Rebuilding your Home after Hurricane Sandy

For Homeowners Who Must Rebuild their Homes From Hurricane Damage

 

Many of my clients suffered damage to their homes as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Some will rebuild from the ground up and others will need to rebuild portions of their home.

 

However, before they receive my help with interior furnishings, they will be involved with the construction phase of their rebuild. 

 

One home that suffered damage will have new entry doors. The doors will not only comply with hurricane resistant building construction, but will help to reconfigure the entry area to provide better traffic flow.

 

Some clients will hire architects and construction companies to create a new floorplan with the existing footprint of the home. Often, I work closely with client, their architects and builders to make sure the floorplan suits the lifestyle of the homeowners.

 

With all that is involved with home re-construction, it can be a time of great upheaval. However, it can also be a time to reinvent and ultimately restore a house and improve its safety and functionality. 

 

If you or someone you know is involved in rebuilding, here are a few points to note:

• Partner with your builder or contractor and make sure you understand the best ways to rebuild using hurricane resistant building materials and construction. 
• Take the time to read links that give you detailed information such as:

The Institute for Business & Home Safety's website: http://www.anpac.com/safety/home/IBHS/RebuildingAfterAHurricane.pdf

• Check your county and town's websites for important updates on information or regulations that will keep you informed.
• For instance, Ocean County, New Jersey has an article on their website that warns of 'scam artists' who prey on homeowners. http://www.co.ocean.nj.us/PressReleaseDetailPage.aspx?Name=1600

If you have any questions relating to rebuilding or need referrals for architects or licensed contractors, please email me at: masmith729@comcast.net

Let's get this done together and let's do it right!


M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
masmith729@comcast.net
Allied Member ASID
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York

How Long Will it Take to Decorate My Home?

Photo courtesy of Coastal Living Magazine

How long will my decorating project take to complete?

 If you have major construction planned, the most important thing to keep in mind is to: 

• Have a detailed construction calendar and budget plan. 
• Work up a calendar with all involved and list everything that needs to be done. This way everyone on the construction team knows when YOU want to get the renovation done. This way you'll have a grasp of the costs at each step of construction.
• Daily or frequent communication with the builder or contractor is key to keep things moving. Will you be able to communicate through email or phone or both?

If you are remodeling and need to change flooring, wall board, lighting or planning a new kitchen or bath, the most important thing to do is:

• Go to home improvement stores, tile and flooring stores, kitchen and bath resources, or appliance stores as soon as possible to choose your selections. 
• Some items may need to be ordered, so you need to factor the time waiting. 
• Again, use a calendar and a list to determine what is feasible and most important to achieve time wise and budget-wise.

If you are in need of an update to a room, the most important thing to do is to:

• Know exactly what you need to get a 'finished' room done. 
• Yes, you may need to buy furniture, but don't forget that accessories, lighting and rugs will pull it all together and make you room look finished. 

If you're still not sure where to start or what to do, or if you can be ready in time for a holiday or special occasion, you may need some help from an interior designer.

An interior designer has an eye for what works and what doesn't work. We'll tell you what can or cannot be accomplished within a given time frame or budget.

Most important, we provide you with the encouragement to press on and make the decisions without stress or doubt.
 

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
masmith729@comcast.net
Allied Member ASID
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York

Why Gratitude Will Keep You on Track

Gratitude will keep you on track in almost any situation in life. Survivors tell stories about how the most seemingly insignificant thing kept them from losing their sanity.

Since we are battling devastating conditions here in the northeast after Hurricane Sandy, I will share a few of the things that I am grateful for today:

• My family, including pets! - they are safe
• Friends and neighbors who continue to amaze us
• Our community of Toms River,NJ - people of all ages stepping up
• Other states from across the country who send utility trucks to help
• Our JCP & L for doing the best they can
• 101.5 radio for one of the best stations with pertinent info
• Facebook, and Apple for essential communication using my iPad, iPhone and Verizon Wireless
• Our Governor Chris Christie - a true leader
• Hope and determination -instilled in my by my parents

I could go on, but you get the point. Keep moving. Say "Thank you God for ...... Then, right foot, left foot. One step and one day at a time.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
Allied Member ASID
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York

What to Say When You Don't Know What to Say

Here in the northeast we are faced with the aftermath of a horrific hurricane.

So, at first I thought I should postpone blog writing and dig in the trenches, as so many are doing these days.

However, while I was 'digging' I remembered what Mom used to say to me when I needed some encouragement. She always said - "this too shall pass."

Now this piece of advice was from a woman who lived through losing two brothers at an early age. She also lived during the eras of the First and Second World Wars, the Great Depression, the Vietnam War and to top it all off - breast cancer.

If Mom's saying can inspire me, I only wish and pray that today it will inspire at least one person who needs some hope amidst their losses.

Truly, this tough time shall pass and we'll get there one day at a time, together.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
Allied Member ASID
http://masmithinteriordesign.com
Serving New Jersey and Metropolitan New York

Part V - Continued...Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Sofas and Chairs



Photo courtesy of F. Schumacher

Imagine the chairs above, upholstered in a tiny floral print. Instead of noticing the graceful lines of the chairs, your eyes would stop at the pattern of the fabric. The lines of the chairs would be lost, because chairs like the ones shown above require fabric that enhances not detracts from their form.

An easy way to decide on which fabric to use are the following suggestions:

• Use traditional fabric on traditional pieces (unless you are a skilled designer with loads of experience)
• Large rooms can handle large repeating patterns, smaller rooms can get a great look using fabrics with a great texture
• Solid fabrics will maintain a 'timeless' look
• Use the color on the upholstery to enhance the mood of the room. Warm up the room or cool it down with color (reds, orange, yellows are warm/blues, greens are cool, for instance)
• Tight woven fabrics often last longer and keep their shape better than loose weaves
• Decide if the sofa or chair needs sun resistant fabric
• Will the sofa be used daily or just for company? Durability is key for daily use when selecting fabrics for sofas and chairs
• Use pillows to update or refresh with the change of seasons
• When in doubt go neutral with the sofa fabric - add color and pattern with throws

It's not so hard to choose the right fabric, if you take the time to cover the points above.
After all, decorating is supposed to be fun - right?

Stay 'tuned' for the next BestDesignCoach blog post to find out about my Website's list of the most important items to consider when decorating a Home.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
Allied Member ASID
Serving New Jersey and metropolitan New York

Part V - How to Choose Fabrics for Your Home



Photo courtesy of Phoebe Howard/Coastal Living

Are we talking about fabrics for your sofas and chairs? Yes, because you'll probably invest more in fabric for seating than for other uses such as: windows, bedding, pillows, etc. Fabrics for seating come in a vast array of fibers. Choose wisely and your seating will last longer and look better for years to come.

What fibers are available to give durability? Look for tightly woven fabrics or pile fabrics (with uncut loops) that have a deep and close pile like velvet, for instance. Some fabrics also have latex applied to the back to prevent unravelling.

Now that you see how important the fibers are to your seating, you can give more attention to the style of your seating fabric. Check back soon and we'll talk about what you should think about when choosing color or pattern for your sofas and armchairs.


Stay 'tuned' for the next  BestDesignCoach blog post to find out about my Website's  list of the most important items to consider when decorating a Home.

So if you or someone you know is renovating, redecorating or involved with a new construction project - send them to this page or better, send them to me to see how we can help them, or you!

Then call me, M. A. Smith at 732 690-2030 or email me at:
masmith729@comcast.net to get your project off to a great start.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
Allied Member ASID
Serving New Jersey and metropolitan New York with exceptional interior design

Part IV - The ups and downs of Window Treatments

Photo courtesy of Southern Living magazine

 

Today's topic from my website's list of my interior design services is :  Window Treatments.

 

Years ago, at the start of my interior design career, I experienced a lot of 'ups and downs' especially when it came to window treatment design. Problem windows, problems with estimating window treatments, problems with installing window treatments were on my daily agenda. But, I was determined to get a handle on this, one of the most important aspects of designing a room.

 

What changed and what did I learn over those years of angst and worry? The answer I found, after the first few projects, was that the most important place to start when designing window treatments is  -measuring correctly! Also, I discovered the importance of taking more than enough photographs of the undecorated window and the surrounding walls and ceiling.

 

In addition, I submitted (for approval) a drawing of the window treatment, not only to my client, but also to the people who make the window treatments, the fabricators. Luckily I found not only the best fabricators, but my installers are skilled and ready to tackle any problem without losing their cool.

 

Besides accuracy and details, the right choice of fabric is tantamount to the end result in window design. Now, as in the past, I can say that my best designs were classic and timeless. So here's a list to keep in mind for your window treatment at home:

• Measure accurately all windows, walls and everything near the window

• Do you need light filtering or just a pretty treatment or ...both?

• Would a stripe 'raise the ceiling' if used vertically?

• Will this look good 3, 5 or 10 years from now?

• Less is more - today's windows have a simpler profile

Lastly, there is a difference between professionally designed/fabricated window treatments and store bought. Yes, custom window treatments are more expensive, but they will look great for years to come, they will hang better than store bought, etc. Simply put, they do for a room what beautiful jewelry does in creating a look for the woman or man!


Stay 'tuned' for a BestDesignCoach blog post to find out about the next item on my Website's list to consider when decorating a home.

Most important... if you or someone you know is renovating, redecorating or involved with a new construction project - send them to this page or better, send them to me to see how we can help them, or you!

Then call me, Mary Alice at 732 690-2030 or email me at:
masmith729@comcast.net to get your project off to a great start.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
Allied Member ASID
Serving New Jersey and metropolitan New York with exceptional interior design

Part III - an interior design best kept secret

Where do you start when you want to decorate your home?

Last week I visited the home of a couple I worked with earlier in the year. They are now enjoying their newly constructed home, but I remember the beginning of the project and how their design concept began.

In essence, with this couple and with all my clients, before design begins a lot of thinking and communication is the first step in the design process. For instance, in planning a room one needs to consider not only what will the room be used for, but how does it work with the adjacent rooms. In addition, how will you move around in the room?

Take the time to think through ideas like this:

• Will the Family Room need to seat six or eight comfortably or is it for the two of you?
• How will the room work six years from now, when the kids are away in college or when your family grows from two to six?
• What are the lighting needs? Do you read, knit or use your laptop and is there enough task lighting?

Tried but true, function is first before purchasing furniture! So, before I head out to my resources for furnishings, I make sure to complete a 'field survey' of an existing room, including photographs and measurement of everything. If it's new construction, I study the architects' plan and determine traffic patterns and available furniture placement.

Stay 'tuned' for a BestDesignCoach blog post to find out about the next item on my Website's list to consider when decorating a home.

Most important... if you or someone you know is renovating, redecorating or involved with a new construction project - send them to this page or better, send them to me to see how we can help them, or you!

Then call me, Mary Alice at 732 690-2030 or email me at: masmith729@comcast.net to get your project off to a great start.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
Allied Member ASID
Serving New Jersey and metropolitan New York with exceptional interior design

Part II - What does your Home say about You? Accessories can tell your Story

Bookcases, tabletops, walls, and what to do with them...

Photo courtesy of Albert Hadley/House Beautiful.com

How will you fill those spaces and places in your home,

so it reflects the real you?

 

Here are some suggestions from an interior designer who deals with this challenge daily:

 

1. Work on one area at a time. What is crying for attention? Is it the empty walls, the bare tables or maybe a bookcase that needs help. This week I am working on re-doing a family room bookcase. Next week, a foyer table will be the area to tackle.
2. Make a list of the things in your life that give you joy. For instance, my list includes family, our dogs, sailing, gardening and painting. Use accessories that reflect your passions.
3. Gather the accessories you have and look for varying shapes, colors and textures. Shop online or hit your favorite gift stores for filler pieces that reflect only what you love.
4. Notice Albert Hadley's bookcase arrangement above - it's interesting for its contrasts of shapes, sizes of items, or textures. Albert used items in a way that gently steers your eye from one element to the next.

Stay 'tuned' for my next BestDesignCoach blog post to find out about the second item on my website list - budget or space planning.

Most important... if you or someone you know is renovating, redecorating or involved with a new construction project - send them to this page to see how we can help them, or you!

Call Mary Alice Smith:  732 690-2030/masmith729@comcast.net

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
Allied Member ASID
Serving New Jersey and metropolitan New York with exceptional Interior Design

Part I: How An Interior Designer Helps You

What are some of the ways interior designers help Clients?

So often I'm asked how I work with clients or, what specifically do I do to help them. Even with all the TV shows on home design, people are not sure how we actually do our job.

My first response of course is to make sure they understand that many of those TV shows are far from reality! Besides the general answer that 'we solve problems' or 're-invent the look of a home', there are a number of ways I work with clients as it appears on my website:

Accessorizing, tablescapes, bookcase arrangement

Budget or space planning

Conceptual and design development

Drapery and blinds/shades - planning and design

Fabric selection and design for windows and upholstery

Flooring Selection - tile, rugs, carpet and wood flooring

Floorplans - including furniture placement and lighting schematics

Furniture floorplan, selection and design

Fixture selection - for kitchen and baths

Hardware selection - for cabinetry, doors, including kitchens and baths 

Kitchen and Bath plans - floorplans, vanities, fixtures, flooring and tile 

Lighting design - including plans, fixture shopping and selection

Paint selection - walls,ceiling, trim (including faux finishing);interior/exterior

Project management - pre-construction through post-construction

Shopping assistance - visits to local retailers for furniture, flooring and tile selection

Upholstery - new or re-upholstery and trim selection

Virtual design - designs for clients at remote locations

Window treatment selection - including drapery, valances, cornices, shutters,and trim selections

Great - so stay 'tuned' for my next BestDesignCoach blog post to find out about the first item on the above list - Accessorizing.

Most important... if you or someone you know is renovating, redecorating or involved with a new construction project - send them to this page to see how we can help them, or you!

Then call me, Mary Alice at 732 690-2030 to get the project off to a great start.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
Allied Member ASID
Serving New Jersey and metropolitan New York with exceptional interior design

How successful interior design Projects stay on Track

I'm often asked, when I tell someone I 'm an interior designer -"It must be so much fun doing what you do - right?" My answer will always be yes, but sometimes it's not so much fun. It's not fun when things get bogged down and there's a lag that lasts too long.

What I've witnessed over the years of being in this business, is that when communications become difficult, when there are roadblocks to getting information that you need - things have a tendency to delay progress and all are stuck in a 'gray' area of confusion.

For instance, if I request information and availability on a piece of furniture, and the response is slow to nothing - other portions of the job suffer. If a client doesn't have time to discuss an important aspect of the design or if the contractor is nowhere in site - then, we have a problem.

However, my remedy for all the above is the following:

• I now only use trades that are readily available to communicate via cell, text, e-mail or in-person.
• At the beginning of working with a client nowadays, I make sure that we can communicate readily throughout the project in whatever communication mode works for them. Time is of the essence in design and nothing gets done, unless I have approval from my client that it is a 'go'.

I had a boss years' ago who always said at the weekly staff meetings "Why does it have to be so hard?"

Well, it doesn't have to be hard, but you do need willing and able parties on all sides to get the job done. And, in retrospect, I can say my best jobs, my happiest clients were those projects that kept the lines open for all involved. Positive energy, honest and respectful communication is the secret to success - and it's free!

 It's simple, you just have to understand the power of good communication, if you want to get the job done right and on time.

Mary Alice Smith
M. A. Smith, Ltd. Interior Design
Allied Member ASID
732 690-2030

Why these three 'R's work for Everyone

Reclaim.Re-use.Re-furbish.

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, top remodelers have noticed a nationwide trend in reclaiming, re-using and re-furbishing elements of their clients residential projects.

This is good news for a variety of reasons:

• When reclaimed wood is used for flooring, etc., it is readily available and ready for re-finishing. Also, the use of reclaimed wood products lends a sense of historical interest to the residence (ie. reclaimed barn planks used for flooring or table tops).
• It decreases the amount to products sent to our landfills (ie. old kitchen cabinetry and furniture).
• It reduces dependency on products manufactured overseas and gives local tradespeople the opportunity to work with local clients.

Reclaim.Re-use. Re-furbish - it's the American way!


M. A. Smith, Ltd. Interior Design
Allied Member ASID
732 690-2030
Create.Coach.Collaborate.

Two ways to finish your Summer decorating Project

Start with a rug for color inspiration

Summer's not over till it's over and you still have time to get your summer decorating projects done.

If you need a boost to get things going, here are some hints to get you started:

• Use an 'anchor', or a place to start when decorating a room. Decide on one focal point for a room.
• Not sure what color to use on the walls? Start with a color from a rug, a pillow or artwork.
• Schedule the work to be done and write down all the steps needed from start to finish.

Still need a boost? Think about calling an interior designer for help with keeping your project on track and on the right path.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
Call Mary Alice Smith at 732 690-2030

How 60 Minutes can change the look of a Room

In 60 minutes I changed the look of a bedroom

for one of my clients.

The bedroom's bed was where it should be, but changing or removing a few pieces of furniture made a great difference.

 Some framed prints were re-located,

including the print shown in the photo above.

Now, there is room to move around, a better balanced layout and a happy client!

Have a great day!

Mary Alice Smith

M. A. Smith, Ltd. Interior Design

Allied Member ASID

732 690-2030



How To Complete Your Project The Easy Way

 

Photo courtesy of Maax

 

 

 

 

I can see myself soaking in the tub above (created by Maax) after finishing one of my many projects at home or with clients. My home to-do list is as long as most of my clients', but I have a secret way of tackling my list that works for me every time.

The secret is that I break my projects into pieces. Each piece of the 'project puzzle' is doable within one hours' time. For instance, my project 'puzzle' is my garage that is in total disarray. There are so many empty packing boxes, paint sample boards and shopping bags from a recent interior design installation, that it fills up half of my garage. Where do you start to tackle this enormous amount of cardboard and packaging?

First, I start by pulling out only the cardboard pieces. I then cut them into pieces that fit into our recyclable container. Between the pulling and the cutting, it takes one hour to complete that portion of the garage cleanup. But once that is done, I decide that the next phase will be dealing with the loose paper, shopping bags and shipping fillers - this week's project.

Rome wasn't built in a day and my garage won't be completed in a day either. But, that's okay. As long as I tackle the project in phases, I know it's doable and can be accomplished without spending an entire day in the garage. I, like you, have better (more fun and enjoyable) things to do!

Lesson: Break your project into doable sections and get a small 'win' to keep you moving in the right direction.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030

Start your engines....I mean gas grills!

Photo courtesy of Sub-Zero

OK, so maybe you don't have a small lake in back of your home,

like the one pictured in the photo above.

But, maybe you can have a new gas grill to cook a steak or fish with a new glazing recipe from the Food Network.

.

The Sub-Zero gas grill above is a good choice

with its "double-wall stainless steel, precision welded" form

that promises to "not rust or hold water" according to the manufacturer.

With a new gas grill to cook on, next you'll feel ready to add

some pots of flowers to a deck

or maybe spruce up your outdoor seating.

That's what the season is all about. It's grilling, living in the great outdoors and doing what you have been dreaming to do all winter long.

In Design for the Home, it's not the Color -it's how the Color makes you Feel

Color sample courtesy of BenjaminMoore.com

Rhapsody in Blue.

That's what I thought, when I saw the ceiling of a Dining Room that is being painted for me this week.

The shade of blue is a mix of Benjamin Moore's 'White Rain' with a small percentage of White Dove added to lighten it up.

My painter is so understanding of the need to mix colors to get the exact shade I am looking for. However, it is my client who is open to suggestions from her designer - and that's a great mix when you want to make a room come to life!

When you look at the ceiling it's like getting a breath of fresh air!

M. A. Smith, Ltd., Interior Design
Allied Member ASID
732 690-2030
masmithinteriordesign.com
bestdesigncoach.com
housezengarden.com



Why Streamlined Hardware for the Kitchen equals less Stress

Photo courtesy of Blumotion Inc.

Why hardware for your Kitchen should not only look good - it should make your job easier

Simple yet attractive in design, ease of use, good looks: these are all the components of kitchen and bath hardware that need to be addressed with today's busy lifestyles.

The most requested features of Kitchen and Bath cabinet hardware are:

• Soft close door and drawer hinges - allows the busy cook to get to the next step in cooking 
• Touch-open hardware systems - free the cook's hands from having to open the garbage or recycling bin
• Clean-lined designs mean door handle hardware is easy to maintain (less crevices to deal with)
• Full-extension drawers provide more space and easier to access space.

Hardware may be last of the list of a Kitchen or Bath renovator. But it should be a top priority if you want to enjoy your renovation for years to come.

M. A. Smith, Ltd.,Interior Design
Allied Member ASID
732 690-2030
masmithinteriordesign.com
bestdesigncoach.com
housezengarden.com

The last sacred space - The Master Bath

Create.Coach.Collaborate

Photo courtesy of WalkerZanger.com

For awhile we were told to create bathrooms for eventual resale purposes.

While I partially agree with that, I also believe the bathroom is a place to show your individuality.

We all wince when we see harvest gold or pink tiled baths (which were obviously someones idea of their dream bathroom a long time ago.)

But you can have your cake and eat it too when you go about designing a new bathroom. You can select surfaces, like the tile above (yes, that's ceramic tile!) to show your love of wood, or make use of an acorn accent tile for a border.

The trick is to know when to stop.

Observe and learn about what is considered classic design.

Steer clear of trendy patterns or bold colors.

What's your idea of a beautiful bath?

 

M. A. Smith, Ltd.

Interior Design

732 690-2030

masmithinteriordesign.com

bestdesigncoach.com

housezengarden.com

masmith729@comcast.net



Compromising is win-win even in a Bathroom

Photo courtesy of Crown-point.com

Today is the second post on bathrooms. When clients decide to renovate a bath,
they will usually end up spending 1/3 of their budget on vanities.
So it's very important to weigh all the pros and cons before selecting the vanity
for your new bath.

In the photo above, it is evident that there was a need to mix classic
and rustic in this small space.

What I like about the design of the bathroom above are the following details:

• The white cabinetry helps a small space appear larger
• The elevated center cabinet raises your eye upward and gives depth to the space
• The arch of the mirror adds a element of 'softness' to all the linear things going on with the cabinet doors
• The sconces add whimsy and interest without being overwhelming
• It appears that there is a nod to the feminine and the masculine preferences (a win-win approach)

What do you like about your bathroom?  What do you keep thinking you would like to change - someday, in your bathroom?

M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
masmithinteriordesign.com
bestdesigncoach.com
housezengarden.com

Why ceilings are high on my list of areas to update

Photo courtesy of decorpad.com

Look up at your ceilings. Chances are they are painted white

and have been that way for some time.

Ceilings may not be first on your list to decorate,

but maybe this year you'll find how painting a ceiling with color

can add dimension and interest to your home. 

Our Family Room ceiling is painted with a soft blue and after three years,

I still love how it elevates the space and draws your eyes upward -

just like a beautiful sky.

 



M. A. Smith, Ltd.
Interior Design
732 690-2030
masmithinteriordesign.com
bestdesigncoach.com
housezengarden.com

Would you or would you not use wood for a countertop?



Photo courtesy of J Aaron Wood Countertops

Notice how the wood countertop warms up the corner of this white kitchen. While the main sink may be surrounded by granite, marble or quartz countertop, a shorter run of countertop, as in the photo shown here, is a great place to add the warmth of wood to a kitchen.



(This photo features a wood countertops by J. Aaron. One of the features of their countertops is a "permanent waterproof satin finish" for their top grade hardwoods.)

Interior designer, Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. can be reached at: 732 690-2030

M. A. Smith, Ltd. Interior Design
Best Design Coach Blog
HouseZenGarden Blog

Do you swear you'll find a better refrigerator, range, etc, next time around?

Photo courtesy of E-How

What was showing its age in our house this week? Well, thankfully - it was not us! The problem started a few weeks ago and this weekend we had to come to terms with it. OK, so what pray tell am I talking about?

Frankly, it's our refrigerator. Actually, it was the refrigerator door handle. A handle that worked for eleven years and opened up the frig everyday without a hitch, was now incapable of doing what it did best for all those years.

Actually, we were surprised to discover (when we looked up the refrigerator's parts catalogue) that we had the refrigerator that long - eleven years! And, since our stainless frig still looks good, we opted to replace the handle and hope nothing else goes kaput in the near future.
In the meantime, we know the 'near future' can be here before you know it! However, the next time  we look for new appliances, we'll come prepared with more knowledge than we did eleven years ago. Today's appliances wield allot more energy efficiency than a decade or two ago according to a  kitchen and bath trade journal article on dishwashers.

Here is what the K + BB trade journal has to say about today's efficient kitchen task masters - dishwashers:

• For a quieter dishwasher check out the Energy Star rated Bosch 800.
• The Electrolux EIDW5905 uses "41% less energy".
• GE has a steam clean pre-wash cycle.
• Miele's Futura series has "additional racks and adjustable storage options."

Question?
How have your appliances held up? What do you dislike about them? What do you love about them?
What do you know now, that you didn't know then?

Can't wait to hear your stories from the kitchen trenches!
Interior designer, Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. can be reached at: 732 690-2030

M. A. Smith Ltd.
Residential Interior Design
Best Design Coach Blog
HouseZenGarden Blog

Start here, if you're not sure where to begin with your new Kitchen

Photo courtesy of TastingTable.com

'Function' is not a word that gets much attention, but 'function' is where great design starts, especially in the kitchen. Take for instance the article I read about TastingTable.com in Kitchen and Bath Design News. Mary Jo Peterson's editorial in K& B comments on the process that led to designing a state-of-the-art kitchen/entertaining space for the dot-com company located in the SoHo area in Manhattan.

Mary Jo remarks that the design of the space began "with a list of the functions of the space and the wish list...". Every detail, whether flooring, cabinetry, appliances, etc. was given the utmost attention. Obviously, the attention to detail was a "great example of prioritizing...".

To view the kitchen of note, check out the video tour at: Tasting Table.

Remember - function first, then plan your first Dinner Party in your well-designed, functional and noteworthy and maybe famous, new kitchen.
Interior designer, Mary Alice Smith of M. A. Smith, Ltd. can be reached at: 732 690-2030

M. A. Smith Ltd.,Interior Design

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HouseZenGarden Blog

How to find your Decorating Style in 2012

  

Why Beauty is always in the eye of the Beholder

when it comes to Decorating the Home

It never ceases to amaze me how my clients' eyes zero in on a particular fabric or piece of furniture, as we review options in the design of their home. Initially they may find it hard to describe what they are looking for, but the minute they ‘see’ it, they know that’s what they want, or don’t want.

Although we are all similar in many ways, we have definite choices or preferences in how we furnish our homes. I always look for that ‘aha’ moment or response from my clients to help me to define our plan for decorating.

Do you love a bold or classic look? Maybe zen and serene is your style. Refined and elegant may define you. But until you start looking at fabrics, furniture or kitchen designs you may be puzzled on how to capture a look that is yours alone.

Today, you can start to picture yourself in your dream home by simply ‘Google-ing’ fabric companies, furniture companies or room settings at HGTV.com. Build a scrapbook of your favorite room settings. That’s the way to get things going. Your dream home may not happen overnight. But it will happen only if you decide today to take the first step.

Have a beautiful New Year!

Mary Alice Smith is an interior designer in the New Jersey and metropolitan New York areas.
She can be reached at 732 690-2030 or at masmith729@comcast.net.

How to keep things simple this season, or at least manageable!



Robert Allen Fabrics

I wasn't sure what I was going to blog about today.

All day long I was on the road, looking for the best tile, the best fabrics, the best rugs for my clients.

When would I have time to blog and what could I say that I haven't said in past blogs?

I could write about the great tile selection I found or the rugs that caught my eye the minute I saw them. I could write about how I can pull it all together, so that a room feels just right and looks terrific. But when I returned home and checked my emails, a photo in the email grabbed my attention. I knew what I wanted to say in today's blog after all.

The email features a photo of fabrics from the Robert Allen Fabric line. The patterns are crisp and have that 'Joie De Vivre' look. I like the patterns because they can be used in almost any style home to get an updated look. They don't have to be in the blue color scheme. The patterns would look good in red, brown, or green as well. 

Life in general and decorating the holidays can be simpler, when we open ourselves to a few of these ideas:

• Use one great and favorite color and pattern to make a room come to life. A little goes a long way. Make a statement with one large element. Don't decorate every inch of the room! (A red throw, runner, etc.)
• Find place mats that are different - shiny; or wood instead of fabric; round instead of rectangular for this months place setting.
• Use fresh evergreens from your backyard in tall vases. It's a refreshing switch from the 'plastic' Christmas trees, garlands. 
• Large bowls filled with pinecones always look great, even after the holidays.

Less is more - keep things simple and you will finally enjoy the holidays for a change!

Mary Alice Smith, based in New Jersey, is an interior designer in the New Jersey and metropolitan New York areas.
She can be reached at 732 690-2030 or at masmith729@comcast.net.

After you read this blog - check out my website and other blog:
M. A. Smith Ltd.,Interior Design
House Zen Garden Blog