Most women already have what it takes to run their own businesses. Here’s why:

·         Multi-Tasking. It’s an age-old stereotype that men are incapable of doing more than one thing at once; but it’s actually true. Women are more capable of focusing on a number of things at the same time, making them ideal business owners since they have to wear many hats and oversee a variety of tasks simultaneously.

·         Networking. Women are naturally social beings, which opens them up to a world of networking opportunities. Business owners who feel comfortable reaching out to the community or meeting new people at events will have more success in business.

·         Flexibility.  When you own your own business, you call the shots. You have the flexibility to work from where you want, when you want. Since women are still the primary caregivers in households, this allows women to strike the balance of professional and personal.

Ladies, if you’re considering leaving behind the daily grind in favor of being your own boss, you already have what it takes. Contact Decorating Den to find out about franchise opportunities for women.

Get Into Decorating

Set a mood! Accent space! Create your own style! By using a few tried and true decorating techniques, and spending a little time doing some pre-planning, you can definitely express your own unique taste and help shape the interior of your home. 

Professional decorators’ techniques for using texture, shape and pattern are often well kept secrets. But the fact is that these techniques are not that difficult. You can use elements of texture, shape and pattern to create winning combinations for your home.  The key to your success is careful planning. 

Texture, for example, can be used for contrast. Can you visualize the texture combinations of bricks and silks? Texture can be found in drapery and upholstery fabrics, wall coverings, area rugs, tapestry wall hangings, metal sculpture and iron work accents – just to name a few. It’s the artful combination of mixing unique textures together in a room that give that room its distinct personality! 

Utilizing pattern in your room’s overall design scheme can be just a bit trickier. A large pattern will make walls in a smaller room seem even smaller. Fabric patterns can add a strong accent in any room. Rich floral patterns in lively colors will add pizzazz and surprise when used in upholstered furniture pieces. 

Shape, too, will change a room. A round or oval area rug could add just the right touch to a living room seating arrangement. Window treatments can also be designed to add interesting shapes to your windows and ultimately your entire room. 

Careful planning lets you use the elements of shape, pattern and texture to their maximum effect! And when teamed with color, you’ve created a distinctive look for your home. It’s fun. It’s easy. And I guarantee you’ll be thrilled with your new look!

Windows – The Eyes of Your Home

A contemporary townhouse, federal colonial or stately Tudor all have windows to dress. And with huge selection of window treatments available, there’s a style to fit every window and every personality.

Full drapery treatments tend to lend a quiet note of formality to the windows they dress. There are hundreds of design options and styles to select – from stationary or traversing treatments – French, goblet, smocked or box pleated – your choices are virtually limitless!

In making smart choices for your windows, keep in mind that a truly creatively designed window treatment is not only a beautiful addition to your room, but also a sound investment.

Did you know you can actually lower your fuel bills by installing appropriate window treatments? The more layers at a window, the more your energy efficiency improves. Draperies add polish to any room and also provide excellent insulation from summer heat and the chilling drafts of winter.

Sunshine pouring in through your windows brightens a room and creates a cheery atmosphere. Unfortunately, it can also do irreparable damage to your furniture, carpet and upholstery. Lining can be the answer. 

Refer to popular shelter magazines, friend’s homes that you admire, and your personal situation to narrow your idea of the perfect style for your home. Give me a call and let’s get together to discuss your perfect window solution taking into account such factors as window exposure, your desire to control light and most importantly, style. Form and function meet in the selection of your window treatment!

Picture Perfect!

Ever have a problem hanging pictures or arranging them on your walls? Here are some tips on arranging your artwork with an aesthetic eye.

Remember to hang your pictures at eye level. In the living room, pictures should be hung lower so that people sitting in the room may view them while seated. A large picture behind the sofa may end up being as little as four inches from the top of the sofa; it often looks best when displayed alone. It serves as the focal point in a room because the eye is drawn directly to it.

Smaller pictures become more effective when grouped together as opposed to being scattered all over the wall. Balance and spacing are important when arranging artwork. Pieces should be of similar visual weight as nearby furniture. A rule of thumb is that the space between two pictures should be less than the width of a single picture. 

If you’re apprehensive about hammering nails into your walls, cut pieces of paper into the size of your pictures. You can even mark the placement of the hooks using this technique. Then arrange them by taping them on the wall until you are happy with the results. A grouping can stay unified by roughly organizing the pictures into a rectangle, circle, or triangle. You can also use frames or prints that carry similar styles or colors. Once you are satisfied, mark where the hooks will go with a pencil, going right through the paper, and proceed to hang your artwork.

You may want to consider lighting too. If the general lighting in the room is not sufficient to clearly see the picture, add special lighting. This could be on the picture itself or spot lights from ceiling tracks. This will help draw attention to your artwork and add even more visual interest in the room. 

The type of artwork you use will depend on your personal preferences and your budget. It can be simple prints, needlework, limited edition prints or original art. Of course, the more valuable the piece, the more important its place should be. Special pieces should be focused on in some way and the style of the artwork should coordinate with the furnishings in the room. For example, a very contemporary piece of artwork will look out of place in a very traditionally styled room. 

And don’t forget accessories…..because they truly provide the finishing touches to every room!