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.