Wednesday, October 26, 2011

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

Sunday, October 23, 2011

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

Home Office Space
101 Central Park West: Home Office traditional home office


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

Sunday, October 16, 2011

"Inside Out"

Corbett Lighting mediterranean patio

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!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

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

White Pumpkins eclectic


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!! 

Thursday, October 6, 2011

A special retreat

Bedroom eclectic bedroom

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?

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

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.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

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.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

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.