One positive result of the recent recession is that it has made us more conscious than even how precious our homes are to us. We have become even more interested in making our homes individual and comfortable and paying more attention to our home’s framework and arrangement.

For example, one or two ancient or at least idiosyncratic pieces might be mixed with the very modern or something avant-garde with the traditional or transitional.

We might pair practical but comfortable furniture with the richness of oriental or even quite zanily-designed rugs or a pair of exotic occasional chairs.

Or again we might have one or two “feature” walls or “accent” walls, either in an interesting plaster or special effects finish, or a wallpaper or a contrast color.   We might place a huge painting, print, poster, tapestry, or even a rug on one of these walls.  Or we might simply mass together a whole lot of art, mixed, perhaps, with mirrors.  Or find a very large and very exotic mirror, or fill a dark corridor with a collection of mirrors, why not?

We will be more imaginative about window and bed treatments without being too fussy.  We will realize at last that rugs are a marvelous way of cheering up any floor AND saving money on carpet. And we may even consider being more conscious about energy savings and being green.

Your Office

Whether we are talking about your home office or your commercial location, remember these spaces will benefit from creating a warm and beautiful atmosphere. The home office is no longer an afterthought, but a professionally designed space that incorporates attractive, trendy desk and storage solutions that clearly telegraph “Real business is done here”.  Clearing clutter and having a WOW decor in the business place can bring results of higher productivity, clarity, and ease of work flow, not to mention being comfortable, welcoming, bringing a feeling of success and attracting more business and clients.

We’re seeing a definite shift in what our commercial clients are seeking…from austere or institutional looks to a more comfortable, inviting environment, including free standing fireplaces, unusual art and accessories and upholstered seating arrangements, creating that home-like feel, while still maintaining  a professional look.

What does your commercial atmosphere look and feel like?  Is it inviting?  Is it comfortable?  Does it make one want to stay-a-while?  Does it initiate conversation about your business that will peak others to become “word of mouth” for your business?

If you need professional help with designing and decorating your home or commercial space, call Award-Winning Venetia Boyd, Certified Interior Decorator and Certified Commercial Interior Specialist to create a unique look especially for you like none other.   Call today and mention the Women’s Journal to receive $100 off of your initial purchase, good through July 1, 2010.

TESTIMONIAL:

Ms. Venetia Boyd recently completed the interior & exterior decorating of our church Fellowship Center.  It is inviting, beautiful and comfortable, which is exactly the atmosphere we wanted.  Ms. Boyd did not overlook a single detail in her work.  Each accessory and accent she selected breathed more life into the intended atmosphere.  Always professional, Ms. Boyd provided several possible selection schemes to choose from after listening to our desires. She even took the time to attend Valley Brook’s Sunday worship service in order to get a “feel” for the church family and aid her in developing styles that would complement the personality and culture of the church family.  Everyone who enters the Fellowship Center remarks on how beautiful it is.

L. Baty