Welcome Home

Nothing is more beautiful than a home whose décor says “You are Welcome in our home.” So, just how do you say welcome?

First, create a welcoming first impression on the outside. Make sure that your address is prominently display so your guests have no doubts that this is, indeed, your home.

Make sure your yard is tidy with nicely trimmed shrubs and walkways. Blooming plants in season always says “I welcome you to my home.”

Approaching the front door make sure you have your “welcome mat” out. That mat includes the mat itself, seasonal flowers in beautifully arranged pots and a wreath on the door.

Upon entering your home scents are always welcome. Burn your favorite candles, scency pots or even a dish of scented potpourri.

Dishes and jars of candy/nuts placed around the room let your guests know you are glad to have them in your home.

In the bathroom make sure you have paper hand towels available for guests to dry their hands.

Soft music playing in the background is always inviting to your guests. If you know your guests very well you probably know their tastes in music. That’s a great starting point. If not, smooth jazz is always great. Just make sure it’s playing softly so as not to interfere with conversation.

The little things you can do to make your guests feel welcome are simple, yet so very important. Make an effort to create a welcoming  environment for your guests – you’ll enjoy it too.

Visit us at our new location at 535 S. Locust St. in Denton. We are about 5 blocks south of the downtown Square. Don’t worry about the parking – we have our own parking lot.

And as always – Happy Decorating!

Outdoor Living

Yes, I know it is hot and your thoughts are probably far from lounging in an outdoor living space. But, let’s face it, we all love to entertain with a bar-b-que. And, if you have a pool – that makes it even more inviting. So, let’s talk “dress up” for your outdoor living space.

The first thing you should do is to create a visual centerpiece. That can be done with anything from a strategically placed furniture arrangement, a fireplace, a water feature, or a combination. Spa and pool designer Skip Howard suggests that your outdoor living space might include all the basic elements of nature: fire, water, sky and earth. In his designs, Howard uses “complementary contrasts of the soothing sound of water with the comforts of fire and light, flavoring them with natural elements in the surface of the different elements.”

Now, let’s take it a step further and bring in some interests with brightly colored fabrics. Sunbrella Fabrics has many beautiful fabrics available for cushions and draperies that makes it difficult to keep them outside. You might think about bringing them inside to spruce up a playroom. But, that’s another article.

Yes, I said draperies – Outside! How fun is that! I would suggest Grommet-top drapery panels to drape the columns of your patio. Grommet panels are easy to pull and less likely to be damaged by the wind. Drapery hardware companies are including outdoor rods for your space in their offerings. You don’t have to worry about damages from the extreme heat or cold. Included in their selections are the same beautiful finishes and finials as you choose for your inside windows.

Your furniture can be of rustic wooden design or you can select the more sleek design of iron. Add another element to the design to include glass. All are beautiful!

Showcase your furniture on a rug specifically designed for the patio.

Do I have you excited yet? Want to know how you can create your outdoor living space? We are full of great ideas to make your outdoor living space a place to be no matter what time of year it is.

Give me a call to schedule your appointment or visit my showroom on the historic downtown Denton Square. We are here to help you with all of your decorating needs. We are a full line Hunter Douglas Gallery dealer as well as interior decorators. We have all you need in window fashions and decorating ideas of your home.

And as always - Happy Decorating!!



Patio Pizazz – Sandee Champ, owner of Unique Outdoor Exteriors