One Of The Toughest Decorating Problem and The Solution



Photo courtesy of Microsoft Office

Part V - Of The "Five Most Common Decorating Problems that People Have in Decorating their Homes"

Wherever you go - Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, parties, meetings, family dinners, everyone is talking about their goals and changes they want in their home. 

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.

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 stops them in their path of doing something new.

All of my successful decorating clients want change. Some need encouragement to go forward. Others need a second opinion in their decisions. 

But most of all, they realize that doing nothing means things stay the same. The living room will look the same, the kitchen will stay cramped and dated, etc.

The biggest problem in decorating to me is the decision to make a commitment to schedule a date when the home makeover will begin. 

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.

Lesson #5: Change is good!

Mary Alice Smith - 732 608-7583

M. A. Smith Interior Design 
Residential and Commercial Interior Design

E-mail: masmith@masmithinteriordesign.com 

Allied Member ASID

Member of Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River 
Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce

Website:  http://masmithinteriordesign.com


Serving Coastal New Jersey homeowners and businesses for twenty years

Glad That Spring Is Almost Here, But Worried For All You Have To Do?

Philadelphia Flower Show Cottage Garden

Spring Is Almost Here. Are You Ready?

When the start of spring approaches you may be so relieved to be done with winter. But on the other hand, you may feel a sense of anxiety. Your anxiety may be due to all the unfinished projects around your home. You're not sure what to do first, what you should do yourself and when can you find the time to do it all anyway?

Yes, I too have the same problems and here are some of the items on my list:

• Interior trim that needs to be painted
• A bathroom that needs painting as well as tub caulk
• Window blinds that require cleaning (every room!)
• Porch screening to be replaced (we can do that)
• Gardening and grass prep (great calorie burner, by the way)
• Tree branches that need a to be cut (before they fall on our heads)
• Etc, Etc, Etc !

Just looking at my list may remind you of some of the items on your Spring to-do list. So much to do, so little time.

But, on second thought I have to say that some of the items on my list will be done by professionals. For instance, I will not be climbing that oak tree to pull down that 'widow maker' tree limb. As for the gardening item, I can handle the leaf clean-up (a great de-stressor by the way), but a landscaper will be fertilizing our grass, so I can cross that item off my list.

Why Spring Can Be A Good Thing After All!

See, it's not that bad really. Sure, some of you (a few of my interior design clients, for instance) may be dealing with more difficult to-do's, especially if you were hit hard by the hurricane. But, no matter what you have in front of you, remember it either will or will not get done in time. It's not the end of the world.

It's all about perspective. It's about giving yourself some needed slack. Let professionals handle what they can and what you can afford, so you can actually enjoy Spring - what an idea!

For professional interior design for your home, office or commercial project call:

Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. - an interior designer in New Jersey, including Ocean and Monmouth Counties, the Jersey Shore and metropolitan New York areas.

To schedule an appointment call: 732 690-2030 or email me at masmith729@comcast.net.

M. A. Smith, Ltd., Interior Design
Allied Member ASID