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New Flat Pricing for In-Home Color Consultations

Oct 03, 2009

This room is done up in a beautiful combo of Sherwin-Williams colors: Grandiose and Lemon Verbena on main walls, Aqua-Sphere in the adjacent room and inside shelves, Black Fox on shelving frames, and Wool Skein on the fireplace.

Hey, Up North clients and fans! It just occurred to me that one of my in-home services ought to be priced with a flat fee rather than hourly. Color consultations are popular and generally take me about the same amount of time with every client, so I've set up a flat-rate structure for them: $75 for the first room, $30 per additional room in the same house.

This price includes:

• Travel to your home for consultation, where we spend 45 minutes or so talking about your needs and preferences and playing with the fandecks! Then I head over to the paint store to put together your custom color chips.
• A card with your custom-selected chips and notes about what goes where. This arrives in the mail within 2-3 days after the consultation. The card will include paint colors for your walls and, if you want, additional colors that you can work into fabrics, flooring, furniture, and accessories. It's a comprehensive palette for the room, all contained in a nice, portable card for your reference.

Here's what a recent client from Elk Rapids said after her color consult:

"The new room has been painted and it is beautiful! Diane, the walls and trim are just gorgeous! Truly, truly wonderful. You've picked out colors that have achieved the look and feel that I was after."

And that's what it's all about: achieving the look that you are after. Email me. I can help. —Diane

But wait! I live far away... can you help me choose colors, too?

Sure can, but it's done via email. And because cameras and monitors are so fickle about color, I can't promise I'll nail it. But, I can get you headed in the right direction. And for that less-than-accurate result, you pay less. Email color consultations are only $25 per room and are delivered in PDF format with paint colors approximated on screen.

TAGS: color consultation traverse city petoskey cadillac frankfort northern michigan

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Look for Less:
Lighter Shade of Pale Living Room

Oct 02, 2009

This photo is from Traditional Home magazine. The room was designed by Maryland decorator Lo Thai, and he filled the entire home with this light and airy, Swedish-inspired palette. I thought it might be fun to put together a room like this one, with a couple of updated twists and a lower price tag. New Traditional, anyone? Here we go.

Inspiration Room Designed by Lo Thai

Photo: Traditional Home.

Inspired Room Design's Look-for-Less Inspiration Board

CLICK TO ENLARGE 

Start with paint. I'd recommend Sherwin-Williams Nuance, SW-7049. 

Sofa: Rowe Cromwell in fabric 10027-88

To mimic the expensive piece at a lower price, I looked for similar lines and customizable upholstery.

Coffee Table: CB2 Smart Coffee Table, $199

This shiny chrome table could be roughened up like the one in the original room with an acid wash or a black glaze.

Side Table: Boulevard Table by Somerton, $276

An even better option: replace the top on an existing wooden table with glass.

Mirror: Paris Mansion Antiqued Gold Wall Mirror, $239

The piece in the inspiration room is very distinctive, possibly a one-of-a-kind antique. This mirror is not as grand but has a similar well-worn feel.

Lamp: Crystal Column Table Lamp, $120

I'm not fond of the original lamp, so I intentionally veered toward something more sleek and crisp. This one has a modern feel but a nod to traditional style with its fancy base detailing.

Sconce: Livex Lighting Home Basics Wall Sconce, $40

I prefer this simpler version, but I'd spray it with a matte gold paint to take that shine down a notch. That will make it look more expensive.

Pillow: Home Decorators Russell Pillow, $26

These pillows add a new texture to the room. (Click out to the link— they're fuzzy!)

Wire Basket: West Elm Iron Wire Magazine Basket, $35

The original is probably an antique. A couple of these wire baskets will add the same semi-industrial element to the room.

Drapes: Supreme Pinch-Pleated Draperies in Silver Sage, 50"x95", $55 per pair

Order them long so you can puddle them on the floor.

Fabric for slipcover: Sunbrella Heather Beige 6-Bar, $15 per yard

If you have basic sewing skills, slipcovers are easy. If not, having one custom-fitted to your chair is worth the money if the alternative is a sloppy (or worse, stretchy!) off-the-rack cover.

Rug: Hand-woven Sisal Rug, 5'x8', $90

The original rug is huge, but this 5'x8' version gives you virtually the same texture for a lot less money.

Want some help re-creating your favorite designer room for less? Email me.

TAGS: lo thai pale color scheme living room traditional designer look for less money rowe crate barrel overstock.com west elm

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The winner! Plus a new special discount for October.

Oct 01, 2009

During September, anyone who left a comment on a blog post or submitted an Inspired Question or Inspired Idea was entered in the random drawing for a $50 Inspired Room Design gift certificate. And the winner is ...

Rachel Smith

And more news: a new special for October. These photos are a hint...

20% off "Spiff it up" eDecor Plans this month!

The "Spiff it up" package is a cosmetic-only redesign for kitchens and baths. This eDecor Plan may include replacing (but not moving) appliances or fixtures, updating colors and surfaces, and accessorizing. It works the same way my other eDecor Plans do: you send me photos and a rough floorplan. Then you fill out my online questionnaire. (It's fun, I promise.)

You get a magazine-style PDF with recommendations for updating your kitchen or bath without a major renovation. You'll still get the 3D views to help you visualize the changes and a fun photo spread with live links for buying everything you need. So now's the time! Before the holidays, bring me your tired tile, your ugly oven, and your crummy cabinetry. I'll get you headed in the direction that fits your style and your budget. —Diane

Questions? Email me.

Photos from Living, etc.

TAGS: contest drawing winner gift certificate special deal discount edecor plans spiff it up kitchens baths virtual makeover

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6 under $160: Stylish Kitchen Faucets

Sep 30, 2009

If I had to choose one thing to replace in a kitchen to give it an instant and inexpensive lift, I'd choose the faucet. With loads of style choices, a new spigot could be all it takes to make your dish-doing a little more enjoyable. And you don't need a big budget to consider fancy finish options. Here are 6 hand-picked faucets with style that outweighs their price tags.—Diane

Today this post is part of the HomeDigz Blog Party. Discover more home-related blogs here.

1. Delta Faucet Grail Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet, $111

Minimalist style doesn't usually fit a minimalist budget. In chrome (shown) or stainless.

2. Modern Pull-out Spiral Kitchen Faucet, $159.99

I'll bet you thought you couldn't get this cool, commercial look for less than $300.

3.Design House 52 Side-Mount Sprayer Faucet, $110

Oil-rubbed bronze is hot for traditional and Craftsman-inspired kitchens. Its popularity means you can now find it without paying the designer price tag. Even so, finding the finish at this price is almost unheard-of. Also in satin nickel.

4. Ikea Loviken Dual-Control Kitchen Faucet, $90

No-nonsense utility in a sturdy design from Sweden.

5. Kingston Brass Wall Mounted Kitchen Faucet in Polished Brass, $101

Yes, polished brass is making a come-back, but context is everything. This example would add a beautiful touch to a French Country kitchen. The finish pairs well with light, painted cabinetry and clear, saturated colors like barn red and French blue. To keep the look 2009 instead of 1989, avoid using brass with deep jewel tones. Also in chrome, satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze. Also available with cross handles.

6. Satin Nickel Arched Kitchen Faucet, $94

A high-end finish and a modern take on the classic gooseneck style, for less than $100.

Want to update your kitchen without a major overhaul? "Spiff it up" is perfect for you. It's an eDecor Plan for kitchens and bathrooms. For $400, you get:

• a color scheme
• 3D views of the room design
• flooring recommendation if desired
• ideas and tips for revamping cabinetry
• recommendations for new fixtures and appliances, if desired
• a fun shopping spread that shows everything from the refrigerator down to the pot-holders, with live links so you can click and buy
• a to-do list to help you execute the plan on your own time
• 14 days of unlimited email consultation

For more info, click here or just email me.

TAGS: kitchen faucet budget deal high style low budget renovation sink delta kohler grohe moen

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Craving: Tiny Paintings

Sep 29, 2009

For my birthday a few weeks ago, my husband surprised me with art. It was a painting I'd admired at one of my favorite shops, called The Secret Garden. The Empire, Michigan gallery/gift store features a lot of local artists and craftspeople. What caught my eye was a near-wallful of reasonably priced paintings by Sue Bullock, from nearby Cedar. This little original oil on canvas, titled simply June, is only 5"x7". I love it!

A tiny painting is a beautiful thing. In most cases, it costs less than a big one. It doesn't require as much space to hang. It forces the viewer to get up close and really examine the artist's technique. Sometimes it makes you imagine what's beyond the frame. If you're an artist, working small can help you simplify and maybe discover a new idea. And it can open up a new market for your art. I admired the larger canvases on that wall, for sure— but I know I wouldn't have untied a ribbon to find an 18"x24" original oil on my birthday. That moment was meant for a tiny painting. —Diane

My new favorite way to hang stuff

Forget the hammer and nails, 3M Command Picture Hanging Strips are the new way to hang lightweight artwork and objects. The strips have a plastic hook surface that grabs better than velcro, and the Command adhesive is removable without a trace. Each strip holds 3 pounds, so you can use more strips for more holding power. I used two for extra security on my tiny painting. 3M also has some innovative solutions for hanging larger pieces. More info here.

TAGS: sue bullock artist tiny paintings oil canvas 3m command picture hanging strips how to hanging pictures easy

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