Shabby Chic- So Romantic!

                                                   So Shabby!

Shabby Chic had been around for a long time. It's such an eclectic style. It combines country with traditional with transitional. It is just so refreshing to walk into a space like this. Lucky for me- I got to be a part of it.

This style allows for great finds without a set style or theme to worry about. Only if I didn't have kids- I'd love an all white room :)

With details such as tear drop chandeliers and fresh flowers, I would never want to leave. I would love to hear what you think. Leave me a comment and tell me about your space.

Also- thinking about having a giveaway for April. Cast your vote for what should be offered and be automatically entered.

You too could have this shabby chic window treatment in your home!

Buying Fabric Online

With today's online marketplace, sourcing great fabric couldn't be easier! I defiantly enjoy buying fabric. In fact I would say that I buy more than I will ever use, personally or professionally.  Recently I had a client ask me to source out some fabric for her that she wanted to have constructed into shades. Ok! Nothing new here. So I go to my favorite online shops and send her some ideas. She decides on what she likes best and I order it.

Boy! Was I in for a surprise! Usually I expect the fabric to be a little off from what I see but this particular time, it was practically a different fabric. What a disappointment!

So now I get to contact this client and hope she really didn't love it THAT much.  Word of caution- always get a swatch if you can. Otherwise you may end up very unhappy!

These are the two fabrics I ordered online. To me, they both look like they are in the beige, ivory, neutral tone.





















This is what they look like when they arrived!

This one is totally yellow!

                                                                                     This one is on a blue background!

How to Determine Your Decorating Style- Part 2

Yesterday we looked at a contemporary room and saw some ways to incorporate the design into out spaces. Today, we are going to look at a traditional room and what that means in 2010.

Traditional doesn't necessarily mean your grandmothers home. Traditional,  typically,  has the characteristics of being a warm and inviting space.

Personally, I have a very hard time with traditional spaces. Not with window treatments because it usually features a very classic style. I find it very difficult to accessorize a traditional space. More times than not, I find,  it is overdone. Too many patterns and too many colors. Below is a great example of traditional design decorated to perfection.

traditional living room design by san francisco interior designer MARK MORRIS DESIGN GROUP


 

This room has 3 definite colors. Red, green, and blue. Remember, designers always work with odd numbers. It is accented with a polished gold. Like the jewelry of the room.

Want to mimic this room on a budget? Look at what I found-

 Find it here

Find it here

Find it here

Find it here

Whatever your style is, always remember that design is an expression of one's self. It's always to incorporate your voice into your space!

Until next time.........

How to Determinde Your Decorating Style Part1

Do you know what it means to have a contemporary, modern, traditional, or transitional taste? Do you know the difference?

CONTEMPORARY

Joseph Pubillones
Interior Designer
Joseph Pubillones Interiors, Inc.
Website: www.jp-interiors.com

Contemporary design is very fresh and clean. Uncluttered and highlighted with a few select and distinguished design pieces. I love what Joseph did in this room. I can visualize two sisters sharing a room like this or if you're lucky enough to have a guest bedroom :)
 Would you like to learn how to make this headboard for less than $100? Cast your vote!

Want to mimic this room on a budget? Look at what I found-

Thevintagerobin

DotandLine

RossSpanglerArts

FrenchCurves

Inspirational Decorating - Deciding How to Dress Your Windows

Inspirational Decorating-

Deciding how to dress your windows can be a painstaking task. Let's discuss some key point before you decide on a treatment.

1. Do I need privacy in this room?
If you feel like your window is actually the inside of a fishbowl because of traffic or because it faces a neighbor's window, then you need a treatment that at least offers you the option of privacy. However, if your window looks out onto a wooded area and offers the opportunity to take the outside in, perhaps you need no dressing at all or simply one that leaves the window uncovered. 

2. Is light control important to the room?
Consider what activities are taking place throughout the day. If you watch television in this room, you may need to control the amount of light and the glare that is dispensed in the space. Likewise, in a bedroom, you may want to control the light when you want to sleep in on those rare occasions:)

3. How important is light to your well being?
Some people require more sunlight than others. If you crave light but have the issue of privacy, you may want to choose a transparent or sheer treatment. It can offer privacy as well as diffuse the light.

4. What style and feel am I looking for?
This is a big one! I often ask a client what style they are going for in their room. Every single person has a different representation of what those general styles are. I'd rather you think of the feel that you'd like to achieve in your space. This translates to the enigmatic word, ambience- and this is where your own personal style really comes into play.

5. Will untreated windows allow too much heat to escape in the winter or make cooling my home difficult in the summer?
Window coverings have a huge impact on money-saving strategies by offering better temperature control.   In the winter, open them to allow light and heat to penetrate the room during the warmest part of the day. At night close them as tightly as possible to keep it in. In the summer, close them during the day and open at night to cool the room. Choosing close-fitting treatments and adding lining and interlining is a great investment in your homes efficiency.

6. How committed am I to maintaining my window treatments?
This answer not only will affect the window treatment that you choose but, also the fabric that it should be constructed in. Your chosen fabric needs to have a cleaning method that you can live with.

7. Does the room function change from day to night?
At night, undressed windows are distracting and uninviting. If you plan on spending a good deal of evening time in a room- such as a family room- it is usually best to choose a treatment that can cover these "black holes."

8. Will my chosen window treatment be highly visible from outside?
If so, pay attention to the lining fabric. There is nothing worst than 5 front windows to the street that all have a different color treatments. Can you say funhouse?This is where lining is important once again. Keep it neutral and you will have continuity.




 

Hottest Designer Color for 2010

Do you know what the hottest color of 2010 is? I have been using this color for years. It's actually my favorite and is what my home is deigned around. It's turquoise! Chocolate brown, turquoise and burnt orange is my favorite color combination! Add some  polished chrome or stainless steel and you have a designer room.

Many homeowners feel they cannot follow the latest interior decorating trend without a complete redecorating budget. However, keeping up with the design trends can be done simply and inexpensively by planning ahead and using just a few tricks of the trade

The key is designing your space around a neutral background. It is always wise to keep high ticket upholstery and furniture in a neutral color. Design around these pieces. When you buy a floral sofa or a checkered love seat you are grounded to those colors and theme. Keep it simple. Choose a white, black, tan, beige etc. Color will POP off of these arrangements. It doesn't need to be expensive to have a designer room.

Neutral does not need to be boring. Introducing various textures, tones, hues and patterns into the space – even when decorated in only neutral colors – will keep the room interesting and inviting. These large and expensive purchases, when kept neutral, are a little like a blank canvas, ready to accept the next design trend that comes along.

See more HERE

M

Mabley Handler Interior Design














I love to add color to drapery and window treatments. It brings continuity to a room and can really pull it all together! Take a look at these great silk drapery panels!

                                                                   Find these Here



Great finds on Etsy using turquoise in the search-

Great value at $25
Find it here

 Complicated Matters Too- Art Print

Silver leaf chair








Try and bring turquoise in your living space. It's so fun to change up the style with some fun trends!

MODERN COLORS

Modern colors seem to be a fuzzy decorating category. There aren't too many resources for what this style means. Lets start with what the dictionary defines modern as.
Modern- 
of, pertaining to, or characteristic of contemporary styles of art, literature, music, etc., that reject traditionally accepted or sanctioned forms and emphasize individual experimentation and sensibility.

So, basically modern design would be what traditional is not. More importantly, expressing and emphasizing ones own style. Modern colors for 2010 are bold and fresh. Lively and rich. Although we maybe beyond the idea that our walls should stay white, many homeowners have a hard time choosing colors for their interior spaces.

My favorite way to help a client with color is to look through their closets. Their closets? Yes, that's exactly what I do. Decorating a room is like getting dressed for the day. We usually start with the main components of our wardrobe. Shirt, pants, blouse, skirt, or dress. In the decorating world, this would be the main color of our space, the walls. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that we should paint our walls black because that's what we wear the most. This is what we start with. We then add shoes to accent or dress down the outfit. Then we accessorize with jewelery, watches, scarves etc. So? What does all of this have to do with my bedroom or living room or whatever room?

To incorporate color I'd like for you to think of your space as an outfit. What is your style? Do you dress to make a statement or do you prefer neutral colors with a bit of bling? Lets take a basic black suit. We can accessorize with just about anything. A silver chain and a big red bangle braclet with those faux croc red heels. It works. It's not matchy matchy and it emphasizes style. The same goes for a room.

We can start with a neutral  color on the walls (Shirt and pants) and add color to that.

 

This is an example of that red bangle and croc shoes. Dress your rooms the modern way! Just like you dress yourself.

Here are few more modern color ideas that I'd like to show you for inspiration. Notice the large bold prints. It's almost a minimalist look with big punches of color.

 Alexa's Blog

ColourLovers has a great site about color tends and style. Visit Them

I hope you found some of this inspiring and I challenge you to look in your closet for some inspiration! Modern colors are fun and fresh! Why not incorporate some?

INTRODUCE YOUR WINDOWS TO THE 21st CENTURY!

As a decorator I see the same questions, concerns, and mistakes on a daily basis. I like to compare the decorator/ client relationship like one you have with your hair stylist ( I have an awesome one by the way if you're in the NYC area :)] Typically my potential client has seen something on television, magazine, or book that she/he has fallen in love with. This client wants me to create that treatment for her home on a window that is the total opposite of what they have.

Today I'd like to introduce your windows to the 21st century. When I say this, I am not implying that modern or contemporary styles are for everyone. Really, I'm saying the exact opposite. Swags are very traditional and beautiful, even today! Austrian shades don't have to be formal and stuffy! I'd like all of you to think outside of the box. Who says that window treatments need to match the wall color? Or that a valance needs to be in a print? Or that you should hang those dreadful plastic horizontal blinds under a shade? Isn't that what a shade is for? To raise up and down just like a blind for light control and privacy?

Here is an updated version of a swag..........this says 21st century without losing that traditional style!

It may seem like I'm ranting a little bit(maybe I am :) But I'd really like to see all of you try and see alternatives to what may seem "appropriate."

Here is an awesome new product by Blome! It's a lighted curtain rod. How awesome is that for ambient lighting?

Until next time...........Thank you to you all!

Ready Made VS Custom Made Window Treatments

Apples and Oranges?


Today's market is bombarded with ready made window treatments. You can find them everywhere! From a department store to the dollar store. But? What really is the difference? They all have the same basic function. To cover or decorate a window opening. In all honesty the difference is tremendous! It's like apples and oranges.

What Ready-Made is......and What it's NOT!

Ready-made window treatments are easily available. Their price range can be anywhere from
$15- $90+ a panel. They come in select sizes. Usually finding anything more than 84" long is difficult. Which limits where to hang your hardware. There are many available colors and patterns to choose from at different stores. Although shade choices can be challenging. Ready-made window treatments don't have many header choices. Usually you can get a flat panel, a rod pocket, or a tab top. These treatments are usually made of fair fabric and are seldom lined and never interlined.

Custom window treatments give the client an unlimited amount of choices. There basically aren't any limits. From color, to function, to material. The biggest advantage to custom made is the materials used.

Lining and Interlining - Generally, Ready-Made Drapery is not lined, or if it is, the lining is of very poor quality. Custom Drapery is always lined with top-quality white or ivory satin lining. Quality lining gives drapery treatments greater body, and also extends the life of your drapery fabric. Interlining, or Bump, is best used with silks and more delicate fabrics, as it gives fine fabrics more fullness, and also acts as insulation in cooler climates. You will never find interlining in Ready-Made Drapery.

Panel Widths - Ready-Made Drapery comes in single-width panels. If you wish to cover a larger window, you will need multiple panels and they will not be attached to each other. If the panels have a pattern, the pattern will most likely not appear in the same location on each panel. Custom Draperies are made to order, so no matter what width you need, your panels will be sewn together, and patterns will seldom be interrupted or broken.

Workmanship - Besides the differences mentioned above, Custom Draperies will meet the following criteria:

4" Double-turned heading with crinoline for shape and stability

4" Double-turned bottom hem, blind stitched for added body

1 1/2" Double-turned side hems, blind stitched for smooth edges

Weighted hems when needed

But most importantly, when you purchase Custom Draperies, you also receive the services, knowledge, and expertise of a Window Professional.

Drapery

Like I said earlier, I have had my share of sewing in many different fields. Currently I am a drapery seamstress, and love it! I am very fond of the calculations it takes to master home decoration. It can be very creative, as in the fabrics you choose but, is very precise all the same. I am in love with constructing silk Dupioni drapery panels. I have definatly learned a few tricks of the trade along the way.

I remember growing up in my grandmothers house. She had a 1950's Singer. She used to try and sew all the time. She would make my sister and I dresses. God! I hated them. I always felt so stupid. She thought it was ok to hem a pair of jeans with a straight stitch with white thread. Hahaha.
She also made all the curtains in her house. She had a different set for every season and holiday. She really did take pride in what she did. As a child, I really didn't know the difference. Today, although is a different story. I look at her windows now and it really inspired me to master the craft. The idea of sewing on one setting and with one type of thread for all materials is just baffling. Of course I compliment her for all of her projects always trying to give advice. She likes to do it her way!

Etsy

In the next few weeks I will be launching a shop on etsy.com. I am very excited to begin this project. All though sewing is not new to me, blogging and online selling is. As I grow this blog I hope that you will enjoy what's to come. I intend to express my creativity and help a few a long the way. Sewing is a passion for many of us and educating ourselves throughout is not only rewarding but fun! I can't wait to share my tips as well as my successes and failures.