There's nothing like an inviting entrance to make you feel welcome wherever you go. By providing a nice entrance, you not only make your guests feel welcome, but the chi (energy) is welcomed too. The entrance area is actually three-fold. The pathway leading up to your home, the actual doorway/porch area and the foyer of your home are all considered part of the entrance. When you're doing your spruce-up work this spring, include these Feng Shui tips for a grand entrance area. Then watch the chi energize your home. By creating an inviting entrance you are creating a harmonious space that works for you. It becomes an energized environment that not only nurtures and comforts you and your family, but helps you achieve your goals too.

1. Front door * Make sure that it's clean. * Give it a fresh coat of paint or stain, if needed. * Assure that it doesn't stick or squeak. * If there is anything stored behind the door that prevents it from opening fully, remove it.
2. Front entrance * Repair any cracks in the sidewalk or stairs. * Railings - Make any necessary repairs and paint or stain as needed. * Greeters - Add a pot or two of flowers or a statue as a guardian/greeter by your front door/stairs. * Lighting - Make sure that the area is well lit, including the sidewalk leading up to your front door. * Clean the area thoroughly - Nothing says 'neglect' like cobwebs.
3. Foyer * If the area is small or dark, consider putting up a mirror to expand and brighten the area. * Lighting - Is there adequate, pleasant lighting here? * If there is space, provide a chair or bench for your guests to either sit while putting on shoes/boots or to place their packages. (This shows you have their comfort in mind.) * Place a favorite piece of artwork here. * Make sure the area is clean and organized. * If you are a shoeless house, provide a place for the shoes so that they are organized.

Spring is in the air, or at least we all wish it were! If you’d like to get rid of the winter doldrums and usher in some life to your home, here are some easy steps you can take now, before the crocuses bloom.
• Put out several bouquets and arrangements of “silk” flowers in bright colors. Throw in some variegated greenery and you have an instant brightener.
• Put away the woolen throws and bring out your lighter ones for a quick pick-me-up. The same goes for your table linens; it’s not too early to dress your dining room for Easter.
• If your draperies are heavy and dark, shop the sales for some sheers and taffeta panels. Discount stores are great resources for inexpensive panels and curtains. Find something light with a beaded fringe to add a little sparkle and a bit of whimsy.
• Scented candles are an easy way to lure your mind to tropical shores. If you’d rather not have an open flame, use candle chimneys or, better yet, a fragrance lamp that burns clean and can diffuse scent throughout your home.
Here you have four simple ways to entice your senses and bring some spring into your home.

NOW YOU CAN LEARN THE SECRETS OF THE DESIGN PROFESSIONALS!

DECORATING YOUR HOME:
This six week class meets for two hours, once a week either on Thursday evenings or Monday Mornings. Lessons on Interior Decorating, home decor, how to select color schemes, furniture, wall treatments, window treatments, history of Furniture, and lighting will be taught in this class. These classes will begin the first week of April with a deadline mid-March.
 

ONE DAY SAT. INTERIOR REDESIGN WORKSHOP:
This is a hands-on workshop. We will be in the studio in Madison in the morning studying the Principles and Concepts of Redesign. During the afternoon we will delve into an actual interior redesign.
Lunch, a small manual and a fast paced day will be included in the fee.

THE WELL SEASONED INTERIOR:
Learn how to decorate with confidence, less effort, more fun and tremendous results...
Decorating your home on your own can be very rewarding and satisfying! You may know the look you want - but putting it all together, no doubt, can be a challenge when combining furniture styles, fabrics and accessories, selecting window treatments and paint color. You don't need to become an interior decorator to make your home look beautiful - you just need some know how!
Lunch and a small manual are including in the fee for this class that takes place on Saturday from 930 to 430.

FIVE DAY INTERIOR REDESIGN CERTIFICATION:
Do you want to become an interior redesigner and enrich your life and others at the same time? This Intensive 5 Day Workshop will teach you all the principles and techniques for this intricate art form, how to set up your business, marketing, advertising, and the business forms necessary to get yourself started.
We are looking for 4 homes to redesign for THIS CERTIFICATION CLASS THIS MONTH FOR FREE!!! Please give me a call to see if your home will qualify for the redesign.

ADVANCED DECORATING YOUR HOME PART II:
This decorating class is for those that have taken some basic decorating classes and want to put their knowledge to the test.
This is a very hands on class in which you will be developing a floor plan, color choices, furniture, fabrics, window treatments, rugs, and budget to a perspective client or student. We will have a few guest speakers such as Kathy from Shehadi Rugs in Chatham, as well as a few surprise guests. A color board presentation will be the final exam in this class.
If you wish to have one of your rooms redesigned for this class, please email me@decoratingstudio@hotmail.com to see if your room will qualify.

COMING IN APRIL: FENG SHUI 101
Seating will be limited. Deadline for this class will be March 31st.
Coming soon: The Design Studio of Spaces website!

Designer’s Notes and 10 Tips for Your Redesign Project
 

Redesigners can correct common decorating mistakes made by homeowners unfamiliar with basic design principles, and can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Today’s interior designers and decorators are beginning to practice “green” design methods — the practice of using or re-using resources wisely. An ever-increasing number of products are being developed from recycled materials, and new materials are being developed without harming the environment — green design just makes sense. How much greener can you get than interior redesign? It’s the ultimate in recycling.

A typical redesign begins with a room evaluation. The space is analyzed as the redesigner gets to know you and your lifestyle. Most redesigns start with a blank canvas — almost everything is removed from the room to get a better sense of space. Then it’s time to check out the rest of the house to see what else can be used to enhance the overall design.

Redesigners prowl attics, basements and garages looking for long-lost treasures. A few hours later, both the homeowner and designer enjoy the instant gratification of completely redecorating a room in less than a day. Once the room is complete, you may receive a list of recommendations to finish off the room just so — the perfect wall color or accessory ideas, perhaps. This list can be tucked away for another day and when your budget allows.

A talented redesigner has the ability to relate to many design styles. The goal is to bring out a room’s balance and make the most of what’s there. This service can also be used when reinventing space for a party, to spruce up and de-clutter a home before placing it on the market, and more.

Read on to find basic tips for redesigning your home.
 

Place furnishings in relation to the room’s focal point and into one or more conversational groupings, not “screaming distance” apart.
 

Use rugs to anchor furnishings. Relate the rug to the grouping and don’t “strand” rugs in the center of a room.
 

Mix things up from room to room. You’ll be surprised how something old can look new again, just by moving it to a new spot.

Create a triangle arrangement when placing lamps. This will insure uniform lighting.
 

Repeat lines — round with round, square with square, etc.
 

Keep the eye moving — create a variety of levels so the eye can travel around the room effortlessly. Balance is key.
 

Artwork should relate to furnishings. Hang pictures 6 to 9 inches over a sofa or large table, and closer to smaller tables. Artwork hung over a sofa should span 2/3 of the space.
 

Use accessories to expand the size of a piece of furniture. A tall, vertical piece can be “widened” by placing artwork on either side.
 

If you have more than three of anything — it’s a collection. Group like items together and corral smaller items onto trays. Rotate collections seasonally.

Bookshelves should include a mix of horizontal and vertically placed books, mixed in with accessories. Work in a zigzag pattern from left to right and vice versa when arranging books.
 

ARE YOU READY TO SCHEDULE A ONE DAY MAKEOVER TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR SPACE?

email: decoratingstudio@hotmail.com

phone: 973 267 3400