Windows and walls

Well hello blog readers,

Hope your Memorial Day was a restful one. Today, I would like to talk about window treatments and wallpaper. Nothing completes a room like these two elements. For most folks, when redecorating a space, they come to a dead end when trying to tackle this concept. I always like to suggest that my clients keep the treatments simple and tailored. I suggest panels; either stationary or functional, and I like them full and not skimpy! Another favorite of mine are Roman shades, and a lot of the time wallcovering even comes with the matching fabric! This is always a plus because it keeps the space simple and stunning. 

With so much to choose from in the decorative hardware lines; the rods, rings and finials become the "jewelry" of your window treatments. It is so much fun to let your "gutsy side show!"                                                                                                                           

 

In conclusion, if you are afraid to express your decorating ideas and put them in motion, the space will never represent your sense of style. The Four Walls, or your interior designer, can guide you with any questions you have, as to the "right and wrong" within your taste!

 

If you have any questions, or need advice, call me at the store. And, like I always say: “don’t be afraid to decorate,” change can be a good thing!

Happy decorating folks!

                                                                                                                            

Best,

Robin

Deck And Patio Design - Urban And City

Hi Blog readers,

With Memorial Day weekend approaching, it's time to think about our decks and patios. Beautiful Decks can be found in the city too!  Don't be afraid to spruce up your deck, no matter where it is! 

Today's deck furniture can withstand the elements like never before.  Faux wicker is one example of durable, yet beautiful deck and patio furniture.  Faux wicker comes in many designs and colors.  It is easy maintenance and cleans up very well. 

Sunbrella is a new fabric line.  It resists fading and is easy maintenance as well.  Their pillows and cushions are very pretty and are available in a multitude of design selections. 

I personally like bold prints and have them on my deck furniture.  They can often make a small deck look larger.  Furniture placement is easier than inside furniture placement because deck furniture will always be moved around. 

Don't forget to hang plants and keep them well watered.  Choose plants that are more maintenance free.   Decks should be fun.  They should not be a high maintenance area that requires frequent cleaning!  With today's deck and patio decor, manufacturers are producing high quality, low maintenance area rugs and carpet.  Your outdoor space is as important to design as your indoor space. 

Have fun and as I always say, Don't be afraid to decorate!





Best,


Robin

Classic Style Home Meets Contemporary Flair!

Hi Blog readers. 

I have been very busy helping my clients get ready for their spring redecorating projects. One of the most recent has been a foyer in a Brookline, MA home. Here was an exciting chance to give this foyer and hallways a contemporary flair, given the fact that all of the woodwork and moldings were painted in a medium gloss white, and the floors are a dark wood stain.  This contemporary, damask pattern was chosen because my clients wanted to introduce grey as the accent color.





 


 Given that design task, a brushed silver background was the perfect application for this large space and grand ceiling height!





Next on the list was a powder room, where a hand painted, cork wallcovering, in matte silver with gold flex, made the perfect statement in this small space. A few pieces of art and the room is complete!

One should never be intimidated by wallpapering a large space or a small one, with what I like to call a "sexy wallpaper! "

Happy decorating!

Best,

Robin

Spring Cleaning!

Ok Folks, the topic for this week is not everyone's fave, unless you are an OCD “neat freak” like yours truly! Get ready for spring cleaning! We all hate it, but love it when the task is completed.

 The areas of most concern are naturally the larger spaces. The garage for example. It is amazing how quickly your garage can become the catch-all for all of this past winters clutter. How many snow shovels are lying around next to large tubs of rock salt? Time to organize them against one wall! Sweep out the space. If you don't feel like doing, it ask your kids to do it; or if you don't have kids, borrow your neighbor’s kids and give them compensation!

Next on the to-do list; the house. Put away all the winter gloves, hats, and scarfs. Fess up! There are probably some still remaining in various rooms. Find a closet. I have them stored in hat boxes in my hall closet, on the top shelf.

 Next, windows; I always have a service do the outside, but I tackle the inside windows myself, because if you are a clean freak, as I previously mentioned, no one can do it better than you.   My product of choice is.... Cinch, this little miracle in the red spray bottle works better than Windex and it does not streak!

Involved in spring cleaning is the daunting task of closet reorganization. Winter clothes to the Spring and Summer season. I find this to be the perfect time to donate anything in your wardrobe that has not been worn this past year. Robin's spring cleaning philosophy, "When in doubt throw it out!" There is absolutely no reason to clutter your home with "things" you do not use. Generally when I am in my "spring thing" I march right into my kitchen and tackle the inside of the cabinets. Wash all my glasses and crystal that I do not use on an everyday basis. (There is nothing more embarrassing than unnoticed foggy glass or tableware!)  I also wipe down the kitchen cabinets, and at the same time, checking for boxes or cans of food with an expired dates.  Same goes for the fridge.  The simple spring cleaning theory is if you pick up an item and have to think "do I really need this?"… The answer is NO!

 And the last on the list; your car or SUV. I know there are probably some winter hats and gloves in there still. Oh, and don't forget to vac out the vehicle. There is probably more sand inside the car than on a beach! Now you are ready for the family vacation this spring or summer.

 Well now that you have Robin's Spring Cleaning Outline, get motivated and after it's all done, don't forget to pour a nice glass of wine in your un-foggy wine glass! 

 HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE,

Best,

Robin

Spring Cleaning!

Spring Gardening Colors !!!

Hi Blog Readers,

With Spring here, and the promise of warm weather, it is time to turn our interests to planting flowers and gardening, after the rough winter most of the region had. I feel it very helpful when planting flowers to keep colors together, which I call color continuity. A lot of folks add so much color to their gardening that the area looks too busy. What I find helpful is thinking about the types of colors one would put inside their home. There should not be so many colors that the interior of the home looks like a paint chart. So, why do that outside as well? Choose a few colors that fuse together. A few examples are pinks and purples, with a touch of white. Reds and purples, with a touch of white. Yellow and white are fantastic together!

In mostly everything I do, I think about the concept in relation to interior decorating. That is what I suggest to my clients. Hence, design mistakes never happen.

Happy planting and gardening!  Happy spring, folks!

 

Best,

Robin



Fabulous example of well balanced color continuity

Light and dark purples with a touch of white

     

 



Pinks and purples with pops of white!



Reds and pinks

    

Reds with pops of white, showing design dimension.