10BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS….EVEN IF YOU AREN’T A PARENT

If you’re like most parents, your kids are the most important people in your life, and their success in school matters because it impacts their entire future.

If you’re not a parents, and you are the household king or queen, or you work from home either full or part- time, here are my top ten tips for creating a great study or work area that encourages productivity:

1. Select a desk with storage for files and supplies, and a computer keyboard even if the main computer is a laptop.

2. Install shelves or cabinets above the desk for notebooks and schoolbooks with closed ends. It’s much easier to keep the shelves neat if things are not falling off of the end.

3. Select an ergonomic chair for comfort so it’s easier to stay focused on homework.

4. Install lighting under the shelves, and also provide good task lighting that is adjustable so glare is minimized on the computer screen.

5. Use cord mangers to keep the area neat and clean under the desk.

6. Invest in colorful office supplies so organization is fun and easy.

7.  Select colors for the walls that encourage productivity and focus.  Here are some of my favorite colors.

8. Purchase an iPod docking station that can be installed on the bookshelves above, or on the wall, and if the music tends to get loud, include a good set of headphones.

9. Add a timer to the desktop.  This is a great productivity tool since scheduling work blocks and limiting how long you or your child works on projects will encourage efficiency.

10. Gmail has great tools such as Google Notebook and www.gqueue.com which integrates a To Do list into the calendar so assignments or deadline are not missed.

Here’s is another great  productivity tools too: http://sixrevision.com/tools/free-productivity-tools-web-pro

I know, I know!  What are we thinking- A Blog about X-Mas in July?!! But there are some great ideas we just had to share!

Interior Design: High Rise Condominiums

Christmas in July

The year is half over and it’s hard to believe that we’ll soon be seeing Christmas decorations in the department stores.  Times move quickly, doesn’t it?

July is the perfect time to plan for your year-end family gathering.  If you’re thinking about updating your dining room, powder room or kitchen to prepare for the laughter, warmth and holiday cheer, it’s the perfect time to start your project so you have time relax before your company arrives.

Project Managment- Custom Designed Baths-Spa’s-Powder Rooms

Here’s our Top 10 List of High Impact Spruce-Ups for Holiday Entertaining

1. Update your powder room with a new mirror, lighting, a new paint color, or wallpaper for a quick and easy makeover.  Here’s a great wallpaper! 

 2. Change your kitchen counter and install a new sink and faucet. Think about adding a hot water dispenser and filter for an instant hot chocolate or tea.  Here are some great options for counter tops using beautiful, and yet anti-microbial finishes that are more practical than standard granite.

3. Install under and over cabinet lighting on dimmers for dramatic ambiance for parties.

Custom Furnishing Specialist

4. Enhance your views both inside and outside with custom-designed window treatments in your dining room and family room.  Trends are moving toward simpler and sleeker styles with understated hardware. 

5. Rearrange your furniture, rugs and accessories for a quick update and add decorative pillows that express your personality.

6.  Hardwood is the ever popular flooring choice for dinning rooms, so consider fabulous new floor to show off your brand new rug.

7. Replace your dining room chandelier with a new style and purchase a neutral textured rug to create a more relaxed space to share a Thanksgiving meal with your family and friends. 

 Another easy way update is to reupholster your dining room chairs.

8. Be voted the most fabulous host by adding special touches to your guest bedroom and bathroom.  Update your beside lamps with a new style and a three way bulb for reading, add an iPod docking station, a carafe and glass, a vase for fresh flowers, a guest book for special memories of the visit, and crisp new bed linens and draperies.  Select special bath salts, aromatherapy scents and fluffy new towels

9. Change your wall colors with updated shades here a few great colors from Benjamin Moore that could transform your rooms with out a major investment.

10. Add a small wet bar in a space close to your entertaining area with a fabulous Sub-Zero wine refrigerator with drawers for soft drinks and mixers, a warming drawer for snacks and small dishwasher for convenience. 

Please let us know how we can help you plan for the holidays.  Give a  call 716- 627- 4697 or Contact Us @ schaperassociates.net

Ho, ho, ho

INTERIOR DESIGN

In most of today’s new homes, large walls of windows have become popular, it is not uncommon to see French doors with transom windows above, and another bank of windows above that.  A room doesn’t have to be a sun room anymore to be flooded with light.

All of this sunshine, however, creates its own set of problems. In addition to privacy issues, large windows flood bedrooms with too much light at sunrise. They can cause furnishings to fade in strong afternoon rays and reduce usable wall area in a room, making furniture placement and window treatment design difficult. Large windows are quite fabulous, however, and most of us feel blessed to have them.

HIGH RISE CONDOMINIUMS- penthouses/lofts

Blinds and shades are often the first product used to control light and provide privacy. Wide slat wood blinds are an inexpensive option and allow a lot of light to filter in. They can be tilted to protect furniture. They look best when left down, however, since they form a large stack at the top when raised, if an uninterrupted view is what you’re looking for, they may not be the best solution.   Be sure to discuss the various quality levels and options that are available, there are so many to choose from, there’s sure to be something that fits your needs and budget.

Many people begin with blinds, and then add curtains later for color and insulation. Instead of blinds, one could begin with light-filtering fabric shades, woven grass or bamboo shades. These fold up on themselves leaving the view open, and look attractive when raised.  Used alone, they provide a more modern look, especially in a small room where long curtains might crowd the floor area. For a large window area, an individual shade for each opening works best, because shades too large can be impossible to operate.

For the largest, grandest windows, curtains are really a must. Old-fashioned, custom-designed, beautifully crafted curtains are back in style.  Even though our modern homes are insulated and newer windows keep out drafts, our trends towards larger windows make true climate control impossible. Curtains that filter the hot afternoon sun will save hundreds on air conditioning.  Window treatments are another layer that protects interior fabrics, wood floors and carpets. Large sliding doors need extra insulation for chilly winter days. In bedrooms, blackout curtains create a cozy cocoon that makes it easy to catch up on sleep or nap during the day.

COLOR SPECIALISTS- residental- commerical-healthcare

Be sure to use an experienced Interior Designer along with a professional workroom that specializes in custom window treatments. With large windows, there are many issues involved. Special hardware may be needed to traverse a large window or carry heavy curtains. What type of lining and interlining should be used? The proportions of the design are important in relation to the window layout and size of the room.  Custom window treatments are expensive, but they are a labor-intensive process that requires education, experience and good customer service. Purchasing fabric yourself and looking for a seamstress can have mixed results, as it may not save money and can create a host of problems. Be sure to get some good advice and think about privacy and light control before you choose a style.  A good designer will cover all of the areas I’ve discussed. They’ll also send someone out to measure in person; they may charge for an estimate, but it is money well-spent to avoid expensive mistakes.

Custom window treatments can be a significant project, with the right planning and advice; you can have something practical that will beautify your home for many years.

CUSTOM FURNISHINGS SPECIALIST

Call us for all your INTERIOR DESIGN needs.  716-627-4697 or contact us at www.schaperassociates.net

  Interior Design 

Much of a home’s personality comes from its windows, so the size, details and placement can really define the house’s style.   After deciding the shape of a house, the choice of windows is the next most important decision.  You want your windows to be in harmony with the whole house.  

      Placement – A symmetrical pattern of small windows gives a house a more historic or early American look as opposed to walls of glass which are more contemporary.  Using a variety of shapes and sizes creates a more eclectic and picturesque character to the home.

     Think BIG – The bigger the windows, the better.  Nothing is more beautiful than windows that are a foot or so off the floor. So often windows are too small to see out of comfortably when you are sitting down.  Higher window sill heights are needed where privacy is an issue – bathrooms and bedrooms primarily.  In the kitchen it looks best to bring window sill to top of backsplash, which allows good visibility.

    Alignment – For the best appearance inside and out, the tops of windows should be aligned on each level.  A good rule of thumb is to set the window tops at the same height as the doorway on the first floor.  If you have  chosen to have different size windows it is better to alter the width rather than the length, wherever possible

  Custom Window Treatments

     Combine units– For an extra large picture window combine units that are standard, a large fixed window with two standard operable windows, and then add a transom on top. A bank of the same size windows to create a window wall is a beautiful look, particularily when you have a great view outdoors. Use casements with a soaring fixed panel in the center and above to create height and drama.

     Bay windows – Consist of multiple units that are combined to create a bump-out from the exterior wall.  This provides more light, makes the room feel bigger, and best of all can create an ideal spot for a window seat or a plant area.

 Color Consultations 

Muntins– Originally makers of glass could not make large pieces of glass so the muntins held the small pieces of glass.  This is not the case today and there are many options:  Grilles    affixed to the inside and out to mimic muntins.  These look the most authentic but complicates window cleaning.  Grilles between the glass.  Makes cleaning very easy, but come in limited colors.Snap on grids. Can be removed for cleaning but can be flimsy and break easily and not fit well.

   Exterior and Interior Woodwork – Originally outside moldings were used to hold windows in place, but now they are installed with fins that get nailed directly to the sheathing, so many builders simply run the siding directly to the windows.  Molding can transform the home by adding so much visual interest, especially by painting them a different color than the siding.  Often the interior windows are flush with the wall with minimal trim.  Think about this when you are building and ask your builder what other more interesting options are available.

Thought and planning in the early stages of designing your home can help to create a house that is truly beautiful and well balanced.

 Schaper Associates Interior Design has more than 20 years experience creating beautiful residential and commercial interiors.  Call or  Contact Us at 716-627-4697 for an appointment. 

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Interior Design-Project Managment

          Many of our clients are taking more chances than ever when it comes to selecting paint colors for their homes.  But, there are still those who are afraid and need extra encouragement to enrich their environment with color.

         One mistake that is often made is to fan out the color deck and pick a favorite color, which may look great on the one-inch square but awful on the wall.  I always order large samples of our paint choices and have the client tape the swatches to their wall so they can see them both in the daylight and at night.  I also consider the furnishings and accessories when selecting paint and pull a color from a print that we then paint the room with, totally enhancing the fabric and unifying the room

 Design Development- Interior Design

        Another way to start small is to paint a small room that is more isolated like a bathroom, or also a kitchen where there is usually very little wall space.  Intense colors have a smaller impact in these rooms and can be the first step towards introducing more exciting colors to the larger rooms in your home.

         I also try to show my clients photos of rooms with dramatic color, to see what their response is.  Almost always they love the rooms with great color on the walls and it helps encourage them to try using more color.

  A few tips to consider when selecting your paint:

• Tiny spaces – don’t paint it white making it dull and boring- instead go with a bold color to make it cozy and interesting.
• Adjoining spaces – choose colors that are pleasing next to each other.  I almost always recommend that trim color be consistent throughout a house to avoid choppiness.
• Specific color palettes for certain architectural styles – unless you are doing a pure historical renovation it is not necessary to select colors that are true to the style.  It can be very interesting to do the unexpected.

 Frequently we tend to select both interior and exterior colors that are a reflection of our surroundings and are driven by nature and the architecture.  For exterior painting the “rules” for color selection are much more determined by the style of the house.  A multi-colored typical Victorian color palette would look strange on a ranch home for example.  But, you can still be creative in your use of color, with one base color for siding and then bring it up with another color on shutters or trim and then add punch with a great door color.  Most paint companies have brochures showing different combinations of color.

 Project Management-Interior Design

   The bottom line on selecting paint is that “it is only paint and easily redone”.  It is one of the easiest fixes in interior design.  And, if you are struggling to get it right, call a Designer or Design Consultant.  They will assist you in making sure all elements of a room are considered when choosing paint, and because they do it all the time, the chances of getting it right the first time are excellent!

  Schaper Associates, Inc. at (716)627-4697

          It is the aesthetic choices – art, colors, materials and styles that define our personalities.  Our homes, then, should be a reflection of who we are and filled with things we love and delight in.  That’s one of the first rules of accessorizing.  Regardless of taste, a home can be captivating if it tells the stories of those who live in it.  That said, there are some basic principles of home accessorizing that if followed, will lead to a well designed interior. 

          The first step is to identify a focal point, which could be a main furniture piece or architectural detail, and play it up to create more emphasis.  For example, a fireplace mantle would look great with a display of great pottery, or a dramatic mirror with floral arrangements flanking it. The scale of items is important to consider, chunky with chunky, delicate with delicate. Beds and sofas can come alive with custom throw pillows in beautiful colors, patterns and trims.  An interesting throw and dust ruffle can also be added

Built-in shelves lend themselves to a multitude of options for accessorizing with collections that add a variety of elements – textures, shapes, colors, sizes, lines, and materials.  Group like items together, remembering that simple is best, using odd numbers of items – groups of three frequently work well.  Try using items of varying heights and shapes.

          Be bold with wall pieces whether it is framed art or wall sculptures.    If the wall space is wide, use a wide framed piece.  Avoid putting tiny framed pieces on a big wall.  When installing artwork remember not to hang it too high or low.  When arranging groupings of art the center of the arrangement should be at about 5 feet or so with anywhere from  two to six inches between each piece.  Give larger pieces breathing room on all sides.  Use symmetry for identical pieces and try to create balance with different sized pictures. 

          Plants bring the outdoors in and provide a calming effect, help clean the air and sometimes add a pleasing fragrance.  Fresh flowers really bring a room to life.  However, if your lifestyle does not include the time to nurture and care for real plants, good quality silk botanical  can be an acceptable substitute. Create a sense of depth by placing tall plants behind sofas, chairs or tables.  Use smaller plants in little nooks and crannies that would otherwise seem bare.  You can also use up-lights to illuminate plants and create interesting shadowing on ceilings and walls.

Home accessories are usually small and relatively inexpensive, making it easy to gather far too many items.  Keep it simple and use only what you and your family really love.  Successful accessorizing is about your life, and less about “a look”.

Call 716-627-4697 for Interior Design and Decoration, Consultation, Design to Sell, Commercial Interiors and Residential

In our last blog we talked about dressing up your home with interior millwork or trim, I happen to be looking through some design magazine and I came across a couple good examples of how interior details like trim, can add interest, turning an ordinary room into one that makes a statement.

Interior Design: Details

Whether you moved yesterday or five years ago, you may struggle with turning your home into that dream house you always wanted.  Spaces may seem out of proportion, cold or dull no matter how many times you rearrange the furniture or paint the room.  Perhaps the element to transform your home hasn’t occurred to you: TRIM

Whether you call it woodwork, architectural molding or plasterwork, room details like casing around doors and windows and room “furniture”  like wall paneling or fireplace mantels are often the key to bringing out the best in a space.

The walls and ceilings in many homes today are finished with drywall, a material that creates absolutely flat walls with crisp corners and edges. Painted off-white, the effect is clean and bright, but perfectly smooth white walls can also seem glacial.  By adding trim where walls meet ceilings, you can transform those flat boring walls, and take on a look of  classic elegance.  The photo to the left uses a molding that contains a row of small, blocky shapes called dentils. This profile can play the starring role in any home.

We hardly notice the trim details around  door openings, but they act much like a picture frame that surrounds a view.  Take a look at the photo on the right, here the wide door opening frames a classically proportioned fireplace, seen through the second almost identical doorway.  The trim detail unifies the spaces, creating a flow from one room to another.

Trim transforms spaces. It can be decorative or simply frame a view. It can create a sense of balance in an oddly shaped room, enhance small and large spaces, conceal flaws, define or separate spaces.  Adding details to your home through the use of trim can add that little extra interest your home may be missing.  So the next time you’re thinking “How can I improve my home?” Think trim, there are endless possibilities.   

Design Development- Interior Design

Green is associated with nature,  and so it is calming and restful.  In fact, green is one of the most restful colors.  It reduces activity of the nervous system and relieves muscle tension. 

A green room will promote balance, stability, and security.  It is a wonderful color choice for bedrooms and living rooms.  As always, don’t go crazy with one color.  Too much green is thought to make people too complacent or laid back.  To counteract these feeling ( and to add real drama and flair),  add splashes of red or orange. 

Green is a creative option to use as a neutral, in place of traditional creams and tans.  As you can see by looking in a florists window, green goe s well with almost any color.

Do you want to know all the little details that go through our head while working on a project?   This week’s blog will consist of  Big & Practical Residental Interior Design Advice.  Let’s get started!!!  

• Always group things in odd numbers.
• Beware of using more than two pairs of anything in a room.  
• You never really know what a mirror will do in a room until you hang it. 
• Never paint an entire room until you’ve lived with big a sample of at least three color choices for at least for 24 hours.  
• Pick your paint colors last. 
• Pick the kitchen floor first, before the cabinets. 
• Beige rooms are beautiful in the sunlight but can die at night. 
• If you’re afraid of sitting on it, touching it, or breaking it,… get rid of it!  

Over the next couple of blogs we will be covering all sorts of quirky little dos and don’ts.  If anyone has their own little tricks of the trade, let us know- we are always looking to expand our knowledge.   

Food For Thought: Interior Design is like writing a novel, forever being edited, parts added, some removed, until just right.