February 02, 2016

Must Haves to Decorate your Closet

February 02, 2016/ Sabine Hayes

It's a New Year and that means it's time to get organized. Whether you have a tiny closet or a large walk in closet you can have a beautifully designed space that is an extension of your bedroom. An organized closet showcases your wardrobe by incorporating beautiful finishes and accessories. Here are some must haves for decorating your closet.

Decor Items that will help organize your closet

Area Rug/Carpet. Compliment your closet storage system or furniture by adding a large area rug or wall to wall carpet. This will help create a relaxed look in your closet.
Lighting. Lighting is key in any room but especially in your closet. Add a chandelier if space permits to add a decorative touch to the space. Accent lighting may also be needed to highlight your wardrobe.
Hangers. Use the same style hangers throughout your closet, this will create consistency. Make sure you use quality hangers that will support your clothing.
Drawer Organizers. Keep your socks, personal items and jewelry clutter free with drawer organizers. Knowing where to find your items saves you so much time and frustration.
Drawer Hardware. Adding hardware to your drawers can serve as a decorative and functional accessory to your drawers.
Mirror. Just like every clothing boutique has a mirrors, every closet should have a mirror of some form. Use a floor mirror to look at your outfit in whole but if space doesn't allow make sure to add a small accent mirror on a wall or table surface.
Storage Basket & Bin. A closet is meant for storage, however it doesn't have to look boring. Use large color fabric bins with lids for storing larger items and small baskets with labels for storing smaller items.

Redefine your storage space by turning it into the closet of your dreams!

Need help solving your storage dilemma? Purchase our Furniture Layout or Inspiration Board to get started!

January 23, 2016

His & Hers: How to Create a Space That Will Reflect Both Styles

January 23, 2016/ Sabine Hayes

Do you and your spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend have disagreements about "her style" or "his style"? Do you wish there was a way to have your home look both masculine and feminine? As an interior designer I often sit down with couples who struggle to find a balance between masculine & feminine decor. Can a room really be both? The answer is YES!

"In order to break the rules of design, you must first know what the rules are."

What do you think of when you picture a feminine room? Light & cheerful colors, florals, curvilinear lines, soft & plush pillows, vases, and lots of details.

What do you think of when you picture a masculine room? Rich & dark colors, stripes & plaids, straight forward lines, texture, and very few details.

Want to know how to combine both a masculine & feminine look, while still showcasing your individual styles? This is where hiring a professional designer can save you a lot of headache, stress and arguments. Here are some some key points to keep in mind.

Discuss Your Likes and Dislikes. If one of you dislikes plaids and the other dislikes greens, don't incorporate plaids or greens into the design. Often times it's easier to start with what you DON'T like before figuring out what you DO like. Once the two of you figure out what you dislike, find common ground on what the both you like. For example, if comfort is important make sure you both shop for seating together. I had a client who had to have a wingback, leather reclining chair to watch t.v. That was the only item in the living room he cared about. So one of the first things I did was find the perfect location in the layout for his chair and started shopping for a wingback chair.

In this design, the husband loved grays, browns, leather and wanted an industrial looking light fixture. The wife on the other hand loved pinks, florals and small details. So I married the two likes by incorporating a grey fabric sofa accented by soft, rose colored geometric pillows accompanied with a brown leather chair and a soft pink colored throw draped on the arm. I also used a cream and teal geometric pattern area rug on top of their existing walnut hardwood floors. I added a floral wall art and grey colored grommet panels for a more masculine look. I also added an industrial inspired ceiling fixture to add a modern, yet vintage element.

Compromise. Being in a relationship is all about compromising, right? Well, same thing with designing a room with more than one person involved. You have to meet in the middle. Once you know what your likes are, prioritize them into a "must have" list. Take your "must have" list to your designer so she can incorporate them into the design.

Bring It All Together. After you find common ground, find things that will compliment each other. For example, if you have a black leather sofa use soft, patterned pillows with a light tone area rug to add contrast and a little feminine touch. It's all about pulling all the components that the both of you love.

To save you time, headache, and stress call me today at 610.921.2780 or email me at sabine@georgettemarise.com to start on the room of your dreams!

January 13, 2016

5 Things You Should Do When Working with an Interior Designer

January 13, 2016/ Sabine Hayes

Do you go through pictures on Houzz, Pinterest, or Home Decor Magazines thinking, "Why can't my home look and feel like that?" or "That room is beautiful! How did they do that?". Most likely they used the assistance of a professional interior designer or decorator.

Your home should be a reflection of your personality. How do you achieve that and make your home look beautiful and be functional at the same time? Hire a professional! A professional interior designer will allow your personality to shine while taking your lifestyle, space, and budget in consideration. It is important to hire a designer that you will enjoy working with. A great designer achieves more than a beautiful space, they change the way you LIVE in your home.

Here are some things I suggest to all my clients that they do prior and during our working relationship.

1. Ask your Designer Questions

If you've never worked with a designer before, you probably have a lot of questions as to how they work. When working with a designer, there's always a process. Ask what the process is so you know what to expect. As designers we never want to create surprises for our clients. Don't assume if there's something you're unsure about, just ask. Have questions about our services? CLICK HERE

2. Have a Budget

Unless you have an unlimited budget, plan ahead of how much you can afford to spend on your total project from beginning to end. Many designers charge by the hour, percentage, or by project, so have an idea of how much you can afford and let your designer know that. The worst mistake, is when you tell a designer that you don't have a budget and they design a beautiful project that costs 30k and you only have 10k to spend. That will waste the designer's time and you'll be mad that you can't have what they presented.

3. Communicate

You and your designer are a team, so if there is something you're unsure about make sure you communicate exactly what you mean. Many of my clients have their own idea of a style or design they saw, sometimes the best way to communicate something specific is through pictures from magazines.

4. Do Research

Find out more about your designer and their background. Have they been formally trained with a degree in interior design or architecture? How many years experience to they have? Are they a designer or decorator, there is a difference.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DECORATOR & INTERIOR DESIGNER

A decorator is a creative professional who can accessorize and change any surface to make it look aesthetically pleasing. An interior designer is professionally trained to design a space from beginning to its completion. They take into account structural elements, lighting and functionality of an interior.

Here are some other ideas to research. Do they have a website and portfolio? Do they have referrals? What is their specialty? Are they a full-service company with a team of workers? These are all questions that you should ask when hiring a decorator/designer or company.

5. Trust your Designer

You have paid money for a professional, tell them your needs for your space, your likes and dislikes...now it's time to allow your designer to gather all of your information, add their expertise, and produce a functional and beautiful space that reflects you!

Ready to get your project started? Contact me TODAY at 610.924.2780 or sabine@georgettemarise.com to begin the process to achieving your dream space!

What to find out more tips, suggestions, and ideas? Subscribe to our newsletter!

January 06, 2016

5 Items Under $75 that can Change any Living Room

January 06, 2016/ Sabine Hayes

Happy New Year! Are you ready for a change? It's a New Year so why not spruce up one of the rooms in your home. Let's start with your Living Room! Let's create a new look that reflects your style. Here are some great updates that can change any living room without spending tons of money.

Change your layout. Switching the layout or setup of your existing furniture is one way of giving your room a new look. If your room allows, place your longest piece of furniture (usually the sofa) on the longest wall. This will improve the flow and traffic pattern of the room. FREE

Paint.Paint.Paint. Changing or adding paint to the walls is one of the least expensive ways to create a completely new look to any room. Decide on the mood you want to achieve. For example, to create a relaxing, yet inviting living room think of sage greens or taupes. Since you are using your existing furniture, use some of the colors from your sofa, chairs, and/or loveseat. $30 - 60 gallon

Pillows. Pillows are a key accessory to any room. They can add color, texture, and prints to enhance a room. If you want a new look add a pair of pillows on your sofa and/or a small kidney pillow on an accent chair, if you have one. Don’t be afraid to blend different pillows together. For example, if you are using a swirl pattern pillow on the sofa use a woven textured pillow alongside it to add a contrast. $25 & up

Display of accent pillows designed by sabine.

Lamps. Lighting is key to any room, especially the living room where you have company over and where the family gathers. Although your living room may have a ceiling lighting fixture or recessed lights, it is important to add lamps as a task lighting source. Lamps also add to the overall design of the room. Choose a floor lamp to place beside an accent chair and two table lamps on each end table beside your sofa. For a contemporary room, choose a lamp with a rectangular or round shade. For a more traditional room, choose a lamp with a bell shade. If your room is half contemporary and half traditional choose a simple shade like a round or rectangular with a detailed base. $30 & up

Wall Decor. Other than the furniture, the second place that stands out to the eyes are the walls. What you put on your walls and how it is hung defines the style and design of your living room. Focus on the largest or longest wall space in the room and add a collage of family pictures or place a set of 2 - 3 pieces of artwork. Make sure you hang your artwork at eye level, which is typically 4 ½ - 5 feet from the floor depending on the ceiling height. $40 & up

grouping of artwork designed by sabine. looking for custom artwork? LEt us make one for your space. custom artwork. — grouping of artwork designed by sabine. looking for custom artwork? LEt us make one for your space. **custom artwork.**

Start the New Year with a fresh new Living Room!

Need more help? Let us design your living room with paint colors, furniture layout and a shopping list all for one FLAT RATE. Get your votre chambre by GEORGETTE MARISE TODAY! >>Click here to choose your package.

December 30, 2015

Celebrate the New Year with these Sparkling Decorations

December 30, 2015/ Sabine Hayes

There are many options of how you can bring in the New Year, but my favorite way to celebrate is to gather with loved ones in a personal space. I love hosting people at my house with laughter, music, food and drinks. To make the gathering even more festive I love to dress up the house with glamorous decor to compliment my existing Christmas decorations.

Here are some sparkling decorations to use for your New Year's Eve party!

Streamers. Hang black, white and silver streamers from the ceiling to create a cheerful, fun setting. Fill the room with floating balloons and hang the attached ribbons to have the same effect.

2016 Decorated Bottles. To create the New Year party theme make your own decorations with 2016. Spray empty wine bottles in gold with sparkling, gold ribbon hanging from the top then glue gold painted 2-0-1-6 numbers to the individual bottles.

New Year Headband. Start the festivities as your guests enter your home by welcoming them with a sparkling Happy New Year headband.

Wine Glasses & Serving Tray. Greet your guests with a cocktail served on a shiny tray to help them feel welcomed.

Disposable Dinnerware. Gracious Home - New York offers designer friendly, disposable dinnerware to add elegance to your party. Create a formal look without the work of doing dishes.

Happy New Year Ornament. Compliment your existing Christmas ornaments with Happy New Year ornaments. Place them on your tree, garland, or party table for decoration.

Countdown Tumbler Glasses. For a fun way to countdown the New Year, pass out champagne in glasses with removable numbers representing the last 10 seconds.

As you welcome 2016, remember to reflect on the lessons from 2015 and be grateful for another year! I look forward to bringing you more inspiration through design in the New Year!

Happy New Year from our family to yours!

Want to know where to purchase the decorations shown above? Just subscribe to our mailing list to receive the full list! >>Click here!

December 23, 2015

Gift Guide: Last Minute Gifts

December 23, 2015/ Sabine Hayes

Christmas is officially 2 days away! If you are missing some gifts from your list, no worries. Here are some great last minute gift ideas you can grab for your mother, sister, girlfriend, co-worker or any other special person in your life.

Want to get the links and items names for the products shown above? No worries, just subscribe to our mailing list and get all the product information. >>Click here

December 15, 2015

Are you using these 15 tips to bring the Christmas spirit into your home?

December 15, 2015/ Sabine Hayes

1. Tie your throw pillows with holiday ribbon to resemble a gift for Christmas decor.

2. Hang up a string and clothespin your greeting cards along the line all month long.

3. Place white ornaments and silver metallic votives on top of red doilies to create a dramatic effect.

4. Place a bunch of candy canes in a clear vase for a cute and easy decoration.

5. Have any neat branches outside? Pick them and spray paint them silver and gold for elegant and vintage reminiscent decor.

6. Don’t have Christmas stockings? Buy some large sized holiday socks to hang from the mantel!

7. Fill a vase with cranberries and water for an elegant centerpiece.

8. Use wrapping paper as holiday art in simple frames.

9. Take a bunch of old wine bottle and spray paint them in holiday colors and fill them with twigs for a stunning mantel display.

10. Fill clear vases with water you tint with food coloring in holiday colors and float a votive! Great centerpiece!

11. Wrap your front door to look like a Christmas present!

12. For your dining table centerpiece, try a runner with round glass ornaments spread down the length. Quick & Easy!

13. Instead of nametags for guests at the table, create cookies and write their names in icing to place at their setting!

14. Add garland to your staircase with lights and ornaments!

15. Use candelabras and place decorative round ball ornaments on top in a cluster for a great centerpiece.

Want to get more design tips? Subscribe to our mailing list today and get your FREE copy of our Designer Tip Sheet! Click here!

December 10, 2015

Master The Art Of Christmas Mantle Decor With These 5 Tips

December 10, 2015/ Sabine Hayes

If you have a fireplace you know it is an architectural feature and is one of the focal points to your room. It should also be a focal point to your Christmas decorations, however there is no need to go overboard on decorations. Keep these tips in mind when you are decorating your fireplace mantel for Christmas.

1. Create a Theme or Style. If you are trying to achieve a modern Christmas look keep it simple with a few statement pieces. For example, you can get 3 or 5 clear, round glass jars filled with ornaments and spread them across your mantle by placing the tallest jars on the ends.

If you are going for a more classic, traditional Christmas decor use items that are timeless and ornate. For example you can drape fresh, pine garland across the length of your mantle wrapped with white Christmas lights or a decorated wreath above your mantle to achieve an elegant and festive look.

2. Add Personalization. The beauty of decorating your mantle is that it allows you to add your personal touch. Personalize your mantle with monogram stockings or add 1-2 festive picture frames of your family.

3. Use Variation. For visual interest use items that vary in height, color, or texture. For example, if you are using candles choose 3 or 5 candles with different heights. If you are placing green garland across your mantle, accent it with small ornaments that hang down or tie fabric ribbons for contrast.

4. Use Odd Numbers. A rule of thumb when you are accessorizing is to use odd numbers to add appeal. Place one statement piece in the middle of your mantle or use groupings of 3 or 5 objects for visual interest.

5. Be Consistent. Decorating and designing is like telling a story. Your fireplace mantle decorations have to flow with the Christmas decor throughout your home, make sure there is a connection. For example, if your Christmas tree is decorated with white lights and all red ornaments be sure to add at least 1 or 2 red colored items to your mantle.

Want more decorating tips and suggestions for the holidays? Join our mailing list to get your FREE Designer Tip Sheet today! Click here.

December 01, 2015

3 Dramatic Paint Colors for your Powder Room that will Impress Guests

December 01, 2015/ Sabine Hayes

As a designer I always guide my clients when it comes to selecting paint colors. It’s a big decision! Picking the wrong color can ruin the design of a room. There’s usually one room in the house that will allow you to be bolder than usual…the Powder Room! A powder room is a small room for guests to freshen up privately.

Even if you have an open concept home, your powder room can have a slight edge to the overall design of your home because it’s a room of its own. These are some dramatic paint colors that will have your holiday dinner guests saying “Wow, that’s nice! What is that paint color?”

1. Moody Blue by Sherwin Williams

If you are looking for a deep yet relaxing color for your powder room than Moody Blue is a great option. It's a cool tone that pairs well with a mixture of finishes. In this powder room we drew the paint color from the accented blue in the chocolate towels. That allowed us to add some bronze and gold from the accessories to balance the Moody Blue walls.

2. Dovetail by Sherwin Williams

Dovetail is a great paint color option if you are looking to achieve an urban or transitional style powder room. It's a rich gray that pairs nicely with lighter tones and bright accents. In this powder room we complimented the gray with orange orchids, rust colored towels, and a white/ivory mother of pearl mirror.

3. Expressive Plum by Sherwin Williams

Expressive Plum is a deep violet with a hue of gray, a cool blue, and a small hint of red. It is a great option in a traditional or transitional style powder room. It pairs nicely with white fixtures and chrome hardware to add a classic look. This color pairs well with warm grays, blues, rustic orange, or fiery red accents.

With these options you are sure to impress your guests!

Still feeling overwhelmed? Need help picking out the perfect color for your space? No worries, purchase our Paint Color Suggestions TODAY to get your project started! Click here.

November 24, 2015

Time Is Running Out! Use These 7 Items To Transform Your Thanksgiving Table Setting.

November 24, 2015/ Sabine Hayes

Thanksgiving is literally around the corner and you're hosting dinner at your home. You have all the food preparations organized and ready to go except for one thing...the TABLE! Fear not, with these 7 key items you will impress your dinner guests with a gorgeous table setting that will take minutes to arrange.

Centerpiece. A centerpiece creates the theme for the entire table setting. For Thanksgiving, keep it organic and simple. Place a handful of fresh flowers (big blossoms such as hydrangeas and roses display beautifully) in a short glass vase. This will be a way to add color and brightness to your table. For a long, rectangular table with leaves use 2 or 3 vases. For a large, round table use a round vase with a wide base.
Dinner Plate. Keep your dinner plate option simple. Use a solid color plate or one with an outer trim for a touch of detail. This will be the base to the design of your table setting. When in doubt a simple white dinner plate is always a good option.
Charger. Using a charger is essential because it will retain the heat from your dinnerware, prevent spills and messes from touching your table, and adds texture to your table setting. Place your charger underneath each guest's dinner plate, in between your flatware arrangement and below your glasses.
Dinner Napkins. Napkins are great accessories to a table setting but they also need to be functional. Decide if you are going to use cloth or disposable napkins. Large napkins that measure between 22-26 inches square are best. Your napkins can be a pattern design or a solid color. It is a good idea that your napkins contrast with your flatware and dinner plates. For example, if your dinner plate is a sage green use a bold eggplant colored napkin for visual contrast. Place your napkin between your charger and dinner plate for a layering effect or fold it and place it directly on your dinner plate.
Flatware. Flatware sets the tone to your table setting. For a Thanksgiving dinner table, choose flatware that will compliment the look of your setting. Ask yourself if your setting is rustic, modern, traditional, or eclectic? That will determine what style flatware to use. For presentation purposes be sure your flatware are a matched set. I recommend using a four-piece place setting. This includes a dinner fork, dinner knife, teaspoon, and a salad fork. The salad fork can double as a dessert fork. Your flatware can be placed on top of the napkin or formally placed to the left and right of your charger.
Table Runner. A table runners is a great way to draw your eye back to the center of the table by adding balance. Like mentioned in no. 1, your centerpiece creates the theme for the entire table. The perfect table runner always compliments the centerpiece. It also can add texture and a pop of color to a neutral table setting. For a long rectangular table your runner should be the entire length of the table plus overhang approximately 6 inches on each side. For a square or round table you can place two table runners crossing in the middle for a dramatic presentation.
Glassware. Determine what beverages will be served during dinner. Ask yourself, are you serving chilled water, juice, cocktails, beer or wine? It's always a good idea to have two types of glassware set out for each setting. Place a water glass and a wine glass to start. If you decide to serve additional drinks like coffee during dessert you can bring them out as needed, that way you don't crowd the table.

With these few key items your table setting will look inviting and festive to your guests. Remember to enjoy the time with your family and friends during this holiday and be thankful for the little things that bring you joy. Happy Thanksgiving!

Need help designing your entire dining room? To get a design customized just for you get your votre chambre by Georgette Marise today! Looking for Full Service treatment? Become a client today!

November 17, 2015

Must Haves for Creating the Best Guest Room

November 17, 2015/ Sabine Hayes

When it comes to our home we want to feel a sense of pride when we welcome people into our humble abode. After all this is where we eat, sleep, and live. Everytime we get a compliment from a guest we feel so happy inside! How much more do we want to welcome our guests when they spend a night or two. Here are some must haves for creating a hotel-like stay for your holiday guests.

Comfortable Bed. A comfortable bed is the first key to making a guest feel relaxed. Tuft&Needle offers a hassle free option to buying your mattress online at a reasonable cost. It comes directly to you in 7 days and vacuumed sealed for easy installation. Just in time for the holidays!

Table Surface. Having a table surface is essential. It allows your guests to be able to have a place to put their personal items as soon as they enter. Some recommended surfaces can be a nightstand, dresser or a writing desk. This will allow the guest to visibly have a place to leave a drink, book, keys, or their tablet easily.

Dresser - Bedroom designed by Georgette Marise Interiors

Wi-Fi. Give your guest access to your wireless connection so they can easily access their email, stream a show, or just browse the internet before going to bed. This will allow them to feel at home during their stay.

Soft Towels. Just like at any hotel, you must have towels ready for your guests. They don’t have to be fancy towels, just clean, soft towels folded nicely on their bed for when they arrive. This should include several washcloths, hand towels, and a bath towel. For presentation purposes, keep them simple and as a set.

Personal Touch. Nothing says "welcome to my home" more than a little personalization. Add a small note welcoming your guests to your home, a scented candle, a bottle of water, or their favorite snack to make their stay feel like they’re at home. Find out what your guest likes or would appreciate, and place it in their room. This will make them remember their stay at your home for years to come..