'Tis the Season

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

As we are all aware the holidays are approaching and it’s been my experience that I see my clients and friends as well as family running around at the last minute like “turkeys with their heads cut off.” Being in the profession of wallcovering and interior design, order is very important. These are a few of my tips for getting organized for the holiday season.

The first item on the list is making sure your table linens are cleaned and your silverware is polished and your china and serving pieces are already to go, and your dining and living rooms have enough seating for all of your guests. Second on the list, try and do a preliminary food shopping trip before-hand; for example, the wine, the food condiments, which makes it easier to go in at a later date and buy the actual food for the meal. Third on the list is calling up your neighborhood florist for the centerpiece for your holiday meal. One thing you don’t want to do at the last minute is put together a floral arrangement right before your guests arrive. The fourth tip is getting the guest room prepared by checking your bed linens and the towels in the guest bathroom and freshening those up. Nothing is more embarrassing than having a guest use towels that are discolored and worn or mismatched sheets!

Apple pies, jingle bells and snow are fast approaching; don’t be left in the lurch at the last minute. Take action now to be prepared for a fabulous, flawless and stress-free holiday season. Follow these fast tips to get ahead of the grind and have time for the important things, like time spent with your guests and making those delicious meals. It’s never too early to start preparing for this special time of year.

So, as I always say folks, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!” Or in this case, don’t be afraid to be too organized!

Best,

Robin

The Impact Wall!

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

Recently my associate, Regina, and I have noticed that our clients have been asking for murals. This is a wallcovering trend that truly can transform a dull, boring space in your home into something fantastic with very little effort. When you are using a mural in a room, there is no real need for artwork or an interesting fabric or a busy area rug. This one statement as we designers call “The Impact Wall” just does it all!

So folks, if you want to get your room ready before Thanksgiving, stop by The Four Walls and view these exciting new collections!

As we always say, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best Always,

Robin and Regina

Below are a few of our favorite murals from the new collections:

  

Grey – The New Fall Neutral!

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

As we have all noticed, each fall season brings with it a new color. This year it’s grey. It’s in everything from clothes to fabrics, carpeting and naturally my fave, wallpaper! The reason design industry professionals are so thrilled to introduce the color grey is it has become the new neutral, taking over from beige. Grey pairs well with almost everything from striking colors like fuchsias, purples and orange. It also acts gently when used together with taupe, mushroom, gold and soft greens. It is a versatile color which can be introduced in a contemporary or traditional space.

Explore the possibilities of utilizing grey in your next interior design project. Stop in and see all the new Fall collections of fabrics and wallcoverings at The Four Walls. And, as I always say, folks, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best,

Robin

Let's Get Our Act Together!

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

Now that it's time to wash the sand off from between our toes, close the beach home, get our kids organized for school and college to finally think about your home. The holidays that seem to be far away will creep up on all of us. It's time to start looking around your home and focus on the areas that need freshening up!

The first room naturally is your dining room. Take a look at your dining room chairs, see if the fabric needs to be re-upholstered. Look at the wallpaper in your dining room, if it's older, maybe update it, as there are so many new and exciting wallpaper designs. If it's painted, being the owner of The Four Walls naturally, I love wallpaper. It really adds personality to a room in a very economical way.

The next room that may need attention is your living room. Take a look at the fabric on your sofa, chairs, and window treatements. Maybe a splash of color and a new exciting pattern will lift your room. Also look at the walls. If they're painted, maybe update it with a stunning texture, such as grass cloth, that will add warmth to the room without being too overpowering.

Lastly, the area of the home that needs attention during the entertaining holiday season is the powder room. Remember this little forgotten room is just as important as any other space. Add a spark of an interesting color and bold design through wallpaper. Don't be afraid to go gutsy and interesting. It's such a small space that you can be daring!

So let's get your home in order. And as I always say, "Don't be afraid to decorate!"

Best Always,

Robin

 

Finding the right Interior Designer

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

Today’s subject is the importance of finding the best interior designer for you to work with. Being in the interior design industry for over thirty years, I have noticed clients trying to handle their projects on their own. The issue I have with this, is the fact of witnessing costly mistakes. When you choose a professional to work with you eliminate doing things twice. An interior designer’s help is critical because of the vast knowledge and designer resources they have at their fingertips that then become available to you, the client.

An interior designer will sometimes pass on a trade discount at the showrooms they do business with and charge separately for their time. Some of my fellow designers will charge a percentage, which is considered a commission on everything that is purchased. Others will also work on a flat fee, as no two design projects involve the same time. Fee schedules always vary based upon the needs of the client and the scope of the project.

Getting to the most important aspect is the fact that an interior designer’s knowledge of color, scale, style, practicality and design guidance is priceless. When choosing your design professional, it is, as I call it, “a design marriage.” The personality of your interior designer must also be considered. Remember readers, re-designing your home should be a fun, happy and an exciting experience!

For me personally, I have made several lasting friendships that started as a professional working relationship. I feel very fortunate to be in a field that I love!

So, folks, as I always, ‘Don’t be afraid to decorate!’

Best,

Robin

P.S. Remember, the holidays are coming up soon!

WALLPAPER…THE HELLO OF YOUR ROOM!

Welcome Back Blog Readers,
Today’s blog discussion centers around my design associate, Regina, who has been working with design projects for The Four Walls involving her young clients for over a year. These folks have just purchased their first homes and are fearful of too much of a pattern commitment. Regina has been introducing them to accent wallpapers in master bedrooms, living rooms and statement walls in hallways. Being a young, inspired Interior Designer from Taiwan who has moved to Boston, she has experience with this design concept whereas this is new to the States. Accent walls can make a statement and serve as a focal point. Also, because wallpaper has made a tremendous comeback, it is a fantastic way of expressing your daring design flair! As my associate, Regina, states: “It’s the baby steps towards the world of wallpapers!”
Wallpaper can give a room personality and a great design outline when you are trying to choose furniture, rugs, and fabrics. That is why it is my most favorite design element. In my thirty five years in the Interior Design industry and being the owner of The Four Walls, naturally, wallpaper has always been my first introduction with my clients.
I call wallpaper the “Hello of the room!"
So folks as I always say, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”
Best Always,
Robin

Inspired by Nature

Welcome Back Blog Readers,

Today I would like to talk about a concept that I have noticed in my many years in the design industry. It appears that all of the great color tones are derived from nature. Every spring and summer season new colors make their way into wallcoverings, fabrics, home furnishings and even the fashion industry. This spring and summer feature hot pinks, fuchsias, corals, purples and bright orange. Bold prints are back in wallpaper folks! No more subtle geometrics. As an interior designer I am excited to see these styles make their way back into the design world. My clients have responded well to the introduction of bold colors and prints that will add personality to your home.

So folks, enjoy your summer expressing your “sunny side.”

And as I always say, “Don’t be afraid to decorate!”

Best Always,

Robin