1. Tahiti- Orange (Green) by Fab Habitat; 2. Oslo and Amber by Fab Habitat ; Jute Bag (All come with it) by Fab Habitat; 4. Venice- Cream and Turquoise (Pink) by Fab Habitat

Starting mid May most of us trade our living rooms to outdoor living for whatever it is worth. And if you are like me, living on the East Coast, you most likely crave an hour with the book on the beach or in the park. Perhaps, more parties are planned for this summer. But because summer is so short you do not necessarily want to spend a fortune on outdoor decorating. If this is the case, your first summer friend might be an outdoor rug you can take to the beach, backyard or your favorite park spot.

Fab Habitat Rugs

• Recycled Plastic Rugs – World Collection
• Woven from straws made up of recycled plastic
• Washable: just shake or hose off for easy cleaning
• Reversible: change the look of your decor
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor uses
• Lightweight: comes with jute bag

 Which one is your favorite? Don’t forget to tell us! Then enter the contest here  

If it is time for your little boy to make a move from the dinosaurs era and you want his room to last,  themes are not a good idea.

So, be a smart and make your boy’s room into a cozy, fun place with no themes attached.

Your boy does not care as much as yourself about the look of his room, right? All he cares about is that his favorite toys are there.

His interests and obsessions will change very quickly as he grows, so think about boys’ bedrooms ideas that are easier on yourself and your wallet. This does not always mean that you should buy the cheapest stuff, but rather things of the best quality you can afford that are not “themed” and will last you longer. Well, of course you can still choose inexpensive art work and bedding depending on what he is into and then change them as his passion goes into a new game or trend.

Here are some boy’s bedrooms ideas for rooms to grow:

1. Buy full size bed if space allows you instead of a twin size bed.  It will take your boy to get used to it but he will be more comfortable later.

Boy’s Bedroom. Design by Klima Design Group, LLC. Watch video 

2. Paint the  walls instead of wallpaper. You can  paint stripes or create an accent wall of different color to make it fun. It is much easier than repairing torn wallpaper.

Ideas for Stripes. Found on Pinterest

3. Get good quality and vibrant rug. Stay away from the ones with dinosaurs and puppies since you will get tired of them quickly.

1. Brushstrokes Multi Rug by Liora Manne; 2. Zen Rainbow Round by Liora Manne; 3. Juliana rug by Loloi Rugs

4. Select fun, boyish lighting with a lot of character.

1. Vintage Industrial Fan 52″ by Monte Carlo;2. Fizz by Troy Lighting; 3. Fairfield by Dimond Lighting;4.Wiggins Orb Chandelier by Curry and Company.

5. Invest in built in furniture for books and storage utilizing space under the window if possible.

6. Pick fun, bold, good quality bedding.

1.Dark Harbor Linen by Horchov; 2. Herringbone Matelasse by Pine Cone Hill; 3. Chambray Bed Linens by Pine Cone Hill; 4.Maps bedding by Eastern Accents

7. Decorate with fun and functional storage, shelves and accents.  

1.Book shelves, found on Pinterest; 2. Letters by Wall Candy Arts; 3. Overland Cross Table by Serena and Lily; Chakki- Dark Walnut by Serena and Lily.

 Whatever you do, plan first. Create a floor plan, a mood board or simply clip pictures on a board to see how it all looks together. If you want more ideas, watch the video on how the above featured room was created. Click here have fun with it.

What are your challenges? Please share! 

In fact, your sofa’s  fabric is what you have to look at after you made sure that construction of your upholstery furniture is good enough for you.

As much as we rely on the brands’ reputation when buying shoes, the opposite rule applies when buying your seating, such as sofa and chairs. In a shoe department you have very little choice  as far as quality of leather. The pumps that you liked come in black, tan and red. That is it. So you rely on the fit and the reputation of the brand.

Here is the tricky part as it comes to buying a sofa or chairs. You would think that it is okay to rely only on the reputation of the store for your sofa fabric, right? Wrong. 

When it comes to fabric for your seating, called upholstery fabric, most furniture stores have grading system. It scales from a less durable fabric to the most durable or trendy fabric. Grading usually   determines the longevity of your sofa or a chair as well as the price. For example, the same model sofa can cost from $1,000 to $$2,500 depending on the fabric you choose.

What does it mean to you?

It is simple.

Even some of the upscale furniture stores can sell you a sofa that won’t last because the quality of the upholstery fabric.

So, if you do not want to deal with trouble and expense of reupholstering, choose a more durable fabric right away.

Here are the steps you should take when choosing your upholstery fabric.

1. Choose medium or heavy use fabric. Ask your sales person at the furniture store or online if the fabric is for light, medium or heavy use. Only you know your home habits and those that live with you. If you have kids, pets and your lifestyle is very active go with heavy use fabric.

If you are wondering how the durability of the fabric is measured, you should read the explanation below.

Fabric’s sustainability is measured in double rubs. 

Double-rub count refers to the durability of a type of fabric. The double-rub testing method uses a special machine that passes a testing pad back and forth over the fabric until it is worn out. Each back and forth pass is known as a double-rub.

Commercial grade fabrics are usually rated at 100,000 to 250,000 double-rubs. Residential are usually between 10,000 to 25,000 double-rubs.

chenille fabric 15,000 double rubs

upholstery fabric 18,000 double rubs

upholstery fabric 20,000 double rubs

If your upholstery fabric is between 8,000 to 10,000 double rubs, it is designed for light use and will not sustain everyday wear and tear. For example, you will not want silk fabric in the family room. Some of  the fabrics that are 100% cotton are designed for light use and are good for your pillows and not the sofa. Medium use upholstery fabric is between 10,000 to 15,000 double rubs. It is very often combination of rayon, cotton and polyester. For example, 44% Rayon, 33% Polyester and 23% Cotton will attribute to a more durable fabric. This is the fabric that you use for a family room couch. If you are looking for high durability, your best bet is heavy use fabric that is over 15,000 double rubs. Polyesters, combination upholstery fabric and some commercial blends are included in this category. Chenille is very popular combination fabrics that have great hand an look. A blend of fibers, such as rayon, polyester and cotton add durability of the fabric.

2. Consider color as it pertains to the sofa’s function. Choose color for your upholstery fabric strategically. Ask yourself if you tend to get tired of saturated or dramatic colors quickly or you stay true to certain favorites for a long period of time.

Image source: Klima Design Group

If you want your furniture to stay for a long time, use solid colors or patterns with small repeat that almost look solid. compliment by adding more color with chairs and accessories.

Image source: Pinterest

Color can change the look of familiar or otherwise boring sofa. A classic or traditional sofa can turn into a fashion statement with unexpected fabric colors, such as pink, turquoise or yellow.

Image source: Decorpad

Use fabric  color for creating certain mood of the room. Dark blue, denim or navy fabric s are perfect for the beach house. Depending on placement, finishes and pillows these colors will look crisp, playful and hip or understated and sophisticated.

3. Pattern. Many people stay away from bold patterns for the upholstery fabric and prefer to use pillows as accessories.  However, current trends include bold patterns for most decorating styles as they include ethnic, geometric and nomad patterns.

Image source: Thibaut from Tea House

Image source: Forma Design

Image source: CWB Architects

If you fell in love with certain pattern, make sure that the shape of your upholstery piece does not conflict with it. For example, a sofa with straight lines will look better if you choose a pattern with straight or geometric angles.

Image source: Decoist

Image source: Pinterest

A rounded shaped piece will look great with floral patterns or allover motif. Use patterns with large scale for a more modern, updated look.

4. Texture: There is no limit in the variety of different textures available today.

Image source: House of Turquoise

Just remember that your upholstery will be consistently compressed and do not use overly dimensional texture as it will be altered with time. Try to get a sample of the fabric you want to use, then stretch it, compress it and see if it changes its structure.

A couple of words about planning…

You are making a big investment and the more planning you do the more successful the result.

No matter what fabric you choose for your sofa, chair or ottoman based on durability, color, pattern and texture, remember to plan before you buy. There are many apps that allow you create mood boards where you can lay out all your swatches, colors and ideas so that you see everything in front of your eyes.

Mood Board for boy’s room by Klima Design group, LLC

This is what designers do with every project and it never fails to plan and plan again.

What is your experience in choosing the right fabric for your seating? Please post your comments and pictures. If you have a friend that is looking to invest in new sofa and chairs, please share this post with him or her.

It is not surprising that this is the first question my clients  ask me when I enter their home. What foyer paint color should I use?

The answer is based on the size of your entry more than anything else.

If your entry is large….

If your entry or your foyer is  the largest open space in the house you do not want to overpower it with color.

Highlight architectural details of the house, display your art, personal pictures and collections. Do not overwhelm your foyer with color but rather keep it quite simple.

Here are some samples for two storied entries and Benjamin Moore color choices for each of them.

smoke 2122-40 image source 

Fresh, airy and clean, this color is so universal that it accepts your eclectic ideas. Now you can introduce contemporary classics with traditional and historical elements. Even ethnic and nomad accessories and found objects will be welcome because of the all inclusive quality of this pretty paint color.

sparrow AF-720 image source 

Earthy, simple, warm and universal, this color works with green, blue, burgundy, red, chocolate and cream.  It is mostly used within interiors where tradition is strong and mixing of different wood finishes and collectibles is desired.

Bone White image source 

When white color is what you need for simplicity and clarity, this color is a perfect neutral without being too gray or too stark. It looks the best in Regal Select branch quality and provides for smooth and pretty coverage. If you still want a more crispy effect, use it with atrium white wall paint color.

texas leather AC-3 image source

Warm. down to earth and casual, this color works great with both, earth tones and bright yellows and oranges.

classic gray-1548 image source

The name of this color speaks for itself. It is pure classic and works beautifully with delicate antique gold of the collected items and art. If you wish to display a collection, this is a perfect choice of wall paint color. More emphasis will be achieved if you keep all the elements in your foyer within the same monochromatic tones. Then your collection will show its authentic quality.

carrington beige HC-93

Pretty and simple, this color is used with any decor. It can be very pretty with blues and teals.

For more impact and whimsical look combine milk chocolate shades with hot pink furniture or accessories.

monterey white HC 27 image source

For a sunny, warm look use pretty cream paint color that does not look yellow. It will look different under different light but still keep its cheerful quality.

knoxville gray HC 160 image source 

Choose this color if  you like high contrast and snow- like feeling of the white trim and moldings. It works great with earth tones, such as brown, ocher, gold and rust creating a balance between warm and cool color.

Jane Lockhardt Design image source
shaker beige HC-45

For regal,  high contrast, renaissance look that is quite formal, this wall paint color will do a splendid job when used with power colors, such as white and black. Confident geometric lines, solid fabrics add to graphic qualities as they  multiply strong visual effect.

 If your foyer is small…

You can use bold and unexpected details, elements and create vignetes that are striking when decorating a small foyer. below are some examples of striped walls for the foyer.

vellum- CC200; ticonderoga taupe 992; albescent OC-40

black and white foyer image source

Black and White Striped Wall image source 

Black and white stripes are juxtaposed with quirky floral of the chairs and wall sconces! Bravo! This one does not need any explanation. Just super creative and awesome.

What is your favorite? Post your comments right here below.

Valentine’s Day table decor

• What to give for Valentine’s Day?
• What if you are not in a relationship at this time?
• How much to spend?
• How to avoid a cliche?

Valentine’s Day gifts are tricky. As much as we are not willing to give a gift that is corny or a cliche, best things in life that we all desire are quite ordinary.  So many people either overdo it with gifts or are lost not knowing what to do or what to give. To me Valentine’s Day is not about expensive gifts. Let humor be your friend. Part of being romantic  is to make someone smile. It can be a day as simple as time spent together, nice dinner at home or a small home project put away for a long time. Maybe even all of the above. If you choose a painting as a Valentine’s Day gift or a beautiful wall art piece, chances are they are going to stick, literally. Because so many people prefer dinner parties, let’s start right there

For romantic dinner at home

Set up the table. It does not have to be in the dining room. Use clues, such as door signs and stickers leading to the decorated dinner table. Use table scattered hearts to decorate your table. Bring more romance with wine glasses with candles. Get ready for desert with colorful cake cases and toppers. Finish it up with a picture to remember.

Valentine’s Day Decorations

1. Picture frame “My only true love” (1)  $3. For more information  click here

2. Table scatter. Small adorable hearts to decorate the table (6) $4.  For more information  click here

3. Wineglass lampshades. Use them for candles (6) $10. For more information  click here

4. Love hunt. Clues and stickers. (6)$12. Get them here

5.  Cake cases and toppers (12) $10. For more information  click here

If you can’t say it, write it

If you want to say something and words are difficult for you, you are blessed- this is the right day for you to put it on paper.  I like blank cards or better yet, something that has personal, custom  vibe. 

 It’s fair to say, if you can, make something yourself. We live in a highly disposable time,  so your gift will have more chances to be remembered if you put an effort making it. What if you are not good at making things?

Little Vintage Hearts-Pride and Prejudice

6. Little Vintage Hearts $72-$90 

Unique pictures with hearts and personalized words within each vary in size and colors. It can be free standing or wall mounted. The handwritten message can be written underneath the hearts as well. The picture is signed and dated in bottom right corner and gift wrapped. It has a white or black deep box style frame and it could be freestanding or wall mount.Price varies from $72-$160. For more information click here.

If the walls could talk

Choose  a gift for home such as wall decorations that are beautiful and unique. You can make it into a fun and easy project to do together with little effort of using hammer and nails.  It can be a painting, a wall brooch or even a cabinet knob. They are going to stick. Literally.

Rose Wall Brooch

7. Rose Wall Brooch

This wall decoration will make a statement for any room or a bathroom. It works with many colors or over light or white background. The set of three roses with each having the hole in the back for hanging. for more information click here

Keep it simple

In this complicated world, nothing makes people smile more than a reference to something familiar and nostalgic, such as childhood years.   Warm their heart with a naive and primitive gift. Don’t be afraid to express yourself with your gift. It can be silly, goofy or childish just to remind your loved one (or yourself) that life should not be taken so seriously.

For My Darling

8. For MY Darling $60

Naive and charming, this gift could be for anyone with a big heart or a great sense of humor. It reminds of the nostalgic younger times. For more information click here  

Choose romantic art

Love Autumn Rain

 9. Love Autumn Rain

Painterly and truly romantic. This is original watercolor, painted using the very best materials. (Daniel Smith watercolors on Ampersand Aquabord.) Layers and layers of transparent colors are used creating a gorgeous finished piece. The web never does it justice, it really is lovely in person. For more information click here. 

 Add Illuminating Surprise

Dance and Embrace Spirit

10. Dance and Embrace Spirit $24

Hidden inside these inconspicuous-looking white pillar candles is a bronze sculpture that’s only revealed as the wax burns away. While it may be tempting to hold a marathon candle burning session for a more immediate reveal, the candles’ mysterious charm revolves around not being antsy: slowing down to reflect and to savor each moment as the candle burns gradually and the figure, slowly but surely, emerges from its waxy encasement. For more information click here 

If you are not in the relationship at this time

You are born to love. This is how people are wired. It is in your power to share your love with others even if you do not have a partner at this time that you have feelings for. You might have children, parents, friends, neighbors or total strangers to open your heart to. Make random gifts, for no reason whatsoever.  You will see how much happier you will be!

Do you have a friend that does not know what to give for Valentines Day? Share this with  him (her) and save them and their loved ones trouble figuring it out.

 What do you think?

Feel free to disagree or share your thoughts in the comments…

‘closed’ room layout sofas

‘open’ room layout sofas

Whether you need an inexpensive sofa to last a couple of years or you want it to stay with you for years, understand your room’s layout before you shop. 

You don’t buy the shoes that look good on someone else without trying them on no matter how much you like them, right? So, why would you buy a sofa without ‘trying’ it in your own space as much as it is possible?

• Take a fresh look around the room.  
• Notice your room’s  architecture as if you’ve never seen it before. This is easier said than done because we are so attached to our homes. It is like looking at yourself in the mirror.
• Make many pictures of the room to distant yourself from all the familiar objects in your room.

• Look at your doors and windows.

If your room has at least one door, you have a closed floor plan and your sofa will look better against the wall.  In this case, you may choose a couch with straight back, deep seat and higher  arms.

Word of advice if your room is rather small:

If your room is very small, stay away from bulky sofa arms and overstuffed pillows as they can look much larger than they are.

If your room has no doors but rather entryways, you have an open floor plan.

For open, or floating room plan, your couch will look better in the middle of the room, “floating.” In this case, choose sofa with a lower back, visually more rounded or slimmer shapes and lower arms. Many of the couches of this type have attractive backs. If the back is plain you can use sofa tables behind it.

Here are the examples of some of my favorite modern sofas for different budgets.

1. Burton James- GFR 31Runyon

90 in. wide 44 in. deep 35 height seat height 18 in. seat depth 23 in.

This is a living room sofa that is slightly curved and it is ideal with oval ottoman or a table in front. It works for a closed room type or in a very large open living room. It is chic as much as it is comfortable. Because of the deep seat (23 inches) it is comfortable for a taller 

2. Lee Industries. Sofa # 3423-03 

outside 88 in. wide 42 in.deep 39 in. height

inside 27 in. wide 23 in. deep seat 18 in. height

Equally elegant and comfortable it can be both living room and family room sofa. It has straight back and will look perfect against the wall. It gives full back support and deep seat is great for taking an after dinner nap.

3. Thayer Coggin – Cosmopolitan 

90 in wide 38 in. deep 38 in. height seat height 16 in. seat depth 24 in.

This sofa is a fashion statement. Its bold, architectural lines are simple and well proportioned. Exaggerated, bulky arms create a feeling of simplified luxury. The seat is quite low and it is more suitable for people that are younger or not very tall. It can be used for both closed and open room layouts. Notice: this sofa has low seat and make sure you are comfortable with it.

4. Patagonia Trading Company- Eastwick

96 in. wide 41 in. deep 33 in. height seat height 18 in. seat depth 24 in.

This is a large and deep living room sofa with pretty tufted back and it can be used for both, against the wall and in the middle of the room, floating.

5.  Lee Industries – Apartment Sofa #3068-11

outside 72 in. wide 38 in. deep 34 in.  height

inside 63 in. wide 24 in. deep seat 16 in. height

Slim but comfortable, it is perfect for apartment or a small room where full size sofa does not fit. It is very proportionate and pretty. It can be used within many different styles and looks light and simple. It looks great against the wall or can be used to separate two areas.

6. Hickory Chair- Jules

89 in. wide 39.5 in. deep 34 in. height

This is perfect family room sofa that can be used both, floating or against the wall. Many parts of the sofa are made by hand. It has hard wood construction as well as separate cushion system under each seat. The sofa is elegant, simple and classic. It looks great with almost any upholstery fabric.

7. Jessica Charles- Theodore  #1703  

outside 82 in. wide 37 in. deep 35 in. height 

inside 69 in. wide, 21.5 in deep

You will never have to worry about fixing the back cushions with this one. Designed for a smaller room it is not as wide as others but has generous depth.  It also comes as sleeper.

8. Thayer Coggin- Hadley 

86 in. wide 34 in. deep 26 in height; inside seat 22 in

Simple, young mid-century classic that can be used for almost any room location and function including as an office sofa. Because of the its scale, it does not provide full back support and it sits quite low.

9.  Rowe- Chelsey

86 in wide 38 in deep 37 in height

Comfortable and casual with perfect dimensions, this sofa can be used for both family room and living room, floating or against the wall.  It can be incorporated within many different decorating styles and budgets.

10. CRLane- Clayborne 

86 in. wide 42 in. deep 35 in. height seat 21 in height

This sculptural living room sofa will make a statement within any interior. It sits tall and deep and has beautiful details. It can be used floating in a large room or with a twin sofa across as well as an office sofa.

Before you buy.   

• Make a list of all the features of your room and take many pictures and video.

• Make a floor plan if possible
• Get upholstery fabric samples sent to your home and look at them in different light.

I can give you many money-saving tips but only one of them is important:

The most expensive way to decorate is to redo, which is not even always possible.

In all honesty, it takes me days and weeks to choose a couch or a sofa for a client. By now I am used to the fact that all the ground work is something that I do obsessively.

The sad part is that there is nothing “artistic” about a good couch, it just has to be made right, to your taste and flow in the room.  In fact, the better it is, the more simplified it looks. For more buying tips, please refer to my previous post by clicking here.

Please let me know how it goes and ask me many questions. Don’t forget to share this post with family and friends if you find it helpful.  There is nothing more valuable to me than hearing from you!

Betty Draper’s  Fainting Couch

If you ever watched Mad Men, you might remember how Betty Draper installed the fainting couch to the horror of both, her husband anddecorator.

I have to admit that it was quite amusing to watch gorgeous Betty reclining on a large Victorian sofa that did not fit in. On the other hand, I am not sure that  it would be as much fun to follow her example in real life.

Buying a new sofa can be as exciting as stressful even for experienced professionals. It is very important to make sure that you know how to do the search and what to look for. I am sure that the last thing you want is to be stuck with a big (or small, for that matter) ugly elephant in the most important room of the house.

One of the designer’s secrets for buying the right sofa is in careful planning which usually happens long before stepping a foot in the furniture store. You do not want to come unprepared and become an easy prey for salespeople. Because you will be ‘married’  to your couch for quite some time, think about your purchase and plan before you buy.

After all, it is your BIG purchase and you want it to be perfect, right?

In most cases, the retail store policy is that if your sofa “fits” in the room there is no return. This means that if your couch looks too large or  too small to you, the measuring tape in the hands of the delivery guy will not be your friend. In many cases, if you ordered your sofa and it physically gets into the room without breaking the walls, the couch is yours for good.

Here are some questions that designers ask their clients and you should follow as well before any steps are made:

How many people are going to use it every day?

What is the age of your family members and their habits?

Do you have pets? Will you allow them on the couch?

How big is your room?

What are the main activities in the room?

Do you plan to use it for a long time?

Do you have a conventional room with one or two doors and windows?

Does your room have an open floor plan with no doors that open and close?

Here are some  common mistakes that many people make when buying a sofa and several ways to avoid them.

1. Don’t start your search for a sofa at a retail store.

Here is why:

Have you ever wondered why your furniture looks so different in a store than in your house?

It is simple. Retail store display is a science of its own.

Lighting is a major part of a showroom display. It is created by lighting designers for the sole reason to attract your eye to the best feature and create desire to buy.

If you don’t believe me, next time you are at a furniture store, such as Ethan Allen or Restoration Hardware, look up and you will see the whole net of strategically placed lighting systems over your head. Of course there is music, and other factors to appeal to all six senses.

Do: start with a room floor plan

Instead of a trip to a furniture store do yourself a favor, take a measuring tape and write down all the dimensions of your room as well as locations of doors and windows. Don’t forget to show the way the doors open, i.e. to the right or to the left.

It is common to measure furniture pieces in inches. So, keep your floor plan in inches just to simplify.

2. Don’t buy online but rather browse, then browse some more.  

When you know the dimensions of your room you can browse online.  Most of the measurements show width and depth . Some show height. You will be lucky to find inside measurements, such as seat height, arm height and depth of the seat. Average  size of  a sofa is 86 inches wide, 38 inches deep and 37 inches high. The inside measure of the seat depth is important because you want to have just enough room to lay down.

Do: determine the tallest person in the house that will use the sofa. 

For example, if you are petite, 19-21 inches depth is enough. But if you are tall, get a couch that is 22-24 inches deep inside. The same about the height of the sofa back. While average height is 37 inches, there are some contemporary pieces that are 33-34 inches, which is quite low for back support. If you choose a couch that is 40-44 inches high, which is quite unusual, make sure you have a place against the wall  since it will not look good in the middle of the room, floating. The same is true for the depth. A really deep sofa that is 42-44 inches deep will look better against the wall in a large room with tall ceilings.

3. Don’t judge the sofa by its cover.

Most people are attracted to color and fabric first. However, many stores today have custom options for all different upholstery fabrics and slip covers. Instead of focusing on fabric, determine the style you like as well as construction.

Do: find the right upholstery fabric that lasts.

Upholstery fabric determines the price and durability of your couch.  The key questions  to ask your retailer:  Is this fabric for light, medium or heavy use? Rule of thumb:  100% Cotton will fade and wear out quicker. The combination fabric, e.g.: 46% polyester, 36% rayon, 18% acrylic will have longer life.

4. Don’t ignore what’s inside your sofa- wood and springs/foam construction.

If it is comfortable, learn about construction, not just fabric.   Hard wood frame will last longer than pine lumber.

Do: ask about cushions and springs.

Springs are placed for better support and durability. It can be the eight way construction or sinuous construction. In less expensive sofas, there could be no springs at all. Also, cushions’ foam  varies in density and materials.

5. Don’t  buy without specific manufacturer’s warranty.

Most reputable furniture manufacturers have warranty. Most common is two years on upholstery fabric and four to five years on the frame.

Do: Find out all the details before you make your decision.

There is nothing more disappointing than dealing with a low quality piece that looks good only on the computer screen or in the showroom.

6. Don’t delay your purchase if you found the right piece.

Do: if you finally found fabric you like, buy it.

Here is why: The fabric houses have limited inventory and your favorite upholstery fabric can be discontinued at any time.

You can create a checklist consisting of all of the above criteria for your purchase. It will have the minimum and maximum width of the couch according to your room dimensions as well as your own height, desired construction type, cushions density, spring construction, desired fabric and legs options.

Keep this information with you and start comparative shopping. It will take you some time, but this is the only way to get the result you want and enjoy your couch for a long time.

Please share your experience with us by posting questions or comments.

{Tim Barber LTD}

White rooms are always in style. They are the same for your home as a little black dress for your wardrobe. But anyone who tried painting room white knows that it can be tricky. The paint swatches look all the same in the store until you try them on your walls. There are hundreds of white paint tones.

And then there are some confusing names for white paint,  like Grand Teton White, Snow on the Mountain or Deep in Thought….

If white rooms are what you crave for simplicity and newness in your life and your home, there is a way to get there with confidence. And it does not necessarily mean grabbing  a five-gallon-basic-white.

Here is what you do:

Step 1. Collect up to ten different white tone paint swatches and leave the store.

Step 2. Go home.

Step 3. Look around your room (or rooms).

Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you are looking around the room:

• Does it have the architecture that you want to show off?

• Do you want to go contemporary or traditional?

• Do you want to use a mix of historical periods or styles?

• Do you want a romantic retreat?
• Do you want a luxurious, formal buttoned up look?
• How about a futuristic fantasy?

• Is it an old house and you want to make it crispy bright?

• What mood or style do you want?

Then you want to explore what works for white rooms that had  success with many people and designers alike. 

Many people are concerned as to not make all white room look institutional. But with careful planning and understanding you can create a variety of spaces from futuristic and ultra contemporary to romantic, classic and glamorous.

1. Architectural Clarity

{apartment therapy}

Go for just one paint for a room that has defined and established architectural features. Let architecture take center stage for all white room.  Vaulted ceilings, elegant moldings that have roots in history do not require embellishments. Then infuse the space with soulful objects. Paint: Benjamin Moore White Dove OC 17 or Sherwin Williams 7005 Pure White

2. Romantic Retreat

{Pinterest}

Introduce soft whites and off-whites for a romantic hide-away bedroom with organic bedding. Curves and carvings of the furniture and accessories will add pretty, understated glamor. Paint walls and ceiling the same paint for a small room.  Paint: Benjamin Moore Ivory White 925

3. Nostalgic Simplicity

{Jeffrey Bilhuber}

Use several tones of white for a cottage beach bathroom with vintage objects, organic towels and off-white paneled walls. Paint: White Dove OC 17 Benjamin Moore Ivory White 925 or Atrium White

4. Classic and Elegant Mix of Styles

{Tim Barber LTD}

Select crisp white for trim and doors to create an elegant, classic feel and intermix several decorating styles, such as Art Deco and Traditional. To make the room softer, introduce creamy white.  In the foyer above, the creamy white wall color allows for mingling of the two decorating styles as it ties them together. Paint: Benjamin Moore Ivory White 925 for the walls and Super White

5. Crisp and Clear Backdrop

{Pinterest}

Decide on crispy white walls and ceiling to display your colorful possessions and fun objects. Pair them for unity and rhythm. Add flowers and plants to make the space alive. Paint: Sherwin Williams 7005 Pure White

6. Contemporary Glamor

{housetohome.uk}

Mix different textures and forms within one or two white colors to create contemporary glamour look. Tactile qualities of the room elements will contribute to luxurious and comfortable feel of the room. Paint: Benjamin More Simply White 2143-70

7. Intersection of Styles

{contemporist.com}

Select pure white for the walls and then emphasize the intersection of elements. Show off their co-existence within one architectural plane. Don’t be afraid to use different elements, such as organic, natural elements with glossy reflective surfaces. Use black  for visual focus. Paint: Porter Paints 7153-1 Cloud White

Now think about accessories.  Remember the little black dress? You need just as much black in accents as white jewelry  for a black dress. Also, shape matters. If you are small framed you might choose a tighter dress with not so many accessories. On the contrary, if you are larger,  go more free form with your black dress.

The same is true for your interiors, just in reverse. Think about your room shape first. For a larger room you need more accessories and black accents.   For a smaller room try not to overdo with too many embellishments.

Have fun painting and don’t forget to share with us in your comments!

Everyone has her own road to independence.

Just like you I get up every day with a to-do list and a burning desire to explore new things.  And that is because as a baby boomer woman  I know that there are still many opportunities for me here, in this country.

There are so many things that we take for granted. I just remembered how thirteen years ago I decided to go back to school for a new career in interior design. On my winter break, I went to Belgium. When I was standing in line for the museum ticket, I saw the sign Students tickets. I switched the line because that is who I was: a student. As the clerk at the desk returned my crispy new student’s ID she opened her big arms in surprise and disbelief and looked at me as if I had two heads.

She laughed,

Don’t you see the sign? This is for students!

And she sent me away to the disapproving glances of the crowd.

The truth is there are not many places on this planet where you could change careers after forty or go back to school.

In fact, the cut off age in many counties is as young as thirty two years old.

My mother lost her sleep when I hopped on the plane to go to America with ninety dollars and a baby on the way. I told her that I was paving my own road to independence and took off. She thought that I did not know what I was doing, not even the tiniest idea.

Twenty four years later I have to say that she was right. I did not have any idea what I was doing, just wanted my baby to grow up in a free world, away from the Soviets.  And I was not alone. Many of us, young crazies of the eighties ran away to become sensational mothers, wives, successful paycheck makers and business owners.

All you have to do is believe”, (a little Jennifer Hudson here).

It sounds like a cliché, but it is still true.

I have to admit that the “believe” part is finally easy for me as a woman over fifty. There is no mother or a boy friend to judge. Because I know that they would be the only people to waste their time judging.

You don’t judge me now. Or do you? Changing counties, careers and location is not going to surprise you, right?

Just remember that it does not happen everywhere like that. And it feels good that it happens here, in the United States.

So while the opinionated Belgian clerk is coping with issues of older people not yet ready for the bucket list, many of my baby boomer friends make six and seven digit figure salaries doing second or even third careers. And while she is thinking what else she is not good for, I am enjoying technology and stepping in as my children learn new skills.

I am thrilled to see our children as being smart, inventive and creative. They are brilliant in business and at home, and they make a difference within communities. As we learn a lot from them, our children in turn come to our kitchens to learn from us, the crazies-run-away-parents.

Just like many boomers in this country, I am a firm believer that I could still do so much.

Through life, I constantly challenge my abilities to determine what I can achieve. When I felt that my paycheck did not feed my soul, I waited, and then quit my day job. I never looked back no matter how hard it was. I guess it was only because I knew that I would always have the opportunity to change my life around. At the age of forty I went back to college and at forty three got my second degree in interior design.  Today I so enjoy my interior design practice. I feel so fortunate to bring satisfaction to my clients that honor me and my company with great feedback. My heart beats really fast when another happy family enjoys the home that my company and I created.  I love to be involved with global online community and help people with their interior design and decorating questions. It is so remarkable to open a site and see that our work is selected and included by almost 2,032 people in their idea books as of today. I am glad that I can help them either bringing inspiration or information that they can use for their own projects.

Also, I like to share what I learned from my business and from life. I believe that my latest passion for age related home modifications is valid with eighty five million baby boomers. I know that I will not be able to help all but will try to touch as many lives as I can. As a baby boomer woman, I believe in a sensational, fulfilled life at any age.

Would that be possible anywhere else in the World? What do you think? What is your personal road to independence?

Outdoor Living Room, Morris Township, New Jersey by Klima Design Group, LLC

Last year I helped my friend set up her outdoor living room with furniture, accessories, cool cotton pillows and beautiful candles. I grouped multicolor candles around the fireplace to recreate full living room experience. We had some fun with flowers and accessories.  To create general lighting we used many oversized lanterns. This year she wanted more functional lighting, such as step lighting and path lighting.

 Path and Step Lighting Dos and Don’ts

Ask any lighting designer and he will tell you that any lighting design starts with safety lighting. Good news is that you don’t have to be a lighting designer to make sure that your guests are safe at night. With the abundance of lighting choices you can select fixtures that are safe by their construction. My word of advice: don’t use the step or path lights that create a tripping hazard.  For example, some outdoor lighting is vertical in ground fixtures with design that extends out or lamps that have wires to be plugged in the wall. This can be  dangerous, especially for people that are older as well as young children. A good solution is a flash mount step lights.

                                                          1. LED Step Light by CSL Lighting I like the small and sleek design of the step lights as they extend only .7” off the wall. At the same time, the light is enough and sufficient for comfort of you and your guests.

                                                           2. Led  Step & Wall Lights by WAC Lighting This lighting design not only is flush but also almost eliminates glare. That is a great feature for people that are older. The light beam spread is very wide, so that maximum of the surface is lit

Outdoor Accent or Mood Lighting

For accent or mood lighting I like lighting design that is minimal with high functionality. If you want minimalistic look where the light source is sleek, here is an example of new, contemporary lighting design that is both functional and beautiful.

 3. Halley Floor-to-Clamp Outdoor Floor Lamp It lights up the night like a futuristic comet: The beam of light arches through the air and creates magic.

                                                                                                                                              4. Havana Outdoor Pendant Lamp by Foscarini No wonder that Havana outdoor lamp is selected by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York for its permanent design collection.  It is perfect to be installed right on a tree branch.

5.  Round Planter by Rotoluxe  Clean, contemporary look and style to the world that is also environmentally friendly. They use low watt CFL/LED lighting to give off the signature Rotoluxe ambient glow.

We would like to hear from you about your outdoor lighting or lighting design questions. Please let us know what you think. If you like this article, please share it with your family and friends to make their lighting design better and safer.