My Favorite Picks at the Home & Garden Show

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This past weekend I attended the 2nd Annual Home & Garden Show in Allen. There were lots of great vendors showcasing their products.  Everything from landscape materials to cleaning supplies. 

 I stopped to chat with these 4 vendors that I thought were just a little different than the rest…

 

Tomboy Tools  Founded in 2000 by 3 do-it-yourself women, Tomboy Tools is still providing tools and techniques to women, helping them become confident and competent homeowners. Distribution is through Tool Parties.

The tools are predominantly pink and black, and made with women in mind.  You can purchase them individually, but there are also complete tool kits that contain the basics for home improvement.  A fun and useful gift for any woman.

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Phantom Screens  What I loved about these screens is that, when retracted, there is NO evidence of it.  It takes up virtually no space, unlike traditional screen doors that swing open.  They can be mount to the frame of any swing door.  It works just like a rolling shade, only vertical.

Phantom Screens are sold by Next Century Screens in Garland Texas.

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Smart Kitchens specializes in maximizing the storage in your current cabinets.  In a sense, they convert the shelves in your cabinets into pull-out drawers on full-extension rails.  The drawers are measured, designed and fitted based on YOUR specific storage needs.  Perfect for organizing your kitchen, bathroom, garage, laundry room, home office, game room…the possibilities are endless.

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I’ve always been fascinated by Murphy beds.  They’re ideal for multifunctional rooms.  You know, like the home office/guestroom/exercise room.  I’m surprised more people don’t take advantage of this space-saving solution. 

Rick’s Custom Woodworks specialize in Murphy beds.  They had this beautiful one at the show.  It looked just like a bookshelf when closed and the craftsmanship was very good.  Check them out at  RicksCustomWoodwork.com

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Art Floors   Here’s a unique product for walls, floors, and countertops.  The amazing thing is that its made of paper!  Each application is hand laid, so it’s a one-of-a-kind.  The product is said to be easy to clean, green and comes with a 5 year warranty.  This is definitely thinking outside the box!

Isn’t it wonderful that entrepreneurs continue to imagine and develop new products and services  in the home improvement arena?  Let’s patronize their businesses when possible…ingenuity should be encouraged.

Till next time,

Alba

Mirrored Furniture

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I LOVE mirrored furniture!

I can’t understand why no body else does!

After all the years I’ve been a designer, I have yet to decorate for a client that appreciates mirrored furniture as much as I do.  But I’m SURE you’re out there. So to fuel your interest, and to satisfy my need to talk about them, here are some of my favorites.

This dining room is a perfect combination of modern design with classical elements.  The mirrored buffet is the showstopper. 

Few things can bring glamour to a room more than mirrored furniture.  Imagine this bedroom without the mirrored nightstands….nice, but certainly less exciting! 

The chest of drawers.  A superbly versatile piece of furniture.  This one graces a foyer, a great space to showcase a mirrored piece.  It sets the tone immediately when entering the home.

  Like all mirrors, mirrored furniture reflects light…making dark rooms brighter…

…and small spaces look larger.

…and talk about making a room look larger!  I LOVE this screen!  It brings glamour and drama, AND its functional…who knows what mess might hide behind it.

 

You don’t need to go big and bold…a few key mirrored pieces can go a long way in changing the energy of the room. 

 

 But if you want to go all out…I will not discourage you.  🙂

 Of course I realize that mirrored furniture is not for everyone.  If you have small children, for instance, they can be difficult to maintain fingerprint-free.  But there are MANY ways to incorporate a piece into your home.  So think outside the box…open your mind to the possibilities…and then, CALL ME…because I’d love to help you select the perfect piece.     

Till next time,

Alba

 

Decorating With Wall Decals

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Decals are a fun wall treatment that you may not have considered.  They’re fun, unexpected and definitely out of the box.  I think you’ll be surprised at the selection that is available.  They’re not just for nurseries anymore…

A welcoming decal for the foyer.  How fun is that!!  The simple graphic style is perfect for this contemporary decor.

Here’s another foyer with a white tree decal.  A light from above shines directly on the tree, giving it drama.

Decals are easy to install, removable, and inexpensive.  They make a great focal point in rooms that don’t have one, adding instant interest and pizazz.

 Bedrooms are great for decals.  ANY bedroom… 

…the Master or the kid’s room.

And don’t forget the laundry room.  Typically, most people don’t think about decorating the laundry room, but decals are a great way to add interest and even motivation!

 

Decals are easy to install.  Here’s a video that shows step-by-step.  There are others online that you can look at.  Simply Google “installing wall decals”

Installing Wall Decals

 Here’s an idea that I thought was brilliant.  This is NOT a decal…it’s a painted shadow! Arrange some of your favorite items, shine a light on them, trace the outline on the wall an fill it in with a darker tone.

So, if you decide to try your hand at decorating with decals, I WANT PICTURES!!  Email me pictures of your project and I’ll post them on my blog.  Gave fun with it!

Till next time,

Alba

Visit our website:  Dorsch Interior, LLC

 

Updating a Master Bath

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Even without replacing the cabinets OR the counter-tops, this master bathroom got a major face-lift.

This master bathroom belongs to one of my favorite clients.  I’ll call them “The Hues”  because this couple is NOT afraid of color!  They LOVE color AND contemporary design.  So it was only a matter of time before they tackled their outdated and traditional master bathroom.

Here’s what we did that made such a difference?

  • We removed the furdowns and re-wired for wall light fixtures. Furdowns, often, don’t serve any purpose.  Unless they hide duct work or wiring, they should be removed to open up the space.
  • We removed the wallpaper and painted.  Two wall colors were used. This provided dimension and highlighted the architecture.
Sherwin Williams “Restful” SW6458
Sherwin Williams “Gauntlet Gray” SW7019

  • The cabinets were painted in the same “Gauntlet Gray” as the accent wall.
  • Bar handles replaced the knobs and all fixtures were changed to more contemporary styles in a brushed nickle finish.

  • The shower surround was re-tiled with black granite and a glass tile detail.
  • The carpet was removed and replaced with white tile in a 24″ X 24″ size.

In true Hues family fashion, we completed the look with a colorful area rug.

Yes, I DO love the Hues!  A couple of years ago my first project for them was their formal living room…I told you they aren’t afraid of color!  How FUN is that!

Remodeling can be chaotic, stressful and unpredictale.   But the end result is worth it…

…to enjoy the environment you live in is ALWAYS worth it.

Till Next time,

Alba

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Trend Alert: Silver

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Silver has been around for centuries.

  And lately, this classic metallic finish is showing up in everything that is home decor!

No other metal brings glitz, glamore and sophistication to a room better than silver.  Check out some of the latest silver trends in home accessories.

Mirrors:  This cyclone mirror from Uttermosthas a silver champagne finish with a light gray glaze.

 

Furniture:  The Morocco Hexagonal Side Table from Worlds Away.  It’s silver leaf finish and antique mirrored top create a decidedly upscale accessory.

Lighting:  Silver finishes on lamps and chandeliers continue to dominate the world of home decor.

Tip:  Gray and silver are a perfect pair for a monochromatic color scheme.  Incorporate  a third color to boost the energy level.  In the above picture they have used black, but any color will do. 

 Bar Accessories:  Set your drink down on a Biscayne Coaster from Z Gallerie.  A rich brown crocodile pattern adorned with polished silver studs.

 Area Rugs:  The Yasmine Rug, also from Z Gallerie.  An exotic design in silver and charcoal raised viscose.

Tip:  As with most things, moderation is key!  Don’t go overboard incorporating silver in your home decor.  A few key items go a long way.

Candleholders:  I LOVE this stunning candle holder from Uttermost.

Tip:  Combining different metal finishes (i.e. silver and brass) in the same space is perfectly acceptable.  However, it DOES required a little planning so that both finishes work in unison and don’t compete with each other.  If in doubt, its a good idea to get a non-bias opinion from a friend or professional.

 

Vases:  When it comes to accessorizing, vases are a main staple.  And today, you can find them in all shapes, colors and styles.  These beauties are Rumba vases from CB2.

Remember, changing your accessories is one of the simplest and most economical ways to change the look of your rooms.  If you’re looking to make that change, give me a call or Send Me an Email…I’d love to help.  

Till next time,

Alba

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A Bedroom Retreat

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Lately, I’ve been having amazing fun planning and shopping and executing the design of a Master Bedroom.  It’s now complete, and best of all, my client is thrilled with the end results.

We started out with a room that had been furnished with unrelated and inherited items.

Her requests were clear.  Everything would go.

Instead, she wanted a room that felt tranquil, calm, and organized…simple and classic. It needed to have comfortable seating for reading…and a fireplace.

Here’s what turned up…

aft1

First, we painted 2 walls in a beautiful gray blue.  Painting all 4 walls in the blue would have been too “cold”, so we used 2 colors.  The other 2 walls, and the ceiling, were painted in a warmer “Latte” color.  This set the tone for our entire color scheme.

Sherwin Williams “Bracing Blue” #SW6242
Sherwin Williams “Latte” #SW6108

We installed new carpet in a basket weave pattern.  Plantation shutters give the windows a “finished” look without the use of fabric.

DSC_2600_edited

Because we kept to a simple color scheme (blue and neutrals), we needed to bring in lots of texture and patterns.

I’ve had a great time completing this room.  It looks great, but most importantly, we met all the homeowner’s requirements.  I hope this room has inspired you to create interiors for yourself that are functional as well as beautiful.

Till next time,

Alba

Buying Lamps

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According to Home Accents Today, a trade magazine for the home accents industry, here are some of today’s top lamp design styles and trends.  The top 3 styles can be found in My Newsletter. To Subscribe Click Here

A Shore Thing:  Designs that convey the essence of the shore with materials like coral and mother of pearl. 

  

 

 Drums:  Drum shades are  showing up in styles from Traditional to Contemporary.

 Lacquer It Up:  Simple ceramic is transformed with bright colors in glossy lacquer.

 

Crystal Clear:  Designs in glass are not new, but this material continues to grow in popularity, appearing in simple, classic shapes.

 

 

If you haven’t changed your lamps in the last 10 years, I encourage you to invest in new ones….it’s a simple way to step it up a notch.

A lamps is a perfect accessory. They’re economical, yet they make a huge impact…and the variety!  There are hundreds of lamps to choose from, which is probably why many of you have such a confusing time finding the right lamp.So before you go shopping for new lamps, ask yourself these questions.  The answers will help you get the perfect lamp for you.

 1. How tall or short do you need the lamp to be?  Decide this first.  That way, when you’re shopping, you can quickly scan the variety and concentrate only on those that meet the height requirement.

 2. What size should the base be?  Decide if you want a base that is on the large side, a standard size base, or a buffett style (tall and skinny).

 3. Consider the color of the shade.   Black or dark shades don’t allow as much light as a lighter color.  Consider the lamp’s function in choosing the shade.

 4. Color and Style.  Once you know the desired height and size of the lamp you need, you can have fun choosing the color and style that will compliment your decor.  

 

Till next time,

Alba

 

 

Bedroom Update for $500

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Recently, one of my favorite clients asked me to “spruce-up” her daughter’s bedroom on a tight $500 budget.
 
Before

Her daughter lives in New York and was coming home for Christmas.  She was to stay, of course, in her childhood bedroom….a bedroom that still looked like it did when she was in highschool!  

For many of you that’s a familiar story.  Think about it…how long has it been since YOU changed the bedroom decor? 

But, CAN you transform a bedroom for only $500? 

You Sure Can!  

If you have the furniture basics (bed, nightstands, chest), $500 can go a long way in making the room updated and stylish. To do that, you need to concentrate on the 5 key items that give you the greatest impact.  I suggest you follow these in order.  

After

 New Bedding  

This is the FIRST item to look for.  You MUST get new bedding if you want a big transformation. Shop around and find something you like, and don’t be affraid to try something you wouldn’t ordinarily buy…think outside the box.   

Before
After

 Window Treatments  

There are hundreds of ready-made window treatments to choose from.  So if you have a window in the bedroom, put up NEW treatments.  Oftentimes, simple panels are all you need to make a huge difference.  Purchase panels that compliment your new bedding.  As a very general rule, if your bedding is heavy on pattern, it’s best to choose solid panels.  And give some attention to the hardware (rod, finials and brackets). They also play a big part in the overall look of the room. 

Before
After

New Art

Even if you have  existing art, GET NEW ART.  Art can be found economically in a variety of places, and it provides major impact.  The new art should compliment the new bedding.  Don’t be affraid to Go BIG on the art. Bigger art = bigger impact.

 

Before
After

 Paint The Walls 

Paint, by far, will be your biggest contributor in transforming the look and feel of any room.  I strongly recommend that you paint as part of the makeover plan. Choose a color that compliments the new bedding. Again, step outside your comfort zone…its only paint!  And don’t forget the ceiling..its just another wall.  

Before
After

 New Lamps  

While not absolutely necessary, if the budget allows, adding new lamps can make a real difference.  They are the jewelry of the room. Although they don’t have to match, they should be the same in scale.  

A $500 bedroom makeover is the perfect project.  It’s economical, it’s easy…only 5 simple guidelines…and it’s fast!  I hope I’ve inspired you to “spruce up” your home and wish you lots of fun decorating! 

Of course, if you find you need a little assistance, we’d love to help. Visit my website at www.dorschinteriors.com

Till Next time,

Alba

Pictures from CottagersWife.wordpress.com, DesignSpongeOnline.com, DecoratorDozen.com 

 

Flying Club’s Holiday Party

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I always enjoy visiting Garry’s hangar.  Garry is our club’s president and host of the

 North Texas Flying Club’s Holiday Party.

 

My Upside-Down Christmas Tree

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Last year, I started my OWN tradition…

 I hung the tree from the ceiling.

Oh, I know this is not the “traditional” thing to do, but after years of collecting Christmas ornaments and hanging the same ones on the tree each December, I wanted something a little different.  I wanted to start my OWN tradition.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll NEVER give up my collected ornaments.  They each have a memory and a special place in my heart.  But when I look at this new vision hanging in my living room, the thrill, excitement and pure joy is totally exhilarating!  It gives the room a happy feeling…and isn’t that what the holidays are all about?

I wanted something different, so I decided to change the color scheme to only silver and white.  For that, I needed all new  decorations…on a budget! 

I bought poinsettias in bunches and cut each flower stem individually, then inserted them randomly throughout the tree.   I used both silver and white poinsettias.

I hung icicle garland.  All other ornaments are an assortment of balls and tear dorps...except for ONE…

…another special ornament to add to my collection. 

 

I kept the table centerpiece simple and classic:  Silver candle holders  surrounded by small unaddorned wreaths. 

  

 When I hung my tree last year, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  But I certainly didn’t expect this….

 It TWIRLS!!

 

As it turns out, my kids love the tree, as do I.  And it brings a smile to everyone who enters my home.  Christmas doesn’t get better than that!

Merry Christmas!