How to build a design career without an interior design degree. What no one will tell you
Do you need a degree specific to Interior Design? Of course it helps but I did not. I own a successful firm. I hire new grads- have two
The Stories
The Making of a Mudroom! How to make a hallway be a functional space.
This little foyer was an add on at some point at my client’s home. She wanted a pretty but functional place for shoes, to sit, to store items
10 key things to do your first 90 days in a new job- or new business
Super new at this? Some good advice for new business owners or new employees especially in a design firm! You know- it is not even really that hard
Buying on the internet? Big box got your bucks? Read this first.
Everyone thinks buying on the internet is less expensive than buying local at a bricks and mortar store- But wait! Is it really? Wide spread belief is that
“Charging what you are worth” is dangerous magical thinking
Whoa. I hope this does not upset half of the design community! But hold on a second before you kick me to the curb. Of course, anyone in
SW COTY “Cavern Clay” – It is not about just the color!
What is all the ruckus about? Facebook is all abuzz about the new color of the year from Sherwin Williams. I hardly pay attention to these things (
Just say NO to Catalog decorating!
But why? Design trends and style historically are heavily influenced by society as a whole and what is happening in the world-and a response to how people are
Want best results? Don’t ask me for a square foot price on tile!
(updated older post for 2018! At least am consistent- we still follow this process!) I have a rule about pricing tile. Don’t ask me what it costs “per
How to create a budget for your design project- and why it is important to your investment!
A budget is necessary! In the real world with our #realpeoplelivehere attitude- we know most people have a budget for just about everything from buying a house to
What does “design your kitchen or bath” really mean?
Last week we met with a delightful couple about various design issues they had throughout their home. One spouse made the appointment and went through our discovery process
Do NOT do this when designing your kitchen!
A few of my ‘just say no’ kitchen design mistakes- I rarely see these mentioned so going to just put it out there! Multiple angled islands interesting or
Dwell on Design: Highlighting the home tour!
To say I was blown away might make you think I do not always stroll through 20 million plus homes. Of course I do – in magazines and
The art of design vs the business of design- Are you over processed?
Going Rogue today! I love a good process- for sure. I would even say I am a numbers person and love a good spreadsheet. It is my mantra
Casa Perfect – I touched Elvis!
Ok so I did not really touch him- duh. I know he is long since deceased. But I touched door knobs he touched- and walked where he walked-
One Room Challenge: Our Top NINE!
What is the One Room Challenge? We all get by with a little help from our friends, right? There’s nothing like a good challenge between friends and colleagues
Finding my mojo at Dwell on Design
Dwell on Design, 2018 I had the enviable ( do not be a hater!) opportunity to attend the show with nine of my design colleagues in a blog
“Before and After” Beach Cottage Coastal Design
Beach house living is like no other! Not much to say about this coastal remodel and interior design that photos will not say much better! A client investor
California Pottery-A Collector Favorite!
This California Pottery Vintage California pottery’s appeal stems not just from the vivid colors and dramatic designs found in this collection of decorative wares but also in its
Makeover Magic- Coastal Master Bath Reveal- Before and After!
It is not a secret around the shop- we love bathroom design- every detail makes my heart sing So much potential even in small or awkward spaces to
THE ART OF THE COCKTAIL
COCKTAIL, ANYONE? There’s truly nothing like imbibing a hand-crafted cocktail out of fine, vintage glassware. Sipping a delightful apertif out of a wonderful mid-century old fashioned or from
Small cottage kitchen reveal- on a budget- how did we do it?
Who has a small kitchen that needs to be reworked? Raise your hand! It seems like we have calls daily needing small cottage kitchens remodeled on a budget
6 key tricks to staying organized in a creative small business!
Some of you who pop in to read my blog upon occasion, may know I am undergoing an overhaul of my office. Suffice to say I needed to
I am going to be unpopular today- and I will tell you why
The big debate or rather debacle about Houzz has been ongoing for a couple of years. I wrote a post about it in 2015 before the current blow
Beige is Ugly. Practical Tips About Choosing Paint Colors
Why Beige? Choosing the right color of paint for your walls, or for that matter your cabinetry, bed linens, accessories…can be daunting to many people. This is one
