DEAR BECKY: Just so you know, you are not alone. Besides selecting paint colors, accessorizing seems to be the most frustrating area for most homeowners. Accessories are the finishing touches that make your home personal and bring each room together, just as jewelry shows your personality and dresses up your wardrobe. They both complete and complement your foundation.

Accessorizing is about fussing with things until they feel right, which I know is where you’re frustrated. To help you, I’m going to give you some sets to follow. Once you have them down, you’ll be able to change your items out when you want a new look.

To start, clear off your coffee table, it’s important to start with a blank canvas.

Next, gather up the accessories that you’d like to use, knowing you’re not going to use all of them. Group them by type, just like you see in the store: candles, vases, figurines, greenery, frames and so on.

What you’re going to do is form a triangular pattern that has three layers or heights, as well as a variety of textures and color. Although you can create a stunning grouping with all the same textures and colors, you still need to vary the heights.

Start with your tallest accessory and place it off center and to the back of the table, instead of right in the middle. You want to create a grouping versus lining them up.

Now select the next one you’d like to use. This piece should be smaller. Place it at the second point of the triangle.

Then select the third piece, which will be your smallest. Many times my third accessory is greenery to soften the grouping. If you have a large table or would like to use more than three things, place two more items into your triangular pattern. I do like using odd numbers, but nothing says you have to. It’s all about balance.

Once you’re comfortable creating groupings, do what looks and feels right.

If you need a starting point, take pictures at model homes or cut pictures out from magazines. Then re-create the look by selecting similar accessories from what you have.

I know this sounds simple, but it always isn’t when you start. So here are a couple things to watch for:

• Make sure nothing is too high and blocking your view to the television or chairs where guest may be sitting. You don’t want to have to look around candlesticks to watch television or chat.
• How does your grouping look from all angles? I don’t like using frames on a coffee table because you see the backs when sitting on the sofa. They are best placed on side tables or a console.
• Don’t overcrowd the table. This is sometimes where people go astray and it ends up looking like a sale table. Add one piece at a time and when it looks too crowded take the last one off.
• Are the accessories visually too heavy, too light, too large or too small for the table? You especially need to watch this when you have a small, delicate glass table. But on the same token a large wood table should have substantial pieces.
• Keep the theme the same. I wouldn’t place a rustic candlestick and a country goose together with an Oriental vase. Instead use a brass candlestick and a swan figurine with the vase. Each item does not have to be Oriental but they should have the same feel.
• Have you added color? It can be as simple as color from candles, decorative balls, potpourri, flowers or even books.

Accessorizing really is the fun part and makes all the difference in a well-made room. So jump in and try a couple of different arrangements until you find the one you like.

BEFORE – The homeowner was stumped about what to do with her glass top table because of the rattan shelf, so didn’t use anything.

AFTER – Simple accessories — books and greenery — were placed on the lower rattan shelf. The addition of the flower on the glass top helped balance out the color from her sofa.

DEAR ROSE MARIE: A quick, easy and no cost way to give your room a new look is simply using what you already own. It’s what we in the industry call interior redesign. In just one day and with a little bit of work you can have a completely new room.

Where you start is by completely emptying the room. I know this is a lot of work but it is essential in getting a new look. It’s hard to see how a room can look different with everything where it currently is. Just like an artist, you need to start with a blank canvas.

So first remove your accessories, lamps, plants and then your artwork. Place them where they will be out of the way. Put breakables on the kitchen counter or dining table and lamps on the floor, along a wall so you don’t trip on them. Keep like items grouped together, just how it’s done in the stores. Place artwork by size and try not to lay them in front of each other. The best place to put them is either down the hall or in another room.

Now it’s time to move your furniture. Try to get everything completely out of the room. If not, move it as far out as you can. Be very careful not to hurt yourself; this is not a one-person project. I use carpet installers’ moving glides, but even the little moving discs are helpful for those heavy items. With the room completely emptied, it’s OK to take a short break, but remember everything needs to go back in. You can figure spending about four to six hours for an average-sized family room.

Your next step is to stand in the middle of the room and take notice of the lines in the room. This is easiest to do by looking down at the floor and baseboards. Do you have any angled walls, floor tiles set on a diagonal, or does your carpet and tile meet on a diagonal? Always work with the angles in the room versus against them. Don’t be afraid to place your furniture on an angle. It’s what will give your room a new look and one that is more interesting than before.

Do you have any architectural focal points like a fireplace, great view, built-in bookcase or entertainment unit? Of course, in the family room the television is the primary focal point. Watching television is the main function of the room. It’s important to identify your primary focal point as the next step is to place your furniture.

Start with your sofa and place it addressing the television. What I mean by addressing is that when you are sitting on the sofa, the television is in your line of sight. The sofa does not have to be directly across from the television; it could be on an angle to it, but it shouldn’t be at a right angle. You don’t want to have to turn your head completely to the side to watch television; it’s just not comfortable.

Once your sofa is placed, is there another important focal point in the room you want to see while sitting on the sofa. If you can’t see it, try placing your sofa in different positions until you can see both. Or are you OK if you can see it from another piece of furniture? So, next place your love seat or chair at a right angle to the sofa. If you have a third chair, place it on a diagonal across from this grouping to balance your furniture arrangement in the room. If you don’t have another chair, take one from another room that you’re not using.

Now it’s time to bring back your lighting. A trick to lighting your room is to place your lamps in a diagonal, or preferable, triangular pattern. This ensures that you won’t have any dark corners. Place your trees and floor plants next. If there is a plug nearby, accent them with a floor uplight.

The next step is artwork. You want your artwork to relate to the items around it. Don’t just have it floating on the wall. It’s always best to anchor it to the floor with a piece of furniture or floor plant. A very large piece without something underneath it will give you an uneasy feeling. The bottoms of the artwork should be level with the floor or the piece you’re hanging it over. Only stagger artwork up a staircase.

Try not to place the same pieces of artwork in the same places. This is one thing that will give your room a new look. Just because it was over the sofa before doesn’t mean that’s where it has to go again.

The final and finishing touches are your accessories. Start with the focal areas in your room, normally the coffee table and mantel. The rule of odd numbers and asymmetrical arrangements always work; they are more interesting and pleasing to the eye. Just like with your art, switch things around. It’s been proven that after 27 days we no longer take notice to the things around us. If you are uncomfortable with accessorizing, look in model homes and magazines for placement ideas to follow.

As with all decorating, it’s about balance, proportion and simply how the room feels. If something just doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not properly placed. So move it around until it does. That’s the beauty of interior redesign. Follow your instincts and with these simple steps you’ll be surprised and amazed how different your room will look without spending a dime.

SECRET # 1 CREATING A THEME, MOOD & STYLE

Having a unified interior flows from area to area with a sense of comfort and well-being. It is pleasing to the senses and not shocking or disturbing. To create a unified interior, you need to establish a theme, mood and style before you begin your decorating.

A THEME is one central motivating idea that repeats itself in a variety of ways throughout your home.

If you love the great outdoors of the west, you could go with a Cowboy theme. This can be repeated through your home by using a boot fabric, branding iron bar stools, rustic frames, cowboy pictures, cowboy hats, boots and horses as accessories. You could theme your powder bath after the Grand Ole Opry, Kitchen – chili peppers and your daughters room – horses.

A MOOD is the way you want to feel in your home. The theme and mood must flow to be successful. For example, you couldn’t have a Formal Western Home. But you could have a Formal Traditional Home or a Comfortable Western Home.

A STYLE reflects your personal preference and should fit the way you live. Some examples of Western Style could be; Americana, Rustic, Cowboy or Indian.

Some examples of theme, mood & style are:

SECRET # 2 CREATING A COLOR SCHEME

COLOR is the first thing we respond to when we enter a room. It affects the way we feel and is the most powerful decorating tool we can use.

COLOR HARMONY is essential in the flow of your theme, mood and style throughout your home. Color harmony includes the mixture of color, patterns and texture in a well-balance scheme.

A COLOR SCHEME can be created from the following:

Color should be distributed in the following way:

• Dominant Color – largest area of color, walls & floor
• Secondary Color – window treatments, bedding, large upholstery
• Accent Color – small chairs, pillows, lamps and accessories

 Some color scheme guidelines:

• Fewer colors are easier to work with
• Carry a key color throughout the home
• Use all of the colors in your scheme in the entry
• Use color to define a focal point
• Do not use equal amounts of color in each room. A dominate color should be 60% of a room.
• Connecting rooms should have a common color.
• Repeat colors in wallpaper, fabrics and accessories.

 The main goal is for your color scheme to flow harmoniously from area to area in a well balance fashion.

Your color scheme must also flow with your theme, mood & style. For Example; Black & Gold is great for Contemporary but it would be difficult for it to work for Country. As well as Salmon and Aqua can be a Desert Southwest, but not Western.

SECRET # 3 – ACCESSORIZING

Accessories make a house into YOUR HOME. They personalize a home and bring unity to your theme, mood, style and color scheme.

Some Accessory Guidelines

• -  Remember to continue your color scheme into your accessories.
• -  With the matting and framing of artwork, floral arrangements, lighting bases, candles, and bedding.
• -  Place your largest items first. Always consider the focal point of the room and do not let your accessories over-power it.
• -  Never underestimate the use of greens. They soften any area and bring life into your home. But if you do not have a green thumb, use silks.

How do we accessorize in models?

• First and foremost, all of the accessories coordinate with the theme, mood, style and color scheme. A Traditional Theme will have gold frames where a Western Theme will have rustic wood frames. Traditional may have brass swans and Western may have a Fredric Remington Sculpture. Traditional may have crystal boxes and Western may have clay pots.

 

• We also use LOTS and LOTS of CUSTOM Floral Arrangements. Coffee tables, Dining, Kitchen Island Dressers and Baths.
• We use Larger more impressive pieces which repeat the theme & color scheme. Such as plates, pots, vases or boxes.
• We also love Tablescaping. We look at horizontal surfaces as a total picture versus just placing individual pieces. We set the dining and kitchen tables.
• And for fillers we love frames and books.

Keep in mind, while all of these things look great in model homes, they may not be functional in your home.

SECRET # 4 – HOW TO USE FABRICS

Fabrics play an integral part of your homes theme, mood and style and their patterns add immeasurably to the character of your rooms.

As with your color scheme and accessories, your fabrics must also follow suit with your theme. You wouldn’t have silk damask in a Western Home, nor would you have burlap in a Traditional.

Guidelines in selecting patterns:

• -  If you want one pattern to dominate, choose the major pattern first, then coordinate the colors, textures and other patterns around it. Make sure a very dominate pattern is not over whelming a focal point.
• -  Invest in a large swatch and live with it for at least 30 days.
• -  A good way to coordinate prints is to choose secondary ones that are less intense, but in the same color scheme. Make sure that your patterns have a kinship. It is easier to have either formal or informal fabrics, not both.
• -  If you are unsure about selecting secondary prints, stripes, dots, checks, and plaids make natural secondary patterns.

HOW TO USE FABRICS EFFECTIVELY

How to use one fabric in a room

• Living Room – Use the same fabric on 2 chairs, 3 sofa accent pillows, window valance and drape tie backs.
• Dining Room – Use the same fabric on the chair seats, table runner, window valance and drape tie backs
• Kitchen – Use the same fabric on the chair cushions, place mats and window valance.
• Bedroom – Use the same fabric on the duster, 2 shams, 3 accent pillows, window valance and drape tie backs.

How to use more than one fabric in a room.

• Living Room – 2 accents pillows, table topper and on the window treatment.
• Dining Room – 2 arm chairs and window treatment.
• Kitchen – Napkins, Ruffle on cushion seats and window treatment.
• Bedroom – Bedspread, inserts in duster, 2 shams, 1 accent pillow and window treatment.

Don’t forget about adding the extras of contrast welting, ruffles, fringe, tassels, and covered buttons to pillows, furniture, window treatments and bedding.

Budget Model Secrets

• Use matching sheets on custom window treatments & pillows. It will give the whole room a professional look.
• If a fabric is very expensive, only cover one side of the pillow with it, use a less expensive fabric for the back.
• Use extra pieces to make runners for tables & dressers.

SECRET # 5 – FRAME YOUR ROOMS WITH BEAUTIFUL WALLS

Walls take up more space than any other single element in a room, so their treatment is important. A variety of materials is available to add interest to your walls.

Be adventurous with paint – Paint is the most popular choice for wall treatments because it is inexpensive and easily and quickly applied. Paint can change the look and feel of a room in one day.

1. -  Use paint as a back-drop for a bed or a focal point of a room.
2. -  Be bold and add color. If you don’t like it, just paint over it.
3. -  Try faux finishes. They can add an expensive professional look.
4. -  If you have a small wall border, paint a 12″ stripe and place the border in the middle.
5. -  Paint wood moldings a dramatic color and use as a chair rail, crown molding or frame a wall for a wall gallery.

Wallpaper ideas:

1. Wallpaper behind a bed or even just two walls.
2. Do something wild and crazy in your powder bath.
3. You can paper above, below or both when it comes to chair rail. Just keep in mind the scale and boldness of the patterns.
4. Use a border as chair rail.
5. Border around a wall to frame it as a focal point.
6. Borders can be placed at the ceiling, floor, chair rail, around a wall, window or door. Even above the back-splash in the kitchen. Borders are your most versatile and economical paper treatment.

Mirrors – Mirrors and the illusions they create are the grand magicians of wall coverings. You can visually double the size of a room be mirroring one wall and expand it almost infinitely by putting mirrors on two or more walls.Mirrors also add light into a dark room from their reflective quality. But, before you decide to mirror a wall, make sure you know what you will be reflecting. Is the view that will be reflected a good one? You wouldn’t want a double exposure of your kitchen or bath.

Wall Decals, Stencils and Wall Words - These are three great ways to add punch and interest to your walls and artwork galleries.  As well as being perfect DIY projects.

So now that you know the 5 secrets to decorating model homes, it’s time to decorate your home to look like a model!

• Candles – Decorated Tapers or slide on Flower Rings
• Change out your Candy Dish – Valentine Hearts, Jelly Beans, Jaw Breakers, Candy Corn, Ribbon Candy
• Have a Small Table Top Holiday Tree and Change the decorations every month
• Change the photos in a couple frames for the celebration of the month – 1st Day of School, Pool Parties, Halloween Costumes, Opening Christmas Presents, Holiday Family Get-Togethers
• Use Decorated Finger Tip Towels and Soap in your Powder Bath
• Change the table topper on a side table. There are always Great Themed Fabrics in the discount fabric stores. A small topper can be made with less than a yard. This is my favorite thing to do, but I place a topper on my kitchen table. I then place a piece of glass over it so we can sit there and not worry about getting it soiled.
• Bring out any Dolls or Figurines. I have a Singing in the Rain Doll for April Showers and old Holly Hobbie Figures for Mother’s Day and Christmas Barbies.
• Change your Potpourri – Seashell in June, Pumpkin in November, Pine in November
• Use Small Themed Gifts bags for your potpourri or candy.
• Change the cover on an accent pillow. It is easier to store the pillowcases, then 12 pillows.
• Keep it simple and just change your napkin ring holders and not all the table linen.

ONE LAST WORD – If you only want to change one area each month, have a small table in your entry, living or family room which you can easily decorate each month with one or two items.

ANY MONTH – Birthdays, Nationality, Home Town, Current Town

• Old Birthday Pictures
• Dutch – Tulips, Wooden Shoes
• New York – Statue of Liberty, Jacks, Picture Books
• Las Vegas – Playing Cards, Dice, Slot Machine

JANUARY – New Years

• Party Hats, Noise Makers, Champagne Glasses, Confetti

FEBRUARY – Valentine’s or President’s Day

• Hearts, Cupid, Candy, Roses, Lace
• President’s Silhouettes or Pictures

MARCH – St. Patrick’s Day, Spring

• Shamrocks, Leprechauns, Rainbow, Pot of Gold
• Butterflies, Flowers, Watering Cans, Kites

APRIL – Easter, Passover, April Showers

• Bunnies, Chicks, Baskets, Candy
• Umbrellas, Rain Boots & Slickers

MAY – Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, May Day

• Mother & Child, Hats & Gloves
• May Pole, Ribbons

JUNE – Father’s Day, Summer

• Pipes, Slippers, Fishing, Camping
• Beach or Pool Items, Cotton Candy, Fireflies

JULY – 4th of July

• Anything Red, White & Blue, Sparklers
• Stars, Flags, Fireworks

AUGUST – Barbecues

• Chef’s Hat, Mitts, Hot Dogs, Popcorn

SEPTEMBER – Start of School, Autumn

• Pencil or Lunch Boxes, Book Bags, Old Uniforms
• Leaves, Rakes, Scarecrows, Cinnamon, Gourds

OCTOBER – Halloween, Columbus Day

• Costumes, Cob Webs, Cats, Spiders, Candy Corn
• Globe, Ships, Maps, Nautical Items

NOVEMBER – Thanksgiving, Elections

• Horn of Plenty, Pilgrims, Indians, Turkeys
• Election Buttons, Bumper Stickers, Campaign Hats and Signs

DECEMBER – Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Wonderland

• Holiday Decorations
• Snowflakes, Snowmen, Icicles, Sleds, Skates, Mittens, Pine Cones

# 1 Look around your home for items you could easily change or use in a different way. How about using a fun container for your florals or silk plants, instead of an ordinary basket or planter – ice bucket, picnic basket, hat box, garden pail, watering can, briefcase, umbrella stand, gravy boat, water pitcher or an old colander.

# 2 Simply re-arrange or move your items to a different room. After a while we do not see the things in front of us. But placing them in a new setting, we seem to appreciate them again.

# 3 Exchange accessories with a friend. We sometimes tire of what we have, so instead of throwing, packing or giving them away, why not trade out some items with a friend for a while. We’re always borrowing jewelry and clothes, so why not accessories.

# 4 Bring out an old childhood treasure and display it.

# 5 Visit your local thrift or discount stores and search for “A Find”.

# 6 Don’t pass up those yard sales. Remember, one person’s trash is another’s treasure.

Here are some fun and simple decorating ideas for the different areas of your home.

KITCHEN & DINING ROOMS
• Put your flowers in one of the containers mentioned above.
• Add a table cloth to your table. To keep it clean, place a piece of glass over it.
• Add or change the seat covers on your bar stools.
• Tie your napkins with a fun, colorful item – ribbons, pipe cleaners, beads, ivy, shoelaces, leather, pony tail holders, bandannas.
• Add a colorful dish towel.
• Cover your bulletin board with a fun novelty fabric or wallpaper.

From - http://www.etsy.com/shop/ExclusivelyByMaritza

LIVING & FAMILY ROOMS
• Change the pillows on your sofa or wrap them in a fun fabric.
• Change out your candle colors.
• Drape ivy or a flower garland on the edge of a picture.
• Change the photos in your frames. Get them out of your albums, boxes and drawers. During someone’s birthday, it is fun to place photos from past years in a couple of frames. How about pictures from past Fourth of July or Halloween parties. What about old school pictures for September.
• Change out a couple flowers in your floral arrangements.

BEDROOMS & BATHS
• Change your accent pillows on the bed. Bring out one of the secondary colors from your bedding.
• Place your make-up, hair items, or jewelry in a novelty or colorful hat box. They look pretty and they hide clutter.
• Place your perfume on a mirrored tray.
• Group different sized and colored candles on a mirrored tray, or use an 8 x 10 frame and sprinkle glitter, confetti or pressed flowers under the glass.
• Use an accent table lamp on the bath counter as a night light.
• Add colorful hand towels.
• Put potpourri in a small gift bag on your dresser or guest bath counter.
Don’t be afraid to be creative in your home. Have fun and always remember, it is your home, so have something you love to look at in each room.

When I think of summer, some of the things that come to mind are: Crisp White Linens, Soft Sheer Panels, Watermelons and Strawberries, Picnic Baskets, Sunflowers and Daisies, Straw Hats and Beach Blankets, White Wicker Furniture, and Lemonade. We want to feel more comfortable and have easy care maintenance with quick and easy clean-ups. So take these ideas and use them as decorating themes throughout your home, inside and out.

BRINGING THE OUTDOORS INTO YOUR HOME
The winter is over, the days are longer and the sun is shinning bright, so let’s freshen up our indoor’s.

1. Open the blinds and let the sunshine in when you’re home. Use soft sheer panels to dress your windows to give them a clean and fresh feel. Add garlands of flowers to your existing window treatments, daisies are one of my favorites. If your room is lacking light, add a mirror across from a window to help bring the sunlight in.

2. Add the calming sound of water with a fountain. Place it in an area where it can be heard from a couple different areas in your home.

3. Bring a casual feel of the outdoors in your family room, with a white wicker chair, stool or side table. Yard sales are a great place to pick up these pieces this time of year, because people have bought new for their patio. You can spruce them up with a can of white spray paint.

4. Have fun and theme your kitchen and entice your senses with watermelons and strawberries. Use placemats and napkins for your table, a bowl or pitcher for the counter, and a couple small prints for the walls. Or how about bringing some Surf and Sand to Las Vegas with a beach party theme. Use a beach towel for a tablecloth and place a bowl or pail of sand on the table with shells and candles.

5. Freshen and brighten your color scheme and add pillows, flowers and painted frames. If you have navy blue add a sky blue, terra cotta add peach, hunter green add moss. Then add white, as it brings a crisp, fresh and clean feel to every room.

6. Punch up your accessories with wonderful summertime containers. Picnic baskets are great for hand towels in your baths and for storing your newspapers and magazines. You can also tablescape your coffee table with a straw hat, a basket with greens trailing out, and then use a beach blanket as a runner. Terra cotta pots also bring the outside in. Group a couple different sizes together on your table, fill with sand and place a single candle in the middle of each pot.

7. Summertime also means fresh flowers. When you’re out grocery shopping buy just the $3.00 bunch of flowers and place them throughout the house in bud vases. You can pick up bud vases at most thrift stores for around 25 cents. Place them in your entry to greet your guests, master bed and bath to welcome you in the morning and remember those unexpected corners and niches throughout your home.

8. Pull up those area rugs and let your tile and wood floors shine through for the summer. Give your feet a cool touch and your room a new look.

9. Decorate indoors for the holiday that we normally celebrate outdoors, the 4th of July. Add red, white and blue to your greenery and floral arrangements with flags, flowers, candles and ribbons. Make a patriotic table topper and add some no-sew pillows to your family room.

10. Bring the sky indoors with clouds. Watch for the newest decorating theme of air in dishes, linens and glassware. Paint a faux sky of clouds in your kitchen, bath or children’s room.

BRINGING THE INDOORS OUT TO YOUR PATIO AND YARD
Whether you live in a home, apartment or condominium you can enjoy the outdoors. Here are ten ideas to extend your entertaining and living space outdoors.

1. Arrange your patio into separate areas just as you have in your home. Have a dining area with your table and chairs, living area with chairs and side table, and an area to relax with lounge chairs.

2. Use comfortable furniture with cushions and pillows. If you have a covered patio and the furniture will be protected, don’t be afraid to use regular furniture. You can save money by buying at a thrift or consignment stores and have all the comforts of home, outdoors.

3. Set your patio table with fun outdoor dishes, linens and colorful potted plant as a centerpiece.

4. Add lighting so that you can sit, read and relax. Use table and floor lamps just like you do inside. Plus don’t forget accent lighting to make your patio twinkle. Use up lights on plants and trees and drape Christmas lights around your patio railings or cover. Follow the same principle for proper lighting placement as we do indoors. If your furniture is properly placed, your lighting will fall on a diagonal or triangular path.

5. Bring out some of your favorite accessories. Use frames, vases, pottery, potted plants and have a throw for when the evening gets cool.

6. Install fans and misters for those hot evenings to bring the air conditioning out.

7. Soften the hard surfaces of your doors, windows and patio cover with fabric. Treat them with easy care fabrics that can be removed and washed, since we do have a bit of more dust than other parts of the country. Pole swag treatments or simple rod pocket valances or panels work best. Use inexpensive fabrics from the dollar stores that you won’t mind replaces after a couple seasons.

8. If you’d like to spend more afternoons outside and need sun control, add operable shades. You can use a retractable awning, woven shade, or make a rolled or roman shade from fabric.

9. Use candles for a wonderful inviting and romantic candle lit setting in the evening.

10. Don’t be afraid to add artwork. You can hang them directly on your home, just make sure that they are properly secured and you use the proper tools not to damage the stucco. If you have a wood patio cover, add stenciling to the wood beams and supports.

When bringing the indoor’s out, the main things you have to keep in mind are easy maintenance, sun control, and properly securing items for our sometimes unexpected winds. So enjoy the summer, both indoors and outdoors and have fun decorating.

When I merchandise my models, my goal to make them appeal to the targeted buyer that the builder has identified and will be marketing to. Is this development priced for first time homebuyers, move-ups, second homes, retirement or maybe executive? Then I find out how much the builder has budgeted to spend. Now that amount can really vary from builder to builder and project to project. Many times the amount is dependent upon how many lots the builder has to sell, because what is spent on the models gets figured into the overall price of the development. On average what is spent on models is between $15.00 and $25.00 per square foot. Which means if the model of your home was 2000 square feet and lets say the builder spent $18.00 per square foot, they would have spent $36,000 decorating the model. I know that is a wide range, but there are many factors involved, such as the number of lots, targeted buyer, the price of the homes, and the competition. A smaller project being sold to first time homebuyers may range from $15.00 to $18.00 per square foot. A larger project targeted to move-up or executive buyers may range from $19.00 to $25.00 per square foot.

What’s included in that price is everything that you see in the models, except the typical items that come with the home. Such as flooring, counters, cabinets, lighting and appliances. Also included in that price is the designer’s fee, but being we’re buying at wholesale prices, you can still use these numbers in your figuring since you’ll be buying at retail.

Once I have my budget and who the targeted buyer is, I now look to see what trends are popular in interiors and colors, and what their lifespan is expected to be. Since most projects are open 18 to 24 months, it is important that the models are merchandised in colors and themes that will not be dated by the end of the season. It is also important that they are designed to appeal to the targeted buyer. Knowing that everyone has different likes and dislikes, we design the models to appeal to the broadest number of people that will be looking at the homes. For example, if a Retro style in bright bold colors was the trend, I might use it in a project targeted to first time homebuyers over retirees. Now I know that many retirees may like a bright bold retro look, but the majority of them probably will not, whereas there is a better chance that it will appeal to a larger majority of younger homebuyers who may be more daring, bolder and willing to design in a trend.

So the next time that you ask to have your home decorated just like a model, remember that it is more important that you design your home together. It needs to be your home when the designer leaves and not just another model home that’s been designed without your personal likes and dislikes in mind. So now that you have a little insider information on model home merchandising, what can you do to merchandise your home to look like a model?

First, have a common theme and color scheme throughout the home. If my theme is old world Italian with a color scheme of amber, russet and moss green, that theme and color scheme will be in every room of the house. By having one theme and color scheme it will make your home more harmonious, have a continuously flow and feel larger. To properly flow your colors through your home, take the colors from your color scheme and let’s start in the living and dining room; select one color as the primary, one as the secondary and the third as the accent. Now moving onto the kitchen and family room, select either the secondary or accent from the living and dining as your primary, then a secondary and then accent. What you want to do is change what is your primary, secondary and accent colors are throughout the house, otherwise your primary color will become overwhelming. If you used gold as the primary color in every room, all that you would see as the color throughout the house is gold. It would be so overwhelming you probably wouldn’t even see the other colors, plus you would tire of it quickly.

Your color scheme is essential in the flow of your theme, mood and style throughout your home and the most important element in unifying your home. Color harmony includes the mixture of color, patterns and texture in a well-balance scheme.

Some color scheme guidelines to help you:

• Fewer colors are easier to work with
• Use all of the colors in your scheme in the entry
• Do not use equal amounts of color in each room. A dominant color should be 60% of a room.
• Connecting rooms should have a common color.
• Repeat colors in wallpaper, fabrics and accessories.

The main goal is for your color scheme to flow harmoniously from area to area in a well balance fashion. Your color scheme must also flow with your theme, mood & style. For example, black and gold is great for contemporary but it would be difficult for it to work for country. As well as, blue and yellow can be country, but will not work well for a Santa Fe feel.

The next area that I feel makes a difference in models is in our accessory merchandising. Accessories are essential in bringing unity to your theme, mood, style and color scheme. Look at your accessories and determine if it is time to buy a couple new ones that will continue your theme and color scheme you’re creating. If in the past you had a traditional home and used gold frames but are now looking to go towards a Key West tropical look, it is probably time to donate your frames and buy new. Or how about keeping your old frames in your gift box and the next time that you give a picture of the kids to their grandparents, place it in one of your frames. Also, look at the colors in the matting of your artwork, floral arrangements and candles. If you’ve changed your colors, you can have easily change the mat color without having to buy a whole new piece, or switch out the dated colors and flowers in your arrangement and candles are one of the least expensive accessories, but ones that make a difference in the amount of color they will bring into your room.

Then never underestimate the use of greens. I love to use greens in my models and have to admit that I sometimes do overdue here just a bit, but they do soften any area and bring life into your home. But if you do not have a green thumb, use silks. Plus, we also use lots and lots of custom floral arrangements. My favorite places are the living room coffee tables, always on the dining table and master bath counter along with kitchen islands and niches.

When you’re out looking at accessories, consider using larger more impressive pieces, which again should repeat your theme and color scheme. Also remember to think of your table tops as more than horizontal surfaces but areas where you can tablescape. See it as a whole picture considering the style of the table, where it is placed and the look you’re creating. Instead of waiting for a holiday, set your dining table everyday. Add color and height to your table with a floral arrangement and by placing napkins inside your wine glass instead of next to your place settings.

Now, finally I’d like to dispel the myth that there are special model home manufacturers that make smaller beds and furniture. I have been designing model homes for almost 14 years and I have never come across one yet. If anyone out there knows of one, please share the information with me. I buy from the exact same manufacturers that you see in the major furniture stores. If in doubt, the next time you’re in a model open up a draw and look inside for the manufacturers name. Now we may buy from manufacturers you’re not familiar with as we go to furniture markets all over the country and not every store in town may carry some of the lines we’re using. The only reason I can think that people feel we buy special furniture is that we make the rooms look larger by the furniture placement and selection. In secondary bedrooms, we may place a regular twin size bed along the wall from a corner versus a full size bed straight out from the wall. In a master it will be rare that you’ll see a triple dresser plus an armoire used, unless it is a big master. Instead I’ll use two bedside chests and an armoire. Plus, if the master is small, I’ll use a full or queen over a king that you might place in your own room. Plus, you’ll see floor lamps used instead of a table in living and family rooms to make them more spacious. So please know, there are no model home furniture makers, just interior merchandisers who design the models to be open and inviting. Have fun visiting the many model homes throughout town. Remember to bring your camera with you to snap pictures of any styles, colors or arrangements that you’d like to use in your home by adding your own personal style and touch to make your home your very own model home.

WHO ARE INTERIOR DESIGNER’S?
An Interior Designer is a trained Professional who can provide a service or product for anything in the interior of a building or home. An Interior Designer should save you time, money and costly mistakes in decorating your home. It is my practice to never charge a client retail and always give more than expected. We are problem solver’s and helpers in completing the decorating of your home.


WHAT ARE SOME THINGS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER DOES?
Some areas a designer can help with are:
* Color Coordination
* Fabric Selection
* Theme, Mood & Style Creation and Coordination
* Furniture Layout
* Window & Wall Treatments
* Bedding & Accessories
* New Home Selections – Flooring, Counters, Cabinets
* Review Blueprints to make sure they will meet your furniture and living needs.

A designer also has all of the resources to select, purchase and install any product or service that you may need. Such as; finding a wallpaper, purchasing it for you and having it installed by a qualified installer. A designer is your personal Project Manager for whatever you hire them for.

WHEN SHOULD I HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
An Interior Designer can be hired at any point in your decorating plan, beginning, middle or end. But involving a designer earlier in the stages of your design project will make things easier for you. You hire a designer when you feel you need the help, don’t have the time, or don’t want to do it yourself. I find most people know what they like and have a personal sense of decorating. But sometimes want a little guidance in things as; color coordination, pulling together a theme, mood and style, finding the right furniture, artwork and accessories or just making their home complete. Or maybe you need someone to complete a project you can’t. Like make and install custom window treatments, install new flooring, build custom furniture or finding the right installer for the job.

HOW MUCH DO INTERIOR DESIGNER’S CHARGE?
This is one of the most hesitant question people ask. Designer’s are no different than any other professional and we all charge different rates depending upon the services we are hired to do. But most designer’s will discuss their fees over the phone, so don’t be afraid to call and ask. They will though need to ask you some questions in order to give you a reasonable answer. Such as; What are you looking to have done? Do you have a timeframe you are working in? Are you going to do the work yourself by shopping in local stores, or do you need help in competing your design? Are you working within any budget constraints? Also, just as you pay for an initial consult with a doctor or attorney, most designers charge for an initial consultation. Ask what they charge and what you will receive in return.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO I NEED TO HIRE A DESIGNER?
Every designer works different.  Many only have a minimum of one or two hours of their time.  Some designers do specialize and may have a minimum fee, but ask before setting the appointment. I believe Interior Designers are available and affordable to all.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I HIRE A DESIGNER?
Expect to be working with a professional. Depending upon the services you hire the designer for, normally your first appointment is a fact finding mission. They need to gather as much information from you to insure that you are both working towards the same goal. The second appointment you are normally presented with samples and pictures to review, sort out and approve. By the third appointment you should start making decisions on the items to be completed and the fourth appointment ordering should begin. Then depending upon what is being completed additional appointments may be necessary for finalization. Your designer will then place your orders, follow-up, project manage, schedule installations and follow-up on completion. Also, make sure you hire someone you like, because as you can see, you will develop a close relationship with this person. Interior design is truly a personal service and you both must enjoy the experience.

WHAT IS A DESIGN CONSULTATION?
A Design Consultation is when you hire a designer on an hourly basis for decorating ideas and guidance. You can then complete them yourself or hire the designer to complete them for you. I find more of my client’s are trying things themselves to save money, but are just looking for a little help along the way. A Design Consultation is a great way to save yourself time, money and those costly mistakes by getting some advice from an expert before you start.

WHAT EXACTING CAN A DESIGNER DO DURING A DESIGN CONSULTATION?
Well a lot can be done in a design consultation and it can be as short as one hour. I can accomplish a lot in one hour and find three hours is about the maximum for both myself and my client. During a consultation, you are sharing many design ideas, solving problems and providing guidance. Some things which can be done in a consultation are:
* General Furniture Layout & Space Planning
* Color Coordination of any Fabrics, Flooring, Paint, or Finishes which you may have
* Window Treatment & Wall Covering Suggestions
* Review of Artwork and Accessory Placement
* Continuity of your Theme, Mood & Style

WHAT IS INTERIOR Re-Design?
This is a wonderful practice of design where we take just what you have in your home and re-arrange it to meet your new or changing needs. This is great for when you have moved into a new home and want to re-use what you have or if you have been in your home and want a new look. Everything moveable is re-arranged to give you a new and fresh look. You would be charged by either the room or by the hour, but expect to be given an exact amount before the re-arrangement would take place. Depending upon the size of the project, it should be completed in one day.

Don’t be afraid to call and talk to an Interior Designer. As you can see they can help in many areas of your home decorating plan and will save you time, money and those costly mistakes.