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.

 

Spring has sprung!!!

Hi Blog Readers !

Spring is officially here, and I just came back from a day at the Boston Design Center previewing and buying all of the latest and greatest fabrics and wallcovering selections from Europe, to add to the existing vast collection that can be seen at my design studio The Four Walls.

Bold colors are back, my fellow interior design enthusiasts !!!! But not only bold colors, bold prints are back as well !!! This should be an exciting Spring for the Interior Design world. Stop by The Four Walls in Newton Mass. and take a "look see" for yourself. It's fun to switch up the visual quality of a room that is slightly tired and outdated. If you have a question about redecorating a space in your home, we would be more than happy to help create your design vision ! Remember your home should reflect you, your taste, and sense of style.

Happy Decorating !!!

Best,

Robin

Before and after - A recent dining room transformation!

Hi Four Walls blog readers,

My client's from Needham Massachusetts wanted a hip, stunning and as I like to call  in Robin terms, a "design face lift" in their dining room. Don't misunderstand me readers, not that paint is a dirty word to a Wallcovering store, but it can't give you the "lift" you need, not even in a dramatic color palette. It just cried for a deep grey geometric wallpaper. Given that there was a chair rail, the wow factor was possible without being worried that it would look over done. All my client's need now are a few decorative pieces, some window treatments, a fabulous area rug and voila!!!! 

Happy decorating!! And remember I am always on call to help with all your design needs!

Best Always,

Your "Wallcovering and Design Dr."

Robin

New Spring Wallcoverngs

Hi Blog readers, in the spirit of spring, and we all know this winter has been a difficult one here in New England and surrounding areas, we need to look for things to lift our spirits.

This blog is dedicated to bringing "Happy Back"

The two newest wallcoverings and fabrics from my all time favorite company Thibaut and the brilliance of their art director designer, Lori Reagle.

I adore the geometric and bold use of color in the Graphic Resource Collection and the playful yet sophisticated patterns in the Resort Collection. My clients absolutely love the result when I have suggested going a little bolder. These wallcoverings are versatile for just about any space in your home.

So in anticipation of spring and warmer weather just around the corner work on your creative "Happy Side" when redecorating your home!!!


Best, Robin

Graphic Resource Collection

Resort Collection

Valentine's Day

Well Hello,
Another snow storm, but tomorrow is a bright day ! Yes it is Valentine's Day and what will you and your sweetheart or significant other be doing ? A lot of couples go out for a romantic dinner, followed by the traditional box of fine candies in the ever so huge heart shaped box, and yes the over sized card, and the long stem red roses . This is great for the ladies, personally a romantic dinner at home with a beautifully set table, a few candles, great wine and a dish that both of you enjoy is the best ! I must admit, as an interior designer the table dressing and the fine wine is my forte ! ....... The cooking not so good, but lucky
for me, my Valentine knows how to prepare a great Valentine's Day dinner!! Have a wonderful day everyone!

Best always;
"The wallpaper cupid,"
Robin

Design Contest Winner !!

     The Four Walls would like to announce the winner of the design contest !

      Mary Stedman of Westport Ct. with her entry of her husband's study, done in plum grass cloth ! Never
      be afraid of a dark textured wall ! Stunning room Mary ! CONGRATULATIONS !