of the cupboard. Think outside of the box. Bowls and plates can be used as planters or hung on walls.

2. Flea market madness - Tis the season for flea markets. Anything and everything can be had at these events, and for cheap. Here's an idea, pick up a bunch of clothes with texture, a swede jacket, a velvet dress, a wool sweater. Wash them accordingly and then sew them into cushions for your sofa or bed.

3. Bring the outside in - If you don't have a yard, or are tired of getting eaten by bugs try bringing outside elements into your home. Zinc pots filled with impatience, geraniums or even pansies are a great effect in any room. Mini fountains are an inexpensive way to bring the outside in and improve your interiors feng shui energy. Garden furniture can be used to lighten and brighten any interior and often it is very comfortable.

4. It's all in the details - Opt for small changes like a quilt on your bed instead of the heavy bedspread or change out heavy curtains for light weight sheers. Sometimes just putting on a colorful tablecloth can be a refreshing change.

5. Color up your world - Perhaps it's time to inject some color into your interior. This can be done by painting a wall, changing a rug, artwork, or soft furnishings such as: curtains, bedspreads, table clothes and cushions. Wallpapers are back in fashion and can be a great way to spruce up a neutral room.

These are just a few ways to enhance your interior for little or now cost. Here at Relook Interiors we specialize in reusing your interior furnishings to give your rooms a whole new look and feel. Give us for your personalize consultation on how to spruce up your rooms.

Kitchen remondel - Part 2

2010-05-27T00:11:00.000-07:00

The Creation

My vision for our new kitchen falls somewhere between retro and classic. I wanted the kitchen to blend with the style of the house. No easy task considering the style of kitchens at the moment is modern with lacquered cupboards and synthetic counter tops.

The layout was tricky because of the surface of the room (only 9m2, or 97 sq. feet), and the existing elements like the 2 doors and our desire to have a small eat-in area. A tough order, but not impossible. We settled on an "L" shape and agreed the kitchen sink would need to be moved to the other side of the kitchen from where it was before. We also decided to install a suspended ceiling to allow for a center mounted ceiling light and eliminate the problem of the exhaust fan cover not being tall enough to reach the ceiling. The floor tiles were chosen to compliment the original 1900's cement tiles found in the hallway (adjoining the kitchen).

Once demolished our contractor sent in his band of merry men to work their magic. They hooked up the new plumbing and poured a new concrete floor which would be later tiled in cement tiles. They also installed supports for the suspended ceiling. The drywall and electricity followed as well as several coats of plaster.

From there, the kitchen started to take form. After the cement floor dried, José was ready to lay the new tile floor. I lent a hand in the project, since laying a tiled floor of this nature is time consuming. Two days later the joints were filled and the cupboards for the kitchen were delivered. We were finally ready for the installation of our new kitchen.

The installation started on a Monday and was measured out to the millimeter by the installer. Everything went according to planned and by the end of the day Tuesday, I was ready to start filling drawers and shelves. Wednesday the measurements were taken for the granite counter tops (which we will receive in a week or so).

Until the counter tops arrive, we still have no kitchen sink, but we do have provisional counter tops so at least the kitchen is functional and we can cook in it. Here is what is looks like with everything in place, except the kitchen sink!

A special thanks to Mr. Rancati at Cuisinella for his input and expertise on the layout (and for the special part for the sink). Mr. Gomez and his crew for creating a functional and beautiful space down to the last detail.

Kitchen remodel - Part 1

2010-05-16T02:34:00.000-07:00

The Demolition

We knew when we bought our home that the kitchen would have to go. It took me a while to get my hubby on board with my "vision" and motivate him enough to start a project we both knew would take several weeks to finish. As anyone who has remodeled their kitchen knows, microwaved meals and ham sandwiches gets old fast...

Here is what the room looked like before it's destruction:

Granted this room had its charm: checkered tile floor, built-in pantry and a farm-style back door with a window I could open to holler "come and get it" to the young'ins. However there were many drawbacks. The lack of storage and counter top space, a very small corner sink, eat-in room for only 2, a floor that sunk in the middle and the curiosity that the appliances and counter top was set up on a brick step. Not convenient for this woman of 5'2".

The list of improvements we had went far beyond aesthetics and ergonomics, there were structural problems to deal with, i.e. leveling the floor and installing a false ceiling. But first we needed to rip everything out, here's a look at what that entailed:

It took one fine Sunday and 2 dedicated guys to rip everything out, including the floor and brick step. Not bad for a days work guys!

The following day the professionals came to break up the old cement floor, install vertical beams in the basement to keep the floor from sinking and finally pouring the new concrete floor.

In part 2 I will reveal the creation of our new kitchen step by step. Stay tuned...

Portrait of a kitchen designer

2010-04-06T01:38:00.001-07:00

Meet Sophie, a talented and creative kitchen designer for a German brand of high quality (and high end) kitchens. I interviewed Sophie to find out more about her passion for her job and get some insider information on what's hot in kitchens these days.

AT HOME: How long have you been designing kitchens Sophie?

Sophie: For 22 years. I've stayed with the same company because their standard of service reflects my own. We prides ourselves on high quality (almost luxury) kitchens. From cupboard to counter top the kitchens we design, create and install are a reflection of craftsmanship and customisation.

AT HOME: What training do you have for this job?

Sophie: I started off by completing a degree in interior decoration, however, I have always had a passion for drawing. When I accepted this job I immediately saw the opportunity to marry my training with my passion and even after 22 years, I still love what I do.

AT HOME: I notice that all your plans are hand drawn. Why don't you use one of those sophisticated computer design programs that are available to create your plans?

Sophie: It is our company's policy to always provide a hand drawn plan. It's our mark of quality and customer commitment. To be honest, I prefer hand drawing. There is a certain thought process involved when creating a plan with pencil and paper.

AT HOME: What do you love about your job?

Sophie: The creativity, not only esthetically but also technically. Each project I work on is different. Each customer has a unique set of needs and desires for their new kitchen and I work hard to give them exactly what they want, down to the smallest detail. That's not as easy as it sounds, especially when the space is particularly small or has difficult angles to work around. However, I love the variety and challenge that each new project brings.

AT HOME: Within your years of experience I imagine you have created some pretty amazing kitchens, what are the most memorable projects you have worked on?

Sophie: A few years back we did the kitchen of Karl Lagerfeld. That was a treat and he was very nice to work with.
I am always impressed with the clients that choose industrial cooking appliances for their new kitchen. Most of these customers invest huge sums of money in a kitchen they will never step foot in, much less cook a meal for themselves. I recently worked on a project that included 2 kitchens. One central kitchen outfitted with industrial equipment for the domestic staff and another small kitchen equipped with just the basics for the home owners. It always amazes me when I work on a project where cost is not an issue. I've designed kitchens that cost up to 120,000 euros. For me, and most people putting that kind of money into a new kitchen is not an option.

AT HOME: So Sophie, tell us, what are the up and coming trends in kitchens these days?

Sophie: White kitchens are back in. Lacquered door fronts and thin quartz counter tops (made up of resin and powdered granite) are becoming more popular. The modern looking kitchen is sticking around. Integrated handles and new materials - such as glass are replacing those standard wooden cupboard doors with traditional knobs.

AT HOME: Thank you Sophie for taking the time to answer our questions and happy designing to you.

If you would like more information on creating a new kitchen or simply organizing better within your existing kitchen. Drop us a message at: angela@relookinteriors.com.

Can't keep the ball rolling?

2010-03-14T03:44:00.000-07:00

Here we are in March already. So, how are you doing on your list of home projects? If you're like a lot of people you started the year motivated and filled with good intentions, but somehow have run out of steam by now.

So I offer you a little pick me up in the form of a book. The title is: This Year I Will... by M. J. Ryan an expert on change. Ms. Ryan has written other inspirational books such as, The Happiness Makeover and The Power of Patience.

This Year I Will... is exceptionally helpful in regards to setting and achieving goals, big or small. It's filled with scientifically proven research on how our brain works, followed by sound methods to help you overcome obstacles that arise (and they always do). Ryan covers some of the big subjects like getting in shape, loosing weight and quitting smoking, but all of her methods can be applied to tasks as simple as cleaning out your desk.

Above all, Ryan's book is human. It is filled with humbling stories about herself, her family, and scores of her clients. Here's a small excerpt:

My husband Don is a packrat. The only way I can stand to share a living space with him is that he has a whole room to himself for his stuff. Just peeking in there makes me nauseous. He's been collecting that stuff for most of his fifty years. Every so often, he complains about the chaos and disappears in there for hours. But I never see what I consider progress in organization going on. Fortunately I've learned to keep my eyes and mouth shut. (Well, mostly.) Over the Chirstmas holiday this year, he decided to take charge of it once and for all. Again, he disappeared for hours. He finally came out and declared, "All that time and I could only find two things I'm willing to get rid of." I said nothing. A week later, he pronounced, "I realize what the problem is. It's so out of control that it's overwhelming. I don't even know where to begin. So I've decided (...) I'm going to throw away one thing a day." Smart man. He figured out a secret to change: one tiny step at a time. It doesn't matter which small step. Just take one, as long as it's little. Then take another. Repeat until you've gotten where you want to be.

I'll let you discover the secret to this technique and a host of techniques to help you succeed in keeping your resolutions.

Happy reading!

Color up your interior

2010-03-04T05:28:00.000-08:00

Do you have the winter doldrums? Are the wet and gray days dragging you down? Why not give yourself and your interior a boost of color to brighten the season.

Here's 8 simple ways to pump up the color in your interior.

Accessorize, accessorize
Add small touches of color using candles, bowls, picture frames, statues, anything that says "WOW". For one friend it was the simple purchase of a cup and saucer set in bright, bold colors. For me, it's simply having a bouquet of fresh flowers brightening my dining room table.

Soft and bright
Use soft furnishings to make a statement. Brightly colored cushions, curtains, rugs, table clothes or runners can add not only color, but also texture.

Think South Beach
I love those art deco houses that line the avenues of Miami's South Beach. Each one a more daring color than the next. Aqua, orange, pink and lime green. Why not mix and match your favorite colors in small doses for a pick me up.

Make a statement
Sometimes all a room needs is one key piece of colorful furniture to give it warmth. Go for those red sofas you've always dreamed of or paint your boring bed frame lemon yellow!

Wake up the bathroom
Many people don't think about injecting color into their bathrooms. This can result in a stark white room which often feels sterile and void of warmth. Color can come from wallpaper, whimsical stickers, towels with designs, statement making curtains (on windows or shower), plush rugs or even artwork.

Hot and cold
Effective color schemes often involve a warm and a cool color. One trick is to accentuate the warm color in the cold months and then in the warm months accentuate the cool color.

Create an eye-catcher
Painting one wall an eye catching color is a fast and effective way to not only create a focal point in a room, but also give it a base color to play off of.

"Pop" goes the color
A surefire way to make any color stand out is to showcase it against black or white. They key is to use your color in limited amounts.

I hope these bright and colorful ideas help you make it through this endless winter.

You need an interior professional if...

2010-02-25T03:02:00.000-08:00

Do you need the expertise of an interior professional?

That depends largely on YOU. Do you have the time and patience, creativity, resources and interest to take on a decorating or organizing project? Here are some common interior dilemmas that lead to people hire a professional.

You have little or no free time to take on a relooking, staging or organizing project.
You need to prepare your home to sell, but don't know how to give it the "model home" look.
You need help with lighting.
You want someone else to deal with the hassles of organizing your home.
You need help choosing furniture that is ideal for your room.
You want to have quality work done, but don't have your own list of reliable workmen.
You want to get your home organized once and for all.
You've tried to decorate your home and have purchased some nice items, but really need help pulling it all together.
Your move date is coming up quick and you feel overwhelmed by everything you need to pack.
You want to create a cohesive style in your home that reflects you.
You've just moved in and need help getting installed
There is something not right with your rooms, but you can't get your head around how to improve it.
You and your partner can't seem to agree on anything for the home.
You're tired of buying things here and there without an overall plan.
You have pack-rat tendencies and need help deciding "what stays and what goes" in your home.
You want to add some color into your interior, but you're not sure what will look the best
You've just inherited furniture and need help incorporating it into your existing decor.

Perhaps one or many of these sound familiar to you. Relook Interiors specializes in relooking, organizing and staging solutions that respond to your dilemmas. Don't put it off, give us a call - make your home livable again.

AT HOME...with Louise

2010-02-17T00:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Louise's beautiful "villa" that dates back to 1896. Louise is no stranger to home improvement projects. Whatever needs to be done, she isn't afraid to take it on. From painting and sewing to stain glass window repairs and heavy sanding, her projects are well thought out and reflect her charm and sophistication.

We sat down for a coffee with Louise one morning to find out more about what inspires her and hear about her latest relooking success story.

AT HOME: Where do you get your inspiration for all your decorating ideas?

Louise: Magazines like Art et Decoration and Elle Deco. I also look at my friend's homes and sometimes steal their ideas or come up with a variation that suits how I want my room to look. I'm very methodical, I take on one room at a time and see it to completion before starting to think about my next project. I take my time to develop the future style of the room. I shop around and compare prices (and bargain when I can). I set a budget for the project and when possible I reuse what I already have by repainting it or transforming it to fit into the new decor. I don't like throwing useful furniture away and usually I can find a spot for it somewhere else in my home.

AT HOME: What aspects do you love about your interior?

Louise: For starters, the architecture of my home. When we toured this house over 13 years ago there were so many charming elements that made me fall in love with it. I love how much natural light it has and the sense of volume due to the high ceilings. The touches of stain glass on the windows, wood floors, and the stone fireplace were the icing on the cake. I have tried to maintain this feeling of light and volume by using a neutral color scheme throughout the house. To me, this creates an overall harmony rather than separating spaces by using different colors.

AT HOME: What was your last relooking project?

Louise: The master bedroom. I wanted to create a cohesive bedroom with good color and style flow. Matching furniture was important for both. In addition everything had to fit into place without making the room feel crowded. We set a budget for the project, 1200€, which I felt was reasonable for all we achieved. It included not only the cost of renting a heavy duty sander and all the materials we used (paint and varnish) but also all the furniture (headboard, console, mirror, dresser and bench) in addition to the lighting and accessories. When I look around and see how much we accomplished with the allotted budget, I'm pretty satisfied!

AT HOME: What challenges did you encounter while relooking this room?

Louise: It was an involved project. We had to rip up the carpet and sand down the existing hardwood floors. 2 coats of varnish later, I was ready to start the painting and decorating. The challenge was finding furniture small enough to fit in the available spaces. This room has 2 large windows on one wall, a radiator taking up space on another and a wall of closets on yet another. Once you put the bed in place, the options for other furniture are limited. I managed to fit some elements into this room that I didn't think possible at the beginning, like the bench at the foot of the bed. I love the choice of colors and the style of the furniture. This is exactly how I envisioned the room to be. I set out to create a light and comfortable bedroom with charm, like in an elegant English bed and breakfast and I think I achieved just that.

AT HOME: What future projects do you have for your home?

Louise: Our next project is the master ensuite bathroom. Yet another challenge space. Storage is an absolute as well as good lighting and a decent size shower. But, I'm not worried, I already have some ideas up my sleeve.

AT HOME: I bet you do! Judging from the rest of the projects you have taken on in your home, I am sure this one will be yet another success for you. Good luck with it and thank you for having us over today.

The year of the Tiger

2010-02-10T06:37:00.000-08:00

February 14th marks the date of the Chinese New Year. This year we are embarking on the year of the Tiger. Each year brings a specific set of feng shui enhancements to apply within the home which aim to harness the changing energies and increases your home's harmony.

First off, it is a good idea to do some clutter clearing to get the energy moving before making any feng shui enhancements. Secondly, it may helpful to you know your home's Bagua. However, for the sake of this article I refer to the general cardinal directions.

The North feng shui area in 2010 is governed by romance and creativity. Blue and black are good colors to use in this area this year. Display images of romance or personal love symbols, as well as exciting travel destinations or creative projects. This is an ideal place to display your goals and visions for 2010. Fresh flowers are also excellent here. Avoid fire and metal elements, items or colors in the North feng shui area in 2010.

The West feng shui area receives the water elements in 2010, thus keeping in harmony with its governing element. Metal objects, round shapes and colors gray and white are recommended in this area. Feng shui cures such as a brass gourd or 6 Chinese coins can also be placed here. Avoid candles or fire elements and colors such as red, pink, purple or orange in the West in 2010.

The East feng shui area in 2010 brings helpful energy to attain and achieve your goals and recognition for your accomplishments. Use wealth and career feng shui cures here. Earth element colors are good in the East area as well as Water colors (blues and blacks). Crystals will help attract powerful energy as well as anything gold. Coins, charms or any other gold colored items that speak to you of success and wealth. Avoid the fire element colors as well as candles int he East area in 2010.

The last area to consider making feng shui enhancements for 2010 is the Center. The Center feng shui area of your home represents the energy of harmony in love relationships. You can use various feng shui cures to enhance this energy from mandarin ducks to artwork depicting love and romance. In 2010 the Center is also the place to store your financial papers and use crystals to enhance your wealth energy, especially amethyst and rose quartz. Avoid strong metal or wood elements in the Center in 2010.

I hope you have found these feng shui enhancements helpful and will put a few of them in place to improve your home's energy for 2010.

Recipe for remodeling your kitchen

2010-02-03T01:02:00.000-08:00

The next project we have decided to undertake in our home is the kitchen. We knew when we purchased our home that this room in particular needed attention. This project is proving to be a good exercise in what I love to do. Plan, organize and create.

If you are thinking of taking on a kitchen remodeling project, here are some tips to help you create the kitchen of your dreams.

Map the existing kitchen space. Be sure to include: doors, windows, radiators, electrical outlets and switches, plumbing and gaz lines. Take careful measurements, even a few centimeters can change the future layout of your kitchen.

Start to see the space as it could be (not as it exists at present). This can be difficult to do especially if you have been in your home for a long time. New types of kitchen furniture allow for clever use of corners, bars and islands.

The goal in a kitchen is to regroup the 3 work areas. Washing, preparing and cooking. It makes no sense to have your dishwasher on the other side of the kitchen from your sink. Think ergonomically. Where is the best location for YOU to store what you use on a daily basis? These choices depend on how you work within a space. Some people like to have their utensils in a pot on the counter top, others like them to be stored out of sight. Left handed people prefer to have a work surface to the left of the stove, while right handers prefer the opposite.

Ah, the fun part...choosing how your kitchen will look. Selecting a style is no easy task these days. Kitchens are now available in all colors, finishes and materials. Gone are the days of painted pine cupboards and melamine counter tops. When selecting a style consider not only the facade of the cupboards and drawers, but also the type of knobs or handles you want. These can radically change the look of your kitchen, oftentimes giving it a "touch" that makes it uniquely yours.

Set your budget! Be sure to calculate any changes you want to make besides new kitchen furniture and counter tops; such as changing the flooring, putting in more lighting, or as simple as repainting. All this counts towards the final cost of your project.

Shop around. There are loads of kitchen manufacturers to choose from. They all over different styles, quality and price. Take time (a lot of it, if you want to be well informed and negotiate a good price).

Don't skimp on safety. The kitchen is the #1 place for injuries in the home. Cuts, burns, and fires are the leaders. If you have small children install locking devises for cupboards where chemicals are kept. Use a shield around the stove top to prevent splashes and avoid pots being tipped over, and of course store knives out of reach of children. It is also a good idea to have a first aid kit in the kitchen.

Above all, when creating your new kitchen, take your time and have fun. This space is usually the hub of the home, so make it your special space.

Feng shui and color

2010-01-27T05:35:00.000-08:00

As an interior designer, I often see rooms that clients want to decorate in their favorite colors and usually it relates directly to their personality. Energetic people like warm colors, analytical people tend to like neutrals and dreamers prefer cool color schemes. As I began to explore feng shui, color schemes took on a whole new meaning to me. Now I realize those choices were not made haphazardly, those colors really spoke to my clients and fed their energy. Every color gives off a certain energy and harnessing that energy is the very eccence of feng shui. Feng shui uses the five elements as a basis of balancing energies. Each of these elements has an associated color. These colors work in harmony with each other to create an overall balance in your interior.

Here is a brief description:

Black or blue - Water energy
These colors support inner work: concentration, contemplation, mediatation and creativity. Blue can slow the heart and breathing rate and lower blood pressure. It can be used to create calm and privacy.

Green - Wood energy
Inspires growth, action anddecision-making. It can also motivate internal change.

Red - Fire energy
Supports life energy. It does the opposite of water energy. It increases the heart rate, respiration and blood pressure. It promotes activity and can alleviate depression. Besides being the color of blood (our life source) if is also the color of passion and love.

Yellow - Earth energy
It clarifies and elevates the mental state. It creates a sense of stability, focus and nurturing.

White and metallics - Metal energy
They represent purity, carefulness and focus.

Take a look around your home to see what elements are represented and which are missing. Sometimes adding just a touch of the complimentary color (or element) in your home is all that is needed to find your perfect balance of energy.

In next month's feng shui feature article, we will be focusing on feng shui enhancements for 2010.

Small bathrooms made bigger

2010-01-21T01:23:00.000-08:00

Does your bathroom feel small and cramped? Here are 10 tips to help you make the most of your small space, without breaking any walls.

Go white - colored sinks, tubs and toilets can have a dramatic affect in a bathroom, but they also make the area feel smaller. When your bathroom fittings are white you create a uniform and spacious feel. Doses of color can be used in rugs, towels and lighting.
The door war - When possible trade out your standard door for a sliding door or panel. It's a great way to save interior space in your bathroom.
Light it up - Lighting is an important factor in any sized bathroom, but when the space is small it becomes a necessity not only for practical reasons but also because it helps make the space seem larger. Consider having both a ceiling light and wall mounted lighting.
Class with glass - You can visually enlarge your bathroom by replacing wood shelves with glass ones. You can take this a step further and remove a wall hanging cupboard and replace it with shelves.
Love your curves - Square sink units take up space and create sharp angles. Curved sinks and furniture take up less physical area and are safer to get around.
Up on a pedestal - Pedestal sinks can be a great replacement for a vanity. However, you will loose precious storage space, so consider shelves or stacking boxes to hold your essentials.
Be like Switzerland - Neutral colors (pastels, soft beiges and whites) reflect light and can make a room feel larger. Painting walls, doors and trim the same color will keep visual consistency so they all flow into one another.
Up we go - Create a visual illusion of a higher ceiling by using a vertical stripe, a wallpaper boarder at ceiling height or installing a molding 15 cm down from the ceiling.
Mirror, Mirror - Mirrors visually double the space in a room. Traditionally they hang above the sink, but why not consider extending that mirror to cover the whole wall or a floor to ceiling mirror adjacent. Another way to create space using a reflective surface is to replace your shower curtain with a glass panel.
Clutter be-gone - In a small bathroom, clutter is your enemy. Keep counter tops cleared off and store only what you use on a regular basis in your bathroom. If you don't have built in storage, avoid having several different boxes and baskets to hold your necessities or try hiding your storage behind a curtain or screen.

I hope these tips offer you fresh ideas for a room that is oftentimes overlooked.

What's new for 2010

2010-01-12T04:29:00.000-08:00

Don't panic, if you have recently redecorated your rooms using beige and accents of violet. They will be around for a while. However, this year there are some new trends coming to the surface. Here's a snapshot!

Styles
Just page through some of the rooms presented in the IKEA or Pottery Barn catalog and you will have a pretty good idea of what experts have forecasted for 2010. These trends circle around African patterned textiles paired with modular furniture, a vintage feel using flea market finds and distressed leather and a 60's revival with bright floral colors balance out by metallics or pure white.

Be on the look out for:

Tribal prints on curtains and cushions
Vintage tables and lamps
Antique rugs and furniture
Simple sofas and chairs with clean lines
Oversized floor cushions in bold colors or funky patterns
Brightly colored sofas complimented by neutral colored throw pillows

Colors
Earth tones! I'll say it again...neutral colors derived from minerals, dirt and plants such as beiges, browns, rusts and greens.
Sherwin-Williams forecasts color palettes from Aboriginal and Native American cultures, as well as from the Bauhaus style of architecture. Mixing earth tones and global tones, which tend to be vibrant and bold will make for a complimentary palette. Expect to see browns, greens and other neutrals in combination with pinks, blues and yellows or purples.

The upstart colors for 2010 are yellow and green. Yellow can be used in the kitchen to stimulate digestion, but be careful not to overdo it. Green is perfect for use in the bedroom to create a calm and soothing haven. I also see the emergence of blue in all rooms in the home, especially in soft furnishings such as cushions, curtains and bedding. Purple will again be in the 2010 color palette, rich plums and vibrant violets are popping up in fabrics, flooring and even kitchens cupboards to create a stunning and unique statement.

The new awareness
All forecasts point yet again towards "going green" and sustainable products. There is an increasing desire to get back to basics with durable, high quality interior furnishings old and new. Gone are the days of the so called "disposable" flat pack furniture. People are shopping smarter, replacing their furniture less and demanding quality from manufacturers. Waste and obsolescence are no longer just accepted without question. 2010's emerging vintage look is directly related to this shift towards using furniture and accessories that stand the test of time. Flea markets and antique shops are packed while furniture store showrooms remain for the most part void of shoppers. German interior designer Annetta Palmisano states: "The desire for sustainability continues to be important and will remain so in the future. This is not a trend, but more of a new awareness, a measure of value and duty towards the planet that falls to all manufacturers, buyers and consumers. No one can shut their eyes to this issue if they are trying to look to the future."

Sources:

Lenzing Fibers

Hospitality Design

Cosmoworld

http://roxxn.wordpress.com

Resolution - Get organized!

2010-01-06T23:48:00.000-08:00

Getting organized is usually at the top of new year's resolutions lists everywhere? Whether you want to restore general order in your home so you can invite someone over on a whim, or are brave enough to tackle those piles of papers that have been collecting dust, here are some tips and resources that will give you a jumpstart for 2010.

Here's what you'll need:

Supplies - For any proper organizing job you will need: trash bags, markers, labels, cleaning supplies and boxes or storage containers adapted for what you are organizing.

A place to start - Professional organizers suggest you look through your home to find the area that drives you the most crazy - and start there! The junk drawer, for example, is a good place to get your feet wet. It is a small and manageable area, and one that can be done quickly. Once you have conquered this project, the sense of accomplishment will be just the motivation needed to take on larger projects.

Organize for how you live - Spend some time reviewing how you live in your home. Where do things pile up on a regular basis or gather dust for months? Once you have determined these things, then you can explore how you want to organize or store them.

Make a list - Write out your tasks then arrange them by theme, date or importance. Use a listing system that works for you. The important thing is to get your projects onto the list and then enjoy marking them off as they get done.

Staying organized
The key to keeping your home organized is to make a commitment. Set aside time each week to engage in an organizing project or maintain a space you have already organized. The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) conducted a poll of 400 people to see how being organized directly impacts your life. 45% responded that they could save up to an hour every day by becoming more organized at home. Wouldn't we all love to have an additional hour added to our day.

Hire a professional
A Professional Organizer is someone who creates personalized solutions to help you get organized. Their input and expertise help you restore order, reduce stress and save time. Hiring a professional may seem like an extravagance, but their ideas and solutions may be all you need to get organized and stay that way. Once you get a handle on your disorder with the help of a professional, their methods can be adapted to other areas of your home or office, making your investment well worth it.

Resources
Here are a few places to check out to help you with your organizing resolutions.
Smead offers a great site with products, information and tips on organizing. www.smead.com
Jennifer Ford's book is filling with useful solutions: Organize Now!: A week by week guide to simplify your space and your life.
Franklin Covey offers information, training and a whole range of organizing tools. www.franklincovey.com

Whatever your choose to organize and conquer this year, I wish you the best of luck and success in 2010. Happy new year!!

photo: John Blais

Cataloging catalogs

2009-12-30T00:27:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love paging through catalogs? I do! While the kids page through toy catalogs preparing their lists for Santa, I page through home store catalogs with the same enthusiasm.

Mentally I create rooms that have charm and style. Rooms that reflect a lifestyle. From the 60's retro home office to the contemporary, but cozy living room it all comes together in my minds eye from a few pages in a catalog.

If you're thinking of reinventing one of your rooms a catalog can be your source for your inspiration and your one-stop shopping guide for everything you need. Fly has their catalog organized by style, IKEA organizes theirs by room and Maison du Monde by collection. They all present rooms put together entirely from their collections...and let me tell you, there is something for everyone.

Now this doesn't mean you have to stop at catalogs for inspiration. There are some amazing interior/home magazines out there filled with ideas for the taking. From country to contemporary there are magazines for all tastes to be satisfied. So pour yourself a cup of tea and enjoy the world of interiors through the pages of your favorite catalog.

Holiday tables

2009-12-22T00:21:00.000-08:00

Whether you're having the whole family around for a traditional meal or keeping it intimate for the holidays. Nothing is more welcoming than a fabulous looking table. Here are a couple ideas to get your creative juices flowing for that perfect setting.

Get the kids involved by making napkin rings and place cards
If you have several dish sets, mix and match them
Exchange your dishes or silverware with a friend this year
Try a theme table: baroque, disco, hearts or stars
Use nature by decorating with fruits and vegetables, plants and spices
For an informal lunch or dinner, prepare a picnic in your living room, complete with plaid blanket.

Remember, it is not only how your table looks that will leave a lasting impression on your guests, but also the ambiance you create. The lighting, the smells, the sounds. Vary your lighting to signal the start of your meal. Use scented candles or flowers to freshen up your room. Create a CD or playlist to match your decor.

Good luck creating that special table and holiday decor this year and merry Christmas from us at Relook Interiors!

Feng Shui for the holidays

2009-12-15T00:45:00.000-08:00

The holidays are a time when we come together with friends and family. They can also be hectic and tax our patience. This holiday season why not incorporate some feng shui techniques into your home to alleviate stress and increase your well being.

One way to do this is simply by placing your Christmas tree in family and community area of your home. (click here to see where that lies in your home) This area is governed by the wood element and the color green, so it's the perfect place for your Christmas tree. It will enhance your ties to those around you, and your home's harmony.

Burning candles or lighting a fire in the chimney will purify your personal energy. In the evening, try grouping candles together to light your room instead of using lamps. Similarly, if you have guests coming you may want to burn incense before they arrive. Smoke is a wonderful purifier. It helps alter the energy of your home and signals to your visitors that they are entering your pure and harmonious home. The most common and effective scents are sage, sweet grass or cedar. If you prefer to use essential oils to balance and purify your home try: pine, eucalyptus, ylang-ylang, or neroli.

Color also plays an important role in your home during the holiday season. Because green, red and the elements of fire and wood are yang oriented, you will want to balance out some of that strong energy with some calming yin energy in the form of blue, silver, gray or white. That being said, a wonderful color for the holiday season is purple or shades of violet. These are great for meditation, healing and reconnecting with your spiritual side, which is often overlooked during this festive season. It is also a very effective color in the fame and social life area of the home to enhance social recognition and reinforce personal goals.

Christmas is also the time of year when our homes are bombarded by clutter. It is important to keep a handle on what comes in to maintain a flow of good energy. Unwanted gifts, Christmas cards, wrapping paper and piles of trash for the bin are potential hazards to the harmony you want to maintain in your home.

Finally, here are a couple quick feng shui tips for those moments when you entertain guests in your home:

Remove knives from your counter tops - by placing them out of sight you symbolically reduce the likelihood of arguments and irritability
Use an oval or round dining table - the circular shape is symbolic of eternal unity and there is no risk of the a sharp edge which "cuts chi"
Aim for octagonal or circular shaped seating - this avoids an imbalance and someone feeling being cut off from the group and is conducive to easy communication
Remove the coffee table from the middle of the living room - this creates an open welcoming place for your guests to gather and allows more chi energy to flow amongst you

I hope these simple feng shui techniques bring peace and harmony to you and your home.

photo: Rachel Follett

Lights...candles...action!

2009-12-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

I love candles, especially when the cold months roll in. That warm glow gives a cozy feel to every room of the house. Even during the day, candles can be lit to brighten up a dark corner or to diffuse a pleasant aroma throughout your room.

With endless choices of colors, sizes and scents, decorating with candles is fun and easy. If you are a bit more creative, try accenting your candles with whatever you have around the house or garden.

Here are a couple tips for helping your candles last longer:

Trim the wick to 1cm (1/4 inch)
Refrigerate before use (place in a ziplock bag to avoid the wick absorbing moisture)
Put a few grains of salt in the hallow around the wick
For large pillar candles, bend (or hug) the warmed wax in towards the wick
Keep candles away from drafts
Keep wicks straight to prevent uneven burning

Here is a easy idea for decorating candles from a fellow Minnesotan, Rebecca Cole. This can easily be incorporated into your holiday table centerpiece.

How to decorate a pillar candle

Why Stage your home for sale?

2009-12-02T01:54:00.000-08:00

Home staging is the process of transforming your interior into an appealing space for potential buyers. Staging your home before putting it on the market will:

Prepare your home for a fast and profitable sale.
Make your home stand out among its competition.
Prepare you for your upcoming move.

In the current real estate market, only the best properties gets sold quickly. Home Staging accelerates the sale of properties by creating an interior that potential buyers WANT to live in. Statistics prove that Home Staging also reduces the negotiation of price. It is difficult to justify a price reduction if you present an impeccable interior that is orderly and spacious.

Potential buyers visit several properties and decide within the first 90 seconds if they like it or not. Home Staging helps you go beyond the theory of “buying the 4 walls.” It draws visitors into your home and leaves them imaging themselves already living there.

Staging helps you prepare for your upcoming move by identifying the excess, the broken, the unneeded or the unwanted. A good Home Stager will leave no drawers unturned. Buyers are picky about what they see and don’t see. Storage and organization are essential to potential buyers.

Home Staging services vary by the professional, most work on a duel service basis. The first being the consultation and the second being the implementation of the recommendations from the consultation. Of course, staging comes with a price, however, it is quickly absorbed by the fast sale and profit you make from selling your home for the value it is worth. Staging also has the added benefit of giving you the piece of mind and direction to pack and prepare yourself for your upcoming move, and that is a price worth paying...

AT HOME with...Patricia

2009-11-24T01:45:00.000-08:00

The moment you walk into Patricia's house you are overcome with a feeling of not only a beautiful home, but one that is stylish and functional. We sat down with this busy mom of two kids to find out how she keeps all the balls up in the air and has time for interior projects as well.

AT HOME: What was your last decorating project in your home?

Patricia: The living room. We replaced the wall shelving with book cases and repainted the entire room a light buff color. The color was chosen to go with the wall hanging we would be putting up. We wanted this special piece of art work by a German artist to be the focal point of the room.

AT HOME: What challenges did you encounter while decorating your living room?

Patricia: It took a great deal of work to get the whole room looking like how we wanted it to. The configuration of the furniture, comfortable seating, and finding the right bookshelves. We wanted to keep an open space in room to move around in, and of course finding an ideal location for our special art work so it could be enjoyed from every angle. Our budget was tight but we made good use of elements that we had and love, like the coffee table that use to belong to my parents.

AT HOME: Where do you get your inspiration to decorate?

Patricia: From the house itself, it dates back to the late 19th century and we like to use that as our base.

AT HOME: What aspects do you love about your interior?

Patricia: The basic architecure of the house: the high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows with arched tops, the original cement tile floors. I also like to play with textures in my interior mix and matching thick rugs with smooth curtains, offsetting the solid fabric on furniture with patterned throw pillows.

AT HOME: What future projects do you have for your home?

Patricia: Transforming the garage into a master bedroom. It's a big project and there are many factors that are complicated and expensive like moving the fuel tank, plumbing and electricity, and getting permission to do this type of remodeling from the city. But it is exciting to think about how the space "could" look and that's half the fun of the project!

AT HOME: Thank you Patricia for having us "at home" with you and sharing your insights about your interior. Good luck on your future projects!

In this series, we have the pleasure of being invited into the homes of creative and stylish people whose interiors are not only beautiful, but also cozy and livable. Each of our participants shares our values of using their existing resources to relook, reinvent and reorganize their space.

Calendars to keep you organized

2009-11-18T00:09:00.000-08:00

With 2010 being right around the corner, it's time to think about what type of calendar you are going to choose to keep you organized in the upcoming year.

Finding the right calendar system can help you be more productive and efficient, but how do you choose one that is best suited to you?

Here are some tips to help...

Think about what type of events you need to keep track of. Are they daily, weekly or monthly? Is your schedule repetitive or do you have to keep track of multiple tasks?

Consider what type of support works best for you. Electronic, mobile or paper? If you work in front of a computer, perhaps having an electronic calendar is best. Most companies have systems that link their employees calendars with each others to help meeting planning. If you are always on the move, perhaps a mobile calendar is easiest for you. Especially if you have a tactile telephone or a PDA. Then there are the paper models of calendars. These can range from pocket size to wall size and with very configuration possible. You may even choose to have ALL of these.

Don't be afraid to test different types and formats of calendars at the beginning of the year. Sometimes our lives change and the type calendar we have always been using will become ineffective. There was a time in my life when the format of a standard wall calendar was all I needed, however, now I need a format that allows me to keep track of hourly appointments and has room for my "to-do" list.

I hope these tips help you find a calendar that keeps you organized in your daily life and don't forget to "pencil us in" for future postings on organizing.

Relooking project #2

2009-11-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Functional and funky was what I had in store for this 1950's buffet. It's destination: the summer kitchen. It would be used to store plates, glasses and silverware we use when we eat outside. Therefore I went for something fresh and retro. Here's how I relooked it:

removed doors and drawers
cleaned and sanded all surfaces
removed zinc trim and handles and painted them with zinc colored spray paint
removed damaged film from glass doors and replaced it with an electro-static semi-transparent film
applied "violet fig" paint with the help of my low-pressure paint sprayer
cut PVC flooring to size and glued it down, then replaced the zinc trim
line drawers and shelves with silver shelf paper

Total cost = 103€

Because of its location, I could have really gotten carried away. However, I stuck to something simple and colorful that evokes the tastes of everyone in the family.

Feng Shui AT HOME

2009-11-04T05:14:00.000-08:00

The Chinese have relied on feng shui for over 3,000 years. Fung shui is about living in harmony with our surroundings, balancing and enhance the energy flow (known as chi) in homes and gardens. By correctly directing this chi energy you can improve the health, harmony, and abundance in your home. You can also boost your productivity, creativity and improve relationships. This is done by: applying some logical guidelines, moving around what you already have, and incorporating some feng shui "charms" into your home to unblock and/or change the energy flow.

Many of the principles of feng shui are common sense and based on intuition. When incorporating these principles into your home, aim for simplicity, think creatively, and trust your instinct!

In this series I will share some simple, but effective feng shui techniques. This month:

Feng shui for Fall

Feng shui is deeply rooted in nature. Our energy patterns follow closely those of nature. The changing of the seasons is just one way for us to connect and align ourselves with this nature and enhance our sense of balance in life. Fall is the season of gathering and storing. It is a time for preparation for the long winter ahead. So here are some ways to increase your feng shui energy at home:

If you haven't already, pull out those warm winter blankets and quilts.
Drape a throw blanket or shawl over your sofa
Use warm colored or richly textured throw pillows
Create a warm ambiance by using candles
Cover your floor with a thick rug
Use small stacks of books as a cozy decor
Bring the season indoors with plants, flowers, leaves and even vegetables

It is not necessary to do all of these, you may even have some other ideas or traditions that enhance your energy for the season. In my home, we stock up on canned goods and winter reading materials which give us the sense of being prepared for spending more time indoors on those cold winter nights to come.

Paris, Je t'aime!

2009-10-29T01:51:00.000-07:00

Parisian memorabilia has always been popular on both sides of the pond, however recently the Eiffel Tower is popping up everywhere I look! A trend perhaps...or is it because this year the tower turned 120? Who knows, but don't miss out putting a bit of "oo, la la" in your interior.

Tea towel: http://www.souvenirsofparis.com/french-dishtowels/index.html
Lamp: http://www.target.com/Eiffel-Tower-Table-Lamp/dp/B000Z4WS56
Cushion: http://www.auberginette.com/COLLECTION.html

Organizing AT HOME - Kid's rooms

2009-10-23T02:24:00.000-07:00

Ask any parent and they will tell you, the messiest room in their home is their kid's room. So how do we help these little people develop a sense of organization? There are methods like making it into a game, "the first one that finishes picking up their room gets a treat" or a punishment "you are not to come out of your room until it's CLEAN" or the default "just wait till you go to school and I come in here with my big garbage bag". Yes, most of us as parents have been there. Try as we might, the room inevitably gets messy again and again. The best we can do is:

Give them furniture that is adapted to their needs (quantity and functionality)
Limit on a daily basis what goes in their rooms and get them thinking from day to day
Regularly sort through their things with them and let them discover how best to organize their things. (your method may not be the same as theirs).

To elaborate, a child needs "kid-friendly" furniture: a dresser that can be easily opened and closed, hanging space for clothes that is not too tall, storage shelves or cupboard that is at their height, a desk and chair that is comfortable and has room for their materials. A basket or bin for their dirty clothes and a garbage can.

Look for organizers that make their daily routine easier. This one from Verbaudet is excellent for helping them pick out their clothes.

Avoid letting their rooms become the dumping ground for everything they bring into the home. Sort through their school bags and pockets when they come in. It is easier to deal with their influx a little each day, than to have it accumulate over time with the results looking like Hiroshima.

Despite your best efforts to stop clutter at the front door you will need to spend time helping your kids sort, clean and arrange their rooms. Let them tell you how they like to arrange their things. Don't expect logic to reign here. Everyone has their own organizing style. Case in point, my daughter has a book shelf in her room, but she likes a small pile of books next to her bed because that is where she reads. That is her organizing style, not mine. Whatever she is not reading at the moment is however arranged on her book shelf.

These are just a few ideas to help you "Kontain Kiddy Klutter". Enjoy and good luck!

Relooking project #1

2009-10-18T03:15:00.000-07:00

This dirty, unused and boring IKEA shoe cabinet was left behind by our homes previous owner. Being a family of 4 - all shoe lovers - this was a perfect housewarming gift in disguise.

I hauled it up from the basement and gave it a good clean and a quick sand with a fine grade sandpaper. I ousted those tacky white handles and filled the holes with silicone caulk. I then used my trusty paint sprayer to put 2 fine coats of brownish-taupe paint on it. When it was dry, I drilled 3 holes (one in each drawer) and fitted my antique bronze pulls, giving it a stylish and elegant finishing touch. This may seem like a lot of work to you, but in reality it took me less than a weekend to complete.

The total cost of the project (paint and knobs): 15€

This may not be the most impressive furniture makeover I have completed, but it sure is one of the most useful ones. There are exactly 33 pairs of shoes in that cabinet and a lavender sachet to boot!

Where do the pros go?

2009-10-13T03:06:00.000-07:00

Every pro draws their inspiration from someone or something. My biggest source of inspiration comes from the renowned antique and interior expert, Judith Miller. She is the author of over 80 books and guides on interiors, antiques and collectibles!

Miller, like me, became interested in antiques and interiors by visiting junk shops and flea markets and picking up treasures for next to nothing. However, unlike me, she spent hours researching and attending antique fairs. All that diligent research paid off because now she is recognized as one of the world's leading experts in the field of antiques and interior styles.

Besides her successful antique price guides, Miller also appears on several television programs including: "The Antiques Roadshow" and "The House Detectives".

Her books, which are never far from arm's reach in my home, include: The Style Sourcebook, Styles and Colors, and Inspired Interiors. Each page is filled with wonderful photos, descriptions and explanations. They are timeless and serve as a valuable resource for me when relooking homes for people of all tastes and styles.

Judith also has a great blog for antique enthusiasts, check it out: http://www.millersantiquesguide.com/blog/

Home Staging Works!

2009-10-05T23:38:00.000-07:00

When Home Staging started showing fruitful benefits in the United States as far back as the 1970's the rest of the world took notice. However, France has taken a bit longer to recognize that Home Staging really DOES work.

In July 2009, while in the throws of the economic recession, the first statistics on Home Staging in France were released. The outcome:

Homes that have been staged reduce the average percentage of negotiations from 11, 42% to only 3,24%.

The average UNSTAGED home stays on the market for 127 days. A home that has been STAGED sells in an average of 19,5 days!

Home Staging is a proven way for home sellers to save thousands of euros. Contact me at Relook Interiors for more Home Staging benefits.

Maison à part - July 2009