Recently I’ve been exploring new ideas for floor finishes. One of the more exciting is staining concrete. It might conjure up an idea that the floor would look cheap and unappealing but I can assure you that is not the case.
When staining is used in combination with stamping designs, the results are fabulous! Staining can be used indoors and out.
If you have a picture or idea and would like to learn more, let us know.
We have been busy this week installing the Street of Dreams VIP Lounge. It’s complete and ready for the grand opening this Saturday, May 10 through June 22, 2008. Closed Monday and Tuesday except Memorial Day. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information go to www.StreetofDreams.com or call (407)829-7871
We will be sure to take photos for everyone to enjoy. At the end of the show, June 22, the merchandise from the VIP Lounge will be displayed in our showroom and will be for sale.
Looking for a new sofa, chair, accessories or window treatments, let us know.
Have you had a bad experience with wallpaper? Most of us have but I can assure you that your experience probably is a result of a poor installation. Wallpapering is to some degree an art. Preparation of the walls is critical. Properly prepared and installed, wallpaper should be easily removable and doesn’t have to be a permanant fixture.
With this being said, wallpaper is back. Better than ever! The new designs include paper that looks and feels like leather! Glitter and glitz is in too! Metallics that glow. Of course, I continue to see wonderful tone on tone damasks and stripes that are timeless.
There are a multitude of new and exciting prints that have coordinating fabric to really WOW any decor.
Don’t be shy. Wallpaper is a wonderful way to add color and pattern to a room. I especially like wallpaper in bathrooms, powder rooms and entry halls. These spaces often are void of any soft treatments and wallpaper adds pattern that can be warm and inviting or it can be a bold statement of what to expect in the rest of the home.
What’s your wallpaper story? Have you used it? When and where? Designers have used wallpaper in classic, timeless design. Look for quality paper and get a good installer. You’ll be glad you did!
The technology has arrived! Send us a picture of your window with dimensions and we will design custom window treatments for you. We will overlay the design onto you photo insert the fabric and VOILA! you can be inspired to compliment your decor with a finished look. Want to learn more, visit our website at www.ClassicInteriorSolutions.com or call us at 407-833-3710. COMING SOON!
All drapery is not created equal. When you purchase drapery there are a few details to look for. I recommend at a minimum the following: 4″ double turned hem, lined with a cotton sateen lining, use of complimentary thread, 1 1/2″ side seams and a 4″ header.
If your fabric is silk or any other light fabric I recommend innerlining.
Send me your window treatment questions. We are glad to help!
Thank you to all my friends, colleagues and especially clients for your support and enthusiasm. Classic Interior Solutions is a work in progress. We value your comments so keep them coming. Watch for future blogs! Are there any topics of interest you would like to learn about? Let us know.
Just got into the store this morning after learning my three year old dryer needed a motor. This was the third repair! The first one was under warranty, no problem. The second and third cost me the amount of a new dryer! YIKES! So what’s this all about.
I had a long conversation with the technician who has serviced my appliances for over five years. I asked him what his most recent experiences are with newer (three years or less) appliances. He confirmed my suspicion. My experience is not unusual. US manufacturers are getting appliance parts from overseas. The quality is just not the same as years before. In addition, many US products are manufactured by the same manufacturer under different names-I thought this was interesting. Could it be considered a monopoly? Not sure.
Anyway, the conclusion I came to for my personal use was that I was going to purchase high end European appliances in the future. You pay a top dollar but repairs are minimal or non-existant. I’ve probably paid for a top of the line dryer the slow way. If I add my purchase price and the repairs to date not to mention my time away from client appointments and of course the aggravation of it all, it would have been worth it to buy a European product.
My advise to anyone in the market for a large appliance-do your homework! It might make sense to spend more up front rather than along the way. Let me know if you have any stories, good or bad, to share.
Have you seen the new Traditional Homes magazine? Great article on blending traditional and modern design. They call it Trad Mod Fusion, great name don’t you think? A young couple purchased a traditional home with decorative moldings and detail. They added contemporary furnishings and WOW it all works. The design marries the old with the new in an exciting way. What’s your style? Have you had a success with mixing old and new? We’d love to hear from you.
For Color selection and to learn more call- 407-833-3710
New lines for the spring are not for the faint of heart. Heavy metal and gilded fabrics are everywhere in fashion including home decor. Traditional fabrics have metallic threads woven throughout to give a look of glamour. Combined with velvets and chenille create the unexpected.
Blues are back in a big way! I call these the true blues - porcelain, nauticals, blue jeans and sky blue. Whether your decor is formal or informal, there is an assortment of fabrics to choose; jacquards, stripes, plaids and textures.
Red, especially ruby red, is a favorite this season. Mixed with gold and orange create a regal and bohemian style. Look for luxurious cottons and silks.
Modern continues to influence design. Whether formal or informal these patterns are stylish and whimsical.
At Classic Interior Solutions, we can help you find your inspiration.