An female interior designer with dark brown Donatella glasses, black natural curly hair, and cream hoop earrings smiling while holding a coffee cup in a cozy, well-lit cafe with a staircase and plants in the background.

Welcome to the blog, I’m Sabine! Interior Designer, candle creator, mom of 2, and lover of calm, beautiful spaces. I help busy women create homes that feel intentional, functional, and full of joy - one room at a time. Grab your coffee, get inspired, and let’s make your home feel like you again.

Love a well-designed room? Start with a signature scent. Explore the Belfong Candle Collection inspired by legacy, created for the senses.

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Need a color palette or design guide? Shop my eBooks + digital boards for instant inspiration.

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Sabine Hayes Sabine Hayes

How to Select Quality Furniture

I added 2 armless chairs and a wood coffee table to create a sitting area in a living room

I added 2 armless chairs and a wood coffee table to create a sitting area in a living room

Furniture is an essential component to developing a functional space. We use furniture for sitting, eating, working, entertaining, sleeping, and storage. Every space requires different kinds of furniture. What is right for me may not be the right piece of furniture for you. When I used to work in the furniture retail industry I always asked my customers to answer the following questions before we started shopping for their furniture.

  • What purpose will it serve? e.i. Is it needed to provide a temporary or long term solution?
  • Who will use it? e.i Will it be used every so often by guests or by the main household on a daily basis?
  • How long will it be used for? e.i Is it a table that will only be used on occasion or a sofa for the family room that is needed for the next 10-15 years?
  • What is your budget for the furniture? Don't say you don't have one because everyone has a budget.

"Expensive furniture doesn't always mean better quality" 

Once you've determined the purposelongevity, and budget for the furniture then you can start researching the right furniture for YOUR needs. Expensive furniture doesn't always mean better quality. For example, if you are looking for an accent chair to place in your guest room, purchasing an antique chair (furniture more than 100 years old) maybe the same cost and MORE durable than a new chair from a high-end retailer. 

"Good materials make lasting furniture."

All furniture is not created equal. The best way to figure out how sturdy a piece of furniture should be is to determine what it will be used for. When you are looking for wood furniture, hardwoods (from deciduous trees- like birch, maple, oak, and walnut) are good choices for strong, durable furniture. Materials like pressed wood, particleboard, or MDF (medium density fiberboard) make low quality furniture. Remember that just because a piece of furniture is "finished" in a particular color doesn't mean that is the wood itself. Good materials make lasting furniture.

When you are looking for quality seating like chairs, sofas, loveseats, ottomans, etc. there are layers to examine. It's important to know the construction underneath the finished cover and the material used on the outside. Kiln-dried hardwoods are the best choices for a sturdy frame construction. Make sure you find out what coil spring construction was used for your furniture. Older upholstery was constructed with eight-way hand tied springs, however in today's industry you will find sinuous springs, cone-shaped springs to name a few. 

While shopping for quality upholstery you also need to examine the cushion. When I worked in a furniture gallery I use to unzip the seat cushions for the consumer because the contents and assembly of a seat cushion can determine the durability and comfort level of a seat. Most cushions are usually made of high-density polyurethane foam wrapped in a polyester batting. Down can also be wrapped around the foam for a softer comfort and usually found in higher quality cushions. Higher quality cushions will also have an additional layer of muslin to enclose the fillings. Cushions that only are constructed of foam will wear quickly and will not be as comfortable.

DO look at the joints of solid parts in a piece of furniture for mortise & tenon, doweling, dovetail, tongue & groove construction.

DON'T select furniture that has glued joints, exposed nails and staples or backs made of thin cardboard if you are looking for long term use.

DO lookout for wood furniture that have cracks or knots from the wood. This will turn into weak points and overtime break.

DO ask what type of material the furniture is made of. 

DON'T purchase a piece of furniture if it makes noise when it is sat on, lifted, or moved. This means that the construction is not sturdy.

DO inspect metal furniture for joints held together by bolts and screws or welded together for sturdiness.

DO sit down and move side to side on the upholstery to make sure you don't sag to one side.

DON'T forget to flip your seat cushions every so often to get more longevity from them.

DO your research on the reputation of furniture manufacturers and/or carpenters. A good reputation is a good gauge of their quality and craftsmanship.

DO ask the retailer for warranty information. 

Do you need help shopping for quality furniture that will meet your needs and budget? Choose a design package from my votre chambre by Georgette Marise and I'll create an effective layout, design a concept based for your needs and desires, then create a shopping list so you can start shopping effectively!

Here's to Long, Lasting Furniture!

 

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3 Reasons to Use Wallpaper

Wallpaper has been popular since the time of the Renaissance as a way to add color to walls and brightness to a room. Today, wallpaper is used to do the same thing to spaces. There is no need to fear wallpaper, an updated wallpaper can enhance a space even as an accent wall. Here are 3 reasons to use wallpaper in your home.

3 REASONS TO USE WALLPAPER 

3 REASONS TO USE WALLPAPER 

1. Adds Dimension and Print

I USED A GEOMETRIC WALLPAPER TO ADD PATTERN AND VISUAL INTEREST TO THIS LONG STAIRCASE/HALLWAY WALL.

I USED A GEOMETRIC WALLPAPER TO ADD PATTERN AND VISUAL INTEREST TO THIS LONG STAIRCASE/HALLWAY WALL.

Adding a print wallpaper to any wall or ceiling adds dimension and pattern that you would not be able to achieve with paint. Yes, I said ceiling! I highly recommend you use a professional if you are considering covering your ceiling.

2. Adds Luxury

Paint is a great option to add color to any space. However, wallpaper takes it a step further and has the ability to add elegance, texture, and a classic touch to a wall surface in order to enhance the space.

3. Adds a Custom Look

The easiest way to create a creative, custom look that you would not see anywhere else is to add wallpaper. Whether you add it to an architectural feature like a column, an accent wall, a ceiling, under a chair rail or your entire room, you are guaranteed to have a space that will be uniquely yours.

I USED GRASSCLOTH WALLPAPER TO ADD A UNIQUE TEXTURE AND CONTRAST IN THIS POWDER ROOM.

I USED GRASSCLOTH WALLPAPER TO ADD A UNIQUE TEXTURE AND CONTRAST IN THIS POWDER ROOM.

The biggest mistake people make is choose a wallpaper that doesn't compliment the design of the space and they end up removing the wallpaper in 5 years because they are tired of the look. Make sure you hire an interior designer who works with a professional installer to assist you in selecting and installing the perfect wallpaper print/texture for your space.

Are you considering using wallpaper but afraid of making a mistake? Let me assist you in elevating your space with my Builder Finish Selections service. 

Here's to Stunning Walls!

 

Do you have reservations about using wallpaper? I would love to hear them. Share in the comments below. 

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Spring Cleaning Sabine Hayes Spring Cleaning Sabine Hayes

Q & A: Tips to Simplify Spring Cleaning

With spring finally here, it's time to freshen up the house for a new season. Tayler Moots, chemical-free cleaning expert, business owner, wife, and mother of 2 shares with us easy tips and solutions to simplify spring cleaning. I had the pleasure of meeting Tayler last year at an event through a mutual friend and was inspired by her passion for environmentally safe options to cleaning our homes. 

Tayler Moots, Norwex Sales Consultant photography courtesy of merrique photos & design

Tayler Moots, Norwex Sales Consultant photography courtesy of merrique photos & design

Sabine: In your opinion, why is spring cleaning so important & where is a good place to start?

Tayler: What could be better than those first few beautiful spring days? When they arrive I want to dust everything off and greet the season with a clean and healthy home. First, throw open your windows since we know the air in our homes is 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outdoors. I believe in making our homes 'Safe Havens' and to me that means they are well maintained, promote health, and are comfortable for guests. A dirty cluttered home causes me nothing but stress, so taking time each year to really clean is key!

"I believe in making our homes 'Safe Havens' and to me that means they are well maintained, promote health, and are comfortable for guests."

Most recommend cleaning from top to bottom (cobwebs off the ceiling fans then work your way down until you polish up the floors). However, in practice I like to do the job first that is calling my name. This is usually something like cleaning the windows and screens. When the sun shines I don’t want to think about the dirt and my kid’s greasy fingerprints I see, but to enjoy and appreciate the season. Do your best to tackle the jobs that are relevant for your family. If your closets are overflowing with clothes, start there. If your oven or dishwasher have never been cleaned and aren’t working well as a result, start there. I think having a plan and list is always a good starting point and try to keep it realistic. The truth is that not every inch of your house needs to be cleaned in the spring. You can tackle a lot now and save the rest for rainy days.

Tayler using her Norwex Window Cloth

Tayler using her Norwex Window Cloth

Sabine: Cleaning can be a daunting task, is there a way to make spring cleaning fun?

Tayler: Fun cleaning to me means that the house is spotless and I got it that way in the fastest and easiest manner. This begins with having the right cleaning supplies! Did you know that 24% of human disease is caused by environmental factors (things like our chemical cleaners)? When I learned that many of my cleaning supplies had been directly linked to cancer, infertility, allergies, and many other ailments (check out EWG.org) I knew it was time to change the way I cleaned.

What drew me to Norwex was how easy and effective the products were. I could do most jobs in half the time and my house never looked better. I had tried natural cleaning products, but they didn’t work well or were so expensive. Also, since there are no harmful chemicals used with Norwex, my kids could help with most jobs and that is when cleaning gets even more exciting! Celebrate your progress with a nice Spring cocktail!

Sabine: What are your top 3 tips for cleaning multiple surfaces?

Tayler: 

Get rid of anything you haven’t used in 1 year if it has no strong emotional ties. Cleaning will be so much easier with less stuff!!Use a product like Norwex’s EnviroCloth that allows you to clean every type of surface. Find a product like Norwex’s Cleaning Paste that can tackle any tough job from cleaning ovens to tubs.

Norwex Cleaning Paste: use with EnviroCloth to clean & polish

Norwex Cleaning Paste: use with EnviroCloth to clean & polish

Sabine: Briefly tell us about your cleaning products and how they are different than your typical cleaning products?

Norwex EnviroCloth

Norwex EnviroCloth

Tayler: Norwex offers an innovative, yet simple way to clean. The signature products are very high-quality microfiber cloths that allow you to remove 99% of bacteria from the surface with just WATER. As if that isn’t cool enough, the cloths are embedded with micro-silver (BacLock). Yes, SILVER. Silver is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial so when you are done using your cloth you hang it to dry and the silver in the cloth goes to work inhibiting bacterial odor, mold and/or mildew growth. That means the cloth is self-purifying and no more stinky cloths. 

Fact: More than 80,000 chemicals have been introduced into our homes in the last 50 years and only about 200 have ever been assessed for their impact on human health. 

Sabine: After spring cleaning is complete how can a busy family maintain a clean household?

Tayler: I’ve found the best way to keep the house clean is to keep things simple, organized and have a routine that works for you. Once we eliminated chemicals and I figured out that I could clean all three bathrooms in less than 30 minutes, I could spend so much more time doing the things I actually enjoyed (does not include cleaning showers and toilets).

On a daily basis we wipe down the kitchen counters and sink, mop the floors and keep things picked up and in their place. One job we sometimes forget, but that can positively impact our health is cleaning our mattresses and pillows (check out Norwex’s Mattress Cleaner). Our mattresses DOUBLE in weight every ten years from the organic waste they harbor like dead skin cells, dust mite feces, and body oils. Once we began treating our mattresses regularly, we found allergies decreased and we slept better. Make cleaning a family affair and keep it as simple as possible.

Did you find this article informative? Share your comment below and don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to stay updated. CLICK HERE.

Happy Cleaning!

 

Interested in getting more info about Tayler's chemical-free cleaning products? Visit her online store, email her at taylermoots@gmail.com, or call her at 716-640-3051.

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Paint colors Sabine Hayes Paint colors Sabine Hayes

Eye Catching Colors to Paint Your Front Door

Have you ever been impressed by a house just from the exterior? Have you passed a house that made you look twice at the front door? Great curb appeal can make any house feel welcoming and create a lasting impression. If you are putting your house on the market, curb appeal is essential to making a first impression to homebuyers.

One of the most important components to curb appeal is your front door. Your front door is the personality to the exterior of your home. Before someone steps inside your home they are greeted by your front door. What does your front door say about your home? Is it boring and outdated or stylish and inviting?

Front door paint colors from HGTV.com & Pinterest.com

Front door paint colors from HGTV.com & Pinterest.com

"Your front door is the personality to the exterior of your home."

Sherwin Williams Paint Colors

Sherwin Williams Paint Colors

Ready to paint your front door? Before you change the color of your door, here are some helpful tips to consider.

  • use the proper paint application based on the material your door e.i. Is your door wood, metal, fiberglass, steel,etc.? 
  • make sure you choose a color that will highlight the original architecture of your home
  • determine what impression you want to make before picking a color e.i. Do you want to create a subtle yet rich look or a bright yet dramatic look?
  • remove all hardware prior to painting
  • remember to clean the entire door and prep in a dust-free area before priming and painting
  • make sure your final hardware compliments your new door color

Need assistance with picking the perfect color? Afraid of making a mistake? Painting your front door is a big decision. Select my Paint Color Suggestion and let me choose a paint color specifically for your front door. 

Cheers to a stylish & welcoming front door!

 

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Sabine Hayes Sabine Hayes

How to Find Your Inspiration

Are you feeling stuck in making decorating decisions that you don't know where to start? Being inspired can be the beginning to developing a beautiful design. You have to start somewhere, right? But where do you start? Where do you draw inspiration from? What if you're not inspired by anything? That can be frustrating! Here are some ideas to think about when looking for an inspiration.

Use the Architectural Details of your Home.

Architecture-Styles

Use the style of your home as an inspiration of your decor style. For example, if you live in a colonial house (like the example above) consider the use of the traditional accents as a place to start. 

Start a Collection of Photos

Here are some key points to ask yourself when browsing through photos.

What do I like about this picture?
(e.i. the furniture placement, the colors, the style, the lighting, the pops of color)
How does this picture make me feel?
(e.i. warm and cozy, relaxed and calm, energetic, dramatic, etc.)

Use Pinterest as a tool for finding inspiration. Don't forget to follow me @Georgettemarise!

Use Pinterest as a tool for finding inspiration. Don't forget to follow me @Georgettemarise!

Let’s see what our clients were inspired by.

Architectural Digest: Jennifer Aniston's Home 

Architectural Digest: Jennifer Aniston's Home 

ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST: JENNIFER ANISTON'S HOME

ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST: JENNIFER ANISTON'S HOME

Before Picture of my client's family room

Before Picture of my client's family room

After Picture of the same Family Room

After Picture of the same Family Room

Choose the Style of Furniture You Like

Have you ever walked into a furniture store and said to yourself "nice chair" or "I really like that table" but don't know what it is that you like about it? It's okay! Sometimes we just see things that we like and can't explain why. It happens to me all the time. Find the common denominator from all the items that you like and you're sure to find your inspiration. 

Still feeling stuck and not inspired? That's what I'm here for! Let's create a personal Inspiration Board with ideas and suggestions based on your needs & desires. Click here to get your Inspiration Board started today!

Here's to getting inspired!

 

Leave me a comment below and share where you get your Inspiration from!

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When To Redesign Your Space

Are you struggling with when to start a new project in your home or when to redesign your space? Did you just move and trying to decide what pieces of furniture and accessories to keep and what to purchase? Here are some suggestions on when and where to start.

Make a List.

Start with looking around your space in it’s current state and make a list of what you don’t like. Looking at your list will help you decide what to keep and what to say goodbye to. For example, if you are tired of how your living room looks because it’s been 10 years since you changed the colors and furnishings, start with updating your accessories. Switching out artwork or table accents can freshen up your space. 

Freshen up with new wall decor.

Freshen up with new wall decor.

Say Goodbye.

Locate the items on your list that have seen better days. Often times we hold on to things because we are comfortable with the “things” we have. Part with the things that do not have sentimental value and that no longer serve their purpose. This will bring new energy to the space and make room for updated, functional, and NEW items.

Hire a Professional.

Hiring a professional interior designer can save time, energy, and money. If you're not ready to start from scratch or start on a project at all, consider having an Inspiration Board designed for you. An Inspiration Board will give you an idea of what would look great in your space and give you ideas of paint colors, furniture options, table styles, and proper wall decor. 

Inspiration Board with decorating ideas

Inspiration Board with decorating ideas

It doesn't have to take much, but once you redesign your space it will feel like a completely new room that you will bring new energy to. Ready to get started with just some decorating ideas? Tell me more about your space in the comments below. Get started HERE.

Happy Redesigning!

 
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5 Easy Steps to Designing your Nursery Room

nursery room design

nursery room design

Creating a space for your precious newborn is something that you will only get to do once in your baby’s lifetime. As a parent, you want to cherish every stage and moment that you can in your baby’s new life. Designing a nursery should be a special experience that is shared with both parents without feeling like another task that has to be done before the baby arrives.    

As a new mother, I was personally excited about designing my daughter’s nursery. I had many questions. Where should I start ? What is my theme for the nursery ? What room in my house would be the best place for the new baby? Professionally, I knew that I would have to become my own client.  Here are five decorating secrets I used for designing the perfect nursery.

1. What’s your Theme or Color Palette?

Start with a clean blank palette, bare walls and no furniture. You can now start the process of decorating the room from vision to completion. Think of a theme or a color palette.

By theme, I mean think of something that makes you smile whether it’s butterflies in the sky, or the appreciation of animals, flowers, or even sports! If a theme doesn’t work for you, maybe it’s a certain color palette.

nursery color themes

nursery color themes

Colors have a way of creating a mood in any space. For example, yellow is the color of energy, green is the color of growth and nature, lavender and blue are calming, relaxing colors. When choosing colors you may want to have a main color as the base for your palette then choose a contrast or complementary color as your secondary or you may want to have a pair of complementing colors as your main colors and have neutrals as your secondary colors to create a balance.

Another option is to have a monochromatic palette, where you use different tones and shades of one color. In any palette, it is important to balance it with neutrals such as whites, grays, browns, tans, blacks, etc.

 2. The Must-Haves

When designing any room it is important to begin with planning. Part of the planning process is having a space plan or floor layout of how your furnishings are going to be placed in the room. This saves a lot of time and headaches by making sure all the furniture will fit in the room. As an interior designer, I know how important of a process it is to measure and determine the proper placement of furniture and decorations. Make sure you measure first the room including the windows before choosing furniture and accessories. After space planning, it is also important that you make sure you include all your needed items. Start with your largest pieces, such as the crib, changing table, dresser, armoire, and a comfortable chair.  There are many new crib regulations, so make sure you do your homework before  purchasing one.   Also, consider opening a baby registry at your favorite baby retail store  to include your furniture.   Every piece of furniture should have a functional purpose, for example if the room doesn’t have a closet it is a good idea to include an armoire as a storage unit for your baby’s clothes and blankets. When you are buying furniture be sure to think of multi-functional pieces, this will save space and money.

"It’s so important to think of their nursery as a transitional space that they can grow into."

3. Be Transitional

Your little precious baby may seem so little and tiny now, but as they say “they grow so fast”. It seems like just the other day I held my daughter in my arms for the first time at the hospital and to think that was almost four months ago is unbelievable! She’s already out grown her little newborn clothes and soon she’ll be sitting and crawling, then standing and walking. Before you know it she’ll be too big for her crib. As much as we as parents want our little ones to stay small and innocent as long as possible, time waits for no one. It’s so important to think of their nursery as a transitional space that they can grow into. The needs of your child change so fast between now to the time they are teenagers. When purchasing large furnishings such as a crib, find out if it can be configured into a full size bed or buy a toddler bed before purchasing a large bed. Make sure you are purchasing quality pieces that can withstand your child’s wear and tear.

4. It’s Not Only a Baby’s Room...but it’s YOUR Baby’s Room

Who says that your nursery has to look like, predictable, or like a catalog picture, or showroom set-up nursery. This is your nursery so claim it and make it yours!. Get creative and have fun with it! This is your chance to bring out that little child spirit inside of you out. As a designer, I like to mix and match furnishings to give the room a unique style. Allow your room to tell a story through it’s uniqueness. If your grandmother or older sister gives you an old table that you can possibly use but it’s not the right color or the chair has an old fabric...change it and make it your own! Every room needs something old and classic, whether it’s an old lamp base with a new shade or an old picture frame. Add a custom look by mixing a matching used with new pieces.  Create a “grown-up” nursery that is mature and sophisticated yet innocent and playful. Make it a nursery that your child can grow and mature into. For example, when choosing window treatments select floor panel drapes or a soft roman shade in an accent fabric. This will create that unexpected design that will make your nursery look like a “custom design”.

5. Accessories Make the Room

This is the fun part! No matter what room you are designing, the room isn’t complete without the final touches of accessories. The accessories in your nursery will define the style of the room. When accessorizing be sure to use accessories that have colors from your palette. Take this opportunity to make the room personal, after all it is your little one’s room. Tell a story by framing pictures of you and your baby and using that as wall decor. Think of the entire room including flooring, wall decor, and the ceiling. If you have hardwood floors, you may want to think of placing an area rug near or under the crib to add softness, texture, color, or pattern. These final touches give you an opportunity to add sentimental items that you can share with your child as they get older. Adding baskets or textured bins and boxes are great examples of how something can be decorative and functional as storage, because every nursery needs storage. Take this time to create a dream nursery that you can cherish with your baby as they grow.

Know a friend who's expecting? Click the "Share" button below and share this post with them.

Happy Designing!

 
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Looking to design your nursery from beginning to end? Tell me more about your project at sabine@georgettemarise.com.

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5 Valentine's Day Ideas

Just in case it slipped your mind, Valentine's Day is this Sunday. No need to panic and get nervous if you forgot, I have some quick and simple ideas that will make your significant other feel special.

love letter

love letter

Take it old school and start off with writing a love simple letter on paper to your significant other. There's something about writing your thoughts and feelings on paper that is sincere and genuine. Sometimes you end up sharing feelings that you would've never communicated verbally.

breakfast with coffee, croissants & fresh strawberries

breakfast with coffee, croissants & fresh strawberries

"It's the simple things that make the biggest impact. "

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be celebrated over dinner reservations at a fancy restaurant. Surprise your loved one with a romantic breakfast to let them know how much you appreciate and love them. Not a chef? Warming up some buttery croissants, brewing their favorite coffee or tea and a fresh bowl of strawberries will do the trick. 

lit candles

lit candles

Nothing sets a romantic ambiance like candles. Candles bring a sense of warmth to a space while spreading a pleasant fragrance. If you are worried about leaving the candles burning unattended a great alternative is to get flameless candles. Tip: Use odd numbers when arranging candles. This will create aesthetic balance.

romantic dinner

romantic dinner

Everyone is going out to eat on Valentine's Day, so why don't you be different and cook a romantic dinner for your loved one. Set your table with fresh flowers, lit candles, wines glasses and your finest dinnerware. After all, this is a special occasion. Again, not a chef? No worries, order take out from your loved one's favorite restaurant and serve it on your best dinnerware.

chocolate dessert

chocolate dessert

There's something about the richness of chocolate that screams romance. However, you don't have to be cliché and purchase a heart shaped box of chocolate. Be specific to what your significant other likes. If they love a certain brand or type of dessert than that is what you should get. A great alternative to a box of chocolate is to make a cup of homemade hot chocolate with dusted chocolate flakes. That is sure to warm your hearts together.

However you decide to celebrate Valentine's Day I hope you get the opportunity to reflect and appreciate the loved ones around you.

Share your favorite Valentine's Day idea with me by commenting below. Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to get your FREE copy of my Designer Tip Sheet!

 
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Closet Design Sabine Hayes Closet Design Sabine Hayes

Must Haves to Decorate your Closet

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

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!

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Style Sabine Hayes Style Sabine Hayes

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

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.

Masculine vs. Feminine Decor

Masculine vs. Feminine Decor

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.

His & Her Living Space

His & Her Living Space

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!

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