How To Add Pops of Colors to Your Home This Summer

I always love the change in seasons, because it brings another opportunity for something new and fresh. Whether it's going from winter to spring, spring to summer, summer to fall, or fall to winter it changes our style of living. With spring ending and summer at our door, this is the time to enjoy entertaining outdoors, embracing the warmer weather, taking vacation trips, and dressing in summer fashion to name a few.

Summer is also an opportunity to freshen up your living spaces with pops of color that are vibrant and cheerful (the way we should be feeling in the summertime). Here are some simple ways you can add pops of color to your home this summer.

Switch your Pillows. Accent pillows are the best accessory to any room. It has the power to change the look of a piece of furniture by it's pattern, shape, texture, or color palette. Switch out your earth tone colored pillows for bright, colorful pillows. Tip: Be sure it compliments the color and fabric of your furnishings. For example, if you have a dark blue sofa add a bright orange pillow for the summer.

These accent pillows add color to the neutral sofa and compliments the vibrant colors in the artwork.

Change your Area Rug. An area rug has the power to define a space and can unite different furnishings that would not ordinarily work together. Tip: Measure the area that you would like to define and determine the appropriate size rug you will need. It's important to have the right size rug for your space-not too big and not too small. 

This orange area rug contrasts well with the dark blue sofa and brings out the orange accents in the accent pillows.

Add Colorful Accessories. Adding colorful accessories can be as simple as switching out your artwork above your sofa, adding a colored tray to your coffee table or a colorful vase to your fireplace mantle. Tip: If your large pieces like your sofa or chairs have a color palette choose light-toned neutral accessories like whites and cremes to brighten the room.

This teal textured vase adds a pop of color against the gray vases.

These are quick and easy changes that can freshen a room's appearance. 

Share pictures of ways you are going to add pops of color throughout your home on Facebook or Instagram by including #PopsOfColor. Tag a friend in your post and you can WIN a chance to get a 30 minute Design Call with me!

Here's to a bright & cheerful summer!

P.S. Need a little design inspiration specifically for YOUR space? Get my online Inspiration Board TODAY to get you started on ideas that would look best in YOUR space.

7 Essentials for Entertaining Outdoors

There's something about being outdoors with the sun shining and a slight breeze in the air that brings a sense of calmness. After a series of cloudy, rainy days the smallest hint of sunlight brings a smile to my face! Once the weather warms up people are always excited to get their outdoor furniture and sit outside. With Memorial Day weekend a few days away the official start of summer is upon us.

Sunshine brings happiness.

Just like our interior spaces our outdoor spaces need to be transformed into functional and stylish areas. Our exterior spaces should be a reflection of our interior. If you're like me and love to entertain guests, why stop inside? Create a warm, welcoming and comfortable environment in your exterior spaces for your guests. 

No matter what size your yard/deck/patio you can host a great get together or party outdoors that will have your guests enjoying themselves. Here are 7 essentials to start with. 

Essentials for entertaining outdoors 

1. Outdoor Furniture. Determine how you are going to use your outdoor space before choosing your furniture. Are you going to be hosting formal dinner parties outdoors or casually hanging out with friends and family over your favorite barbecue? Choose your dining table first then select dining chairs that contrast or compliment your table. This will add more visual interest than buying from a "set", where everything matches.
2. Drinks/Cocktails. Make a refreshing signature cocktail or non-alcoholic drink that will have your guests asking for more. Having a signature drink will save you time & money by eliminating the need to have a menu of beverages. You can make a large container and serve it in a simplistic glass pitcher or an elegant dispenser for guests to serve themselves. 
3. Lounge Seating. Lounge furniture is exactly how it sounds. It should be welcoming, comfortable, and casual. Be sure to select a configuration that will fit well in your space. For example, if you have a small patio select a sofa, chair and ottoman as oppose to squeezing a sectional into the space. This will make your guests feel uncomfortable and awkward.
4. Grill. You can't entertain outdoors and not have a grill. My husband is personally a charcoal grill fan so we do not use gas grills in our household. With that said, whichever grill you decide to use in your space be sure to strategically position the grill in a designated area fairly close to the dining area so you can still socialize with your guests while cooking. If you are installing a full outdoor kitchen I recommend having an island with a built-in grill and surface space for maximum efficiency. 
5. Fire Pit. There's something cozy about sitting around a fire pit shortly after the sun sets and watching the fire burn, that brings people together. I personally love the smell of burning firewood. Make sure you use quality firewood like hickory, mesquite, alder, oak or fruit woods like apple and cherry wood for a great wood fragrance.
6. String Lights. String Lights are my favorite decorative element to an outdoor event. It can transform and liven any backyard into a festive space! You hang them in straight lines from one end of your yard to another by securing them on tree branches, poles, or across your pergola. String lights are also a great solution to highlighting a specific area like your deck or patio.
7. Potted Greenery. Bring a natural element to your outdoor space by adding potted plants and greenery. Your yard may be filled with grass, bushes, shrubs, and trees but it still needs accent plants directly incorporated into your entertaining space. It can be as simple as a set of 3 planters at different heights filled with annual flowers next to your lounge seating or a small flower pot as a centerpiece on your dining table. This will add color and texture to your space. Tip: If you live in the city with a small courtyard as your outdoor space, consider adding a wooden pallet filled with small pots to a wall for greenery and exterior wall decor.  

using an island with a built-in Grill allows you to cook and still socialize with your guests. island: woodland direct

Share in the comments below your favorite part of your backyard, I would love to know! 

Do you want to host a fabulous outdoor party but don't know where to start? Do you want to be able to just enjoy your outdoor space? Let me create a relaxing and fun outdoor space that you and your family can use and show off. Email me at sabine@georgettemarise.com to get started before summer comes and goes!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Easy Steps to Creating a Mom Cave

As a mother you wear many hats whether you are a stay at home mom or a working mom. Your job as a mother is ongoing and doesn't allow for a break. A lot of times you have to create a break to regroup, re-energize and refresh. This is where the Mom Cave comes in. 

"A Mom Cave is a small, personal space where the lady of the house can go to relax and enjoy her special time away from the family."

You're probably asking yourself, "How in the world am I going to find a space for myself when every area in the house is taken?".  Well, I've put together some helpful steps, must-haves and creative design tips to help you create your special retreat.

Select a Room. Before you can create a Mom Cave you must first select a room or space in your home. It should be a space that is private and off limits. The laundry room and kitchen are NOT options for a Mom Cave. My personal Mom Cave is a small room in the basement that no one uses except me. My family knows it as mommy’s area. Here are some ideas of areas in your home that you may want to consider.

• an extra bedroom
• a vanity area or small corner in your master bedroom
• a large walk-in closet
• an area in the basement
• an area in the attic
• a bonus room
• an area in the backyard
• the balcony or deck
• the porch
• a home office, primarily used by you
• the garage or large shed converted to a finished space

Add Seating. Once you select a room or space you should think about what type of seating you will incorporate. Seating will be the largest piece of furniture in the space. Depending on how you use the space, an ottoman or bench can work for a small area. However, if you have a space that can take more seating you may want to consider a comfortable chaise or recliner to use as your primary seat.

For an entire room consider furnishing your Mom Cave with a sofa or sectional for your occasional girlfriends that stop by. Keep in mind the size of the space will determine the scale and selection of the furniture. Create a welcoming environment by incorporating soft textiles to your seating combined with tranquil colors and patterns.

Use Tables. If your space allows, use side tables to create balance. I recommend using unique pieces as tables. This is your chance to let your style and personality shine! Cluster 2 or 4 cube ottomans to put your feet up or place a tray to create a table top surface. These pieces will add a sense of story and character to your room. Add a desk or a small dining table to use as a functional surface for sewing, making crafts, creating scrapbooks or writing.  

Include Artwork/Accessories/Lighting/Paint Colors.  Ever walk into a room with nothing on the walls? It doesn’t feel complete, right? Artwork and accessories are one of the most important components to decorating a well designed space. These accent pieces make the room polished and feel complete.

Use different forms of seating (sectional w/ chaise, armless chairs, arm chairs, etc.) to create a comfortable, casual environment.

Make sure your artwork flows with the style or theme of your room. It should complement the colors in your room. For example, if you have tan colored Mom Cave think of adding a pop of teal through the artwork and accessories. You can also create a picture collage with you and your loved ones by clustering artwork ½ inch - 1 inch apart, this will add a personal touch to the room. Try using your favorite vacation pictures or a beautiful landscape. Don’t forget to add candles and accent lighting to your room for ambiance. For paint color, select a rich tone that is soothing to the eye or add wallpaper to make a statement. 

Incorporate your favorite color and add it's contrast color for visual interest. 

Incorporate things that you love to do. Your Mom Cave should be filled with things that you love, enjoy and that exclusively represents YOU! As a mom myself, I love to have everyday pictures of my kids or pictures of vacation trips we took as a family on my desk when I am writing because they truly inspire me. 

If your passion is reading, add a bookcase or a woven basket to store magazines. If you love to watch movies or listen to music add a unique cabinet that can hold a flat screen television and an iPod for music.

Cozy up with your favorite books and some candles in your mom cave.

Remember it’s important to determine if this space is going to be just for you to curl up with a book and coffee or a space where you may want to have girlfriends over for cocktails. 

The options to creating and designing your Mom Cave are endless! However, if the thought of adding one more thing to your to-do list is overwhelming and already has you stressed, let me help. I enjoy working one-on-one with families, especially women to help them design personal spaces that are beautiful and functional. Let's work together! It will be fun and you'll LOVE the end result!

Remember, it’s all about YOU so make sure to fill your Mom Cave with love, memories, and inspiration. Leave a comment below and tell me what you would do in your Mom Cave!

Here's to having a space of your own!

CLICK HERE and let's start designing your Mom Cave together!

Q & A: Budgeting for your Home Remodeling Project

As an interior designer before I begin a design project one of the most important questions I ask a potential client is about their budget. Yes...the B word. Discussing budgets can be an uncomfortable topic of discussion, but it is the first step to developing a successful, transforming design from start to finish. 

Today I am talking with Pari Hashemi, CFP®, CRPC® who is a Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors. She works one on one with her clients to help them reach their financial goals and look at the overall picture of what they are trying to achieve. Whether you are trying to save money to buy a new house, looking for financing options to expand the square footage of your home, or remodeling your home to sell because you are looking to retire and need to downsize, Pari is an expert at developing strategic plans to meet your financial goals.

Pari shares some helpful aspects to think about before starting your project.

Sabine: What do you like most about what you do?

Pari: I sincerely enjoy being able to help people make a sense of their financial situations and make a plan for their future. It can be overwhelming so being able to provide some direction can help! 

Sabine: What would you recommend as the best option financially for a homeowner that is looking to start a renovation project right now?

Pari: The best option for this is going to depend on the individual's situation, what their goals are and expectations for the home. Before you dive into a project look at the overall picture. Look at the opportunity cost.

Sabine: How does someone looking to renovate their home begin to set a budget?

Pari: They should look at the project as a whole. Give yourself a buffer in case something unexpected happens. Prioritize the need to do items versus the want to do items.

Sabine: What is the WORST thing financially that a homeowner can do when they are looking to start a renovation project?

Pari: 

• Underestimate their budget.
• Not understanding that the process takes time.

Be realistic with the cost and give yourself a buffer. There are some areas that you can save. Hire people when it comes to structural changes. It might make sense to hire an interior designer to help you look at the overall picture to save you money.

Sabine: Many people are reluctant to share their working budgets with a design professional, architect or contractor at the start of a project because they are scared of the professional going over budget. Do you recommend that it is a good idea to be upfront with your working budget or try to be passive and spend as you go? Why?

Pari: It's always a good idea to be realistic. It's in the designer's capacity to be able to design around the realm of the budget instead of designing something you cannot afford.

Sabine: What are 3 important tips that can help a homeowner renovate their home without going broke?

Pari:

1. Shopping for bargain items that would still fit in the house. For instance, some of the decorations you may not want to pay for versus a nice couch that you will have for years.
2. Working with someone that will save you money in the long run. For instance a design specialist that can look at the whole project and break it down into affordable pieces for you. Also, if they know your budget they will keep you in line with spending.
3. Don't get ahead of yourself. Don't try to take on too much at once or it will just cost you. Take each part of the project piece by piece or work with someone that will keep you on track.

Sabine: Additional costs always happen in renovation projects, how important is it to add extra costs and/or fees into the budget?

Pari: Have additional costs of approximately 20% set aside included in the budget for emergency. 

Have questions for Pari? Email her at pari.hashemi@wellsfargoadvisors.com. Leave a comment below and share this with a friend!

Here's to staying on budget!

Gift Guide: Stylish Mother's Day Gift Ideas

"A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take."  -unknown

Happy Mother's Day

There are so many holidays that are celebrated throughout the year, but none of them are as emotional as Mother's Day. A mother's role is to nurture, guide and make sure everyone is united and taken care of in the household. As a mother myself to a 21 month old son and a 5 year old daughter I now appreciate the loving, patient, smart, and beautiful mother I had because it's not an easy role to accomplish. My mother, the late Suzanne Marise, is the reason I am the woman that I am today. Read my bio to find out why. 

"There's nothing like showing a token of gratitude and acknowledgement to someone that deserves it." 

As we celebrate our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and any other woman that may have filled the shoes of our mothers this Mother's Day lets be grateful for the impact they have been in our lives. There's nothing like showing a token of gratitude and acknowledgement to someone that deserves it. 

Take some time and reflect on how you can show the mother in your life that you appreciate her. Your token of appreciation can be words of affirmation, a gift, or quality time. It should be from the heart and whatever you feel would put a smile on her face. If you need some inspiration check out some my Gift Guide for ideas on what to get the mom in your life.

As an extra bonus, here's a gesture that is never under appreciated: breakfast in bed! Dad's...if you have small children you can have them participate or if you're an empty nester this is a small and simple gesture that will let mom know you were thinking of her.

Give mom breakfast in bed

Looking for something to do Mother's Day weekend? Join us Saturday, May 7th at 11am for a Design Workshop on adding Function & Style to your kitchen and dining area. Come with mom, grandmom, auntie, your sister, your daughter or a girl friend. It will be a fun time filled with visual examples, informative tools and lots of design tips from designers! Click here to register today. Hurry, space is limited!

Like this article? Want more? Subscribe to my email list to get articles delivered right to your inbox every week! Click here>>http://eepurl.com/bDC_lb. 

Have a wonderful and blessed Mother's Day to all the fellow mothers out there!

P.S. Hey moms! Share in the comments below some of your favorite mother's day gifts from previous years. I would love to hear them!

Adding STYLE & FUNCTION to Your Space

Imagine walking through your front door and feeling like you just stepped into a resort or a hotel suite. That feeling of entering a space that fulfills your needs and allows you to recharge: A space that allows you to be YOU. 

I used warm neutral tones and added geometric accents to this welcoming foyer.

"The wall colors transition smoothly as you go from one room to the next."

As you close the front door you pass the foyer then make your way to your living room when you notice that there are coordinated accessories, stunning artwork hung at eye level, and perfectly sized area rugs placed in the living room to create the most intimate, cozy sitting area. The furnishings are strategically placed to your liking and compliment the integrity of the room. The wall colors transition smoothly as you go from one room to the next.

This formal living room i designed turned into a stylish yet functional lounge sitting area enjoyed by the entire family.

As you enter your dining area you remember you have company coming shortly for dinner. You rush into the kitchen to get started on your menu. You layout your ingredients on your countertop which blends beautifully with your tile backsplash (that your designer specifically selected for you). The layout of your kitchen allows you to work efficiently and you waste no time preparing a lovely meal. You grab a clear vase and put some fresh flowers to make a simple yet organic centerpiece.

Ingredients on your kitchen counter.

"Your home should reflect your personality. It should be a place where your guests leave knowing more about you than when they entered."

As you freshen up and wait for your guests to arrive you quickly take a minute and feel grateful and blessed to be HOME! There's no other place like home because there is no other YOU. Your home should reflect your personality. It should be a place where your guests leave knowing more about you than when they entered.

Are you ready to have your home tell YOUR story? Join me May 7th at my Design Workshop  to find out your decor style, learn how to create an effective layout, and arrange accessories that will wow guests. Hurry, space is limited! Click Here to register and enter our Design Dilemma Contest!

Hope to see you in Havertown May 7th!

P.S. Do you lean more towards STYLE, FUNCTION or both? Share in the comments below or email me at sabine@georgettemarise.com and let me know! I would love to hear from you.

How to Select Quality Furniture

I added 2 armless chairs and a wood coffee table to create a sitting area in a living room

Furniture is an essential component to developing a functional space. We use furniture for sitting, eating, working, entertaining, sleeping, and storage. Every space requires different kinds of furniture. What is right for me may not be the right piece of furniture for you. When I used to work in the furniture retail industry I always asked my customers to answer the following questions before we started shopping for their furniture.

• What purpose will it serve? e.i. Is it needed to provide a temporary or long term solution?
• Who will use it? e.i Will it be used every so often by guests or by the main household on a daily basis?
• How long will it be used for? e.i Is it a table that will only be used on occasion or a sofa for the family room that is needed for the next 10-15 years?
• What is your budget for the furniture? Don't say you don't have one because everyone has a budget.

"Expensive furniture doesn't always mean better quality" 

Once you've determined the purpose, longevity, and budget for the furniture then you can start researching the right furniture for YOUR needs. Expensive furniture doesn't always mean better quality. For example, if you are looking for an accent chair to place in your guest room, purchasing an antique chair (furniture more than 100 years old) maybe the same cost and MORE durable than a new chair from a high-end retailer. 

"Good materials make lasting furniture."

All furniture is not created equal. The best way to figure out how sturdy a piece of furniture should be is to determine what it will be used for. When you are looking for wood furniture, hardwoods (from deciduous trees- like birch, maple, oak, and walnut) are good choices for strong, durable furniture. Materials like pressed wood, particleboard, or MDF (medium density fiberboard) make low quality furniture. Remember that just because a piece of furniture is "finished" in a particular color doesn't mean that is the wood itself. Good materials make lasting furniture.

When you are looking for quality seating like chairs, sofas, loveseats, ottomans, etc. there are layers to examine. It's important to know the construction underneath the finished cover and the material used on the outside. Kiln-dried hardwoods are the best choices for a sturdy frame construction. Make sure you find out what coil spring construction was used for your furniture. Older upholstery was constructed with eight-way hand tied springs, however in today's industry you will find sinuous springs, cone-shaped springs to name a few. 

While shopping for quality upholstery you also need to examine the cushion. When I worked in a furniture gallery I use to unzip the seat cushions for the consumer because the contents and assembly of a seat cushion can determine the durability and comfort level of a seat. Most cushions are usually made of high-density polyurethane foam wrapped in a polyester batting. Down can also be wrapped around the foam for a softer comfort and usually found in higher quality cushions. Higher quality cushions will also have an additional layer of muslin to enclose the fillings. Cushions that only are constructed of foam will wear quickly and will not be as comfortable.

DO look at the joints of solid parts in a piece of furniture for mortise & tenon, doweling, dovetail, tongue & groove construction.

DON'T select furniture that has glued joints, exposed nails and staples or backs made of thin cardboard if you are looking for long term use.

DO lookout for wood furniture that have cracks or knots from the wood. This will turn into weak points and overtime break.

DO ask what type of material the furniture is made of. 

DON'T purchase a piece of furniture if it makes noise when it is sat on, lifted, or moved. This means that the construction is not sturdy.

DO inspect metal furniture for joints held together by bolts and screws or welded together for sturdiness.

DO sit down and move side to side on the upholstery to make sure you don't sag to one side.

DON'T forget to flip your seat cushions every so often to get more longevity from them.

DO your research on the reputation of furniture manufacturers and/or carpenters. A good reputation is a good gauge of their quality and craftsmanship.

DO ask the retailer for warranty information. 

Do you need help shopping for quality furniture that will meet your needs and budget? Choose a design package from my votre chambre by Georgette Marise and I'll create an effective layout, design a concept based for your needs and desires, then create a shopping list so you can start shopping effectively!

Here's to Long, Lasting Furniture!

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3 Reasons to Use Wallpaper

Wallpaper has been popular since the time of the Renaissance as a way to add color to walls and brightness to a room. Today, wallpaper is used to do the same thing to spaces. There is no need to fear wallpaper, an updated wallpaper can enhance a space even as an accent wall. Here are 3 reasons to use wallpaper in your home.

3 REASONS TO USE WALLPAPER 

1. Adds Dimension and Print

I USED A GEOMETRIC WALLPAPER TO ADD PATTERN AND VISUAL INTEREST TO THIS LONG STAIRCASE/HALLWAY WALL.

Adding a print wallpaper to any wall or ceiling adds dimension and pattern that you would not be able to achieve with paint. Yes, I said ceiling! I highly recommend you use a professional if you are considering covering your ceiling.

2. Adds Luxury

Paint is a great option to add color to any space. However, wallpaper takes it a step further and has the ability to add elegance, texture, and a classic touch to a wall surface in order to enhance the space.

3. Adds a Custom Look

The easiest way to create a creative, custom look that you would not see anywhere else is to add wallpaper. Whether you add it to an architectural feature like a column, an accent wall, a ceiling, under a chair rail or your entire room, you are guaranteed to have a space that will be uniquely yours.

I USED GRASSCLOTH WALLPAPER TO ADD A UNIQUE TEXTURE AND CONTRAST IN THIS POWDER ROOM.

The biggest mistake people make is choose a wallpaper that doesn't compliment the design of the space and they end up removing the wallpaper in 5 years because they are tired of the look. Make sure you hire an interior designer who works with a professional installer to assist you in selecting and installing the perfect wallpaper print/texture for your space.

Are you considering using wallpaper but afraid of making a mistake? Let me assist you in elevating your space with my Builder Finish Selections service. 

Here's to Stunning Walls!

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Do you have reservations about using wallpaper? I would love to hear them. Share in the comments below. 

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Q & A: Tips to Simplify Spring Cleaning

With spring finally here, it's time to freshen up the house for a new season. Tayler Moots, chemical-free cleaning expert, business owner, wife, and mother of 2 shares with us easy tips and solutions to simplify spring cleaning. I had the pleasure of meeting Tayler last year at an event through a mutual friend and was inspired by her passion for environmentally safe options to cleaning our homes. 

Tayler Moots, Norwex Sales Consultant photography courtesy of merrique photos & design

Sabine: In your opinion, why is spring cleaning so important & where is a good place to start?

Tayler: What could be better than those first few beautiful spring days? When they arrive I want to dust everything off and greet the season with a clean and healthy home. First, throw open your windows since we know the air in our homes is 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outdoors. I believe in making our homes 'Safe Havens' and to me that means they are well maintained, promote health, and are comfortable for guests. A dirty cluttered home causes me nothing but stress, so taking time each year to really clean is key!

"I believe in making our homes 'Safe Havens' and to me that means they are well maintained, promote health, and are comfortable for guests."

Most recommend cleaning from top to bottom (cobwebs off the ceiling fans then work your way down until you polish up the floors). However, in practice I like to do the job first that is calling my name. This is usually something like cleaning the windows and screens. When the sun shines I don’t want to think about the dirt and my kid’s greasy fingerprints I see, but to enjoy and appreciate the season. Do your best to tackle the jobs that are relevant for your family. If your closets are overflowing with clothes, start there. If your oven or dishwasher have never been cleaned and aren’t working well as a result, start there. I think having a plan and list is always a good starting point and try to keep it realistic. The truth is that not every inch of your house needs to be cleaned in the spring. You can tackle a lot now and save the rest for rainy days.

Tayler using her Norwex Window Cloth

Sabine: Cleaning can be a daunting task, is there a way to make spring cleaning fun?

Tayler: Fun cleaning to me means that the house is spotless and I got it that way in the fastest and easiest manner. This begins with having the right cleaning supplies! Did you know that 24% of human disease is caused by environmental factors (things like our chemical cleaners)? When I learned that many of my cleaning supplies had been directly linked to cancer, infertility, allergies, and many other ailments (check out EWG.org) I knew it was time to change the way I cleaned.

What drew me to Norwex was how easy and effective the products were. I could do most jobs in half the time and my house never looked better. I had tried natural cleaning products, but they didn’t work well or were so expensive. Also, since there are no harmful chemicals used with Norwex, my kids could help with most jobs and that is when cleaning gets even more exciting! Celebrate your progress with a nice Spring cocktail!

Sabine: What are your top 3 tips for cleaning multiple surfaces?

Tayler: 

Get rid of anything you haven’t used in 1 year if it has no strong emotional ties. Cleaning will be so much easier with less stuff!!Use a product like Norwex’s EnviroCloth that allows you to clean every type of surface. Find a product like Norwex’s Cleaning Paste that can tackle any tough job from cleaning ovens to tubs.

Norwex Cleaning Paste: use with EnviroCloth to clean & polish

Sabine: Briefly tell us about your cleaning products and how they are different than your typical cleaning products?

Norwex EnviroCloth

Tayler: Norwex offers an innovative, yet simple way to clean. The signature products are very high-quality microfiber cloths that allow you to remove 99% of bacteria from the surface with just WATER. As if that isn’t cool enough, the cloths are embedded with micro-silver (BacLock). Yes, SILVER. Silver is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial so when you are done using your cloth you hang it to dry and the silver in the cloth goes to work inhibiting bacterial odor, mold and/or mildew growth. That means the cloth is self-purifying and no more stinky cloths. 

Fact: More than 80,000 chemicals have been introduced into our homes in the last 50 years and only about 200 have ever been assessed for their impact on human health. 

Sabine: After spring cleaning is complete how can a busy family maintain a clean household?

Tayler: I’ve found the best way to keep the house clean is to keep things simple, organized and have a routine that works for you. Once we eliminated chemicals and I figured out that I could clean all three bathrooms in less than 30 minutes, I could spend so much more time doing the things I actually enjoyed (does not include cleaning showers and toilets).

On a daily basis we wipe down the kitchen counters and sink, mop the floors and keep things picked up and in their place. One job we sometimes forget, but that can positively impact our health is cleaning our mattresses and pillows (check out Norwex’s Mattress Cleaner). Our mattresses DOUBLE in weight every ten years from the organic waste they harbor like dead skin cells, dust mite feces, and body oils. Once we began treating our mattresses regularly, we found allergies decreased and we slept better. Make cleaning a family affair and keep it as simple as possible.

Did you find this article informative? Share your comment below and don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to stay updated. CLICK HERE.

Happy Cleaning!

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Interested in getting more info about Tayler's chemical-free cleaning products? Visit her online store, email her at taylermoots@gmail.com, or call her at 716-640-3051.

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Eye Catching Colors to Paint Your Front Door

Have you ever been impressed by a house just from the exterior? Have you passed a house that made you look twice at the front door? Great curb appeal can make any house feel welcoming and create a lasting impression. If you are putting your house on the market, curb appeal is essential to making a first impression to homebuyers.

One of the most important components to curb appeal is your front door. Your front door is the personality to the exterior of your home. Before someone steps inside your home they are greeted by your front door. What does your front door say about your home? Is it boring and outdated or stylish and inviting?

Front door paint colors from HGTV.com & Pinterest.com

"Your front door is the personality to the exterior of your home."

Sherwin Williams Paint Colors

Ready to paint your front door? Before you change the color of your door, here are some helpful tips to consider.

• use the proper paint application based on the material your door e.i. Is your door wood, metal, fiberglass, steel,etc.? 
• make sure you choose a color that will highlight the original architecture of your home
• determine what impression you want to make before picking a color e.i. Do you want to create a subtle yet rich look or a bright yet dramatic look?
• remove all hardware prior to painting
• remember to clean the entire door and prep in a dust-free area before priming and painting
• make sure your final hardware compliments your new door color

Need assistance with picking the perfect color? Afraid of making a mistake? Painting your front door is a big decision. Select my Paint Color Suggestion and let me choose a paint color specifically for your front door. 

Cheers to a stylish & welcoming front door!

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How to Find Your Inspiration

Are you feeling stuck in making decorating decisions that you don't know where to start? Being inspired can be the beginning to developing a beautiful design. You have to start somewhere, right? But where do you start? Where do you draw inspiration from? What if you're not inspired by anything? That can be frustrating! Here are some ideas to think about when looking for an inspiration.

Use the Architectural Details of your Home.

Use the style of your home as an inspiration of your decor style. For example, if you live in a colonial house (like the example above) consider the use of the traditional accents as a place to start. 

Start a Collection of Photos

Here are some key points to ask yourself when browsing through photos.

What do I like about this picture?
(e.i. the furniture placement, the colors, the style, the lighting, the pops of color)
How does this picture make me feel?
(e.i. warm and cozy, relaxed and calm, energetic, dramatic, etc.)

Use Pinterest as a tool for finding inspiration. Don't forget to follow me @Georgettemarise!

Let’s see what our clients were inspired by.

Architectural Digest: Jennifer Aniston's Home 

ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST: JENNIFER ANISTON'S HOME

Before Picture of my client's family room

After Picture of the same Family Room

Choose the Style of Furniture You Like

Have you ever walked into a furniture store and said to yourself "nice chair" or "I really like that table" but don't know what it is that you like about it? It's okay! Sometimes we just see things that we like and can't explain why. It happens to me all the time. Find the common denominator from all the items that you like and you're sure to find your inspiration. 

Still feeling stuck and not inspired? That's what I'm here for! Let's create a personal Inspiration Board with ideas and suggestions based on your needs & desires. Click here to get your Inspiration Board started today!

Here's to getting inspired!

Leave me a comment below and share where you get your Inspiration from!

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When To Redesign Your Space

Are you struggling with when to start a new project in your home or when to redesign your space? Did you just move and trying to decide what pieces of furniture and accessories to keep and what to purchase? Here are some suggestions on when and where to start.

Make a List.

Start with looking around your space in it’s current state and make a list of what you don’t like. Looking at your list will help you decide what to keep and what to say goodbye to. For example, if you are tired of how your living room looks because it’s been 10 years since you changed the colors and furnishings, start with updating your accessories. Switching out artwork or table accents can freshen up your space. 

Freshen up with new wall decor.

Say Goodbye.

Locate the items on your list that have seen better days. Often times we hold on to things because we are comfortable with the “things” we have. Part with the things that do not have sentimental value and that no longer serve their purpose. This will bring new energy to the space and make room for updated, functional, and NEW items.

Hire a Professional.

Hiring a professional interior designer can save time, energy, and money. If you're not ready to start from scratch or start on a project at all, consider having an Inspiration Board designed for you. An Inspiration Board will give you an idea of what would look great in your space and give you ideas of paint colors, furniture options, table styles, and proper wall decor. 

Inspiration Board with decorating ideas

It doesn't have to take much, but once you redesign your space it will feel like a completely new room that you will bring new energy to. Ready to get started with just some decorating ideas? Tell me more about your space in the comments below. Get started HERE.

Happy Redesigning!

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5 Easy Steps to Designing your Nursery Room

nursery room design

Creating a space for your precious newborn is something that you will only get to do once in your baby’s lifetime. As a parent, you want to cherish every stage and moment that you can in your baby’s new life. Designing a nursery should be a special experience that is shared with both parents without feeling like another task that has to be done before the baby arrives.    

As a new mother, I was personally excited about designing my daughter’s nursery. I had many questions. Where should I start ? What is my theme for the nursery ? What room in my house would be the best place for the new baby? Professionally, I knew that I would have to become my own client.  Here are five decorating secrets I used for designing the perfect nursery.

1. What’s your Theme or Color Palette?

Start with a clean blank palette, bare walls and no furniture. You can now start the process of decorating the room from vision to completion. Think of a theme or a color palette.

By theme, I mean think of something that makes you smile whether it’s butterflies in the sky, or the appreciation of animals, flowers, or even sports! If a theme doesn’t work for you, maybe it’s a certain color palette.

nursery color themes

Colors have a way of creating a mood in any space. For example, yellow is the color of energy, green is the color of growth and nature, lavender and blue are calming, relaxing colors. When choosing colors you may want to have a main color as the base for your palette then choose a contrast or complementary color as your secondary or you may want to have a pair of complementing colors as your main colors and have neutrals as your secondary colors to create a balance.

Another option is to have a monochromatic palette, where you use different tones and shades of one color. In any palette, it is important to balance it with neutrals such as whites, grays, browns, tans, blacks, etc.

 2. The Must-Haves

When designing any room it is important to begin with planning. Part of the planning process is having a space plan or floor layout of how your furnishings are going to be placed in the room. This saves a lot of time and headaches by making sure all the furniture will fit in the room. As an interior designer, I know how important of a process it is to measure and determine the proper placement of furniture and decorations. Make sure you measure first the room including the windows before choosing furniture and accessories. After space planning, it is also important that you make sure you include all your needed items. Start with your largest pieces, such as the crib, changing table, dresser, armoire, and a comfortable chair.  There are many new crib regulations, so make sure you do your homework before  purchasing one.   Also, consider opening a baby registry at your favorite baby retail store  to include your furniture.   Every piece of furniture should have a functional purpose, for example if the room doesn’t have a closet it is a good idea to include an armoire as a storage unit for your baby’s clothes and blankets. When you are buying furniture be sure to think of multi-functional pieces, this will save space and money.

"It’s so important to think of their nursery as a transitional space that they can grow into."

3. Be Transitional

Your little precious baby may seem so little and tiny now, but as they say “they grow so fast”. It seems like just the other day I held my daughter in my arms for the first time at the hospital and to think that was almost four months ago is unbelievable! She’s already out grown her little newborn clothes and soon she’ll be sitting and crawling, then standing and walking. Before you know it she’ll be too big for her crib. As much as we as parents want our little ones to stay small and innocent as long as possible, time waits for no one. It’s so important to think of their nursery as a transitional space that they can grow into. The needs of your child change so fast between now to the time they are teenagers. When purchasing large furnishings such as a crib, find out if it can be configured into a full size bed or buy a toddler bed before purchasing a large bed. Make sure you are purchasing quality pieces that can withstand your child’s wear and tear.

4. It’s Not Only a Baby’s Room...but it’s YOUR Baby’s Room

Who says that your nursery has to look like, predictable, or like a catalog picture, or showroom set-up nursery. This is your nursery so claim it and make it yours!. Get creative and have fun with it! This is your chance to bring out that little child spirit inside of you out. As a designer, I like to mix and match furnishings to give the room a unique style. Allow your room to tell a story through it’s uniqueness. If your grandmother or older sister gives you an old table that you can possibly use but it’s not the right color or the chair has an old fabric...change it and make it your own! Every room needs something old and classic, whether it’s an old lamp base with a new shade or an old picture frame. Add a custom look by mixing a matching used with new pieces.  Create a “grown-up” nursery that is mature and sophisticated yet innocent and playful. Make it a nursery that your child can grow and mature into. For example, when choosing window treatments select floor panel drapes or a soft roman shade in an accent fabric. This will create that unexpected design that will make your nursery look like a “custom design”.

5. Accessories Make the Room

This is the fun part! No matter what room you are designing, the room isn’t complete without the final touches of accessories. The accessories in your nursery will define the style of the room. When accessorizing be sure to use accessories that have colors from your palette. Take this opportunity to make the room personal, after all it is your little one’s room. Tell a story by framing pictures of you and your baby and using that as wall decor. Think of the entire room including flooring, wall decor, and the ceiling. If you have hardwood floors, you may want to think of placing an area rug near or under the crib to add softness, texture, color, or pattern. These final touches give you an opportunity to add sentimental items that you can share with your child as they get older. Adding baskets or textured bins and boxes are great examples of how something can be decorative and functional as storage, because every nursery needs storage. Take this time to create a dream nursery that you can cherish with your baby as they grow.

Know a friend who's expecting? Click the "Share" button below and share this post with them.

Happy Designing!

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Looking to design your nursery from beginning to end? Tell me more about your project at sabine@georgettemarise.com.

5 Valentine's Day Ideas

Just in case it slipped your mind, Valentine's Day is this Sunday. No need to panic and get nervous if you forgot, I have some quick and simple ideas that will make your significant other feel special.

love letter

Take it old school and start off with writing a love simple letter on paper to your significant other. There's something about writing your thoughts and feelings on paper that is sincere and genuine. Sometimes you end up sharing feelings that you would've never communicated verbally.

breakfast with coffee, croissants & fresh strawberries

"It's the simple things that make the biggest impact. "

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be celebrated over dinner reservations at a fancy restaurant. Surprise your loved one with a romantic breakfast to let them know how much you appreciate and love them. Not a chef? Warming up some buttery croissants, brewing their favorite coffee or tea and a fresh bowl of strawberries will do the trick. 

lit candles

Nothing sets a romantic ambiance like candles. Candles bring a sense of warmth to a space while spreading a pleasant fragrance. If you are worried about leaving the candles burning unattended a great alternative is to get flameless candles. Tip: Use odd numbers when arranging candles. This will create aesthetic balance.

romantic dinner

Everyone is going out to eat on Valentine's Day, so why don't you be different and cook a romantic dinner for your loved one. Set your table with fresh flowers, lit candles, wines glasses and your finest dinnerware. After all, this is a special occasion. Again, not a chef? No worries, order take out from your loved one's favorite restaurant and serve it on your best dinnerware.

chocolate dessert

There's something about the richness of chocolate that screams romance. However, you don't have to be cliché and purchase a heart shaped box of chocolate. Be specific to what your significant other likes. If they love a certain brand or type of dessert than that is what you should get. A great alternative to a box of chocolate is to make a cup of homemade hot chocolate with dusted chocolate flakes. That is sure to warm your hearts together.

However you decide to celebrate Valentine's Day I hope you get the opportunity to reflect and appreciate the loved ones around you.

Share your favorite Valentine's Day idea with me by commenting below. Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to get your FREE copy of my Designer Tip Sheet!

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Must Haves to Decorate your Closet

It's a New Year and that means it's time to get organized. Whether you have a tiny closet or a large walk in closet you can have a beautifully designed space that is an extension of your bedroom. An organized closet showcases your wardrobe by incorporating beautiful finishes and accessories. Here are some must haves for decorating your closet.

Decor Items that will help organize your closet

• Area Rug/Carpet. Compliment your closet storage system or furniture by adding a large area rug or wall to wall carpet. This will help create a relaxed look in your closet.
• Lighting. Lighting is key in any room but especially in your closet. Add a chandelier if space permits to add a decorative touch to the space. Accent lighting may also be needed to highlight your wardrobe. 
• Hangers. Use the same style hangers throughout your closet, this will create consistency. Make sure you use quality hangers that will support your clothing.
• Drawer Organizers. Keep your socks, personal items and jewelry clutter free with drawer organizers. Knowing where to find your items saves you so much time and frustration.
• Drawer Hardware. Adding hardware to your drawers can serve as a decorative and functional accessory to your drawers. 
• Mirror. Just like every clothing boutique has a mirrors, every closet should have a mirror of some form. Use a floor mirror to look at your outfit in whole but if space doesn't allow make sure to add a small accent mirror on a wall or table surface.
• Storage Basket & Bin. A closet is meant for storage, however it doesn't have to look boring. Use large color fabric bins with lids for storing larger items and small baskets with labels for storing smaller items.

Redefine your storage space by turning it into the closet of your dreams!

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Need help solving your storage dilemma? Purchase our Furniture Layout or Inspiration Board to get started!

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His & Hers: How to Create a Space That Will Reflect Both Styles

Do you and your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend have disagreements about "her style" or "his style"? Do you wish there was a way to have your home look both masculine and feminine? As an interior designer I often sit down with couples who struggle to find a balance between masculine & feminine decor. Can a room really be both? The answer is YES!

"In order to break the rules of design, you must first know what the rules are." 

What do you think of when you picture a feminine room? Light & cheerful colors, florals, curvilinear lines, soft & plush pillows, vases, and lots of details.

What do you think of when you picture a masculine room? Rich & dark colors, stripes & plaids, straight forward lines, texture, and very few details.

Masculine vs. Feminine Decor

Want to know how to combine both a masculine & feminine look, while still showcasing your individual styles?  This is where hiring a professional designer can save you a lot of headache, stress and arguments.  Here are some some key points to keep in mind.

Discuss Your Likes and Dislikes.  If one of you dislikes plaids and the other dislikes greens, don't incorporate plaids or greens into the design. Often times it's easier to start with what you DON'T like before figuring out what you DO like. Once the two of you figure out what you dislike, find common ground on what the both you like. For example, if comfort is important make sure you both shop for seating together.  I had a client who had to have a wingback, leather reclining chair to watch t.v. That was the only item in the living room he cared about. So one of the first things I did was find the perfect location in the layout for his chair and started shopping for a wingback chair.

His & Her Living Space

In this design, the husband loved grays, browns, leather and wanted an industrial looking light fixture. The wife on the other hand loved pinks, florals and small details. So I married the two likes by incorporating a grey fabric sofa accented by soft, rose colored geometric pillows accompanied with a brown leather chair and a soft pink colored throw draped on the arm. I also used a cream and teal geometric pattern area rug on top of their existing walnut hardwood floors. I added a floral wall art and grey colored grommet panels for a more masculine look. I also added an industrial inspired ceiling fixture to add a modern, yet vintage element.

Compromise. Being in a relationship is all about compromising, right? Well, same thing with designing a room with more than one person involved. You have to meet in the middle. Once you know what your likes are, prioritize them into a "must have" list. Take your "must have" list to your designer so she can incorporate them into the design. 

Bring It All Together. After you find common ground, find things that will compliment each other. For example, if you have a black leather sofa use soft, patterned pillows with a light tone area rug to add contrast and a little feminine touch. It's all about pulling all the components that the both of you love. 

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To save you time, headache, and stress call me today at 610.921.2780 or email me at sabine@georgettemarise.com to start on the room of your dreams!

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5 Things You Should Do When Working with an Interior Designer

Things you should do when working with an interior designer

Do you go through pictures on Houzz, Pinterest, or Home Decor Magazines thinking, "Why can't my home look and feel like that?" or "That room is beautiful! How did they do that?". Most likely they used the assistance of a professional interior designer or decorator.

Your home should be a reflection of your personality. How do you achieve that and make your home look beautiful and be functional at the same time? Hire a professional! A professional interior designer will allow your personality to shine while taking your lifestyle, space, and budget in consideration. It is important to hire a designer that you will enjoy working with. A great designer achieves more than a beautiful space, they change the way you LIVE in your home.

Here are some things I suggest to all my clients that they do prior and during our working relationship.

1. Ask your Designer Questions

If you've never worked with a designer before, you probably have a lot of questions as to how they work. When working with a designer, there's always a process. Ask what the process is so you know what to expect. As designers we never want to create surprises for our clients. Don't assume if there's something you're unsure about, just ask. Have questions about our services? CLICK HERE

2. Have a Budget

Unless you have an unlimited budget, plan ahead of how much you can afford to spend on your total project from beginning to end. Many designers charge by the hour, percentage, or by project, so have an idea of how much you can afford and let your designer know that. The worst mistake, is when you tell a designer that you don't have a budget and they design a beautiful project that costs 30k and you only have 10k to spend. That will waste the designer's time and you'll be mad that you can't have what they presented.

3. Communicate

You and your designer are a team, so if there is something you're unsure about make sure you communicate exactly what you mean. Many of my clients have their own idea of a style or design they saw, sometimes the best way to communicate something specific is through pictures from magazines.

4. Do Research

Find out more about your designer and their background. Have they been formally trained with a degree in interior design or architecture? How many years experience to they have? Are they a designer or decorator, there is a difference. 

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DECORATOR & INTERIOR DESIGNER

A decorator is a creative professional who can accessorize and change any surface to make it look aesthetically pleasing. An interior designer is professionally trained to design a space from beginning to its completion. They take into account structural elements, lighting and functionality of an interior. 

Here are some other ideas to research. Do they have a website and portfolio? Do they have referrals? What is their specialty? Are they a full-service company with a team of workers? These are all questions that you should ask when hiring a decorator/designer or company. 

architectural drawings

5. Trust your Designer

You have paid money for a professional, tell them your needs for your space, your likes and dislikes...now it's time to allow your designer to gather all of your information, add their expertise, and produce a functional and beautiful space that reflects you! 

Ready to get your project started? Contact me TODAY at 610.924.2780 or sabine@georgettemarise.com to begin the process to achieving your dream space!

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5 Items Under $75 that can Change any Living Room

Happy New Year! Are you ready for a change? It's a New Year so why not spruce up one of the rooms in your home. Let's start with your Living Room! Let's create a new look that reflects your style. Here are some great updates that can change any living room without spending tons of money.

Change your layout. Switching the layout or setup of your existing furniture is one way of giving your room a new look. If your room allows, place your longest piece of furniture (usually the sofa) on the longest wall. This will improve the flow and traffic pattern of the room. FREE

Paint.Paint.Paint. Changing or adding paint to the walls is one of the least expensive ways to create a completely new look to any room. Decide on the mood you want to achieve. For example, to create a relaxing, yet inviting living room think of sage greens or taupes. Since you are using your existing furniture, use some of the colors from your sofa, chairs, and/or loveseat. $30 - 60 gallon

Pillows. Pillows are a key accessory to any room. They can add color, texture, and prints to enhance a room. If you want a new look add a pair of pillows on your sofa and/or a small kidney pillow on an accent chair, if you have one. Don’t be afraid to blend different pillows together. For example, if you are using a swirl pattern pillow on the sofa use a woven textured pillow alongside it to add a contrast. $25 & up  

Display of accent pillows designed by sabine.

Lamps. Lighting is key to any room, especially the living room where you have company over and where the family gathers. Although your living room may have a ceiling lighting fixture or recessed lights, it is important to add lamps as a task lighting source. Lamps also add to the overall design of the room. Choose a floor lamp to place beside an accent chair and two table lamps on each end table beside your sofa. For a contemporary room, choose a lamp with a rectangular or round shade. For a more traditional room, choose a lamp with a bell shade. If your room is half contemporary and half traditional choose a simple shade like a round or rectangular with a detailed base. $30 & up

Wall Decor. Other than the furniture, the second place that stands out to the eyes are the walls. What you put on your walls and how it is hung defines the style and design of your living room. Focus on the largest or longest wall space in the room and add a collage of family pictures or place a set of 2 - 3 pieces of artwork. Make sure you hang your artwork at eye level, which is typically 4 ½ - 5 feet from the floor depending on the ceiling height. $40 & up

grouping of artwork designed by sabine. looking for custom artwork? LEt us make one for your space. custom artwork.

Start the New Year with a fresh new Living Room!

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Need more help? Let us design your living room with paint colors, furniture layout and a shopping list all for one FLAT RATE. Get your votre chambre by GEORGETTE MARISE TODAY! >>Click here to choose your package.

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Celebrate the New Year with these Sparkling Decorations

There are many options of how you can bring in the New Year, but my favorite way to celebrate is to gather with loved ones in a personal space. I love hosting people at my house with laughter, music, food and drinks. To make the gathering even more festive I love to dress up the house with glamorous decor to compliment my existing Christmas decorations. 

Here are some sparkling decorations to use for your New Year's Eve party!

New Years Decor

Streamers. Hang black, white and silver streamers from the ceiling to create a cheerful, fun setting. Fill the room with floating balloons and hang the attached ribbons to have the same effect. 

2016 Decorated Bottles. To create the New Year party theme make your own decorations with 2016. Spray empty wine bottles in gold with sparkling, gold ribbon hanging from the top then glue gold painted 2-0-1-6 numbers to the individual bottles.

New Year Headband. Start the festivities as your guests enter your home by welcoming them with a sparkling Happy New Year headband. 

Wine Glasses & Serving Tray. Greet your guests with a cocktail served on a shiny tray to help them feel welcomed.

Disposable Dinnerware. Gracious Home - New York offers designer friendly, disposable dinnerware to add elegance to your party. Create a formal look without the work of doing dishes. 

Happy New Year Ornament. Compliment your existing Christmas ornaments with Happy New Year ornaments. Place them on your tree, garland, or party table for decoration. 

Countdown Tumbler Glasses. For a fun way to countdown the New Year, pass out champagne in glasses with removable numbers representing the last 10 seconds. 

As you welcome 2016, remember to reflect on the lessons from 2015 and be grateful for another year! I look forward to bringing you more inspiration through design in the New Year!

Happy New Year from our family to yours!

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Gift Guide: Last Minute Gifts

Christmas is officially 2 days away! If you are missing some gifts from your list, no worries. Here are some great last minute gift ideas you can grab for your mother, sister, girlfriend, co-worker or any other special person in your life.

last minute gift guide

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