DECORATING AND REMODELING YOUR

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF COLOR

The use of color is not just a matter of personal preference. Color affects people physically, emotionally and psychologically. When you are planning your color scheme, it might be good to know how the following colors will affect your mood.

• BLUE - Cool and calming. Blues calming effect is partly caused by the bodys production of naturally tranquilizing chemicals. These chemicals cause the body to relax and become refreshed. Because of this effect, blue creates a feeling of peace. Blue also signals trust - one of the reasons the classic blue business suit is so popular. Blue is the most used color in decorating, especially for bedrooms. Use in southern exposure rooms to cool down the "heat" of the sun.
• RED - Hot and vibrant! When red is predominent, heart rate increases, blood pressure rises and breathing can become more rapid. Red is also an appetite stimulant, which explains why it is frequently used in restaurants. Use in northern exposure rooms to warm up the room when there is little or no direct sunlight.
• GREEN - Green is cool, refreshing, nurturing and balancing - as in being surrounded by the lush green of nature. When used as a food garnish, green compliments most food colors. The same is true of green when used in interiors. Dark green has always been associated with high economic status as in a wooden panelled library with deep hunter green accents. Use in southern exposure rooms to cool down the "heat" of the sun.
• YELLOW - Warm and cheerful, yellow welcomes and draws attention. However, according to a noted color consultant, prolonged exposure to large amounts of intense yellow can cause anxiety. A little bit of intense yellow goes a long way! Use in southern exposure rooms to warm up the room when there is little or no direct sun.

CHOOSE YOUR COLORS WITH THIS KNOWLEDGE
AND CREATE THE MOOD YOU DESIRE !

DECORATING STYLE WHAT IS YOUR UNIQUE DECORATING STYLE? Do you prefer formal or informal rooms or a combination of both? What materials do you prefer for flooring? Do you prefer a lot of color or are you more monochromatic in your color scheme? Do you like to mix fabric patterns in a room? How do you do that? Do you prefer matching sets of furniture or a mixture of pieces? Your decorating style is personal. You will save time and money if you clearly establish and understand your style before you begin to decorate. Decorating is also a process which takes time and includes attention to detail. Do not rush the process or overlook the details. You have gathered much information about decorating from observing your surroundings all of your life. Know if your choices are coming from your style or one you have been exposed to from the home in which you grew up. Try to understand the reasons you accept or reject any particular style. Take into consideration "trends" and how they effect you. KNOWING YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU NEED TO BEGIN YOUR PROJECT! ________________________________ ACCESSORIES Accessories are the finishing touches, those beautiful objects of art - paintings, mirrors, plants, flowers, clocks, candlesticks, sculpture, boxes, pillows - that give a room a feeling of charm, warmth, interest and assist in creating the desired mood. Accessories are usually chosen and placed because they give a certain look. Even the clock on the mantle was probably put there to help create the mood. Groupings make stronger presentations than single items. Group like metals, china and pictures. use plants, either real or silk, or a sculpture on a pedestal to fill a bare corner. Keep the scale in harmony with the room and furniture sizes. The quantity of accessories used also depends on the mood and style. Victorian settings thrive on clutter. Contemporary settings call for a more streamlined look. Look at each area and ask what you are trying to achieve - a dash of color, an element of softness, something to fill a bare spot, something to add visual weight. Start with larger objects. Stand back and observe where the holes are and then fill in with smaller objects. Most of all have fun!

.....QUICK TIPS .....Whimsical finials add dash to window treatments. .....Arrange same sized pictures in a triangle shape. Connect the pictures with ribbons and bows. .....Stand a brass plate on a dark bookcase to lighten and brighten. .....Wall mounted swing arm lamps are unobtrusive and functional when used above night tables in the bedroom. .....Leftover wallpaper can "decorate" insides of cabinets and drawers. .....Banish the doldrums with a fresth coat of paint. .....Whimsical finials add an extra dash to window treatments. Stars, animals, trains, fruit and vegetables are but a few of the choices available. ......Hang clothes rods at varying heights in closets to maximize space. .....Mirror a wall to create a feeling of spaciousness. .....A change in kitchen and bathroom cabinet hardware will have a large visual impact. .....Tired of those old dining room chairs? Try a slipcover! .....Add fringe to window treatments and pillows for an elegant custom look. .....Rag roll walls to achieve a subtle depth and texture without overwhelming the room with pattern and design. _________________________ HOME OFFICES Home offices are dramatically increasing. Individuals starting new business's are seeking ways to create less stressful and more cost effective environments in which to work. Even if you do not conduct your primary employment from your home, a home office is becoming more of a necessity for organization of paperwork and placement of technical equipment. Several challenges occur when creating most home offices: Separation of office space from living space Providing functional task oriented space in what is usually limited space Storage and living space substitutes for displaced family living spaces Traffic flow patterns and privacy Providing adequate desk top space for equipment (computer, monitor, phone etc, etc) When the budget allows, the use of custom built cabinetry works better than the purchase of standard office furniture. Finally, making the space attractive with pleasing wall and floor coverings, art, accessories and plants is important to ones overall sense of well being, self esteem and ultimate success. Remember, your work space needs to be a SPECIAL SPACE also. ________________________________ WE LOOK FORWARD TO ASSISTING YOU IN CREATING YOUR SPECIAL SPACE COPYRIGHT 2005, ALL RIGHT RESERVED

FABRIC PATTERN COMBINATION'S make a room interesting. To achieve a designer look, choose one large bold pattern (maybe a floral with a 27" repeat). To that add 2 other patterns - a coordinating floral stripe, a stripe, plaid, check, or small print. For example, put the large print on the sofa, the floral stripe on the windows, the plaid on one chair and the small print on another chair. Have several pillows made in a combination of the various fabrics. Don't forget to embellish the pillows with fringe and contrasting cording. ______________________ FENG SHUI - the ancient Chinese art of placement, says that placement of buildings on the land and every article in those buildings effects the well being of the occupants. It is believed that personal relationships and business success are directly influenced by these placements. Feng Shui's aims is to increase the flow of positive energy throughout one's space. Increase the positive energy in your space by doing the following. Place beds and desks in full view of the door for more restful sleep and relaxed work - no surprises from behind! Entrances need to be well lighted and not blocked by furniture to allow energy (and people) to move without obstruction. Fountains and aquariums bring the sound of water into a space and assist in creating peace and serenity. Plants bring the energy of life and growth into a space which is beneficial to the life and growth of humans. Use of mirrors to create the illusion of light and space provides an expanding feeling.