Wake Up Your Windows

Ho-hum – is that how you feel about your windows? You have your blinds or shutters and have decorated the room with beautiful furnishings. But, something just doesn’t feel right or seems unfinished.

Draperies, valances or cornices can be just the touch you need to complete the look. Here are a couple of before and after pictures. What do you think? What a difference a drapery can make in the overall look and feel of a room.

BEFORE

AFTER

At Carol’s we can help you choose the perfect fabric and style to compliment your surroundings. From traditional to contemporary and everywhere in between, our decorators can help you turn your Ho-hum windows into spectacular artwork.

If you have the desire to explore options for your windows and need help in making those decisions, give Carol’s Custom Draperies a call. Our trained staff will be more than happy to help you make those decisions.  Give Samantha or Victoria a call at 940-565-8337.

Do you have decorating questions that you just can’t seem to find the answers to? Here are several that I have been asked recently. I hope they are answers that will help you.

How do I make a small space look bigger?

• Start by using lighter colors on the walls and floors. This makes the room feel airy.
• Using lamps instead of overhead fixtures will spread the light throughout the room.
• Use dramatic art pieces to make the room look more expansive.

How do I decorate a bookshelf?

• On a painted bookcase paint the inside a couple of shades darker than the room color.
• Add unexpected items, eye-catching antiques, porcelain statues and pictures to inspire interest and conversation.

How do I decorate a small kitchen?

• Create an illusion of space with under cabinet lighting. With the proper type of lighting the kitchen can be made to appear larger and more pleasing.
• Replace solid cabinet doors with glass front ones to add depth and the illusion of a larger space.
• Remove clutter from the countertops and shelving.
• Direct the eye upward by creatively decorating the space above your upper cabinets.

At what height do I hang my pictures?

• Museum and Gallery standard is 57” to the center of the picture or grouping from the floor. If you stick to this standard, you create a harmony among ALL the pictures in your home.
• Always place your pictures where they are pleasing from a standing viewpoint.

Do you have decorating questions? Please email to us at carcollins@msn.com and we will address them next month.

And as always – Happy Decorating!

Designing With Carol

Every year we all tend to set new goals and resolutions to somehow lose weight, save money, spend more time with friends and family. But do we stop and think about setting goals for our homes? Before January gets away from us let’s look at a few things we can do to make our homes more beautiful in 2015. And in the process make it more efficient.

We all love the tips and suggestions that HGTV has to offer. Here are five resolutions their experts suggest we can do.

1. Clear the Clutter. Over a year’s time I can collect more “stuff” that I might be able to use somewhere or something that I just have to have. Before long my cabinets are full, the decorative items on the shelves are pushing each other off and there’s too much to even dust around. That leads to a dirty and, might I add, a dated look. Go through and pick the items that mean the most to you and pack the rest to be distributed to others who may have more use for them.
2. Change the batteries. This is a great time to check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors for low batteries. I know, most people use the daylight savings time rule to take care of this chore. It never hurts to check it twice.
3. Shrink your energy bills. Only burn lights where you need them. As mom use to say, “Turn off those lights when you leave the room.” If you are away from home much of the day, invest in a thermostat with a timer to function only during those times you are at home. Wash and dry full loads of clothes.
4. Clean with a system. Develop a system for keeping hour home clean. Make sure dirty dishes are stowed in the dishwasher every night. Don’t be faced with that chore in the morning. Same goes for dirty clothes. The bed post does not count as a closet. Vacuuming, dusting, cleaning mirrors and bathrooms can be tackled, normally, once a week. You be the judge.

I had a few parties during the holidays, forcing me to keep my home clean and clutter-free. It really feels good coming into a well-organized environment. I’ve decided to resolve to keep it that way. Well, we will see if that resolution is kept.

I’ve listed only a very few of the simple things we can all do in this new year to make our homes happy homes. If you have the desire to delve deeper into beautifying your home and need help in making those decisions, give Carol’s a call. Our trained staff will be more than happy to help you make those decisions. Resolve to give Samantha or Victoria a call at 940-565-8337. That’s one resolution you’ll be glad you made.

And as always – Happy Decorating!

- Carol Collins, Carol’s Custom Draperies
CarolsDraperies.com