tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2361779562574413632024-02-02T16:51:09.691-05:00Best Design CoachIdeas, Stories and Inspiration to design
your Coastal HomeM. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-1770064308021913922019-09-19T20:00:00.000-04:002019-10-15T14:10:22.542-04:00How Much do Interior Designers Charge in New Jersey?<br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How much does it cost to work with an interior designer in New Jersey?</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGRS9pQJTmbkBwHsarj7if_UIv9j3AB4YdPPDIvuwDduOyjvxP_jiqNcZFouQVXHd_W77gF0Hq1WSFX7ihbFFkvrsDhCPcKjDa8LUS2UNvyLWJx7ibHHP2McAJYADyzuP7fFbaJBe3Ik/s1600/Blog+photo+of+an+Interior+Designer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="336" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGRS9pQJTmbkBwHsarj7if_UIv9j3AB4YdPPDIvuwDduOyjvxP_jiqNcZFouQVXHd_W77gF0Hq1WSFX7ihbFFkvrsDhCPcKjDa8LUS2UNvyLWJx7ibHHP2McAJYADyzuP7fFbaJBe3Ik/s320/Blog+photo+of+an+Interior+Designer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">Your Construction Problem Solver </span></h4>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you need decorating help with your home, there has
never been a better time! Furniture stores, retail stores like Renovation Hardware and even tile stores are set up to help clients with their decorating choices. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While
some stores may include design help with the purchase others may
charge a fee added to the price of furnishings purchased at the store.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Or, better yet, you can hire an interior designer. An interior designer is qualified to
help with not only furniture, but with kitchen and bath design, floorplan
design, architectural review or simply paint color, plumbing or tile selection, etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The beauty
of using an independent interior designer is that they work with clients <i>in
all aspects of design</i>, remodeling and renovation. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We work alongside
contractors, trades people (electricians, plumbers, tile installers) architects and builders to keep the client’s project on track and everyone involved on the same
‘page.’</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">A designer’s fee is often based on an hourly charge for
professional help. For instance, for consultation and design services, a designer may
offer a package that would include such things as:</span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At home visits, including measuring the
space and discussing client preferences</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A floorplan, a furniture plan, a concept
board and window treatment suggestions for one room or the entire home</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A plan such as the one above could cost $125 per hour depending on the size of the room and the extent of the interior design project. The plan may specify a floorplan layout, the style
and size of furniture, or finish and fabric suggestions. </span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sometimes if only an entire room needs a design plan the cost could be determined by the square foot method or flat fee method. Square foot percentages can range from $8.75 to $10 per square foot for design per room. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Another aspect of design assistance is shopping with or for
clients at retail stores. Here, the designer often charges an hourly fee (in NJ
and Metro NYC typically from $125 to $250+ per hour depending on location). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u>How To Start Your Project</u></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What's the first step to making the changes you long for in your home?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After the initial
meeting with a homeowner, the interior designer determines the extent of the
help needed. At this two hour meeting, the designer will offer professional advice and suggest ideas that appear to be the most important to tackle first. She presents a proposal for services, that defines a retainer, the hourly fee or
payment plan plus proposed schedule of work. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">While there is no one standard billing method, each design
project should be <i>custom-tailored to fit the needs and the budget of the
client</i>. Interior design is not only an art, it is <em>professional expertise</em> that pulls all the pieces together.</span><span style="color: #134f5c;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Whether working with a client on a fixed fee, a flat fee, an hourly or a
cost-plus fee, your designer will be working throughout the design process to
insure that your ultimate goal of creating a beautiful home or commercial space that is on track in accordance
with your budget and expectations.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92); font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Essentially, we solve our clients' design and construction problems, while creating beautiful spaces. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Get started on your project today, we would love to hear about your plans and what you need help with. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For professional help, for a nudge to get started, for the best year ev</span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">er,</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> call Mary Alice at:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> 732 690-2030</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span><br /></span><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith </span></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interior Design</span></span></a><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">E-mail: <a href="mailto:masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Allied Member ASID</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Member of <a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Kiwanis of Greater Toms River </a></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="https://masmithinteriordesign.com/interior-design-in-ocean-and-monmouth-county-nj/aboutus/">BIO</a></div>
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<a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blog: <a href="https://masmithinteriordesign.com/interior-design-in-ocean-and-monmouth-county-nj/blog/">Coastal Confidante Blog </a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blog: <a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">BestDesignCoach.com</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York City</span></span></div>
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-3783901494270101472019-09-18T20:00:00.000-04:002019-10-15T14:15:58.887-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5 Easy Steps to Refresh Your Home This Fall </span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSIhpM1gyGHDQU7Y-ylLrTXNlJNkqENZQzxDQTRj4QVLiAQBwpeLqZNM4vOjcWwGbCSsIY5SvmbjyWMU1wVYSiUcJpNYntwdt0mVecPJMcYlT1ySmg_8mJ_jboMN6jPtasXdhz1rU9O0/s1600/Photo+of+a+person+and+calendar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSIhpM1gyGHDQU7Y-ylLrTXNlJNkqENZQzxDQTRj4QVLiAQBwpeLqZNM4vOjcWwGbCSsIY5SvmbjyWMU1wVYSiUcJpNYntwdt0mVecPJMcYlT1ySmg_8mJ_jboMN6jPtasXdhz1rU9O0/s400/Photo+of+a+person+and+calendar.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<i style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">This is you and/or your designer- making your project happen with a Plan</span></i></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Fall season</span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> is finally at our doorstep - yay! But wait, all those projects you thought you were going to do last season -</span><i style="color: #134f5c;"> are they still not done</i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A project can be as small as re-arranging your bookcase or as large as planning a new kitchen or bath. Either way, the best laid plans all have one thing in common - a schedule. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> I understand life gets in the way and other things beckon. But, nothing will change unless you d<i>o the following scheduled steps </i>that I do to get started:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Start with a writing a list of the ONE thing that needs to be changed </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Create a file of pages of your favorite <a href="http://housebeautiful.com/">rooms</a>, homes or gardens that you love or just go to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/masmithltd/pins/">Pinterest</a> and create a board of the top rooms you love</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Break the list into steps needed to complete your project</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Add <i><b>dates</b></i> to complete each step onto your calendar</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Call the one <a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/">person</a> who can help you complete the steps</span></li>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For instance, our Master Bath cried for a renovation. However, I am so busy helping my clients with their renovations, I have little time to spare. But after working on the layout and selecting the tile, vanity, etc. we were ready to make our first appointment with the contractor, my plumber and my tile installer. Once you have your team in place, you'll find the project <i>will</i> get going. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now that our Master Bath is done, our Family Room is next on our list. Our ONE thing that needs to be changed is the paint color. I'll keep you posted with what I have in mind, but for now, I've got to go and do the ONE thing on my exercise list for today.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For professional help, for a nudge to get started, for the best year ever call Mary Alice at:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">732 690-2030</span><br />
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<a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith </span></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interior Design</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">E-mail: <a href="mailto:masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Allied Member ASID</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Member of <a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Kiwanis of Greater Toms River </a></span></div>
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<a href="https://masmithinteriordesign.com/interior-design-in-ocean-and-monmouth-county-nj/aboutus/">BIO</a></div>
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<a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blog: <a href="https://masmithinteriordesign.com/interior-design-in-ocean-and-monmouth-county-nj/blog/">Coastal Confidante Blog </a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blog: <a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">BestDesignCoach.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York City</span></span></div>
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<br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-87340364030515230232019-08-26T19:30:00.000-04:002019-08-26T19:30:02.755-04:00One Of The Easiest Ways To Ensure A Successful Renovation<span id="goog_350272863"></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #45818e;">Photo courtesy of Fitday.com</span></em></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Two miles into my walk, I realized how positive I felt. Not that I woke up in a bad mood, but that quick walk in the early morning transforms my day ahead. I feel more alive, more ready for anything and more ready to help my clients in their home or office transformations.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Exercise is such a powerful tool to give you a <i>positive</i> vibe. It can help you to stay motivated when you need to <i>feel </i>motivated to get things done. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Renovating or decorating is demanding on your already busy schedule. Every day there are decisions to be made, ideas to think through and money to invest to make the changes that you want to transform your home or office.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What better way to start your day than to start it in a 'can-do' frame of mind. My most successful clients are the ones who have that 'I can do it attitude'. They also are the ones who are steadfast in maintaining an exercise daily habit. Interesting...!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're thinking about renovating your home or office, consider renovating your spirit as well. I'll be there to coach you along and applaud your success as you transform your home, <i>your life</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Have a great day!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith Interior Design - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 690-2030</b> or email me: </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></span></a></span></span>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Email Mary Alice </span></span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith </span></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Interior Design</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">732 690-2030</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com </a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Allied Member ASID</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Blogs: </span> <a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">Best Design Coach</a> and <a href="https://masmithinteriordesign.com/interior-design-in-ocean-and-monmouth-county-nj/blog">The Coastal Confidante </a></span><br />
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<br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0Monmouth and Ocean County, NJ37.196732174063293 -73.82812512.556523174063294 -115.136719 61.836941174063291 -32.519531tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-61265817623903470212019-08-15T20:00:00.000-04:002019-08-26T10:23:26.530-04:00What Does Walking And Interior Design Have To Do With Your Home Renovation Or Remodeling Project? <div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One Step At A Time</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What does walking and Interior Design have to do with</span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Your </span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Home Renovation or Remodeling Project?</span> </span></h3>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So now you're wondering what does the photo of a person wearing sneakers have to do with interior design or<em> with you</em>? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Valid point. But as usual, I have a story to tell you that explains it all!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The person in the photo above is of me on my daily walk. I walk to keep fit, to de-stress, and to listen to podcasts about Internet marketing and wellness. But what I'm really doing is the <em>process</em> of keeping fit and the<em> process</em> of keeping knowledgeable and less stressed. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Stress? How is being an interior designer stressful. Yes, I work in an industry that creates beautiful furnishings. Yes, I'm my own boss. But if you followed me on a typical day you would see a woman who is juggling projects, meeting clients and vendors, handling scores of paperwork, etc. In other words, I wear many hats while I handle the <i>process</i> of interior design. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My <i>process</i> is the way I approach each client's project. It's a <span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 129, 142);">systematized</span> way to stay on track, to keep the project moving in the right direction. As long as I stay in process, I can control or lessen the stress of managing many projects. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lucky for me that I like the process. I like the record keeping and research almost as much as creating a room concept. Lucky for my clients that I start the day with a walk and feel less stressed at the get-go.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> If you're planning on building a new house, renovating an existing house or room, or remodeling a kitchen and bath you need two important things. First, a daily exercise plan like a walk to keep you less stressed. Second, you need a team to support you all the way through your project. If you already have a few thoughts going like the ones below, it may be time to find help before it's too late. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <i>Questions or thoughts that you might have or worries that keep you up at night might be:</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm not sure what to do next</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Afraid I'll make the wrong choices</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Everyone wants to put their 2 cents in</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm not creative</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Decorating scares me</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We don't agree on how to decorate</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I feel I need a professional opinion</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Maybe I missed a few worries! What is on your list today?</span> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia";"><em>For professional interior design for your home, office or commercial project call</em>:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Mary Alice Smith of<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span> M. A. Smith, Ltd. - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas.</span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 690-2030</b> or email me at </span></i><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">m<i>asmith729@comcast.net</i></span></a><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith Interior Design </span></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">732 690-2030</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com </a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Allied Member ASID</span><br />
<a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a><br />
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com3Toms River, NJ 08753, USA39.9741059 -74.159227839.8767719 -74.3205893 40.071439899999994 -73.9978663tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-40359517016719983192019-07-23T19:30:00.000-04:002019-07-23T19:30:01.831-04:00Need a Lift to Brighten Your Day? Try this...<span style="color: #76a5af;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: small;">Courtesy of Coastal Living Magazine</span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mid-season is a great time to change things up a bit in your home. If you're happy with your wall paint color, but something seems missing, maybe this could help.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Adding a little color to a space can give you the feeling of a new space, a new look and a new start. You don't always have to 'reinvent' the wheel to gain a new perspective on your home. For instance: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 129, 142);">New chair cushion fabric color</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">may be all you need</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">to give your day a </span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Maybe a zippy print design</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">up in the morning.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Or, instead of table and chairs,</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">use a banquette.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: small;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Contrast cool white surfaces</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">with warm wood pieces. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: small;">Add a new light fixture</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">over the table.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "trebuchet ms"; font-size: small;">New placemats are the </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">easiest way to get a new look.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In other words, <i>shake things up a bit</i>,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">be brave, and try something different </span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">for a change!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mary Alice Smith - </span></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; text-align: center;">732 608-7583</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith Interior Design </span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;">Residential and Commercial <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interior Design</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">E-mail: </span><a href="mailto:maryalicesmith@masmithinteriordesign.com"><span style="color: #741b47;">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com </span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Allied Member ASID</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Member of Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Website: <a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blog: <a href="https://masmithinteriordesign.com/interior-design/blog/">The Coastal Confidante Blog </a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"></span><br /></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"></span><span style="color: #073763;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Serving Coastal New Jersey homeowners and businesses for 20 years</i></span></div>
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-12553697137600954982019-07-16T11:00:00.000-04:002019-07-16T11:20:30.673-04:00Adding This Can Change Your World <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSM5GP4LEogleiepSe7mhGqntMKCb7_k9cyc7d-BnLdL2XOyKn1BOndIq07n6pfkl_3krnwLSg2_2S9DRR5iUr5pcpGNfIPYl_X3oYIXEYKP42D9gZdqzR9hqm9-Ed6rwyagqCRVxm4hc/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1daa.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="818" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSM5GP4LEogleiepSe7mhGqntMKCb7_k9cyc7d-BnLdL2XOyKn1BOndIq07n6pfkl_3krnwLSg2_2S9DRR5iUr5pcpGNfIPYl_X3oYIXEYKP42D9gZdqzR9hqm9-Ed6rwyagqCRVxm4hc/s400/fullsizeoutput_1daa.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Photo courtesy of <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "foundersgroteskmono" , "courier" , "courier new" , monospace; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: -0.48px; word-spacing: -1.2px;">Leonie Freeman / Hardie Grant Books</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of the most talked about words I can think of is - color. Maybe it's because I'm a designer and I select colors almost every day for my clients. Yet, I notice at parties, events and chats with friends, that color almost always comes up in the discussion. </span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We could be discussing colors for the upcoming wedding, the color of a sunset or the color of a new puppy. We select fruit, vegetables and even meat, fish or poultry based on how the 'color' looks. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">However, one color I never seem to wear is the color '<span style="color: #38761d;">green</span>'. I think it goes back to years wearing a green school uniform. It's not that I don't like green (our bedroom is a forest green), it's just one of those things with my wardrobe. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In our home though you can find lots of green as an accent color. Mostly it's the green of the hydrangea leaves or the green of a large fern in a basket. I can't imagine not having plants in our home. The most beautiful homes I've visited have plants like orchids with their wide leaves, or ficus trees with shiny leaves, or beautiful rooms with leafy design wallpapers. Plants 'complete' a room just like jewelry completes an outfit.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji99EIvvRBeJ5HxXXMcB6U3tOXYjg2gX0BmbG8DtXxxaqyB5hSmybD75QQuHm9cVWbMEIR7fFCdPVqC7SxynyHQg8yNOmXCXMr7PuGydnGB1aJA9t5clh9V811V50AQ6BhkDKe_C-zKco/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1dab.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="478" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji99EIvvRBeJ5HxXXMcB6U3tOXYjg2gX0BmbG8DtXxxaqyB5hSmybD75QQuHm9cVWbMEIR7fFCdPVqC7SxynyHQg8yNOmXCXMr7PuGydnGB1aJA9t5clh9V811V50AQ6BhkDKe_C-zKco/s640/fullsizeoutput_1dab.jpeg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Photo courtesy of <a href="https://www.thibautdesign.com/catalog/collections/details/collection/Tropics">Thibaut </a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Beyond the beauty of the plant is what it does for your emotions. According to </span><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/indoor-plants-can-instantly-boost-your-health-happiness-ncna781806"><span style="color: #38761d;">NBC News</span><span style="color: #0c343d;"> </span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;">the article states that "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0c343d;">Studies have also proven that indoor plants improve concentration and productivity (by up to 15 percent!), reduce stress levels and boost your mood — making them perfect for not just your home but your work space, too." </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Imagine that! You can <i>bring some beauty into your home,</i> <i>reduce your stress level </i>and <i>boost your mood </i>at the same time with the addition of plants. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Today add a plant to your desk or cut some stems from your garden. Visit garden centers like </span><a href="https://www.shopterrain.com/categories/fresh-foliage-and-succulents"><span style="color: #38761d;">Terrain </span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"> to get inspiration you've never experienced before. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mary Alice Smith - </span></span>732 608-7583</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith Interior Design </span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;">Residential and Commercial <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interior Design</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">E-mail: </span><a href="mailto:maryalicesmith@masmithinteriordesign.com"><span style="color: #741b47;">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com </span></a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;">Allied Member ASID</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 55, 99); color: #073763;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #073763;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Member of Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River </a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Website: <a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blog: <a href="https://masmithinteriordesign.com/interior-design/blog/">The Coastal Confidante Blog </a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Serving Coastal New Jersey homeowners and businesses for 20 years</i></span></div>
M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-73754672570955552442019-06-25T20:00:00.000-04:002019-07-16T11:01:36.309-04:00How To Conquer The Fear of Remodeling or new Construction <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaD9UvUuZYGW6i-UZ5v5OGIcjm8FfEIpgBKRXERJyDEVSOKHKgmO_fsCSiIwR0qaa6htbGg7xSTuORMTaO9wGzmvS57SweyWK-7AqTuxDRKSVQawswvXX-fo83WCtaez-Jp9Z0c2IFPI/s1600/pu4k4s%252BCQgKXS6zVki%2525HQA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaD9UvUuZYGW6i-UZ5v5OGIcjm8FfEIpgBKRXERJyDEVSOKHKgmO_fsCSiIwR0qaa6htbGg7xSTuORMTaO9wGzmvS57SweyWK-7AqTuxDRKSVQawswvXX-fo83WCtaez-Jp9Z0c2IFPI/s400/pu4k4s%252BCQgKXS6zVki%2525HQA.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Coastal New Jersey </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Like many of my clients, D. had a shore home that was the center of summer life at the New Jersey shore. And even though it was renovated after Hurricane Sandy, there were a few areas in the home that needed to be revised. </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For instance, the upstairs bedrooms were small and cramped. There was no en suite bath for the Master Bedroom. If there were to be changes inside the home like new windows and sliders, it would affect the exterior of the house as well. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A renovation like that can take months. And, it all had to be accomplished in time for the summer season. The summer season is so important to families and there was no time for fear, hesitancy or indecision. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When we first met to discuss the remodel plans I knew that the goal had to be achieved to have the home ready for summer family and friends. I also understood that there were important changes that must be made to the floorplan to make the project successful. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">However, one of the first decisions that needed to be made was the selection of siding and roofing. I implemented an app that allows you to see how a different siding, roofing or trim color will look on the exterior of the home. </span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We used the existing house as a template and then applied various siding colors to see which selection would work best. Once the decision was made we followed a plan to check off the next item on the list.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First, we started with measuring the second floor existing space and discussed the addition of higher ceilings that would significantly enlarge the living area in the Master Bedroom. Within a few weeks, the floorplan was complete and now we were ready to obtain the approvals to begin the construction phase.</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Throughout the project my client was available to communicate with all on a daily basis. In the meantime, her husband had assembled an expert construction crew. So within a few busy and productive months, the shore home was ready for the season. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Any remodeling or construction project will be successful if you follow my prescription below:</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Determine what is the most important feature/s to be changed</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Have a concrete budget and time line to accomplish the renovation</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hire only licensed and insured contractors</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Include a floorplan with furnishings drawn before construction begins</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Encourage open communication with all involved </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Understand there will be problems encountered, but alternatives will often work better</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Don't worry be happy and create a positive vibe throughout the process </span></li>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For additional information on renovations, and construction, visit my blog posts below. </span></div>
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<a href="https://bestdesigncoachblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/why-you-should-take-time-to-think.html">Kitchen Remodel</a> <br />
<br />
<a href="https://bestdesigncoachblog.blogspot.com/2018/09/the-5-most-important-questions-i-ask-my.html">The most important part of the project</a> <br />
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<a href="https://wordpress.com/block-editor/post/masmithinteriordesign.com/582">Are you overwhelmed? Read this first!</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mary Alice Smith - </span></span>732 608-7583</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith Interior Design </span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763;">Residential and Commercial <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interior Design</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">E-mail: </span><a href="mailto:maryalicesmith@masmithinteriordesign.com"><span style="color: #741b47;">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com </span></a></span></div>
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<span style="caret-color: rgb(116, 27, 71); color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Allied Member ASID</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Member of Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River </a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://tomsriverchamber.com/">Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Website: <a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span></div>
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Blog: <a href="https://masmithinteriordesign.com/interior-design/blog/">The Coastal Confidante Blog </a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Serving Coastal New Jersey homeowners and businesses for twenty years</i></span></div>
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-44405344815536295792019-06-08T14:00:00.000-04:002019-06-25T10:40:57.909-04:00One Of The Toughest Decorating Problem and The Solution<u></u><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Photo courtesy of Microsoft Office</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">P<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">art V - Of The "Five Most Common Decorating Problems that People Have in Decorating their Homes"</span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Wherever you go - Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, parties, meetings, family dinners, everyone is talking about their goals and changes they want in their home. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">We all may be different, but then we all have so much in common. One of those items we have in common is that we all have distinct ways we process change.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Change is a funny thing. It can be good or bad. It means different things to different people. Some people thrive on change. Others sense change as scary or intimidating - so much so that it <i>stops them in their path</i> of doing something new.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">All of my successful decorating clients want change. Some need encouragement to go forward. Others need a second opinion in their decisions. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">But most of all, they realize that doing nothing means things stay the same. The living room <i>will look the same</i>, the kitchen will stay cramped and dated, etc.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">The biggest problem in decorating to me is the decision to <i>make a commitment</i> to schedule a date when the home makeover will begin. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">You can talk about it, spend hours on Pinterest, read every decorating magazine on the newsstand. But, nothing will happen till you pull out your calendar, call your contractor, call your interior designer, or visit the kitchen showroom.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Lesson #5: Change <i>is</i> good!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mary Alice Smith - </span></span>732 608-7583</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith Interior Design </span></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">Residential and Commercial <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interior Design</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">E-mail: </span><a href="mailto:maryalicesmith@masmithinteriordesign.com"><span style="color: #741b47;">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com </span></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="mailto:maryalicesmith@masmithinteriordesign.com"><span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></a></span>
<span style="color: #073763;">Allied Member ASID</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Member of Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River </a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://tomsriverchamber.com/">Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Website: <a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Serving Coastal New Jersey homeowners and businesses for twenty years</span><br />
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<u></u><br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-75966307207344491652019-06-07T19:00:00.000-04:002019-06-10T13:05:28.780-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Are you stuck with your renovation project's to-do list? </span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewXN93hTsJu2AFX_kTFpvVvB6-Hnpjo8dfldPxHS7pCMhHZyDFXlx2AO3LW5neg-OrFj2TGuwJUyzj03K6H9dXbysikk59vEk85YZkeSOYVGtRu2IWrbhJuNh_0MVe4mIp6NeBskHLu8/s1600/Photo+of+a+person+and+calendar.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewXN93hTsJu2AFX_kTFpvVvB6-Hnpjo8dfldPxHS7pCMhHZyDFXlx2AO3LW5neg-OrFj2TGuwJUyzj03K6H9dXbysikk59vEk85YZkeSOYVGtRu2IWrbhJuNh_0MVe4mIp6NeBskHLu8/s400/Photo+of+a+person+and+calendar.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's true - somethings never seem to change - like <i>your </i>to do list. But if you're like many of my clients, there comes a time when you just have to go ahead and get your project going.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But where to start? You can start here by reading a few posts written for people just like you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A little confirmation helps you to know you are not alone. So here are some ideas for you to read to get you started. The link below is a short piece about the need to block out time and <i>make a commitment </i>to get started. It might start with contacting a <a href="https://chapconstruction.com/">contractor</a>, <a href="https://www.abatarebuilders.com/">builder</a> or <a href="https://www.pdrdesigns.com/">architect</a> or you might start by visiting home centers and <a href="https://www.ferguson.com/content/showrooms">kitchen </a>and <a href="http://avalonflooring.com/">bath </a>stores. </span><br />
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<a href="https://bestdesigncoachblog.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=APq4FmDKTEAJmrDe3N4yVkH7qUeAT3BXPRo-TZCfmiAl09Qo7a7vXMQsKS70awnCyNqtBcWTiSZQwcs8iyP34vL4QLHkebNZsOtiJrbWqDbW9Ktc3cYoxVZ0rr-aGvZn5qwuFNvxGdAn&postId=4440534481553629579&type=POST"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Start here first </span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Great, now you're warming up to moving ahead. But you still have questions or concerns about building or renovating. The more you understand the building process, the better you will be when the time comes to find your kitchen and bath cabinets, plumbing, appliances, tubs, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're in a coastal area, you want to make sure that your home will be built for longevity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://bestdesigncoachblog.blogspot.com/2017/11/an-architects-best-advice-if-you-are.html">Now read this</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's really that simple. Once you understand what's needed in the construction process, you can jump to the fun part - design and decorating. However, before you head back to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1234892047"></span>Pinterest <span id="goog_1234892048"></span></a>to get ideas, let's take time to discuss how you plan to <i>use the room</i> you are building or renovating.</span><br />
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<a href="https://bestdesigncoachblog.blogspot.com/2018/12/part-i-designers-best-kept-secret-to.html"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This part will make you relieved and ready for a great change</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the end, your project is about creating your vision of the best home. Home should be a place to be comfortable in with everything that pulls at your heart strings. And by the way, I value this quote from <a href="http://the1thing.com/"><span style="color: #351c75;">The One Thing</span> </a>book that says "Perfection gets in the way of what is possible". In other words, it's okay to want something wonderful, but don't let the fact that it isn't "perfect" (nothing is here on earth you know) keep you from enjoying all the wonderful things about your home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're still frozen, consider calling an expert to help you make decisions and who values the things that you love. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">Mary Alice Smith - </span><span style="color: #073763;">732 608-7583</span></div>
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M. A. Smith Interior Design </div>
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Residential and Commercial <span style="font-family: "georgia\22 ";">Interior Design</span></div>
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E-mail: masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com </div>
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<a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Member of Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River </a></div>
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<a href="http://tomsriverchamber.com/"><span style="font-family: "georgia";">Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Website: </span><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</a></div>
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Serving Coastal New Jersey homeowners and businesses for twenty years</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-14401071212772789552019-05-29T19:30:00.000-04:002019-10-15T14:11:30.536-04:00The Most Important Advice For Decorating Your Home<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0p2tY4lmPXz3BBCbMz7JYPQJ8OMlaJEIW3XLuJ6meXNyG6we6fRsD1x2HRroeA-rC7GGMjTFvYeRElnSy5iJAFuluwFH8FgAa15_gM_1EALPqYDapsUTGTj-wOBJeLxGRVrlk-i5sX0/s1600/Decorating+idea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO0p2tY4lmPXz3BBCbMz7JYPQJ8OMlaJEIW3XLuJ6meXNyG6we6fRsD1x2HRroeA-rC7GGMjTFvYeRElnSy5iJAFuluwFH8FgAa15_gM_1EALPqYDapsUTGTj-wOBJeLxGRVrlk-i5sX0/s320/Decorating+idea.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Keep it Clear and Simple</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> captured this image on one of my </span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">morning walks. What I like about it is its clarity and its simplicity. It's the same thing when you hire people to help you decorate or renovate your home. To have a successful design project, you must have clarity about how everyone in the project will work together and who, when, where and how things will be accomplished. </span></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It’s as simple as that! </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">Here are some of the ways to make your renovation successful:</span> </h3>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><u>Collaborate: </u></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Getting along with everyone is a win-win attitude. (Being pushy or demanding will only render a lot of push-back = slow progress)</span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><u>Communicate: </u></span></span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Roadblocks to communication stifle creativity and progress. There are so many ways to communicate today - text, email, phone or in person. Do whatever works for all involved in your renovation to keep the momentum going.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Finally and really important: Be ready to go to Plan B, or C, etc. Sometimes the best ideas need some time to appear. Your redesign will get done. So having an 'open attitude' is the key to success. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">It's simple!</span></h3>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After years of working on interior design projects, I've noticed that having a ‘yes’ attitude makes all the difference. It's okay to c</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">ommunicate your needs and wants, but keep your mind open for new ways of solving a problem</span>. </span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For professional help, for a nudge to get started, for the best year ev</span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">er,</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i> call Mary Alice at:</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> 732 690-2030</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span><br /></span><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith </span></span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interior Design</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">E-mail: <a href="mailto:masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Allied Member ASID</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Member of <a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Kiwanis of Greater Toms River </a></span></div>
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<a href="https://masmithinteriordesign.com/interior-design-in-ocean-and-monmouth-county-nj/aboutus/">BIO</a></div>
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<a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blog: <a href="https://masmithinteriordesign.com/interior-design-in-ocean-and-monmouth-county-nj/blog/">Coastal Confidante Blog </a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blog: <a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">BestDesignCoach.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York City</span></span></div>
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0New Jersey, USA40.0583238 -74.405661236.9481798 -79.5692352 43.168467799999995 -69.2420872tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-79244721209968757042019-04-16T10:30:00.000-04:002019-04-16T10:52:09.523-04:003 Ways to Add Style to your Dining Table <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcx_YQ94bccWx7KCMqCSOcAjidTfeNklGCv6-Zf59ZUocthAvKv02RZm-n8WwSg01Q8SkwCkfALGtprXGWgcHZb432XHJoGXWh8oR56G2mnaoOP48-pZyqR7KtKcftMylDiyxguS6gbo/s1600/IMG_2844.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcx_YQ94bccWx7KCMqCSOcAjidTfeNklGCv6-Zf59ZUocthAvKv02RZm-n8WwSg01Q8SkwCkfALGtprXGWgcHZb432XHJoGXWh8oR56G2mnaoOP48-pZyqR7KtKcftMylDiyxguS6gbo/s640/IMG_2844.png" width="425" /></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Just about now you're trying to decide on a new look for your dining table area.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">With all the Spring festivities like holidays, barbecues and also birthdays, your table will be the center of attention. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Maybe your table needs a little accessorizing. Like jewelry, it's the little things that pull an 'outfit' together. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Where do you start? What can you add that doesn't 'break the bank' or require major overhaul?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Here's what interior designers do that you can do today to change out and create a beautiful dining area:</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">First - take a photo of the <a href="http://bassettfurniture.com/">dining</a> area. It's a great way to see how the space looks so you can focus on the area in question. Is the table bare? Could you add some perky candlesticks and/or a centerpiece to add interest?</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Look at the area in the photo. Do you need a more interesting chandelier? Would a touch of glamour, a touch of sparkle or a hint of industrial chic create focus with a new chandelier?</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Add color! Use a bright color for placemats or a runner. Or add a pale shade for placemats in a color to contrast with the table top. It's contrast that makes a table interesting. </span></li>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><i>It's all about layering, adding contrasts, color and sometimes some whimsy. I know you can do it!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;"><em>For professional interior design for your home, office or commercial project call</em>:</span></span></h4>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit;">Call Mary Alice Smith of<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span>M. A. Smith Interior Design - serving New Jersey, including Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore.</span></span></span></span></div>
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0Spring Lake, NJ 07762, USA40.1534476 -74.02819249999998940.1049021 -74.108873499999987 40.2019931 -73.94751149999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-2622951570074358582019-03-28T16:30:00.000-04:002019-03-28T10:15:44.473-04:00How to Change Your Dining Room from 'Blah' To Beautiful - Part 1<h4>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: normal;">You've seen amazing dining rooms on Pinterest or TV. But if your dining area looks more blah than beautiful - start here first. </i></span></h4>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While the trend these days is for 'open plan living' versus a separate dining room, we all have the same dilemma. The dilemma is how to enjoy our dining table and chairs and keep them looking fresh and new.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>So, do you have a Dining Room chair or Dining Room table dilemma?</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;">We may have children, or grandchildren enjoying meals or it could be just the two of you - or just you. Either way, the table and chairs get a lot of use over the years. So, there are a few things to consider when looking to refresh or purchase your dining furniture. Let's start with the dining chair fabric. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's my quick and easy 'cheat sheet' of suggestions for Dining Room chair fabric:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Look for fabrics that are easy to clean and maintain. If you have a boatload of kids or messy adults, consider using <a href="http://sunbrella.com/">Sunbrella</a> or other outdoor use fabrics. </span><a href="https://www.kravet.com/fabric?product_performanceinfo=5377"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kravet Performance Fabrics </span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">'s Soleil fabrics offer not only durability but a great variety of patterns in scrumptious colors. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;">Consider the shape of the Dining Room chair cushion and the design of the chair back when choosing a fabric pattern. For instance, if the chair is simple in design, perhaps the fabric could have a bold pattern or lively and lovely fabric color as shown below.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Not sold on outdoor fabrics for your Dining Room? Go ahead and take a chance on that gorgeous fabric, but make sure it can keep it's good looks by adding </span><a href="https://fiberseal.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fibreseal</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span>protection.</span></span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JbW5NGSGpwzRldPN-4lrorBMnNViHoiToAa3ebgfYPPU06JPrzipkVciPhJmYIOPp3O-n2HG_n4ahLM2pG4Of66GqaO3TN7eXtPnZJdryP4O5ct1LVsKls2YRPN9J5DU737Dmddh6dg/s1600/Maine+Cottage+Dining+Chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JbW5NGSGpwzRldPN-4lrorBMnNViHoiToAa3ebgfYPPU06JPrzipkVciPhJmYIOPp3O-n2HG_n4ahLM2pG4Of66GqaO3TN7eXtPnZJdryP4O5ct1LVsKls2YRPN9J5DU737Dmddh6dg/s320/Maine+Cottage+Dining+Chair.jpg" width="220" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chair courtesy of <a href="http://mainecottage.com/">Maine Cottage</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In my own home, our Dining Room chairs have a </span><a href="http://robertallendesign.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Robert Allen</span></a><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> fabric that is woven with a fabric protectorant. Even after years of use, a quick wipe with a damp sponge or a spray foam application of <a href="http://www.scotchgard.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NAScotchgard/Global/Products/Product_Catalog/?PC_7_RJH9U523005FA0IQ73MR5E1AJ1000000_nid=L2548MQXQZgsDZQG2JGH6WglJ04VHF6CCWbl">Scotchguard</a> keeps the fabric looking as good as it gets!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>In Part II, we'll talk about dining tables and the why's and <span style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);">wherefores of selecting one type of table over another. </span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;"><em>For professional interior design for your home, office or commercial project call</em>:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: inherit;">Mary Alice Smith of<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span> M. A. Smith Interior Design - serving New Jersey, including Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia";"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 608-7583</b> or email me at </span></i><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com </span></a></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "georgia";"></span>M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0Monmouth County, NJ, USA40.2589455 -74.12399599999997739.483928500000005 -75.414889499999973 41.0339625 -72.833102499999981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-81617083338471615352019-03-12T00:00:00.000-04:002019-03-12T00:00:10.323-04:00Why Just One Step is the Best Way to Get Your Renovation Going <span id="goog_1627092190"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1627092189"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="451" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdvfBNrqaFTbblZT6mqOa0CS9JfiUPQqUVc5Mc3O1g-YseUOxDRUjQ7PGrULG3ny8j3ciFyXzL85PWPzSz2z4LwmSI6cGxtk5gtq8_flYOSRNUFUCqicAM8ll2wtPebmXtxkyckCsD7M/s320/Image+3-11-19+at+4.13+PM.jpg" title="Schumacher's Monarch's March " width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Schumacher's Monarch's March </a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Spring ahead" they say. Yes, Spring with all its promises for warmer temps, daffodil and tulip bulbs sprouting gives us a new outlook. Butterflies will return to your gardens. As well as to-do lists.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ugh - those dreaded tasks to get the house ready for the seasons ahead. Where to start, what to do first? Trust me, I'm there with you. If you own a home it's guaranteed that every season "Somethings Gotta Give" you frustration. So many lists, so little time.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In our home, we've got a list for every room. We have busy days and mostly weekends left for our to-do lists. So this weekend instead of moaning the lack of time to get a project done, I looked at it with a new perspective. I think I've found a way to make this work for our project and hopefully for yours too.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Instead of looking at how 'much' you need to accomplish, do this. Look at the smallest one thing that needs to be done. For us, it was to remove the doors on our built-in TV cabinet. Next, I emptied the contents and either threw away the old papers, etc., moved items to another room, or moved the items to be dropped off and donated to places like Habitat for Humanity.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And by the way, that's how it works in new construction or any renovation project. It's all done in little steps. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can do this! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith Interior Design - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York, CT </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 608-7583</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">Blogs: </span><a href="http://housezengarden.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">HouseZenGarden</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"> and </span><span style="color: #0c343d;"><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">Best Design Coach</a></span><br />
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0Mantoloking, NJ 08738, USA40.0392835 -74.04985850000002839.990659 -74.130539500000026 40.087908000000006 -73.969177500000029tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-65833800031808106752019-01-01T09:18:00.000-05:002019-01-01T09:18:11.484-05:00Feeling Discombobulated Lately? Join our De-Cluttering Challenge Today <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTBsvMbRCFM_czSPcA_LJpbac17GCuwAedETnVatf5me3t50ZoqfCsI8hzAWmc3xGY0EEIyHGOaRPrC6TZSXMpJdF6MHqVNZ591f0KgvqYtlJ1LMZTgeoIDFYjksS4AHuOAqppd4nl3Y/s1600/House+Beautiful+Organizing+Tips+for+Home.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="353" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTBsvMbRCFM_czSPcA_LJpbac17GCuwAedETnVatf5me3t50ZoqfCsI8hzAWmc3xGY0EEIyHGOaRPrC6TZSXMpJdF6MHqVNZ591f0KgvqYtlJ1LMZTgeoIDFYjksS4AHuOAqppd4nl3Y/s400/House+Beautiful+Organizing+Tips+for+Home.png" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/organizing-tips/tips/g911/closet-organization-ideas/?slide=8">House Beautiful </a>and<a href="http://ikea.com/"> Ikea</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">More Clothes and Less Space?</span></h3>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">After the holidays were you given wonderful new outfits, purses, scarves, etc.? All is well and good till you try to add them to our already cramped closet. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Or, maybe you threw yourself into cooking over the holidays and have added spices, new pots and pans to your cramped pantry. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">While Architectural Digest is not coming to inspect your home, you know you'd feel better, more in control and even lighter if you could organize your spaces. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Enter this year's challenge. Pick one space you would be so happy to see organized.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Schedule</b> it in your calendar to tackle. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Tell us your plan or challenge. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Send us photos when you are done and you will have more praise than you've received in a long time.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What's your organizing challenge? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith Interior Design - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York, CT </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 690-2030</b></span></i></div>
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<a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith Interior Design </span></a></div>
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masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Allied Member ASID</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="https://tomsriverchamber.com/">Member of Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Member of Kiwanis Daybreak of Toms River</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">Blogs: </span><a href="http://housezengarden.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">HouseZenGarden</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"> and </span><span style="color: #0c343d;"><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">Best Design Coach</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0New Jersey 36.031331776331868 -78.398437511.391207276331869 -119.7070315 60.671456276331867 -37.0898435tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-30603327812340591862018-12-28T11:18:00.000-05:002018-12-28T11:18:05.034-05:00Part II - Designer's Best Kept Secrets to a Successful Project <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmZruX_iEhygTWlCtPOLe2uVtiaft5xHZdhCi_2WUhtb1pJ3ouMhAeLTSMNLXSGBPgtkbD3u8yzKx8VRh_dwYzuB_W32oQwE0RhXXJVnor37njshHZ9CCaW4BuQeeMXPxQriEubd_DnI/s1600/i4G4u1y3Rn64asNnjaPvbA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmZruX_iEhygTWlCtPOLe2uVtiaft5xHZdhCi_2WUhtb1pJ3ouMhAeLTSMNLXSGBPgtkbD3u8yzKx8VRh_dwYzuB_W32oQwE0RhXXJVnor37njshHZ9CCaW4BuQeeMXPxQriEubd_DnI/s320/i4G4u1y3Rn64asNnjaPvbA.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Renaissance at Manchester NJ new Lobby's Installation Day</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The minute you see the photo above, you may have wondered why I used this image today. Yes, it's a lobby and not a home. But the design <i>process</i> to arrive to this special installation day is the same, whether for residential or commercial design.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The process starts with gathering information as I discussed in the last <a href="https://bestdesigncoachblog.blogspot.com/b/post-preview?token=APq4FmCDm82ePbBwBO-TuG1hmA5b8nfGxz7il0q6fctOXaMc6IlNWgF7w1_c8aipuCjlST8fwyCQD7yNHWUQjnjiheONmWo5xFRo-tG8OqgAVSarbkqfAKlC6ORShPxZxcDsYYuIyyCd&postId=7807308945607328548&type=POST">blog post.</a> We discuss how a room is used or will be used. What do you like or dislike when you think of the room as it is now. And, what changes in the room would make you happy.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5Fwu6onKmwCW7Mo88WETvv9R4E3mv8qEa0-DbWTHQSi5O2xhOnRpBhhbI_PnDEciFTZbtyxtHSDg21mhQElHsxMsDpWT_rSueOH7MfYdSYpPBP5p2LZMT7G-Gh92LACp4FISkjqBjyU/s1600/IMG_1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5Fwu6onKmwCW7Mo88WETvv9R4E3mv8qEa0-DbWTHQSi5O2xhOnRpBhhbI_PnDEciFTZbtyxtHSDg21mhQElHsxMsDpWT_rSueOH7MfYdSYpPBP5p2LZMT7G-Gh92LACp4FISkjqBjyU/s640/IMG_1608.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(The former Lobby before updating)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For instance, our design committee at Renaissance discussed the dissatisfaction with the old layout of the room. We discussed how much seating should be included (as well as a change in color scheme). Once I had the basic information on the flow (or access from one area to the next) and the need for ample seating, I measured and then created the floorplan you see below.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlXFmHzOVvglE8MbrYH0lFpeDMFecPlJiJED7gISSPgkRpmoCazKUURNet2iLC3lQJE6wfcSoYZAV0zDxtoLxQkoPOqD_VnHUwmY4J0DsdNv16hRHMt6iGMxW_MgCycGaOdtq4L490f0/s1600/Ren+Lobby+drg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="476" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlXFmHzOVvglE8MbrYH0lFpeDMFecPlJiJED7gISSPgkRpmoCazKUURNet2iLC3lQJE6wfcSoYZAV0zDxtoLxQkoPOqD_VnHUwmY4J0DsdNv16hRHMt6iGMxW_MgCycGaOdtq4L490f0/s400/Ren+Lobby+drg.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We expanded the carpeted area to the rear of the room and shortened the carpeted area in the front of the Lobby. This created a more open feel and direct access from one hallway to the other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The intent of the space is to add seating arranged for conversation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, the space is not meant for lengthy meetings, so we left out the use of side tables next to the sofa and armchairs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The result is a more updated, open and airy lobby that is a great departure from the former layout.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkscQZuyFlP2qCHA-p-Pyi3CRleDwp4-25xXxqX7YYE1dFs52Cd6RgJruyHr7GQPt9XmxJJdFPIPZmpt8iMzMWpLgkdJleoEcK64MkGjQpTwuxYL6JeWb_8GGh6KS_1Qmub_gky676quk/s1600/Ren+3+D+Lobby.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="1029" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkscQZuyFlP2qCHA-p-Pyi3CRleDwp4-25xXxqX7YYE1dFs52Cd6RgJruyHr7GQPt9XmxJJdFPIPZmpt8iMzMWpLgkdJleoEcK64MkGjQpTwuxYL6JeWb_8GGh6KS_1Qmub_gky676quk/s320/Ren+3+D+Lobby.png" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, floorplans are helpful. But sometimes a 3D drawing gives our clients an image they can understand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This drawing shows the highback wing chairs that work beautifully in a room with a high ceiling. Also, it's more interesting to vary the heights of sofas or chairs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We stayed on course with the committees' request to keep the traffic flow <i>around</i> the seating area and <i>within</i> the seating area easy for residents to use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So now you know this designer's secret to successful projects - start with <i>information</i> <i>gathering</i> and design spaces that are <i>comfortable</i> to use for all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>From new construction, renovations and room refreshing, we work a plan and plan your design around your life, your family and your budget. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith Interior Design - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York, CT </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 608-7583</b></span></i></div>
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<a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith Interior Design </span></a></div>
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masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Allied Member ASID</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="https://tomsriverchamber.com/">Member of Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Member of Kiwanis of Greater Toms River</a></span><br />
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-78073089456073285482018-12-27T15:30:00.000-05:002018-12-27T15:31:47.818-05:00Part I - Designer's Best Kept Secret to a Successful Project <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRenJ5jO1ChNRCEGex_g75HKySrDZXyhcSvcTWTSfM-hrhQUtqsJ5lApN3qGz5IxxAELjM_A58zPEgRYAk_NIfb0e_I8BGr3Xi6OcvA36G7syr0tilxX1PX7YkeJ9NO1EGeQtBieFu4Q/s1600/Urbanelectricco+.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="630" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRenJ5jO1ChNRCEGex_g75HKySrDZXyhcSvcTWTSfM-hrhQUtqsJ5lApN3qGz5IxxAELjM_A58zPEgRYAk_NIfb0e_I8BGr3Xi6OcvA36G7syr0tilxX1PX7YkeJ9NO1EGeQtBieFu4Q/s640/Urbanelectricco+.png" width="504" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://urbanelectricco.com/">Photo courtesy of Urban Electric Company </a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);"><br /></span>Did you look at the photo above and <span style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);">immediately</span> start to think about your own living room or family room? Maybe the paneled wall attracted you or the amazing wall sconce. Perhaps the throw pillows are something you've been meaning to add to your sofa. </span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All those thoughts are so important. You see, you need to have a vision first, if you want to achieve anything in life or in designing your home. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I mentioned in <span style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);">the</span> last <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=236177956257441363#editor/target=post;postID=3231743948220399630;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=1;src=link">blog post</a> : I always ask my clients - "How do you want to use the room or space (indoors or outside)? Do you need more seating, less seating, more space for entertaining perhaps?"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Simply put - it's function first. Yes, I know you have numerous <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/masmithinteriordesign/coastal-style-rooms/">Pinterest </a>Boards (as I do). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(19, 79, 92);">But, before we get excited about that sofa or dining room table, let me hear from you how you use the room now and/or how you'd really like to use the room. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVswIGYZYoUlHUESqCUAkiyIvPWnkfgfO3FJ_OLaxJLAzHpH6V8kS33uK_jP5kQTUhAiW-5BmblvHvb7ZtozNMDmwlegZ-qtvuWN1IFO-Y2-REUsqMSXAYnGKDFrD6jb0MBR8H8Ddx3M/s1600/IMG_0806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVswIGYZYoUlHUESqCUAkiyIvPWnkfgfO3FJ_OLaxJLAzHpH6V8kS33uK_jP5kQTUhAiW-5BmblvHvb7ZtozNMDmwlegZ-qtvuWN1IFO-Y2-REUsqMSXAYnGKDFrD6jb0MBR8H8Ddx3M/s400/IMG_0806.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/">The view from my office to the Dining Room (formerly the Living Room)</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In our home over the last ten years, I've asked myself that same question - How do we want to use the room now? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had a Living Room and a Family Room. But since the family is all grown up, did we really need two rooms for seating? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Perhaps the former Dining Room would serve better as my home office and perhaps the former Living Room would allow more seating for our Dining Room table. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's start the design </span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">journey with questions. Let's be open to ideas that you would never imagine before. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What area of your home could be reimagined into the most wonderful space you never imagined before?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith Interior Design - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York, CT </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 608-7583</b></span></i></div>
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<a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith Interior Design </span></a></div>
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masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Allied Member ASID</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="https://tomsriverchamber.com/">Member of Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Member of Kiwanis of Greater Toms River</a></span><br />
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-32317439482203996302018-09-24T10:04:00.003-04:002018-12-27T09:40:34.502-05:00The 5 Most Important Questions I ask my Clients <h3>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The 5 Most Important Questions I ask my Clients </span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYlW7E69sFOACO3Paf_tqa-_U9USXj3ADoaDFuVC52AneioHPVmZz0MLYunMMYF9ecMdCxtOksoX08l-LTaX61lKUvhajrOv8BieSWCyBZd5JY1Q1qZPUzdUSZI02i71r3Vb23iI_5ao/s1600/Copeland+bed+.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="717" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYlW7E69sFOACO3Paf_tqa-_U9USXj3ADoaDFuVC52AneioHPVmZz0MLYunMMYF9ecMdCxtOksoX08l-LTaX61lKUvhajrOv8BieSWCyBZd5JY1Q1qZPUzdUSZI02i71r3Vb23iI_5ao/s400/Copeland+bed+.png" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://copelandfurniture.com/"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Photo courtesy of Copeland Furniture - made in Vermont</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now that summer is behind us, we look to the next few months as a new start. If you're like me, you feel like hitting "refresh" as soon as September rolls around. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I definitely need a new look and a new perspective in autumn. And, just like my clients who hire me to give their homes a new look, I also need to change up things inside and outside our home. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But in order to change, you first need to know what needs changing. It's hard to prioritize and decide what should stay, what should go or what look in your home needs a re-boot. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I have to pretend I'm my own client in a way. I have to ask myself the same things I ask my clients. For instance:</span></span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How do you want to use the room or space (indoors or outside)? Do you need more seating, less seating, more space for entertaining perhaps?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What are the things you love about this room? Is it the light, the fireplace, the colors used on walls and furnishings?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What are you most dissatisfied with the room? Is it too small, too large, too plain? </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What rooms in <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/masmithinteriordesign/">Pinterest</a>, <a href="http://housebeautiful.com/">House Beautiful </a>or <a href="http://architecturaldigest.com/">Architectural Digest </a>have you consistently loved? Are you a fan of <a href="http://ralphlaurenhome.com/">Ralph Lauren</a>, Miles Redd, Restoration Hardware?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What is your budget? Are you ready to renovate to the extent of changing floors, opening up a room, or is it more cosmetic with new furniture and new paint colors on the walls? </span></li>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To help you make a change, I'll share with you my journey in my own 'Autumn Refresh'. I'll start with the first question on the next post. See you then!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith Interior Design - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York, CT </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 608-7583</b></span></i></div>
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<a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith Interior Design </span></a></div>
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masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Allied Member ASID</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="https://tomsriverchamber.com/">Member of Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Member of Kiwanis of Greater Toms River</a></span></div>
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<br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-5051685537457940362018-02-08T21:00:00.000-05:002018-02-08T21:00:20.522-05:00Valentine's Day - A few different ideas for Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With only days away, do you have to come up with a great Valentine, Birthday or Anniversary gift idea?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're 5 years old, you can get away with a handmade card from school, but not now. So now what to do, what is a different kind of gift, what would they love to receive?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here are a few ideas to get you going in the right direction <em>fast.</em> (You only have a week or so!) The first ones are for men, and the last are for the love or loves of your life.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u>For the men in your life</u>:</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A monthly </span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">gym membership - for a "core strength and conditioning program."</span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dinner at </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://charliesofbayhead.com/">Charlie's</a></span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> in Bay Head, NJ - fabulous atmosphere and great food. </span></li>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u>For wife, mother, grandmother, sister or girlfriend:</u></span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A two hour <a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #674ea7;">interior designer</span></a> consultation at $150.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms";">A four hour interior designer consultation at $295.</span></li>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now is the perfect time to help her get her home ready for spring, for renovation or for staging a house for sale. </span><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A two hour <strong>Gift Card</strong> towards a consult on a room of your choice includes:</span><br />
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<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Paint color ideas to make a room come to life (finally the right color!)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A better floorplan concept - great for Living Room and Family Rooms </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Arranging accessory ideas for tabletop, bookcases or a mantel </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Window treatment or lighting suggestions to bring a room to life</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lighting suggestions to give a room the atmosphere to feel and look great in</span></li>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith Interior Design - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York, CT </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 690-2030</b></span></i></div>
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<a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith Interior Design </span></a></div>
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masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="https://tomsriverchamber.com/">Member of Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Member of Kiwanis Daybreak of Toms River</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/" style="font-family: "times new roman";"></a><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">Blogs: </span><a href="http://housezengarden.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">HouseZenGarden</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"> and </span><span style="color: #0c343d;"><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">Best Design Coach</a></span></div>
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<br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-76735782146531359032018-01-31T20:30:00.000-05:002018-02-08T16:47:13.247-05:00The Secret to Successful Decorating <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwwqG7na9JAaKxaQgO-OfVFWadO083mVTwQX0rwg-mGjVujAh-Q3VwVwJMiALk7JGvvlwyEQ9ELFUBmHT71bTLBL2seGzk6DwRq-VvrQu9Sc6zVihE3ia6t9XVQ2Z8o14xtFPRMErftU/s1600/BDC+March+13+BM+paint+Palladian+Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwwqG7na9JAaKxaQgO-OfVFWadO083mVTwQX0rwg-mGjVujAh-Q3VwVwJMiALk7JGvvlwyEQ9ELFUBmHT71bTLBL2seGzk6DwRq-VvrQu9Sc6zVihE3ia6t9XVQ2Z8o14xtFPRMErftU/s400/BDC+March+13+BM+paint+Palladian+Blue.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #073763;">Contrast make this room interesting</span></i></td></tr>
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<u><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A Designer's To Do List to Decorate Your Home </span></u><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You might be well on your way to finishing a room. Furniture is delivered and the walls have a new coat of paint. But something is missing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You've done your homework but somehow your room doesn't look like the one in <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_858475784"></span>Pinterest<span id="goog_858475785"></span></a> or Coastal Home. It's frustrating and I know how you feel. But there's an answer to be sure.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I visit homes for the first time, I see the rooms with fresh eyes. If you live day to day in a home, you might not be able to see the things I see. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For instance, if the lighting is uneven, even the best dressed rooms will look flat. Perhaps you could use some table lamps, uplights or a spot on art work. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Or, is there enough contrast in the room? Contrast is important to bring a room to life. You can add contrast with a nubby throw on a soft fabric sofa. A vase in a bright color can add pizzazz to the space just as a mirror adds a touch of sparkle to a room. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Simply put, layer your rooms with objects that give it personality. Use books, flowers, plants, art and accessories to give it the sense that it is a well lived and well loved home. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith Interior Design - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York, CT </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 690-2030</b></span></i></div>
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<a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith Interior Design </span></a></div>
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masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">Blogs: </span><a href="http://housezengarden.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">HouseZenGarden</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"> and </span><span style="color: #0c343d;"><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">Best Design Coach</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-28912031772577197602017-12-28T16:00:00.000-05:002018-01-15T09:02:47.229-05:00<h3>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Five of my Favorite Myths or Secrets about Decorating your Home with Paint</span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Photo courtesy of <a href="https://www.countryliving.com/">Country Living </a></span></td></tr>
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<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Dark paint colors make a room look smaller</i> - wrong! Dark paint colors give a small space the oomph it needs to look important. There is a warm and enveloping feeling that you can't always get from a pale shade of paint. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Trim has to be either stained or painted white</i>. Please give this one myth up ASAP! In our own home we used a medium shade of gray on our formerly lackluster white interior doors. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Gray paint is not a warm color.</i> Wrong again! Yes, some grays are cooler grays, but there's a warm gray for everybody. We used <a href="https://www.thecreativityexchange.com/2016/01/benjamin-moore-edgecomb-gray-color-spotlight.html">Benjamin Moore's Edgecomb Gray </a>on our hallways and Foyer. It's a beigy/soft/greige that changes throughout the day. It's perfect if you want to be 'engaged' but not commit to gray. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Everyone in the house has to love the color I choose</i>. Trust me, not everyone has the faintest idea of what paint can do for a house. For instance, if your toddler craves purple, would you respect her choice and paint your home purple? If you're unsure on what color to select, look into hiring an interior designer to help make the best choice of color. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">All <a href="https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners">paints</a> are the same, so buy less expensive paint. After twenty years in the business of interior design, I can speak as an expert. Do buy good <a href="http://benjaminmoore.com/">paint</a>, it will look and last better than cheaper paints. </span></li>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lastly, (as much as I love my painters) let them do their work but save the color selection to you or your designer. Not every color looks the same in every house. I've seen paint colors in my clients homes that I would have <i>loved</i> in my home. But, we have different light, floor color, furnishings and all that can change how a color looks. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith Interior Design - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York, CT </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 690-2030</b></span></i></div>
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<a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith Interior Design </span></a></div>
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masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Allied Member ASID</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="https://tomsriverchamber.com/">Member of Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Member of Kiwanis Daybreak of Toms River</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">Blog: </span><a href="http://housezengarden.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">HouseZenGarden</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"> and </span><span style="color: #0c343d;"><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">Best Design Coach</a></span></div>
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0New Jersey 38.548165423046562 -74.5312513.908036923046563 -115.839844 63.188293923046558 -33.222656tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-40295126121868536302017-12-05T11:31:00.001-05:002017-12-05T11:31:08.040-05:00Puzzled about designing your Home? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxox6Khyphenhyphen5D9sZwrr00zM1BQty4XeFHyH6jIRSz4RXrt6jgOa5BpUcKi63oxPWvATG3JSL1IE0b7YgPYb-ZCXg7lbLcDxSk7KYgnKD6ft1ZpuGBGe5Tq2NbqDn03OwaU3NYj8KTFTE2SU/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxox6Khyphenhyphen5D9sZwrr00zM1BQty4XeFHyH6jIRSz4RXrt6jgOa5BpUcKi63oxPWvATG3JSL1IE0b7YgPYb-ZCXg7lbLcDxSk7KYgnKD6ft1ZpuGBGe5Tq2NbqDn03OwaU3NYj8KTFTE2SU/s320/Capture.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today is like any other day as as interior designer. With a variety of projects to work on, it can feel overwhelming every once in awhile. It's like working with a puzzle. You have the finished work in mind, but it takes patience and concentration to pull it all together. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I found this quote that explains the 'puzzle phenomenon' that can apply when decorating your home or to life in general. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Life isn't </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">about finding pieces </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">of a puzzle. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's about</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">together"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Glenn van Dekken </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So it's a good thing that I love puzzles! I love finding the pieces that bring my clients' vision together. And like working on a puzzle, it takes time and thought, patience and courage to finish the project. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's not any one piece of the 'puzzle' that is important. Every piece is important. For instance, it's not just a sofa that will transform a room. It's a medley of a number of things orchestrated together to give a room life, that will give it its soul. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, be patient with yourself (or your designer). The best things in life take time!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith Interior Design - an interior designer serving New Jersey, Ocean and Monmouth County, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York, CT </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To schedule an appointment call: <b>732 690-2030</b></span></i></div>
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<a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith Interior Design </span></a><br />
masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com<br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Allied Member ASID</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";">Member of Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";">Member of Kiwanis Daybreak of Toms River</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia";"><br /></span><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;">Blog: </span><a href="http://housezengarden.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">HouseZenGarden</span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"> and </span><span style="color: #0c343d;"><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">Best Design Coach</a></span></div>
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com01288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 0875338.8225909761771 -75.23437514.182454976177105 -116.542969 63.4627269761771 -33.925781tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-19911973255210012642017-11-04T14:30:00.000-04:002019-06-07T10:35:15.573-04:00An Architect's Best Advice If You Are Buying, Renovating or Rebuilding a Coastal Home <br />
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<em>Note: The article below is published by permission of Jim O'Brien for the purpose of sharing vital information to Jersey Shore homeowners,builders and real estate companies.</em><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Featured Guest: JIM O’BRIEN
ARCHITECTS</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span><span style="color: #365f91; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: large;">"Major Considerations Buying, Renovating and Rebuilding a Shore Home"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">"As Architects we work with
homeowners to select properties, buy, redesign, or rebuild homes at the Jersey Shore.
The shore today is a new world with many factors driving its evolution in flux.
Many local, state and federal decisions that will regulate our built
environment are being made quickly, being revised and reconsidered (or
delayed), or are simply in the offing out to the years of 2014, 2015 and
beyond.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">When consulting on
buying, renovating or rebuilding a shore home in this environment we focus on <b><i>three
major categories </i></b>where we are experiencing major changes. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">First there are <b><i>the
financial aspects </i></b>of buying, building/rebuilding, financing and
insuring a home. Decisions there now have bigger ripple effects, many yet without
precedence here, on the real value of these properties in the real estate
market, both while one owns a property and when it comes time to sell. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Secondly, <b><i>the
techniques of building </i></b>at the Jersey Shore have evolved almost
overnight. Newly widespread at the shore are previously uncommon factors now
common to every structure’s permanence, storm-resistance, allowable height and
allowable renovation or new construction techniques. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Thirdly, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">we
see the changing considerations for our sense of <b><i>aesthetics &
lifestyle </i></b>at the shore. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">With many parts of the
shore having been wiped away or drastically damaged, we know they will come
back in a different fashion. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">T</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">he look and feel of our
shore communities is about to change. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">From the experience
of the rebuilt and modified boardwalks, to the replenished and relocated dunes
we see as early as now and this summer, to the changes in home styles and
ground floor uses we’ll see in rebuilding in every community each year to come,
our choices are new once again for how to make things beautiful and how we </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">want to live.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #365f91; font-family: "cambria"; font-size: large;"><strong>Below are the important issues in these three categories we are commonly
seeing and discussing at this time:</strong></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1. Financial Aspects<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The financial
aspects of the fact that we now coexist with higher flood levels at the shore.
The Jersey Shore’s new Base Flood Elevations (adopted by Gov. Christie) don’t
just add cost - they do save the value of Jersey Shore homes.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Base Flood Elevations</span><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">, recommended by FEMA, are
put down onto Flood Insurance Rate Maps that determine your flood insurance
premium. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">If you have a property with flood insurance and at anytime it </span><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">suffers
damages totaling 50 percent or more of its market value, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">you
are required in your rebuild to elevate your home to the base flood elevation,
if you wish to continue having flood insurance. In so rebuilding and elevating
a home flood insurance offers </span><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">up to $30,000 for that work under
what’s called Increased Cost of Compliance coverage.</span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">If you are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">with a
mortgage</b>, your bank will require that flood insurance, so this rebuild and
elevation described above is required.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">If you are with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">no </b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">mortgage</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">,
you are the owner in full of your property, you can opt not to comply with any raising
requirements, even if your home’s storm damage is more than 50% of its value. </span><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">You
will pay more in flood insurance. But until new rates go into effect, possibly
in early 2015, insurance premiums will not be affected. When that time comes,
according to FEMA, a property that’s <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">four
feet below</b> the advisory elevation in a high-hazard area could cost the
owner roughly <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">$31,000 a year for flood
insurance</b>. The premium drops to $7,000 if the home is at the new standard,
and falls to $3,500 if the house is built two feet higher.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The financial aspects include consideration of these questions:
What is the m</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">arket value of a well built home if it is for sale, and is not
compliant with the base flood elevation? Are there many buyers for this home?
Are cash buyers motivated to buy such a home because they do not have a
mortgage bank requiring them to buy flood insurance on such a home? Are higher
flood insurance premiums for non-compliant homes affecting the sale price of
that home, etc.?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2. Techniques of Building<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Shore homes most
vulnerable to storm damage and flooding lie in what flood maps have labeled the
“V” and “A” zones. The most vulnerable homes are in the "V" zones,
which are waterfront areas at the highest risk for flooding and likely to have
up to 3-foot breaking waves coming through land areas during a storm. These “V”
zones require costly pile foundations be used in any building/rebuilding. The
"A" zones covers much of the Jersey Shore just next to the “V” zones.
The “A” zones aren’t as vulnerable as the "V" zones but are still
subject to major storm damage.</span><span style="color: #363636; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">To withstand “V” and “A”
zone-strength storm, wind and flood surges without damage to the house’s structure
itself, we use all the engineering principles we know; from pre-planned
concealed openings throughout the ground level for flood water passage, to
hurricane-rated windows, doors and shutters, to internal wall bracing and
structural ties from roofs to footings, elevated mechanical systems, and deep
pile foundations (of wood, helical steel, and hydrojet-installed reinforced
concrete).</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">“Lifting” an existing
house is a major preoccupation for many homeowners now. A house lifting association
of contractors doing this work suggests the range of $14 per square foot for a
simple and small house to $22 per square foot for larger and more complex homes
as an estimate of the cost of raising a house up to 6 feet. The cost of raising
a foundation and exterior stairs to meet the new raised house floor, and of utilities
re-connections, and of any other incidental work needs to be figured in
addition to that.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The Allowable
Building Height in each municipality is also a major preoccupation for many
homeowners now. Some municipalities have raised theirs 2 to 3 feet. Many are
considering that, to facilitate lifting homes and building new ones reasonably
similarly proportioned to the 2-1/2 story configuration we are accustomed to
seeing.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3. Aesthetics & Lifestyle<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Homeowners look to
maximize their livable space within the allowable building heights. This can
change the architecture and appearance of many Jersey Shore communities by
creating homes with parking or storage on the ground floor, living areas on the
second & third floors, and several options for the design treatment and use
of the roof level.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><em><strong>Contemporary and
Traditional Designs: PROS/CONS</strong></em>:</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The use of roof
levels. On roofs: </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">pitched roofs (traditional) with half-hidden terraces, vs. flat
(contemporary), walkable roof terraces or “green roof” surfaces. In either case
roofs capture access to the sun, breeze and wonderful views. If some choose a contemporary
flat roof style, we will see that approach replace some of the pitched roof
cottage styles so common at the Jersey Shore. (See image of a contemporary
design.) </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The Ground floor use:
parking, storage, low-capital-investment living spaces, due to higher base
flood elevations and likelihood of flood and storm damage here. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Ground floor look: breakaway vs.
permanent. You do have a choice. Ground levels below a base flood elevation
present a fork in the road for the design of a home. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Do we accept the look of
impermanence with breakaway walls of cement panels or plywood (see FEMA image
attached), and/or the look of piling as “stilts” with no walls around them and
a “home” placed above them? Does that drive a contemporary design solution? Or
a podium for an awkward- or challenged-traditional home placed above it? </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">On the other hand, likely
at greater expense, do we design the ground level with a sense of and with
materials of permanence? (See images attached of 3 design versions of this
approach.) In this approach even a base flood elevation a full story above
grade results in a house design rooted to the earth, as we use good design plus
all the </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">engineering
principles we know (from pre-planned concealed openings throughout the ground
level for flood </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">water passage, to
hurricane-rated windows, doors and shutters, to structural ties from roof to
footings, and </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">elevated mechanical
systems,) to withstand possible storm surges thorough the ground floor with no
damage </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">to the structure
itself."</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJtY5XTL_kBvOL646rMUlSCm1aGhvwUR0obooMKKVdWzj9L7CZ1h4HKXfYOdPK40wbhOopIAFTxPxSJpC0STiN6m-qj6bYszkHGiqjXewTeaVjsWqkXwgb2NONNrVCNO4f-gNgHq99lE/s1600/Jim+O'Brien+Beach+house+design.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJtY5XTL_kBvOL646rMUlSCm1aGhvwUR0obooMKKVdWzj9L7CZ1h4HKXfYOdPK40wbhOopIAFTxPxSJpC0STiN6m-qj6bYszkHGiqjXewTeaVjsWqkXwgb2NONNrVCNO4f-gNgHq99lE/s320/Jim+O'Brien+Beach+house+design.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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For further information or to inquire about <a href="http://www.jimobrienarchitects.com/">architectural design</a> contact:<br />
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span><br />
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<div style="font-family: "georgia\""; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">
<span style="color: #134f5c;">Mary Alice Smith - </span><span style="color: #073763;">732 608-7583</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia\""; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">
M. A. Smith Interior Design </div>
<div style="color: #073763; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">
Residential and Commercial <span style="font-family: "georgia\"";">Interior Design</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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E-mail: masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com </div>
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Allied Member ASID</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">
<a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Member of Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River </a></div>
<div style="font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in; text-indent: 0px;">
<a href="http://tomsriverchamber.com/"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;">Website: </span><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</a></div>
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Serving Coastal New Jersey homeowners and businesses for twenty years</div>
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0M. A. Smith Interior Design, 1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 37.160316546736773 -76.992187512.520182046736775 -118.3007815 61.800451046736768 -35.6835935tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-68010919651512578982017-10-23T14:00:00.000-04:002017-10-23T14:00:20.019-04:00Need a 'Brush-up on selecting the perfect Paint Color? <span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgYUkdrpcMvN95glUv46cvc0FrWo1pfZsg_DEMC_7ux8sh-IswcBFugn8Xi9DA14zqAaNKypVwfbBCRxIjWsgHuiWg8FA7t0KmK8PPsWvNgtwEhgjCns0cjkzjzZahyKtya3nqzZEjaA/s1600/Paint+color+seaglass+bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgYUkdrpcMvN95glUv46cvc0FrWo1pfZsg_DEMC_7ux8sh-IswcBFugn8Xi9DA14zqAaNKypVwfbBCRxIjWsgHuiWg8FA7t0KmK8PPsWvNgtwEhgjCns0cjkzjzZahyKtya3nqzZEjaA/s400/Paint+color+seaglass+bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://coastalliving.com/">Coastal Living </a>Magazine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Color is a hot topic nowadays. From Pinterest to Houzz and HGTV to Facebook, everyone is talking about a particular room they saw and loved - and the color that was used on the walls.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It sounds so easy. Just point and click. Use that blue that a designer chose at a designer showhouse featured in Traditional Home magazine. Or, follow the lead and paint your walls that 'shade of gray' you loved in <a href="http://elledecor.com/">Elle Décor</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The problem is that it doesn't translate as well in real life. Your home has different light than the home you saw in House Beautiful. Maybe your floors are dark and your wood furniture has a different stain color than the picture you so want to replicate. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What do you do? Put down that color chip and go to your nearest paint store or call your favorite designer and choose a variety of tones in that shade of blue, for instance. You may need a warmer, grayer blue than the one in the magazine. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Some colors appear reflective. Other shades may be more recessive. You may need a contrast in your room rather than a basketfull of neutrals that will put you to sleep. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It will be trial and error. Sometimes it's easy and sometimes it takes a few go-arounds till you settle on the color of your dreams. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Whatever you do, take your time. Understand that there <em>is</em> a color for you. It's just waiting for you to discover it and love it!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do you need help with a <em>renovating, remodeling, kitchen/bath, floorplan or decorating</em> project?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Call or email me to </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">schedule a meeting so we can discuss your project at: </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">732 690-2030 or </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">email me at: </span><a href="mailto:masmith729@comcast.net"><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></a><span style="color: #0c343d;"><a href="mailto:masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com">masmith@masmithinteriordesign</a></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_795909638"></a><a href="http://.com/">.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"></span></span><br />
<a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith </span></span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Interior Design</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">732 690-2030</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Allied Member ASID</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Blog: </span><a href="http://housezengarden.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;">HouseZenGarden</span></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York</span></span><br />
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<br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0New Jersey.37.160316546736773 -73.476562512.520174546736772 -114.7851565 61.800458546736778 -32.1679685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-70451919213033455192017-10-20T14:30:00.000-04:002019-10-15T14:19:48.469-04:005 Tips to the Best Decorated Room in Town <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyWBWni01Isu8Fq_VKgtSpnEmqG8LDLH0Td1y3G-i_g-lCk4rPZmJPD169ORi54ovlU0gWbh_A9tCZRwa-nm_3-ox_-9sU9jbhbk4FyXwjXvKvmtktpwx3d6mf_qG698K4S1qpYoh6ko/s1600/Benjamin+Moore+dining+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzyWBWni01Isu8Fq_VKgtSpnEmqG8LDLH0Td1y3G-i_g-lCk4rPZmJPD169ORi54ovlU0gWbh_A9tCZRwa-nm_3-ox_-9sU9jbhbk4FyXwjXvKvmtktpwx3d6mf_qG698K4S1qpYoh6ko/s400/Benjamin+Moore+dining+room.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/">Benjamin Moore colors with an accent color for the chairs </a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How To Have The Home You Love</span></h3>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you're like me, you are often (<i>or always</i>) thinking about updating your home.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Whether planning on a change in a room or an entire home, follow these important concepts, so your end result looks like <i>your</i> home and is reflective of your lifestyle:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. <i>Have a clear idea of how the space will be used.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For instance, if you plan on entertaining more than before in a dining room, decide on the total number of dining chairs and table length you need. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. <i>Create a budget for the new furnishings.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dining tables can be anywhere from 'free' (used) to thousands of dollars. What your budget allows will be the starting point for where to source your new table.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. <i>Understand the elements of great design.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When you see beautiful rooms in <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/masmithltd/">Pinterest</a> or Houzz, they were created with the concepts of balance, proportion and scale. They were most likely created through a well-trained eye and/or a professional <a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/">interior designer</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. <i>Know what decorating style suits your lifestyle best.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Are you a traditionalist, a minimalist or a lover of mid-century design. There is much to choose from today in the furniture world. In the 'before' it was expected that if you were into a more traditional look, you would avoid contemporary furnishings. However, today it's acceptable to have a mix of traditional with contemporary furnishings.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. <i>Plan a color scheme for your home. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Try the idea of connecting rooms with one color that is repeated in the other rooms of your home. </span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For instance, one room could have a blue-green color on the walls and the </span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">adjacent<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">room could have a blue-green rug with soft white walls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">For professional help, for a nudge to get started, for the best year ever,</span></div>
<div style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "trebuchet ms\""; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: italic;"> call Mary Alice at:</span></div>
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732 690-2030</div>
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<a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/">M. A. Smith Interior Design</a></div>
<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "trebuchet ms\""; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0in;">
1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753</div>
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E-mail: masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</div>
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Allied Member ASID</div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Member of </span><a href="http://tomsriverkiwanis.org/">Kiwanis of Greater Toms River </a></div>
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<a href="https://masmithinteriordesign.com/interior-design-in-ocean-and-monmouth-county-nj/aboutus/"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">BIO</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms\22 ";">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Blog: </span><a href="https://masmithinteriordesign.com/interior-design-in-ocean-and-monmouth-county-nj/blog/">Coastal Confidante Blog </a></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Blog: </span><a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">BestDesignCoach.com</a></div>
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M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0New Jersey 36.315125147480508 -74.179687511.674994147480508 -115.4882815 60.955256147480512 -32.8710935tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-236177956257441363.post-54393704606343165492017-10-19T14:00:00.000-04:002017-10-19T14:00:07.749-04:00What My Best Clients Do To Avoid Stress and Get Their Projects Done (So They Can Enjoy Their Homes) <h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #134f5c;">Is Decorating Your Home Scary?</span></h3>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If the idea of a home renovation leaves you at a loss for where to start - </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Surprise! - you're in the right place! I know you have decisions to make, people to contact and budgets to stick to. Yes, all of that <em>takes time.</em></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It will take time to meet with architects, contractors and interior designers to help you decide what to keep in your home and what will change. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But, remember, if you take the time, you can eventually enjoy the good things in life - like your home! But you say "I hardly have time now!" Yes, that's true. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's all <u><i>about small wins</i></u>.</span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";"></span><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>Every small win makes my <b>successful </b>clients want to get to their next small <strong>win</strong></i>. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And so it is with home renovations or decorating. You schedule meetings with your contractor and interior designer, <i>the first</i> <i>important win</i>. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You discuss the project, <i>another small win</i>. Each day is a day to enjoy the <em>feeling</em> of getting your project off to a great start. Each day you will enjoy a small win or even <i>many small wins</i>.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What a great perspective and a great way to view change! Now, go click your heels and repeat:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Today I will have small wins, one or many" - it's your mantra, your day to get your project off to a great start!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "georgia";">Call for professional help, for a nudge to get started, for the best year ever:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia";">732 690-2030</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"></span><br />
<a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">M. A. Smith LLC</span> </span><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Interior Design</span></a><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia";">1288 Beauchamps Place, Toms River, NJ 08753</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">E-mail: <a href="mailto:masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com">masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Allied Member ASID</span><br />
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<a href="http://masmithinteriordesign.com/"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">http://masmithinteriordesign.com</span></a><br />
Blog: <a href="http://housezengarden.com/">HouseZenGarden</a><br />
Blog: <a href="http://bestdesigncoach.com/">BestDesignCoach.com</a><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York City and coastal CT</span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />M. A. Smith Interior Designhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18010933771494869731noreply@blogger.com0New Jersey 39.095962936305476 -73.82812514.455831936305476 -115.136719 63.73609393630548 -32.519531