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For All PINK (not Green) Thumbs—

Monday 30 Jan 2012 by Sharon Breay | No Comments
Filed under: Art & Accessories, Bathrooms, House plants, Plant Problems Tags: , , , , ,

“Pink” thumbs (and red, but that’s for injured thumbs) are the opposite from “Green” thumbs. Pink thumbed people have a terrible time getting plants to grow outside,  let along inside their homes. They often become discouraged and stop trying.

If you are a Pink Thumb,–know you are one in hundreds of thousands! I give programs about the extreme challenges of western gardens–but inside our homes, it isn’t any easier to raise a plant. Here are the biggest reasons most westerners (and easterners) have trouble raising houseplants:

1) Our homes are BONE dry inside (jusy dry if you live in the eastern US). Yet many houseplants on the market are tropical plants! (Think:  Rainforest)  (And perhaps your bathroom!)

2) Plants need light. Yet our window ledges at this time of year can be frigid, as is the floor and air next to a tall window.

3) Again–Plants need light.  But often, when we give them western or southern light, they BAKE in the west. The strong southern sunlight is exemplified through our glass windows.

4) Let’s admit it–We forget to water them!  Best way to handle this, is to set a certain day of the week to water them. Maybe for you, it’s early Sunday morning, or perhaps, when you do some weekly chore that seems somewhat related. (For me, it’s on the week-end, because generally, I do “some” cleaning on the week-end, to make the house look nice, and plants are a part of that overall look. A half-dead plant does not contribute to the overall look.)

There ARE plants that are extremely easy to grow in your home. (I know, you’ve heard this before—) In order to keep this blog to a typical blog size, I’ll continue next blog with easy to grow plants for pink thumbs.  Why make this a big challenge, if it needn’t be?

Remember, our homes must fit us like our favorite shoes! Ask yourself,…..”Does the Shoe FIT?” If not contact us. We help people create attractive, up-to-date, functional, and easily maintained homes that fit them perfectly.

See you back February 15th! (And remember, plants make excellent gifts!)

 

 

Water Jet Tools: For very original designs

Saturday 14 Jan 2012 by Sharon Breay | No Comments
Filed under: Art & Accessories, Bathroom Design, Bathrooms, Color, DOES THE SHOE.....FIT?, exterior design, Space Design, Surface Finishes Tags: , , , , , ,

Tired of run of the mill tile layouts? Pick it up! Today’s computer-controlled water-jet technology breaks down the barriers to complex or detailed patterns in rock, ceramic, glass and any metal. Traditional tile design boundaries vanish. We can create anything 2-dimensional we can dream up, using a mixtures of tile, solid rock, ceramic, glass, and any metal.

Water-jet technology cuts precise shapes with a single blade, twice the thickness of a human hair. We can use it for floor design, mural design, and backsplashes–shapes and patterns that would be unthinkable with a traditional cutting tool. Yet it is cost competitive with other cutting techniques, and often able to cut designs not otherwise economically achievable.

Like most computer-generated design, you get a representative drawing before creating the real thing. Is it for your next project? If you think you may be relocating in 5-7 years, create a general enough pattern that other’s can live with the design as well. (Vs. your family crest!)

Remember, your home needs to fit YOU and YOUR living style, like your favorite shoe fits. Ask yourself, “Does the Shoe …..FIT?” If not, contact us. We help you create the environment that says who you are, not what magazines currently feature that may NOT be your living style!

        ***Sorry I missed you the end of December; I unexpectantly had to go back in the hospital, but am now looking toward a GREAT 2012 for us all!!–Sharon

 

 

 

Plants for this season–and all year long!

Thursday 15 Dec 2011 by Sharon Breay | No Comments
Filed under: DOES THE SHOE.....FIT?, House plants, Plant Problems Tags: , , , , , , ,

Have you ever read one of those articles that tell you to let all the petals fall off your pointsettia, stick it under a dark box, give it a tiny bit of moisture, but not too much, and then next fall, uncover it for 1 hour, then 2 hours, then 3 hours—etc.

Well, those instructions I’ve written are NOT accurate–but who can get them accurate? If we hide the poinsettia in some dark place, how do we remember to water it at all? And since it’s out of sight, I’m positive we’ll remember to put it in the light 6 months from now, and keep an accurate record of the increased time it has light. Suuuurrrrreee we will!

I say, “Phooey” to all this winter-over plant information. When the pointsettia loses it’s red, or pink, or burgundy, or white blossoms, put it in a sunny window and water it with your other plants. By summer it will be a nicely rounded out plant…..Particularly if you’ve taken it off that dinky little 1.5 -2 inch mesh plant starting ball from its roots, and allow it’s roots to grow in some good potting soil .

Put it out on the deck this summer, in semi-shade (yes, our western sun is MUCH brighter than tropical climates with huge shrub shade all around and frequent rain showers.

Next fall, you will be rewarded with a lovely green leafy plant for your home–and you’ll have it for several years. It “may” still bloom for you again, even with these conditions; I’ve had them do so a few times–in July! (really, haha) But why should I take such a lovely plant and subject it to my forgetfulness when I could just let it become a healthy, green plant for year round?

Our homes need to fit us like our favorite shoes in order to be both functional, and fun (as well as lovely). Ask yourself, “Does the Shoe….FIT?” If not, give us a call. We are the interior design and yard design specialists (even if not the botanical experts that cause poinsettias to rebloom every December). Life, and Homes should be enjoyed!

Have you SWITCHED for the Holidays?

Friday 25 Nov 2011 by Sharon Breay | No Comments
Filed under: Curb Appeal, DOES THE SHOE.....FIT?, Entry Lighting, exterior design, Exterior Lighting, Garden Design Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Tom and I just got back from SanAntonio. While there, we, of course, spent a lovely evening on the RiverWalk/Cruise again. We were a week too early to see the Holiday lights,but the gondola driver told us the city was installing three times the lights that they’ve had in the past.

Well, we all like festive lighting, but this certainly didn’t sound too environmentally based. ….Until he told us the entire lighting cost would only be a fraction of last years’ cost!  HOW?

They switched for the holidays! Today’s LED Holiday lights are reliable, fairly inexpensive and EXTREMELY economical to use. They will pay for themselves in a very short time, and continue to be economical to use for a long, long time, because they last much longer than any of our bulbs. Besides–there are no bulbs to break or go out.

L.E.D. stands for light emitting diodes; they are not bulbs at all, but produce a good white light (the current ones, not the earlier ones).

Although LEDs began being marketed about ten years ago, they were mainly used as novelty accent lighting for commercial buildings. As technology has progressed, LEDs are moving into offices and are just beginning to be seen in our homes. Recessed lighting seems to be the best interior method of handling LEDs at this point….in addition to strings  of light. They are the new lightinhg technology. Isnt it time to switch?

Remember your interior and exterior surroundings need to fit YOU like your favorite shoe fits you, in order to be functional and attractive. Ask yourself…..”Does the Shoe FIT?” If not, contact us; we are the experts in interior spaces and yard space. You’ll be glad you called or wrote us.

A Luxury–or a GREAT Convenience?

Sunday 13 Nov 2011 by Sharon Breay | No Comments
Filed under: DOES THE SHOE.....FIT? Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Wouldn’t it be great if the bathroom in-floor heating was turned on shortly before you woke up in the morning? Wouldn’t it be great if we could save money by only having heating–or cooling in summer– at the temperature we like to live in—JUST before we got home–saving on energy and energy bills the rest of the day?

Home technology automation does that and so much more. Televisions, high-tech home theatres, inercom, security systems, lighting and electronic shades can all be fully automated for us users.

Rather than looking like an afterthought, Mark Wagner of Wagner Home Systems suggest this technology be incorporated into the planning stages of your renovation, remodel, or build-new.  He says, “Electronics can blend in so much that if you didn’t know where to look for them, you wouldn’t realize they were there.”

Think of having a whole house audio system with access to your music library from anywhere in the home. Think of a sprinkler system that can be accessed remotely, so you don’t sprinkle the lawn while it’s raining.

Remember, our homes must fit us like our favorite shoe. Ask yourself—”Does the Shoe,,,FIT?” Need a little help? Just call us. We are here for you.

Let’s Reduce Bathroom Accidents from Slipping

Saturday 15 Oct 2011 by Sharon Breay | No Comments
Filed under: Barrier Free Design, Bathroom Design, Bathrooms, DOES THE SHOE.....FIT?, Small Space, Space Design Tags: , , ,

What is an Accessible Bathtub or Safety Bathtub? These are tubs that reduce the risk of slipping, the major cause of bathroom accidents, particularly for the elderly, but for everyone. An accessible tub does not have to be stepped into over an( approx) 18″ side of the tub. The user walks in, closes the side, self-sealing door, and then fills the tub.

Do they work? You bet! And many are sleek and modern looking. There are accessible tubs for compact spaces, as well as full lie-down bathtubs. Some models for wheelchair users allow the user to slide in. Doors can swing outward, inward, or slide up and down. Features can include a power lift seat, jets (my mom loves this), a seat, grab bars, and rails. The compact models are sit in, and fit a smaller space than a traditional tub. Others fit the standard tub opening.

The drawbacks? Very few. The biggest hurdle is that you need to empty the tub before you can get out–but even that has been worked out with tubs that empy in less than 30 seconds.  Please send in your comments for others to read & share as this is something many of us haven’t considered before.

Remember, our homes need to fit us like our favorite shoe. Ask yourself…..Does the Shoe  FIT? Is it both attractive to YOU (regardless of magazine photos) and functional to YOUR lifestyle? If you need help, give us a call. We’ve been helping people just like you with their homes for over 20 years.

How Strong is Your Flush?

Sunday 2 Oct 2011 by Sharon Breay | No Comments
Filed under: DOES THE SHOE.....FIT? Tags: , , , ,

So OK–we’re talking about the commode! But all homes have them. In a typical household, a toilet consumes the most water, about 27% of total water consumption, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

However, dual flush models cut the water consumption by providing full flushes to dispose of solid waste and half flushes for liquids. A new dual flush toilet runs approximately $300, but I’m told there is a conversion kit for your existing toilet that only costs $99.00 and is available at major retailers. It is called the Perfect Flush, and it works with a top-mounted push-botton box.

It is said the conversion only takes about 30 minutes to install, and can save a familyof four about $100 a year in water costs–so you recoup your initial expenditure right away. Other similar products are Select A Flush and Aquanotion’s Two Flush.

Although interior design doesn’t always address commodes, they are part of our interiors. Want a quiet flush? Toto is the brand for you. Want a standard toilet with a strong (no pun intended) reputation? American Standard is one of the brands to look at. You probably already know there are many styles, colors, and heights available in toilets. There are also self flushing models (for homeowners), warm seat models, and oh my, what else!

Even when discussing a commode, you have options on what is best for you, your life, and your budget. Remember, your home should fit you like your favorite shoe. If not, give us a call. We help people just like you with your home interior and yard problems every day, making them happy people.

Simple Steps to Curb Appeal–Part 2

Thursday 15 Sep 2011 by Sharon Breay | No Comments
Filed under: Color, Curb Appeal, DOES THE SHOE.....FIT?, Entry Lighting, exterior design, Garden Design, Surface Finishes Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The last post was on curb appeal–bigger items your home might need. This post, let’s discuss those smaller items. These are tips from Money Magazine, the people who know what is worth while and what isn’t. (And I’ve added some details)  This is a good time to handle curb appeal–before the snow begins!

1) What about exterior lighting? We’ve written about it before, but what do YOU have? Shiny brass or solid black isn’t as “today” as finishes like antiqued copper, bronze or brushed nickel.

2) Your house numbers and other hardware may also need an updated finish, as those suggested above.

3) Have blooming flowers as long as your locale allows–and then tasteful winter landscape looks with interesting bare shapes, textures, and colors. (Think of some things like Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, tall grasses that don’t droop in the snow like switchgrass, and color like redtwig dogwood–something similar for your yard.)

4) Paint your home in subdued colors of nature, muted greens, deep reds, pale yellows–for a peaceful look. Bright high-contrast colors exaggerate a house’s flaws.

Remember, you want the home to be appealing, but it can also reflect YOU. Our homes should fit us like our favorite shoes. Ask yourself, “Does the Shoe….FIT?” If you need some help, contact us. We are the interior/exterior design experts.

When did you last check Curb Appeal?

Tuesday 30 Aug 2011 by Sharon Breay | No Comments
Filed under: Curb Appeal, DOES THE SHOE.....FIT?, exterior design Tags: , , , ,

Let’s admit it; we all get so busy, we often don’t take a good, hard look at the street view of our home. Autumn is barely around the corner; our canyon nights are getting chilly–and the darn robins have beat me to the quince berries once again! With summer activities waning, and life getting into a more routine schedule–this is a good time to really analyze your home’s curb appeal……before the snowfall sends you into the house. If you are thinking of selling your home, autumn has always been a good season to do so, with everyone settled into new surroundings before the holiday season. Here’s some tips from Money Magazine:

Let’s consider a few often overlooked components that affect curb appeal. First we’ll take the bigger items, in later blogs the smaller things. First, realize the garage door is ofen the most prominent feature of a home’s front. They are often flat, lackluster slabs of steel or vinyl. Trade these for doors with mouldings, windows, or a carriage house look.

Second, is the siding dreary aluminum, vinyl, or asbestos siding. Often under it, you’ll find well-preserved wood clap boards that could be repaired and painted for a much improved image. Today, fiber cement siding, with high fire resistance, is available that resembles real wood and require no work.

Third, the front door is the focal point of your house–or should be. Replace the door with perhaps a mission style oak door, or a six panel colonial with blown glass windows, ar arc top French doors. Achitectural salvage yards are great places to begin a search.

Invasive procedures aren’t always necessary. Next blog, we’ll discuss the accents that can transform your home’s exterior appearance.

And let’s hear from you readers what you’ve done to improve curb appeal of your home. Your home needs to fit you like your favorite shoe. Ask yourself—DOES the shoe fit?  If not, contact us, we’re the licensed and awarded design company that handles interior and exterior spaces based on YOUR life style.

What’s Going on in European Kitchen Decor?

Monday 15 Aug 2011 by Sharon Breay | No Comments
Filed under: DOES THE SHOE.....FIT?, Furniture Arrangement, Small Space, Surface Finishes Tags: , , , , , ,

Many of us like to follow the European look in design and decoration, and apply the look in our own homes. K&BB magazine has a few items you might be interested in. The stream-lined look is still very much in vogue. Minimalism is the word, no excessive ornamentation. Extra thick counter tops continue to enhance this look and add weight to the kitchen counters. They are often straight edged, in white with black cabinets. Stone has been losing ground to solid surface for the last few years.

 Power strips are hidden. Sinks and ranges are integral to the counter. Allmilmo makes a counter top that slides open to reveal the sink and cooktop below. Berloni’s 2-in-1 kitchen furniture contains the functional needs of cooking and cleaning on one side, while the other side functions as a work desk and for relaxation. (This concept works particularly well with open-plan homes.) Poggenpohl has a walk-in professional kitchen with decorative panels that conceal the kitchen when not in use.

Stainless steel appliances continue to be a favorite, as they integrate so wellwith a variety of cabinet finishes. Ariston’s ovens feature controls designed right in the handles. Ellea has a series of extremely compact, jewel-like ventilation systems.

Many of these concepts are available in American products, but all can be obtained in America, regardless of where it was manufactured.

Remember, your surroundings need to fit you like a favorite shoe. Ask yourself, “Does the Shoe …FIT?” If not, give us a call. We are the licensed, awarded design company that specializes in creating surroundings to fit YOU.

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