Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
|
February 2012
February is a short month with lots of holidays, we start with the Super Bowl this Sunday;we plan a party too root for our favorite team. With lots of wings and guacamole and chips.
Then we have Valentines Day! A special day to tell the ones we love and care about how we feel.
How about making a special dinner and purchasing one rose, instead of a bouquet, that one rose means as much as the expensive bouquet.
Make a delicious dessert. It can be simple like brownies and vanilla ice cream, try adding a little chipotle peppers to your brownies, not too much. It will be delicious.
Set the table with the rose, a nice bottle of wine, champagne or prosecco and make that special dinner. Light the candles and you're at an expensive restaurant. Make life a joy to live.
Happy Valentines Day!
You're not done, we still have Presidents Weekend. Plan a dinner party. How about a Moroccan Party, with lots of color and good flavors.
You will need to do a little research, go to the library or your favorite book store and find some Moroccan recipes. Better yet, go to the Internet and check out recipes.
Get yourself a colorful tablecloth and napkins, make lots of hors dueves, and a couple of main course dishes, include the hors dueves with the main course. Have a nice wine like a Grenache with your meal or some other wine that your local wine store will recommend.
Let them know what kind of food you are planning.
Moroccan food is delicious, I first had it in Morocco. It can be a little spicy or not, it depends on your tastes. It has raisins and nuts and lots of good flavors.
There is plenty to do in February, the weather has also been very cooperative, it's been warm, and beautiful out. It gives us a taste of Spring. But enjoy each day it could be snowing.
Happy Holidays!
|
 |
|
January, 2012
Happy New Year 2012!
"Decorating With The Things You Love"
Are you reluctant to call in an interior designer for fear they will charge enormous fees and impose their design taste on you? That your home won't be you?
Then you need Tournesol Design. We specialize in helping you decorate your home using many of the things you love. We encourage our clients to take an active role in shaping their decor, allowing them to build their own personal style. We will guide you in the right direction, if we feel you are choosing wrong we will also let you know.
Do you have decorating ideas but just don't know how to put it all together? No matter what the room size or your style preference, Tournesol Design will work with you, to establish a comfortable and stylish room or home.
We will give you a complete design plan, full of ideas and help you with the resources and implementation tailored to reflect your taste and lifestyle--a home that's really you.
Call Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc. @ 516-433-1770 or e-mail us at lispirit@aol.com
|
|
|
December
BLOG
"Entertaining & Decorating For The Holidays"
No matter what holiday your celebrating, you want the house to be festive.
When decorating outside use LED lights, they are more efficient and brighter, you will also need less.
If your decorating indoors with garland, greens and lights, don't use the LED's they are too bright for indoors. Use incandescent lights.
Gather fresh greens from your garden and berries, you can use these greens and berries for your table, mantel and buffets. Make sure the berries are not poisonous.
If your wrapping gifts make sure you have enough tape & wrapping paper before you start.
When shopping coordinate your gift list, sort things by categories- an example when buying music and books, they can be bought together etc; this will save time.
Plan your holiday menu in advance, organize your card list and send them out early.
Make the house festive, whether it's for Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, they all have a color scheme.
If you organize you can help to reduce your stress level and you will be able to spend more time with your loved ones.
When planning your holiday menu don't make more than you need, most of us are always afraid of running out, but in reality we usually make too many varieties. Keep it simple.
Try to keep a couple of extra inexpensive gifts just incase you forget someone. CD's, books, bottle of wine!
Have a wonderful holiday season! It's a great time of year. Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa! See you next year! Have a Happy New Year!
|
|
|
November
Fall starts the beginning of a wonderful time of year, from the colors to the many wonderful holidays. We just celebrated a fun holiday, Halloween-once called 'All Hallows Eve'.
The next big holiday this month is my favorite. We get to see family and friends on Thanksgiving day and have a feast. We all love Fall vegetables, turkey, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and lots of fruits & nuts.
Take time to see your loved ones and celebrate together, or send a card and let them know you are thinking of them.
Next plan your Thanksgiving menu and get ideas to decorate your table.
Get some unusual gourds, there are large ones and small ones and they are not expensive.
Decorate the house with some colorful branches, and Fall flowers.
This is also the time when you start to plan your holiday gift list, whether it's Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa.
Handmade items or foods are always wonderful gifts and they come from the heart.
You can make jams, soaps, vinegars, and other food items.
It is very easy to make jams, this year was the first time I attempted it. I use maple syrup instead of sugar for my jam. Check out some of the recipes on line or use a cookbook that you have been neglecting on the shelf.
If you decide to use maple syrup for your jam, substitute one cup of maple syrup for the sugar, if you need to thicken the sauce, use a pectin or unflavored gelatin. These food gifts are my favorite.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Don't eat too much turkey. By the way there is an urban legend that too much turkey makes you sleepy, that is not true, it's too much food that makes you sleepy.
Happy Thanksgiving
|
|
|
October
"Decorating Mistakes"
Fall is here-a time to make some simple changes to liven up your surroundings.
Add some Fall colors to your rooms, whether its with branches or flowers, or a new coat of paint.
Our theme this month is "Decorating Mistakes", we all make them.
Here are a few tips:
1) Don't overdo the faux look on your walls. Less is better than more.
2) To many pillows are not good, remember pillows are for our comfort as well as to add a splash of color or style to our rooms.
3) We need to wash our windows a couple of times a year, you will see what a difference it makes. Your room actually sparkles after the windows have been washed.
Windows and clean floors make a room look so much better.
4) Accessories- we have covered this area in many of our BLOGS. Don't overdo the accessories. Remember they should have rhyme or reason. Sometimes one or two important pieces are enough on a cocktail table or mantle.
5) Don't be afraid to add color to a room, it will bring the room to life. If your not sure what color to use think of colors in nature and how nature mixes her oranges, reds, greens.
6) When doing a bedroom make sure your bed has a headboard. Think about using a quilted fabric headboard or leather headboard. It adds some drama to the room and is most attractive.
7) Window treatments are lovely, but simple treatments are usually better for today's lifestyles.
If you don't have privacy issue and have a great view, don't use shades or blinds, just add side panels on an attractive rod with rings, so you can close the panels if need be.
8) Use real greenery whenever possible. You can mix some realistic silks these days, but remember to wash them occasionally.
9) One of the forgotten areas of our homes is the foyer or entrance hall. This is the area that sets the tone for the rest of the house, it introduces you to what's to follow.
Make it interesting, a piece of sculpture, paintings, a place to sit and put your boots on. A mirror to check your appearance before you leave for the day.
Make it a cheerful entrance, that's inviting or create an entrance area of the room, if you don't have a foyer. Use a small table with a mirror and a bench under it, if space is limited.
10) If your budget is small- do a floor plan of the room your decorating, this is important. Even if you can only purchase a few things. You will have the plan for future shopping.
Buy good quality sofa in a neutral color. You can always use some dining room arm chairs along side the sofa, until you can afford upholstered ones.
Remember Rome wasn't built in a day. A room that evolves over time has more character and can be filled with memories of vacations and dreams. Usually you find something special on a vacation, like an area rug or pottery or painting. It also means more in your remembrance bank.
If you need help with a consultation or an entire room, call Jean O'Leary 516-433-1770 for an appointment.
|
|
|
September 2011
"End Bathroom Clutter"
This month is an extension of last months clutter free rooms. Bathroom clutter is more specific.
While many of the bathrooms you see in magazines today are beautiful, they lack storage space- You can still have a beautiful bathroom with storage cabinets, hooks etc;. You can also clear your counters of clutter and just leave the bare necessities, such as everyday needs-or better yet put the everyday needs in a small handle less basket and store it under the counter or in another cabinet. It's easy enough to take out.
There are hooks for dryers and curling irons and also hooks for towels. Think of the hotels that you have stayed at, they have clutter free counters.
There are attractive cabinets for under the sink or over the toilet. Also saw a great storage recently for a free standing bath tub, the tub was boxed in and they had storage doors, to hold shampoos, etc;.
When you do cabinets under the sink-think of using rollout drawers. Also go through your containers, and jars and discard the empties. Keep only what you need, we all have a tendency to try new shampoos and conditioners before we need them. Hence clutter!
Go through these items often, you will find this will help you to de clutter your bathroom and any other space that looks cluttered.
Set up shelves in the bathroom, that can hold extra towels and washcloths or if you have enough floor space, use a large basket and roll the towels to be placed in the basket.
Also if there is enough floor space use an old china cabinet or armoire for storing towels, soaps, shampoos, hair dryers.
You might even have enough room for a small flat screen TV in the armoire-
So you can keep up with the news, weather and roads that you might be soon traveling on.
Go to it and look at how nice it feels to have a clutter free space and also how nice it looks.
Need assistance: Call Jean O'Leary 1-516-433-1770 See you in October!
|
|
|
August 2011
'How We Respond To Our Environment'
Designing a room or house is not about just the beauty or the esthetics. A well planned room, with less clutter and a place for everything, helps us to think and organize our thoughts and better face the world, with a much happier outlook on life.
We especially respond to color and de-cluttering. Life is difficult enough these days.
So why not surround ourselves with beauty and more organized rooms.
First start with a floor plan of your room and decide where to layout or place your furniture, you might find you have too much furniture in the room. You can add or subtract pieces, but to be used in other rooms. But remember to have space for sitting in a living room or family room, and also walking. Especially be careful with traffic flow.
Then start by de-cluttering your room- Everything should have a place, including the beautiful accessories we adorn our homes with. The accessories can be moved from time to time, but they should have some rhyme and reason to them. Place like items with one another; if you have a collection of birds or turtles or whatever, keep them together. They make more of an impact, than just dispersing them all around the room. It also tells people two things- you
are organized and a collector of those items.
Plan a new color for the room, it is the least expensive way to change your space and give it a new look. We are seeing a lot of colored ceiling these days--don't go to drastic-start with a
light colored ceiling. Perhaps a light blue, like the sky. It will go with most walls.
Then begin your journey- Floor plan, de-clutter, paint and rearrange your accessories.
Have fun decorating and enjoy the summer- a reminder of summer cut flowers from your garden or from the local super market and put them in vases or glasses. Enjoy the rest of summer. See you in September.
If you need help call 516-433-1770 or email us at www.tournesolinteriors.com and ask for Jean.
|
|
|
July- Happy Fourth of July!
It's that time of year again for fireworks, BBQ's, beach trips and summer vacations.
Besides all the fun things there are chores such as watering, weeding and dead heading.
After all that is done, plan a summer BBQ, or picnic, whether its for the 4th of July or just a weekend of fun during July & August.
Plan a picnic at the beach, park or on your patio..Use a picnic basket, make some appetizers, and cheese dip with nachos..make some cold salads, a meat like flank steak, hot dogs, & burgers, and some cold drinks, your choice.
What's a picnic without dessert that you can eat with your hands, like brownies, apple turnovers, or cherry pockets, some fresh fruit...and you have a picnic.
It's a great time of year, a backyard picnic is always fun...Go green use some melamine plates and re-usable utensils and cloth napkins-that are easy to wash and just fold, no ironing.
Cut some flowers & put them in a coke bottle, with some bottled water when you get there, if your going to a park, or beach.Call some family and friends and enjoy the fun!
Happy Fourth of July!
PS: Don't forget to put out your flag and remember to take it in at dark! Reminder there is a flag protocol-if the flag is left out at night, you shine a light on the flag!
|
|
|
June - 2011
"Handcrafted Fabrics"
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc. was invited to a very interesting display and luncheon last month by Linda Cera of Design Source a showroom in Woodbury, NY, the showroom is open to the Trade.
Interior designers who once had to travel into the city to make many of their purchases for their clients can now shop right here on Long Island as well as on line. Linda carries many lines, such as fabrics, furniture and carpeting, window treatments. You can literally do one stop shopping at her showroom. You just need an appointment and of course you need to be a designer. Designers can also bring their clients to the showrooms.
Linda of Design Source invited a group of Interior designers to see a demonstration of painting on handcrafted fabrics, that can be used for draperies, pillows, upholstery, lining walls for their clients. This demonstration was done by one of Linda's sources,Groves Brothers - Owen & Perry of Texas, USA.
Groves Brothers owner, Dan Addison showed us how they painted on their fabrics that were used for drapes, etc; they let us make a large sample to take home. I, of course, volunteered to do the first one. I was like a kid in finger painting class, although we didn't use our fingers.
It was fun, we sprayed the fabric with water on a neutral background design, sponged on a color randomly on top of the design. You chose a color. Next we sprayed a light covering of paint a color of your choice. The unique thing is you can use either side of the painted fabric-
One side is impressionistic the other side is stronger in color. It makes for a lovely wall covering or an upholstered chair.
Groves Brothers brought 3 different designs that we could chose from. The great thing is you may use one or two of the designs as a compliment to each other. Especially if you used the same color ways on each fabric. We were able to take our work of art home after they dried. I'm planning on using my work of art to make a pillow.
The company uses cotton, linen, dupioni silk and velvet to paint on. They have a 5 yd min.,
ranging from $120.00 per yd. and up, for cotton the fabric widths range (45"-54") and is reversible. They carry another line called 'Owens & Perry" linen silk and velvet. It is uniquelly beautiful. I'm also very happy that the work is done in USA.
It looked like everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had a wonderful lunch. Thank you
Linda Cera of 'Design Source', Woodbury, NY and Dan Addison of Groves Brothers, USA.
One of the things I could see myself doing for a client is using a wood framed screen with fabric for a dining room or a bedroom in this fabric. Also covering some painted chairs and making some lovely pillows. I can see the fabric in a picture frame as a background.
Need assistance call Jean O'Leary of Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc. 516-433-1770
also visit our web site www.tournesolinteriors.com tell your friends about our monthly BLOG.
|
|
|
May 3, 2011
"Planning a Spring Party or Brunch"
This is a great time of year to plan a Sunday Brunch or party! Frittata's are great for brunch, and are so easy to make.
Use the wonderful Spring vegetables for your recipe like asparagus, ramps, peas, morel mushrooms, and make a beautiful salad to accompany your frittata.
Get a beautiful Spiral Ham spiral and make some mac n cheese, also easy to make and some sconces or some wonderful crusty bread and mini muffins.
Make a champagne punch or bellini's and you have a great Sunday Brunch-Oops don't forget
setting a pretty table and buffet. Get some potted or fresh cut tulips and pretty napkins-
Friends are always asking what they can bring, so say a dessert would be lovely.
Send an email to friends and have a Sunday gathering! Happy Spring!
|
|
|
April 2011 Welcome Spring 2011
Flowers make you think 'Spring', buds getting ready to bloom, the daffodils are beginning to bloom, one of the first signs of Spring.
There are beautiful artificial branches that look like the real thing. No watering, picking up dropped leaves while creating a light cheery look to your room.
I just purchased two large white cherry blossom branches for my living room; they are gorgeous and brighten my room.
But you don't have to purchase artificial branches you can also cut branches at this time of year from your yard. You can force bloom them in warm water, and they also will be beautiful.
Daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses are some of the first bulbs to bloom in early Spring.
The mini daffodils are lovely as well as the larger sizes-the best part is that squirrels, don't like them, the flowers give off a scent that squirrels don't like. I'm glad there is something they don't like.
You have heard of war of the roses, well I have a war with the squirrels. They are forever pulling my pots apart and digging up my tulip bulbs. Although they are cute they are a nuisance. But I guess they are God's creatures and we must tolerate them. Fu wee!
Take out some of your vases, different sizes and shapes. Purchase fresh tulips for the vases and spread them around the house.
Change up the accessories in the living room and den, even if it's only flowers fresh or artificial. Gather your accessories and group them together and switch them around in new locations.
Do some new wall groupings with photos you have been saving in a box. Especially black and white photos, they look great matted and framed for a grouping. You can do it yourself very inexpensively. Go to a store like Michael's where they have a great selection of mats and frames. Or you can find some frames at Target. Wall grouping of family and friends look good in halls that ad join rooms and staircases, or a den. Have some fun.
Use some lanterns that hold candles; they add drama to a room. Today you can purchase battery operated candles that look good and you don't have to worry about leaving the room for fear of fire.
Architectural pieces add a historical or aged interest to a room or garden. Pieces of columns or columns themselves. Frame some old maps or illustrations.
Spring encourages us to make changes and helps us to lift our spirits, especially after a hard Winter like the one we've just experienced.
Have fun making the changes and show off to friends at a Spring party.
|
|
|
March 1, 2011
' Don't follow the Trends! "Create your own"in home design or personal fashion'
Following the trends or creating them! Unbeknown to many of us colors and styles follow trends each year.
You will notice that paints, fashions and popular color trends are usually the same.
But say you don't like a popular color trend. You can start your own trend by choosing the colors and styles that you enjoy and styles that look best on you or in your home.
Design your home with your own fashion trends, choose your favorite colors or variations of them throughout your home.
The same with clothing fashions that you love, even if you only accessorize your clothes or home with these favorite color trends or styles.
It's less expensive to accessorize than changing complete rooms of furniture or changing all your clothes.
Add some new belts, scarf's, shoes and some inexpensive jewelry trends to change your clothing fashions.
With furnishings add some new "used" chairs with your colors or the trendy colors of the day to accent the rooms. You can find "used" chairs in thrift shops or consignment shops.
Another refreshing addition, we all have lots photos that we keep in boxes. Start looking through them and group together some interesting pictures of family or friends on different
occasions or vacations and make a lovely wall grouping or a grouping on top of the piano or book shelf.
Also use color trends for eyeglass frames or colors to accessorize your clothes.
You are creating your own trends and not just following the trends. It is always fun and rewarding to see the changes. It brightens things up and makes you feel like you have updated your home and attire.
Without succumbing to the trends of the day, you have created your own personal style trend.
After many snow storms this Winter, we are all going to be ready for Spring and will especially look forward to some cheery color trends, to help relieve us from the Winter doldrums.
Trends are fun, but the well constructed pieces with eternal good looks will make more sense in your home now and in the future.
More importantly purchase items that satisfy your tastes and not someone else's idea.
|
|
|
February 1, 2011
"Happy Valentines Day"
Have a Valentines Day Party. A romantic evening with a small group of good friends.
Decorate your home with hearts and cupids and flowers. Put up a grapevine wreath with hearts and cupids on your front door to welcome your guests.
Set your table with lace and ribbons and some small bud roses. Plan a simple dinner for 6-8 people. Something everyone enjoys is a pasta dish.
Try pasta with spicy turkey sausages, broccoli rape, it's easy to make.
- A couple of tablespoons of olive oil
- 6 cloves of garlic sliced & sauteed
- Add broccoli rape to the saute
Grill or broil the turkey sausages, then thin slice the sausages on a diagonal and add to the saute mix. Also add a handful of fresh basil at the end of the cooking.
In the meantime boil a pot of water 6-8 quarts w/a pinch of salt and add your favorite pasta.
When the pasta is almost cooked add it to the saute mix, using a straining tool to remove the pasta from the water. The tool will depend on the pasta you chose. Add the pasta right into the saute mix.Make an antipasto for appetizers, your choice. If your unable to decide make a fresh mozzarella and tomato, & basil appetizer. Drizzle olive oil, balsamic vinegar and cut up fresh basil on top of the mozzarella & tomatoes.
Serve some nice wines and beer and perhaps an after dinner drink.Ask one or two people to bring dessert homemade or store bought. People usually ask what they can bring, so don't be shy, they will be happy to accommodate. Have some delicious cookies or biscotti's on hand, just in case, someone forgets to bring the dessert.
Have dessert and coffee to top off a lovely evening. Buy small chocolate favors or hearts for everyone a small favor for each person.
" Happy Valentines Day"
|
|
|
2011
Happy New Year!
After taking down the holiday decorations, the house often looks bare! Buy some cut flowers or some flowering plants and spread them around. Change your accessories a bit.
Plan a Winter dinner party. A nice pot of chili, with corn bread and chicken wings and good friends and family and some wine & beer, will cheer you up. Set the buffet table with bright colors to complement your dinner.
Start the year with a celebration. Everyone starts with New Years Resolutions! Start by doing your best for yourself and others.
Plan a healthy happy start-just remember none of us are perfect. If you start a diet or an exercise program, do your best, if you don't stay on the diet or exercise program one day, remember always to start over, eventually you will get there.
The best advice I received from a professional at Weight Watches, many years ago is to get right back on the program no matter how many times you fail. It's seems to work and there are no recriminations.
Plan on doing something good for someone in your family, a friend or, even a stranger- Perhaps you can volunteer some time helping someone in need. Donate to a food pantry food or time or both.
It's a new year- start a new hobby, paint. Spend sometime outdoors having fun walking or sleigh riding or in warmer weather, gardening. Plan a new garden for Spring!
Call friends don't wait to hear from them, tell them you were thinking of them! Enjoy life and have a great year.
|
|
|
December 12, 2010
'Celebrate'
"Do something celebratory this season," whether you decorate or go shopping or just stay home and enjoy your family and friends.
Think about going to a concert, or see a tree lighting, visit a museum, the Metropolitan Museum has a beautiful traditional tree.
Or volunteer at a soup kitchen, make a donation if you can to your favorite charity.
Join in the festivities of the holidays.
Have friends and family over, visit someone you love and haven't seen in a long time, or call them. You will feel the warmth in yourself and them, and most of all enjoy the day.
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanzaa and a very Happy New Year! from all of us at Tournesol Consultants, Inc.
Call us if you need us in the New Year 2011- 516-433-1770, visit our web site www.tournesolinteriors.com and read a BLOG |
|
|
 
November 29, 2010
"Decorating For The Holiday Season"
This is a great time of year, celebrating the many different holidays in our country!
We have Chanukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.
Chanukah arrives December 1-8th. As you drive or walk around the neighborhoods, you will see a new candle lit each night on the Menorah. Chanukah is called the "Festival of Lights".
Gifts are given on this holiday. The traditional part of this holiday is something called "gelt", it is a small amount of money. Chanukah gelt is a Jewish custom rooted in the Talmud. The Talmud states that even a very poor person must light Chanukah candles, even if he cannot afford it.
You will see large Menorahs in shopping centers, along side of Christmas trees.
Another tradition of the holiday is playing with a dreidel, a gambling game played with a square top. Most people play for matchsticks, pennies, M & M's or chocolate coins (gelt).
A dreidel is marked with four Hebrew letters: Nun, Gimmel, Heh & Shan. Blue and white is the color of Chanukah. "Happy Chanukah!"
Christmas is a mixture of secular and religious traditions.
At Rockefeller Center in NYC, crowds gather for the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. It's a time to renew ones Christian faith.
Christmas is also a secular celebration, one that many non-practicing Christians and people of other faiths and religions are comfortable celebrating.
The Christmas tree is not a religious symbol. Christmas has been declared a national holiday by an act of congress.
We put up a Christmas tree (secular) and often have a manger beneath the tree (religious).
We decorate with a wreath on our front door, welcoming in the holiday season and our friends.
We send Christmas & holiday cards. We also give gifts to one another on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to celebrate with our family and friends.
We also have this mythical person called Santa Claus or St Nick! Many Europeans, celebrate St. Nick and leave their stockings out for him. He fills them with fruit and nuts, as they did in olden times, also with coal if you were not on your best behavior.
It's a time for celebration, of faith and gratitude. "Merry Christmas"
Kwanzaa is a relatively new celebrated holiday. It's celebrated December 26--January 1st.
It was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa is derived from a Swahili word, which means fruits.
It's an African celebration. To African-Americans Kwanzaa is a connection to their ancestral roots.
The community sings, dances, eats, and drinks to celebrate the first harvest of fruits and vegetables.
They bring food they grew or made to give to the festival.
They use textiles known to the African community and others for table clothes and napkins, such as Mud cloth and Kinta cloth. The Mud cloth is black & white graphic design and the Kinta Cloth is orange and bright colors. They are color cloths and make great textiles, for tableclothes and napkins.
It is a happy occasion for all. "Happy Kwanzaa"
It's a wonderful time of year, remember to think of those in need with toys, food and other gifts. Many of the pantries will be happy to receive your gifts.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!
|
|
|
November 8, 2010
" Thanksgiving" ' My favorite holiday'
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, besides the beautiful colors of the season, like orange, gold, red, brown and green-all the colors of the changing leaves. The weather is cool and comfortable and gets you ready for Winter in a slow way.
Your clothes are also the colors of Fall, at least for some of us. It's a time you go to Fall festivals and plan wonderful meals.
Especially, Thanksgiving, its a holiday everyone can celebrate with family and friends.
All those wonderful Fall vegetable and a delicious turkey and cranberries.
This year our family grew their own vegetable for this wonderful holiday- Broccoli, onions, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts.
We will order an organic turkey and make my grandmother's (Nana's) stuffing with my own variation to it.
We will have pies from the farm stands. There are a few stands that make great pies-pumpkin, apple and coconut custard. All good! Lots of fruit and nuts.
I'm already planning my table decorations. I like to use fresh vegetables with pumpkins, gourds, and beautiful squashes, that are edible and can be eaten after the holiday.
I also have some grapevines and orange bittersweet berries, that I will twine among the pumpkins and gourds. I will tie shipping tags around some small sprigs of rosemary for place settings.
Remember those in need can use some food donations to groups such as Island Harvest. There are many in need this year, they are looking for turkeys. We will be donating a turkey and some non perishables. Show others we are thinking of them in their time of need.
Plan on light appetizers, since you're having a large holiday meal.
Serve champagne or prosecco for the adults and apple cider for the younger set, along with your appetizers.
Enjoy the day with family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving!
Need assistance - Call Jean O'Leary 516-433-1770 |
|
|
October 25, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design Homescapes "Bedroom Design"
Everyone should have a calm and uncluttered bedroom to retreat to, whether for reading, sleeping or romance. You want a comfortable room to be in.
I'm not a proponent of televisions in the bedroom or using small areas in your BR for office space unless you can close it off with an armoire for a TV or doors to separate the area for office space.
Think of the room as your favorite spa, a comfortable bed and mattress, you will need low lighting and calming colors for the walls. Use neutrals for the walls whether they are dark or light neutrals, they will set the tone. Your lighting needs to be adjustable, with dimmers.
You will want to have shades or window treatments, that can make the room entirely dark, even on a bright sunny day and of course you can open them when you want to let the light in.
Keep the room cool in summer and warm in winter. Keep the room quiet and calm.
A coverlet or duvet on your bed with attractive pillows that co-ordinate with the room.
Also very popular these days is an upholstered headboard, they are attractive and can be used with most any style room.
If your lucky enough to have a enough room for a sitting area, you can have a loveseat or a comfortable chair to read in, with some task lighting.
An attractive area rug with nice hardwood floors. The area rug pulls the room together and is softens the floor from bare feet, when you get out of bed.
Simple accessories on your dresser and end tables..
Need assistance: Call Jean O'Leary 516-433-1770
or
visit us on
our web site www.tournesolinteriors.com
|
|
|
Interior Design Homescapes
"Decorating For Halloween"
BLOG for Oct. 11, 2010
Yes, it's almost Halloween again. 'All Hallows Eve' as it is called. Time for witches and goblins and pumpkins on your lawn or in your home.
Have some fun with it, decorate outside and inside and dress for the occasion. Whether you are having a party or just answering the door for 'Trick or Treaters, ask for a trick when some of the middle aged kids come to the door (10, 11 or 12 yr. olds), not the little ones. The little ones look so cute in their fairy & bunny costumes, that's all they have to do! The older kids,
like scary outfits, like monsters, witches and goblins. I think they're willing to give a trick for a treat.
We've decorated outside with mums, pumpkins some ghosts and witches and bones.
The mums and pumpkins can stay until after Thanksgiving. I've done some Fall decorating inside too. Some Fall flower arrangements and pumpkins and skull that lights up. Halloween is a fun time. I plan to dress for the occasion.
I have a great witches hat and some new skull earrings. I will put together an outfit for the day.
If you're having a Halloween party, there are many fun & scary things to do. Of course set your table to look macabre. We saw some bone candles and skeleton lanterns the other day at a local nursery. Pier One has some great things for your table.
Plan a Halloween menu and be safe. Wait I forgot something, remember you need lots of goodies for the kids and big kids. Have a fun day! Happy Halloweeeen!
|
|
|
September
Interior Design Homescapes "Catalogue shopping"
We all have limited time and finances these days. Have you seen some of the home fashion catalogues lately?
You can get quality furnishings and high style fashion furniture. Catalogues like Wisteria and Ballard Design have wonderful furniture and accessories.
There are many other catalogues like West Elm, Grand in Road etc;. Working with an interior designer and purchasing out of a catalogue can get you a wonderful room layout and great furniture. Remember interior designers ususally get a trade discount from these catalogues
The banquet that you will see in the photo of a garden room, came from Ballard Design, it was very well priced and good quality, an outdoor fabric was used for durability and stains.
We purchased our own fabric that is called COM-customers own material, and Ballard applied it to the frame. Ballard also has fabrics they can sell you to be used for upholstery, but you are a bit limited in selections.
Wisteria has some unique furniture, I just purchased a beautiful Oriental sofa table for a client and they were very pleased with it. The quality was great and the price was terrific.
|
Sept 6, 2010
Interior Design Homescapes: 'The Warmth of Fall Colors'
Autumn is a wonderful time of year. It begins to cool and that's great after this long hot summer.
Think of the changing leaves, the colors of rusty reds, burnt oranges, golden yellows. These colors are wonderful additions to a room, these changes help to transition into Fall.
You will notice as Fall comes, the color trends for home and fashions are filled with these vibrant autumnal colors, like vibrant lemon and curry yellows. All shades of purple, dusty pinks, turquoise and grays.
If you want more neutral shades, try dove gray, cloud gray and charcoal, they are great, along with the vibrant colors. Greens alone or contrasted with purples, pink, blue or yellow.
Creating a wonderful new look.
Enjoy the Fall with walks in the gardens and hiking and seeing the leaves turn to beautiful autumn colors. It's Mother Nature at her best.
|
|
August 16, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.Welcome to our BLOGInterior Design Homescapes: 'Summer Time Swaps'
Here we are the beginning of August, halfway through the summer. Did you make any summertime changes? If not it's not to late. You still have August and September.
Take down the heavy drapes-put nothing on the window, or just some sheer curtains as long as you don't have a privacy issue.Brighten your porch with some color. Add some wicker or some new pillows. They are on sale at Pottery Barn. Use some bright colors. Cut some flowers for your rooms from your garden or at your local super market or Trader Joe's.
Put some crisp new sheets on your beds and just change the colors of your pillow cases.Brighten your bathroom with new towels and mats. Add some beach glass or a bowl of shells.Think about canvas slip covers for next summer. Small changes refresh your home.Fall is not far away but enjoy the next two months of summer, with some refreshing changes.
If you need any help call Jean O'Leary 516-433-1770
|
|
August 11, 2010
Let us create custom window treatments to accent and compliment your surrounding decor. We can construct window treatments that are unique to your interiors. An important finishing touch that makes all the difference.
|
|
July 30, 2010
Interior Design Homescapes: "Paint It White"
Using white doesn't have to be boring. There are many shades of white, a creamy white, and pure whites, blue whites and yellowy whites. If used properly they will look beautiful.
That said, choosing white for a room can be as challenging as choosing a color for your room. Consider using bright white walls with a colored accent wall or colored walls with white moldings and doors. Also using white walls with colored or bright accent pillows.
A white kitchen with wicker baskets give you a light and dark contrast, a black and white kitchen is striking, along with an accent wall of color, like a lime green or another bright color.
Creamy white gives a room or area a calming effect-creamy whites work well in a traditional setting. Bright whites work well in a more contemporary setting.
Overall white gives a room a fresh look- It has a stand out appearance.
Blue and white is one the favorites in design. It goes well with beach settings, traditional or contemporary setting.
I've used a color called Montgomery white by Benjamin Moore in a clients home that was beautiful, we used an eggshell base and high gloss of the same color to do the stripes.
White walls and furniture used together make a strong statement. Remember it's how you use them.
So have fun painting, if you need help decorating or planning
Call Jean O'Leary at 516-433-1770.
|
July 19, 2010
At Tournesol we strive to accomodate your personal tastes as well as your designing budget. We provide you with favorable sources for new furniture or take your existing pieces and reconstruct a completely new look and ambiance.
|
July 12, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design Homescapes: Decorating Small Outside Spaces
We want to create a small outdoor space in our garden, for reading, conversing with family and friends, or just some quiet meditating.
Lets begin by using nature as our background, what could be better, trees, shrubs, flowers? Lets find a shady corner or create one in our garden. We need a comfortable bench in teak or iron. A couple of attractive outdoor chairs, and find a great looking outdoor cocktail table in a garden shop or catalogue.
Use some wood chips on the ground under the furniture, and let the trees and shrubs surround the furniture grouping. Plant some easy to take care of plants, like succulents and coleus, in pretty pots. These plants can also do well in shade, and they will look attractive in the setting. It will be a wonderful spot to read and entertain.
Hang some outdoor lights on the surrounding trees. Use some interesting statuary in the area. If you are near wood fence, don't be afraid to hang things on it. Like mirrors-to reflect the garden.
In the evenings use candles to create a relaxing atmosphere. There are great battery operated candles these days that will serve our needs.
Have a small fountain nearby. The sound of trickling water is so peaceful, an area like this is most welcome in these stressful times. Have fun creating! Great area to sit and paint. Everyone has an artist in them.
|
June 28, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design Homescapes: Holiday BBQ
Here we are getting ready for another Fourth of July holiday-A patriotic and fun holiday for entertaining.
Start with a theme for your gathering. This one is easy-you have a red, white and blue color theme, however you can make it unique.
We do a lot of backyard BBQ's this holiday week-end. Try to use what you have by only purchasing a minimal number of things. Check your cabinets for dishes you can use, and tablecloths and napkins and small vases, flowers from your garden or herbs.
Decide on your menu, then decide on the dishes and serving pieces you will need.
The Fourth of July dictates a simple menu, like grilled steak, kebobs, burgers, hot dogs, sausages. Some salads. A simple potato salad, pasta salad, corn on the cob.
Decorating the buffet area and table is fun. Let's say we checked our closets and found some things we can use. Example: We found navy blue placemats for the outdoor table and some white flat dishes and some white napkins. We now need some red to add to the mix- How about small American flags, they can be put into a vase. We can get some red grosgrain ribbon to tie around the napkins. Some fresh flowers from the garden in red, white and blue. You can use red coleus, look around your garden before purchasing any flowers, or use fresh herbs in a colored vase, even a bowl of fruit can be attractive. Small vases for the table and buffet table.
If children are coming to the BBQ, set up a separate table for them with some games to play. Get a nice backyard game that everyone can play. Bocce is one-also a jart type game, or any tossing type game; one everyone can play. You will be surprised how this will make your BBQ more fun.
Younger children like drawing, so supply some books for them to color in-things that will keep them entertained and out of mischief. Target has a section with dollar items, that are fun for kids and adults.
Also keep your drink menu simple, beer, wine, soda, lemonade, iced tea, or a punch.
Have a happy Fourth of July, celebrating our countries birthday.
It's always fun to get together with family and friends this holiday.
|
June 23, 2010
Tournesol provides you with 30 years of experience in interior decorating for homes, apartments and commercial spaces. Whether you desire to reconstruct a completely new look or simply get more out of what you have, Tournesol will help you evaluate your space and and elicit the possibilities for your new decor. |
June 14, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design Homescapes "Going Green"
"Going Green"-- just what does that mean? What should it mean to you and what can you do to achieve it? Try to re-cycle whatever you can. Try to eat organic foods-without pesticides or preservatives. Look for organic fabrics, and sustainable or reclaimed materials with natural finishes.
Use environmentally friendly paints. Benjamin Moore has a wonderful eco-friendly VOC free paint called Aura, and there are other paints that are eco-friendly.
Try to use natural fabrics for rugs and furniture that don't release unhealthy gases that we are breathing in.
Don't get rid of all your things; recycle them, if you no longer have use for them. Donate or think of other ways of using them. Check out consignment shops where you can earn some money on your old furniture and accessories instead of throwing out usable things.
De clutter your life; it will help you to live better and a healthier life. When you do purchase something think about pre-cycling - Look at unnecessary packing-purchase things you know you will have for a long time. I said this before-stick with classical looks- you don't tire of them so easily. That's just some of the things that will help all of us in responsibly- "Going Green".
(As an interior designer, I want to embrace the green movement, but I won't sacrifice style and cost or my clients won't embrace it.) |
May 31, 2010
Happy Memorial Day
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design: Homescapes: "Designing A Small Space"
Small spaces can be very challenging. You want to do the unexpected-but always want to have a focal point in your room. Of course consider what the room is going to be used for. Is it a den, bedroom, guest room or all three.
Lets say it's all three-you will need a sofa that opens or a day bed that functions like a bed or sitting area. You will need storage, lighting.
Scale is improtant in any room, but in a small room-you can actually make the room feel larger with one or two large pieces.
Consider an armoire, this will be your focal point, the armoire can be used for storage and a slim lined LCD television. You can have well placed basket in the armoire for storage so when the doors are opened, you eliminate the look of clutter. A day bed can also have storage or a second bed. Small spaces, need multi purpose furniture, it avoids the cluttered look.
I would suggest lighter end tables with glass or painted look, not all dark woods, mix it up a little. A small glass cocktail table or an ottoman that opens for storage. Arrange the furniture in a conversational grouping.
Lighting in this room is also important. You don't have to have two end tables for lamps. You can use a floor lamp on one side of the sofa or daybed, and a small table with a lamp on the other side. Have some lighting inside your armoire, a picture light will be fine, at the top inside the armoire. I would also use some canned or perimeter lighting this will give the room a larger feeling and bring your eyes outward Light the pictures on the walls this also helps to enlarge a room. Use mirrors in the same way to enlarge and reflect light into the room.
A nice area rug on the floor or over carpet will define the space and make the room more cohesive.
Remember group your accessories so they don't clutter the room and also let them tell a story, put like things with like things.
You can also paint the room a color; dark if you like. Contrary to the belief that color or dark walls will make the room smaller-it's not true. It's all in how you present the room. With all of these tips. You can have a beautiful small room. Have fun decorating.
|
May 17, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants,Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design: Homescapes: "Decorating Trends"
Our lives are more complicated these days, so we are leaning toward simpler "Decorating
Trends." We are using color, pillows or fabrics that spark these trends. Our backgrounds or walls are more neutral and we use a splash of color on our walls, or pillows. We accessorize
with pillows and collections. Our furniture is simpler.
Neutral doesn't mean white or drab beige. You can use silver, mocha, greens, grays; yes grays; deep beiges, golden beige and deeper colors, but the idea is keeping the room or house simpler and easier to take care of. The rooms should also have a flow; a style; a comfortable look. They can have an edgy look and still have all of the above.
There are also timeless trends; for instance, using animal prints, paisley's and using our furniture in an eclectic way. Using the old with the new; mixing periods and styles.
We should purchase classic styles when furnishing a room or home. You never tire of these timeless classical pieces. instead as mentioned before we can change things by accessorizing differently, or painting another color-adding some new lighting. We have been using dull and shiny in rooms for years-it sparks the look of a room-this is a trend you're seeing in fashion as well as interior design. The silver, gold and bronzes and they are mixing them.
Design trends using mirrors give a room a sparkle, especially with polished accessories in a chrome or lacquer. You are also seeing a lot of mercury glass used in lamps, vases and dishes, these things also add sparkle to a room and great appeal.
|
May 4, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design Homescapes: 'Designing Kitchens & Bathrooms
Here it is Springtime again, when life begins again, things begin to bud and flower and we think of changes we can make to our homes and gardens to refresh them.
Two of the areas that get the most use in our homes are the kitchen and bathroom. We also
spend the most time here, other than our bedrooms and dens.
Our lifestyles today are less formal so when we cook and entertain we are in our kitchen, dens, great rooms; areas that also add the most value to your home. Great rooms have become an integral part of our homes. They are combination kitchens, dining room, living room/den, that are used in an open setting.
Bathrooms are areas where we prepare ourselves for the day, or relaxing in the evening in a warm tub or shower. They can be simple or elaborate with chaises, if you have the room for them. But bathrooms should be uncluttered and attractive.
When we think of renovations, remodeling or revamping the area. Where do we begin??
We look at the style of the house when remodeling or renovating a kitchen or bathroom, and it should be consistent with other areas of your home. What kind of furniture do you have or intend to have. Cabinetry is the furniture in your kitchen or bath. Do you want an island in your kitchen, do you have room for an island? Will you be eating in the kitchen at a table or a counter? Look at magazines with kitchen and baths. Visit kitchen cabinetry and bathroom showrooms. Get ideas!
Next is your budget, how much are prepared to spend on this renovation. Once you decide on that you can come up with a floor plan. This is one area we strongly suggest using and Interior Designer, along with a kitchen or bathroom design company.
Do your homework before meeting with an Interior Designer. Know what your budget is. This way you can tell the designer what you are willing to spend. It's worth consulting with an Interior Designer and paying for a consultation and having them give you a plan, even if you are unable to execute the job immediately, it will give you a realistic idea of what it will cost and a good designer will work with you and suggest custom cabinetry, that may not be the top of the line, but will be a good quality and attractive. Follow the same procedure with your bathroom. Visit the showrooms.
You can check out kitchen appliances on line to get an idea of styles and prices. An Interior
Designer will often work with a designer/salesperson at a kitchen cabinetry and bathroom showroom. The Interior Designer will be looking out for your interest, they may also receive trade discounts, that you as a lay person are unable to get. This approach will save you time and money. Take lots of before and after pictures. So what are you waiting for, start doing your homework.
|
April 26, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design Homescapes: 'Why I Should Hire A Designer'
There are many reason why you might hire a designer. One very important fact is a designer can save you time and money by just planning your room or home in a more efficient way. They have the experience and knowledge to think the job through and come up with unique solutions that you might never have thought of.
The first thing we usually tell our clients is to have a plan. Doing a plan, even if your not ready to execute it entirely will help keep you on track. They will help you decide, which are the most important elements to start with.
For example if you have children or pets, a designer will steer you away from highly perishable fabrics, there are so many new and attractive-indoor/outdoor fabrics that can be used with children and pets. A designer can show you how to mix styles, also select furnishings that will fit into your budget without sacrificing quality and style.
One of the biggest mistakes clients make is purchasing furniture that doesn't fit into the space allotted. It makes the room feel cluttered and sometimes there is literally no room to move.
A designer can guide you in choosing colors, and styles that you will enjoy living with. A designer will pay attention to details. They will show you how to accessorize your room or home with some of the accessories you might already have or want to purchase. Simple things like fresh flowers and plants create a warm inviting space. Having books, a throw over an arm chair adds to the warm inviting feel.
A good designer will help the client make the area personal. They will show you how to use old heirlooms, books and art and purchases you have made on vacations. The space should reflect the people that live there.
Things do not have to be perfect, but they should be inviting and things that you love. You don't want the space to say the designer did it all-even if they did. It's your home and you want to enjoy it. "This is why you should hire a designer."
|
April 19, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design Homescapes: 'Lighting A Room'
Lighting is another important element in decorating a room; just by dimming the lights, you can change the entire mood in a room.
Creating functional lighting in a room is important. There are different types of lighting, such as task lighting, perimeter lighting, overhead lighting, indirect or recessed lighting, plant lighting, spot lighting. We use spot lighting to highlight pictures and plants, canned lighting is used to illuminate
a plant or background. Task lighting is used in the kitchen under counters in your workspace areas, along with overhead lighting-Task lighting is also used for reading. Perimeter light helps to eliminate shadows in a room.
You can create a glow. We tend to avoid overhead or recessed lighting, which is not unflattering on your face, but draws the walls in. Use a soft ambient light that you get from lamps, it also helps train your eyes out to the perimeter of a room. I would suggest mixing things up with shaded table lamps, floor lamps and picture lights. Canned or up lights can give a sense of height and then can be placed discreetly.
A good balance of light will help you to avoid dark pockets or shadows in a room. If possible plan the room with lots of light and put all lights on a dimmer, you can then adjust the light as is needed. |
April 12, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design Homescapes: 'Picture Hanging' "It Can Be An Art"
Picture hanging can be done simply. If you're hanging a grouping over a sofa or a gallery wall.
Gather the pictures you're going to use-whether it is animals, flowers, family & friends, prints or fine art.
After considering the size of the area you will be hanging these pictures, lay the grouping on the floor or table & decide on the arrangement. Start with a central picture, object and work your way up, down, left, right, evenly distribute these pictures. Step back and see how it looks. If you're hanging the pictures over the sofa try to hang them with the bottom edge of the lowest picture, at least 6-10" inches above the sofa. If you're hanging a large mirror over the sofa with sconces-center the mirror over the sofa & hang about 10" inches above the sofa, remember it is a visual thing, you might have to adjust up or down depending on the height of the sofa. Place the sconces about 4-6" inches from the sides of the mirror and about 1/3 down on a large mirror. Reminder it's visual and your eye should tell you if you need to adjust the measurements.
When grouping pictures on a table. Use one type of frame, whether it be gold, silver or wood
frames. Try to keep them similar. For example all silver frames, can be different textures,shapes, pewter or silver. But basically they will have some uniformity. It makes the grouping look much better. It can be distracting to the eye if the frames are very different. That said you can use different styles & colors in frames when inserting pictures in bookcases. It depends on the style of the room.
You can also start a gallery wall in a small room or hallway, where you will be adding and subtracting pictures or plates, or just moving around pictures. This is a fun wall to work with I have one in my bathroom, that I'm always adding to and moving around pictures. If you saw
my BLOG last week you will see some collector's plates around a large clock. This is an example of an interesting grouping in a more traditional room. So begin your task of hanging, it will be fun. Remember it is not brain surgery, have fun doing it. |
April 5, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design Homescapes: Part 4 'Wall Groupings & Picture Hanging'
"Decorating with the things you Love" has always been my motto: Wall groupings don't have to be fine ART, but they should be something you love. They can be prints you purchase and have custom framed or you can frame them yourself.
We are often concerned how our tastes are perceived. Consider some of the things you like or love and would want hanging on your walls. You can use collections of animals, flowers, botanicals, one large painting or photographs. When all else fails, use mirrors in a grouping, they reflect lots of light and add sparkle to a room.
Family pictures are nice in halls leading to bedrooms or have a gallery wall in your bedroom.
Pictures of family & friends are appropriate in dens or a casual living room.
Group ethnic collections, they are interesting throughout your home. See some of these grouping in the attached photos, in one grouping, you will see a plate from Crete, a framed papyrus from Sicily, another plate from China; and Native American pottery hanging on one wall. They make an ethnic statement of travels and are attractive to look at, even in a bathroom.
Bathrooms and halls make great changing galleries. Don't be afraid to experiment; by changing your art or collections occasionally. I had a friend tell me you never know what you will find hanging or displayed in your bathroom. It makes life interesting to change from time to time. Keep them guessing, they will want to see more and you will open yourself to seeing and learning new things. See some of the pictures are included in this weeks BLOG.
 |
April 1, 2010
Hi Everyone: Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful spring weather, get out your gardening gloves and start planting those beautiful flowers. Home Depot in Jericho had some beauties and good prices too! Happy Passover & Happy Easter to all. Remember to read my BLOG-this week is Accessorizing a room. |
March 29, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design Homescapes: 'Part 3 Accessorizing a Room'
Accessorizing a room is like putting the icing on the cake. It is the finishing touches, along with window treatments, or the lack of window treatments, that can make or break a room. You don't want too much clutter. Group items in odd number when accessorizing your tables; places items in groups of three, five, seven, etc.
If you're using end tables, decorate or accessorize with some interesting pieces things you've acquired from vacations or from collections that you have. Consider the style of the room; is it traditional, modern, eclectic? Try to tell a story when gathering things to display. If you have a large collection, use a curio cabinet or clear top display box to show your treasures.
If you're using lamps for your end tables, use a lamp that is best suited to the style of your room. If it's traditional, use a traditional shape lamp. If it's modern, use a modern shape lamp. If eclectic, you can mix styles, but don't use something like a milk bucket made into a lamp. You want the room to have some style. As a professional designer I have mixed lamps of different styles in traditional and modern rooms with some aesthetic success, but as a lay person decorating your home, you are better off matching your style.
Use some greens in a rooms, such as floor plants and fresh flowers on a cocktail table. Cocktail tables may be of various styles and shapes. You can use a hassock with a tray on top in a casual room. You may also use an interesting carved wood base with a glass top, or two adjoining small tables. A cocktail table helps to pull the furniture together into a conversational grouping and provides an excellent center for entertaining. (See the photograph where a large wicker basket was turned over, topped with a clear glass top and used as a functioning cocktail table.)
You now have some ideas to help you accessorize your room. Don't be afraid to try them.
|
March 22, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design Homescapes: Part ll 'Where do you begin when decorating a room?'
If you are starting to decorate a room from scratch, this is what is recommended from our professional experience. You have done your research, thought of colors you would like to use. Your thinking of a plan or layout for the room. If your using what you have, and are still unsure, try different layouts on a floor plan. If you want to do it yourself, measure your existing furniture and do it to scale on graph paper.
Floor Plan first, flooring next, furniture layout is important even if you are unable to purchase
everything at once. Keep the plan in mind and when your ready it will be a lot easier, I have been called in on jobs where a client has ordered a room full of furniture, not realizing what would fit or how it would look-for example a bedroom we were doing, I laid out a plan and showed the client that they would not be able to move in the room, if we kept all the furniture.
Fortunately, we were able to cancel some of the pieces. You can save yourself a lot of expense, discomfort and time by planning ahead.
Now you have a plan, ideas for flooring and furniture-next would be the window treatments and accessories.
We covered 'Simple Window Treatments' a couple of weeks ago, so next week we will write about 'Accessories'.
|
March 15, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants,Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design Homescapes: 'Where do you begin when decorating a room?'
Part I
You begin by doing some research, start keeping track of the things you like when your looking at magazines and clip and put together a file for future use. Observe your surroundings. It is also helpful to know what you don't like; that's a start.
This applies to colors and styles. Some of the best rooms I have designed are from things that have been collected from vacation travels. You usually buy something special when vacationing, such as a; souvernir as a remembrance of your trip.
Think of the colors that you favor and wear or would like to surround yourself with, whether they be warm or cool colors-think of the direction your room faces-North, South, East or West.
For example I would not want to use a cool color on the North side of the house, as I would not want to paint orange on a Southern exposure. What you might do if you like orange on the Southern exposure, is use a paler version of the color. With a Northern exposure use warmer shades, since these rooms are likely to have less light. Ideally you would use warm tones on the Northern exposure and cool tones on the Southern exposure.
Part ll Next week: 'Where do you begin decorating a room'? |
March 8, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design Homescapes: 'Simple Window Treatments'
Window treatments are an accessory to a room, they are not just for privacy. They soften and can add glamour to any room, they don't have to be elaborate to make a statement.
Woven wood shades give a clean line to a window, they can be used alone or with curtains, drapes or shutters. You can use a simple pole placed at least four inches above the window, with sheers on each side of the window , this will add softness to the window treatment. You can use a swag and jabot over woven wood shades that will add a little more polish and they are not too formal, depending upon the type of fabric you choose. (see woven wood picture with swags & jabots).
Try some of these ideas along with color change for your room. A fresh new look.
  |
March 1, 2010
Tournesol Design Consultants,Inc
Welcome to our BLOG
Interior Design Homescapes:
A great idea to welcome Spring, have a brunch: First decide on color scheme, colors we think of in Spring are yellows, lavender, green, light blue, pale oranges, pinks with accents of white, cream or pastels.
 
Brunch for a large group, small group whether it be a standup buffet or a sit down buffet or a more formal buffet. You have many options. You decide. Whatever the size of the group or style brunch. You will need tableware, napkins, runners, tablecloths or placemats.
Use colorful tableware mixed with white, cream or pastels. You will also need flatware, it can be silver, stainless steel or re-usable plastics ( go green ) no paper if you can help it.
Centerpieces: Use cut flowers, plants or a beautiful ceramic bowl or small group of vases with cut flower, look at some of the things you have, that would make a wonderful centerpiece. It does not have to be in the center of the table, it could be on the side, or up the middle of the table, as long as it is attractively displayed. Flowers we think of in Spring are daffodils, tulips, ferns.
Foods we think of in Spring - ham, spring lamb, fennel, asparagus, roasted spring potatoes.
Quiche is a great accompaniment with ham or lamb. Wines that are good for pairing with ham or lamb are light and fruity, dry Rose, sauvignon blanc, white bordeaux, pinot noir.
This gives you an idea of how to do a Spring brunch. Some of the things you will already have. You will need to purchase foods, wine & cut flowers or plants. Have fun enjoy the Spring, it is a beautiful time of year. (Especially after this Winter).
|
Feburary 23, 2010
Interior Design Homescapes - Spring is around the corner - It's time to start thinking about ways to spruce up your home. Home is a place where we feel comfortable and happy & where we like to surround ourselves with our treasures.
If your budget is limited, start by thinking about color, flowers, pillows, accessories &... perhaps a new floor plan. You will probably be using what you have, so choose colors that will compliment your furnishings & also brighten your area or room. Get some new pillows & fresh flowers.
Move your accessories to new places. Start by gathering them all in your living room & start
to place them in new locations. If you do this occasionally, it will make your room feel fresh & different- Try it from season to season. Everything you own does not have to be out at the same time. Congratulations on a fresh new look!
Next week we will "Plan A Spring Brunch" - Color, food & table setting
   |
February 17, 2010
Spring is just around the corner, time to start sprucing up the house. Think about new colors for the rooms you spend the most time in. Painting is an easy way to change things. Also add some new pillows to your den or living room. Plan a dinner party or brunch, with a theme for your table, using color, plants, knick k...nacks, be creative. Use things you have in the house, try not to buy anything but the food.
 |
February 3, 2010
Outside deck with cherub fountain.
   |
February 3, 2010
Contemporary style Hampton's style room with versatile, modular seating. The red fireplace was used as the focal point and theme of this area. Outside garden area also designed by Tournesol Design Consultants, Inc.
   |
|
|
|
