Category Archives: Design Therapy 101

Passementerie, anyone?

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In my interview today on Design Biz Radio with Deb Barrett (the ULTIMATE trend spotting expert in the world of window fashions), we got on the topic of trends in passementerie. Now, I LOVE all things fabric, but also adore all things passementerie. Our conversation inspired me to do a quick little visual blog entry featuring this oh-so fun accoutrement of the design world.  Enjoy!

passe·men·terie [pas-men-tree; Fr. pahs-mahn-tree] –noun. trimming of braid, cord, bead, etc., in any of various forms.

The ultimate accessory for your draperies. Seriously, I am in love with this tie-back from Houles.

Talk about globally inspired...this eclectic tie-back is clearly inspired by the beautifully mysterious Masai Warriors of Kenya.

Talk about globally inspired...this eclectic tie-back by Houles is clearly inspired by the beautifully mysterious Masai Warriors of Kenya.

Oh, but passementerie isn’t just for your window coverings… have you EVER seen such a fabulous shoe??

On Christian Louboutin Open-Toe Heels (LOVE THESE!!!); courtesy of High Heels Blog

And in the dining room…

In the dining room; courtesy of Architectural Digest, September 2010

And of course, on draperies. (this fabulous design is from Houles -- one of my FAVES. Side note: click on this pic to check out this great blog entry on Studio Rosso Ubarri "Let them eat Passamenterie!"

Passementerie trim replaces buttons on the jacket of this early 60's Balenciaga; courtesy of Vintage Detail on Blog Spot

On a lampshade... (now I would probably not be embarrassed to be seen dancing with THIS lampshade on my head! It's ART!); courtesy of Houles via the Ohio Design Centre

Would you like the help of an Interiority Complex Certified Design Therapist to cure YOUR window delirium with some couture window treatment therapy and creative passementerie? Click here to fill out a Patient Intake Form and schedule a complimentary window covering estimate today!

Getting down to what really matters: Tips for Creating a Meaningful Great Room

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Recession or Bull Market, one thing remains a constant: The human need for meaningful relationships.

At Interiority Complex, we not only take notice of design trends, we also take notice of consumer trends, desires, preferences and behaviors so that we can continue to carry out our mission of helping our clients create beautiful rooms & beautiful lives while doing more with less, reducing stress and focusing on what really matters.

Speaking of what really matters to consumers and how much we’re willing to pay for it…

There are many opinions on the topic of “the new normal” as it relates to consumer spending. Recently, we came across an interesting article featured in the Harvard Business Review on the subject of consumer spending. In his article, The New Normal Is the Old Normal, Grant McCracken suggests that consumers will quickly revert to their old ways (if they haven’t already) as soon as capital, credit, and confidence return. He points to data suggesting that  the consumer is somewhat “schizophrenic” citing that “the person who is cutting back on toothpaste is also splurging on discretionary items. (Apple is up 94%, and Starbucks is up 61%.)”

Using an example from the world of design to which we, at Interiority Complex, can definitely relate, he points out the “hundreds of millions spent on ‘great rooms’ for the American home over the last three decades”, as an example of what really drives consumer behavior.  So what’s the magic answer? What really drives us? It’s not extravagance, luxury or indulgence but more likely, it is “Americans reinventing family life in the face of new realities.”
When you think about it, the great room helps us do what we desire most — create meaningful relationships and memories with our families,  our communities, our friends and our loved ones.  ”These forces and imperatives are always at work, even in extreme economic circumstances,” says McCracken. We couldn’t agree more. Just because we might find ourselves having to tighten our belts doesn’t mean that we no longer desire deep and meaningful relationships or that we no longer want to be a part of something bigger than our own little world. After all, belonging to a “clan” is ingrained in us from thousands of years of learning and yearning to survive.
With all of that said, is YOUR great room, family room or living room well-designed for entertaining, family togetherness, meaningful conversations and creating memories?  If you need a little help, here are some tips to get you started:
Tips for Creating a Meaningful Great Room for Your Clan
  • Select a focal point for your room and orient your largest piece of furniture opposite it, at a distance of about 10 feet. If you have a fireplace then that just made this step a whole lot easier and THAT will be your focal point. If no fireplace, then it might be bookshelves, built-ins or a stellar view.
  • Angle your other seating in the room towards the focal point, but please refrain from arranging EVERY piece of furniture towards this focal point — we’re not designing the IMAX here. In instances where there is no clear focal point, another fabulous option is to “float” the furniture in the middle of the room.
  • Set up cozy conversation areas “rooms within the room” so that when you entertain, people can be seated and chat rather than having to stand. Examples would include two chairs separated by a low table, or two love seats facing each other. Remember, you’re not setting up a space for a job interview or a theatrical production (unless you’re playing Pictionary), you’re setting it up for comfortable conversation!
  • Overhead lighting is best suited for schools, stores and stuffy conference rooms. Remember, we’re creating a cozy environment which facilitates conversations, not interrogations. Use ambient lighting vs. overhead lighting by placing table or floor lamps in the corners of the room. Add accent lighting by each reading or accent chair. Vary the scale of the lamps and be sure to use lamps which are more substantial in size next to the larger pieces of furniture in the room.
  • Accessorize the room with photos, art and accessories which have personal meaning for you and have a story associated with them. These are often great conversation starters, but if you find yourself with guests who might need a little more conversational encouragement, check out our additional resources below.
  • Show your guests that they are truly welcome and their presence is a special event by splurging on a bouquet of fresh flowers, lighting a few candles or even adding fresh greenery from your own backyard.
Other resources:
If you’re ready to create meaningful and lasting memories in your home but need a little “design therapy” and help in arranging your living space for the impending holiday season, you can start on the road to design recovery by filling out a Patient Intake Form online. Once we know a little more about what ails you, we’ll be able to prescribe a hassle-free solution which fits your needs and your budget!


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Type of Service

Design Therapy Session & Mini-Makeover

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Click here to request an appointment now!

Another Patient Cured…

We recently helped a client work through her window-delirium issues with a little window covering therapy (in the form of woven wood shades with the top-down/bottom-up feature) from our Chief of Design Therapy, Tara Wilt. Our patient was more than pleased that we had the cure for what ailed her and the whole process didn’t break the bank or her sanity. To top things off, she was absolutely thrilled when Tara came back with John Durant for a complimentary decorating therapy session to pull the look together!

Interiority Complex Home Design Therapy – Fall 2010

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In this month’s publication:

Fashion Therapy for Your Windows: Cure Your Window Delirium with Inspiration from Our Online Gallery

It’s All About Style & Budget: Interiority Complex Shares Tips On How to Establish Your Decorating Budget so you’ll know how much to spend when you hop on over to check out our latest Deal Alerts.

10 Cures Your Home Staging Fright: Interiority Complex Takes a Deeper Look at Trends in Home Buying That Will Help You Appeal to Buyers and Sell Your Home Faster & For More Money

Dr. Dotty’s Design Therapy for “Roasting in Texas” and her Window Delirium

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Dear Dr. Dotty,

The 100+ degree days are here and my son’s room is turing into a sauna. The room faces East and early in the morning sun is SO bright and the room stays SO hot most of the day.  The wooden blinds in there just aren’t cutting it. What, short of black out drapes, do you recommend?  Something that is durable and neutral and affordable – I don’t want to have to change window coverings every time he wants a crazy new paint color on the walls!

Thanks,

Roasting in Texas

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Dear Roasting in Texas,

Indeed it sounds like you have one blazing decorating dilemma. Fortunately, I did my design therapist residency in Texas, so this isn’t my first “rodeo” in dishing out design therapy for this type of window delirium. I have several possible prescriptions for you (ranked from least expensive to most):

Thermal Drapery Panels from Overstock.com

One of my favorite places to search for affordable solutions is on Overstock.com. Sometimes it’s hit or miss, but more often than not, I’ve had success in

finding a great deal or two on inexpensive drapery panels. Their quality of construction is usually really good, however, if you aren’t satisfied,

they have a great return policy and are easy to work with. I just did a quick search and found these Insulated Thermal Drapery Panels for only $59. (They had a few others for as low as $29.) They come in several colors,

so you have several choices for going neutral or a little more bold. You can install these drapery panels right over the existing blinds so your son can still enjoy the benefits of being able to adjust the blinds to allow more or less light in when the draperies are open.

Don’t forget, if you choose this option, you will need a drapery rod and tie backs. You might also want to dress up the look by adding drapery rings with clips (see picture on the right) instead of using the rod pockets.

Woven Wood Shades with Black Out Lining

Whether your style is traditional, transitional, modern or eclectic, there are woven wood shades that will bring a unique finish to your design. These shades come in hundreds of finishes and with the option of including a black out lining, which will help keep that  hot sun out during the summer months. Woven wood shades are a great alternative to traditional fabric shades.  In addition to being ecologically friendly, they are affordable and come in countless colors and styles to fit whatever design style you choose.

Roman Shades with Black Out Lining

Roman Shades (pictured right) combine the up-scale beauty of soft drapery with the convenient operation of a shade. You can choose from an extensive selection of fabrics, from timeless to ultra modern, to create an atmosphere of high-style sophistication that’s sure to impress.  Roman Shades are available in several styles, from Classic Flat and Hobbled to London or Relaxed.

Cellular Shades

Cellular Shades are a stylish way to boost the energy efficiency of your home. An attractive honeycomb design creates pockets of air that insulate windows from heat and cold to lower your energy bills year round. Cellular Shades also offer great sound absorption to quiet rooms with hard flooring. Cellular shades are available in three cell sizes and four opacities. Typically, to purchase a custom treatment like this, I would recommend going through a professional retailer. There are many colors & options from which to chose, and when ordering a product like this, you want to make sure you have exact measurements (down to the 1/8th inch). If this option is appealing to you, an Interiority Complex Certified Design Therapist, such as Tara Wilt (our Chief of Design Therapy) can make a house call. She’ll come right to your home, measure, help you choose colors and options which fit your style & needs, and take care of installation and warranty. All for the same price as a big box store or online retailer!

Custom Shutters

Of course, one of the best window treatment choices for insulating against heat and cold is the custom shutter. Custom Shutters are the ultimate investment in your windows. More than a classic look that never goes out of style, custom shutters provide superior sun protection, light control and privacy.  They are available in premium hardwood and poly-satin, faux wood compounds, our interior shutter collections feature classic styling (including our popular plantation shutter style), long-lasting finishes and exceptional craftsmanship. Though custom shutters are a popular window treatment, especially here in Texas, this probably won’t be the best solution for you at this time, but something worth considering in the future.

If you need more ideas or inspiration, be sure to visit our online inspiration gallery to see a sampling of the myriad of custom window treatments we offer. If you see a solution you like and you need our help, click here to contact us today and we’ll schedule a house call to cure your window delirium right away!

Design Therapy + Deal Alerts + News You Can Use [July 25, 2010]

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Dear Readers,

Welcome to all of our new subscribers this month! We hope you find today’s newsletter informative and at least mildly entertaining. In this week’s news…

Interiority Complex announces the launch of the Interiority Complex Network.

We’re excited to announce that soon, we will be dishing out our creative and affordable design therapy in more places than just Austin, Texas. If you or someone you know has a passion for home staging, decorating or redesign, click here to check out more information about how to join the our exclusive network and become a Certified Design Therapist with Interiority Complex.

Interiority Complex TV Presents…

Front Porch Prescriptions for Home Sellers. Click here to check out our latest video tip and to laugh at what a goober Interiority Complex’s Chief Decorating Officer is.

Design Inspiration + Deal Alert

Recently, we came across sale item on Pier 1′s website which inspired a design plan and color scheme for a “bohemian chic” little girls room. Check it out here to see how easy it is to come up with a fun design plan for your not-so-little girl!

By the way, don’t forget, we do more than just shoot silly videos and send out an occasional newsletter. In fact, our most popular services are:

  • Color Therapy for Chromo-phobes and Paint-a-holics (i.e. Paint & Color Consultations)
  • Expert Home Staging Services for Home Seller & Realtors (Did you know?…We’ve been staging since 2002 and we’ve staged 137 homes so far in 2010 — this ain’t our first rodeo)
  • Shopzophrenia Therapy (i.e. Personal Shopping Services)
  • In-Home Visits & Cures for Window Delirium (i.e. Custom Window Treatments, Blinds, Shutters, Shades, Draperies) Check out our online inspiration gallery to see what we prescribe!

Are you a do-it-yourselfer who is finding yourself with a little creative block? No worries, we can help you, too. We take the stuffiness out of design and help our clients come up with creative and affordable decorating plans that fit YOUR budget, YOUR lifestyle & YOU. We’re happy to share our resources, decorating tips and more, and can do as little or as much as you like.

Just two hours with one of our Certified Design Therapists will change your life and save you money! Contact us today to get started on the road to decor recovery!

Peace, Love & Pretty Spaces,

Your Interiority Complex Team

P.S. If you find our newsletter, videos, design therapy tips and deal alerts useful or even slightly entertaining, please be a dear and share with a friend by forwarding this e-mail, joining our Facebook page, calling HGTV to let them know a diamond in the rough is right under their nose, or spreading the “tweet” love on Twitter! Sharing is caring! :-)

Establishing your design budget

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One of the first things you must consider when creating your design plan, is your budget. Talking dollars is probably one of the least fun parts of the design process, but it is indeed, one of the most important. Once your budget is clearly outlined, you can set aside your anxiety so that it doesn’t get in the way of your creativity!

How in the world do I establish a budget?

Establishing a home decorating budget can be a daunting task.  If you are working with an Interiority Complex Certified Design Therapist, we are happy to help you in setting a budget for your project. If you’re simply looking for a place to get started, here are some tidbits of information: 

Assess Your Financial Situation

The first part budget of any budgeting process includes taking a close look at your current financial situation. Look at your debts, monthly obligations and your monthly income.  Also consider things how long you will be in the home and other not-so-obvious factors that might affect your budget. Obviously, renters don’t want to spend too much or make permanent/structural changes to the property. Another example would be if you’re thinking about starting a family, you might not want to convert that bonus room into a pool hall just yet — perhaps a nursery/guest room might be a better idea.

Future Implications

Keep in mind that though you may love your digs now, the average homeowner lives in their home for just 5 years! If you make bold color choices or things that are very style/taste specific (i.e. wall paper, murals, etc.) chances are, you will have to neutralize that when you prepare to sell your home.  Don’t let that scare you, though. Many redecorating projects can increase the value of a home.  Keep this items with a high ROI on the top of your to do list.  Kitchen and bathroom improvements usually the best payouts when it comes to resell, but make sure you changes are commensurate with the rest of your ‘hood. (i.e. Don’t spend a fortune on granite countertops and the most high end faucet fixtures if you’re in a starter neighborhood with mostly laminate c-tops and builder grade fixtures.) For more information on remodeling projects which pay, check out the 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value report on Realtor.org.

Determine Your Style

Now, here’s the fun part. Start to create a design style file folder or box, which will be filled with pictures, design styles, color swatches, fabrics and other decorating elements that resonate with you while also capturing the essence of the look and scheme you are trying to achieve. Next, jot down a list of items you need to purchase for your project. Try to consider all the details of the project and make the most complete list possible. If you need resources for your design style file, check out our online Inspiration Gallery.

Establish Price Ranges

Once you have your list of items it’s time to do a little research to see what these things will cost and establish a price range for big ticket items. Compare the expected costs to the estimated amount of money available for the project. If some expense trimming is necessary then begin shopping for deals and discounts and target the lower end of the price range. Don’t forget, you can even shop in your own home! Repurposing is a great way to save money, and save the environment!

Once you get these first basic steps out of the way, congratulate yourself…you’re a lot closer to creating the space of your dreams!

If you’ve read this article and are feeling a little overwhelmed, consider hiring an Interiority Complex Certified Design Therapist to help guide you through your next design project. To read more about our unique decorating philosophy, and the in-home products and services we offer, click here.

To find a Certified Design Therapist in your area or to schedule an initial consultation, click here to contact us now.

Did you know…

The national average for furnishing a new home (this means TOTALLY furnishing a home with all new furnishings) is typically 25-30% of the value of the home?   We’ve found the following information from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): 

NAHB has analyzed spending tendencies of recent home buyers. Using a statistical model to control for differences in income and other factors, NAHB found that, during the first year after the purchase, buyers tend to spend more than usual on items such as appliances, furnishings, and property alterations.  The key results  are summarized here in Table 3. 

Table 3. How Much Home Buyers Spend on Average the First Year After the Purchase
  New Home Buyers Existing Home Buyers Non-Moving Home Owners
Property alterations & repairs 3,051 2,931 1,313
Appliances 1,896 1,671 1,036
Furnishings 3,695 1,938 783
Total 8,642 6,540 3,132
How much of the spending is attributable to the home purchase (after controlling statistically for household characteristics) 4,767 3,148 0

Source: NAHB calculations using data from the Consumer Expenditure Survey, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Things We Dread: Spring Cleaning

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So I’m a little late with this post. But given the topic, I’m sure you can understand my procrastination. We’re talking about spring cleaning and I’ll just come out and confess, I hate it. Now don’t get me wrong – I love a clean house and I’m pretty good about keeping up with the daily and weekly cleaning chores. You won’t see me on an episode of Hoarders: Buried Alive.

However, I do not like the major cleaning chores that every homeowner must tackle at least once or twice a year. You know the ones I’m talking about. Cleaning behind and under the refrigerator. Cleaning ceiling fans. Washing windows. Cleaning out the inside of the refrigerator and freezer. Cleaning heat and air-conditioning vents.

Thankfully, the May issue of Real Simple magazine has put together a fantastic article full of tips and tricks for making these tasks, well, simple! In addition to explaining the simplest way to tackle these chores, the article includes recommendations for inexpensive tools to help you clean up.

For example, did you know Rubbermaid makes a long, thing tool known as a refrigerator-coil brush that will help you dislodge the dust around the coils. Then, just vacuum up the dust!

Cleaning the ceiling fans? Fill a spray bottle with water and 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar and spritz the inside of a cloth pillowcase. Slip the pillowcase over each blade and pull back to trap dust. Then dust the base and light fixture with a cotton cloth. Cool!!

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are, well, magic, when it comes to cleaning stubborn dirt out of grout lines. Get rid of soap scum in the shower by spraying the walls with an all-purpose cleaner and go at them with a stiff-bristle scrub brush.

The editors of Real Simple also road tested a variety of cleaning supplies, from all-purpose cleaners and wipes to cleaning gear (glam rubber gloves?)and concentrates.

So I’m feeling inspired to dive into my Spring (ok, maybe Summer) cleaning and get my home sparkling! After all, there really is nothing better than a really clean home whether you are staging to sell or designing to dwell!

Happy Cleaning!

Want To Use This Article In Your Ezine or Website? You have my permission,  as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Ashley Whittenberger is the Principal and Chief Decorating Officer of Interiority Complex. You can visit Interiority Complex, access the free article archive of design prescriptions or learn more about home staging and creative design therapy at www.myinterioritycomplex.com. Ashley lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, son, two dogs, and two cats, and she is proud that she has learned to successfully live and thrive with her compulsive and chronic rearranging and re-designing disorders.