Decorating with Christmas Ornaments

Can you believe Christmas is less than a week away? Between decorating the Christmas tree or decorating for holiday guests there's not too much time left. The Christmas tree sets the tone and becomes the focal point for your holiday decor. As with most decor, accessories are key to a successful design - even with Christmas decor. If you're like me you love to use pieces that are multifunctional, stylish and kid-friendly of course. Ornaments are great holiday accessories that are versatile, decorative and festive! 

Christmas Tree Accessory. Ornaments serve as accessories for the Christmas tree by adding color and texture. If you prefer a theme, pick ornaments that are similar in color or use sets that form a complimenting color palette. If you have little ones like I do, you may want to avoid glass, metal, or small ornaments. Instead, purchase plastic (shatterproof) ornaments that are large enough that your little one won't put it in their mouth. If you are using an eclectic decor have your little one create their own ornaments using wooden cutouts or felt fabric.  

soft glitter SNOWFLAKE  ornaments make a great "shatterproof" options if you have little ones.

Tabletop Centerpiece. Ornaments can make a beautiful tabletop centerpiece by simply putting them in a clear bowl or cylinder vase. To create a uniform look, I suggest using the same ornaments in each container. 

Gift Toppers. In addition to decorating your tree and table setting, ornaments can also be used to accessorize your wrapped gifts. Adding a small ornament is an extra touch that will surprise the recipient. Be sure to use the appropriate size ornament for your gift package. 

ornaments make great gift toppers!

Share some of your favorite ornaments on our comments below. 

Here's to a Merry Christmas!

5 Ways to Decorate a Buffet Style Thanksgiving Dinner

If your Thanksgiving is anything like mine, it's a large family gathering around lots of delicious food, drinks, laughs and football of course. Thanksgiving is one of the few times a year my entire family on the northeast coast gets together. Therefore sitting around a standard dining table is almost impossible. In order to accomodate the entire family, we usually have a buffet style dinner. 

Buffet style doesn't have to be impersonal or boring. Have fun with it and be festive. 

Having a flow of stations will create transition to your dinner.

1. Have A Flow of Stations. Allow your guests to choose what they want and to mingle freely. Group all the similar dishes together on one table. For example, it is a good idea to group your starches like pasta, rice or potatoes together. Since the turkey is the star of the evening consider having a separate station for it such as a small server or extra table. 

2. Add a BAR. Who doesn't love a good bar! This is your chance to be creative and allow your guests to make their own treat. This can include a table with different sweets (sweet potato pie, cupcakes, cookies, tarts, fruit bowls, brownies, etc.). The kids will LOVE this section! You can also have a salad bar where your family can create their favorite salad and customize it with their favorite toppings and dressing.

3. Don't Forget to Label your Food. Just in case someone isn't sure what a dish is you can create labels with the name of each dish. This will help create a stress-less evening for you.

4. Use Different Heights. To increase visual interest, serve certain dishes on a pedestal or use rustic boxes to add height. 

Some flowers placed in mason jars can add color and depth to your buffet stations.

5. Add Decorative Accessories. Since we are celebrating with those that we love, add some festive decorations around your buffet stations like candles, plants or pottery/vases. This will add an another layer of interest to your delicious stations. 

Whether you are enjoying this holiday as a big family or a small intimate sit down dinner, don't forget to be thankful for what you have. 

Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

5 Must Have Decor Accessories for Fall

Fall is here and it's one of my favorite seasons of the year (Spring is my second). There's something about fall that brings new changes. Maybe it's the start of school, or the new football season, or the rich colors of the leaves outside as they fall to the ground.

If you're like me you want to bring change to your home now that fall is here. Simply add these 5 accessories to help bring the comfort and warmth of the new season!

must have decor accessories for fall

1. Throw

Fall brings colder days and nights therefore, having a throw is convenient to have on hand. However, a throw is not only a cozy accessory on a chilly day but it also adds color and texture to your space - making it a functional & stylish accessory!

for this bedroom suite I draped an orange throw on the brown leather bench for color and texture.

2. Picture Frames

I love picture frames because they turn a simple photograph into a piece of art. Picture frames can be changed periodically with a different image or photo. In my designs I always use different size frames and finishes to add visual interest.

3. Pumpkin Accessories

Pumpkins are not only for jack-o-lanterns. They can be painted and accessorized for a festive touch!

tie a ribbon around a pumpkin for a festive fall touch. 

4. Candles

Candles are my favorite accessory! They instantly add ambiance, a warm glow and a pleasant scent to your space. Tip: If you are using metallic or covered candles consider using flameless operated candles...to be on the safe side.

In this living room design I accessorized this ETAGERE with metallic candle votives using flameless canadles for a worry-free warm glow. 

5. Storage Basket

Storage baskets are a great way to conceal storage. They come in varies sizes based on your needs. Use them to store magazines, paper, kid's toys, extra pillows and blankets. Choose a basket that fits your style. For example, if you have an industrial style, consider using metal wire baskets to store items like catalogs or books. If you have a rustic or traditional style, you may want to use woven baskets with more detail. 

woven baskets

However you decide to enjoy this fall season, be sure to incorporate these small accessories to make a big visual impact to your space.

Need help accessorizing your space? Let's talk! Call me today 610.921.2780.

Here's to enjoying the new season!

Classic & Casual: How to design a balanced space.

As many of you know Georgette Marise Interiors is named after my late grandmother Georgette Belfong and my late mother Suzanne Marise Guillaume. These women played a large role in the development of my own style and why I fell in love with design.

How to Design a balanced space.

Just to give you a little history...my late grandmother Georgette lived in Manhattan during her later years and lived a metropolitan lifestyle. She had an appreciation for timeless decor, classical music and tailored fashion. Being from the Caribbean she spoke fluent French, loved to travel and enjoyed hosting formal dinner parties in her New York apartment. Her style was focused around fine details. 

Georgette is the classic part of the georgette marise style.

My late mother Suzanne Marise, also from the Caribbean, lived both a metropolitan and suburban lifestyle. Her view on style was very casual and simplistic yet sophisticated. Everything she owned was functional and held up to everyday use. Unlike my grandmother, she enjoyed hosting casual (less formal) dinner parties. 

marisE IS THE casual PART OF THE GEORGETTE MARISE STYLE.

Together Georgette & Marise inspired me to develop my own style. As an interior designer, I have an appreciation for a variety of design periods used in the proper manner. I believe design is personal, functional and stylish. Good design should be a reflection of your personality. Georgette & Marise had two different personalities, which I've always admired. As an adult and now mother I have developed a classic & casual style that works with my overall lifestyle.

start with these 3 steps to achieve a balanced designed space.

What is your style? Are you classic, casual or both? Share your style in the comments below, I'd love to know! 

A well balanced space is able to be functional and stylish with a mixture of classic & casual decor. Contact me today at 610.924.2780 to find out how you can have your personality reflected in your space. 

Here's to creating classic & casual spaces!

How to Get the Look of a Luxury Hotel Room

Ever wish your bedroom could look and feel like a clean, relaxing getaway? With just a few decor essentials you can transform your bedroom into a hotel-style bedroom. 

The key to creating a hotel-style bedroom is to remove clutter. You have to make your bedroom a space where you can be yourself and feel pampered. If you have clutter in your bedroom, it's not going to feel like a peaceful oasis. 

Upholstered Headboard. The bed is the focal point of the bedroom. An upholstered headboard can add texture and softness to your bedroom. If you are going to use an upholstered headboard, I would recommend a neutral color (i.e. cream, beige, brown, grey, etc.) to allow for versatility.

Coverlet. Often times in a luxury hotel room the bedding is layered with a duvet, bed sheets and standard pillows in crisp white. The coverlet is the layer that usually is folded and tucked at the foot of the bed and provides the accent to the white base layers. Design Tip: If you have a white base, add a tone-on-tone solid color or pattern print coverlet for interest.

Accent Pillows. Pillows in a bedroom are essential in a bedroom. I personally encourage clients to incorporate 2-3 euro shams and 2-3 different sized decorative pillows for a final touch to setting a bed. This will add dimension, texture and color to your bedding. 

"Pillows are to a room what jewelry is to an outfit." - S. Hayes

Nightstand. Your nightstand is one of the most used table surfaces in the bedroom. Therefore it has to be functional, durable and stylish. The style and design has to shine next to your bed. Design Tip: For a unique look choose a nightstand that contrast with your bed. Just make sure it is proportioned and balanced properly to your bed frame.

Lighting. Lighting is key to any space. Luxury hotel rooms use layers of light sources in each room for efficient, focused and accent lighting such as table lamps, wall sconces and floor lamps. Wall sconces beside the bed frame are a great alternative to table lamps on nightstands. Wall sconces can serve as both task and accent lighting. 

Lastly, hotel rooms use neutral wall colors combined with textured wallpaper like grasscloth to add depth. Neutral wall colors create a fresh and clean base to your color palette. This allows for colorful and interchangeable accessories. 

Creating a luxury hotel style bedroom is all about the details and quality. With the right placement, accents, and finishing touches you can turn your busy and tired bedroom into a relaxing hotel style room. To add a little luxury details to your room contact me today at sabine@georgettemarise.com to get started today. 

Here's to creating a relaxing oasis!

Project Tour: Outdoor Retreat

THAT'S ME ADDING FINISHING TOUCHES TO THIS STYLISH TABLE SETTING. Photography: Simone Merrique

Recently, I had the joy of capturing an outdoor project I decorated through my Votre Chambre design service. This busy family of four lives a very social life and wanted to use their large backyard to fit their needs. They called on a professional landscaper to design and create an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, pavilion, hardscape, landscaping, and outdoor lighting.  Once the hardscape and landscape were complete it was time to design and furnish this multi layered area. 

Dilemma: How to create multi sitting areas while maximizing the seating and making it feel warm, inviting, and comfortable. 

Solution: Since my client wanted an overall comfortable and stylish look I designed a lounge sitting area under the pavilion to seat 6-7 people. In order to accomplish that I used an L-shape sectional with a matching chair and ottoman complimented by a swing chair for an accent. The base was a white outdoor fabric accented by bold colored pillows filled with detailed patterns.

Photography by Simone Merrique

This family loves to entertain intimate dinner parties as well as large gatherings. In order to create a space great for everyday use and large dinner parties I furnished the space near the outdoor kitchen with a bar height bistro table with a stone top and 4 contrasting wicker stools for everyday dining. For a more formal setting I selected a durable rectangular wood-like farm table made of environmentally-friendly Resysta® contrasted by wicker dining chairs.

The color palette was inspired by the bold colors from the pavilion area and colors from the interior of my client's home, also designed by me. Design Tip: Be sure to carry the same style and some colors from the interior of your home. This will help create a smooth transition from the inside to the outside of your home.  

Relaxing fire pit. Photography by Simone Merrique.

With a mood board for inspiration, a complete shopping list for convenience, and a floor plan drawn to scale my client was equip to shop and arrange the furnishings with ease due to the Votre Chambre by Georgette Marise package. So are you ready to start your design project? Let me do the hard part of producing a personalized space for you that is stylish and functional. Click here to get started!

Here's to the final days of summer!

Color. How to Use it Properly when decorating your home.

Color! Some people are terrified of it and others LOVE it! Where do you fall? As an interior designer my clients require guidance on how to apply the appropriate color palette for their home. In most cases, it is common for people to feel overwhelmed when selecting colors on their own to decorate a space.  Color affects your mood and your perception of a space or object.

"Let's embrace your comfort level with color and learn how to incorporate it into your home." 

using color correctly.  PAINT: SW 6379 JERSEY CREAM

Develop a Palette. Every space needs a color palette. A color palette is an index of all the main colors that are selected for the room.  When developing a color palette first decide on which color will be the primary color in the space. I suggest compiling three to five different colors for your space. Let’s create a scenario using a color palette that consist of teal and rust. A great color to add to the palette would be a neutral color, a latte or a butter yellow to balance the two main colors. 

Choosing your Colors.  Ever go to a paint store to find a color to paint your room and feel lost? The good news is that you will only need 3 or 5 colors for your palette. A good exercise when deciding on colors is to find out what colors inspire you and use them in layers. A trade secret that professionals use often is selecting a primary color for the main walls, a secondary color for an accent wall, and a third color for details such as ceiling paint options.

If you are having a hard time finding inspiration flip through some decorating magazines, browse online or take a trip to a furniture showroom to get some ideas on color combinations that they use and make sure to talk to your interior designer to get a professional opinion on colors you selected for your space. If your inspiration piece has more than 5 colors, choose 3 to 5 of those colors to incorporate in your room.

Using Layers of Color. Once you have determined your color palette, you need to make sure that you have light, medium, and dark colors throughout your palette. Your colors can come from your paint, flooring, furniture, or accessories. You might have a color palette that has 5 different colors that compliment each other and has a hint of warm or cool, but if all 5 colors are the same tone or shade this creates a flat, uninteresting color palette. Even if your room were to consist of one color in order for everything in the room to not camouflage you will need to create a palette with light, medium, and dark tones.

"Making sure your palette has light, medium, and dark tones creates dimension and interest to any room."

I used a mixture of light, medium and dark colors to create a well balanced color palette. Paint: SW 6379 Jersey Cream

In this townhouse living room, I used the lighter tones on the walls, ceiling, ottoman and the area rug.  The medium color tones were used in the sofa, pillows and window treatments, and I used the darkest tones in the leather recliner and the wood floors.

Color is an essential piece to decorating and designing any room. It will affect how you see and feel in a room. Using the proper amount of colors creates layers of interest in a space.

USE YOUR COLOR PALETTE.

Are you still feeling stuck with what colors to use on your walls? Are you worried about making a mistake? Choose my Paint Color Suggestions service today and get hand picked color options perfect for your space. Don't forget to leave your comments below.

Here's to decorating with color!

Create a Bedroom Your Kids Will LOVE

Kids bring so much energy, joy and love into a household. It's important that they have a bedroom as a space that reflects their personality. The key word is...THEIR. Yes... your little prince or princess have their own style and personality. It starts at an early age and will change or expand as they get older. When your kids have a space, like their bedroom, that reflects their personality it makes it easy for them to be completely themselves.  Here are some tips to creating a bedroom that your kids will want to grow, learn and have fun in!

Develop a Layout

Have a plan to determine which area in the room is the sleeping area, play area, and homework/reading area. Once you have measured and developed a plan it will make it easier to know where you will place your furniture.

Use Kid Friendly Items

Make sure your kid’s room is an area that your child can be creative and a space that represents their personality. For example, if your son loves outdoors use accessories and earth tone colors like natural browns, sun yellows, or ocean blues that you would find outside. Find ways of bringing the “outdoors in”.

Ask your kids

Since your child is going to be the one using this room the most, it should be a room that reflects him or her. It’s a good idea to ask your kids about what they would like to have in their room before making the final decision. Most kids are visual so one way of finding out what they like is to take them to their favorite store like, a kids clothing store, a kid’s furniture store, a candy store or a toy store. Use some of the elements from their toys, favorite candy, or an outfit they love to come up with a color palette or a theme.

If you need more ideas or assistance for your little one's room? No worries, I 'm here to help. Email your dilemma to me at sabine@georgettemarise.com and I will do my best to assist you in transforming your kid's room into the best space they've ever seen!

Until next time!

How to Decorate a Stunning Small Space

Designing and decorating a space is all about perception, functionality and aesthetics. As I've mentioned in previous posts I believe a space should tell a story by it's design. The best designed spaces are not determined by the square footage but by its success in achieving functionality and style.

If you have a small space like an extra room, a loft area, an office OR maybe you just have a small space like an apartment in the city. You too can have a stunning space! Here are 3 things you should consider when designing a small space.

1. Find the Purpose. I know, I know...I've said this before but it's key to successfully designing a small space. Before you get into a car you have to know your destination, right? It's the same thing here. Ask yourself these questions and be as descriptive as possible. "How do I want to use this space?" Who is this space for?" "How do I want to feel in the space". This is the first step to solving your design needs.

2. Use Multifunctional Pieces. Since you don't have a lot of square footage to work with you should be creative with your furnishings. Use stylish pieces that have more than one function. For example, an ottoman can serve as A) a coffee table by putting a tray on top B) additional seating and C) a footrest. Another example is a console. It can be used as A) a stylish TV stand B) a low bookcase and C) storage.

ideas for decorating a small apartment

3. Scale. Scale. Scale. One of the elements of design is scale. Proper scale is key to creating a well balanced space. Have you ever walked into a room and the sofa was too big that it made the room feel even smaller or have you seen an area rug that looked tiny in comparison to the dining table and chairs? This is because the components were not scaled to each other or to the space as a whole. When you are decorating a small space like a studio or apartment, use pieces like an apartment size sofa accompanied by one or two small yet comfortable accent chairs. Make sure your furnishings highlight the qualities of your space instead of pointing out the negatives.

I personally love the coziness and intimacy that comes from a small space. If designed properly, a small space can be very functional and stylish. Don't get discouraged about the lack of square footage but instead make the most of what you have. 

If you are frustrated and overwhelmed by your space and need assistance picking the right scale furnishings start with my Furniture Layout service. It will make shopping for furniture so much easier. Don't forget to leave your comments below. 

Here's to Stunning Small Spaces!

Relaxing Staycation Ideas

Summer is in full swing and before you know it autumn will be here. If you haven't had the opportunity to squeeze in a weekend getaway or an adventurous vacation staying in is always an option. Consider a staycation by taking some time out for yourself in your own home. Yes...vacation in your own home! Here are some ideas to make your time relaxing.

Start planning your relaxing staycation.

Turn all phones and email off. Okay...maybe keep your phone on in case of an emergency or to take pictures. But after all you are on vacation, not working from home or catching up on the latest current events. Remove yourself from the outside world for just a small period of time. Remember to take care of any unresolved business before your staycation. 

Make babysitting arrangements with relatives or friends if you have children. Even if it's for 2 or 3 days, a few uninterrupted days will help you recharge. 

Have everything done for you. This includes ordering take out from your favorite restaurant and hiring a cleaning service for a couple of hours. 

Surround yourself with your favorite things. When you're caught up in the busyness of work and home life you seldom get the chance to take time to do what you love to do even in your own home. So this is your time to stream your favorite shows, finish reading that book you started, take a moment to sit outside with a cocktail or soak in your tub with some candles. 

Treat yourself to something that you typically would not do. For example, go to a local spa and get a relaxing massage or take a hiking trip on a nearby trail. However you decide to treat yourself it's important to be in the moment and enjoy the small, simple things. 

Life is so short, so make sure you enjoy every moment. In order to BE the best version of YOU, YOU must take care of YOU. Get ready to relax, recharge and regroup. Leave a comment below to share your favorite staycation items.

Here's to a relaxing staycation!

How To Make a Large Impact with a Small Room

Do you have a small room in your home that currently is getting no use like a bonus room, a tiny attic, a spare bedroom, or maybe a room off your basement? Those tiny spaces can sometimes be a challenge to find purpose for. Then when you do find a purpose for them you have no idea where to start decorating. How do you maximize the space AND still make it look beautiful?!!

My hope is that you are able to find use for your space despite the square footage. You can still have a functional AND stylish room even if it's the smallest area in your home. 

1. Find a Purpose. Before you do anything, you must first figure out what you want to use the space for. Is this a room for your kids to play and do homework? Is this an extra bedroom for when guests come to visit? Is this a casual space for the family to watch TV together? Is this an office space for you to pursue your new business venture or for when you have to take work home? Is it all of the above? That's okay too.

Get great use out of your small space.

2. Who is it For? After your determine what the space will be used for, you need to decide who will be using the space. This will determine how the space is designed. Remember that the space should reflect it's occupants. For example, if it will be used as a play room and an area for you to work it would make sense to incorporate multifunctional pieces that are kid friendly and can be used by your kids and yourself.

3. Determine Your Must Haves. Based on what the space will be used for and who will be using it, write down a few must haves that are needed to get the most function out of the space. For example, if you have an extra bedroom that you use as a home office but need to also use it as a guest room some of your must haves might be a bed, a desk or laptop table, and some form of storage. 

4. Layout the Space. Once you've determined your purpose, your occupants, and your must haves it's time to put it all on paper. This is where working with a designer can save you a lot of time, energy and headache. Poor planning leads to mistakes, returns and frustration so make sure you take the time to layout the space properly. Take a basic measurement (width, length, ceiling height) of your space or room then draw it on paper (use graph paper to make it easier). Be sure to note all doors, openings, windows, outlets, and vents. Start with your largest piece of furniture needed (e.i. a bed, a desk, a sofa, etc.) and draw it in. After you have drawn your largest furnishings, continue adding your remaining must haves. Need help? Add my online Furniture Layout service from my À La Carte menu.

rough sketch of a multifunctional space

5. Think Multifunctional. If you are decorating a small space and want to maximize every square footage you have, you must think of every furnishing as dual use. Back to the home office and guest room example, instead of getting a large full or queen size bed that will only be used occasionally think about getting a sofa bed or a day bed. This will allow you to have a sitting area if you have work guests (without it feeling like a bedroom) while providing a comfortable resting area for when you do host guests.

Don't allow the size of your space make you feel as though you can not achieve a functional & stylish design. With these 5 suggestions you will be on your way to making your smallest space in your home feel like the most functional. Comment below on what you would like to use your smallest room for. Can't wait read them! I am here to help, so if you need assistance with determining what type of furnishing will work best in your space start with my online Furniture Layout service today!

Here's to amazing small spaces!

3 Reasons Why You Need a Beverage Station At Your Next BBQ

As you can already tell, I am a big fan of entertaining outdoors. With summer here and BBQ full in gear, this is the perfect opportunity to share about why you should have a beverage station at your next BBQ. A beverage station is a self-serve bar that offers your guests an assortment of drinks beautifully presented. You may be thinking...why do I need a beverage station?

1. Less Work For You. When you are hosting a party, there are a handful of things you are worrying about. Answering questions like "Do you have anything to drink?" or "Can I have some water?" doesn't have to be one of them. Every beverage (both spiked and non-alcoholic) offered are beautifully displayed for your guests to choose. Tip: Be sure to label all your beverages (especially the spiked ones) so you don't have to answer the question, "What is this?". Also, be sure to provide adhesive labels and markers for your guests to write their names on their glasses.

2. Adds Another Level of Aesthetics. A beautifully arranged beverage station can make the simplest item seem luxurious--even bottled water! Tip: Instead of throwing water bottles in the cooler at your next party, try removing the bottle labels and line them up in rows next to a bucket of ice for an elevated look. To take it even further, don't forget to add fresh fruits like apples, lemons, or strawberries as decor by simply propping them to your drink dispensers (make sure to choose fruits that are incorporated in the beverages).

Line up bottles of water on your serving table for an elevated look.

3. Makes Your Guests Happy. A beverage station allows your guests to easily select a refreshing drink of their choice instead of searching through multiple coolers for the last bottle of sparkling juice. Tip: Encourage your guests to customize their drinks by combining multiple beverages to their liking (e.i. ginger ale, juice, and a little rum are my favorite combination!).

With just a few key pieces and a little arranging, your next outdoor party can be the event your guests will be talking about for months and years to come! Don't forget to share your comments below and subscribe to my mailing list so you don't miss out on any more blog postings!

Here's to great outdoor parties...Cheers!

Sabine's Favorite Pins of Relaxing Patios

Summer is the season where everyone is a little more laid back, the kids are off from school, the weather is warm, people are enjoying vacations, the pool is open and the grill is fired up! It's a season that allows us to enjoy time outdoors (especially if you live in the northeast section of the States where we have cold winters). 

It's always nice to be able to extend your living spaces outdoors. As a designer, I always tell my clients that it's not about the square footage of your space but what you do with the square footage you have. You can have a large backyard but if it's not functional or aesthetically pleasing what's the point of having it. Your space should be BOTH functional and stylish according to your needs.

the perfect patio in my opinion

Some of my favorite patios are spaces that are personal, private, relaxing & comfortable. The perfect patio to me is an outdoor space that allows me to unwind on a comfortable chair with a glass of wine after a long day AND one that serves as entertaining space for dining and socializing with guests. So here are my top favorite Pins of relaxing patios this summer!

What I love about this patio are the string lights that are dripping from the tree branches. The setting is intimate with individual chairs yet festive enough to host an outdoor party.

This patio is simple yet stylish! The raw wood benches are accented by striped cushions and large chocolate pillows. The seating area is nicely anchored by a substantial size concrete table complimented by lanterns and a potted plant for greenery. 

This patio is a great example of a multi functional space. The swings steal the design for me! This is a fun idea for kids but can be enjoyed by adults as well. The space is broken up well into a seating area with sofas, swings and ottomans covered by draped fabric on a pergola. On the other side it also hosts a long dining table for a relaxing dinner party. How lovely!

This patio/backyard space is a unique approach to movie night. The soft, outdoor chaises under the string lights and lanterns make this space cozy and relaxing! Plus, how can you beat movie night outside!

The hammock creates the focal point for this small and intimate patio. The dark, modern fence give this patio much needed privacy in an urban setting.

This backyard has it all! The beautiful landscape is designed around the center pool. The pool is the focal point but the other areas in this patio add additional function. In case you aren't swimming in the pool you have the option of reading a book by the fireplace or having a bite to eat at the bistro table by the pool. 

This last patio truly feels like the extension of a living room. The window is highlighted as an architectural feature with the image of the panel draped to the side on the interior. The wicker and distressed wood furniture creates a warm and welcoming ambiance on a sunny day.

No matter if you have a small balcony outside your condo, a small block of pavement outside your row home in the city or a large yard over looking a private forest in the suburbs you can create a relaxing, private patio that works for YOUR needs.

Don't know where to start or how to create a relaxing patio space? Choose a votre chambre by GEORGETTE MARISE package and everything you need including a complete layout drawn to scale, a shopping list and key steps to create your own relaxing space outdoors. Hurry, before summer passes by!!!

For more relaxing patio ideas follow me on Pinterest! 

Here's to a relaxing summer!

How to Decorate a Beach Themed Room

So summer is almost here! June 20th marks the first day of summer. If you're like me you look forward to putting your feet up, enjoying the warm weather, entertaining outdoors and taking occasional trips to the beach this time of year. Bring beach inspired ideas into your space to reflect a more relaxed, calm, and casual mood during this summer season. 

Decorate a beach themed room

If you love the beach like I do and want to create a calm space inspired by the beach start with an inspiration piece. In this mood board the inspiration was the serene artwork. I pulled the entire color palette from the artwork and built a design for a living space.  

Beach themed mood board

Paint. I selected a soft mint green color for the walls as a base. This color was pulled from the multiple tones in the sky illustrated in the artwork. 

Sofa. I selected a golden tan colored sofa from the colors of the sun kissed sand. 

Accent Chair. The armless chair adds a pop of color to this design. I pulled the teal color from the darker shades of the water. 

Chandelier. The shell chandelier adds a touch of sheen and elegance to this casual space. The sun settling down behind the clouds in the artwork was the inspiration to selecting this beautiful light fixture.

Accessories. The mixture of a sisal rug and contrasting accent pillows bring interest and texture. The accessories were inspired by the many natural elements found on the beach.

You can create your own unique beach themed space based on your inspiration. The key is not to go over the top "beachy", but to add elements that remind you of the beach. Finding your inspiration is half the battle, but once you've found it you are well on your way. 

Want your own mood board but have no idea where to start? Select my Inspiration Board and get customized paint color suggestions, furniture style ideas with fabric and finish suggestions to get you started on your way. Not ready to take on a design project? No problem, the Inspiration Board is meant just to give you ideas that reflect your style so when you are ready to begin your project you have a head start.

Share some of your favorite beach inspirations with me below in the comments! Can't wait to hear what you're inspired by.

Here's to a relaxing summer!

Top 7 Responses from Dads About Their Dream Man Cave

So last month was Mother's Day and I had the pleasure of writing about how grateful I am for having a mother that made me into the woman I am today. This month however, is Father's Day and instead of suggesting cool gift ideas I wanted to ask a group of some of the best dads I know what they would want in their dream man cave. This group of dads range from all backgrounds, ages and occupations. Some of them are brand new dads entering the new world of parenting and some are empty nesters who have become grandfathers.

"Anyone can be a FATHER, but it takes someone special to be a DAD..." - Wade Boggs

Dads are awesome and need an area in the home where they can pause and relax a.k.a the Man Cave. I asked these group of dads to dream a little and share what their top must haves would include if they had their dream man cave (just in case you wanted to add any to your gift list for Father's Day). Moms-here are their top responses starting from the most popular. Of course I added my design tips to their responses. So Enjoy!

What is a Man Cave?

1. Big Flat Screen TV/Projector. I would usually not recommend the tv as the focal point but in the case of a man cave this can be an attractive focal point if displayed properly. Tip: Try mounting your flat screen on the wall with a mural wallpaper of your favorite theme as the background (e.i. a sport's field, outdoor landscape, etc.). This is one way to make your tv part of the design and it adds visual interest when the tv isn't on. 

2. Bar with Beer Taps. This was a popular answer. One dad even included a root beer tap for the kids-I thought was awesome! The perfect bar is always stocked with dad's favorite adult drinks, a small sink, mini fridge and a microwave. Tip: If you are handy, build your own bar and add a couple leather or metal stools for an inviting, unique look. Please avoid purchasing a bar set with matching stools-this is the chance to be eclectic and different.

What's a bar without a beer tap?

3. Pool Table/Game Area/Card Table. Depending on dad's preferred hobbies he might want a specific area in the man cave for a pool table, a card/poker table or an area for video games. It's all based on the preferences of the dad since it's his space.

4. Jersey Display/Sports Memorabilia. This is the area that is the most personal. If dad is a big sports fan or was an athlete in his younger days than this is an important component to his cave. The best way to showcase his favorite team or to cherish his old sports jersey is to have them framed. The frames don't have to match but should be similar in style if you have more than one. Tip: To display any personal awards or autographed items use 2 or 3 floating shelves hung at eye level for a modern and sleek look.  

5. Leather Recliner. You can't have a great man cave without a comfortable seat for the man of the house, right? What is more comfortable than a soft, leather recliner? This can range from an individual reclining chair, a sectional with connected recliners or reclining theater seating. From someone who has worked in the furniture industry, I can personally tell you that when it comes to recliners buy quality if you want it to last. Tip: There are so many options with recliners (e.i. power reclining, massage options, etc) so be sure to ask your sales associate for details. 

6. Workout Equipment. If staying fit is important and part of dad's lifestyle than this is absolutely a must. The equipment doesn't have to take a large portion space but can be easily incorporated into a corner OR it can be the dominant factor of the man cave whichever dad prefers. Tip: If you want to add a workout area and have an open floor plan, paint an accent wall to visually separate this area from the rest of the cave.

7. Studio Space. Is dad an artist, musician or any other form of creator? Being a creative person myself I understand loving your craft. Having a separate area to create or be inspired (outside of work and home life) can be the perfect excuse for a man cave. Dad can combine his studio space with a recliner, large tv and surround sound...what more can you ask for! Tip: Storage and organization will be key here. Add freestanding cabinets, shelving units, a large work table and tool chests to maximize the use of the space. 

creating a studio space as part of your man cave is a great option for musicians, artists, designers, etc. 

Overall, I was really impressed by how detailed these responses were. That made me realize how most dads CRAVE a space of their own. Let's appreciate the dad's in our lives not only this Father's Day but everyday because of the important role they play in our children's lives, the role they've played in our lives and others around them. 

If you want to SURPRISE dad this Father's Day by creating his dream man cave or even add to his existing man cave email me TODAY at sabine@georgettemarise.com or call me at 610.924.2780 to get started! Disclaimer: If you are planning to "surprise" dad with a man cave, it's wise to consult a professional for assistance. 

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful dads out there!

P.S. For more Man Cave ideas check out my favorite designs and room concepts on Pinterest.

How To Add Pops of Colors to Your Home This Summer

I always love the change in seasons, because it brings another opportunity for something new and fresh. Whether it's going from winter to spring, spring to summer, summer to fall, or fall to winter it changes our style of living. With spring ending and summer at our door, this is the time to enjoy entertaining outdoors, embracing the warmer weather, taking vacation trips, and dressing in summer fashion to name a few.

Summer is also an opportunity to freshen up your living spaces with pops of color that are vibrant and cheerful (the way we should be feeling in the summertime). Here are some simple ways you can add pops of color to your home this summer.

Switch your Pillows. Accent pillows are the best accessory to any room. It has the power to change the look of a piece of furniture by it's pattern, shape, texture, or color palette. Switch out your earth tone colored pillows for bright, colorful pillows. Tip: Be sure it compliments the color and fabric of your furnishings. For example, if you have a dark blue sofa add a bright orange pillow for the summer.

These accent pillows add color to the neutral sofa and compliments the vibrant colors in the artwork.

Change your Area Rug. An area rug has the power to define a space and can unite different furnishings that would not ordinarily work together. Tip: Measure the area that you would like to define and determine the appropriate size rug you will need. It's important to have the right size rug for your space-not too big and not too small. 

This orange area rug contrasts well with the dark blue sofa and brings out the orange accents in the accent pillows.

Add Colorful Accessories. Adding colorful accessories can be as simple as switching out your artwork above your sofa, adding a colored tray to your coffee table or a colorful vase to your fireplace mantle. Tip: If your large pieces like your sofa or chairs have a color palette choose light-toned neutral accessories like whites and cremes to brighten the room.

This teal textured vase adds a pop of color against the gray vases.

These are quick and easy changes that can freshen a room's appearance. 

Share pictures of ways you are going to add pops of color throughout your home on Facebook or Instagram by including #PopsOfColor. Tag a friend in your post and you can WIN a chance to get a 30 minute Design Call with me!

Here's to a bright & cheerful summer!

P.S. Need a little design inspiration specifically for YOUR space? Get my online Inspiration Board TODAY to get you started on ideas that would look best in YOUR space.

7 Essentials for Entertaining Outdoors

There's something about being outdoors with the sun shining and a slight breeze in the air that brings a sense of calmness. After a series of cloudy, rainy days the smallest hint of sunlight brings a smile to my face! Once the weather warms up people are always excited to get their outdoor furniture and sit outside. With Memorial Day weekend a few days away the official start of summer is upon us.

Sunshine brings happiness.

Just like our interior spaces our outdoor spaces need to be transformed into functional and stylish areas. Our exterior spaces should be a reflection of our interior. If you're like me and love to entertain guests, why stop inside? Create a warm, welcoming and comfortable environment in your exterior spaces for your guests. 

No matter what size your yard/deck/patio you can host a great get together or party outdoors that will have your guests enjoying themselves. Here are 7 essentials to start with. 

Essentials for entertaining outdoors 

1. Outdoor Furniture. Determine how you are going to use your outdoor space before choosing your furniture. Are you going to be hosting formal dinner parties outdoors or casually hanging out with friends and family over your favorite barbecue? Choose your dining table first then select dining chairs that contrast or compliment your table. This will add more visual interest than buying from a "set", where everything matches.
2. Drinks/Cocktails. Make a refreshing signature cocktail or non-alcoholic drink that will have your guests asking for more. Having a signature drink will save you time & money by eliminating the need to have a menu of beverages. You can make a large container and serve it in a simplistic glass pitcher or an elegant dispenser for guests to serve themselves. 
3. Lounge Seating. Lounge furniture is exactly how it sounds. It should be welcoming, comfortable, and casual. Be sure to select a configuration that will fit well in your space. For example, if you have a small patio select a sofa, chair and ottoman as oppose to squeezing a sectional into the space. This will make your guests feel uncomfortable and awkward.
4. Grill. You can't entertain outdoors and not have a grill. My husband is personally a charcoal grill fan so we do not use gas grills in our household. With that said, whichever grill you decide to use in your space be sure to strategically position the grill in a designated area fairly close to the dining area so you can still socialize with your guests while cooking. If you are installing a full outdoor kitchen I recommend having an island with a built-in grill and surface space for maximum efficiency. 
5. Fire Pit. There's something cozy about sitting around a fire pit shortly after the sun sets and watching the fire burn, that brings people together. I personally love the smell of burning firewood. Make sure you use quality firewood like hickory, mesquite, alder, oak or fruit woods like apple and cherry wood for a great wood fragrance.
6. String Lights. String Lights are my favorite decorative element to an outdoor event. It can transform and liven any backyard into a festive space! You hang them in straight lines from one end of your yard to another by securing them on tree branches, poles, or across your pergola. String lights are also a great solution to highlighting a specific area like your deck or patio.
7. Potted Greenery. Bring a natural element to your outdoor space by adding potted plants and greenery. Your yard may be filled with grass, bushes, shrubs, and trees but it still needs accent plants directly incorporated into your entertaining space. It can be as simple as a set of 3 planters at different heights filled with annual flowers next to your lounge seating or a small flower pot as a centerpiece on your dining table. This will add color and texture to your space. Tip: If you live in the city with a small courtyard as your outdoor space, consider adding a wooden pallet filled with small pots to a wall for greenery and exterior wall decor.  

using an island with a built-in Grill allows you to cook and still socialize with your guests. island: woodland direct

Share in the comments below your favorite part of your backyard, I would love to know! 

Do you want to host a fabulous outdoor party but don't know where to start? Do you want to be able to just enjoy your outdoor space? Let me create a relaxing and fun outdoor space that you and your family can use and show off. Email me at sabine@georgettemarise.com to get started before summer comes and goes!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Easy Steps to Creating a Mom Cave

As a mother you wear many hats whether you are a stay at home mom or a working mom. Your job as a mother is ongoing and doesn't allow for a break. A lot of times you have to create a break to regroup, re-energize and refresh. This is where the Mom Cave comes in. 

"A Mom Cave is a small, personal space where the lady of the house can go to relax and enjoy her special time away from the family."

You're probably asking yourself, "How in the world am I going to find a space for myself when every area in the house is taken?".  Well, I've put together some helpful steps, must-haves and creative design tips to help you create your special retreat.

Select a Room. Before you can create a Mom Cave you must first select a room or space in your home. It should be a space that is private and off limits. The laundry room and kitchen are NOT options for a Mom Cave. My personal Mom Cave is a small room in the basement that no one uses except me. My family knows it as mommy’s area. Here are some ideas of areas in your home that you may want to consider.

• an extra bedroom
• a vanity area or small corner in your master bedroom
• a large walk-in closet
• an area in the basement
• an area in the attic
• a bonus room
• an area in the backyard
• the balcony or deck
• the porch
• a home office, primarily used by you
• the garage or large shed converted to a finished space

Add Seating. Once you select a room or space you should think about what type of seating you will incorporate. Seating will be the largest piece of furniture in the space. Depending on how you use the space, an ottoman or bench can work for a small area. However, if you have a space that can take more seating you may want to consider a comfortable chaise or recliner to use as your primary seat.

For an entire room consider furnishing your Mom Cave with a sofa or sectional for your occasional girlfriends that stop by. Keep in mind the size of the space will determine the scale and selection of the furniture. Create a welcoming environment by incorporating soft textiles to your seating combined with tranquil colors and patterns.

Use Tables. If your space allows, use side tables to create balance. I recommend using unique pieces as tables. This is your chance to let your style and personality shine! Cluster 2 or 4 cube ottomans to put your feet up or place a tray to create a table top surface. These pieces will add a sense of story and character to your room. Add a desk or a small dining table to use as a functional surface for sewing, making crafts, creating scrapbooks or writing.  

Include Artwork/Accessories/Lighting/Paint Colors.  Ever walk into a room with nothing on the walls? It doesn’t feel complete, right? Artwork and accessories are one of the most important components to decorating a well designed space. These accent pieces make the room polished and feel complete.

Use different forms of seating (sectional w/ chaise, armless chairs, arm chairs, etc.) to create a comfortable, casual environment.

Make sure your artwork flows with the style or theme of your room. It should complement the colors in your room. For example, if you have tan colored Mom Cave think of adding a pop of teal through the artwork and accessories. You can also create a picture collage with you and your loved ones by clustering artwork ½ inch - 1 inch apart, this will add a personal touch to the room. Try using your favorite vacation pictures or a beautiful landscape. Don’t forget to add candles and accent lighting to your room for ambiance. For paint color, select a rich tone that is soothing to the eye or add wallpaper to make a statement. 

Incorporate your favorite color and add it's contrast color for visual interest. 

Incorporate things that you love to do. Your Mom Cave should be filled with things that you love, enjoy and that exclusively represents YOU! As a mom myself, I love to have everyday pictures of my kids or pictures of vacation trips we took as a family on my desk when I am writing because they truly inspire me. 

If your passion is reading, add a bookcase or a woven basket to store magazines. If you love to watch movies or listen to music add a unique cabinet that can hold a flat screen television and an iPod for music.

Cozy up with your favorite books and some candles in your mom cave.

Remember it’s important to determine if this space is going to be just for you to curl up with a book and coffee or a space where you may want to have girlfriends over for cocktails. 

The options to creating and designing your Mom Cave are endless! However, if the thought of adding one more thing to your to-do list is overwhelming and already has you stressed, let me help. I enjoy working one-on-one with families, especially women to help them design personal spaces that are beautiful and functional. Let's work together! It will be fun and you'll LOVE the end result!

Remember, it’s all about YOU so make sure to fill your Mom Cave with love, memories, and inspiration. Leave a comment below and tell me what you would do in your Mom Cave!

Here's to having a space of your own!

CLICK HERE and let's start designing your Mom Cave together!

Q & A: Budgeting for your Home Remodeling Project

As an interior designer before I begin a design project one of the most important questions I ask a potential client is about their budget. Yes...the B word. Discussing budgets can be an uncomfortable topic of discussion, but it is the first step to developing a successful, transforming design from start to finish. 

Today I am talking with Pari Hashemi, CFP®, CRPC® who is a Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors. She works one on one with her clients to help them reach their financial goals and look at the overall picture of what they are trying to achieve. Whether you are trying to save money to buy a new house, looking for financing options to expand the square footage of your home, or remodeling your home to sell because you are looking to retire and need to downsize, Pari is an expert at developing strategic plans to meet your financial goals.

Pari shares some helpful aspects to think about before starting your project.

Sabine: What do you like most about what you do?

Pari: I sincerely enjoy being able to help people make a sense of their financial situations and make a plan for their future. It can be overwhelming so being able to provide some direction can help! 

Sabine: What would you recommend as the best option financially for a homeowner that is looking to start a renovation project right now?

Pari: The best option for this is going to depend on the individual's situation, what their goals are and expectations for the home. Before you dive into a project look at the overall picture. Look at the opportunity cost.

Sabine: How does someone looking to renovate their home begin to set a budget?

Pari: They should look at the project as a whole. Give yourself a buffer in case something unexpected happens. Prioritize the need to do items versus the want to do items.

Sabine: What is the WORST thing financially that a homeowner can do when they are looking to start a renovation project?

Pari: 

• Underestimate their budget.
• Not understanding that the process takes time.

Be realistic with the cost and give yourself a buffer. There are some areas that you can save. Hire people when it comes to structural changes. It might make sense to hire an interior designer to help you look at the overall picture to save you money.

Sabine: Many people are reluctant to share their working budgets with a design professional, architect or contractor at the start of a project because they are scared of the professional going over budget. Do you recommend that it is a good idea to be upfront with your working budget or try to be passive and spend as you go? Why?

Pari: It's always a good idea to be realistic. It's in the designer's capacity to be able to design around the realm of the budget instead of designing something you cannot afford.

Sabine: What are 3 important tips that can help a homeowner renovate their home without going broke?

Pari:

1. Shopping for bargain items that would still fit in the house. For instance, some of the decorations you may not want to pay for versus a nice couch that you will have for years.
2. Working with someone that will save you money in the long run. For instance a design specialist that can look at the whole project and break it down into affordable pieces for you. Also, if they know your budget they will keep you in line with spending.
3. Don't get ahead of yourself. Don't try to take on too much at once or it will just cost you. Take each part of the project piece by piece or work with someone that will keep you on track.

Sabine: Additional costs always happen in renovation projects, how important is it to add extra costs and/or fees into the budget?

Pari: Have additional costs of approximately 20% set aside included in the budget for emergency. 

Have questions for Pari? Email her at pari.hashemi@wellsfargoadvisors.com. Leave a comment below and share this with a friend!

Here's to staying on budget!

Gift Guide: Stylish Mother's Day Gift Ideas

"A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take."  -unknown

Happy Mother's Day

There are so many holidays that are celebrated throughout the year, but none of them are as emotional as Mother's Day. A mother's role is to nurture, guide and make sure everyone is united and taken care of in the household. As a mother myself to a 21 month old son and a 5 year old daughter I now appreciate the loving, patient, smart, and beautiful mother I had because it's not an easy role to accomplish. My mother, the late Suzanne Marise, is the reason I am the woman that I am today. Read my bio to find out why. 

"There's nothing like showing a token of gratitude and acknowledgement to someone that deserves it." 

As we celebrate our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and any other woman that may have filled the shoes of our mothers this Mother's Day lets be grateful for the impact they have been in our lives. There's nothing like showing a token of gratitude and acknowledgement to someone that deserves it. 

Take some time and reflect on how you can show the mother in your life that you appreciate her. Your token of appreciation can be words of affirmation, a gift, or quality time. It should be from the heart and whatever you feel would put a smile on her face. If you need some inspiration check out some my Gift Guide for ideas on what to get the mom in your life.

As an extra bonus, here's a gesture that is never under appreciated: breakfast in bed! Dad's...if you have small children you can have them participate or if you're an empty nester this is a small and simple gesture that will let mom know you were thinking of her.

Give mom breakfast in bed

Looking for something to do Mother's Day weekend? Join us Saturday, May 7th at 11am for a Design Workshop on adding Function & Style to your kitchen and dining area. Come with mom, grandmom, auntie, your sister, your daughter or a girl friend. It will be a fun time filled with visual examples, informative tools and lots of design tips from designers! Click here to register today. Hurry, space is limited!

Like this article? Want more? Subscribe to my email list to get articles delivered right to your inbox every week! Click here>>http://eepurl.com/bDC_lb. 

Have a wonderful and blessed Mother's Day to all the fellow mothers out there!

P.S. Hey moms! Share in the comments below some of your favorite mother's day gifts from previous years. I would love to hear them!