Enjoy these wonderful home decorating tips from our friends at Gabberts.
Jul 12th and 13th |
Q: How can I update my outdoor furniture? A: If you're thinking about making a fabric-color switch for your porch or patio area, the trend for spring is soft blues, spring greens, warm corals to crisp whites, balanced neutrals, and decadent browns. This season's best outdoor fabrics feature sophisticated designs infused with stripes, terries, waffles, jacquards, and textured solids. Answer provided by Gabberts Designer Kimberly Narkie, Allied Member ASID, IFDA, WFCP and courtesy of mspmag.com/yourhome. |
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Q: How can I update my living room? A: You can bring a more modern edge to your home by playing with your furnishings. You can update the entire room or reupholster a key piece—think traditional pattern enlarged or dramatically colored. Metallic finishes and Lucite are great accents as smaller pieces. Don't be afraid of color and mixing design periods, finishes, and materials. Answer provided by Gabberts Designer Lauradeen Potretzke, Allied Member ASID and courtesy of mspmag.com/yourhome. |
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Q: How can I give my kitchen an easy facelift? A:You can add new life to your kitchen by removing upper cabinet doors and either replacing the wood panels with glass or leaving the shelves open. Add a rich color or texture behind shelving or to the backsplash for added drama. Other quick fixes? Update or add cabinet hardware or change out a tired faucet or appliances to reenergize. Answer provided by Gabberts Designer Lauradeen Potretzke, Allied Member ASID and courtesy of mspmag.com/yourhome. |
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Jul 19 |
Q: What's an easy way to bring a little spring indoors? A: It's easy to bring the outdoors in with hints of spring colors. Place potted tulips or gorgeous silk spring colored flowers on your cocktail table and in the powder room. Change out the pillows on your living room sofa with colors of spring, such as fresh apple greens, sunny yellows, or beautiful pastels. Answer provided by Gabberts Senior Designer Nancy Woodhouse, Allied Member ASID and courtesy of mspmag.com/yourhome. |
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Jul 23 |
Q: Would a wall covering spruce up my bedroom? A: You bet! Wall coverings are hot, and they look great in unexpected places such as a closet, powder room, ceiling, or accent wall. In a bedroom, a dramatic wall covering can highlight the headboard wall and create a focal point. Then simply update the bedding and add decorative pillows to create a new luxurious retreat. Answer provided by Gabberts Designer Lauradeen Potretzke, Allied Member ASID and courtesy of mspmag.com/yourhome. |
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Q: I want to buy a quality sofa that will last for years. What should I look for? A: Study the quality of the fabric or the leather. Analine leather, for instance, is a very high-quality leather that's worth paying for because it will last. Also find out what's beneath the surface. Ideally, a frame should be made of solid wood all the way from the top through the leg versus pieces put together with the legs screwed on. The best sofas also will have what's called eight-way hand-tied construction to provide excellent support for the cushions. Seating pieces made this way can last many years, especially with ongoing care such as vacuuming the fabric, regularly fluffing and rotating seat cushions, protecting the leather or fabric and keeping it away from sunlight, wiping down the leather frequently, and using the entire seating area—not just one spot. Answer provided by Gabberts Senior Designer Diane Matkaiti, Allied Member ASID and courtesy of mspmag.com/yourhome. |
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Jul 27 |
Q: Is it possible to hire a designer for help on a small project, or do designers only work on larger projects? A: We're happy to take on projects of any size, from finding one item to designing a whole house. At Gabberts, our design team works on an hourly consultation fee of $125. But when you purchase new furniture items from us, we provide the design consultation free of charge. Our approach to the design process depends on your preference. Some people like to see everything available—100 options. Others ask for only two. We can do all of the work and share resources and give our opinions along the way, or we can let you do the work, too, and just step in as needed. You decide. Answer provided by Gabberts Senior Designer Jenny Reed, Allied Member ASID and courtesy of mspmag.com/yourhome. |
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Q: How can I better define my personal style when working with a designer? A: When you're working toward a specific look for a space in your home, it's helpful not only to talk about what you like but also to go through magazines and pull together some of the photos that catch your eye. Even if you don't like everything on a magazine page, the details that appeal to you—like the sofa color or the detail of cabinetry, for instance—can help make sure we're headed in the right direction. Answer provided by Gabberts Senior Designer Connie Wersal-LaVelle, Allied Member ASID and courtesy of mspmag.com/yourhome. |
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Q: How can I prevent clutter from constantly cropping up on my countertops? A: Organization is key especially in prone-to-clutter areas. Sort, then organize and "hide" clutter worth keeping by using decorative boxes, baskets, or bins displayed on an open shelf or tabletop. No shelf space? Use a decorative chest or storage ottoman. Answer provided by Gabberts Senior Designer Dawn M. Ewest, Allied Member ASID and courtesy of mspmag.com/yourhome. |
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Aug 1 |
Q: Most designers have signature looks. Is it worth asking them to work with my personal style? A: Absolutely! When I meet with a client, it's all about building trust. I want to get to know what's important to them—travel or family or a specific look or style. If someone travels and enjoys bringing pieces home, for instance, we can definitely collaborate to showcase these things. Or, if everything revolves around family and they don't want to worry about spilling things, we'll find fabrics that resist stains and wear well—and we'll make sure rooms are planned to function for kids. Answer provided by Gabberts Senior Designer Connie Wersal-LaVelle, Allied Member ASID and courtesy of mspmag.com/yourhome. |
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Q: How can I get out of my neutral color rut? A: If you're ready to try more color in a contemporary space dominated by a neutral palette, add bold pieces, such as accessories, artwork, or pillows that bring in your new colors. Or try painting an accent wall to add depth to the space, color blocking to repeat architectural elements, or adding a grid pattern to a ceiling to create interest. Answer provided by Gabberts Designer Carla Mertz, IFDA and courtesy of mspmag.com/yourhome. |
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