Designing with Carol – February 2015

Master bedroom before

Master bedroom before

Master bedroom after

Master bedroom after

Carol Collins, Carol’s Custom Draperies

Ho-hum—is that how you feel about your windows? You have your blinds or shutters and have decorated the room with beautiful furnishings. But something just doesn’t feel right or seems unfinished.

Draperies, valances or cornices can be just the touch you need to complete the look. Here are a couple of before and after pictures. What do you think? What a difference a drapery can make in the overall look and feel of a room.

At Carol’s we can help you choose the perfect fabric and style to complement your surroundings. From traditional to contemporary and everywhere in between, our decorators can help you turn your ho-hum windows into spectacular artwork.

If you have the desire to explore options for your windows and need help in making those decisions, give Carol’s a call. Our trained staff will be more than happy to help you make those decisions. Give Samantha or Victoria a call at  940-565-8337.

Do you have decorating questions that you just can’t seem to find the answers to? Here are several that I have been asked recently. I hope they are answers that will help you.

How do I make a small space look bigger?

1. Start by using lighter colors on the walls and floors. This makes the room feel airy.

2. Using lamps instead of overhead fixtures will spread the light throughout the room.

3. Use dramatic art pieces to make the room look more expansive.

How do I decorate a bookshelf?

1. On a painted bookcase paint the inside a couple of shades darker than the room color.

2. Add unexpected items, eye-catching antiques, porcelain statues and pictures to inspire interest and conversation.

How do I decorate a small kitchen?

1. Create an illusion of space with under-cabinet lighting. With the proper type of lighting the kitchen can be made to appear larger and more pleasing.

2. Replace solid cabinet doors with glass front ones to add depth and the illusion of a larger space.

3. Remove clutter from the countertops and shelving.

4. Direct the eye upward by creatively decorating the space above your upper cabinets.

At what height do I hang my pictures?

1. Museum and Gallery standard is 57” to the center of the picture or grouping from the floor. If you stick to this standard, you create a harmony among all the pictures in your home.

2. Always place your pictures where they are pleasing from a standing viewpoint.

Do you have decorating questions? Please email to us at [email protected], and we will address them next month.

And as always, Happy Decorating!