Melanie’s Blog

summer decor

With these easy steps brightening up your décor for the warm summer weather will be effortless and fun. There are several ways to liven up your space after the cold months have passed. From seashells to bamboo your options for a light summer décor are limitless.

WINDOWS!

• Drill holes into tiny seashells knotted on gauze ribbons and tie to a curtain rod. This is a real conversation starter!
• Let the sunshine in… shed winter layers and add airy fabrics such as lace or sheers.
• Sail into summer…use brightly colored faux yacht-club flags to make a seasonal valance.
• Attach grommets to the top of terry cloth towels tied on ropes to create a nautical theme.
• Bamboo shades are the hottest trend in window coverings. They add a enchanting tropical theme to summer décor.
• Appliqué’ leaf forms on textured linen fabric to make pretty café curtains.
• To add a whimsical summer theme to child’s room tie ribbons across a simple rod and randomly attach wavering silk butterflies.

WALLS!

• Sleep under the summer sky! Paint your ceilings a  shade of soft blue. Try Duron’s Noon Sky DCL027 for the perfect hue!
• For a crisp clean summer look, hang pastel, cream or white plates in a grouping above your sofa.
• Dare to be unique? Look to the sun for inspiration. A vibrant palette of orange, citrine and persimmon will make your home feel both dramatic and playful.
• In a child’s room hang a string hammock on a bedroom wall to corral and organize stuffed animals or toys.

ACCESSORIZE!

• Lean framed summery botanical prints against the backs of bookshelves, on a mantle or arrange a collection in a hallway or entry way.
• Place a large fern in the fireplace or line the hearth with garden décor and baskets of flowers.
• Arrange fresh cut flowers in front of a mirror to double the impact and give the illusion of a lush garden.
• For a classic look, display groups of glass and crystal vases filled with a myriad of beautiful beach shells and starfish.
• Baskets filled with limes and lemons and oranges look fresh as well as add a punch of color and texture to kitchen counter tops.

Your rooms are sure to look like the perfect summer paradise after applying these charming and unique tips to your décor!

decorating tips

Prints, oil paintings and wall sculptures are what take a room from ordinary to extraordinary. Artwork is what personalizes your home. When choosing artwork for your home, first consider the style of your room; the furniture, accessories, and the room’s color scheme should support and compliment the artwork. When hung properly, wall art can transform an dull space into a visual masterpiece. To create your picture perfect room, just follow these ten easy decorating tips.

1.    The best height to hang wall art is at eye level. The general rule is sixty inches from the floor to the center of your artwork.

2.    When hanging artwork or a mirror over a sofa or a fireplace mantle allow no more than 4 to 6 inches between the top of the mantel or sofa and the bottom of the wall art.

3.    When selecting a piece of artwork for over a sofa or mantle remember this size formula: the piece should be no wider than the mantle, sofa or piece below it, or narrower than half its length.

4.    When creating an interesting wall grouping remember that odd numbers look more fascinating.

5.    To achieve a perfect grouping, cut out templates of your pictures from old newspapers.  Then arrange your templates on the wall with painters tape. Keep the arrangement tight, no more than 4 inches between each piece.

6.    When hanging a grouping of framed prints or photos it’s important to maintain a common theme between each piece. If the theme is not the subject matter then use the same color frames and matting to create continuity.

7.    Small prints tend to get visually lost on busy wallpaper. Bare stark walls are a striking place to hang a bold piece.

8.    Framed mirrors can replace prints and artwork on walls, however be sure that the mirror reflects an appealing visual image.  Mirrors hung over tall fireplace mantles tend to reflect the ceiling.  This is a decorating don’t.

9.    Hang your pictures over or next to something.  Pictures hanging overran empty space look as if they are lost in space.

10.    Often, the most remarkable artwork in unconventional. Try hanging a grouping of iron gates, antique plates or stonework to create an exciting focal wall. Think outside the box to make a  picture perfect statement.

If you would like more information about interior decorating, one day makeovers, or real estate staging, contact Melanie Serra owner of Interior Revivals at (404) 943-0779, or visit her website at: www.interior-revivals.com.

Three lucky families in the Atlanta area recently received complete home decorating makeovers courtesy of the Dunwoody-based Home Stager’s Guild. “We wanted to give back to the community by donating our time and talent to several well deserving families,” says Melanie Serra, founder of the Home Stager’s Guild.  In striving to improve the transitional housing offered to homeless families by Decatur Cooperative Ministry, “It was such an honor to make a difference for people who are working so hard to get their lives back on track.  Now, when they wake up in the morning, they are not only living someplace that’s safe but also beautiful.”

The transitional single-family homes are sparsely furnished by the Ministry. “We knew the Home Stager’s Guild could positively impact the residents’ lives by improving the quality of their surroundings,” says Serra.  Serra founded the Home Stager’s Guild in 2006, an association that offers certified training, support and networking to individuals interested in establishing or expanding a business in the fields home staging, interior redesign and interior decorating.

“Guild members were divided into three house teams. Each team was responsible for developing and executing a decorative theme for each room in the home,” Serra explains.   To finalize the projects,  HSG members also solicited and coordinated volunteers to aid with home repairs such as painting, electrical, carpentry and furniture delivery.  “A great many members of our community came out to support this project through donation of products, materials, furniture and decorative accessories.”

The unveiling of the homes “left the families awestruck by the transformation of their space,” Serra recalls. “Our goal was to turn each shelter into a true family home that reflected warmth and beauty, and where we add could, a bit of the residents’ personalities.  Above all else, we wanted to make these safe havens comfortable, stylish and personal.”

The Guild appreciates the generosity and support of Sherwin Williams, Superior Painting, Brookhaven Homes, Consignment Depot Furniture, Pillows by Gail, and Carpet Liquidators. For more information on the Home Stager’s Guild, please visit www.thehomestagersguild.com.  Certification classes and special-topic seminars are taught monthly.

The Decatur Cooperative Ministry provides single-family residences for homeless families that are working or actively pursuing employment. The program provides comprehensive life skills services to participants including financial management classes, budget counseling and a savings plan to assist residents with moving into permanent housing.

Create a Home Decorating Plan

Developing a home decorating plan involves a budget, creativity, do-it yourself skills, and a spirit of adventure. As DYIers continue to tune in nightly to watch their favorite “makeover” home shows they are feeling inspired to try their hand at decorating.  It’s important however to have a plan in place before delving into any small or large decorating project. Proper planning avoids costly mistakes and undo stress.  There are a few basic design principles to follow in order to achieve a well-styled space that is both visually appealing and functional. This guide will help you develop your own personalized decorating plan.

BUDGET-Break down your decorating budget into these categories:

Repair and service- Like an artist you will need a good canvas to start with.  Begin your project by preparing the shell of the room; this includes floors, walls, ceilings, windows, and architectural elements (moldings, fireplace mantels etc.)

Furniture and Accessories- When making furnishing selections, I always tell my clients that it’s best to work on one room at a time. This avoids frustration and feelings of becoming overwhelmed both emotionally and financially.  Remember to plan accordingly! Spending an entire budget on one nice piece of furniture will make it impossible for you to afford anything else. It will leave your decorating plan incomplete, and your living space sparsely furnished and barren. If you’re on a limited budget select lower ticketed furnishings for starters. These pieces can be updated in time as a wider budget becomes available.

Window treatments- Draperies are an important element in defining the style of a room, and often are one of the last selections made in the decorating process. Therefore it’s important to plan your budget accordingly. Window treatments can be costly but are well worth the investment!  If privacy is a factor you’ll need to invest in blinds or shutters first, later custom or ready-made draperies can be added.

DEFINE YOUR STYLE

Luckily, the rules for decorating today are not as rigid as in the past. Eclectic decorating is the norm and just about anything goes.  Mixing different styles is popular and is achieved by combining the old with the new.  Color is back in style and is bolder and brighter than ever.  Value continues to be placed on objects that reflect cultural diversity. With a just the click of a mouse one can purchase a hammock from Mexico or handmade pottery from Italy without ever leaving home. Contemporary style is also making a big comeback “modern is in.”  Modern style is minimalist with a retro mix. The shag rug, 1950 drum lampshades and vases of Italian glass are just a few accessories that define today’s modern style. Whatever your style may be, it’s important to follow these guidelines as you develop your design scheme.

Establish a theme-Decide what overall feeling or atmosphere you want to create for each room. Is it traditional or modern; dramatic or light and airy; bright and cheerful or calm and serene? The style you create will affect how others feel and function in the room.

Color- Choose a color scheme. Take your cue from a favorite item in the room, such as a decorative pillow, throw rug or the artwork. Select one color from this item that you would like to use throughout the room. Once you decide on the color, use the light medium and dark value throughout the room.  This will add depth and interest to the room.  Next select an accent color, it’s necessary to use an accent color at least 3 time in a room or it will be considered and accident not an accent!

Focal Point- The focal point defines the flow of the room. It’s whatever draws your eye as you enter the room. It’s important to arrange your furniture around the focal point of the room to establish a proper flow and balance. The focal point is usually an architectural element in the home like the fireplace. In some cases one has to create a focal point in the room.  This can be achieved by placing a large piece of furniture in the room such as an armoire. You can also create a wall of interest by displaying collectibles in groupings for a real conversation stater.

Lines, Shape and Size - Lines should provide variety without confusion.  Lines provide directions or movement of the eye throughout the room and should flow in a wave like pattern. Be sure that your furniture is at different heights for the best visual impact. Use variety of shapes for added interest. Make sure your furnishings are in  pleasant proportion to one another and to the room.

Texture & Pattern - Different textures add depth and character to a room.  Incorporate these captivating textures in your rooms; sisal, metal, wood, fabric, silk, glass, stone, marble and wool. Pattern like texture adds significance and style. Start with a pattern and use those colors throughout the room.  Repeat patterns in the room and don’t be afraid to mix it up with different patterns.

Lighting- Lighting creates illumination, atmosphere and ambience. Incorporate these 3 light sources in your rooms:

• Ambient lighting mimics natural light. When directed from central overhead fixtures the light surrounds the room uniformly.
• Task Lighting illuminates a task or specific area. Choose a lamp with a shade that focuses the light on one spot.
• Accent lighting is used to create drama. This fixture produces a strong beam of light and illuminates a focal point in the room such as an oil painting or a vase of flowers.

By following this easy guide, developing a personalized decorating plan will be effortless  and uncomplicated allowing you to transform you rooms seamlessly as well as beautifully.

find your focal point

Finding the focal point of your rooms will help to establish a better flow and accentuate cleaner lines in your home décor. Start by looking at the architectural details and what unique aspects each room has to offer. Often it’s just a matter of rearranging and positioning the furniture that can establish the focal point of a room. Determine what captures your eye when approaching each room. Is it the fireplace, or the window with the view?  Focal points could also be an interesting piece of furniture or a built in bookcase. Use these easy tips to help guide you in locating the focal points of your rooms:

1.    SOFA - Place the sofa on the longest wall in the room.  Arrange a large painting, a framed mirror or a decorative collection above the sofa to accentuate.

2.    FIREPLACE - Hang a piece of artwork above the mantel to reinforce the fireplace as a focal point.  Leave the walls on each side of the mantel free of artwork and accessories to eliminate any distractions from the architectural elements of the fireplace.

3.    DRESSER - Situate a dresser on the longest wall. You can anchor the space with matching lamps and include a picture or appealing grouping such as, decorative plates or antique trays between the lamps for added excitement.

4.    BED - In the bedroom, the bed is almost always the focal point of the room because of its size.  To accentuate the bed utilize a simple headboard or hang a horizontal painting or groupings above.  Matching lamps anchored on the side tables will make the room appear balanced and bestow prominence to the bed.

5.    SIDEBOARD - Although the dining room table is the largest piece of furniture in the dining room, it is not the focal point of the room. A sideboard or buffet should be the point of interest.  Remember the focal point must dominate the wall.

6.    COLLECTIBILES - Creating an organized wall display not only adds an interesting focal point, but also makes for a great conversation piece. Use your collectibles to make a personal statement. A grouping of birdhouses, framed embroidery or antique garden tools mounted to a walls adds personal style.

7.    BOOKSHELVES - Built in bookshelves can be an interesting architectural element and can become the focal point in a study or den. Be sure that your bookshelves appear orderly.  Remove paper jackets from hardbacks and group books by color and size.  Displaying collectibles, plants, and accessories contributes color, texture and attention.

8.    ARMOIRE - Add a large piece of furniture such as an armoire to rooms that are sparse and uninviting.  An armoire contributes height and architectural character to a room that is lackluster.  Think outside the box to discover another purpose for its intended use. For example, an armoire that was intended as a T.V unit can be transformed into a display case by installing additional shelving.  Displaying family photos, a plant and a few favorite accessories will create a charming focal point to this once dreary room.

9.    WINDOW - Sometimes there will be more than one focal point in a room.  For instance, if you are fortunate to have both a fireplace and a spectacular view, the view will most likely take precedence.  However, don’t neglect the fireplace entirely.  During the winter months and holidays, the fireplace should get its fair share of attention.  A candle lit mantle or a roaring fire will draw a captive audience.

For more information about Home Decorating contact; Melanie Serra at Interior Revivals: 404.943 .0779 or visit her website at www.interior-revivals.com

moving furniture

You’ve moved into a new home and you’ve painstakingly discovered a new decorating dilemma…your furniture doesn’t fit the way it did in your former home. The size and shape of the rooms just don’t accommodate your existing furniture. If you are experiencing this problem, take heart.  Many times furniture can be repurposed to play other roles. I have helped many homeowners come up with solutions to their furniture placement dilemmas. Often times it’s just a matter of thinking outside the box.  Furniture can often be repurposed and used in other ways. So don’t get discouraged, before you give up and give it away, try these tips:

Melanie’s Furniture Repurposing Tips

China Cabinets
Often china cabinets are large and bulky and take up too much space in a dining room.  Moving this large piece into a living room or den will add height and create just the right amount of drama to the room.  Once the unit is moved you may need to rethink the display. Instead of displaying china, a collection of pottery, brass or glass may be more suitable.  You could even convert your china cabinet into a bookcase. The key is to use your imagination!

Bookcases
With a little imagination bookcases can go a long way.  Perhaps you are in the market to purchase a china cabinet but have yet to find that perfect piece. My advice is to “use what you have,” but change it up a little.  This is called repurposing.  A fresh coat of paint can transform your piece from ordinary to extraordinary in a matter of minutes!  (If you’re a bit handy you may want to add some architectural details. Home Depot has a good supply of architectural elements that can be easily glued on to the piece). This converted bookcase will soon take on a new life. You’ll be proud to display your lovely china in this handsome piece as you wait to find the perfect china cabinet.

Need to establish a focal point in a room? Bookcases are one of the least expensive ways to create a focal point in a room.  Displaying collectibles in a bookcase will create the right amount of drama, height and interest to any room!

Bureaus
Are you saddled with a few extra bureaus? How about putting your TV on one of them? Dump those ugly television stands and use a beautiful wooden dresser instead. The drawers can be filled with CD’s and videos that are neatly tucked away instead of piled on the floor.

Bureaus can also be used as side tables and are a nice compliment next to the sofa as a lamp table.  Remember adding various heights to a room make it visually interesting.  Change out the old hardware with new knobs or pulls, add a table runner, then anchor it with a lamp and accessories. Viola! You’ve created an interesting tablescape!  Don’t forget about the drawers! They present a great place to store blankets and throws, photo albums and TV remotes.

Bureaus also make excellent entry pieces too! Start by centering the piece on the wall, and then hang a classic mirror above. Next anchor with a set of matching lamps and finish with a beautiful floral display.

Bureaus can work in kitchens, hallways, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.  The possibilities are endless!

Tables
Tables are the most easily adaptable piece to reincorporate into a room setting. For example, a drop leaf table could be used as a dining table, lamp table, focal point in an entry, bedside table, or game table. If you don’t have room for a sofa table, try it as an entry table, a writing desk or a buffet for the dining room.

Chairs
How about placing two wing chairs at the heads of your dining room table? This adds elegance and warmth to any dining room. Don’t forget your bathrooms, (these rooms tend to be the most neglected when it comes to furniture). I always try to add a chair in the master bath whenever possible for added style. I placed a beautiful repurposed upholstered French chair next to the tub in my master bath. It is not only functional but is a great conversation piece as well. (This neglected chair was found at an auto mechanic garage covered in grease and grime. I convinced the mechanic to sell it to me and had it refurbished).

For charm, place a unique wooden or iron chair in a nook in the kitchen. Use it to display a plant or to stack cookbooks.

Other Furniture Ideas

• A piano bench can be used as a side table or plant stand.
• A toy chest can be repurposed to hold firewood.
• An antique lingerie chest can be repurposed as office furniture.  Use the drawers to store paper and documents.
• TV armoires can be moved to bedrooms and used to store clothing or vise a versa.

So when it comes to making your furniture fit into a new home, often times it’s just a matter of rethinking the possibilities. When you repurpose, you’ll find that your furniture fits perfectly in your new home, only in different places. If you get stuck you can always call an interior redesign professional to help you with furniture placement. A good redesign professional will help you with repurposing and placement of your existing furnishings to create beauty, balance, symmetry and function in your home.

wall groupings

Interesting wall groupings bring drama and color to any home. Use these tips to help guide you in creating your personal groupings.

1. When creating a wall composition make sure the framing, color scheme and size make perfect sense to your décor.
2. Keep the weight evenly distributed in the composition.
3. Make sure that the grouping fits the space. Groupings should be at least twelve inches from the ceiling and occupy 2/3 of the furniture it hangs above.
4. Pictures should be hung at eye level sixty to sixty-five inches from the floor to the center of the artwork.
5. When hanging pictures on wallpaper make sure that the picture frame and mat is wide enough so that it does not compete with the pattern of the wallpaper.
6. Spacing between pictures should be 3” to 4” apart.
7. Artwork over the sofa should be no longer than the sofa and should be half the sofa’s length.
8. Artwork over the sofa should hand 8” to ten inches over the sofa.
9. Keep to one theme in the room. Don’t mix still lifes, landscapes, portraits, abstracts or impressionism with realism and cubism.