According to Better Homes and Gardens magazine many designers are offering online design consults to help you develop a plan you can implement yourself. BHG says that costs can range from $5 for an answer to a single question to more than $1,000 for a detailed room plan including swatches, floor plans, and specific instructions.
Here's what you can do.
Go to the Contact Us page and send your question.
Be as specific as possible and be sure to tell me about your style and how you use the space.
Send in your questions!
Q - I don't have a lot of money right now, but I'd like a new look for my home. Any ideas?
A - That's a very common thought right now. Sometimes when I get bored with my rooms I take everything out and try to look at what I have from a stranger's perspective. Look at what you have and think about where else in your home it might look good. Then I start putting things back in the room in a different way. Start with the furniture, then lamps, then accessories including wall art. Just moving things around in your house can give you a whole new look. And, you may find that a picture you had hanging in your bedroom brings new color to your family room. Swap out your dining room and your family room. Who says that that specific room is the dining room? Try it. It may feel strange for a day or two. But, if you don't like it, you can always change it back. (This is my favorite thing to do in people's homes - rearranging.)
Q - Can you give me some tips on choosing paint colors?
A - Sure! It seems that people are very intimidated by choosing paint colors for their homes. Here's what I do.
Whenever I am working on a room I carry samples (flooring, fabric) and photos of the room with me at all times. You never know when you'll find something that may go in that room and it's good to have the samples with you.
Take these samples with you when you go to get paint chips. Choose at least 5 colors that you think will go and bring them home. Stick them on the wall in the room. Leave them there for a few days. Look at them in the day light, in the evening light, on a rainy day and on a sunny day. As the days go by you'll see that you do not like some of the colors. Remove those chips and throw them away.
Then choose 1 or 2 that you've narrowed down to.
Go to the store and get a sample of the paint. Most brands sell sample sizes now.
With the samples paint large pieces of poster board and hang them on the wall, again looking at them under different conditions.
Choose the 1 you like.
Lastly - Don't be afraid! It's only paint. If you don't like it, just repaint it. It's a small investment.
Q - What's the easiest way to update my kitchen without construction?
A - Try changing out your cabinet handles. Remove one handle and measure hole to hole on your cabinet. Count how many handles/knobs you'll need. Now a days many stores sell handles, from Target to any hardware store. Take the handle with you just to double check the measurement. Brushed nickel and oiled bronze are very popular right now. If you're looking for something a little funky do an online search. You'll be surprised at what you'll find. Have fun!
