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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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Smart Decor: The Magic of Motorized Shades

Imagine your home without window treatments. Aside from feeling very exposed with the urge to duck behind a piece of furniture, I bet you also feel like the space looks unfinished and bare. That’s because window treatments play an important role in your home decor; they provide privacy, filter light, frame views to the outdoors, and enhance the look and feel of a space with their color, pattern, and shape. In a house full of windows you may find yourself opening and closing the drapes and raising and lowering the blinds multiple times in a day. How many times have you left for work or vacation and then realized that you left the blinds wide open? A motorized shade system can make window treatment management a snap and alleviate your privacy worries while you are away from home, which is why the Hunter Douglas Powerview® system is one of our favorite smart home innovations.

How does a motorized shade system work?

The Powerview Motorization system works through wireless communication to raise, lower, traverse or tilt window shades. It’s compatible with all types of shades including honeycomb, roman, pleated or roller and allows you to control your window treatments through your smart phone, tablet or remote control.

The system’s app allows you to set “scenes” such as Wake Up, Reading, Lazy Saturday, or Movie Time. You determine what position or light filtration you prefer for each scene to create the exact ambiance you desire. You can do this for every room in your house and can create schedules to activate each scene as you see fit. The system can even be linked to local sunrise and sunset times! Once you set up your scenes, you can literally set it and forget it. And the system is very quiet, another big plus!

The wonderful thing about a motorized shade system is its convenience, especially in homes with many windows and in cases where they are large or hard to reach. There’s no need to make the rounds to every window to adjust the shades multiple times a day and if you have to leave unexpectedly (or forget), privacy is as simple as accessing the app on your phone and pushing a button.

We believe a motorized shade system is the perfect marriage of beauty and function. If you are interested in learning more about incorporating the smart decor of a motorized shade system for you home, please contact us to set up a consultation today.

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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Downsizing Can Be Uplifting

There are many situations in life that present the opportunity for downsizing a household. Perhaps your children have grown and moved out, you are moving into a smaller home, or simply want to pare down your belongings to just the necessities. Most people feel overwhelmed by just the thought of going through the process of downsizing. Sure, it takes time to go from room to room deciding what to keep or donate, but there is a tremendous upside to completing the journey. In fact, once completed many people ask themselves why they didn’t downsize earlier!

If you are preparing to downsize your household, here are just a few of the rewards and benefits you can look forward to.

Less Clutter. After downsizing, you will only be left with necessities and items that you love. All of your excess clothing, dishes, furniture, and decor won’t be hanging around unused in the basement, closets, cabinets or boxes.

Less Financial Stress. With a smaller home, you are likely to have a lower mortgage or monthly rent payment and significantly reduced utility expenses. This additional income can be used for retirement investments, vacation, or whatever you like.

More Free Time. This is one of our favorites! A smaller house with fewer belongings means your housekeeping chores will be dramatically decreased. Sure you will still have some things to do around the house, but you will have fewer rooms to clean and perhaps you won’t have any yard maintenance.

Renewed Energy. A byproduct of less stress and more free time to do what you like is a sense of renewed energy! It’s like a new lease on life and the choice is yours to create a new chapter.

A Fresh Start. Whether it’s a fresh start in a new city or a clean slate in a new home or condo to redecorate, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to reinvent your environment. Take this occasion to discover what you love and surround yourself with the people, places and things that make you happy.

If downsizing is in your future, you have some great benefits to look forward to! Need help with the process? We are here to assist, simply contact us today to set up a consultation.

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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Four Tips for Creating Your Outdoor Destination

How do your outdoor living spaces look? Do they invite you out? As the weather warms and our gardens come alive, we tend to crave time outside in the sunshine. There’s no better place to do that then your own backyard. One of the biggest trends in decorating today is extending your living spaces outdoors. As homeowners maximize the use of their indoor areas they are finding that an easy way to create more space is to invest in decorating their porches, decks and patios. The challenge is that many homeowners don’t know how to approach furnishing and accessorizing outdoors.

At Decor&You, we apply the same focus on style and function to an outdoor space as we do indoors, treating it like a room or rooms, not just an adjunct area connected to your home. With the following guidelines, you too can create outdoor spaces that will become some of your favorite spots to relax and entertain guests.

Create Rooms or Multi-Purpose Areas

The first step in creating an inviting outdoor destination is to decide how you want to utilize the space. Do you want an area to relax in the sun and read a book or a place to sit and chat with your friends while enjoying a glass of wine? Or perhaps you would like to cook or grill meals outdoors and have a dining table to host dinner parties. Once you have decided how the space needs to function, develop an outdoor room arrangement plan to define each of the areas and how they will flow into one another.

Apply Indoor Comfort & Styling

Comfortable seating, tables, overhead and accent lighting and colorful accessories are some of what goes into creating functional and stylish indoor spaces. The same holds true outdoors. The options are limitless when it comes to outdoor living room and dining furnishings. From cozy weatherproof fabric sectionals to classic rattan or wrought iron, you can easily find something that has your unique design aesthetic. Don’t forget the accessories like pillows, plants and area rugs. These help to make the space feel more finished.

Consider Shade & Warmth

For additional comfort, you must consider the heat of the sun on hot days and the chill of the night air when the season’s change. Options for shade include umbrellas, awnings or pergolas. A fire pit or fireplace is a great option for adding both warmth and ambiance.

Privacy Needs

Depending on your surroundings, privacy may or may not be necessary. If you have neighbors close by or would like to create a space that’s a bit more secluded we have a few suggestions. Drapery panels look fantastic if you have an outdoor space that has a roof or structure where you can install them. Other options include building or purchasing stand-alone privacy walls or placing tall plants that will shield your space from view.

Are you ready to get started on your creating your own outdoor destination?

Now is the perfect time to be enjoying the nature and beauty of the outdoors. If you need assistance, we would be glad to work with you to discover and design a space that is uniquely you.

Call My Greater Omaha, Nebraska Decor&You today to schedule your free outdoor living consultation. 402-593-6357

*All photography provided by Klaussner Outdoor.

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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The Secrets to Creating An Outdoor Living Room

There’s a new movement in outdoor living and it’s bringing the indoors outside. When we are inside we like to enjoy the view and the natural light from the outdoors. But when we are outside, we want to bring the comfort and style from inside our homes to our outdoor spaces. In recent years,we have worked with many Nation wide homeowners who are looking to create outdoor living rooms. This is a far cry from a simple weather resistant dining set and umbrella. Careful thought and planning goes into designing a great outdoor space and we have a few secrets to making it a success.

Here are the decorating secrets to creating a fantastic outdoor living room:

Focus on designing a functional space with a consistent look.

1. Your outdoor living room should be as cohesive as your indoor spaces. This means thinking about how you want to use the space and what type of design aesthetic you envision. Consider how many people you want to be able to seat for entertaining. What type of environment would you like to create – casual and relaxed or elegant and formal? How will this space work with adjacent areas?

2. Choose comfortable sofas, sectionals and/or seating in weather resistant fabrics. There are some fantastic options out there from great, slipcovered sectionals to wicker and rattan pieces with cushions. Think about adding ottomans or chaise lounges for maximum comfort. A professional decorator has access to quality furnishings and knows how to pull them together in ways you might never imagine.

3. Don’t forget tables. Again, consider how you want to use your space. If you’d like to enjoy snacks and cocktails in your outdoor living room, you’ll want a coffee table and side tables.

4. Accessorize! No space is complete without accessories. An outdoor rug is a must to tie your décor together. Pillows, ottomans, candles, and throws will make your space feel welcoming. And don’t forget to add some plants and flowers!

5. Use color and pattern. Feel free to go bolder here than you are comfortable doing indoors. The outdoor setting will embrace brights in a way that an indoor space cannot.

Are you ready to bring the indoors out and create an outdoor living room? Call my Decor&You at 203-405-2126 today and let’s create a space you’ll love for years to come.

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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WOW Décor: Layered Light Plans

Creating a beautiful layered light plan is really an art form. When done correctly, lighting will evoke a certain mood in a space. Think of your favorite local restaurant or spa and how you feel when you visit. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to create spaces like that in your own home? It can be done with a layered lighting plan.

Layered light plans include multiple sources and types of lighting to maximize functionality and enhance ambiance. It simply isn’t possible to achieve both of these with one light source in a room. There are four main types of lighting that must be considered to build your plan: natural, ambient, task, and accent.

Natural light

All lighting plans begin by looking at the natural light in a space. This creates your canvas, so to speak. You want to understand how the natural light affects the room during the day so you can direct it appropriately and compliment it with other light sources during the day.

Ambient light

Ambient light has the important job of setting the mood by providing the main source of overall lighting. Its main function is to deliver enough light to safely maneuver in the room. The color and intensity of this light is important as it sets the tone and creates the base from which the rest of the lighting plan will be built. Ceiling mounted lights such as chandeliers, recessed lights, wall sconces and table or floor lamps are common sources of ambient light.

Task Lighting

Just as it sounds, task lighting serves the specific purpose of providing light do perform specific tasks. This could include reading, food preparation or shaving for example. Pendant lights, vanity lighting and under cabinet lighting are all great sources of task lighting as they offer very targeted illumination.

Accent lighting

Last, but certainly not least is accent lighting. The purpose of this layer is to highlight specific objects or features within a room to create focal points or provide direction. Track lighting, interior cabinet lighting, or wall-mounted fixtures are good sources for accent lighting.

One of the services We provide for homeowners is lighting plans. Our lighting plans incorporate beauty and function and create the appropriate mood or feeling for a space. Please call 203-405-2126 for more information or to find a Decor&You near you.

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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Celebrating Women Who Paved The Way in Interior Design

Women were first making their mark in the interior design and decorating industry just over 100 years ago. In the early 1900’s two talented and innovative women were instrumental in opening people’s eyes to new and refreshing decorating options. We’d like to celebrate their contributions to our industry in this blog by telling you a little bit about each of them.

Elsie de Wolfe is known as the first commissioned Interior Decorator in America. She was born in 1859 in New York City and started her professional career as an actress in the 1890’s. It was her great fashion sense that was first noticed. As an actress she was praised for her wardrobe selection, which consisted of couture fashions she personally ordered from Paris. In 1905, de Wolfe decided to become a professional decorator and one of her first jobs was decorating The Colony Club, New York City’s first women’s club. The public immediately took notice of her work. In a time where dark furnishings, heavy drapes, thick rugs and limited color use were the norm, de Wolfe’s feminine style stood out. Her designs featured glazed chintz, tiled floors, light drapes, pale walls, and wicker chairs, a welcome change to dark and heavy interiors!

Elsie de Wolfe’s career took off and she wrote the book “The House in Good Taste” in 1913. After The Colony Club, she went on to decorate more clubs, private homes all over the country and in Paris and even a dormitory at The Barnard College.

Another native New Yorker, Dorothy Draper is marked in history for establishing the first American interior design firm in 1923 at a time when women owned businesses were very rare. Draper invented “Modern Baroque” style, which was a grand departure from the period room decor of the times. The distinctions of her interiors included the use of never before seen vibrant color combinations such as pink and chartreuse or black and white.

Her look was dubbed the “Draper Touch” and featured cabbage rose chintz with bold stripes, black and white checkered floors, and intricate plaster designs and moldings over doors and on walls and ceilings. She loved designing open spaces for hotels, resorts and theaters. She also designed jet plane and automotive interiors! You can still see her work in The Victorian Writing Room at the Greenbrier resort in White Sulpher Springs, WV.

Elsie de Wolfe and Dorothy Draper were pioneers of American interior design. Their confidence in presenting new ideas in design to the public is admirable and inspirational. It reinforces the idea that creativity, focus and positive attitude are qualities of successful individuals.

If you have the creativity and drive to start your own decorating business, we’d like to talk to you about a Décor & You franchise opportunity. Decor&You® has the experience, knowledge, resources, education and ongoing support to help you build a very successful and profitable decorating practice with no experience necessary.

Call Decor&you today for your free color consultation 203*405*2126

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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Purple Reigns in 2017

It’s that time again when color experts are announcing their top color selections for the coming year. Earlier this Fall,we reported Sherwin William’s pick of Poised Taupe http://decorandyoublog.tumblr.com/post/151375897691/move-over-gray-theres-a-new-taupe-in-town, a combination of earthy brown and conservative gray. Recently we learned that Benjamin Moore and PPG Pittsburgh Paints both chose shades of purple for their Color of the Year, Shadow and Violet Verbena respectively. The two are very different, though both firms noted their decision was based on their hue’s ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Benjamin Moore’s Shadow is a rich amethyst with the ability to reinforce shadow and light. When used in decorating, this dramatic Renaissance purple can become the star of the room or work to stabilize other shades found within its surroundings.

The selection committee, an assembly of designers from diverse backgrounds, found inspiration from art exhibits, fashion, architecture, and other cultural influences both domestic and abroad. This year, they were highly affected by what they saw happening in the arts around the globe.

PPG’s Violet Verbena, a grayish purple has been called a chameleon for its ability to work well in different settings and design aesthetics. A total of 26 color experts from six different countries debate the options for three days before making a decision. Representatives from diverse industries such as architecture, automotive and consumer electronics study everything from fashion blogs and movies to the latest technology.

Violet Verbena was selected by PPG’s group to bring a sense of calm and enable our collective desire to lead an uncluttered lifestyle and disconnect from our ever-present cell phones, laptops and other electronic devices.

So, 2017 could be the year of purple. What do you think? Do you like one of these shades better than the other?

When choosing color for your home, we always recommend first considering the palettes you gravitate toward and the existing furnishings in your home. Beyond that, you should also look and how existing and new colors will flow throughout your home. Need help? You don’t have to tackle it alone. Simply contact us at 203-405-2126 and request to schedule a color consultation in your home.

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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This Year, Why Not Make a New Kind of Resolution?

Each New Year is a fresh start, a blank canvas that you can use to create something new and exiting. Now we know there are all sorts of resolutions you can make, but we have a suggestion for 2017. Why not make your home the focus this year and take on a few decorating projects to create spaces you will love? We bet you will be amazed at how much happiness having a home that reflects your own style will bring you. Make 2017 the year to love your home! Take a look at our list of decorating resolutions and pick a few to try.

2017 Decorating Resolutions

1. Create an accent wall. Choose a room you spend a lot of time in, like your bedroom or living room. Create an accent wall with paint or wallpaper. Look to the other items in the room for color or pattern inspiration and select something that will provide a focal point. If you need help, check out our tips for choosing paints colors.

2. Incorporate color. Step outside the neutral zone and bring a bold hue that you love into your décor. Simple ways to do this include paint, accessories such as pillows and throws, hanging new artwork, or a vibrant new area rug. For tips on finding your color confidence, click here.

3. Accessorize. Bring personality into your space by accessorizing. Start with a coffee table or bookshelf if you are just getting started. If you aren’t sure where to begin, read our blog on artful accessorizing here.

4. Spruce up your window treatments. Take a walk through your home and take note of the window treatments in each room. Are they providing enough privacy, allowing enough light in or blocking it out as needed? Pick a room or two that could use some updating and follow these tips.

5. Create a cozy outdoor space. Your deck, porch or patio should be natural extensions of your home. Too often these spaces don’t get as much decorating attention as our indoor spaces. For some great ideas, read our blog on Creating an Outdoor Living Room.

6. Replace worn or outdated furnishings. Take a quick inventory of your older pieces and determine whether they are ready for replacement. If you have a piece that still has good bones, consider reupholstering it.

If you feel your home is ready for a major decorating project or you’d like assistance completing one or more of your resolutions, please give us a call at 203-405-2126 today!

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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How to Be Completely Satisfied with Your Design Project

One of the greatest concerns people have when undergoing a redecorating project is whether at the end of it they will be happy with the result given the time and resources they’ve invested. It’s your home, and you want it to look, feel, and function based on your personal preferences, not someone else’s. And you don’t want the result to miss the mark.

To avoid being disappointed with the end result, you must take the time to ask yourself questions about your preferences and focus for the room, and you must think about your room in detail. If you are not clear on what you want, your result will be mediocre at best. How could it be any different? It takes time to carefully plan for what you want and to think things through.

When you’ve prepared and done the necessary planning, you will have nothing to worry about. In our book, “The Styleprint Design System” we provide the steps for a successful décor project, by helping you:

Think about your space and imagine what you would like it to be

Analyze your space (what works vs. what doesn’t) from three perspectives:

its intended function

its physical characteristics

your personal preferences

Evaluate principles of good design:

light

color

arrangement within the walls

the details

Evaluate options with respect to:

investment

complexity

Be aware of fear factors and their impact on the project:

creating a plan

implementing the plan

Be sure to explore our site as well for additional resources and information on our book, “The Styleprint Design System” or give us a call Decor&You Group at 203-405-2123

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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Sizing Up Your Space

Let’s say you’ve decided on a direction for a décor project. What now? It’s time to get to the hands-on part. Measure, take photographs, lay out your furnishings on graph paper on a scale of one-quarter inch for every foot, use an app such as Google Sketchup, or go to the Better Homes and Gardens website: http://arrangearoom.bhg.com.

Keep functionality as your number-one focus here. Do three of these layouts, and evaluate the success of each:

Is anything missing?

Does it all fit?

How about the color scheme?

Is that coming together so that you can visualize it and feel good about it?

Be open to putting something in your plan that you may not have originally thought of. As you work this through, new ideas and thoughts will pop into your mind. Write them down for later consideration. Don’t dismiss them immediately.

Having choices is important, as it helps to ensure that your final selections are what you want. Even if you do not think an arrangement is something you will like, that’s okay. Think it through anyway so that you can look at it and say, “No, I really don’t like that.”

Sometimes, in completing this exercise, you will find that a layout you were considering doesn’t work. There may not be enough room to fit all the furnishings with enough clearance to easily walk around.

Humans are very much creatures of comfort, ease, and convenience. We tend to slide over things or not do some things if they seem inconvenient. So make your space as comfortable and convenient as possible!

Be sure to explore our site as well for additional resources that can help you with this exercise and learn more about our comprehensive design book, “The Styleprint Design System.”

Call Decor&You today for a Free room arrangement consultation. 203-405-2126

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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Trends in Lighting Your Space

Trends in lighting change. When you assess a space to update it, changing the lighting fixtures can have a huge impact but is often overlooked.

In today’s kitchens for example, we’ve gotten away from the old fluorescent rectangles and are trending toward pendants that hang down over an island or work area. Under-the-counter lighting is another option.

Another lighting trend is to put a chandelier in a bathroom, particularly in a master bath. This adds a touch of elegance and whimsy and makes the bathroom a little more intriguing.

Occasionally there’s use for colored lighting but mainly for ambience. Use an uplight behind a plant, change the color according to the seasons, or bring attention to a particular color. You can also add room color with candles.

In most cases, individuals use a combination of two or three types of lighting. This creates the most flexibility for the use of the space, and dimmer switches allow the level of light to be easily adjusted.

Design tip: The type of bulbs you use matter and have an impact. The trend is toward bulbs that have longer life and also provide a truer, whiter light. Even in fluorescents, there are bulbs that replicate daylight. They are a little more expensive, but use them wherever possible because they give a more natural light, which is more invigorating, causes less stress on the eyes, and makes people look better.

Stay tuned in our next post where we discuss lightening from four different perspectives.

To learn more about the critical design elements or for a free lighting consultation, call my Omaha, Nebraska Decor&You 402-593-6379 today or pick up a copy of “The Styleprint Design System” available for purchase here. Also, be sure to explore our site,www.styleprintdesignsystem.com for additional free resources.

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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5 Ways to Spice Up Your Window Treatments

Window treatments may not be the first thing people notice when they walk into a room, but blinds, shades, and draperies are there in the background – or the foreground, depending on your style – doing an important job or two. Whether the role of a room’s window treatments is to create warmth, frame a view, block light, or add color and texture to the decor, they make an enormous difference in ambiance. Have you neglected the window treatments in your home? Maybe it’s because you’re not sure where to start. Here are five ways to spice up your window treatments.

1. Layer, Layer, Layer

Can’t decide on the window treatment you like best? There is relief for the fickle among us. The layering trend provides the perfect excuse to purchase all the panels, sheers, and blinds you’ve fallen in love with in your hunt for the right window coverings. Display patterned sheers with solid panels. Hang a natural-looking roman shade or neutral honeycomb blind behind panels in a geometric pattern. Mix and match unexpected combos – like stripes and flora’s – and you might just discover a delightfully unique look for your space.

2. Go for Height

No matter how large or small your room is, floor-to-ceiling window treatments can add height and dimension where it was otherwise MIA. The job of window treatments is to shift and enhance a room’s dynamics and mood, and extra long panels can certainly make that happen. Hide the hardware of your panels with an attractive valance for even more visual interest.

3. Embrace the Natural Look

Eco-friendly is always trendy, and your décor can reflect your love for the earth with your use of natural materials in your window treatments. Use a bamboo rod instead of metal. Or choose woven wood shades.

4. Be Bold, but Not Fussy

There’s no need to overdress your windows with swags or jabots or tie-backs just because you think you need to accessorize. A vibrant Roman shade in a bold, large, colorful pattern will speak volumes about your sense of style and décor leanings. If you have a beautiful view to frame, it’s especially wise to keep your window treatments airy, light, and simple.

5. Make Your Window Treatments Do Their Job

You can use window treatments to ground your room. If you have floral wallpaper, ikat floor coverings, or cowhide upholstery, a simple Roman shade can ground your room and allow the eye to rest as it jumps from pattern to pattern.

Window coverings don’t have to break your decorating budget. Window treatments are simple to change, as often as the seasons shift, or your whims.

If you are interested in updating your window treatments give me a call today at my Omaha, Nebraska Decor&You for a free consultation 402-593-6357

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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The holistic view of Wow! Home décor.

Today in the Southbury, Connecticut area it’s not only the aesthetic look of your interior spaces- colors, textures and accessories that help deliver a Wow! Look, but also the ability of your home to support your feelings, emotional health and future dreams; delivering a true holistic sense of who you and the other occupants are, and who you are in the process of becoming.

No more simply choosing some colors and a few furnishings from your local retailer and calling it “the design plan”, a holistic home incorporates style, personality, sustainable furnishings, all of which need to roll up into a fashion sense that identifies you as an individual on the move. Maybe not in the sense of physically moving- but certainly in a sense of emerging into the person or family you want to be.

You might think, décor can do all that? Yes, and more. The right space, beginning with sourcing individual elements that honor the environment, your personal ethics and ones that encompass your unique talents can help heal a heart, solidify a relationship and offer a platform for a strong family unit.

Here are three key elements to keep in mind when thinking Holistic Design:

1. Identify your physical and emotional comfort triggers. Is it a cozy space in front of a window, or a cubby tucked into your family room? Do you love natural light or many candles casting a soft glow?

2. Select some elements that appeal to you. A good place to start is in your clothes closet. What five outfits do you reach for time and time again? Think about why, and include those elements in your design plan.

3. What are you conscious purchases and what do you stand for on this planet. Ooh, that’s deep. Maybe you use recycled paper towels and turn your lights off when not in a room, or you sit on the board of your local environmental charity, are a vegan and make your own soap! Whatever level you commit to – you are participating in sustainability in one way. Leverage that in your home design, too.

Taking some time to look inward to who you are and who you and your family are becoming is a great start in creating a Wow! holistic look that will serve you well.

Call our area Decor&You today for a free design consultation 203-405-2126.

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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Take Your Bathroom from Simply Functional to Modern Luxury

Your bathroom serves many functions. Many important functions. But modern bathroom trends are upping the ante for a combination of purpose and beauty that is beyond simple utility. Your days of bathing, relaxation and pampering will be full of elegance and style that reflect a comfortable boudoir or inviting living room over a stark bathroom.

Let’s take a look at how to create modern luxury in your bathroom:

Make space

Spacious bathrooms are in style. If you are remodeling and can open up this area, do it. Otherwise there are some techniques you can implement to make your bathroom appear more airy and welcoming. Many designers believe this spacious approach to design promotes both health and mood improvements. Start by embracing white as a way to reflect light throughout the room. Think white walls, white rugs and white accessories.

Then, learn to love mirrors and glass. They both reflect light instead of absorbing it. Multiple mirrors in unexpected places such as near the floor help to expand the room. You could even consider a full wall mirror to instantly double the visual space. Installing glass shower, closet and vanity doors will also add to the feeling of openness.

For functional accessories, turn to Lucite. This material helps create a simple, uncluttered look achievable with opaque décor.

If you are faced with a bathroom without windows, create the illusion of one. First, add window treatment elements such as curtains and blinds. And yes, I’m referring to hanging them on your empty wall. Since blinds are normally drawn in a bathroom anyways, you don’t have to worry about the view. Complete the faux window with a soft light behind the window treatments for a subtle glow. Another aspect to consider when dealing with limited or no windows, is the lack of horizontal light normally provided. Install wall fixtures to break up the overhead light that shines vertically straight down. You will create a much more flattering appearance and ambiance.

Create comfort and grace with attractive furniture

Furniture elements create the perfect blend of at-ease luxury. Think elegant chairs and impressive rugs that create a chic style likely to be found in an upscale bedroom.

Look for these types of furnishings to create your idyllic yet stunning bathroom setting:

A leather ottoman – it will make its best statement in white.

A comfy accent chair – a spacious bathroom needs a more voluptuous chair. Include a foot rest and consider making it stand out with a pleasant accent color or unique embellishments. One-of-a-kind style works well here as you are not looking for a matching set.

A sophisticated bench – look for a unique piece to add function and beauty.

Try wood accents for any of the furniture pieces listed above. For example, wooden chair legs will add warmth and comfort to your bathroom.

Pay attention to the details, the gorgeous details

From impressive lighting to elegant fixtures, you don’t want to leave your bathroom “unfinished.” Give careful thought to every detail and accent as you are aiming to create a very personal interior. For instance, if you enjoy a water theme in the bathroom due to its calming qualities and symbolism of good health, let it shine through. Choose a color combination of blues and bring in subtle details that reflect continuous flow and movement.

Add spa features

From a simple bench placed inside your shower to a deluxe shower-sauna combination, a modern bathroom’s spa elements are created with ultimate relaxation in mind.

You do not have to have a large space to install a sauna. Many designers have converted closets and utilized shower space to create a sauna of the perfect size and shape.

This is also the perfect opportunity to consider where a free-standing bath tub should reside.

Embrace your unique style

Modern style embraces the personal. You can be creative pulling in oriental décor, bold Art Deco or retro styles and still have a “modern bathroom.”

Call Decor&You today for a free consultation. 203-405-2126

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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What to know before you decorate.

Planning to decorate? Here’s the process that results in WOW! Décor!

I know, you are thinking a WOW! space just happens, right? I’ll let you in on an industry secret- beautiful spaces are carefully planned, executed and delivered. You want a space that will immediately reflect who you are -naturally and effortlessly beautiful. WOW!

When you are planning to decorate, the key to success is following a Plan to buy and buy to plan process. This process will reward you with fantastic décor. You Plan to buy by completing your planning your spaces upfront and you Buy to plan by purchasing items included in that plan overtime as your budget allows. Without this plan, you may make a mistake, which can come with a big price tag, not to mention lots of disappointment and frustration. I’m sure you can relate to seeing something amazing, a luscious area rug, an eye-catching piece of art or a yummy comforter and think it would work well in your space. But if the rug clashes with your sofa, the art is out of scale for your room, or comforter is too hot for your mate, it’s all wrong. This is why having the Plan to buy and buy process is so important.

Here are three critical pieces of the process:

1. A floor plan. This includes a solid traffic flow plan, an idea of the size for every design element, which includes furniture and lighting. Without this, you are in big trouble. 2. An investment plan. Having an idea of how much you have to invest in your space (and it is an investment- your home is often the biggest purchase you ever make) is crucial. Beautiful, functional and timeless design comes in all price points. And remember, you don’t have to do it all at once; you can purchase pieces over time as your budget allows. 3. A design plan. Ooooh, did I say “design” and “plan” in one sentence. Yep. A design plan starts with the end in mind like Steven Covey in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

How will you use this room?

a. As a kid hangout or adult retreat? b. Who will use this room? Elderly parents or your entire extended blended family? c. Why are you redecorating? What do you love in the room, what simply must go? d. What will the finished room feel like if it’s done well?

A WOW! ROOM is obtainable and you deserve to have more than one. Using these tips will get you started on a space that you can truly love. Enjoy the process!

Call us at 203-405-2126 today to get started on you personalized decorating project.

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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Wow Décor: Incorporating Existing Furnishings & Art Into Your Decorating Plan

Most Omaha homeowners have a few treasured family heirlooms they can’t bear to part with whether it’s a chair, piece of art, or an accessory. Would you be surprised to know that it is possible to incorporate them into a new decorating plan without compromising style? It has to be done creatively and carefully, but it can be done and it can look absolutely fabulous.

Here are your tips on how to work your existing furnishings and art into your decorating plan.

1. Balance the old with the new. When you bring an antique or dated piece into your scheme make sure you balance it with at least one other item from the same period. When mixing in new items, keep your colors cohesive and patterns complimentary.

2. Re-upholster or refinish it. Doing this can breathe new life into an old treasured piece. You may love the shape of your grandmother’s old sofa, but the fabric is not your style, so change it! Or, take an old antique table or dresser and paint it or put a completely different stain on it for a completely new look.

3. Create a gallery wall. When you have several pieces of existing artwork a great way to make visual impact is with a gallery wall. The key is to group them together by similar types of art or photographs. One way to create harmony is to change all or some of the frames.

4. Repurpose it. Think beyond the item’s original purpose and how it might be better put to use in your current environment. Some great examples include repurposing and old table or dresser as a bathroom vanity, a bookcase as a bar, or a chest or trunk as a coffee table.

5. Accessorize. Select your favorite books, trinkets and other art pieces and create a display on a table or bookshelf.

6. Hire someone to help. A professional decorator can provide you with ideas you may never have considered. They can also offer unbiased advice since they don’t have any emotional attachment to the furnishings.

Are you experiencing a decorating dilemma? we are here to help! Please contact us at 203-405-2126 today to set up a design consultation and let’s create a space together that you will love.

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teamboesen-dy · 7 years

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Making the Most of a Small Bedroom

In our experience here at Connecticut Decor&You, while the modern bedroom embrace open floor plans for large airy abodes, many of us are still working with small spaces that don’t speak kindly to the contemporary trends. But this doesn’t mean you can’t create a stylish and livable space.

Let’s take a look at how to make the most of your small bedroom for a soothing and comforting atmosphere you long to enjoy every night.

Restrict your color palette

One of the easiest ways to enhance your small space is through the use of white and off whites. Think plain and simple especially for walls. Also, consider limiting your wall décor. The goal is to draw the eye to a window where it can explore what’s outside instead of being attracted to the wall itself which creates an inward feeling.

Now, we understand that an all-white theme is not for everyone. Adding your favorite color to the mix is a welcomed addition to your bedroom we just caution in the use of too many bright or bold colors. Think thoughtful accents against a white backdrop to solidify the openness you crave.

Let the light shine in

Or at least minimize them. You want to invite natural light into your space which cannot be accomplished with thick, bulky drapes. Instead, opt for flat panels of soft sheer fabric. Roller blinds are also a good option if kept naturally-inspired. While you’re considering your window, think about placing one of your most used pieces of furniture under it. Whether it’s your bed or favorite chair, you can create a great place to enjoy the natural light while turning your focus outward instead of being restricted within the confines of your room.

Upgrade your closets

Old closets often create drab looks and feelings. Bring a modern edge to your bedroom while maximizing storage and functionality with customized built-ins that replace your closet space. This concept is great for keeping your room organized which is very important in any space-restricted area. You will negate the invitation for clutter to gather on the ground or in other dead zones a closet can create. Complete your look with sleek doors that produce a minimalist finish.

Have a customized bed made

Multi-tasking furniture is necessary in a small room and this includes your bed. Have a customized bed designed to fit perfectly into a corner or under a window to effectively use every inch of the floor while also providing extra storage above, below or to its sides. There are several ways to turn your bed area into desired book shelves, display cases or clothing storage. Try a customized headboard to create shelves or cupboards out of a typically nonfunctional space. Extend this storage space beyond the boundaries of the bed and it can double as a bedside table for subtle lighting and your favorite book. And never neglect under the bed storage which works fabulously for clothes and other personal items that are better tucked away behind closed doors.

Finish with wall mounted and translucent pieces

If you still need extra shelving or lighting, consider wall-mounted fixtures to save on floor space and to relieve the chaotic feeling that can occur when you can’t see the floor.

Finally, try transparent furnishings for any additional chairs or desk space you still need. You will create the illusion that these furniture pieces aren’t even there.

If you are interested in a private consultation to update your bedroom, give us a call at 203-405-2126

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