Some people like using file folders, and some people like notebooks.  Either way works well, so pick the one that works best for you.  Grab a stack of sticky notes (two colors if there are two of you), folders, scissors, pens and a hole punch plus sheet protectors if you are using a notebook. 

I use notebooks with tabs for my inspiration books.  If you have a notebook with a sleeve, get creative and make a nice title page for your notebook.  I separate my pages by room. 

(more…)

Why do bright colors tend to generate positive responses?

Color does evoke emotional responses.  Some people are extremely sensitive to certain colors and may react in an interesting way.  I actually had a client that could not stand red rooms because she and her husband would fight when they were in a red room, so the responses aren’t always positive.  If you like strong colors, they do not have to be used for the walls or dominant furniture pieces.  They can be used for accents or smaller furniture pieces and can create a counterpoint to the rest of the room’s palette.  Punches of bright colors add interest and drama to a room.  Blues, greens and violets are cool, soothing and relaxing.  We think of reds, yellows and oranges as exciting, happy, passionate and bold colors.  The brighter colors usually have less black and white mixed in, so the color is more intense and pure.  Black is the absence of color and white is all colors.  An interesting side note from an interior design class, some prisons use pink to keep prisoners calm.

Why do you think that black and white color combinations are making a comeback?  What types of designs are they popular with today and why?

(more…)

We are also preparing a series of teleseminars for you, and we want to know what you want to know.  We were thinking about a few different topics, and we would like to get your feedback on what would be of interest:

How to Hire and Work With a General Contractor

How to Prepare Your Home to Sell for the Top Dollar in a Down Market

(more…)

While you are looking at the magazines, or even the HGTV shows, it can become overwhelming and confusing to decide what to do with your own home. 

Here is my advice to you: (more…)

Today’s designs are personality driven.  You as a client should bring your unique sensibilities to the kitchen design and incorporate your interests and tastes into the products that you select.  One client incorporated an entire room for cookbooks in their home.   Love that! 

The hot designs are less trendy - not too many crazy colors, and the overall movement is toward cleaner (more transitional) lines.

Another frequently seen look is a mixture of textures and materials.  Two or more cabinet colors and two or more countertop materials are typical these days. 

(more…)

We will be offering posts from our design friends that specialize in particular areas of design, classes, books, products, and many other exciting events in the future.  We would love to have you join our group.

If you have questions or comments, we welcome them.  We enjoy sharing our passion for design with you.  Please sign up for our newsletter and let us know what you would like to learn.  We are here for you.

About the author:  Gail Doby has been a high-end interior designer in Denver, Colorado for seventeen years, after working in Dallas, Texas.  She loves new construction design for dream homes as well as luxury spa bath renovations.  Her projects range from $50,000 for the smaller remodels and she recently completed a nearly $5 million spec home design.  Please visit www.renaissancedesign.com for more information.