Seeking a Career or Business Opportunity?

Are you looking for a career or business opportunity that could change the future for you and your family? Do you have a passion for design and decorating that is seeking an outlet?

Decorating Den Interiors has these opportunities available for you!

Entrepreneur Magazine ranks Decorating Den as one of the top home-based franchises in the country, and as the #1 Decorating Services Franchise.

We provide you the support you need to grow your business beyond expectation, and create a better life for you and your family.

Contact us today at 417.724.9400 for more details, and begin your brighter future with Decorating Den today!

Holiday Open House!

You Are Invited to Our

2nd Annual Holiday Open House

Bring a Friend & Celebrate the Holidays with us at Decorating Den Interiors on
Thursday, November 18th from 10:00am-6:30pm

Christmas Gifts & Décor
You will Enjoy Savings up to 75% Off on
In-Stock Art, Furniture, Décor & Christmas Accessories

RSVP to nshivers@sbcglobal.net or 417-724-9400

Starting from Scratch

We recently had the opportunity to help design a kitchen for a family that had their home destroyed by fire. Kitchen Style & Design magazine carried the story in their latest copy, the story follows below.

"The owners of this Springfield, Missouri, home had a simple goal: to rebuild their lives after a devastating house fire. They contacted designer Nola Shivers and told her they wanted their new kitchen to be very functional, and also as glamorous as the rest of their home.

Sizing things up, Shivers noted that the bay window was a strange shape and size. Also, it was difficult to find a design that accentuated the furnishings and unique blue granite. For the seating, the homeowners had very specific ideas. The budget was also a concern since the clients only had the money the insurance company allotted. Another issue was blending the husband's conservative style with the wife's contemporary and "glitzy" style.

Despite the restrictions, Shivers developed a handsome kitchen plan. She selected rich hardwood cabinetry that reached to the ceiling. She chose unique blue granite with strong graining and "movement" for the countertops. Using the granite as a guide, she then chose beautiful tile for the backsplash and floor. She added glamour to the backsplash with Italian mirrored glass mosaic tiles. As soon as the wife saw this shimmering tile, she was convinced she would have it in her kitchen. Since it was very expensive, only a small amount of the shimmering tile was used, but it proved to be plenty. With the tile installer, Shivers carefully laid out the design that became the focal point of the kitchen.

Shivers then began the mission of finding the dining furniture the homeowners had in their minds -- a glass-topped table and upholstered swivel chairs that create a harmonious whole."

We would love the opportunity to work with you, updating your kitchen, or your whole home.

Contact Decorating Den today for details!

Want to know how we stay in the know?

Want to know how we stay in the know? In order to provide our customers with the best possible designs, we must stay aware of the ever changing trends of the interior design industry.

We do this by attending events and markets throughout the year all over the United States.

In fact this month, we just returned from the High Point Furniture Market, where the latest design trends from all over the world were revealed.

We had access to over 2000 suppliers of home furnishings, and we’re able to bring many of those ideas right into your homes.

Here are a few of the latest trends we discovered while at High Point this month.

• Relaxed “French Chic” sofas with slender arms and backs
• Soft, pale neutral palettes
• Bold animal skin and paisley designs
• Small accent tables
• Eco-friendly materials such as natural wood used in lamp and table designs
• Natural fibers such as linen and burlap

We can bring the latest trends in design to your home! Contact Decorating Den today for more details

Introducing Nicholas Falls, Decorating Den Interiors' Newest Addition

Decorating Den Interiors is pleased to introduce you to Nicholas Falls. He is a family oriented Interior Decorator with over 10 years of experience in residential & commercial design, project management, staging, lighting design, & re-design.

A native of northern Missouri, Nicholas transplanted to Kansas City in 2001, Oklahoma City in 2009, and finally Springfield in late 2010. With projects spanning from Seattle to Atlanta, he feels most at home in Springfield and enjoys working with a wide variety of clients with varying tastes and budgets.

"Truth in materials" was a commandment of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. This concept of honest and organic design has become the cornerstone of his creative philosophy. Nicholas came to his profession with an admiration for fine craft, and an appreciation for great architecture and design.

These principles along with inspiration from international travels have guided him to his design philosophy of meshing existing materials with new textures and pieces. He does not limit himself to a particular style, finding personal & refreshing gratification in projects ranging from traditional to contemporary.

If you’re looking for a decorator that is budget wise with a fresh spin on design, give Nicholas a call today!

Is Your Kitchen Ready for the Holidays?

Before you know it, the holidays will be here. Is your home prepared? What about your kitchen? It seems in our homes many times the holiday parties seem to linger in and around the kitchen.

The kitchen has long been the center of the home. It's where we go to get warm, inside and out! Many of us have memories of smelling our mother's baking, drawing us to the kitchen. Perhaps for this reason, when we are entertaining, guests seem to migrate to the kitchen.

How about making your kitchen even more inviting by incorporating a loveseat, settee or chair and a half complete with ottoman? If your space is limited, perhaps just an occasional chair would be more appropriate.

Above all else, ensure your decorating scheme reflects your personality. Are you a gourmet cook? Then, by all means you should incorporate unique utensils and gadgets into your décor! Wooden spoons, spice graters, whisks, copper molds, etc are all great kitchen accessories. These items can be hung on the walls for dual purposes: decorating your kitchen, and also easy accessibility for cooking.

Window treatments for the kitchen are wide and varied. In fact, today more and more homeowners are opting for uniquely designed fabric top treatments, usually placed over a privacy treatment. Stagecoach valances, mock throw swags, and tabbed valances displayed on unique decorative rods are all great ideas

So have fun with your kitchen, but be sure to let your cooking personality shine through.

We would be glad to prepare your kitchen, and the rest of your home for the holidays –

Contact us today at 417.724.9400

You Ask - Decorating Den Answers

Recently a visitor to our Facebook page - asked us about the popularity of different colors in home decor right now. We enjoy answering questions like this and others so we thought we'd share our answer with you.



Vickie Lee asks: "... I've noticed you have done a lot with reds & ambers, are they currently popular colors in home decor?"

Decorating Den: "Reds & Ambers are still extremely popular in home decor, we use these warm tones all the time. Some of the latest trends are leaning towards grays, purples, and blues. However the warm tones of reds & ambers have and always will be timeless."



Have a design question you'd like to see answered?

Ask us at http://www.facebook.com/DecoratingDenNolaShivers or tweet us @DecDenSpfd

We'd love to answer any questions you may have!

3 Helpful Hints to Get Your Home on the Right Path

Hint #1


If your rooms feature low ceilings, you can fool the eye and add more height to your walls by using clever wall accents. Try selecting a vertical stripe design pattern, perhaps in a wall covering or a painted faux finish. Even carefully hanging an asymmetrical picture grouping would add a bit of height to your low ceiling walls and give you the added bonus of exciting visual interest.


Hint #2


Many lovely and carefully planned color schemes fade to drabness when your room is poorly lighted. So make sure to work with a decorator to create a lighting plan to ensure your rooms are evenly and properly illuminated. People, like moths, avoid dark areas and gather in well-lit spaces!


Hint #3


Just say no! - To the fads in decorating, that is! Choose colors, styles, patterns and designs that suit your own individual taste. After all, you home should reflect your own tastes, not those of someone else!


We offer design services for all budgets, and our consultations are always free. Working with Decorating Den also gives you access to full lines of furnishings, wall coverings, and flooring that many times is unavailable to the general public.


Call us today to get started - 417.724.9400

Opportunities Abound With Decorating Den

Did you know that there are career and investment opportunities available with Decorating Den?


Decorating Den provides unique opportunities for those desiring to own their own business. Individuals that have a passion for decorating, and seek the flexibility and control of being your own boss, can find options with Decorating Den.


Decorating Den offers exciting opportunity paths:



Decorator Program: For individuals seeking employment opportunities, our Decorator Training Program is ideal. Requiring only a minimal investment of time, and money, qualified candidates can attend training programs and become eligible to work as a paid apprentice with our senior level decorators.



Franchise Program: For talented individuals who know they want to make interior decorating their future and business, our Franchise Ownership Program is ideal. Providing extensive training in both interior decorating and in running your own Decorating Den franchise, our program also affords you many business building benefits.



To find out more about these unique opportunities contact Decorating Den, at 417.724.9400

Decorative Fabrics (Part 2)

Pre-historic Linen

Long before anyone thought to unwind a silkworm cocoon or plant a row of cotton, linen was being woven into fabric. While dimensionally stable and easily bleached, linen generally does not take dyes well thus limiting the range and depth of colors available.

Since linen is readily recognizable and tends to be expensive, it immediately lends prestige to any room it adorns. However, linen is prone to wrinkling and does not iron easily so those who enjoy perfection should make another selection.

Manmade Fabrics

The 1950’s brought manmade fabrics but they lacked many of the features that were so desirable in the natural fabrics. But chemists persevered until today we have many beautiful choices in the man-mades.

Still, there are a few drawbacks. No synthetic fabric will have the depth of color in a silk nor the ability to be woven into the complex patterns available in cottons. Yet, these fibers and what they offer in appearance and price extend to a greater population the pleasure of having their home make a strong statement about quality and opulence.

Your decorator will guide you to the right fabrics for your home and lifestyle.

Decorative Fabrics (Part 1)

Nothing in your home will generate warmth and appeal more than the decorative fabrics used. A review of available fabrics will assist the homeowner in the sometimes-confusing selection process.

Is any fabric as rich as silk? Imported from the Orient for centuries, the very word silk generates opulence in one’s imagination. How can a room not feel elegant with the incomparable sheen, texture and depth of color that silk offers?

While there may be no more beautiful designer fabric, there are certain cautions to be taken when using silk, primarily its sensitivity to direct sunlight. Your decorator will specify not only a quality lining but also an interlining for protection from the strong Florida sun. When used for upholstery, silk should always be enhanced with a knit backing.

Cotton is Still King

Originating in Egypt, cotton is one of the most versatile and appealing of all fibers, natural or manmade. In the home, cotton is a decorative fabric mainstay. It dyes beautifully, and when finely spun, combed, and tightly woven it is both beautiful and sturdy, lasting for years.

If opulence is your goal, but budget and durability are important, choose a high quality cotton fabric in a rich hue or fabulous print.

Check back next week for tips on using Linen and Manmade Fabrics!

Outdoor Spaces

The line between indoors and outdoors continues to blur as many of us want to take our indoor comforts and solitude outdoors… This process is becoming more realistic as many manufacturers of home products, develop more and more appliances, furniture, lighting and accessories that can be used indoors or out.

People are driven to find peaceful sanctuaries as a prescription for our stressful lives. Outdoor patios and porches are becoming more sophisticated and refined and are becoming a living extension of the indoor spaces.

Outdoor furniture has evolved a long way from the folding, vinyl strap versions we grew up with, to beautiful pieces made of teak, steel, rattan, and wicker. Many pieces look just like indoor furniture but are constructed and designed to take the outdoor elements. Fabrics such as Sunbrella are making a name for themselves in the outdoor furniture industry.

Lighting is also a very important aspect to creating an inviting outdoor space. Whether it comes from landscape lighting, overhead lighting, ceiling fans or decorative side lighting be sure you are incorporating various types of lighting in your outdoor space just as you would in your indoor spaces. Developing a creative lighting plan can help you create a space with increased ambiance and functionality.

Remember to create a space that is “perfect” for you and your needs and then sit back and enjoy it!

Interested in Adding Leather Furnishings?

Did you know that over half the furniture sold worldwide today is covered in leather? Leather furnishings are considered by many to be romantic, extravagant, sophisticated, long lasting, and very comfortable. All these wonderful reasons make leather-upholstered items a perfect choice for many of today’s consumers.

Leather for home furnishings products comes from around the world. A majority of hides are produced in Europe - particularly Italy - and South America. Leather is not limited to sofa and chair coverings, but can also be incorporated into design accessories such as leather framed mirrors, picture frames, lamps, lampshades, area rugs and even window treatments!

Before leather covering can be utilized as upholstery for home furnishings and accessories, hides are subjected to a judging and dyeing process. Once leather hides arrive at a tannery for processing, they are hand-sorted based on quality. The hides with the fewest imperfections are cut into layers. The top layer, called “top” or “full” grain, is the highest quality layer, and is also the layer of the hide that lies closest to the animal.

The second and third layers are called “splits” and can also be used for covering furniture. This is often the grade of leather used in promotional furniture. Once the hides are sorted and cut into layers, the leather is colored by using one of three dyeing methods. The highest quality layers of leather are colored using a translucent, pure aniline dye. This dye process renders beautiful color variations in the leather. Since this process is used on unfinished, top-quality leather, the finished product usually has a softer feel. Another coloring process, also used on top-grain hides, is a surface finish application, called semi-aniline. This method produces a uniform color look. A third coloring procedure, called pigmented, coats the leather surface uniformly with an opaque color. This durable process covers most imperfections in the leather, and is very commonly used.

Since the purchase of leather furniture for your home can be a long lasting investment, it’s important that you make a wise decision about what type of leather furniture will work best for you, and ultimately give you the look and feel that you desire. And what better way to make that investment than to work with a professional and knowledgeable decorator?

Bathroom Basics

Is your bathroom boring or minuscule? Don't despair-colors and patterns can give a lift and fool the eye into seeing a larger space. Remember, it's not the amount of space, but what you do with it that counts.

The first step in decorating your bathroom is selecting the theme or mood you want to portray. Once you've decided, then the creativity begins.

If you want to "open up" your bathroom, select a color scheme that is light – pale colors tend to recede and will visually expand the room. To achieve a sense of the dramatic, you may want to select rich, vibrant colors instead. Deeper colors appear to advance and the room will appear cozier.

Window treatments for bathrooms generally are required to supply function and beauty – privacy is a must! Pleated shades, vertical, cellular shades, silhouettes would all fit the privacy ticket. All are resistant to moisture and can supply complete privacy. There are many fabric treatments to enhance your bath's décor. Everything from a short, shirred curtain to pouf valances, balloons, tab curtains - and even throw swags. Coordinating fabric may be used for sink skirts and shower curtains to complete the look.

So, what are you waiting for? If your bathroom is ho hum, wake it up with color and fabric – and who knows – maybe it will help you wake up in the morning too!!

The Wonder of Mother Nature

One of today’s hottest design trends is a return to nature. From fabrics to wall coverings to accessories, our living spaces can easily reflect an embrace of Mother Nature.

Why the growing interest in bringing a little bit of the outdoors inside? First, we long for peace and quiet at home. As our lives outside our homes become more harried and stressful, we are turning to our homes as retreats, and decorating them with furnishings and accessories we find soothing and comfortable.

Secondly, our increased awareness of the environment and the quest to preserve its beauty has led to a desire to bring bits of it home.

Here’s a look at several areas of interior design that can get you back to nature!

Fabrics: Bouquets of colorful botanicals with flower, leaf and vine prints are perennial favorites. Imagine relaxing in a lush garden where flowers flourish all around you – soft violets, delicate lilies of the valley, bold hydrangeas and stately red tulips. Fun, faux animal prints remain popular – even zebra stripes and leopard spots will lend an air of the exotic to any room.

Colors: From gorgeous garden shades to the rich fruit tones of deep raspberries, soft banana yellows, plums and strawberries. Even nature’s neutrals are also playing their important role – wheat brown, amber waves of grain, the creamy-whites of magnolia blossoms and terra cotta corals all highlighted by an amazing azure blue sky. All these colors are uplifted by nature’s green – the color that will dominate our interior decorating in this decade – from deep, leafy green to teal, to greens with a yellow tint.

Furnishings: Today’s worn weathered wood styles, featuring more of a matte finish with lighter wood tones, are even appearing on contemporary furnishings. Sofas and chairs are being covered in natural cotton – and sport trims of raffia and hemp. Wicker and rattan furniture mixed with warm wood tones lend themselves to more of a casual style of decorating.

Wall Coverings: Like fabrics, florals and botanicals are blooming in their popularity. Don’t worry about too much pattern; these blooming designs look great when mixed with stripes, checks or even plaids.

Window Treatments: Floral print drapery fabrics designed in a traditional swag and jabot treatment will definitely give any room a perennial touch. And by coordinating your “blooming” window treatments with furniture, bedding – even your linens, you’ll find yourself surrounded by Mother Nature’s beauty.

Our love of Earth and the resurgence to preserve it, influences us to bring nature’s colors into our homes and our everyday lives. And what better way to start soothing the soul than in your own home. Relax! Enjoy! You deserve it!

Creative Combinations!

If you’ve ever had the task of combining furnishings from two different households, you know the difficulties this dilemma can present. Whether it’s a blended family, a new marriage, or even new housemates, people often bring with them a whole house of furnishings. Mixing all these often diverse elements from two different styles of decor can be challenging. So here are a few tips to help you get started!

First, take a careful inventory of all pieces. Include not only the large items, such as furniture, but also items such as area rugs, lamps, pictures and even accessories that you may want to incorporate into your new decorating plan.

Once your list is complete, go through it carefully and check off the items you definitely want to keep. Your final list may include antiques, high quality furnishings, and items of sentimental value. It could even include that comfortable old chair that you’ve enjoyed many hours sitting in with a good book in hand.

So, what do you do if the items you wish to keep don’t blend or match with your new homes’ existing décor? Take heart! The eclectic look has been officially “in” for years now. Gone are the days when every single piece of furniture has to match. The Dallas Ewing clan of the 70’s and 80’s may have had a perfectly matched “suite” in every room, but not the high tech families of today’s generation.

However, there truly is a difference between not matching and not coordinating. In fact synonyms for eclectic include: discriminating, particular and selective. So, if a piece does not belong – get rid of it! The classifieds, EBay, or even a furniture consignment shop sale might even help bring you some extra cash for more decorating.

And, if that comfortable, worn out chair can’t be parted with, how why not consider reupholstering or refinishing it! Finishing touches can do wonders to unite a mixture of furnishings. Look for common elements in your pieces – perhaps a color or texture that catches the eye. Sometimes even something as simply as a decorative pillow in a patterned fabric that picks up colors from a couple of blended pieces will help to unify the room.

Getting Casual

As easy-going as they appear, casual decorating schemes don’t just fall into place. There’s a world of difference between the casual room that has evolved haphazardly and one that is well decorated. Good casual decorating takes into account both comfort and style.

Starting with the comfort factor, furniture should look inviting. But more importantly, it must feel good. Deep-seated sofas and overstuffed arm chairs with ottomans send the message, “Come, sit here.” Certain fabrics and materials lend themselves to the casual style. Leather is an excellent choice, as are chenilles and textured fabrics. Save your elegant florals and silks for your formal room.

Refer to nature for ideas. Natural materials are inherently pleasing to the senses and are always at home in a casual setting. Exposed wood beams, hard wood floors, and rustic tile give a room an easy, relaxed feel. Add an area rug to soften the look and absorb sound. Bring the outdoors inside with a few houseplants. If you’re not much of a green thumb, consider some of the authentic-looking permanent botanicals. A texturing paint or wall covering will add depth and warmth to your casual setting.

Asymmetrical furniture arrangements are perfect in an informal room. Pull your furniture away from the walls and experiment with angular arrangements. Avoid the predictable look of sets of matching end tables and coffee tables.

Casual design applies to wall and tabletop accessories as well. Accessory pieces should be in odd numbers and of varying sizes and shapes.

When looking for a respite from the hustle of your daily routine, your casually decorated room will offer a relaxing retreat.

DECORATING IDEAS TO HELP YOU SELL YOUR HOME!!

Selling a home can be an emotional and nerve-wracking roller coaster ride – but there are things homeowners can do to simplify the process. Some basic decorating principles can be applied to help improve the attractiveness of the property and help to speed up the sales process.

From a decorating perspective, the ultimate goal you should set for your home is not at all what it would be if you were just moving in. Rather, your task is to put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and ask: “What needs to be done to make this home truly livable for me and my family?” What you want to do is make the home as appealing as possible, but with a neutral background so that any serious buyer can visualize his or her own belongings in place.

Perhaps your realtor has already told you to tidy and straighten closets, cabinets and store rooms. It’s also important to have carpets and tile cleaned. Removing excess clutter is a must. But there’s even more you can do if a speedy sale is your goal. Take a good hard unemotional look at your carpet or tile flooring. Has it seen better days? Is it a bright color that works for you, but maybe not a potential buyer? Remember a floor’s fresh new appearance in an easy to live with color is the fastest spruce up available. Often times, adding a new area rug can be of help if disguising a problem areas.

And how about a fresh coat of paint? Naturally a neutral hue – consistent throughout the house would be the perfect solution to tired, worn walls. It’s very difficult for a prospective buyer to “get past” your warm coral walls, when they try to picture their soft blush pink sofa in the room.

Window treatments can also affect your home’s sale-ability. Once again, simpler designs done in a beautiful custom style are best. It’s a real plus to a potential buyer to find a home with attractive quality window covering compatible with the buyer’s taste.

Don’t be afraid to ask your interior decorator to take a walk through your home prior to listing it. She or he will be able to offer you a variety of simple suggestions that should help make your home sale process a lot less painful!

SPRINGFIELD DESIGN BUSINESS WINS INTERNATIONAL DESIGN AWARD

Local decorator and business owner, Nola Shivers was recently honored to receive a top design award in her company’s international design contest for her team’s outstanding design work. Shivers and her entire design team—Susie Cornell (not-pictured), Denise Wright, and Heather Landolt—collaborated on their winning entry which featured a beautifully designed bathroom in a local home that was raffled off to benefit the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The Shivers’ Design Team submitted several makeover entries, which were judged along with over 250 other entries in two separate design contests. Over 30 leading home furnishings magazine editors from such distinguished publications as Better Homes & Gardens, Traditional Home, House Beautiful, House & Garden and Good Housekeeping participated as judges. Winners were selected based on their design excellence, creative problem solving, and overall presentation.

Their award was presented during Decorating Den Interiors’ 41st Annual Design and Market Conference, held in New Orleans, Louisiana. As award winning decorators and business owners in our community, they now have access to an extensive library of before and after high resolution, digital photographs featuring thousands of room makeovers.

Decorating Den Interiors’ room makeovers have been featured in such publications as Good Housekeeping, Canadian House and Home, Better Homes and Gardens, Woman’s Day, House Beautiful and House and Garden. In addition, the company has been featured in a variety of design segments on HGTV and The Discovery Channel.