Northwest Transformations

Remodeling Your Small Kitchen

2012-01-26T16:43:00.000-08:00

If you have a small kitchen, you may feel a little jealous when you look at television programs’ and home décor magazines’ expansive space devoted to food storage, preparation, and entertaining. It’s easy to be envious of homeowners who have large kitchens. You need to recognize that you have some advantages that they do not.

What is a Small Kitchen?
Definitions vary according to the architect, designer, and/or homeowner across the country. Generally, however a classic 10' x 10' kitchen (100 square feet or less) is considered the benchmark of small kitchen sizing.
Dimensions matter, too. A very narrow kitchen might still be thought a small kitchen. For example, a kitchen space that is 8 feet by 15 feet, or 120 sq. ft. would still, in my book, be considered a small kitchen.

What Are the Benefits of a Small Kitchen?
On the basis of square footage, kitchens are particularly costly to remodel. Compared to a living room, great room, or bedroom, you're dealing with no water, fewer electrical needs, and inexpensive materials such as drywall, trim, etc. The kitchen has many expensive services such as plumbing for sinks, dishwashers, and refrigerators and extra electrical needs for extra lighting, dishwashers, garbage disposals, ovens and ranges, ventilation, and more. Materials beyond appliances tend to be expensive, too. Consider the cost of granite, Corian, marble, custom or stock cabinets, stainless steel, tile, flooring, etc. Good news: less square footage means less cost.

Are There Ways to Scale Down Those Big Kitchen Ideas?
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends mixing natural and ambient lighting, using space saving appliances, creating more unique storage solutions, and adding personalized touches to design an efficient and more spacious-looking kitchen.

The use of some upper cabinets with glass doors fools the viewer into seeing the back of the cabinet, thereby creating another foot or so of space. You can create an illusion of space with under, in-cabinet or above-cabinet lighting. Consider replacing old windows and doors with larger, more beautiful new ones that will let in more light. With the proper lighting, the kitchen can be made to appear larger and more pleasing.

Think about your needs in your current kitchen. While you might really want a side-by-side refrigerator, recognize they take up lots of width in your small kitchen. Appliance manufacturers have come up with more compact space-saving appliances make small kitchen design easier, like refrigerators that are 24 inches deep rather than 30, as well as appliances like microwaves that can be hung underneath cabinets. Double sinks and farmhouse sinks, while appealing, also take up precious counter space. Is storage your first priority? Then you may need to maximize kitchen cabinets and get smaller appliances. Can you commandeer some space near the kitchen that can be used for items used infrequently? Do you really want a peninsula where you can eat? Then you may need to sacrifice counter space for food preparation to get it. Remember: It's your kitchen and you need to make these choices.

What are Some Ways to Make a Kitchen Look Larger?

Eliminate Clutter
Countertops crowded with dishes, food, and cookware (as well as cabinets topped by collectibles) swamp a small kitchen and cramp your work space. To enlarge the room visually, clear off the counters, the windowsill, and the cabinet tops, and stash as much as you can behind closed doors. To take it a bit farther, select simple European-style cabinetry with sleek flat-panel doors and drawers that save space consumed by traditional cabinetry.

Hide Your Small Appliances
Small kitchens often have storage challenges. Countertops can then become storage areas, but eradicating clutter will help any space feel larger. Reclaim lost storage space with an appliance garage. The cabinet conceals your coffeemaker, toaster, mixer, and such, but keeps them easy to access.

You can also stow bulky appliances like a mixer on an accessible pop-up shelf. A spring-loaded shelf readily lifts this stand mixer to counter height. Plus, the mixer can be used right on its shelf, thanks to an outlet inside the cabinet. (Believe it or not, my dad -a cabinet maker- did this for my aunt in the mid-sixties. Amazing!)

Eliminate Lost Storage Space
The backs of deep cabinets are spaces we rarely use. Installing lazy susans (which are far from new!) and roll-out shelves will take full advantage of all of your kitchen’s space.

Divide & Conquer
Transfer pots and pans from a cavernous lower cabinet to a deep drawer near your cooktop. (Dividers provide a spot for each pan and its lid, although this is an added expense.) Take into consideration the height of your largest pot plus its lid (or invert the lid) to ensure that the drawer is deep enough to accommodate it.

Pullout Mini-Pantry
Keep ingredients and cooking staples close to cooktops and ovens with handy pullout units. A narrow but deep gap could have been lost space, but the pullouts make the most of the awkward space and bring the cabinet contents into full view.

Spice Storage
Spices can also be organized with easily visible labels using slanted drawer inserts. Further reorganize their storage by placing spices into identical-sized containers.

You naturally notice that the amazing kitchens featured in design magazines are large, so you may assume that your small kitchen is going to be inadequate, even with a remodel. News flash: MOST kitchens are small. Good kitchen designs are going to give you more effective lighting, space-saving (and energy efficient) appliances, effective and unique storage solutions, and add the personalized touches to provide a more spacious-looking kitchen.

Wondering about costs? Check out my entry 2 blogs ago to get a ball-park figure. (When your head stops spinning from the money these cost, re-read my 3rd paragraph above as to why.) Please feel free to send me questions or pictures of your effective solutions. Need help? Give me a call! I’d love to hear from you!

Chinese New Year Celebration Ideas!

2012-01-16T16:11:00.000-08:00

Chinese New Year is the most important and longest celebration of all the Chinese holidays. On Jan. 23, 2012, the Chinese year 4710 begins. We are about to enter the Year of the Water Dragon! Chinese New Year is celebrated in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea, Bhutan and also in Chinatowns elsewhere.

In China, the New Year is a time of family get-togethers. Family members meet at one another's homes for visits and meals; most notably a feast on New Year's Eve’. Many early Chinese immigrants in the U.S. arrived without their families, and found a sense of community with other settlers from China instead. Today, many Chinese-American neighborhood associations host banquets and other New Year events. The Chinese New Year tradition is to reconcile, forget all grudges and sincerely wish peace and happiness for everyone.

I am not Chinese, but having studied Feng Shui, I provide a celebration each year for family and friends. It’s really lots of fun, and I invite you to do the same.
Chinese New Year Celebration ideas:
1. Invite family and friends for a celebratory dinner anytime between Sun., Jan. 22 to Feb. 6.
2. Encourage every guest to dress in brightly colored attire.
3. Clean your home thoroughly prior to your party, making sure to make your windows & mirrors spotless!
4. Hang paper lanterns throughout your home.
5. Purchase some fresh flowers to bring new Ch’i (energy) into your home.
6. Surround yourself with fruit for a fruitful new year.
7. Place money in red envelopes if you have children and give them these envelopes for a lucky new year.

8. Serve plenty of good food, including many different dishes. If I'm pressed for time, I sometimes have Chinese take-out for this meal! Have enough for leftovers, as this will bring good luck for the whole year.
9. Play music and games.

The Chinese Calendar:
The months of the Chinese calendar are calculated by the lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. New Year festivities traditionally start on New Year’s Eve’ or Lunar New Year and continue until the moon is brightest on the fifteenth day, the Lantern Festival.

The Origin of the Chinese Zodiac
In ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in Dragon years are innovative, brave, and passionate. Al Pacino, Diana Krall, Gregory Peck, Joan of Arc, Liam Neeson, Martin Sheen, Mary Louise Parker, Matt Dillon, Reese Witherspoon, Salvador Dalí, Sandra Bullock, George Washington, and Shirley Temple-Black were all born in a Year of the Dragon.

The Lantern Festival
The lantern festival is held on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, so this year it occurs on Feb. 6. Some lanterns displayed are amazing works of art, painted with zodiac signs, birds, flowers, animals, and scenes from legend and history. People hang glowing lanterns in temples, and carry lanterns to an evening parade under the light of the full moon.

In many areas the highlight of the lantern festival is the dragon dance. The dragon, which is typically up to 100 ft. long is made of silk, paper, and bamboo and elevated on the arms of many dancers moving in a snake-like line. In the United States, where the New Year is celebrated with a shortened schedule, the dragon dance almost always takes place on a weekend.

If you live in/near Seattle, check out the many activities the weekend after, Sat., January 28:
http://www.cidbia.org/events/lunar-new-year-celebration-2012-year-of-the-dragon I hope to see you all there!

Read more: Chinese New Year: 2012 http://www.infoplease.com/spot/chinesenewyear1.html#ixzz1jf6mn6XP

The Cost of Remodeling Your Kitchen

2011-12-30T20:11:00.000-08:00

Our kitchens are the heart of our homes. They are the room where cooks create, but also where families meet, where we entertain and often where our great memories are made. Our kitchens need to be updated, practical, functional and beautiful, while fitting into the design scheme of the rest of the home. Real estate experts will tell you that a remodeled kitchen can sell a home, when done right. New flooring, appliances, and backsplash combined with refreshed cabinets are all wonderful ways you can add to your home’s value while enjoying cooking in your refurbished kitchen.

The cost:
The cost of remodeling a kitchen depends on the current layout, size and condition of the room, as well as the quality of replacement products chosen. According to an annual construction cost survey by Remodeling Magazine, (Nov., 2011 issue) a minor remodel of a 200-square-foot (10x20) kitchen averages $20,077-$23,210 nationwide; a mid-range major remodel including an island and other upgrades runs $52,405-$63,803; and an upscale remodel for the same size kitchen can be $105,621-$120,379. These are averages; actual costs may be higher or lower.
The average cost-value ratio for cities in Washington, Oregon, and California is 71.3%, better than any other region in the country. In other words, if you spend $22,000 on your kitchen remodel, you can expect to see $15,686 in return on your investment when you decide to sell your home.
Features of the $24,000 average kitchen remodel:
1. Taking on some “Do It Yourself”, which might include: demolition, painting, and possibly installing new flooring depending upon your selections.
2. Keeping your old kitchen cabinetry if at all possible. Refacing, painting, or sanding and staining your existing cabinets save thousands for new cabinets.
3. Keeping kitchen layout “as is.”
4. Avoiding any upscale surface material like granite or exotic hardwoods.

Adding Square Footage
Space is often a basic need when remodeling a kitchen. Before you knock out the walls, however, weigh the expense of acquiring the extra space vs. putting some of that money into higher-end appliances or better quality cabinets instead.
• Consider your true goals for kitchen remodeling. Do you really need more square footage or do you just need a lighter, brighter, more useful kitchen space?
• If square footage is a must have, look to adjoining rooms where you might take some square footage. For example, you might take an assortment of smaller rooms such as a pantry, bathroom, laundry, or mudroom and merge them into one efficient kitchen space.
• Talk over your venture with an interior designer or architect to get their ideas. A good space planner may be able to reconfigure the walls, the ceiling, or the windows to make a kitchen space feel larger without the expense of a room addition. Paying someone to do this is far more cost effective than going solo and regretting your choices later.

1. Electrical:
Today’s kitchens require many more circuits than kitchens of yesteryear. The entire kitchen once had one or two circuits serving all appliances, lighting and outlets. Today’s codes require separate circuits for most appliances, and GFI protected outlets everywhere in the kitchen. The need for additional circuits might generate a need to expand or upgrade the electrical panel as well.
2. Lighting:
One characteristic of modern kitchens is lots of light, both natural and artificial. There are hanging/decorative lights, task lights, recessed lights, under/in/over cabinet lights, etc. Essentially, 50% of the power used for lighting should come from ‘high efficacy’ lighting fixtures. That means LED lighting (note that the requirement is for 50% of the power, not the number of fixtures). Discuss this with your kitchen remodeling contractor, your lighting designer or the inspector to make sure you are getting a beautifully lit kitchen.

3. Design:
If you are altering your kitchen layout so that your remodel produces a less dated look, space for new appliances, or an open floor plan, recognize that it’s important to consider using an interior designer. Implementing your design criteria in a visually pleasing manner and so that the kitchen is a delight to use and entertain in is challenging at best. Why spend all that money for a kitchen that doesn’t meet your expectations?

Regardless of your budget, there could be a better, more inviting and inspiring kitchen in your future. Educate yourself further. Assemble a competent team to help create the kitchen you are dreaming of and… have fun! The next installation is going to be Remodeling Small Kitchens, of which many ideas can be utilized regardless of size of your kitchen.
Happy remodeling.

O Christmas Tree!

2011-12-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

I'm going to make this one short and sweet this time with more pictures than talk. If you're tired of the look of your current tree, perhaps it's time for a change. Here are some different ideas that can work with your decor used for the other 11 months of the year:

When my sister and I were very young, our mother (who did not consider herself very creative in the artistic sense) gave us complete control of the decorating of our family’s Christmas tree. Amazingly, our father (a kitchen cabinet maker) would create the redesigned look of the actual evergreen tree down in his workshop. He not only flocked our tree some years, but he also painted our tree (using a spray gun) silver, or gold, or one year even turquoise! Although we started with traditional multicolored big light bulbs in the fifties, we quickly discovered the tiny white lights that adorn my tree today. Regardless of the theme, they complimented our designs. We would often make the ornaments out of actual ornaments, fabric, paper, felt, fabric trims, and/or whatever we could find that fit our theme. Around 1960, I can recall folding beautiful paper to make many tiny Origami cranes to decorate the tree! Today, you can use feathers, beads, ribbon... whatever suits your fancy.

Questions? Let me know and I'll find an answer. Let me know what you did, and SEND pictures. I’d love to post yours as well, with your permission. Have FUN decorating!

Tablescapes for your Thanksgiving Dinner

2011-11-12T12:12:00.000-08:00

I'm reposting last year's entry on tablescapes so that I can add some more pictures to the mix.
Need Table Decorations for Thanksgiving?
You are going to spend a lot of time cooking and baking in preparation for Thanksgiving. Why not "wow" your guests with a fabulous table setting as well?
Setting a formal table is easier than you may think. Start by covering your table with a cloth that is 12-16” longer and wider than your table: 6-8” hanging from each edge. When choosing the table cloth, consider the season and the color of the dishes that you’re going to be using. You can add a runner, making sure that it is either the same length or shorter than the tablecloth. You can also add a smaller tablecloth or piece of coordinating cloth that you drape in the center to provide a focal point for your centerpiece.

Place Setting Basics:
Then, it's time for the place settings. Ideally, you want to give each guest 24” of space, but I know from experience that sometimes you just have to crowd more people around the table. If you have room, you can use chargers under your dinner plate, which gives each plate setting a sense of formality. They’re available at a variety of stores and online for a very reasonable cost.
Forks go to the left of the plate, and the knife (with the blade turned toward the plate) and spoon go to the right. I used to tell my daughter when she was growing up, “Think of it in alphabetical order: fork, knife, and teaspoon” to help her when she was setting the table. Another tip is to place cutlery in the order that it will be used, with the first utensil, like a salad fork, furthest from the plate. To keep the table from becoming too crowded, simply bring dessert utensils out with that course. Bread plates go to the left of the place setting, glassware to the right. If there is more than one goblet/glass, arrange them in the order they will be used, outermost first. And finally, napkins can be placed either on top of the dinner plate or to the left side of the silverware. Ideally, do not place your napkin under the silverware, as then the first thing your guests have to do is mess up the silverware placement.

What’s a more casual approach?
Casual table settings work just as well and give you a chance to go bold with your color choices and really mix patterns. A casual table setting is an eclectic mix of colors and styles — a boldly patterned table cloth paired with country-style dinner plates.

Options:
1. If you vary the style, keep the colors consistent. Using different styles of stemware that are all clear glass or crystal works fine together, and then you don’t have to go to the expense of buying all new.
2. Selecting seasonal colors works wonderfully to create a relaxed and homey feeling. The fiery hues of Autumn can create a wonderful ambiance with crème colored candles sitting on a wooden plate surrounded by a few leaves, nuts in the shell, and/or chestnuts gathered on a Fall walk.

3. If you keep a casual style of table accessories, vary the colors at least to some extent, again considering your dinnerware colors. You don’t have to use all the same dinnerware, either. Using dinner plates from one set of dishes, and salad plates/soup bowls from another can be a wonderful montage.

4. Repeating a motif, such as votive candles, down the center of a long table can be a simple and effective means of creating a tablescape.
Do I have to use flowers for a centerpiece?
An arrangement of fruit, vegetables, and/or things from your garden can often make a beautiful focal point for your tablescape. Whatever you choose, do not create something so tall that it blocks one guest’s view of another while seated at your table.

Elevating something small under a lift can create visual interest. Lifts might be a can of food, a stack of unused dishes, or an unused inverted stock pot. Then you can add a smaller tablecloth or piece of coordinating cloth (turning the edges under) that you drape in the center over the various elevations (to cover them up, and) to provide a focal point for your centerpiece.

Set Your Table Before the Event:
While you’re busily creating the fabulous meal the day before and day of the event, it’s really a lot easier to set your table a day or two beforehand.
Do I Use Place Cards?
Place cards keep two guests who seem to get on one anothers' nerves at least two seats apart. They also help you think through the placement of guests to seat those in their prime around those too young (or old) to lift & pass dishes around the table.
Questions? Ask, and I'll write back. Good luck, and send me pictures of your table decorations! I'd love to see what you create. Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Autumn's Bounty Celebrated!

2011-10-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

In Feng Shui, the Autumn season is associated with wonderful recompenses for hard work. Farmers have toiled in Spring to plant and nurture their seedlings. They have watered and fertilized the crops in Summer as the sun provided its warmth and light through long days. Now these farmers may enjoy the fruits of their labors after harvest. The ancients linked the wine flask with Autumn suggesting relaxation and joy.

Autumn is represented by Metal in the Chinese Five Element Theory, which impacts our businesses, organization and planning for the future. We can use the metal energy to organize ourselves and our businesses. The Metal element helps us to communicate more effectively, speak out against injustice and assists us to attain perfect timing.

Below are two more means of Celebrating Autumn in your home:

Adorn the Front Door with an Autumn Wreath

Christmas isn’t the only time that you can dress up your front door to welcome guests. A wreath of Autumn foliage, fresh vegetables and/or fruit can last for several weeks to a month, and greet everyone to celebrate the harvest season.

Create a Welcoming Entry

Invigorate your front porch with pumpkins (which come in crème, gold, green and orange), squash and gourds for a festive look. Just go to the grocery store with an eye for decorating- amazing shapes, colors, sizes, and textures are available. Add a few leaves (either real or quality artificial) to complete the look.

I hope you’ll utilize one or more of the ideas I’ve shared for Autumn. Don’t forget to carve a pumpkin with your children (or grandchildren) for a fun family evening. I get the opportunity to travel to Walla Walla and see my little goblins (grandsons.) I can’t wait- Happy Halloween, everyone!

Three Ways to Celebrate Autumn in Your Home!

2011-10-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

The days are shorter and beginning to cool off. The kids are back in school and settling into the routine. Football is back, the leaves are starting to turn... Let's celebrate the beauty of the season in our homes!

1. Add New Throw Pillows/Plush Throws in the Living Room
Many of us have begun to notice that we’re all starting to spend more and more time indoors. Add a variety of plush throw pillows in different shapes, sizes and patterns on your living room sofas and chairs. These comfortable accessories will emit a warm and inviting coziness perfect for the season.

One warning: If you begin to notice that your guests put the pillows on the floor next to the sofa upon which they are sitting, consider lessening the overall number of pillows.

Run your blankets and throws through the washing machine before putting them out for use this Fall. In a contemporary living room, a faux-fur throw adds subtle warmth and texture to a simple, solid-colored sofa. Select a throw in a contrasting hue to really create a pop of color if you're hoping to make a bolder statement.

2. Prepare the Fireplace
To prepare for cool fall nights and the brisk winter ahead, get your fireplace ready for its seasonal debut. If yours is like mine, it probably gets a bit dusty from March to October. To ensure your gas fireplace is ready to light up, contact a specialist to regularly check for any safety hazards like gas leaks. On the next warm and breezy day, open the windows, turn on the fireplace and start up a fan blowing (3 ft. away from the fire and toward that window) to take the unpleasant smell of burning dust out of your home. It only takes a half hour of your time, but it’s worthwhile to avoid that first smelly night of burning dust.

To keep your wood-burning fireplace safe, contact a professional to do a thorough check of the fireplace. Once your fireplace is safe, you're ready for relaxing evenings by the fire.

3. Set the Table, Create a Mantelscape & Light the Candles in Autumn

Spend a little extra time at the grocery store with decorating in mind. Pumpkins, nuts, squash and gourds can be a wonderful addition to your mantel and/or tablescape. (Think about purchasing various shapes & sizes for more interest.)

Stow away all of your pure white dishes in favor of crème, tan and brown colors for the season. Use boxes of varying sizes under a tablecloth for your centerpiece to create varying heights to make an appealing vignette.

Pumpkins don’t have to just represent Halloween, nor do turkeys have to represent just Thanksgiving. Think through your possessions that often come out for a day or a week during Autumn and use them throughout the season.
Take advantage of shorter days (and less daylight) by placing candles throughout your living space. The warmth and ambience they create will make returning from a long, hard day at work so much easier, sliding you into a calmer and welcoming atmosphere.

I have some more ideas, but thought I'd get you started with three of my favorites for the fabulous season of Autumn that's upon us. I'll write more in my next entry, but I'd love to hear your ideas for Fall decor, too!

Using Color In Feng Shui

2011-08-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

The direct impact of color on our lives is easily recognizable. Some colors make us happy, others make depress us; some help us relax and others energize us. From the moment we open our eyes in the morning to the time we close them at night, color affects all of us. Our temperament, our physical movements, our language and thoughts are all impacted by color.

Color plays a very important role in feng shui, too. Chinese color theory offers a way to enhance nearly every aspect of our lives. Color has been a component of many Chinese practices and beliefs: medicine, art and poetry, food preparation and feng shui. This entry is to share some of the most basic precepts in using color within the world we know as feng shui. Feng shui is over three thousand years old, and was developed by observing nature in all of its complexity and grandeur.

CH’I:
The key to understanding the significance of color in our lives is Ch’i, literally translated as “breath” or “vitality.” This energy circulates in and around the earth, creating mountains, directing streams and rivers, nourishing trees and crops. Ch’i is also the blueprint of our personality, our health, our talents and our lives. There are many ways to improve an individual’s Ch’i, and one way is to apply color.

THE FIVE ELEMENT COLOR THEORY:
This theory can be used to analyze, harmonize and improve our ch’i. Out of the interaction of Yin and Yang arise five expressions of ch’i. All people and spaces are made up, in varying degrees of these expressions. The Five Elements and their associated colors include:

• Water: black and other dark colors such as navy
This element helps one see the big picture and skills at communicating in a clear and concise manner. The Water element helps us at setting limits and at evaluation. Within us, this element benefits from time alone to think and rejuvenate.

• Wood: green (like the leaves of deciduous trees and the needles of evergreen trees)
This element provides an infectious optimism that is very innovative and motivating. This element helps a person work well with others and is good at conflict resolution. The Wood element sometimes causes one to lack focus and the ability to follow tasks through to their completion. This groundbreaker characteristic is best suited for creating and transforming ideas, rather than carrying out plans.

• Fire: red (as well as strong yellows and oranges)
Fire is the social element; joyful, excited, and charismatic with others. The Fire element provides one with perception and intuition, usually giving the ability to shed light on situations with good judgment regarding people and situations. This person can help us provide a concise (although sometimes exaggerated) point of view.

• Earth: soft yellow, orange, green, light brown and tan
This element is dependable and accommodating, and the prime directive in life is to serve others, always striving to maintain harmony. This element provides the ability to focus on group dynamics and physical surroundings. Skilled at facilitating and supportive roles, acknowledgement is very important.

•Metal: white, pastels and metallic colors such as silver, brass, gold, and copper.
The Metal element tends to be action-oriented and focused solely on accomplishment. Order and control are highly valued. Metal is about authenticity. Because our culture values the ability to get the job done, a person with a high degree of this element is often rewarded with leadership positions, and is seen as an effective strategist.

These Five Elements are associated with many parts of nature and our lives, including the seasons. Just as Spring follows Winter, and the harvest in early Autumn leads to cooling temperatures and falling leaves of late Autumn, there is a natural progression, or productive cycle within these Elements.

The Productive Cycle shows us how one element seeds the creation and growth of another in a continuous cycle, again like the seasons. The circle above demonstrates this series:
• Water nurtures Wood
• Wood feeds Fire
• Fire feeds Earth by creating ash
• Earth feeds Metal as it contracts and condenses
• Metal nourishes Water

COLOR AND THE BA-GUA
We utilize the ba-gua to create cures (solutions) for problem areas in our homes and offices. The ba-gua is a map that we transcendentally lay upon a space, often a home or office. It is composed of nine different guas, or areas that make up much of our lives. Once again, color can play a basic role in these resolutions. You will note that the same five elements previously mentioned are encompassed in this ba-gua, and that the four corner guas introduce other elements of life: wealth, partnership, helpful people & travel, and knowledge.

A color can be added to a particular area of your home or office to fix a problem. For instance, if you are having trouble getting along with a co-worker, try adding the color grey to the Helpful People gua in your office or home. If you want to establish a new romantic partnership or improve your current one, add pink to the Partnership gua. If your home/office isn’t a square or rectangle, it’s harder to know how to lay the ba-gua. If you need my help, give me a call/email me and we’ll chat about your space.

While I know this might be hard to swallow if you haven’t experienced the wonder of Feng Shui, believe me, it truly works. (You may wish to read the story of my initial experience on www.TransformationsforInteriors.com – just click on the Feng Shui tab.) Think about it: What have you got to lose? A little time and some effort on your part and it just might create a solution for your most challenging problem!

Questions? Write back and I’ll try to assist you with some more ideas.

The Power of Color!

2011-08-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

I’ve raved about the power of paint to convert a visual nightmare into a sweet dream, but there’s nothing like real pictures to show our most recent Transformation.

A young couple with two very small boys moved from Seattle to Walla Walla at the end of July and bought their first home- a 1961 three bedroom rambler with a full (somewhat unfinished) basement. They knew they had golden oak hardwood floors underneath very colorful (…and by that I really mean awful) old carpeting on the main floor. I assisted with color selection based on their vision. After a week of painting and a day of removing the old carpet, take a look at the results!

Before… (drum roll, please…)

…And after! We will paint the trim white, and then the transformation will be even more dramatic!

Before…

…And after! The white chair rail lies on the floor awaiting installation, along with painting the dark trim white.

The guest room before...

...And after! The golden color* is reminiscent of a crisp chardonnay- great for Walla Walla wines!
*Parker Paint: Sahara CL 2764d

The boys’ bedroom before…

…And after. The waves (hand painted by their mom) work with a pirate theme that will transpire as they move in!

The Master (yes, that's OMG purple!) bedroom before…

…And after, although a little purple still peeks through on the soon to be completely white trim.

Most of their furniture will soon arrive- it’s being stored in a POD http://www.pods.com/Moving.aspx while they complete work on their home. What remains to be done is to paint baseboard, trim, and closet doors white; change out light fixtures; add white crown molding in the living/dining room; window treatments in two bedrooms and the living room.

With a very limited (almost nonexistent) budget, window coverings are the next challenge. They are particularly needed in bedrooms because Walla Walla is bright and sunny at 5:00 a.m. (sunrise) in July/August. We successfully found a workable solution for the guest room window in Walla Walla, so at least guests won’t have to deal with such an early start to their day.
I’m doing a bit of shopping for them here in Seattle to find a steal of a deal at my favorite low budget resources prior to my husband and my return to see our daughter, son-in-law, and beloved grandchildren. This will be our second week of work on their behalf, which we’re happy to do. As much as we’re a bit conflicted about not seeing them at least weekly, we want their journey into home ownership to be a good one. We hope to return in the Fall to enjoy some wine tasting and such with them.
Questions or comments are welcomed- I’ll try to assist you with your design dilemmas.

The 2012 Color Trends Report

2011-07-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

The complete Pantone Spring/Summer 2012 Color Trends Report for Interiors & Furnishings has been released, along with Pantone’s own color stories. Throughout the coming months, I’ll look at the color palettes, and provide my notions on making these assorted color assemblages work in your home in 2011 and beyond…
“The nine palettes for 2012 are: Nonchalance, Subtleties, Resilience, Indigo Effects, and Transcending Time, Back to the Fuchsia, Reflections, Nouveau Neon and The Comics”.

Pantone Nonchalance Palette
There’s an informal character in this palette called Nonchalance that entices a sense of serenity and repose. Bolstering pastels help us feel comforted blending with more mature neutrals such as the taupe and gray.

Pantone Subleties Palette
Subtleties create a close connection between color relatives gliding gracefully into a unified collection of hues. Analogous hues of blues and greens or purples, as well as red and pinks create compatible palettes or quiet complements.

Pantone Resilience Palette
Resilience symbolizes a collection of robust hues that work well together. It speaks hand modeled materials in an assemblage of organic, outside shades of nature. Flamingo orange adds an striking dash to this otherwise biological assemblage of foliage greens, mushrooms, and brown.

Pantone Indigo Effects
Indigo Effects conjures a disposition of vastness and profundity: all-encompassing and shielding yet enigmatic in nature. Hues of blue, purple and azure mix with maroon, mauve and gray to create a celestial mix of mystery.

Pantone Transcending Time Color Palette
The continuity of age: past, present and future is represented in the palette entitled Transcending Time. Heirloom colors of wine, plum and classic rose are combined with warm beige, wood tones and frosted almond to create a gentle glow to an atmosphere.

Pantone Back To the Fuschia
This courageous palette of enticing hues entitled Back To The Fuchsia demands your attention without any apologies. The vigor produced using the seductive combining of reds, purples and pinks are all highlighted by a diversity of fuchsias. Peridot complements the warm tones to create a strong vibration to the mix.

Pantone Reflections Palette
Reflective finishes and metallic textures generate the Reflections palette, creating new dimensions of interest for the eye. The miraculous colors of nature in a blue moon, the Turkish sea, clouds and a beluga combine with the beauty of earth’s gems in this fantastic collection.

Pantone Nouveau Neon
This assemblage of energetic hues, the Nouveau Neon palette, bring a fresh new viewpoint to luminescent combinations. Tastes and sights of summer such as berries, popsicles and citrus fruits combine with butter-rum to create a sumptuous fare for the eye.

Pantone The Comics
If your favorite part of the newspaper has always been The Comics, then you will appreciate this sparkling palette! You’ll think of silly times and spontaneous laughter when you see the yellows, reds, blue and green pop off the pages, all outlined by phantom black.

Wondering if any of this is applicable to your home or office? Have you noticed that blues made a big return in 2011? How about pinks, peaches and honeysuckle? All of these are influenced by Pantone, and those in fashion world. If you purchase any home décor magazines, or receive catalogs such as Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Crate & Barrel, or West Elm (to name a few) you will discover that at least some of these palettes will begin to find their way into their pages and eventually, if not now, into your life.
I'd love to hear your thoughts, impressions and questions, as always. If you need help in infusing any of these color palettes into your home or office decor, just give me a call and we'll set up a free consultation to get you started.

Steps in Staging Your Home for a Quick Sale

2011-07-05T16:29:00.000-07:00

Selling your home is no small consideration, especially taking into account the "buyer's market" that our struggling economy has created. Let's face it, though, it is the right time to buy with prices and interest rates lower than any time in our recent history.
Putting your home on the market is stressful, however, so I've shared some of my secrets for preparation. These secrets will inconvenience you for a shorter period of time, and your home will go from "For Sale" to "Sold" for as close to your asking price as possible.

Kitchens sell houses- update yours before trying to sell.

1. Kitchen cabinets are expensive to replace, so if yours are solid wood but look a bit battered or just dated, consider painting them. Like any good paint job, the right prep is essential and that means taking the time to remove all doors and hardware. Next, clean them with a good degreaser detergent, and rinse well. Most cabinets have a gloss or semi-gloss finish that needs to be sanded and it's better to do that kind of work outside or in a workshop where dust is less of an issue. If there are dings or cracks or holes left by hardware, now is the time to fill them. A sandable putty or filler like Elmer's Carpenters Wood Filler will work well for this. Apply a latex primer, going with the wood grain (low-odor/low-VOC products, are good choices) for previously painted cabinets--they're easy to use and clean up with water. Now, apply an oil-based alkyd enamel, which is the traditional choice for cabinetry and wood trim.

2. Dishwashers can be made to look new by removing the front panel(s) and cleaning it/them. Now apply a stainless steel stick-on covering cut to size. This costs about $20 and can take your dishwasher from old to... updated!

3. Replacing hardware on cabinets can renew their look. Try to find fixtures that fit the size of the current holes. If you don’t find the same size, using a sandable putty or filler like Elmer's Carpenters Wood Filler will work well for this.

Bathrooms are the other big sellers when they are clean and up-to-date, so here are fixes for common problems:

4. Get rid of surface mold by using a spray bottle of 1 part water to 1 part bleach- and wipe dry. Paint the wall or ceiling with a fresh coat of satin finish latex paint (not flat or eggshell unless there’s been water damage.)

5. Clean the grime from your tub, shower, and shower door with a strong cleaner using steel wool, a mask, and rubber gloves.
6. Repair porcelain sink and tub chips with Porc-a-Fix. Get more info at http://www.find-a-fix.com/product_info.php?products_id=104
7. Painting out-of-date ceramic tile is possible. Get more info at http://questions.house-painting-info.com/how-do-i-paint-ceramic-tile.html#axzz1RGkf0JSd

Tips for the Remainder of the Home include:

8. Create a nice flow within the house. One way to do this is to maintain the same flooring throughout. The eye tends to start at the floor and then move up, so this will make the first impression whether or not you want that to happen. If you’re really short on funds, consider using the most cost-efficient material around: vinyl tile. First, use a snap-line to create a center point between the two rooms. Next, peel and stick the new vinyl tile down, and watch your kitchen and family room grow! Another idea is to paint two adjoining rooms the same neutral color. Lastly, think in terms of gentle curves rather than 90˚ angles and straight lines: a round or oval dining room table creates the sense of more space in a room than a square or rectangular one, for example.

9. Place fewer pieces of furniture in each room, rather than more. A room packed with furniture is a warning sign to potential buyers that your home lacks storage space. Pack up any items and furniture that aren’t essential, and move items to a relative’s garage, a nearby storage facility or (if absolutely the only option) to your garage. You want potential buyers to see your spacious home, not your personal belongings.
10. Stage each room with a single purpose so that it’s obvious what it is used for. Rooms with a multiple purpose give a prospective buyer the idea that the whole space is too cramped. If you have an exercise/guest room/office, then decide upon its single purpose and stage it accordingly. A bedroom is usually a bigger seller than an office or exercise room, unless you already have four or more bedrooms. If you aren’t using the dining room to serve and eat meals, but you have a chandelier hanging in the center of the room and it’s next to the kitchen, then consider staging the room in its original purpose.

11. Create or feature storage space, as it sells homes. Look around each room and see if there is space that could benefit from shelving. Go floor to ceiling whenever possible.
“Floating” shelves are often the best solution- simple & uncluttered with baskets or bins (covered ones for lower shelves one can see in) artfully placed on shelves are big sellers. It’s a great idea to unclutter your closets and organize your shelves to show off how much storage space the buyer is going to get. Purchase matching baskets or bins for your “must have” accessories in these areas as well. This will give you a chance to start packing, too and you’ll appreciate your efforts in this regard when you’re preparing to move to your next abode.

Need help with all of these fixes? Contact me and I'll come take a look and assist you as much as you need. I can make it as painless as possible to sell your home quickly. Research tells us that staged homes sell five times faster than unstaged/empty homes, and provide between 172-872% return on the seller's investment. More ideas? Questions? I'd love to hear from you!

Forward this for Money Luck in July!?!?

2011-06-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

Money bags
This year, July has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This happens once every 823 years. This is called money bags. So, forward this to your friends and money will arrive within 4 days. Based on Chinese Feng Shui. The one who does not forward.....will be without money.

I've seen this circulating through email and have been sent this information at least 10 times in the past 6 months. Although this might be Feng Shui, I seriously doubt it. At least I certainly never heard anything about this from our BTB Feng Shui guru, His Holiness Professor Lin Yun. There is validity to the term/idea of "money bags," as it is a facial characteristic and also a landform. The Chinese believe that the number 4 is unlucky so I somehow doubt that it would be used to predict when money (which in Chinese culture is somewhat synonymous for luck) would arrive.

Check out what I found on Snopes about this: http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/trivia/fivedays.asp

I looked up just 2009, 2010 and 2011. I found that we’ve had this sequence of five sets of Friday, Saturday and Sunday in 2009, 2010 and again in 2011, not every 823 years, as the email states. Essentially, every month that has 31 days has five sets of 3 consecutive days in them, whether it's:
• March 2009, August 2010, and May 2011 that had 5 sets of Sunday, Monday, Tuesday;
• March, 2010 & August 2011 that had/have 5 sets of Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday;
• December, 2009 & March 2011 that had 5 sets of Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday;
• July 2009, & December, 2010 that had 5 sets of Wednesday, Thursday, Friday;
• January 2009, October 2009, July 2010 and December 2011 that had/have 5 sets of Thursday, Friday, Saturday;
• May 2009, January, 2010 & July 2011 that had/have 5 sets of Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
• August 2009 & May 2010, and January 2011 and October, 2011 that had/have 5 sets of Saturday, Sunday, Monday.
So, although I’m sorry it’s not true, I’m glad to have an answer for all my clients, friends and family who have sent me this email today or in the past few months. Wishing you all good Feng Shui!

Simple Steps to a Healthier Home

2011-06-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

Everywhere we turn, we become of increasingly aware of environmental hazards and dangers that impact our lives. More and more people are experiencing allergy and breathing problems. Sometimes I feel like unless I move off the planet, there’s little chance for my body and lungs to survive the constant barrage of combatants attacking us!

Indoor health hazards could contribute to health problems. You can improve your (and your family’s/employee’s) health by improving your indoor air quality. Everyone is affected by it, as the average person spends 90% of his or her time indoors. Anyone can benefit from a free home indoor air assessment, available through the American Lung Association of Washington. To schedule an assessment, sign up online at http://www.alaw/org/mhe or call the office nearest you:
King County: (206) 441-5100
Pierce County: (253) 272-8777
Yakima County: (509) 248-4384
Spokane County: (509) 325-6516
As some of you know, I have my share of allergy and asthma problems, so I had a trained volunteer come to my home to find health hazards and suggest what I could do throughout my home. Some of the important things I learned include:
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, certain words listed on labels have particular meanings that should be noted and understood:
1. When the words “danger” and “poison” are found on product labels, they indicate that a product’s active ingredients are highly toxic and as little as a few drops can kill the average adult. Breathing the vapors from these products can be extremely harmful to anyone, especially those who have sensitivities.
2. The word “warning” indicates that the product is less harmful than one marked “danger” or “poison” but could still be fatal if just one teaspoon is ingested.
3. “Caution” indicates that swallowing more than two tablespoons could be deadly. These products may also be carcinogenic or contain pesticides.

One of the best ways to eliminate the potentially harmful effects of some cleaning and household chemicals is to transfer to certified green or environmentally preferable products. If a product is certified, this means it has been tested and the ingredients used have been proved to be safer to the user and just as effective as a comparable, conventional cleaning product. Be sure to read my previous entry entitled, “Selecting & Caring For Your Natural Stone Surfaces” entered on Feb. 22, 2011. You’ll learn more about using products such as baking soda, Borax, and vinegar.

I now pay more attention to triggers such as dust, molds, pet dander, and household products as well as avoiding cigarette/cigar smoke. I wash my sheets, towels, dog bedding in hot water (>130˚ F). I ventilate my home by opening windows whenever possible, as well.

So go for it, and find out how you and those close to you might benefit from a HEAL (Home Environment Assessment List) assessment. Please write comments or questions, and I’ll try to answer them. Healthy breathing, everyone!

Moving Into Summer

2011-06-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Communication is the focus to facilitate good Feng Shui as we move from Spring (the Wood Element) into Summer (the Fire Element.) This is a great time to ensure that seating arrangements throughout your home aid in pleasant interaction between inhabitants, as well as when entertaining guests. Whether it’s the Living Room, Family Room, Dining Room, or Outdoor Entertaining spaces, your furniture should facilitate good conversation.

The Living Room:
Since this is most often the first room beyond the main entrance to a home, the living room is the first impression of you that your guests who arrive at your door receive.

If you are considering painting your walls, consider hues of blue, green, crème, yellow, muted orange or earth tones of beige, tan or even brown. If you utilize earth tones, be sure to enliven the space with a variety of shapes, textures and finishes to provide interest. Professor Lin Yun Rinpoche said in his book, Living Color (ISBN 1-56836-014-2) that “The living room should be full of many colors, shades and patterns.”

Seating arrangements are an important means of facilitating conversation. L shaped couches are so popular today, but, like a very long bench or couch (see left) do not really facilitate a good conversation. Make certain that everyone in the room can make eye contact with one another when seated in your living room. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that people, when seated are no more than 12 feet apart. Any more than that creates a distance that can cause people to disengage with one another. Below are some examples of classic furniture arrangements:
• The “circular” shaped arrangement on the left facilitates lively and diverse communication.
• The “U” and “L” shaped drawings work best when there is more limited space or furniture.

The Family Room
This less-formal room is reserved for family activities, although it can be organized in a similar fashion to the arrangements above. This room usually has more casual furniture, with practical comfort being a primary focus. (Consider microfiber or leather for durability and low maintenance if purchasing new pieces of furniture for this room.) Pictures and accessories that evoke memories of happy times and family vacations are a wonderful addition to this room. Try to utilize extra storage with doors (or baskets) that hide any possible clutter of games, toys or reading materials. Great colors for this room are blue, green, warm pastels, brown, beige and multiple colors.

The Dining Room
Blues, greens, and colors seen in nature are the best colors to utilize when dining. Professor Lin Yun Rinpoche said in his book, Living Color (ISBN 1-56836-014-2) to avoid black, white or a mixture of black and white. These colors are less conducive to digestion and the enjoyable consumption of a meal. Research shows that red stimulates one’s appetite, so avoid using it if you struggle with being overweight.
Using the dining table as your desk can make you feel detached from your family, so avoid this.

Outdoor Entertaining:
You truly can set up your deck or patio space as if it’s a room- just an extension of your home. Divide larger spaces into varied areas: 1) dining at an outdoor table, a living area with modular outdoor seating, and/or 3) food preparation including a refrigerator, barbeque, and countertop. Hanging “window” coverings (using outdoor fabric) in a pergola or covered porch gives the sensation of separating spaces, as can a “wall” of taller plants/hedge, but arranging furniture to divide up the space can also work.

So, get out there and make some improvements to facilitate better communication in your home. Once you’ve made some positive changes, start noticing other good things that seem to magically occur in your life and of other family members. If you need assistance, give me a call or send me an email- I’d love to help you improve your home’s Feng Shui.

Interview With an Interior Designer Who Uses Feng Shui Principles

2011-05-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

I was recently interviewed by a very bright young woman in high school who needed information on Feng Shui. Her class was studying the Far East, and she had selected her topic. This is the result of our conversation.

How does Feng shui affect your daily life?
• I start and end each day in meditation.
• I am almost always involved in at least one cure (solution or adjustment) that I perform during any given day.
• I have many cures that I’ve installed that are visible within my home. They are a reminder of my goals in life- sort of like a Vision Board- to keep me grounded and moving toward them.
• Ch’i is the cosmic breath that enters my body and circulates through it. Everything has Ch’i- you, me, my dog, but also the desk you’re sitting at, the chair you’re sitting on: everything.
• Feng Shui affects every part of my day: my health (both mental/emotional & physical), my relationships, my opportunities, my business: everything.

How is your interior design business different than others in the U.S.?
In Western culture, interior designers attempt to create a happy and harmonious environment by careful selection and pleasing arrangement of needed items within the home. They usually start with a functional furniture arrangement. They then add decorative elements -- color, texture, effective lighting and accessories -- to create a satisfying or dramatic atmosphere. Function and aesthetics are the primary guidelines in Western interior design.
In Eastern countries, designers are primarily concerned with harnessing the forces in the land and the cosmos to create a harmonious environment. This approach to design and arrangement is known as feng shui. Feng shui means wind and water, and it represents all the forces that can change a landscape or affect human fortune. A place that has the correct combination of forces is said to have good feng shui.
As a designer, I simply begin with the consideration of all of the forces that can affect my client's life. Selections (such as the arrangement of the space, colors, textures, and all) are then made with Feng Shui as its foundation. I take my client's needs and preferences into consideration as much as other designers without Feng Shui training. To the untrained eye, one wouldn't know the difference between my designs and those of other fine designers.

How might Feng Shui be applied directly to our lives?
There is really nothing simple about Feng Shui except in its essence: the pursuit of the most advantageous and harmonious place to live and work.

Life improves as a result of changing and balancing one’s surroundings using the principles of Feng Shui.
1. When you feel frustrated or angry, take a minute to rebalance your own energy. One of the simplest ways to do this is to stop and remain still for a few minutes. Begin to take long deep breaths, focusing on its effects on your body. Feel how your body is affected by gravity- where your weight is being balanced by the ground, the chair, or whatever is affecting your body. As you breathe in, see yourself inhaling all that is good in the universe. As you breathe out, see yourself exhaling the negative energy and all that is not positively affecting your body and mind.
2. Next learn about the philosophy. Whether it is from a book or a consultant who comes into your home or office, try it. When Christopher Columbus sailed to America, many thought the world was flat and he’d sail off the edge. Since then we’ve learned much about ourselves and our world, but we have much more to learn.

In the Western world, we all want proof before we dive in head first to a different philosophy- especially one that asks us to make transcendental changes in our lives. Professor said in his book, Interior Design with Feng Shui by Sarah Rossbach that there are two types of cures:
1. Logical, reasonable & rational cures
2. Cures that seem a bit bizarre and more like science fiction.
The Chinese tend to look at the totality of a situation. Their fundamental belief is that no single part can be understood except in its relationship to the whole. The Western world tends to look at the linear relationship of cause and effect as the significant factor in understanding.
Modern scientists & philosophers sometimes refer to this mythical consciousness as “primitive.” This not only implies that it’s older, but that it’s less effective and less elegant than the Western World’s perspective.
Mythical consciousness exists side by side with Western logic because it asks different questions, and is useful in solving different kinds of problems.
Like I always say, If you need to know the square footage of a space, use Western logic. If you need to know how you’ll live & work in a space, use Feng Shui.

Selecting the Right Paint Finish

2011-05-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

A simple way to renew the look of your home's interior is to add a fresh coat of paint. You'll be able cover problems on your walls, plus brighten up your space. Once you choose the color(s), the next decision is selecting the type of interior paint. Choosing the right paint for your project begins with understanding the different options.

Going Green:
If you or one of your home's inhabitants is sensitive to smell, then this is a great alternative. Vast improvements have been made to low VOC* (*Volatile Organic Compounds) paints in the past few years, whether you're considering designer or economy brands. Low VOC paints are often greeted with the same criticisms that the new latex paints received a half century ago:
~they're difficult to apply,
~color rub-off
~colorfastness
~durability
~they don't hide very well, particularly in dark hues
~fading can occur over time.
Going green is not just about saving the environment. You're also looking for the greatest durability, coverage and colorfastness. Just like everything else, you might want to check out the websites of common brands to compare. Another option is to ask a professional painter's opinion and what brand(s) work best in various environments.

Primer
When you're making a dramatic change in hues, especially dark to light, you will want to use a primer prior to your paint. It will make all the difference in the outcome, and save you time in the long run. If the change is more subtle, then talk with the mixer/salesperson about your needs- you'll be steered in the right direction.

The Old Rules
"Glossier paints in lighter colors for durability", "flatter paints in darker colors strictly for décor"--no longer apply. Now, any sheen in any color can be used in any room in the house.

Flat Paint
This type is often used by contractors. It has a matte finish and does not reflect light. Flat paint does not wash as well as others, so cleaning the wall will result in loss of paint saturation on the wall. However, its main advantage is that it hides imperfections on walls well. So, if you have a lot of blemishes on your wall, or you want to cover up the popcorn ceiling rather than scraping it off, it's the best choice. You will want to add more lighting to a space painted with flat paint, particularly if the space doesn't have much natural light.

Eggshell Paint
Eggshell paints have matte finishes and an attractive, understated shine. It will wash slightly better than flat paints, allowing for light cleaning when needed. However, it will not hide imperfections on surfaces as well as flat paints.

Satin
A satin features a medium gloss finish that reflects a greater level of light. The final finish is not high-gloss, but it is very smooth and attractive. Imperfections will not be hidden, but the paint is highly washable and will stand up to high levels of humidity. For this reason, it's a common choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

Semi-gloss and high-gloss
These types of paint are the most reflective paint finishes. They are excellent choices for kitchens, bathrooms and high traffic areas as they can withstand high humidity and a great deal of washing. Semi-gloss and high-gloss are often picked for painting baseboards and other trim pieces due to how easy the finish is to clean. Also, these types are ideal for furniture as they give a nice sheen to the wood. Like satins and eggshells, semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes will not hide imperfections on the wall well.

Okay, that's it for now: so go paint! -OR- Give me a call and I'll arrange for it in a sassy new paint color that will make your space look just the way you want!

Nine Decorating Tips for Furnishing Small Spaces

2011-04-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

It’s Spring (or at least that’s what it says on the calendar,) and it only takes a day or two of sunshine for me to be convinced that we’ve left Ol’ Man Winter behind. Accompanying the new season is Spring cleaning, which ultimately leads to wanting a new fresher look for your surroundings. Here are some suggestions for all of us to consider in order to create a new feeling in our spaces.
If you’ve downsized into a space that’s smaller than you imagined it would be, here are some ideas to make it feel lighter, more spacious and welcoming.

1. Set Your Priorities:
Because small spaces are very limited, you need to figure out your priorities and allocate accordingly. Some people need a desk area, but not a dining area. Some people want a living area and would prefer a media room to a dining room. Make the space work for your needs and don't hold yourself to what is traditional in a home. It's your home.

2.Think in Terms of Zones:
Ask yourself which activities need to happen in a room (weighing their relative importance), and then allocate an area-sometimes separate, sometimes overlapping other areas-for each activity. Say your family room will serve as TV lounge, casual dining spot, homework center and craft space (in that order of importance.) To create a feeling of separation between zones, create visual barriers between them. A long, low cabinet, a sofa or a set of chairs can create a border between spaces without blocking light or making a room feel carved up. Open shelving, decorative screens, and carved wood panels can break up a space without totally closing it off. Folding screens act as mobile partitions to hide a messy corner workspace or obscure the view of your exercise gear, and they can be folded flat and set aside when you don't need them.

3. Strive for Stylistic Unity:
Stick to a unified vision for an entire room. A cohesive color palette, design style, wood tone or fabric can pull everything together and preserve a sense of spaciousness in a room that serves multiple functions. (This doesn't mean you should buy a "set" of matching upholstered furniture or side tables, however.) Look for furnishings that allow rooms to transition from one function to another: a coffee table that raises to dining height; a lidded ottoman that pulls quadruple duty as a coffee table, footrest, storage bench and extra seating; a handsome secretary with a fold-down work surface for your laptop. Portability is important, too: put double-duty pieces on casters so you can move them around easily.

4. Use Your Wall Space:
Stretch bookcases, cabinets and open shelving to the ceiling to supersize storage space and visually enlarge a room without cutting into its footprint. Vertical storage also helps maximize floor space, so affix slender shelves or display cubes to walls instead of using floor-hogging furniture, and don't overlook the storage potential above a door or a window, which can be a perfect spot for a substantial shelf.

5.Furniture Scale:
Your small space will probably feel and look better with moderately-sized furnishings, as it's all about scale. The apartments that actually look bigger with the furniture in them are those where the furnishings fit the space and yourself. Just as you want to avoid furniture that's massive and overstuffed, avoid furniture and accessories that are too small. Even in a tiny space, it's important to consider functionality and good looks. To make a realistic furniture plan, use masking tape on the floor to lay out the ideal size of each piece, and then buy.

6. Add Some Curves:
Because most apartments are made up of a series of rooms all shaped like boxes, it's great to add some curves. Round tables, chairs with a curve and rugs that are either in shapes or adorned with shapes like spirals and dots help to soften the box-like feel of an apartment.

7. Lighting:
Add up lights, down lights, and all around to create interest and the feeling of space. Lights are the most amazing way of making a space feel warm and hospitable. Using several lamps throughout a space creates a warm glow in the room.

8. Combat Clutter With Hidden or Attractive Storage:
If you're lucky enough to have a closet or a pantry, invest in an organizing system that will eke every available inch out of those spaces. (Remember that clear/transparent storage in closets or a pantry help you see what’s in the bin without having to open it.) If you're not that lucky, purchase furniture that will house all your needed supplies in style. Coffee tables, ottoman pieces and other double-duty items offer hidden storage options. Attractive baskets, bins and cloth-covered boxes on shelves or in cubbies keep everyday supplies handy without adding visual overload for the eyes. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of this paragraph to help your home feel and look more spacious.

9. Dress Up Utilitarian Fixtures and Furnishings
Create clever disguises for unsightly but essential fixtures such as a water heater, utility boxes, a washer and dryer or a mountain of computer equipment. Hang a homemade art canvas in front of an electrical panel or fuse box, or use a folding screen to cordon off a utility area. Hide the washer and dryer behind a curtain or a set of bi-fold doors. Drape decorative cloths over office equipment in a guest room when visitors come to stay.

Have ideas to add to these nine? Have questions about what I’ve shared? Write back, I’d love to hear from you about your design successes, as well as your challenges! Check out my website at www.TransformationsforInteriors.com if you need professional help in designing your space. Remember, we convert ordinary spaces into extraordinary places!

Organizational Leadership Skills Using Eastern Philosophy

2011-04-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

In Eastern philosophy, the elements on the earth (water, wood, fire, earth, and metal) are necessary to maintain the earth's balance. According to this philosophy, we were born with these five elements within us. The element with the highest percentage indicates the state of being or interaction style more dominant within us. This identification helps to determine each person’s strengths, as well as weaknesses in our relationships with others. For the sake of clarity, we'll use more Western terms: the Philosopher (water), the Team Builder (earth), the Creator (wood), the Networker (fire) and the Manager (metal. Read more about each of these interaction styles/ elements in my previous blog if you need a refresher on the qualities of each.)
Constructive Cycle:
The Philosopher nurtures the Creator; the Creator nourishes the Networker; the Networker provides for the Team Builder; the Team Builder builds a support base from which the Manager can be effective; and the Manager supplies the Philosopher with informed feedback regarding the outcome of a goal. (See the chart at the top of the page- see the flow on the outside of the diagram.)
Restraining Cycle:
The Philosopher controls the Networker's ability to make contacts; the Networker tempers the Manager's need to organize and achieve; the Manager limits the Creator’s generation of ideas; the Creator minimizes the importance of the Team Builder's role ; the Team Builder obscures the Philosopher's thoughts by requiring equal team representation amongst the members. (See the chart at the top of the page- see the flow on the interior of the diagram.)

Effective Organizations have Commonalities:
A vision is (usually) provided by a Philosopher who identifies a common need or desire. The Creator explores all the possibilities for addressing the need or expressing the desire. The Networker focuses on a single strategy or mission and attracts a large group of supporters. The Team Builder then gathers resources and develops teams. The teams are led by a Manager, and the completed task is turned over again to the Philosopher. The Philosopher then contributes an effective evaluation of the process, perhaps beginning the cycle over again with a new or more refined vision.
Stuck in a Restraining Cycle?
Problems can occur when the strength of one individual/group is restrained by another within the organization. Examples include:
• The Philosopher overpowers the Networker, as the group loses its sense of focus leaving supporters/the community perplexed about that the group’s purpose or goals.
• The popular Networker gossips about the insensitive Manager’s lack of personal skills, who would otherwise be accomplishing the tasks at hand to complete the undertaking.
• The Manager overextends control by negating the importance of the Team Builder’s role, or by dismissing the common need identified by the Philosopher.
One of the Interaction Styles Missing?
The absence of a integral team member can also negatively impact effectiveness. Examples include:
• Problems can occur when the Team Builder is absent and can’t build the teams before tasks are implemented, which can lead to burn out.
• Problems can also occur when Networker skills are missing, as the Creator can lack focus causing the team to try to implement too many tasks simultaneously.
Too much of one Interaction Style?
The presence of too many of one type can also negatively impact the effectiveness of a team. Examples include:
• A team that is controlled by Team Builders can get the entire group of workers paralyzed when it comes to drafting a vision for the future.
• A team that is dominated by Creators can brainstorm so many possibilities that the group is unable to narrow the field of choices and act on and follow through on any of the choices.
• A team that is ruled by Philosophers can derail the Networker's labors, never allowing the word to get out about the value of the service or product to the community.

LEARN MORE:
If you would like to know more about yourself and others, and how you can more effectively work together within your organization, please respond with comments or questions. I’d love to hear from you!

Eastern Philosophy Combines with Western Personality Traits

2011-03-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

More than four centuries ago, Asians began to study nature, and determined that there are five elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal that make up everything in our world. Each is necessary to maintain balance within the earth. According to this philosophy, each of us has all five elements within us to one degree or another. Just as we were born with DNA that produces lighter or darker skin, or a specific eye color, we were born with these five elements within us. The percentage of one element compared to the others is what gives all people similar qualities, and simultaneously makes each individual different from another. Very few (if any) people are equally balanced with 20% of each element being present within them. The element with the highest percentage indicates the personality traits or state of being more dominantly present in each of us. This identification helps to determine each person’s strengths, as well as weaknesses in our relationships with others. For the sake of clarity, transformations will speak of these interaction styles in more Western terms: the Philosopher, the Team Builder, the Creator, the Networker, and the Manager.
The Philosopher
…can see the big picture and is skilled at communicating in a clear and concise manner. This person is also good at setting limits and evaluation. This person tends to be an introvert, needing personal space and some solitude to be most productive.
The Creator
…is an infectious optimist who is very innovative and motivational. This person works well with others and is good at conflict resolution. Creators often lack focus and the ability to follow tasks through to their completion. This groundbreaker personality is best suited for creating and transforming ideas, rather than carrying out plans.
The Networker
…is very perceptive and intuitive, usually able to shed light on situations with good judgment regarding people and situations. This person can provide a concise (although sometimes exaggerated) point of view. Known to be very charismatic, this person needs a lot of support from their many friends so that they don't have times when they feel burned out.
The Team Builder
…is dependable and accommodating, and their prime directive in life is to serve others, always striving to maintain harmony. This person has the ability to focus on group dynamics and physical surroundings. Skilled at facilitating and supportive roles, acknowledgement is very important.
The Manager
…tends to be action-oriented and focused solely on accomplishment. Order and control are highly valued by this person, and thus are sometimes viewed as arrogant and/or insensitive. Because our culture values this person’s ability to get the job done, he/she is often rewarded with leadership positions, and is seen as an effective strategist.
Did you see yourself as one of these personalities? More likely, if you’re like me, you saw a friend, a co-worker or your life partner as one of these types. We’re all at least a tiny bit of each, but most people have a primary role they can identify, as well as a secondary strength.
Learn More!
If you would like to know more about yourself and others, and how you can more effectively work together within your organization, or create a more joyful and fulfilling relationship with a partner (your spouse or significant other), please respond with comments or questions. I’d love to hear from you!

Selecting & Caring For Your Natural Stone Surfaces

2011-02-22T19:37:00.000-08:00

I heard an amazingly informative speaker at one of our Northwest Society of Interior Designers’ meetings. (Check us out at http://www.NWSID.net). Her name is Denise Frakes, who together with her husband owns Blue Sky Services, a restorative cleaning company in Seattle. They also deal with the sealing and cleaning of stone, tile & grout. The meeting was held at Statements: Distinctive Tile and Stone in Pioneer Square, which caters to commercial clients, although they have another amazing store in Sodo near the Seattle Design Center. (Check them out at http://www.statementstile.com)
I’m going to pass along some of the most important information she shared with us about selecting and caring for stone, tile & grout.
1. Install a handheld shower head in all of your showers. Then rinse the tile bathtub surround down at the end of every use. You will then remove soap scum off the tile and grout, thus preventing it from adhering to the shower walls.
2. If your tile shower surround currently has soap scum build-up on it, it may be necessary to use a higher pH alkaline cleaner such as 409, CLR, or soda. (Do not, however use these products on a regular basis.) You ideally want to clean it immediately after a shower to have the hot water help to begin to break down the surface. Use a polishing, horse hair, or nylon pad to break the surface tension, working in one small area at a time.
3. Effective drainage is imperative. If you have a flawed design, where water doesn’t completely drain out, you’re going to have hard water/mineral build-up in those areas.
4. The less caulking used in a shower, the better off you will be. When caulking has water constantly sitting on it, it fails. You’ll know it has failed because there will be a black line where the caulking used to be. If it’s black (which is mold), it needs to be removed and replaced with new.
5. Ventilation is a must. Fans are rated by the size of the bathroom, so be sure to get one that fits the size of each bathroom and will remove all the excess moisture in the room. Install a timer in each bathroom that lets the fan remain on for 30 minutes after each shower is finished. This is particularly important in the Northwest, where it’s very humid with all of our rain.
6. Be sure to check how porous the surface is if you are selecting stone such as granite or marble for your floor, shower, tub surround, back splash or particularly a vanity in your bathroom. Marble, some granite surfaces, limestone, as well as a very few porcelains and will be etched by the cleansing and hair products that are used regularly in a bathroom. This is particularly obvious if a shiny polished surface is used. Make sure that your fabricator (installer) seals the surface before its initial use.
7. Test any natural stone or porcelain prior to purchase by placing a few drops of the following to check for:
+ Permeability: Drip a few drops of water onto a tile & see how fast it is absorbed.
+ Acid Etching: Drip a few drops coffee, tea, or wine onto a tile to see if it changes the surface.
8. Many, if not most over the counter cleaners have a pH of 1-3 which is VERY acid, or a pH of 10-14, which is VERY alkaline. They not only break down the natural surface, but also the caulking on your tub surround, sinks, etc. Find and use a cleanser with a pH of 7-8.5 such as Dupont’s Granite & Marble Countertop Cleaner + Protector, or Dupont’s Tile & Grout Cleaner. Look for the words “gentle,” “neutral,” or “mild” on the label. If the cleaner says it removes hard water buildup, calcium and lime stains or rust stains it is most likely an acid. An acid will etch acid sensitive surfaces such as marble, travertine, onyx, limestone and grout. A cleaner to avoid is Kaboom, with a pH level of 1.0. Another cleaner that has a pH of 1.0 is vinegar, so even it can do enormous financial damage to your natural surfaces and grout.
9. Every product has a CAUTION/WARNING/DANGER/POISON section that lets you know if the product with which you are cleaning is dangerous. Caution is the least toxic; Warning is more and so forth. Read this section before you buy, and find out if you really want to use it or not. If you have anyone living in your home (or even visiting regularly) that has sensitivity to toxins, avoid these products.
10. Although you can use colored grout, it will fail in areas with water exposure. Save your money and use regular white grout. Coffee grout is an exception to this statement, but is very hard to work with, so make sure your fabricator has used it often prior to your installation.
11. Waterfall showers require more maintenance.
12. At some point in the future, any coating that is often put on natural stone finishes will fail. There are several types of sealers, and they sometimes require strong and toxic chemicals to remove. These can affect the look and finish of the stone, and will be expensive.
Topical sealers may be effective at stopping stains but tend to wear out relatively quickly, especially on high-traffic areas of flooring. This type of sealer will significantly change the look and slip resistance of the surface, especially when it is wet.
Penetrating sealers infiltrate the surface of the stone enough to anchor the material to the surface. They are generally longer lasting than topical sealers and often do not substantially alter the look of the stone, but still can change the slip characteristics of the surface and do wear relatively quickly. Penetrating sealers often require the use of special cleaners which both clean and top up the repellent ingredient left on the stone surface.
Impregnating sealers* penetrate deeply into the material, infiltrating it at the molecular level. These bond to the capillary pores and repel water and oils from within the material. A good depth of penetration is also essential for protection from weathering and traffic.
*Denise recommended these if you want to seal the surface.
Final thoughts:
1. Prevention: Control the dirt coming in with walk-off (track off) mats outside the home. Take off your shoes as you walk into the home. An entrance rug will encourage inhabitants to wipe their feet.
2. Use a mild cleaner: Use a vacuum cleaner whenever possible and spot clean as necessary. Mopping often just spreads the dirt to every spot in the room you’re cleaning. We use too much, so just use less. Then rinse it, and dry it.
3. Hook yourself up with an environmentally-friendly cleaning company such as Blue Sky before you need them to help suggest appropriate products for your surfaces.
4. Check out Denise’s blog, http://dfbluesky.blogspot.com

What are your design dilemmas?

2011-02-08T11:02:00.000-08:00

This one is short and simple: What are your design dilemmas and challenges? Do you avoid one room (or more) of your home because it just feels uncomfortable? Do you have a junk closet or even a room where you just store the stuff you don't use in the main living area of your home? Does your bathroom have ugly pink tile in it? Perhaps your kitchen lacks counter space to prepare meals, or cupboard space to put food away. Give me a problem and I'll suggest some "fixes" that will help to solve the challenge. If you wish, send me pix at Shelley@TransformationsforInteriors.com and I'll make suggestions.

Your Main Entrance Can Be the Door to Opportunity

2011-02-06T16:02:00.000-08:00

In the West, many people dismiss feng shui as a lot of nonsense; but in China, it is taken seriously as an art and a science. Modern scientists & philosophers in the West sometimes refer to the ancient consciousness known as feng shui as “primitive.” This not only implies that it’s older, but that it is less effective and sophisticated than the Western World’s perspective. Ancient consciousness exists side by side with Western logic because it asks different questions, and is useful in solving different kinds of problems. If you need to know the square footage of your home, use Western logic. If you need to know how to achieve a more stable and satisfying life, use feng shui.

The entrance to one’s residence is a very important aspect of feng shui. The term Ch’i refers to the energy flow. Everything has energy or Ch’i. We want Ch’i to flow through our homes like blood flows in our bodies: not too fast, but not too slowly, either. When the Ch’i flows easily and smoothly throughout the home, then the inhabitants are more likely to enjoy good feng shui: a balanced and fulfilling life.

Your Neighborhood:
If you live in a neighborhood where everyone takes care of their home and yard, your whole community will benefit from good feng shui. If your neighborhood borders commercial property, then (assuming customers are coming and going regularly) the Ch’i is probably moving too fast. You may want to consider adding more plants to your front yard sometime soon as it will slow the Ch’i to guide it into your home. The Ch’i is probably moving too slowly if your home is surrounded by rental properties whose landlords don’t keep up the home and yard. Consider using some of your own “elbow grease” on your yard and entryway, as well as light fixtures and welcoming natural sounds to attract Ch’i to your abode.

Your Front Door:
Your door should be visible from the street. If not, the Ch’i has a more challenging path to arrive at your door. Just as our human bodies require breath to bring oxygen to our respiratory system, and we breathe through our nose and mouth, front doors are the “Mouth of Ch’i.” Without air, we’ll die in a matter of minutes, yet without Ch’i, we wither away as well.

Your Entrance:
Entryways should be clean, without wobbly handrails or peeling paint anywhere. The door needs to be fully able to open, and the entrance (both inside and out) uncluttered. This is extremely important. Even overgrown plants that block part of the sidewalk can prevent the Ch’i from getting to your front door. In fact, if you can only fix one thing right now, go for clearing out your entryway. Anything blocking this door, or restricting it from opening completely and easily will block your opportunities.

Light It Up:
Everyone needs light outside their front door to welcome guests and illuminate the path to the door. Clean off those spider webs, and wash up the light fixture so that it can illuminate your porch as well as your future.
If there is little or no natural light inside your entryway, you will need to paint it a lighter color and then get a light fixture with a full-spectrum bulb. Ceiling lights, sconces, and recessed lights can each welcome friends and family, as well as Ch’i into your home.

Other considerations:
The room or architectural structure that your entrance or foyer leads to is also important in feng shui, as are many other factors to bring good fortune to you and your housemates. Write your questions or concerns for me- I’d love to hear from you!

Ten Tips for Selling Your Home

2011-01-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

1. Step up your curb appeal. This involves some labor on the owners’ part, but it’s imperative, or prospective buyers may just drive away! Your walkway should be wide and sparkling clean, your grass, shrubs, and trees trimmed neatly, and your flower beds weeded. Have an arborist come and trim trees and shrubs in front of windows to let light into your home.
2. Steps up to your porch and your porch area should be in great shape, as it's probably the first place potential purchasers will tarry while their agent gets the door open. It’s also the last thing they’ll see as they leave your home. New paint on the front door? New updated lighting? New address numbers that are easily visible from the street? You want to leave a positive and lasting impression.
3. Light it up! Maximize the lighting in your home by:
* Open your window treatments in every room.
* Take down draperies if they’re a dated style, or showing signs of age. Then repair any holes with spackle and paint.
* Clean the windows, inside and out.
* Change lamp shades to provide as much light as possible and up the wattage in lamps to provide more light.
* Trim bushes or trees outside your windows.
4. Beware of dogs. It’s really tough to sell a home with pets of any sort in your home. Entice Auntie Jan or your friends who love Fido to keep him for the month you’re selling. Then get rid of their litter boxes, food dishes, etc. too so there's no evidence of their existence.
5. Fix any projects in your home that are undone, whether it’s the closet doors that aren’t on their track, the leaky faucet, or the hole in wall where an accident occurred.
6. Make your home anonymous by taking down family pictures, sayings, or artwork that subconsciously tells others, “This is our home, not yours.”
7. Make sure your home is spotlessly clean, especially in the bathrooms and kitchen.
8. Speaking of kitchens, if yours was (or looks like it was) built in the seventies, you may want to make some improvements here. It’s reported that a home owner can get as much as 85% of their investment returned in the kitchen, which is higher than other rooms. Sometimes a new back splash, cabinet pulls, or painting your cabinets is all that’s needed to help the potential purchaser see it as updated.
9. Stage your home. First, find a temporary home for about 1/3 of your furniture. Next, arrange the furniture so that prospective buyers can walk through a room 2 abreast without running into a couch, coffee table or bed. You may need help with this, and if so hire a home stager.
10. Minor fixes and improvements can go a long way to help you sell your home: a fresh coat of neutral paint; purchasing new window coverings, or replacing oxidized doorknobs and door handles can really help sell your home.
11. Okay, I know I said ten (not eleven) but it's 2011, after all! Here's one more excellent idea: Hire me to come look at your home with my "feng shui eyes" and stage it with that in mind. I also have a Real Estate cure that will help sell it faster!
Questions? Comments? I'd love to hear from you.

Who Needs An Interior Designer?

2011-01-01T16:02:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been inside a stunning hotel lobby, a fashionable meeting room, or perhaps some other interior space that really felt just right for its purpose? Do you think all of the design elements of the space occurred accidentally? Doubtful - in almost all instances a professional interior designer was hired to create the space, select the finishes and determine the color schemes.
Consultations
We have all been inside someone's home that was a design nightmare. Perhaps you even consider your own home the Design Disaster poster child! Not everyone has the ability to spend tens of thousands of dollars on interior design. Often, you can spend less and get highly desirable results. Think: it is worth $150-300 to find out what it might cost to redo a room or perhaps an entire house? You might be able to get an interior designer to come and consult with you for just an hour for this amount of money. You might be surprised by what you can do! There are affordable alternatives that many designers know about.
New Construction
Are you thinking of building a new home soon? If so, you really need to get an interior designer involved early in the planning process. This individual will add lots of expertise to your design choices, and the result will be worth every penny you’ve spent.
Designers often work with architects. The combination of talents can produce spectacular results. Interior designers can offer much with respect to the final fit and finish of rooms and how they relate to each other with respect to color and texture. Try your best to budget in some money for the services of an interior designer on your upcoming new home project.
Decorators - Not the Same as Designers
Be careful to make a distinction between decorators and designers. Decorators can be very talented. Many have vast experience with colors, wallpapers, and other finishes used to decorate a house. These are fine qualities.
Interior designers take these talents and enhance them with an education, usually having college degrees in design. A decorator rarely - if ever - has the extensive training that accompanies an interior design degree. If you just want help selecting a wallpaper, then you might do fine working with a decorator. However, if you want to blend carpets, furniture, wall treatments, paints, interior trim, etc. you better hire a designer!
Lighting
Lighting is often an afterthought- we expect light, but it’s certainly not a given. Light fixtures and the quality of light they produce have a direct and dramatic impact on the rest of the room. The lighting of items you want to feature in a room is important. Lighting can make or break a design, so be sure to look at a project at different times of day. Some of the basics of lighting is considering the foot-candles, the beam angle, the CRI (color rendering index) and lumens. All of this takes the professional advice of a good designer, in cooperation with lighting professionals.
Be Honest
When you get ready to work on a project, be honest with yourself and the designer. If you feel that the designer's approach isn't meeting your needs for the space, then speak up! After all, it is your space and your money, and you’re the one who will reap the result of the interior that you are changing.
You need to respect the designer’s education and experience, but you don’t have to feel like you have to “go with” every one of the designer’s selections if you don’t share the same opinion of those choices. Go slowly at first to make sure you have the right pro on your team. Once you feel comfortable and everyone knows the plan, move ahead!
Questions? Respond and I’ll try to assist you with some more answers to your questions or concerns.

Creating Easy Holiday Decor

2010-12-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

1. Before beginning the decorating process, decide upon your color palette by choosing two or three colors that work well with the décor you’ve selected for the other 11 months of the year. You don’t have to stick with traditional colors: Orange, hot pink, white, or purple with silver or gold can be gorgeous (especially if your going for a contemporary look.) Deciding on a palette before you shop makes the selection process quick and easy.
2. For a custom look that's easy to achieve, greet your guests at the front door with a wreath, adding holly, ornaments, wrapped candies, children's small toys or glittered greenery to a plain wreath.
3. Flickering candlelight is beautiful and a must for adding a warm ambiance, but if small children or pets will be part of the celebration substitute battery-powered votive and pillar candles for a warm glow without the worries. Flameless candles are a great holiday decorating solution when you want the flame without the fuss.
4. Always test Christmas lights before adding them to the tree. Nothing is more disappointing (and frustrating) than spending an afternoon carefully wrapping the tree with lights only to plug them in and discover that they don't work.
5. Make your decorations sparkle by working strands of mini-lights into garlands on top of buffets, china cabinets, as well as under the coffee table or end table- anywhere you can hide the electrical cords!
6. To place decorations on your mantle or walls, consider using 3M Scotch Command Removable Utility Hooks, which can be removed at the end of the holiday season without a trace.
7. House plants? You can’t exactly store live house plants away with your other non-holiday décor when December arrives. Putting them outdoors is also not an option in the Northwest in December! Instead, add some ornaments or colorful baubles to them to help them fit right in! If they’re large you can even add mini-lights as long as they don’t produce heat.
8. Ribbon- there’s so much variety of gorgeous ribbon sold in a variety of stores, that you can enhance your color scheme or décor theme. Wind it through garland, around candle holders, around potted plants, on the tree, on your wreaths, around your towels in the bath, just about anywhere you’re adding a touch of Christmas in your home!
9. To add a vintage element to your holiday decorations, use handmade popcorn on a string, a cranberry garland, or homemade gingerbread men. Holiday décor stores often sell a version of this, but be careful that you get ones that fool the eye. (By that, I mean your guests have to touch it to know it’s not real!)
10. A lit fireplace is beautiful but can quickly heat up a room filled with guests. To get the look without the warmth, fill the hearth with lit pillar candles instead. If small children or pets are a part of your guest list, see #3.
11. Your Tablescape: Consider creating a holiday scene featuring gingerbread houses or ceramic Christmas village miniatures. If you have a set of ice skater miniatures, you can place a mirror placemat down first, put waxed paper over it, placing the houses around the edge. If possible, place the small battery-powered lights inside each house for an extra warm glow. Add the people, a carriage, and trees, and lastly, sprinkle faux snow around each and along the center of the table, to delight young and old alike.
12. Three ideas for adding holiday decor to your chandelier: A.) Add three, five or seven of your beautiful tree ornaments: hang them from the arms at varying heights on simple narrow ribbon, but not too far down to block the view of guests sitting across the table from one another. B.) Adorn plain paper shades with an assortment of ribbon attached with hot glue. Wind it vertically at an angle around each shade. When the holidays are over, just snip the ribbon and your adorned shades are back to normal. C.) Drape the arms with an evergreen garland.
13. To cover an extra-long table, simply drape it with fabric from a fabric store bolt. Measure the length and width of the table. You will need to buy fabric that’s at least 12” (1/3 yd.) wider than your table, and at least 14” longer than your table. Turn the ends up an inch, press with an iron, and then “hide” and press iron-on tape inside the fold. This will create a finished look on each end of the tablecloth.
14. Consider renting china, glasses and silverware for a holiday get-together rather than rushing out to buy it. No matter where you live, chances are there's a party rental store near you. The prices are reasonable and by renting rather than buying you also avoid having to store the items year after year.
15. Work in odd numbers: three, five or even seven items is pleasing to the eye.
16. Use varying heights to create more visual interest.
More ideas? Comments? Questions? I'd love to hear from you, and see pictures of your ideas.

Northwest Transformations: A Quick & Easy Decor Change

2010-11-22T15:28:00.000-08:00

Northwest Transformations: A Quick & Easy Decor Change

Check out my website: www.TransformationsforInteriors.com and learn more about services you really need.

Need Table Decorations for Thanksgiving?

2010-11-21T11:38:00.000-08:00

You are going to spend a lot of time cooking and baking in preparation for Thanksgiving. Why not "wow" your guests with a fabulous table setting as well?
Setting a formal table is easier than you may think. Start by covering your table with a cloth that is 12-16” longer and wider than your table: 6-8” hanging from each edge. When choosing the table cloth, consider the season and the color of the dishes that you’re going to be using. You can add a runner, making sure that it is either the same length or shorter than the tablecloth. You can also add a smaller tablecloth or piece of coordinating cloth that you drape in the center to provide a focal point for your centerpiece.

Place Setting Basics:
Then, it's time for the place settings. Ideally, you want to give each guest 24” of space, but I know from experience that sometimes you just have to crowd more people around the table. If you have room, you can use chargers under your dinner plate, which gives each plate setting a sense of formality. They’re available at a variety of stores and online for a very reasonable cost.
Forks go to the left of the plate, and the knife (with the blade turned toward the plate) and spoon go to the right. I used to tell my daughter when she was growing up, “Think of it in alphabetical order: fork, knife, and teaspoon” to help her when she was setting the table. Another tip is to place cutlery in the order that it will be used, with the first utensil, like a salad fork, furthest from the plate. To keep the table from becoming too crowded, simply bring dessert utensils out with that course. Bread plates go to the left of the place setting, glassware to the right. If there is more than one wineglass, arrange them in the order they will be used, outermost first. And finally, napkins can be placed either on top of the dinner plate or to the left side of the silverware. Ideally, do not place your napkin under the silverware, as then the first thing your guests have to do is mess up the silverware placement.
What’s a more casual approach?
Casual table settings work just as well and give you a chance to go bold with your color choices and really mix patterns. A casual table setting is an eclectic mix of colors and styles — a boldly patterned table cloth paired with country-style dinner plates.
Options:
1. If you vary the style, keep the colors consistent. Using different styles of stemware that are all clear glass or crystal works fine together, and then you don’t have to go to the expense of buying all new.
2. Selecting seasonal colors works wonderfully to create a relaxed and homey feeling. The fiery hues of Autumn can create a wonderful ambiance with crème colored candles sitting on a wooden plate surrounded by a few leaves, nuts in the shell, and/or chestnuts gathered on a Fall walk.
3. If you keep a casual style of table accessories, vary the colors at least to some extent, again considering your dinnerware colors. You don’t have to use all the same dinnerware, either. Using dinner plates from one set of dishes, and salad plates/soup bowls from another can be a wonderful montage.
4. Repeating a motif, such as votive candles, down the center of a long table can be a simple and effective means of creating a tablescape.
Do I have to use flowers for a centerpiece?
An arrangement of fruit, vegetables, and/or things from your garden can often make a beautiful focal point for your tablescape. Whatever you choose, do not create something so tall that it blocks one guest’s view of another while seated at your table.
Elevating something small under a lift can create visual interest. Lifts might be a can of food, a stack of unused dishes, or an unused inverted stock pot. Then you can add a smaller tablecloth or piece of coordinating cloth (turning the edges under) that you drape in the center over the various elevations (to cover them up, and) to provide a focal point for your centerpiece.
Set Your Table Before the Event:
While you’re busily creating the fabulous meal the day before and day of the event, it’s really a lot easier to set your table a day or two before your event.
Do I Use Place Cards?
Place cards keep two guests who seem to get on one anothers' nerves at least two seats apart. They also help you think through the placement of guests to seat those in their prime around those too young (or old) to lift & pass dishes around the table.
Questions? Ask, and I'll write back. Good luck, and send me pictures of your table decorations! I'd love to see what you create. Happy Thanksgiving, all!

A Quick & Easy Decor Change

2010-11-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

Ready for a décor change, yet are short on time or money? Adding an accent wall enlivens a room's decor. Often the wall is chosen because of its features, such as a fireplace or window. An accent wall can help bring together the colors of other walls and furnishings, enhancing a room's character and charm.

Big Statement with Little Investment
The accent wall is an easy painting project. It seldom takes more than a couple of hours; it requires only requires paint, a roller, and painter’s tape; and can even be done in apartments because it’s easy to undo when you move. Unless you’re planning on purchasing a myriad of new accessories and home goods, try to find a bold color that exists in your rug, window coverings or pillows to use. Bring the paint sample home and look at it in the light that exists in your space to get a true idea of what the color is going to look like once on your wall.

What is an Accent Wall?
An accent wall is one wall within a single room that is markedly different and more interesting than the other walls in the room. It’s probably the color you love but would be afraid to use throughout the entire room because of its intensity. It’s also possibility the color that your spouse, roommate, or significant other would never use throughout the space, but will accept as a part of the color scheme.

Why Paint an Accent Wall?
Since this is usually the first wall that you see when entering a room, this wall can help to draw the eye to what you want noticed. In an open concept dining and living room combination, it can help to anchor or define a separate area. The accent wall almost always highlights a large focal point such as bed, fireplace, or window on or near that wall. Be sure that every other element in your room coordinates, but isn't "matchy-matchy". Supporting elements should carry out the accent color's hue and value. If there is no thought of coordination and balance of color throughout the room, your accent wall will look like an irrelevant, disconnected color. Think about coordinating pillows, upholstery fabric, drapery, and a rug that pulls the color together. If possible, try to find these items before you buy the final accent wall color. Trying to find accessories and home goods to coordinate with that very specific shade of turquoise you selected will prove to be a nightmare. Again, this goes back to a color's undertone. Color matching paint value to a shade from your rug or window covering fabric is easy, but nearly impossible when it's the other way around.

Selecting Colors for an Accent Wall
In most cases, an accent wall is a bold color against neutral walls. A different version is a vibrant shade against other walls of the same shade. For example, a rich brown against other, very pale tan walls. An accent wall doesn't mean you throw color coordination out the window. Tying the room into the accent wall, with coordinated pillows, drapes, and upholstery is vital when making an effective decorating scheme. Remember, too that wallpaper, which is back big time, and that tile in a bathroom can also make an accent wall, not just paint. The main point is that the accent walls color should attract the eye, and therefore be bold.

Selecting The Right Wall
Remember, an accent wall needs to be clustered around some kind of dominant focal point. There is nothing more dominant than a fireplace. After all, beds move, bookcases move, TVs move--but fireplaces, and windows, are there to stay. Look for a wall seen from an adjacent room. The color will perform double duty if you can also see it from other rooms.

A great way to make a change in your home is to infuse color into your home. Think about an accent wall. It’s quick and easy! Questions? Write back and I’ll try to assist you with some more ideas.

Exciting Lighting & the Dangers of CFL Bulbs

2010-10-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

I attended a lighting seminar, sponsored by Task Lighting that was really (please pardon the pun) enlightening. Not only was the history of lighting reviewed (129 years ago the first light bulb was lit by Thomas Edison) but we learned about the latest and greatest in the lighting industry.
There are big and exciting changes coming to the lighting industry. Currently there are three types of lighting available to us:
*Incandescent (Tungsten filament, halogen and Xenon)
*Flourescent (tube type, compact/CFL, screw base and GU24 base)
*LEDs 5 mm and solid state

Problems with Various Lighting:
Incandescent lighting’s biggest problems were energy efficiency and heat generation. Period.

Flourescent lighting’s biggest problem is the disposal of any lamp because of its mercury content, which is approximately 4-5 mg. per bulb. Mercury can cause many problems when inhaled, and can affect our brains, spinal cords, kidneys and livers. Read more at Suite101: The Dark Side of Light Bulbs: Educate Yourself on the Dangers of Using the new CFLs http://www.suite101.com/content/the-dark-side-of-light-bulbs-a24258#ixzz12N3eQVap

I recall this issue when they first came out, but at this session I learned that the amount of mercury in one CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) requires a disposal space that’s 4’ deep and the size of a football field. The worst case scenario is that mercury from the many bulbs of which you and I have improperly disposed are leaching into our water systems. Hmm…I guess we don’t have to worry as much about the mercury found in our tuna when we drinking it daily.

Also, if you break a fluorescent light bulb, instructions are to immediately open the windows in the room, and exit, shutting the door behind you for at least 15 minutes. Then go in and sweep it up, but do not vacuum as the mercury will then stay in your vacuum cleaner, affecting you continually. Place the pieces into a disposable plastic container and take it to a recycling center. In the Seattle area, Bartell Drugs takes CFLs. Check online for your area’s centers.

Problems with LEDs are that the 5 mm aren’t very efficient and are non directional. The solid state type produces heat and (along with the 5 mm variety) vary in color from one lamp to another even when from the same production lot, a problem which intensifies with age.

The Good News:
There are big and exciting changes coming to the lighting industry. Many of them are so new that their patents are pending, so I'll write about those in a future blog. LEDs have been improved yet again, which is the 4th generation of this most exciting development in lighting. These new editions are:
*Able to last 50,000 hours
*Energy efficient
*Small in size as needed
*Easy to install
*Used in under cabinet fixtures, interior cabinet fixtures, toe kick / soffit lighting, pendants
*Able to be combined with angle power strips to avoid unsightly placement on walls/backsplashes.
*Able to work with dimmers, GFCI, Maestro IR, Maestro RA, Radio RA
*Able to be used in a damp location in some fixtures

The workshop was excellent, and provided a plethoral of information and catalogs of new products available at a variety of price ranges. Give me a call if your needs include lighting- I’d love to illuminate you as to the newest possibilities!

Decorating Tips for Small Spaces

2010-10-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

Just because your home is pint-sized doesn’t mean you have to live with pint-sized home décor. Try these economical tricks of the trade on for size, and you’ll find your space has never looked bigger or better. Transformations for Interiors & Exteriors will offer a free one hour presentation entitled, Decorating Tips for Small Spaces, designed specifically for the Blakeley Apartment Complex but applicable to all small living spaces. This presentation will be on Monday, Nov. 9 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at a Blakeley Village Community Center next to University Village. Pre-registration is strongly suggested, as registration is limited to 25 participants.

Life is busier than you ever dreamed it would be, and your home needs to be your sanctuary. “There is no better time for people living in small spaces to acquire this information.” remarked workshop presenter, Shelley Nordlund. She is an interior designer who has dealt first hand with the challenges of small space living. Shelley is an interior designer, a Feng Shui consultant, and an award winning teacher.

People are buying smaller homes for a variety of reasons other than financial cost-cutting, the Seattle Times reported in an article written July 2, 2010. Small means keeping the things you really love and need; letting go of others. Moving into a smaller abode can mean more energy efficiency for some. A small-scale house can often elevate design and beauty: well-built, high ceilings, skylights; lots of light exposure.

Continuing the “downsizing” trend, more consumers (36% in 2009; 32% in 2008) expect their next home to be “somewhat smaller” or “much smaller,” according to Better Homes and Gardens New Home Survey, which revealed that “Cents and Sensibility” as top priorities in 2010.

Sign up October 12 by going to www.TransformationsforInteriors.com and printing your Pre-Registration form, under What’s New. Registration is limited to 25. Contact Shelley@TransformationsforInteriors.com for further information.

Using Feng Shui to Sell Real Estate

2010-10-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

Realtors in greater Seattle can enter the fascinating world of Feng Shui to learn what helps to sell a home faster, and what keeps it on the market. Discover what can be done to make the difference between For Sale and Sold. Transformations for Interiors & Exteriors will offer a three hour presentation entitled, Using Feng Shui to Sell Real Estate on Monday, Oct. 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at a community center next to University Village shopping centre. Cost for the workshop is just $99, and pre-registration is strongly suggested.

Those in attendance will learn the importance of the home’s footprint, the front door, interior door alignment, window placement, remedies and staging tips using the principles of Feng Shui. “There is no better time for realtors to acquire this information.” remarked workshop presenter, Shelley Nordlund. She is a disciple of His Holiness Grandmaster Professor Lin Yun Rinpoche, founder of BTB Feng Shui. Shelley is a Feng Shui consultant, an interior designer, and an award winning teacher.

According to Zillow.com, most homes worth $460k in 2007 are selling for just $375k today in Seattle. The median listing price for a home/condo as of Sept. 20, 2010 is $310k, down 1.6% from last month. The number of listings is also down 2.2% from last month, according to HouseTracker.net. “Now is the perfect time to optimize your skills in real estate sales by learning some Tantric Feng Shui adjustments that can affect the sale of a home,” Ms. Nordlund reiterated, “I will even teach the coveted Real Estate Cure. This remedy has worked to sell homes for me, many of my clients, and countless others.”

Sign up today by going to www.TransformationsforInteriors.com and printing your Pre-Registration form, under What’s New. Registration is limited to 25. Contact Shelley@TransformationsforInteriors.com for further information.

The Various Schools of Feng Shui

2010-08-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

There are various schools and different levels of understanding of feng shui. Most of what is being practiced in the West today is not traditional or classical feng shui. Classical feng shui has it roots in the understanding of forms and shapes of the land, the I Ching, yin yang theory, and five element theory. All schools of feng shui are based on similar universal knowledge, but have developed different approaches and techniques for identifying and balancing ch’i (energy.)

Form School
This is the oldest form of feng shui. Its focus is on understanding the energy of land forms and waterways. Based on their shape, size and relative positions, this school determines how the buildings and their inhabitants will be affected. The orientation of homes and burial sites is a part of this school. This is a more visual approach, relying on analysis of the specific energies of the land, buildings, waterways, and roadways. The results are recommendations for proper placement of buildings and burial sites in relation to the physical surroundings.

Compass School or Traditional Feng Shui School
This school is based on the eight directions of a special compass, called a lou pan. Every person has four good directions and four bad directions, as does every building. People belong to either the West Group or the East Group, which is determined by the year one was born. (This fact helps Westerners understand one reason for arranged marriages in Asian countries: partners must share the same group to be compatible in a home.) Buildings also belong to either the West Group or the East Group, depending on their siting. By knowing and using the best directions for sleeping, working, studying, and negotiating, one will be more supported in life.

Flying Star School
This school uses the Eight Trigrams of the I Ching, and the lo shu magic square, which is used to divide a house, building or room into nine sectors. Each trigram is related to compass directions, an element, a season, various body parts, members in the family, a color, and specific shapes. This school uses yin yang theory, five element theory, Chinese astrology and numerology. It is very computational, relying more on the use of scientific formula to understand the energy of an environment.
A special compass, called a lou pan, is used to take a directional reading of the home or building, as in the Compass School. A person's date of birth and the construction date of the building are also important factors in Flying Star calculations, as these relate to the unique time factor in this school's mathematical calculations.

Eight House or Ba Zhai School
This school studies the relationship of a person and a building to the Eight Trigrams and the qualities they embody. The facing and siting of the building and a person’s birth information both come into play in the calculations.

Life Aspiration School
This school is a very simplified form of feng shui and easy to learn. The pa kua (or ba-gua) is used as an energy map and is broken down into eight directions. The different directions can be activated by different types of cures. When these cures are put into place, they increase the luck associated with the aspiration of the direction. The pa kua is placed over the home or building based on the direction the front door faces, therefore true directions are being used. Another important aspect of this school is determining a person’s best and worst directions. By knowing and using your best directions for sleeping, studying, working, etc., you will be more supported in your environment.

BTB Feng Shui or Modern Feng Shui School
Black (Sect) Tantric Buddhism Feng Shui is a multi-disciplined school, incorporating yin yang theory, eight trigram theory, five element theory, the I Ching, Form School, and inspiration. In part, it is also drawn from Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, as taught by Grandmaster Rinpoche Professor Thomas Lin Yun of Taiwan. He brought his teachings to the United States in 1986, and continues to this day to share his teachings as well as new insights throughout the world. It is sometimes referred to as Western Feng Shui.
In its purest form, this approach is taught as a spiritual practice. One does not need to be a Buddhist, however, to apply this school's principles. Its focus is on working with Spirit or God, using the mind as a positive and constructive vessel to create our reality by working with ch’i/energy. Each building or room is evaluated from the position of the main entrance by using the ba-gua. The nine sections of the ba-gua have various characteristics. Cures (adjustments) are suggested depending on a combination of client needs, aspirations, and consultant inspiration, and take into account modern developments. Unlike traditional feng shui, BTB feng shui uses ancient mantras (chanting), mudras (special hand positions), and intention to strengthen the adjustments made by the consultant. To learn more, check out www.yunlintemple.org

I am trained in BTB Feng Shui, although I have been given an understanding of the lo shu magic square, Chinese Astrology, and numerology. I have also studied Chinese Face Reading as a part of my training. I am happy to answer questions or make clarifications on any of these schools, but am best equipped to answer BTB Feng Shui questions. If you’d like to learn more about this ancient and amazing world from me directly, give me a call and we’ll set up an appointment for a consultation at your home or place of business.

How To Prepare Your House For Sale

2010-07-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

Months before you put your home on the market, take a careful look at your residence.

Start by going through your possessions. Ask yourself:
1. When did I last use/wear this? If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably won’t in the future. Don’t pack it – get rid of it. Prospective buyers want to see there’s ample storage space in your home. Even if you have to pack up ½ of your clothes, make your closets look spacious by having space between each hanging item.
2. Do I love it enough to pack it up and take it to the new home? Is it an heirloom that you could pass on to some other family member who will treasure it as much as you have? If you can give things to charity, do it. If you’re like most people, you’ve accumulated “stuff” that you really don’t want or need. Get rid of it, whether it goes into the trash or to your niece who just got her own apartment.
3. Do I need all this furniture? It’s good to see the walls of any room, so minimize the amount of furniture, even if you have to rent a storage unit for a couple of months. The room will look bigger with less furniture in it.
4. Where can I store all family pictures? You want the prospective buyer to see him or herself in the space, not your adorable daughter or grandson.

Kitchens and bathrooms sell a home. What does yours currently say about the condition of your house? Clean, clean and clean these areas to make them sparkle.

Finish any projects that remain incomplete, whether it’s the flooring tile replacement, the broken window covering, or the floor molding that’s half done. Prospective buyers will wonder what else is left incomplete if there are things they can see that are unfinished.

Paint any room that has chips, scrapes, or is a bright or dark color. Stick with neutrals such as beige, tan, or light grey, and do not (with rare exceptions) use white throughout. White is the color everyone used in the eighties, so it dates a home. Neutrals can fit any buyer’s style, and lighter shades will make the room look at bit larger, assuming that you don’t use too big a contrasting color for furniture.

You may end up spending several weekends and a couple of thousand dollars, (depending upon the condition of your home) doing all of this, but the outcome will be that you gain many more thousands than you otherwise would when you sell you home. Trust me, the result will far outweigh the effort.
Too much to do? Check on Angie’s List or another reliable resource for a Stager who can do this for you. Their fee will be exceeded by ten times the return on your investment. -or- Call me. I can help, too!

Feng Shui Consultations

2010-07-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

I’ve been asked by several people to describe a feng shui consultation, so here goes:

Your environment shapes you whether or not you’re conscious of its outcome. If your income, love life, or career needs an overhaul or just a boost, consider a Feng Shui consultation. Intrigued? The Ba-gua (an transparent map you lay over your home, business, desk, or bed) has 9 different areas called guas. They are: wealth, health, partnership, reputation, career, helpful people/travel, family, children, and knowledge. Do you have some of these elements in your life that could use improvement?

Feng Shui consultations usually take 2 (+) hours of uninterrupted time in your home or office, and accommodate the schedules of both client and practitioner. Fees are determined at an hourly rate of $100/hour.

First, let me make a blanket statement: Every Feng Shui consultant is unique, as is every client, so every consultation is going to be different.

Before the Consultation:
We talk via the phone or Email about your home or business, as well as your needs and desires for this consultation. We set up a mutually convenient time that you and I can meet at your space. You will need to send me a floor plan of your space. This might be an architect’s drawings, but more likely it’s a rough guestimation of your space. I like to know how the building is placed on the lot, the orientation to the street, where each room is placed, and placement of the front door (as well as the beds, the desk and stove within the home.) I often make a second phone call to chat about any situation I see from the floor plan prior to our appointment. You will need to prepare 9 red envelopes containing my fee for Chinese tradition, acknowledging that you are going to receive sacred and secret information from me. At least some money is needed in each of the 9 envelopes, and you will present these envelopes to me at the culmination of the consultation.

The Consultation:
I will generally arrive a bit before the consultation to get a feel for the neighborhood, and to meditate so that my mind is free of any distractions. I’ll knock on your door at the prearranged time. You will often be asked to give me a tour of your whole space. You may choose to make an audio recording of the consultation so that you can listen to my explanations and suggestions again afterward the consultation. I ask that phone calls and other interruptions be eliminated during our time together.

We often sit down then, and I talk you through some of the basic precepts of the philosophy such as the Ba-gua and a bit of Feng Shui history to give you a basic understanding of the practice.

We then walk through your space, and I will identify the various areas of the Ba-gua. I chat about each of the guas, or sections of the space with you. I will make suggestions for cures (i.e.: remedies) for possible problems that I see as we travel through the space. Some cures require moving furniture or equipment. Some necessitate adding an object*, such as hanging a crystal, wind chime, or light (amongst other remedies.) Some cures call for repairing or replacing a broken item or system.

At the end of the session, we walk to the area of the space you would most like to see change. I then teach you the Three Secrets, a feng shui ritual that helps to insure that the cure(s) you’re implementing will have the maximum affect on your desired change. You give me your prepared 9 red envelopes as an acknowledgment of my sharing sacred information.

After the Consultation:
You can feel free to contact me for clarification on anything that I’ve said that’s unclear to you after the consultation. The sooner you implement cures (i.e.: remedies,) the more likely the desired change will occur. I will provide you with a written “report” to you within a week of the consult for an extra $50 fee. Now, you visualize the change, and wait for it occur. This sometimes happens immediately, and it sometimes happens over time.

Feng Shui Tune-Up:
Sometimes people ask me to return to give them a refresher on their home or office after the initial consultation, particularly when a major change such as family member or personnel move, a remodel, or updating has occurred. I’m happy to accommodate your needs, as the only thing in life that’s constant is change, which can affect the Feng Shui.

*Some cures, such as crystals, mirrors, and wind chimes are available for purchase through me to facilitate your ease of installation.

If you have questions or comments, write them down in the space provided- I’ll check back and answer whatever I can on paper. There are many types of feng shui used here in America. I used BTB or modern feng shui. I’ll write more about the various schools of feng shui in my next entry.

Feng Shui: Vogue or Not?

2010-06-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

Recently I had someone tell me that Feng Shui was “sort of … yesterday.” After stifling my initial response to sarcastically say, “Leisure suits and bobby socks are ‘sort of yesterday.’ Feng Shui is as pertinent to our lives today as it was 400 years before the birth of Christ,” I decided to write about this frame of reference, and explain a little more about it to anyone who has limited experience or understanding of the founding principles of Feng Shui.

Feng Shui, translated, means wind and water. Ancient Asian palaces and many multi-national corporate headquarters all share a guiding principle for siting and design of their buildings: Feng Shui, the Chinese art of placement. Its foundation remains the same: the pursuit of the most advantageous and harmonious place to live and work.

The History

For thousands of years, the Chinese have believed that their lives are fundamentally linked to their environment. Some places are inherently better than others, and features of the environment such as hills, streams, roads, walls and doors all could affect a person. Life improves as a result of changing and balancing one’s surroundings.
The records of Feng Shui go back to the 4th century B.C., but the concepts and its precepts go back centuries before that time.

Mythical vs. Modern

The Chinese tend to look at the totality of a situation. Their fundamental belief is that no single part can be understood except in its relationship to the whole. The Western world tends to look at the linear relationship of cause and effect as the significant factor in understanding.

Modern scientists & philosophers sometimes refer to this mythical consciousness as “primitive.” This not only implies that it’s older, but that it’s less effective and sophisticated than the Western World’s perspective.

Mythical consciousness exists side by side with Western logic because it asks different questions, and is useful in solving different kinds of problems.

If you need to know the square footage of a space, use Western logic. If you need to know how you’ll live & work in a space, use Feng Shui.

Want to know more? Just ask- I'm a Feng Shui consultant, and it's my passion to use it when designing and redesigning space for my clients' homes and offices.

The Colors of 2010

2010-05-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

Last Fall, I had the opportunity to present a session on Feng Shui at the Buildex Conference in Seattle. I also attended a session on color presented by Leatrice Eiseman*, prime consultant for Pantone. She shared the colors for 2010 at that time.

In March, 2010, I attended the Nordex Conference at the Seattle Design Center. The design industry highlights national speakers, designers and experts about the latest trends and products. Leatrice Eiseman* again spoke, this time sharing the 2010 Color Forecast. Here are the themes they used:
□ Greenmarket- think of the colors at your local farmer’s market: tomato puree, Beaujolais, lemon, apple green, Dijon mustard, paprika or chutney.
□ Resourceful- continuing concerns for the management of our natural resources inspired: sequoia, golden ochre, aqua sky as well as tiger lily and mauve (yes, mauve!) orchid.
□ Transformations- the traditional look is transformed into something more modern. Shapes are graceful, and colors are engaging and unobtrusive: stratosphere, crème de menthe, lavender gray, mauve, violets, willow green, cameo pink, amber light finished with a hint of pale gold.
□ Ambiance- colors that really define the character and atmosphere of a space: coffee bean and cognac with subtle shades of stonewash blue, stucco, desert sage, silver pink, taupe, and gray.
□ Gatherings- inspired primarily by the continent of Africa: cypress green, smoke blue, sand, twilight mauve, lemon curry and copper coin.
□ Galaxy- this palette is inspired by the nocturnal sky, mirroring colors of the earth: green pastures, peridot, deepest blues, grayed violets, turquoise and a radiant orchid, and finally rich gold.
□ High Definition- clarity, classicism and modernism are accentuated by contrast: black, white and gray are timeless combinations, but enriched with amaranth, purple, wine, and a fuchsia shade of rose, all embellished by old gold and shining silver.
□ Pastiche- affected primarily by the Japanese anime: lavender and green are combined with chipmunk, or surrounded by mimosa yellow (2009 color of the year), bright strawberry, baby blue, bright cobalt, tangerine and/or gray.
□ Tinged Neutrals- when money is tight as it has been in our society, people tend to play it safe with neutrals: classic off-white, champagne beige, some of which are tinged with green or blue.

So, while neutrals including off-white have returned to our homes using interesting textures, green joins them as a part of the palette. Brights continue to be used, but metallics will be an important trend, it appears, with gold returning to the forefront. Next time I’ll write about feng shui for those who think it’s become blasé.

One great way to make a change in your home is to infuse one of these themes into your home, perhaps using what you already own and adding accents from one of these. Questions? Write back and I’ll try to assist you with some more ideas.

*Leatrice Eiseman is a color specialist who has been called “the international color guru.” In fact, her color expertise is recognized worldwide, especially as a prime consultant to Pantone®. She is the author of seven books on color, among them: Colors For Your Every Mood.

Color Schemes in Residential Interiors

2010-04-29T10:42:00.000-07:00

We can select colors in our homes that reflect our personal preferences. Color is a wonderful means of changing a home’s appearance, atmosphere or formality without spending a lot of money. Bed, bath and kitchen linens are another means of changing the home’s appearance without spending much.

Neutral color schemes convey a sense of rest and peacefulness, making the home a calming sanctuary for its inhabitants. When we select a neutral color scheme, home owners can express themselves using art and accessories. These can be changed seasonally to provide continuing visual interest throughout the home. We moved away from this trend in the nineties, but it’s returning into vogue.

Monochromatic color schemes are based on one color, often utilizing dark, medium and light values, and varying the relative brightness or dullness of a color. The most commonly used monochromatic scheme uses white, grey and black, (although crème, camel and brown work as well.) One must consider the amount of natural and artificial light in a room throughout a day to determine how much dark (or light) a room can handle. The function of a room is another important consideration: if you need to cut up and cook food in your kitchen, then you’ll need lighter values and a good deal of natural or artificial lighting. By contrast, if you’re designing a media room where you’ll watch your favorite video, darker values work beautifully.

Analogous color schemes are colors adjacent to one another on the color wheel. Generally 3-6 hues are used in this scheme, with one color predominating, and another secondary in importance. A variety of lightness, darkness, intensity and clarity, brightness and dullness are often key to the success of this uneven use of differing colors. As an example, I use my burnt red dining room wall color at Christmas with crimson, yellow, gold, orange, cranberry- it’s a rich and beautiful combination.

Complementary color schemes use a color palette that works with opposites on the color wheel: purple with yellow, blue with orange, green with red. While they become school colors when used at their full intensity, they can be truly rich and beautiful in a residential application when used in less intense values (the lightness or darkness of a color) or chroma (relative brightness of dullness of a color.)

Still unsure? Perhaps you’ve got a couch that’s in perfectly good condition, but it’s… purple. Maybe you can’t afford to replace everything you have in a room, but want to make a dramatic conversion moving toward your new style. Whatever your design need, I can help with a color consultation, where I suggest colors that will help you achieve the look you’re envisioning.

Next time, I’ll write about the 2011 Color Forecast, done every year by international color experts. Write back and let me know if you have questions, or what you think about this subject, however. I’d love to hear from you!

Selecting Paint Colors For Your Home

2010-04-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

It's Spring in the Northwest, and people are starting their Spring cleaning, gardening, and "sprucing up" around the homes and offices.

One of the least expensive ways to make a big change in your home or office is to paint. Selecting paint can be a bit daunting. Those who have had the experience of selecting a color and having look "all wrong" once it's on the walls understand what I'm saying. Warm colors such as yellow, gold, orange and red tend to make a room look a bit smaller and cozy. Cool colors such as blue, green and violet tend to make a room look a bit larger and more open. If you select a color that's really intense, (e.g.: electric blue) expect the room to appear smaller, however, regardless of which color you select.

Light has a huge effect on color, so be sure to try out a color in the room you are considering painting. East light is clear and bright while North light is clear and cool. South light is constant and warm, and West light is hazy and hot. Season and climate also affects color. In the Northwest, because of cloudy conditions that persist in the Fall, Winter, and Spring, hazy wavelengths tend to be screened out. Be sure to see what the color looks like at different times of the day, and what it looks like on a sunny day verses a cloudy/rainy day.

The finish you select in paint makes a visible difference in the outcome of your walls. The higher the luster, the more your light is reflected off your wall and (in general) the easier it is to wash. (It's also more a little more expensive as you go up in luster.) Some designers suggest that you use a flat paint finish on living room, dining room, and bedroom walls, and a higher luster in kitchens and bathrooms. I like to have a little more reflection of color, so I usually use eggshell/satin on all walls, and a semi-gloss or gloss on window and crown moldings or baseboards. I use flat on ceilings, however, and any other finish that has imperfections, as the flaws become even more apparent.

It is almost impossible for people to get a good sense of what a room is going to look like from a tiny paint chip. Fortunately, today most paint companies make small sample sizes of paint colors for a very reasonable price. You can paint the color you're considering on a wall to get an idea of what it's going to look like before you make the investment in gallons of paint, not to mention your time in painting. Of course, if your current wall color is a middle or dark value, you may need to use a primer on the wall(s) before you paint, so there's no bleeding of the old color into the new.

I'll write more about color schemes next time I blog. Questions? Write a response, Email me, or give me a call. Happy Spring!