Boys to Men

I’m surrounded by men. Here’s the breakdown: One, not all that old – my wonderful husband who when he finds something that he likes, says that it’s “sharp”. Two, not all that young anymore– my maturing teen-aged sons who in the vernacular of their generation tend to either downplay the spectacular with one word or use words that require a deft mind to unearth their newest definitions. And then there are two “little bits” as my sons call them – my godsons ages 5 and 6, who have a way of phonetically drawing out the word AWEsome until the only thing that you are aware of is the “awe” of that word, which in their growing vocabulary can basically describe anything that they find particularly interesting. All different ages, but one thing remains constant – they have an appreciation of the things that they like.

Years ago, when a decorator was called to give recommendations to homeowners, most often it was the wife who was given full charge of the process. Wives would make the decisions and husbands would usually be a silent partner. Times have changed, and now more than ever, husbands and sons are becoming part of the process. What changed? I’d venture to say that the trend is a reflection of the shift in societal norms. With more men and women working from home, along with the revised needs of the family, our homes now reflect those changes and how we process our space and utilize it to full advantage. In addition to this, with the growing number of television shows which showcase men as well as women in the interior design field, more men are dabbling in decorating and that’s a good thing.

Most of my married clients approach decorating as a joint project. There are still many men, who leave the final decisions up to their wives, but they want to be heard and the comments are much more than “I don’t want a bunch of flowers”. They are participating in the color selection, furniture shopping, flooring options and the overall design scheme, style and aesthetic. Even the young men whose personal spaces I’ve decorated have given substantial input in terms of what they like. They want spaces that are less static. If you have a man in your life who wants to get involved in the decorating process, don’t panic. Let him have his say. Remember, a man's home is his castle, whether it's a modest home or a 3 million dollar mansion as pictured above. He might surprise you by bringing a classic and sophisticated style to your home, one reminiscent of a finely tailored suit – classic, elegant, cool and of course, handsome… just like him.

Be Inspired!

Springtime Solutions

Are you a little "green" when it comes to decorating? No, I'm not referring to being environmentally conscious, although that is a worthwhile endeavor. I'm referring to the old school definition. You know, the term that people use to describe someone or something that is still in the process of learning and growing. In terms of decorating, the "green" usually have an idea of what they want, but are not quite sure about how to get there. Here are a few springtime solutions to help you make your home even more appealing.

If you’re like me, the first days of spring make you want to throw open the doors and raise the windows to lighten, brighten, refresh and renew. This feeling is common, particularly among women and it’s contagious too. That’s a good thing for decorators who have an eye for a great deal and for homeowners who are looking for an inexpensive transformation. Spring is the perfect time to get rid of unnecessary clutter (spring cleaning) and to look for bargains that will bring lasting beauty to your home without costing a small fortune. A little retail therapy goes a long way to chase away the winter blues and provide a springboard for the new season. Here are some shopping solutions to get you started. First things first; figure out a budget. Know what you can spend before you place your pumps on the pavement. Outlet shopping for big ticket items might unearth the sofa that you’ve been dreaming about or the extra chair that you’ve been considering for entertainment purposes or to complete a cozy reading nook. Look for neutral colors that won’t force you to go with any particular color scheme. Be a discriminating shopper, but don’t hesitate to peek into the scratch and dent section. There might be a fabulous bargain there with your name on it. Consignment shops are filled with choice furnishings that might only need a little TLC. You’d be surprised at some of the bargains that you can get on furniture at consignment shops that don’t need anything except a special place in your soulful space. Browse high end furniture stores for looks that you love and try to recreate the look according to your budget. Discount accessory store shelves abound with wonderful decorative items that add polish and pizzazz. Look for colors or finishes that compliment your existing items and proceed with unbridled enthusiasm. After you’ve shopped till you dropped, bring your new treasures home and introduce them to old favorites. Spring forward, make it pretty and enjoy the view. Be inspired.