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

Best Design Coach Blog

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

Why a Shade different than the Usual makes all the Difference

Why a Shade, a Valance, Drapery or a Cornice

makes all the Difference in a Room

Photo courtesy of Samuel & Sons

Now that Thanksgiving weekend is over, I'm back to work on my interior design projects.  Most of the rooms I'm designing need new window treatments. It's always interesting to see how a room comes together, when the window treatment is installed.


So much thought goes into window treatments. Besides the function of the window treatment (control of light, heat, sound) is the decision on the type or color of fabric, whether it is lined or interlined and if it requires hardware (poles, rods, etc.) at installation.


Not only does designing a window treatment require alot of thought, it requires collaboration with the fabricator, the fabric suppliers and the installer. It challenges the designer to mix together all the elements of design for the purpose of pleasing her client's eye and transforming a space.


I can't wait to see the fabrics I'll find at the fabric showrooms this week - it's where the transformation of those windows will begin to take shape!

Mary Alice Smith, based in New Jersey, is an interior designer 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 blog:
M. A. Smith Ltd.,Interior Design
House Zen Garden Blog

Confused over what Furniture to Buy for your Home?

Is the act of buying furniture for your home like looking the perfect shoe at your favorite store?
So many choices, so little time...

Photo courtesy of Elle Decor

It's so exciting at first. You have a goal to make your home beautiful. You start looking in magazines, websites and books. But, at some point you may get a sinking feeling that you are stuck, unable to make a decision and going nowhere fast with your dream home.

Just as in the photo of the shoes above, there are so many styles to choose from in home and fashion these days. How can you decide which is right for you? When you talk about your dilemma to friends and family it may only confuse the issue.

The good news though, is that you are not alone! Most of my clients start out this way with great dreams followed by apprehension. But what always solves their stalemate is actually simple - it's action! As Zig Ziglar once said: "...action follows goals".

When I work with clients, the first thing I do is ask them the questions that reveal what furnishings they need and then we determine what styles they love. Once I understand my client's goals, I can create a plan of action and before long, we are on the way to creating the home that will make them happy and glad they solved their dilemma!

How to turn a Rainy Day into a Red Letter Day

I know we need the rain, but that doesn't make me love a rainy day like today. So to lift my spirits, I pulled together a few things that bring an instant smile to my day.

1. A picture of a house with red doors. (Red's my color, just so you know.)

Photo courtesy of Collette's Cottage Blog

2. Red nail polish on my fingers reminds me of Chanel and everything glamorous, when I don't feel glamorous.

Photo courtesy of Essie.com (Color: Fishnet Red)

 3. Red walls are tantalizing to see. I have used red on many a wall in my house, but now use red as an accent color (pillows, maybe my front door someday, throws, etc.)

Benjamin Moore's Million Dollar Red courtesy of Stellarspaces Blog

Question: What lifts your spirits on a rainy day?

Straight talk about Stripes in decorating your Home

Kravet Zebra Stripe

When I mention the word 'stripe' for fabric or wall coverings, most people think of vertical or horizontal stripes. But as you can see, the Zebra print above can be used as a stripe in your home too.

• Stripes can be used for adding a pinch of pizazz in a room that has solid fabrics. Think about using a stripe fabric on a throw pillow, or on one wall of a room to make it the focus of attention.

• This zebra stripe would look great on a three-panelled screen in the corner of a room or as a fabric for an ottoman or as a rug. Also, stripes can lead your eye 'up' and visually lengthen the look of a room's ceiling height.

•  Remember that when using stripes in decorating, a little goes a long way to add that certain something that makes a room 'sing.'

Stuck in a decorating rut? Don't worry, be happy, read on!

Today, I'm working on design for a client's new home. However, a month ago this same client expressed some concerns, that might stop her from realizing her dream of the perfect bedroom space.
While my client's concerns were real, she was not alone in her concern about ever having her dreams come to life.

Interior Designers research many fabrics for a Design Project

At parties, organization meetings, in stores or just about anywhere I hear the following comments from people about their homes:
I can't finish or get to my decorating project because -

• I can't make a decision and there are too many choices - it's overwhelming!
• I am afraid of making the wrong choices, which will cost me more in the future to fix.
• No one is listening to what I want!
• It could take too long, and I don't have the time to work on it now.
• I need someone to bounce ideas off who won't steer me in the wrong direction.

It's true, as interior designers we use our abilities and experience to create beautiful rooms. But our core strength is the ability to create a vision with a plan and then execute it so that the job gets done. It's as complex and as simple as that.
Maybe you know someone who is stuck in their dreams of the perfect kitchen or family room. Perhaps the best thing you can do for a friend and as a friend, is to point her/him in the direction of an interior designer.

It's as loving and as simple as that!

For more information on how to make your home beautiful without adding stress to your busy day -

Call Mary Alice in the New Jersey and metro New York City area at:

732 690-2030

You can turn over a new Leaf by doing this one thing Today

How to Save some Money in the Future by doing one thing Today

Photo courtesy of Lee Industries

Today I am turning over my sofa cushions for a very good reason. First, I've found that flipping over the cushions gives the foam of my sofa's seat cushions a break from constant wear. Secondly, the sofa cushion fabric has half the exposure from sunlight degradation as long as I flip the cushions at least once a year. 
Yes, I know most windows these days have UV degradation protective qualities, but you'd be surprised to know it does not completely solve the problem of fabrics fading over time. Besides using window coverings to protect your upholstery, this simple act of flipping your cushions can extend the wear from sun and constant use of your sofa for years.

But if you're in the market for a new sofa and flipping the cushions won't do the trick, check out
Lee Industries website for earth and people-friendly furniture. Do something good for yourself and our country (Lee Industries furniture is made in the USA) and the universe.

For more information on how to make your home beautiful without adding stress to your busy day -

Call Mary Alice in the New Jersey and metro New York City area at:

732 690-2030

Stressed out? Follow my Prescription for a quick Remedy

Lee Jofa Showroom at the Philadelphia Marketplace Design Center

Stressed and overwhelmed lately? My prescription is simple: Add a little color to soothe your soul.

Once upon a time, I visited the Lee Jofa fabric showroom at the Marketplace Design Center in Philadelphia and I saw something that truly caught my attention. It was the red on the walls that grabbed my attention and made me take a second look. Sure I love red, it's my favorite color. But it's that feeling that I get, when I see the color that I love the most.

For me red goes back to my favorite dress when I was a child. It also represents candy apples and Christmas and strawberries, all at the same time. When I wear red now, I feel confident. When I use it as a accent color at home, it makes my living room light up.

Color is personal. Some people gravitate towards blue or green for the serenity it suggests. Whatever color you love, make sure you use it at home or in something you wear. It doesn't have to be on a wall,  but it can easily be added as an accent color with a scarf or throw.

These days, stress can challenge our days, so make sure you come home to the color you love, to have the life you want to live.


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

Buying a new Sofa? A few things you need to know before you Shop

Photo courtesy of  CenturyFurniture.com

It's right in front of you. It's that sofa you saw in your favorite home furnishings store. But before you get too excited, check a few details that could save you money in the future. While some furniture will last decades, some will fail too soon because the fabric was not durable for the use intended.

Besides obtaining the specifications on the structure of the sofa (8-way hand tied springs, kiln-dried hardwoods,etc.)  you'll want to know the performance rating of the fabric.

An easy way to know if the sofa fabric will last is to obtain the double-rub or fabric wearability rating.
For instance, the Kravet fabric shown below has a 30,000 double-rub rating. That's considered a sufficient rating for heavy duty wear of upholstered furniture.

I can just imagine the sofa with the fabric accented by a contrasting welt and the pillows that will have a beautiful print...

Kravet fabric with 30,000 double-rub rating*

(Note: This fabric included on furniture order as per E-Design Trade website)

For more information on how to make your home beautiful without adding stress to your busy day -

Call Mary Alice Smith in the New Jersey and metro New York City area at:

732 270-2676

How to solve pet Problems that make your Home look like it's "Gone to the Dogs"

We all love our sweet, cudly pets.

And, at the same time we want to have a beautiful home.

Photo courtesy of painter Nancy Spielman

So to keep everyone happy at home, especially our family and pets, here are some guidelines for easy-care decorating for pet-friendly living areas:

 Use ultra-suede fabric for upholstery.

My family room sofa can be scrubbed clean with a wet cloth in a matter of minutes.

I swear by its power to hold up to dogs, cats and even kids.

Robert Allen Fabrics Sensuade in Caramel

One of my favorite ways to hide pet hair (even long-haired cats)

 is an animal print for upholstery.

This Kravet fabric is rated 200,000 double rubs for upholstery

Stay relaxed with your rugs by using rugs made for outdoor use.

Photo courtesy of Safavieh.com

Now - go play (with your dogs and cats) without worrying about the furnishings!

Why having a decorating Plan is better than having only a ‘Wing and a Prayer’ Plan

Why is having a decorating Plan a better Idea than having only a

‘Wing and a Prayer’ Plan?

Cartoon courtesy of MindTools.com

A few weeks ago a former client called for help with a room project. Simple enough, but the challenge was that it had to be completed in a few weeks. 

No small task, but approachable only through the habit of setting up a plan with detailed goals. As each goal is accomplished we check them off one-by-one.

Notice what Jennifer Aaker and Andy Smith remark in their groundbreaking book The Dragonfly Effect  about goals and getting things done. In their book they remark, that when we achieve “…more, smaller success…” it serves to provide “reinforcement and sustains momentum.”

To sustain your momentum in your decorating and work projects consider the following:

1. Set detailed goals: short descriptions coupled with a completion date.


2. Mark off goals as completed.


3. Perform a weekly assessment of goal setting with every person involved in your project.

For those who have problems thinking ‘linearly’, check out this ‘Mind Map’ link to organize your step-by-step process. (For ease of use, you can use words rather than drawing objects!)

Have a great day!

Mary Alice Smith
M. A. Smith Interior Design 
732 608-7583