Wall Decals…ideas for your walls.

Decals are fun, unexpected and definitely out of the box!   I think you’ll be surprised at the variety that are available.  They’re no longer just for the nursery.
  Isn’t this a stunning living room border?
 
I love the placement of this life-size Blue’s Brothers decal.  It would be perfect for a media room.

 

For the dining room, cutlery is always appropriate, and in this case, the larger the better.  Usually, the larger the decal, the bigger the impact. 

 

 

Of course, bedrooms see more decals than any other room.

 

Decals can help create atmospheres ranging from tranquil to energized.  They’re a fun alternative to traditional wall art.   A single monogram creates a big statement in this room.  It’s a perfect complement to the classic simplicity of the decor.

 

Children’s rooms and nurseries are particularly fun environments for wall decals. 

 

If you Google “wall decals” you’ll get many sources and options to choose from.  Most websites have a video showing how to install their decals.  So if a particular area in your house has been lacking pizzazz lately, consider adding a decal.

These are three of my favorite sources.

 Etsy – Single Stone Studios

 Dali Decals

 Wall Tat

As always, if you find you need a little assistance with your decorating needs, give me a call.  I’d love to help.

Till next time,

Alba 


FLOR …modular carpet tiles

FLOR is a creator and marketer of modular carpet tiles.  For years I’ve been receiving their catalogue in the mail.  Maybe you have too.  But I’ve never been able to touch and feel…until now.   Last month, FLOR opened their 5th retail location right here in Dallas. 

This month, they hosted the August meeting of the Dallas/Fort Worth Interior Design Society, and I got a chance to see the product first hand…I was VERY impressed.

The Dallas store is located at 4528 McKinney Avenue, Dallas (214)520-6363.

The carpet tiles are a wonderful flooring option for a variety of applications.  I just loved their versatility.  Here are just a few of their features and benefits… 

  • 19.7” sq tiles can be configured to suite any space…from a runner to wall-to-wall.
  • They are for use on hard surfaces like wood, tile or concrete, indoors only.
  • The tiles are recyclable, and FLOR has a return/recycle program in place.
  • 90% of the product is made in the USA.
  • FLOR is stain resistant, anti-bacterial and mold resistant.
  • The carpet squares can be quickly and easily washed with gentle soap and water, dried and put right back into place.
  • When FLOR gets stained beyond repair, you can replace individual tiles.

 The design possibilities are endless…

There are many styles, textures and designs available…your imagination is your only limit.

From bedrooms and garages…

…to kitchens and nurseries.

Dallas store manager Mike McKay demonstrates to IDS members how easy it is to custom design a rug using their-user friendly software…

…but chances are, you’ll be able to SEE and build your sample rug from the well stocked sample room.

The Sample Room

 

So if you’re thinking area rug, check out FLOR…it’s a fantastic option!

Many thanks to the Dallas staff.  I was very impressed with them too.  They were all very friendly, helpful and most importantly, very knowledgeable about the product.

For more information, visit their website at FLOR.com

Sales Consultants (L-R) Sean House, Jessica Hasten, Kelcie Bryant and Store Manager Mike McKay

Till Next time,

Alba


Arizona Tile, a Field Trip

IDS members at the July 2011 meeting at Arizona Tile

 This month, the Dallas/Ft Worth chapter of the Interior Design Society had it’s meeting at Arizona Tile, distributors of tile and stone products for residential and commercial applications.  

 

As our host, Arizona Tile treated us to an informative presentation and a tour of their Dallas facility. 

John Contero of Arizona Tile giving our members a presentation

  The showroom is filled with samples of beautiful tiles.  

 I was very impressed with their beautiful sample room.  Look at how neat and organized it is.  It’s obvious that they have a lot of respect for their product! 

The Sample Room

The granite yard is an impressive sight. Gorgeous slabs stacked row after row.  The flags that hang from the ceiling represent  the countries where Arizona Tile purchase their product. 

The Granite Yard
Gorgeous granite slabs

A special thanks to Showroom Manager Tamara Morin and Sales Rep Lindsey Ward.

Tamara Morin and Lindsey Ward

Till Next Time,

Alba

 


Furniture for Outdoor Living

I’ve been a member of the Interior Design Society for 10 years, and currently serving as treasure of the IDS Dallas/Ft Worthchapter.  Most months, our chapter…an amazing group of women in the design field, visit with new resources and are introduced to the latest products, styles and trends. 

This month, we visited Janus et Cie, a supplier and manufacturer of casual furniture, primarily for the outdoors.  But this is not your run-of-the-mill outdoor furniture.  It is quality and style at it’s best.

I was most impressed with the uniqueness of the many styles.  All of them stylish enough to be used outside AND inside. 

I was also impressed with the quality.  While they carry some brands, most peices are proprietary and the craftsmanship and materials are top notch.

 

This table below and dining chairs also come in a few other color options.  It is one of their best sellers.  The surprising part is that most buyers are using them inside the house.

Umbrellas are a big part of outdoor living.  The base on this one rotates 350 degrees. 

This chair is part of their teak collection.  Although it LOOKS like teak, it’s made from recycled plastic.  All the beauty of teak, without the maintenance.

Outdoor spaces are extensions of our indoor living areas.  So it makes sense that we make them as beautiful and comfortable as your interiors.  And with so many new and fun styles out there, it’s never been easier.

 For more styles and outdoor ideas, go to the Janus et Cie Website.

A big thank you fo Jennifer Janian, manager of the Janus et Cie Dallas Showroom, for a very informative presentation and the awesome hospitality.

 Till Next time,

Alba

 

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My Favorite Picks at the Home & Garden Show

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