Holiday Wishes..........

JMS Interiors wishes you and yours a warm and loving Holiday Season

and

a Happy, Healthy, Joyous, and Prosperous New Year

May all your doors open wide.............may all your dreams come true..........may all of those close to you be loving and safe.   May the "New Year" bring peace and harmony to the world.

                                    With warmest wishes,    Sheila

             



Bold Can Be Beautiful....

A custom headboard with a great presence can create a special focal point for your bedroom.  The bold size with beautiful tufting and soft wings allow this bedroom to be special, and complementary textures enhance the serene yet sophisticated
space.  The upholstered base creates balance and proportion.  You would be surprised what a large piece of furniture could do for a room of average size.

Can you imagine this room in your favorite color?  .........with your favorite chair?   ........with your favorite art? Would you like to explore textures that reflect your personal style?   This would certainly be a worthwhile investment in professional help.  Scale and design for your specific room is key to a fabulous outcome.   It is what I love to do!   It is what you will love for many years!                                                               

Can I Make a Small Space Work?

Did you know that the issue of where to place a queen size bed in a small room can be solved in an interesting and functional manner?  If the bed is placed in front of the window and large items placed on either side of the bed - like a symmetrical pair of big table lamps and symmetrical framed art - you can balance a room nicely.

Keep it simple - the old KISS theory - and clean for an effective result.  Use colors that you love and reflect your personality.

Too busy to tackle this with the holiday season upon us?  Want a one-day makeover to refresh your home for the holidays?  You can call 858 755.3593 or email (Sheila@jmsinteriors.net) to discuss the possibilities, have something new, and best of all have time for all the things you enjoy.

Happy Thanksgiving !!  We really do have lots to be thankful for.

Can You Glam?

What's your style?  A new baby has so much to see and learn..........it is so special watching this new life grow and develop.  This small mirrored piece not only doubles as a changing table, but gives you some very practical storage as well.  Baby will also love seeing her (or his) reflection!   Even a nursery can take on a new vibe by adding a special piece!  The room is still neutral and peaceful for both mom and baby.

It's fun to mix old and new pieces in a room..........adding a dust ruffle to the crib, or a vintage tufted chair adds a bit of sophistication and softness to the room.  The shape of a piece, textures, and colors in a room are always very personal and can be designed to grow with your most precious baby. Could a mirrored piece be used in a room with primary colors or a different theme?  Of course! With a bit of thought and creativity, your baby's room can "reflect" your personal style and be a wonderful place for sweet dreams!

Do you have questions?  Are you not sure how to make a space special?  What is your objective?  What are your favorite colors?  Do you have a budget in mind?  Consultation and conversation with a professional can help you achieve the results you want.  Do you need a bit of direction?  Do you want someone to listen to you and make it happen (do the project from start to finish)?  Information is at your finger tips...........all you have to do is ask Sheila@jmsinteriors.net. 

Neutral Impact ...

Neutrals can be fabulous - not boring!!!  Using slab limestone for the tub surround becomes a great focal point and is a nice change from more ordinary tile design.  Simplicity and beautiful texture - nature made - create a wonderful compliment for polished chrome fixtures, interesting shapes, painted finishes and personal touches.

Knowing how to combine patterns, colors and textures makes a world of difference in the outcome of any space.  It is really important to pay attention to detail.    The room in which you begin and end your day is certainly important.  Have you ever thought about how you feel when getting ready for the day?  .... how you feel when getting ready for a good night's sleep?

Working with a professional pays big dividends, and the invested dollars translate into years of comfort.  Your bath or kitchen renovation also provides measurable dollar return when selling you home.  As  they say, "be the best that you can be".  Don't you agree?   Comments always reach me at:  Sheila@jmsinteriors.net

Symmetry and Interest

Modern furnishings don't have to be boring.  Symmetrical rooms become interesting when we add an element of surprise or contrast.  A long slender lamp and  a short chunky one flanking the clean lined sofa feels fresh and makes the room feel intriguing and inviting. The two long windows add to the symmetry of the room and add balance to the surprise lighting.

A fun side table between the two chairs brings function and texture to a neutral space.  Did you notice the great ottoman?

Champagne Looks on a Beer Budget

A bit of creativity, great color, good balance, and lighting give a small room or work space importance.  Most of all it gives us the incentive to "get the job done" in a comfortable setting.  The right combinations of the above (color, balance, texture) give a unique flair to a personal space.

Materials used are from a variety of sources.......from Ikea to good "finds" with a bit of special fabric thrown in!  We can do it together.  Perhaps there are some special pieces - rugs, art, lamps - that could be re-purposed and combined to create a new space.  If you have a qustion or would like to invest in your personal space, feel free to email me at:  Sheila@jmsinteriors.net

What a Difference a Day Makes !!

One day there was nothing!  No place to sit......no place to read......no place to eat or share a glass of wine with a friend.  And then the magic happened.  A special table and chairs with special finishes and materials, specific size and color to enhance a patio and add a private outdoor room.   

"Words cannot express my true appreciation for all your efforts throughout the process.  Your professional eye and natural style of listening to what I wanted is commendable!  Now I have a patio that is not only comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, but darn right awesome!  I love it."  Sincerely, D

Using appropriate size and materials for a space is incredibly important.  As a designer, I always look at the whole picture and assess my client's wants and needs.  This patio became a special sanctuary and best of all..........D smiles every time she looks out her window.  It is truly her "Ah- ha" space!!

Hugs til next time,  Sheila  (www.jmsinteriors.net) 

Plain or fancy............

A home office for one or two can be practical and stylish at the same time.  Simple, clean lines which satisfy basic needs - space to work, good lighting, and basic shelving or drawer space will offer a neat and clean place to accomplish tasks with efficiency and order.

If your style and budget are different......more elaborate options are always available.  Extra  drawers, comfortable work surfaces and seating, along with natural and good task lighting make complex jobs easy to manage and organize with room to be creative as well.

We are all different and have different work styles, budgets and requirements.  Challenges are my specialty - great solutions for my clients are my reward!  Any questions?  You know what to do!!.............I am email friendly:  Sheila@jmsinteriors.net. 

"Inside Out"

We are so lucky to live in a place where our living  spaces can extend so comfortably to the outdoors!  It is not very difficult to turn a patio into an outdoor dining area with a few modifications.  Indoor and outdoor spaces have lots in common.  Both need appropriate seating for either dining or relaxing or enjoying conversation...... both need lighting to serve our needs.

Your personal style should always be a consideration,  I love creating personal spaces.  Good design should reflect YOU.  What do you think?  I will gladly answer your questions..........Sheila@jmsinteriors.net.  Share this with a friend who you think might be interested!

Tiny pumpkins...........

Tiny pumpkins, willowy twigs in matching vases create a sophisticated mantel and interesting fall look.  My favorite pumpkins are often the white ones of various sizes and I love using them on tables..........dining, side tables or coffee tables. 

I was thinking about Halloween and trying to come up with "out of the ordinary" ways to use pumpkins large and small.  It is really fun to use a range of sizes of orange pumpkins, too.  Mix them into surprise settings!  Who-o-o-o might make a "ghost" appearance or find a "trick or treat" in a unique setting!! 

A special retreat

At the end of the day, it is great to have a peaceful retreat.  A neutral palate with interesting texture, comfortable seating, and great lighting creates a place free of distractions which can help us rejuvenate our bodies and minds for the next day.

Adding favorite artwork or family photos personalize our space.........adding a favorite color or pattern or plant gives life to our room.  Of course proper scale of furnishing is always important.  Notice the soft draperies?  .......texture and color of the back wall. Hmmmmmm............would you like some help?

Bathroom hints......

Small changes have a big impact - even in a bathroom.  Changing the tub surround, adding an interesting split shower curtain to soften hard edges, and reducing clutter, makes an old space feel new and revitalized.

Can you change out a closet for built in storage?

Can you change your lighting?

I love making changes that enhance our living spaces and create more comfort.

Area rugs create warmth

Area rugs really make a room special!  Whether you have stone, tile, or a wood floor, there are beautiful area rugs with incredibile patterns, textures, and colors.

You might have a large room and want to anchor your furniture.  You might have a small reading corner and want to creat a cozy space that is separate from the main area of a room.

If you need a specific pattern or color...........we can do!  Do you have a preference for traditional?  .....transitional? ...... contemporary? ......art deco? .......print?....floral?  Adding one special piece with the right color and texture makes a space new and fresh and certainly personal.

Is it really October?

Wow........where have the last 10 days gone?  I have been to the Laguna Design Center and had the privilege of listening to and meeting Nancy Corzine - certainly an influential force in the field of design.  It was facinating to hear how she began.  The next day I had the opportunity to meet with and hear Steve Nobel - the chairman of Luxury Home Alliance -  who spoke about transitions and the importance of professional services and relationships in today's world.  I know we are all keenly aware of the changes in our economy, our eco-system, and our desire to improve our world by consciously re-using, re-newing, and respecting our resources.

And in between these enlightening meetings, my clients challenged me to find solutions to design dilemnas so we could have the best of both worlds - beauty and function.  One issue was how to have the openness of a great screen panel and yet have total privacy when needed.  I did it and we now have the best of both worlds.  Another client wanted a specific work area but also wanted the area to be used for social purposes.  We have arrived at a great compromise........ wheels were a great help!

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me or comment through my website:  www.jmsinteriors.net  I will be happy to respond.  Have a great week.

Even designers need to have fun

Tomorrow will be a day of design - just for designers at Laguna Design Center.  I am looking forward to seeing Nancy Corzine and Janie Schoenborn and learning of their inspirations in the design world.  New furniture, lighting, and fabrics always get my creative juices flowing and I am looking forward to sharing and implementing new ideas.

Can I share some new thoughts and ideas with you?  Are there any challenges we might explore?  You might be surprised at what we can do together!  I am looking forward to making sure my clients have access to all that makes their homes more special and functional and lets their personality shine through.

I'll keep you posted!  Let me know how I can be of service to you.

Is there a change in the air?

Wow!  Can't believe it is almost FALL!  It was a beautiful summer.  As I walked this morning I couldn't help but notice that some leaves are changing color and even beginning to fall - even here in Southern California.  It reminds me that we should think about and plan for the changes we want to make in our homes during the coming weeks as soon as possible so we can have things ordered, made, shipped and delivered without the worry of cut-off dates.

There are so many beautiful things available in the marketplace, but due to our current economy materials are not stocked as plentifully as they used to be.  As a designer, it is my job to know "who, what, when, where...." so that I can give my clients excellent service and make their design or re-design project a great experience.

It is always nice to freshen our spaces, update our look, give our homes and hearts a smile!  (Even birds build new nests).

Did you know?

Did you know that hiring a professional can save you time, money, maximize your dollars, and certainly help you avoid costly mistakes?  A good designer can help you put together a plan that is right for you.  Did you know that a designer can save you time by bringing appropriate materials to you so that you do not have to go from place to place to find what works best?  Talent, experience, and great sources bring clarity to your wants and dreams.

A good foundation and a logical plan makes sense.  Sometimes we need guidance so that colors flow, furniture fits, functions well, and reflects our personal life style.  That might be a daunting task for you, but certainly not for a good designer.  Wouldn't you like to turn that frown upside down?

Whatever your dilemna, a designer can evaluate your situation and help you develop a well orchestrated plan with inspiring solutions that make the difference between a quick fix and a beautifully executed space.  Did you know that I can literally show you how a new color will look in your room before you invest in a color or tone that "might" work?

Whether it be everything new or incorporating your precious antiques, you can hire a professional for as little or as much time as you need.  Flexible plans are available from hourly consultation to full and complete interiors design concepts.    I am just a call or an email away!  Don't forget to check www.jmsinteriors.net  for more details.

Our windows on the world

Have you thought about the light in your rooms lately?  We have so many choices with window treatments.  Do we want privacy? Light control?  Protection from the sun?  Do we want our light filtered?  Do we want to create a combination of decorative and pratical treatments?  Do we want to add color?  Do we want texture?  Will it enhance our furnishing?

So many options -  whether fabric for shades or draperies, hard or soft treatments - it can be very confusing.  Part of what I do as a designer is to view the total picture, assess my client's wants, and make recommendations so they can make informed choices.  Best of all, from start to finish, they need not worry about how or where or when it will be completed ...........I get to do all of that for them.  Peace of mind is worth a million dollars!!!  We all have more important things to worry about.

Another idea.......

It's fun to be creative..........a bit adventurous!  Try something new.  Perhaps you can "unmatch" things by changing identical end tables or night stands so it doesn't feel like a furniture store.  Take a piece from another room and create a new grouping, add different accessories and you will change the feel of your space.

And speaking of accessories, you can gather your accessories in one place and they try different items in new places.  Of course, you can always call for help.  Sometimes a small professional consultation creates a whole new look.

We can still follow the 3 Rs - renew, reuse, or redo - and be kind to our environment, giving our rooms a lift.  Stay tuned for more..........

Today is the first day......

Have you ever thought about making some changes in your home but found it overwhelming?  Like anything else in life, it always begins with a first step.  Sometimes, just a small one.  In terms of making your home or a room more comfortable, moving a chair or a light can make a big difference. 


Stay tuned for more tips to come.  You might surprise yourself and see your space in a whole new light!