I have a great inexpensive tip your can do for less than a hundred dollars that makes a huge impact. The last two houses we have owned we put shutters on the back of the house. Most people don’t think to do this. It is inexpensive and the difference is worth it. Home Depot or Lowe’s window shutters less that $20 per window. What a difference. Great for staging too.
Carol Bass
Need Purple glass bottles?
The Rt 127 corridor garage sale is perfect for Staging, Decorating and just pure fun.
My husbands worst nightmare would be me going next year, with a large truck. Actually a fantasy for me. Hundreds of miles of treasure to try and capture.
The sale starts in Michigan and follows I 127 all the way to Alabama! HGTV usually has a “special” every year on what two of their reporters journey is like and what treasures they find.
You can buy everything there, even “Cracklins” and Hot Dogs. Pure Americana. From Purple glass bottles to old metal signs.
Look, even Darth Vader is a collector!
Anyone else out there a Garage sale Junkie? Perhaps next year we could caravan together with our 18 wheeler behind us to carry our “treasures”!
treasures at The 127 Corridor Garage Sale
I’m going to plan to go to this unique sale next year….sshhh..don’t tell my husband.
DesAnn Collins
DSA- Staging Director
Design Star, you did it to me again. I keep hoping for the design “high” I used to get and once again, I was disappointed. Yet, everytime I vow to end the relationship, I get drawn in with hope this is the week the contestants are going to “bring it.” Nope, another week of quasi-design with not one bit of creativity. I eagerly prepared for our time together. I took a shower, slipped into something comfortable, and settled in with my chocolate pudding, ready for that heady feeling I get when I see creativity in action. But I was left unsatisfied. For the last 35 years I have made my living creating beautiful rooms. For the last 11 years, I have focused on teaching others to do the same. The talent and creativity I see everytime I teach a class, blows me away. I want to gather up the Design Star candidates and help them find their inner creativity. So what did I learn from this week?
#1 Product driven Design…disappoints. Anyone can buy stuff and set it in a room, but that is not what makes a room rock. It is a combination of
The Winning Kitchen on Design Star
product used in innnovative ways. Both teams seems to have similar props and used them instead of their design abilities to fill the void. Each room had some positive elements but nothing that was stellar design.
#2 A kitchen needs color. Each team took a conservative approach with wall color, how disappointing. I don’t mean the walls should be red, but at least increase the value so the wall color had some body to support the heavy elements of large appliances, granite, etc.
Too much Stuff...Everywhere!
#3 Remember what you are selling. This was a photo shoot for Sears to showcase appliances. Photo styling is much like staging, you use the props to showcase the selling feature. In this case, it was like a before photo as there was so much “stuff” it detracted from the true star of the shoot, the appliances. In fact, I can’t wait to use the photos in a classroom to show what not to do when staging or styling a kitchen.
#4 “I never would have thought of that” This is my mantra when I decorate spaces. Every room I create needs to knock their socks off, but not just because I bought a bunch of pretty things. The DS team doesn’t seem to get this. Last night again, showcased predictable design. The difference between a DIY and professional project, is taking the project to a new level. I have yet to see that happen. I want to watch the show and say, “Wow, I never would have thought of that.”
#5 Eat, Pray, Love-Design Star is going to make me fat, as I eat through the episode in frustration, I pray the show is going to be worth watching, and I want to love the end result. So far…not so much.
Join me next week for my thoughts on the next episode. JoAnne Lenart-Weary, Creative Director
When you are shopping for a clients decorating project do you ever feel a little like Indiana Jones?
You search and search for just the right treasure. I’m certain the other shoppers around me think I’m a little off. Well they are half right. I am known to scream like a little girl when I find treasure. So excited, and like a child it is hard for me not to run immediately to my clients homes to show them my treasures.
Perfect Shutter Treasure
The Dining room project, “El Fresco”, is truly a labor of love.
We are using these 100 yr old shutters instead of fabric for our window treatments. These shutters are perfect. remember to always measure, measure, measure.
Not only are these terrific in color and wear but they fit perfectly.
Color check at the half way point
Here is a sneak peek of the Color washing, half-way through.
We are now looking for the perfect Slate tile for the floor.
Watch as our journey to “Fearless Design” land continues.
Next week we hope to reveal the new floor.
Be fearless,
DesAnn Collins
DSA-Staging Director & Trainer
The DS Episode 6 Challenge was to decorate a $400,000+ condo in a Trump-New Jersey building. Contestants were encouraged by guest judge, Donald Trump Jr, to create a space that reflected the Trump brand of luxury and quality.
Trump Style Luxury in New Jersey
I know, I know, you already heard who was eliminated, about the blueberry bathroom, and the taxi under the glass dome.But you haven’t heard my witty observations yet, because I was in Baltimore and Washington DC in a hotel with (can you believe it) no HGTV. I called my cat from Baltimore and asked his opinion, but he wasn’t very forthcoming this week. So yesterday, I was one with my DVR, and once again, Design Star continued to amaze me with mediocrity and lack of creativity. This week I was struck by a number of only-in-Design Star-World- realities.
#1- Practical skills and common sense don’t matter. Evidently, you don’t need to know crown molding is installed at an angle, has a top and bottom and beds need a mattress and box spring. You don’t need to know drop cloths don’t drape well and do not shout, “Luxury!” You also can make foolish amateur mistakes in DS world. If I was competing for my own show, you can bet I would measure three times and truly think out my decisions.
Million Dollar Views Ignored
#2-Listening to the client isn’t important.
Hel-lo-o, this was a Trump Project. Glitz, glamour, luxury, are Trump hallmarks. (sometimes even pushing the envelope toward tacky) But neither team really seemed to understand the meaning of luxury or creativity. These were model condos created to SELL the project. Addressing million-dollar views with furniture placement is Decorating…and Staging 101. Both teams ignored that key feature as well as the opulence and luxury that Trump is known for. My feeling was the winner was more by default than merit.
#3-Design Star is not be a Talent Show- I(and most of America) thought Design Star searched for the most talented in the country and combined that with on-camera skills, and Voila’…A STAR! Well, not so much, as talent does not really seem to be a pre-requisite or they are doing an amazing job of hiding it. I have yet to see a Design Star room that delights me. In fact, the entire season, has not given me ONE memorable idea. Even the winning condo, in my humble opinion, was very disappointing. If what I presented to my clients was that underwhelming, I wouldn’t still be in business 35 years later.
#4-There is no ME in team. I have the pleasure of working with teams on a regular basis. Each time I teach a class, our team creates beautiful rooms. The key is to combine everyone’s shining moments of creativity into a cohesive masterpiece. We experience individual and team pride. Our ideas are not meant to be self-serving but for the betterment of the entire process. No one is the DIVA. Design Star contestants don’t understand if you are a village…you need to work as a village, for the better good of the space.
#5. Challenges are not reality based. Show us a challenge that the real DIY, Decorator and Designer, encounter on a regular basis. They might be based on:
1. Creating a budget-driven transformation that doesn’t look budget driven.
2. Satisfying the needs of a family of 5 while creating the aesthetic appeal they desire.
3. Upgrading ready made draperies, textiles and artwork to a custom status.
Next week, we will see a kitchen challenge for a Sears Photo Challenge. Take a look at the sneak peek to see a discussion that never even needs to take place. The answer is obvious to a real design star…those of us who delight clients on a daily basis, like you and I.
Before
Most expecting moms experience “nesting” during their last trimester. It may be to organize the kitchen or bathroom but more than likely it is to get the nursery decorated for the precious little one that is soon to arrive. While visiting with my brother Aaron and his wife Ginive, who is expecting their second little boy in September, I witnessed Nursery Nesting first hand. The young couple already owned the essentials for a baby’s room…the changing table, dresser, baby bed and an upholstered rocking chair ( Thank goodness she did not have a glider like us older ladies!). Ginive needed guidance in pulling together the furniture placement and window treatments. She was happy to leave the existing pale yellow walls and Aaron was delighted not to be repainting. As the nursery consultation continued, fabrics were pulled for drapes and a bed skirt, then the furniture was placed for best functionality. But something was missing….the key factor…which was a new shade of paint. So I pulled out the Sherwin Williams paint deck coded with my Color With No Regrets Paint System and selected the perfect shade of blue (Tradewinds to be exact) for the nursery.
Aaron was dreading the painting job, but was willing to get it done to please his beautiful bride. We all know, it is best for the husband to simply obey the expectant wife if he wants his life to be easier! Time was of the essence because I wanted to oversee the installation of the window treatments, so I rolled up my sleeves and helped Aaron paint…another example of One Day Decorating. Once the paint was dry, we successfully hung the cream panels. Ginive and Aaron were pleased with the results for the baby’s “nest.” Now we need to bring in more lighting, a small table beside the chair, art and accessories.
The new elements for the room only cost $100.00, which includes the paint and drapery hardware. The panels had been purchased over a year ago by my mom because “they were on clearance and I knew I would find a room for them one day.” Paint color, furniture placement and window treatments show how important it is to start with the “key twigs in building your nest.” Remember to keep a baby’s room soft and calm because vibrant colors on the wall can be too stimulating for the little one. Use bold colors sparingly in pillows and accessories instead of the paint colors. Ginive will fill in the art and accessories and look for those photos in the future.
after
Creating a one-of-a-kind space for clients is exhilarating! Interior Decorating a room from the top to bottom is always a joy. In Home Staging we are always looking to entice the buyers. It has to be all about “them”, our target market.
Creating an all out design of work to be truly good needs to function and be about the client.
We have been working on this project for a few months now. There were a few things the clients want. One, they LOVE their chandelier. Two, they want to display a few prints in the room. Three, the furniture needed to stay. Four, their window’s architectural features make it challenging to change.
One- Chandelier. Patti expressed her love for it and said, “You’re going to make me get rid of it right?” Well after a little research we found almost an exact match to a Murano Italian Glass Chandelier. It stays.
Dining room beforeInspiration prints
These prints are fantastic. They are Cool colors and we need to incorporate them into a Warm palette.
My GREAT painter, Rikk Mayr, is doing my Faux work.
Here is a “SNEEK-PEEK” of our ceiling. This is only at the half way point of the ceilings completion.
Creative way of bringing the Cool Blues into a Warm space
I must also say that if it weren’t for my confidence with Color this would be a scary project. I am boldly moving forward with the design as I have my DSA Color With No Regrets education.
I found the most fabulous 100 yr old shutters. We will be using them as window treatments. They are rough, chipped paint and perfect for this application. I’ll post on them next week.
Fearless…No Regrets Design.
Happy Decorating,
DesAnn Collins
DSA- Staging Director & Trainer
Once again I am singing the praises of the Color With No Regrets Class offered by JoAnne Lenart-Weary! My family and I are on vacation this week and I also brought along my Sherwin Williams paint deck….I have learned to never leave home without it. While visiting family and friends in Alabama and Florida, I have assisted many of them with paint selections for their entire home.
In as little as one hour, we selected a color palette for my sweet sister-in-love and ordered 8 x10 samples so her husband could invision the new mood that would soon be created in their home.
It is such a delight to offer this service to my clients and family members. With the confidence I gained from the Color With No Regrets class, I can select colors quickly and never second guess the selections. If you are in the decorating profession or just want the knowledge to choose the correct paint choices, check out the Color With No Regrets classes scheduled in your area. BOGO specials are also being offered this summer so take a friend with you and sign up today for this amazing class and never regret your paint choice again!
Come on Design Star contestants, you represent the best of the best…supposedly. I almost quit watching this week, but I am tenacious, loyal, and was eating a bowl of Frosted Flakes and couldn’t reach the remote. For me, watching a good episode of decorating TV is tantamount to sex, and well…you get the picture. The learning point this week was good design is wrapped in emotion. As important as aesthetics are, the “Feeling” is even more important. The Red Team brought negative emotion to their design.
Two new teams: Red (Nina, Stacy, Courtland, and Tom), and Blue (Alex, Michael, Casey, Emily) took on this week’s challenge to create functional common areas for the fireman of the “deserves to be decorated” FDNY. The spaces needed to be
The Winning Space
multi-functional and yet, aesthetically pleasing. Bue Team was declared the winner with their group effort. They demonstrated what TEAM means including covering for Michael who shot himself with a nail gun. A number of stand outs, such as Alex’s skyline wall graphic with lights representing 7 lost fireman from 9-11, Emily’swell-meaning but amateurish attempt at a coffee table, Michael’s (with a bit of help) desk area and Casey’s canvas of a fireman. My disappointments (but who I am to talk…they won) was once again the color story. Why blue violet on the walls and fire engine red? The competing levels of saturation hurt my eyes.
Red Team included Cruella DeDecorator Nina, who decided to be unique and unusual with her standout feature…she created a…are you ready…wait for it…WALL ART! A bulletin board adorned with braille stating the fire companies motto. The problem, if you have to explain it, it doesn’t work. Nina also made the furniture decision to add leather to the space without any space planning which meant a reclining chair, couldn’t recline. As a result Cruella DeDecorator is Cruella DeGone.
Although I think the Red Team are individually talented, they took a depressing approach with black ceilings, charred looking panelled wall, and an overall lack of concern for the power of emotion when designing a space. Tom’s decision to open the original ceiling was a good one, but not the place to paint it black. I also was cheering for him when he wanted to knock down a wall but his team mates prevailed and the wall stayed intact. Darn anyway! I think he has a sincere desire to create amazing spaces but the logistics of the team relationship tie many of their hands.
Just when I was feeling sorry for poor mis-understood Nina, she opened her mouth. ”I have a lot of charisma and personality, and people can’t handle that, but I am living in the Nina Show.” At that comment, I turned to my cat and said, “Can you believe the arrogance.” With a run to the door, I realized even he wanted to get away from last night’s episode. I do want to say, if Nina was as talented as she claimed to be, I would have been calling her names but loving the inspiration she shared. I never truly saw the talent she insisted was there. For more endearing Ninaisms, see her exit interview here, where she makes the loss everyone’s responsiblity…except hers.
Next week I will tune in again to see if other personalities emerge, since Nina won’t be overshadowing the group. I hope the rest step up to the plate and show their decorating chops and some chutzpah. We need true charisma and oh yes…knock my socks off!
JoAnne Lenart-Weary
Creative Director-The Decorating and Staging Academy
Founder-One Day Decorating and JLW Interiors
