White Washing Your Home - Trend Alert

Who says you can't wear white after labor day? The word on the streets after the Fall 2008 High Point, North Carolina market is that white is high in style anytime of the year.

White can be used to create a sophisticated, casual or high fashion look on furniture, upholstery, linens and case goods. It is iconic, pure, crisp and fresh. What is the secret to making this look work in your home. Monochromatic always works by vary lots of textures and shades of the color. If you forget this step, the room falls flat and lacks dimension.

Furniture is sporting white in so many forms: lacquered dressers, burlap covered pieces, distressed decorative finishes, hand rubbed leathers, motifs created with upholstery tacks, tufted sofas, chairs, and ottomans, and white washed finishes.

You will also see white with glam on pillows and upholstery. Look for pearls, rhinestones and crystals. Elvis would be proud! Perhaps not practical for cozying up by the fire, but wow does it look great.

White also is making a comeback in architectural room elements like paneling and cabinetry. I especially covet white distressed paneling for a casual, relaxing feel or beach house.

If you are still not convinced, consider this. White is a great choice to use alongside any color you really want to showcase in your home. A color showcased in white will seem brighter and more special.

Why not try your favorite shade of white this season to brighten up your decor? When your Mom comes over you'll just have to remind her, the rules of labor day are long gone. It is 2008. We don't have rules about color!

Angela is syndicated this November and December

I am now syndicated! At least that is what MJ, the board operator of the control room KXL 750 AM announced to me with a smile last Saturday after he locked up my interview in an electronic vault. I giggled at the officialness of the word 'syndicated'.

While Portland, Oregon's KXL played a live feed of the Ducks game Saturday, November 1st, Bob Strong Oregon's Home Handyman, and I recorded interior design insider secrets at the studio. These segments broadcasted live outside the Portland metropolitian area on November 1st, and will also be played again in November and December for the Portland market.

You can tune into Around the House with Handyman Bob Strong on Saturdays from 12:oopm to 2:00pm each week. During the months of December we will be covering:

Do-it-yourself Decorating Advice
One Day Room Transformations
How to Choose the Perfect Wall Color
10 Steps to a Smaller Carbon Footprint at Home
Holiday Ideas for Indoor and Outdoor Decorating

Listen to the KXL's 11/8/08 show's full two hours here.

Each week Bob Strong highlights a "really cool tool." On November 1st Bob introduced the Hang and Level Tool, invented by an interior designer, the tool makes hanging artwork simple. To use it, you hold the tool against the wall, hook your picture wire on the tool's hook and push the button. The button makes a pin prick in the wall exactly where to hang your artwork. No measuring, no pain in the you know what. It's straight. Result = Fabulous!

Bob generously gave me the tool following the show. I asked him to autograph the tool - now in Sharpie the side of the tool reads, "Thank you for all of your advice! Bob Strong"

Perhaps when I come to your place for a one day room transformation, or to help you hang artwork, we can use the tool together. You might fall so much in love with it we will have to get you one too!

Here is a goofy video on YouTube about the Hang and Level Tool. It is silly, but an effective point of how (and why) to use the tool.

Put Magic Back into Holiday Gift Giving

Chances are you will be purchasing a few holiday gifts sometimes between now and December 24th at 6:00pm. We all want to give the people we love and care for something thoughtful as a token for how much they mean to us.

Over the years I received many gifts from family I didn't need or want. I was gracious and also frustrated that our society's over commercialization had resorted to gift giving for the sake of offering an item to someone with 'X' amount of value.

In 2002 I had the pleasure of spending Christmas with my Grandma Margaret. My husband and I woke up Christmas morning and looked for her in the guest bedroom. She had a hard time making it down our stairs herself, but that morning she was downstairs sitting right beside the twinkling tree. We don't know how long she had been there, but she seemed content to be experiencing the magic of Christmas another year.

I remember well her authentic happiness as she opened each gift. When we finished, she spent the rest of the afternoon playing Big Band CD's on a new CD player my father bought for her. No matter who you are, music has the power to take you back in time. Grandma told me stories of her life that accompanied the music tracks she played. She was a young child again on Christmas day. At 83 years old Grandma died less than three weeks later.

It was after that Christmas that I decided to stop purchasing gifts for the sole purpose of having a gift under the tree for someone. I started placing a lot of thought into what I purchased for my family and closest friends. The funniest thing happened the next year and beyond. I also stopped receiving gifts I didn't need or want. Somehow my intention influenced others without me saying a word.

One of my favorite Christmas gifts in recent years took me completely by surprise. The year I launched my interior design business my brother-in-law and his new wife sent me a book on advanced color techniques. They wrote on the inside, "Congratulations on your new business. We wish you much success."

Does it seem counterintuitive for an interior designer, who makes her living from clients investing in their spaces, to discourage haphazard gift buying? I hope not. I am offering you this story as a lesson from my Grandma. Treasure everything you receive at every moment, and put love into everything you give.

Angela Todd Designs offers a unique gift idea for the person in your life that has everything. This holiday season you can give someone you love a One Day Room Transformation package for $549. The gift is thoughtfully packaged with a full color hard bound book showcasing homeowner transformations, accompanied with a one day room transformation certificate. The book is packed full of before and after photos we have completed. We have also included lighting, color, and accessory ideas.

If someone you love enjoys HGTV and room makeovers on television, they would definitely be thrilled to bring this experience to a room in their home. (Sorry, this package price is reserved for homeowners within 30 miles of Portland, Oregon.)

If you are reading this post and would like to be given a one day transformation package as a holiday gift this year, simply ask or direct your loved one to this blog. Husbands particularly LOVE direction when gift buying.

This holiday season I encourage you to be thoughtful and creative with your gift giving. It brings the magic back to the holiday season.

Faux Bois for Fall

One trend this Fall 2008 seems to be in alignment with our focus on all things natural. Well it isn't really natural, but it looks like wood doesn't it?

Faux Bois' is French for wood and it is hotter than ever this season featured in fabrics, area rugs, room screens, and even lighting. The look blends well into modern, casual contemporary, French and country styles. To be honest, it could also be well blended into other styles like traditional, but if you don't consider yourself at least a novice decorator, call an experienced friend or an interior designer for a consultation.

If you have flipped through your Pottery Barn catalog, you have probably seen rugs and pillows with faux bois this season. See right photo courtesy of Pottery Barn on sale now for $16.99.

Candice Olson and Martha Stewart have also jumped on the faux bois wagon. Candice offers faux bois fabrics in her Norwalk collection and Martha has bedspreads and towels featuring the pattern in her Macy's collection. Don't you love how we are all on a first name basis now?

The replicated wood look is also frequently featured this season in furnishings. Ballard Designs features this coffee table, which would definitely start a conversation in your living room everytime you had a new guest visit your home.

These silk lamp shades featured in faux bois are awesome from Lamps Plus. If you like this look, there is no need to purchase another lamp base. Simply measure your current lampshade's length and width and find a similar shade size to match the proportion of your lamp.

If you like this lampshade, you can purchase it online, or if you are in Oregon contact Tony Jump. He is my client lighting consultant and he will treat you right.

I especially love white and cream faux bois adored and framed around mirrors and art pieces. West Elm featured a lovely mirror in their early collection, but for now it is sold out.

You will notice faux bois this season in many stores you regularly shop. Look for it in home goods from fabric to furniture. I even saw a soap dish the other day at Target featuring the look!

Here is a write up from "The Home" about driftwood pieces. I enjoyed these looks.

Interior Design Society of Portland - Chapter Launch

It's official. Last week at Madison Furniture's Design Side we started a local Portland, Oregon chapter of the Interior Design Society (IDS).

Over 35 independent interior designers were in attendance at the event. Attendees also included several trade vendors who work with the interior design community including The Carpet Place, Gallerie Nouveau, DSC Window Fashions, Norwalk Furniture, Eastbank Interiors, and Architectural Elegance. Other national members of the IDS joining the local chapter to date include Sherwin Williams and Lamps Plus.

The IDS is an independent national organization founded in 1973. One of the country's largest design organizations, it is dedicated to serving the residential interior design industry, The IDS offers members community, education and business support. The IDS National headquarters is located in High Point, NC, the world's home furnishings capital.

Our goal in starting a local Portland design chapter is to provide resource information, networking, ongoing training, and building a supportive enviroment to grow all our businesses.

Board members are as follows:

President:

Pam Sandall

Pam Sandall Interior Design

Vice President Elect:

Angela Todd (me)

Angela Todd Designs

Treasurer

Sheila Botke

Avalon Design

Communications Liason

Amy Troute

Design for Home

Secretary

Michelle Iverson

Nest Homescaping, LLC

If you are an interior designer or vendor who caters to the design trade in Portland and would like information on joining our fabulous chapter, email us for more information.

Is Your Home Ready for Holiday Entertaining?

If you are like many people, you will be entertaining in the next two months. Be honest. Is your home ready for entertaining? Are you proud of how it looks? You deserve to be.

What if all you needed for your room to look exceptional were a set of fresh eyes and an afternoon of redesign by a team of professional interior designers? I love helping homeowners in Portland transform their homes using what they already own. My one day room transformations are a simple, 5 step process:


1.) We schedule a redesign consultation. We talk about what you love in the room, and what you'd like to improve.

2.) We tour your home so I understand your taste. (I also mentally shop for pieces that will work in the room transformation.

3.) We schedule the transformation day and in the meantime, I come up with a personalized plan for your space.

4.) My team and I arrive on the scheduled day, and you leave the room to us.

5.) The last step is just like you see on TV. You enter the room with excitement and anticipation. Some clients laugh, some hug us, some cry. We love the reveal and so will you!

I'd love to help you or someone you love feel more relaxed and "at home" for the holidays. Call my studio to schedule a consultation at 503.887.1552. For as little as $500, you can experience a HGTV style room makeover!

Before and After Footage of Redesigned Rooms performed by the Angela Todd Designs team

Angela Todd Design's Web Site http://www.nwinteriordesigner.com/

10 Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast

Don't believe all the doom and gloom. Homes are selling in the Portland, Oregon real estate market. Some real estate agents are thriving and their clients are reaping the rewards. Numerous homes I have staged for sale this year have sold in three weeks or less.

This fall I staged a home for Matt Mahaffy from Georgetown Realty with amazing results! His client received a job offer and was moving to Arizona. We made some significant changes to the home before placing it on the market. In three weeks we changed the dated 1970's lighting throughout the home, called in a professional to paint the walls a beautiful warm oatmeal (previously gray tinted builder white), and we installed WilsonArt's HD "granite" countertops in the kitchen. This is a great look without the slab granite price. We also dropped attractive pendant lights at the island peninsula in the kitchen, painted the front door a colorful autumn red, and had a contractor re-tile the bathroom countertops. Professionally cleaning the carpets and windows were the finishing touch. The home was listed on a Saturday and we had a written offer by close of business Wednesday. I received a fun text message from the client the day of the offer. It read, "You may have broken your record. We got an offer. Wow! Thanks!"

US Housing Urban Development reports that a staged home will sell, on average, 17% higher than an un-staged home. Last year, the New York Village Voice discovered the number of days an un-staged home is on the market is 30.9 versus 13.9 for a staged home. Best yet, in 2007 a Home Gain survey of 2000 realtors found sellers who typically spent $500 on staging services recovered 343% of the cost in the sale of their home

10 tips to follow prior to placing your home on the market:

Matt Mahaffy said recently, "For a home to move quickly and get top dollar in this market, it needs to do two things: Win the beauty contest and the price war." I couldn't have said it better.

1.) Take a good look at the outside of your home. Freshen up the flower beds with mulch and tidy up any shrubs. Clean up any moss on your home or on your driveway and sidewalks. Pay special attention to clutter in your yard and around the entrance.

2.) Take care of cosmetic details. Paint the interior and exterior of your home where needed. Finish all repairs you have been putting off. Tighten up loose hardware and clean carpets, floors, window treatments, cabinets and windows.

3.) Consolidate and eliminate clutter. You want buyers to focus on your home, not your belongings. Countertops should be clear and clean. (Put your Kleenex, toaster, salt and pepper shakers, hair brush, toothpaste, and lotion bottles away.)

4.) Pack away in storage personal items, especially those with religious or political themes. If someone doesn’t share your beliefs (and many won’t) they won’t see themselves living in your home.

5.) Consider furniture placement that highlights the buying attributes of the room. Remove or rearrange furniture so that selling features like built-ins, fireplaces and wonderful views are highlighted.

6.) Make decorating decisions including color and accessories that appeal to the most buyers touring the home and the demographic you are targeting for purchasing your home.

7.) You don’t live in a home the same way you sell it. Your home should be ready for a professional photograph each day your home is on the market. Store away mail, remote controls and excessive magazines.

8.) This one is tough for me because I have two lovely dogs. Roughly 60% of the population have a pet in their home, 40% do not. 20% of the population has known pet allergies. Eliminate evidence of pets and pet odor. If you need a litter box, kitty scratches, and water bowls, keep them in an industrial area of the home - in most cases not the kitchen or the bathroom. The best alternative is to remove your pet before showings and during open houses.

9,) Lighting sells. Open all blinds and soft window treatments and turn on all your lights before any showings.

10.) Prior to placing your home on the market, consider hiring a professional stager with fresh eyes for your home. You will certainly re-coup the cost: a staged home sells for a higher price and is on the market for half the time.

Here are some statistics from Home Gain regarding the results when implementing these home staging tips.

Keeping Toxins out of Landfills and Waterways

It is a bit alarming to think about the amount of household items we have in our home that have the words "caution", "poison" and "warning" on the label. What substances are lurking in your garage, your utility room, and under your kitchen sink that you don't plan to use in the future?


Portland's Metro has a no-cost recycling program for safely disposing of toxic substances like paint, batteries, household cleaners, and pesticides. The best part is they will come to you - to your local neighborhood that is.


I live in Murrayhill in Beaverton, Oregon. This weekend Metro created a round up site at Southwest Bible Church on Murray Blvd and Weir Road. My husband and I gathered up several gallons of paint collecting dust in our garage, and a lunchbag full of used batteries. I drove up to the site and friendly Metro volunteers dressed in white Tyvek suits and blue rubber gloves unloaded my car. Dang that was easy!


Our shelves in the garage dedicated to paint storage now only house the current paint colors in the house. (As an interior designer, I admit I change my decor colors every few years. Would you expect anything else from me?) I feel good on so many levels. We have less clutter in the garage, more space, and as a family we kept something hazardous from reaching waterways and the landfill.


What do you have to take to Metro? If you don't want to wait for your next neighborhood round-up, Metro has two drop off sites open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm.


Metro Central Station
6161 NW 61st
Portland


Metro South Station
2001 Washington Street
Oregon City


To learn more about the 2008 and 2009 scheduled round-up sites, or to learn about materials accepted, please visit http://www.metro-region.org/

A Healthier Environment Starts with You

As an interior designer, I regularly read vast amounts of trade publications, magazines and books. It is fair to say I have learned a vast amount of information about daily living green practices. This blog is dedicated to passing on simple (easy to implement) green practices into your everyday life. Small changes you make today can lower your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment.

10. Use suppliers, manufacturers and local products as much as possible when purchasing items for your home. Ditto goes for when you remodel and redecorate your home. The farther we ship, the more fuel we use. Besides, supporting your local economy is good for you and your fellow neighbors.

9. Using "low" or "no" VOC paints. VOC stands for volatile organic compound. You know that smell that lingers for days when you paint? It isn't good for you or the general air quality. Big surprise, I know. Most paint lines now offer this option. I use Sherwin Williams. In Portland, Oregon, visit their store in the Pearl District. Ask for Jamie or Keith. They are wonderful to work with! (503) 222-1200.

8. Invest in a programmable thermostat. I read a simple article from the Oregonian last week about programmable thermostats and weatherizing your home. It is not sexy, but it will make a considerable difference in your energy bill. Energy consumption is our number one greenhouse gas source, so consider doing your part not to waste energy.

7. When you are looking to make decorating changes in your home, take an honest look around. What can you improve yourself or re-purpose? If you need some help seeing your items through fresh eyes, consider hiring an expert redesigner or scheduling a design consultation. If you live in or around Portland, Oregon it would be my pleasure to help.

6. Unplug electronics that you don't use regularly. They are still pulling power when they are idle. Your DVD player, stereo systems and computer running a little red or green light is adding about $70 to your electicity bill and creating 190 pounds of greenhouse gases. Even in standby or sleep mode, appliances and home computers can still be operating at 40 percent of their full running power. Buy power strips and shut them down. Also look for electronics with Energy Star that use half the electricity of regular electronics.

5. Turn off the lights. Better yet, don't turn them on when you don't need them. Use natural light in your home when you can, and shut off lights when you are leaving the room. Also consider turning off your faucet when you are brushing your teeth. Do you run your water for several minutes to obtain a hot temperature? Consider installing an instant hot tap. I use mine everyday for instant hot tea. It also works great for cooking.




4. Refuse plastic bags at the checkout counter. Here is an alarming statistic. Americans go through 380 billion plastic bags each year and 100 million of those are from shopping. Today only 0.6 get recycled, and an estimated 100 million are let loose in the wild. These "urban tumbleweeds" are clogging sewers, gutters and waterways, entangling birds, and are fatally ingested by marine life. Here is a great article on plastic bag impact and what is being done worldwide. Keep a reusable bag or two in your car and make a habit of bringing them into retailers when you shop. At the very least consider times when you don't need a plastic bag. Do you really need a bag for an item already packaged or for 1-3 items? If you do use a plastic bag or two, please do bring them back to your grocer for recycling. Safeway has a recycling container right by the entrance. You local grocer probably does as well.


3. Balance your diet and eat less red meat. It takes 132 gallons of water to produce a pound of potatoes, 505 gallons to produce a pound of rice and 26,400 to produce only 1 pound of grain-fed beef. Cattle, sheep and other livestock account of 87% of America's total freshwater consumption and agriculture is the second largest source of greenhouse gases (after the energy sector.) Choose to eat less resource-intensive meat such as chicken and turkey and eat more grains, fruits and vegetables.


2. Recycle at work, and make sure your items are actually being recycled. A few years ago, I was working late one night in my office when the cleaning crew came through. I watched the cleaning service empty my recycling container and my trash in the same bin. I asked the attendant about it and she was dumbfounded. I called the property manager the next day. It seems the cleaning crew hadn't been recycling for months. Kind of scary isn't it? Nearly two thirds of Oregon's waste comes from businesses. If you work for a small business that doesn't practice recycling, please be an advocate. Here is a link to establish recycling in the Portland, Oregon metropolitian area.


1. Though we can get caught up in the American dream of seeking wealth, research has show that happiness has little do with how much we own or what we have in our bank account. The happiest people among us are those that help others and spend time in their community. From volunteering in an area where you have expertise, to assisting a neighbor in need, volunteering gives you an activity that doesn't revolve around consuming resources. It can also make you a happy, enriched human being.


Here is a fun website to review your carbon footprint in everyday living. http://www.carbonfootprint.com/


If you have made adjustments in your everyday living to positively impact the environment or your community, please post a comment and tell us about it.

Staging Angels - Coming to a Home Near You!

When we think about our true purpose in life, it really boils down to something very simple. We are all here to serve others.

An opportunity to serve someone fell right into my lap this month. A home staging peer of mine, Paula Springer from Key Elements Home Staging and Interiors, called and asked if I was interested in volunteering my time to stage a home for a single mother with two children under five. Personal challenges forced this mom to place her beautiful, remodeled farmhouse for sale in the current real estate market.

Paula and I know not to be too concerned about the market conditions. We both have staged homes in the Portland, Oregon area this year that have sold in only a few days. Yes, with the right home staging expertise and a good real estate agent, homes are still selling fast in this market. Didn't anyone ever tell you not to believe everything you hear on the news?

Let's move this discussion back to our family in need. Paula arranged for four professional volunteers. Many hands make light work, so I worked with another interior designer, Paula, and a real estate stager re-arranging furniture, artfully hanging artwork and adding splashes of color and interest to the lovely farmhouse. We used the clients existing pieces as much as we could, and brought in accents as needed to complete the look.

The charming farmhouse is located on Grove Lane, just a few miles past Murray Blvd off Scholls Ferry Road. The home sits on 1.24 acres of land. When you drive up to the home, a tire hangs from an old oak tree and a fountain bubbles in the front yard. It reminds me of lazy summer days back in Indiana where I grew up. Inside, the home features a cottage look with modern day amenties including stainless steel appliances, a jetted master bathroom tub, a media room, and a separate entrance perfect for a home based business. Learn more about the listing here.

The home transformed before our eyes in a few hours. It was hard work, but warmed our souls.

Introducing Staging Angels. The current real estate market can be tough, especially for homes that aren't artfully prepared for sale. As a design team, we have decided to begin offering staging services once a month to families in need. We are calling our team Staging Angels. If you know someone in need, please email me for more information. We will select one family to assist each month.

I sincerely hope this post inspires you to give back too. What expertise do you have? Why not serve someone in need this month?

Angela Todd and her design partners offer full service interior design and home staging assistance throughout Portland, Oregon. To learn more, visit her web site at: http://www.nwinteriordesigner.com

Reviving the use of Earthen Plasters

I have fallen in love with using American Clay, an environmentally friendly, sustainable option for interior wall finishes. My love affair started from across a crowded showroom. The soft, suede like texture seemed to glow within itself and summoned me to take a closer look.

Here is what American Clay says about their naturally beautiful walls. "American Clay has a commitment to reviving the use of earthen plasters, which dates back thousand of years. Earth plasters are one of the original sustainable building products - created centuries ago by artisans utilizing the dirt from their home sites. Today, American Clay Earth Plaster's formulation provides durable and beautiful finishes, which typically last for the life of the building. The combination of beauty, durability and healthful qualities had led to a renaissance in the use of these finishes over the past several years."

The benefits of American Clay are nothing short of amazing. In addition to a rich, warm velvety look, it has many additional health and environmental benefits. American Clay helps indoor air quality, does not support microbial growth, neutralizes electromagnetic effects, emits 0 VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and is 100% recyclable. The company has received LEED ratings due to its durability, low maintenance, and recycled content.

The possibilities are endless in color, application and texture. The application can create an adobe like clay finish, a soft suede finish, and even a look similar to Venetian plaster. Examples of how versatile American Clay textures and finishes can be.

Imperfections in your wall can be repaired by getting the area wet and applying more clay. Let's say you rearrange photos and you want to cover an old nail whole. You would get out your old clay, add water to the clay, then the wall, and reapply. In the cases of dents and wall imperfections you can simply wet the surface and rub. Voila!

American Clay can be used in bathrooms, wine cellars and throughout the home. It can be applied over many surfaces including dry wall, gypsum board, and brick walls and fireplaces. (You can also apply American Clay and leave some of the brick exposed.) It works wells in various styles of decorating including old world, country, traditional and contemporary. American Clay can be applied by a local artisan, and some homeowners also choose to apply the product themselves.

You can learn more about American Clay by visiting their web site. If you would like a local artisan for your remodeling or building project in Portland Oregon, please call me for a referral.

A Progressive Evening of Interior Design Fare

I attended a Northwest Society of Interior Designer's (NWSID) meeting on Thursday evening. It is always a treat connecting with other interior designers and vendors in Portland who support the design community.

We had a progressive evening in SE Portland, moving to five sites from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. I use the word progressive because it reminded me of a progressive dinner. At that end of the evening it was impossible to decide which stop was my favorite place. Each brought its own unique flavor to the Portland interior design community.


We started at Quadrant Systems located at 437 SW MLK. Curt Nelson, their Sales and Marketing Manager, told us that the building, built in the 1950s, used to be a Goodrich Tire storefront. By the time Quadrant Systems purchased the building four years ago it was a disaster. With the help of a lot of elbow grease and a grant from the Portland Development Commission (PDC), Quadrant completed an amazing remodel of the storefront. All of the work at Quadrant was done without the help of a single contractor - the owner and staff stained concrete floors, distressed steel panels, left exposed cinder blocks and support columns, and crafted built-in cabinetry and molding. The old Goodrich Tire garage doors were salvaged, and now the repetitive square glass windowpanes feel both retro and modern. It is outstanding how well the Art Deco character of the space lends itself to a company with home theatre, media, lighting and technology focus. The 27,000 square foot space is part Art Deco, part Industrial chic, part high definition technology.

Quadrant is a one-stop technology provider for Home Theater, Security, Lighting, and Communications. They are able to integrate the entire home with push-of-a-button technology. The showroom includes vanishing LCD panels (into tabletops and under artwork), automated solar shades for lighting control, and a sleek home theatre room where only the finest components were installed. I have toured many of their competitors showrooms in Portland, and I loved Quadrant's approach. They decided to only show a small portion of their options. The eye isn't overloaded or confused. I left understanding they could tackle any large or small technology project in the state of Oregon. I ordered a steaming pumpkin spice cappuccino, courtesy of Quadrant Systems, for brisk walk to the next stop.


We meandered down a few blocks to S'Tile (pronounced "style') at 345 SE Yamhill. Neutral colored tiles in porcelain, natural stone and glass were like eye candy to the designers that entered S'Tile the showroom. I personally have a glass tile fetish, so I was in pure bliss walking the showroom with a glass of champagne and a fresh Caesar salad. If I had a strawberry with a drizzle of chocolate afterwards I would have stayed there for the entire evening. (They probably would have called security eventually, huh?)



We walked to California Closets under a light rain shower and a dark night sky. The warm lighting and clean lined showroom at California Closets was like a beacon calling us to their showroom. My clients have used California Closets for their homes, but these showroom displays still impressed me. For outstanding, aesthetically pleasing storage ideas for your home office, closet, pantry, utility room and garage, visit the showroom at 1225 SE Grand in Portland.


Our next stop was just next door. Surface isn't just another flooring and surface showroom, they pride themselves with their unique mix of products, great customer service, and green and sustainable focus. They work with both the trade and retail clientele directly with a "help as little or as much as you like" philosophy. They feature Leed certified wood floors, cork flooring, marmoleum, and unique tiles. Incidentally, I coveted the rolling display carts in the showroom. It is worth a stop at 1235 SE Grand Avenue, Portland.

Miller Paint's Devine paint line is so well marketed in Portland, Oregon that I find some of my clients ask for it by name. Gretchen Schauffler is the artist of the Devine Color palette. She greeted many of us and answered questions about the new colors and green developments in her line. I enjoyed watching the catering staff make Irish whiskey coffees in wine glasses layering two teaspoons of sugar, whiskey, coffee and a skim layer of cream for the finish. The drink was tempting, but I had to drive home that evening, so instead I grabbed a gourmet chocolate for the road. It was a dark chocolate Haystack with a hint of strawberry.

My evening with the Northwest Society of Interior Designers on Thursday night was nothing short of blissful. So much design cuisine in Portland, so little time.


Photos were provided courtesy of Quadrant Systems, California Closets and S'Tile.

Remodeling with a Reuse, Reduce & Recycle Focus

Beaverton, Oregon was recently selected as the 2008 Recyclers of the Year by the Association of Oregon Recyclers. My home and studio is in Beaverton and it makes me proud to reside in such an active community. When my family comes into town from the Midwest, they marvel that we can recycle curbside in the Northwest. They are even more astonished when I tell them they can throw paper, plastic containers, cardboard and cans into one container. I explain only the glass needs to be separated. At one point or another each of them has stood at the recycling container and said, "Really Angela, this can all go in here?" It always makes me smile.

In Indianapolis where I am originally from, recycling is a big commitment. To do your part, you have to take your items to a recycling center. There are separate locations for paper, plastic, and glass. In Indiana, even when you make the effort to go to several recycling centers miles away, a lot of recyclable pieces aren't accepted for recycling. It is a lot of work to be a good citizen in Indianapolis, and tax dollars haven't been used to implement recycling infrastructure. Dang Hoosier politicians.

This is, unfortunately, the case in many areas of the country. I just visited Arizona in August for the Society of Decorating Professionals annual conference at the Wild Horse Resort just south of Phoenix. We were on an Indian reservation and I couldn't find a place to recycle my water bottles and paper! The hotel staff said there wasn't recycling in the hotel, casino, restaurants or spa. I know this is strange, but I actually packed it in my luggage and recycled it when I got home to Oregon. I also wrote the hotel a comment card. I wonder if the person who read the card thinks I am "one of those environmental people from the Northwest". I hope they took my message to heart.

If you travel, you know the problem all too well. Recycling is fairly simple and it isn't readily accessible in most cities. I recommend next time you stay at a hotel or go to a conference that doesn't offer recycling, you take a moment to write a letter or call their customer service. Public demand can change this.

Since this blog is about interior design, let's talk about what is the largest single item in our landfills today? CARPET and PADDING.

We send 5.2 billion pounds of carpet to the landfill each year. That is an area greater than New York City. In 2002, various local, state, federal government agencies and carpet manufacturers established a 10 year goal to increase the amount of reused and recycled carpet. The goal is to divert 40% of carpet from landfills by 2012. Several carpet manufacturers have take-back or cradle-to-grave programs in which you pay for the recycling when you purchase the carpet. Some manufacturers are also recycling any kind of carpet regardless of its origin. Learn more about Carpet take-back programs.

Pictured Provided by The Carpet Place in Portland, Oregon

Providers of wholesale floor covering

The biggest problem is carpet isn't as easy to recycle as paper and other curbside pick up items. Most of the recycling facilities for carpet are still on the east coast, and sending carpet across country to be recycled makes it more expensive than taking it to the local dump. This is the primary reason only 5% of the carpet is recycled today.

It really isn't as expensive as you would think! Eastside Recycling located on SE Portland at 122nd Avenue and Raphael (1 block north of 122nd and Halsey) takes recycled carpet from most projects for around $60. For larger projects, they will also leave a drop box at the construction site for $250. They drop it off and they pick it up. There telephone number is 503-253-0867.

Shannon Quimby, an interior design peer of mine here in Portland, was the creative mind behind the Reuse Everything Experiment (Rex Project). She used the old carpet in the house she dismantled as a weed barrier in the yard. Her creative application was nothing short of brilliant! No transportation costs needed to haul this carpet to an east coast recycling facility, and she saved money on purchasing weed barrier. Best yet, the absorption of the carpet retains water longer in the soil cutting back on watering.

The Rebuilding Center is also a great recycling resource in Portland. With the help of donations (and purchases) in the Portland metropolitan community, the center diverts 8 tons of building materials from landfills each day. Enough items pass through the warehouse in one year to create almost 100 new, 1500 square foot homes. The center accepts donations of tubs, windows, lighting, cabinets, trim, doors and tile to name a few. They also offer deconstruction services that allow them to reuse and recycle up to 85% of a building's materials. It also saves on removal costs. (Don't ask me how it is possible to save money this way, but you can!) There is a great downloadable video showing deconstruction of a home

I hope these local resources and ideas inspire you to remodel and redecorate with the same responsibility as your handle your curbside recycling. If you'd like a referral of a green friendly contractor, I will point you in the right direction. Just ask.

Window Treatments Made Simple

Window dressing leaves a lot of homeowners scratching their heads. Yes, there really are great ideas for windows that don't look like outdated, heavy draperies that your Grandmother asked your Grandfather to install.

Today's window treatments are more simple than complicated and address function as well as style. There is a window treatment option appropriate for every window application. To get ideas, you can collect ideas from design magazines and local stores. When it is time to make a decision, I strongly recommend calling a designer to visit your home and help you with ideas for your windows. Many of the do-it-yourself methods and sales people aren't trained to help you determine a window's function and aesthetics. A designer gives you unlimited options and doesn't represent just one or two lines of windows treatment companies. Besides most designers (including Angela Todd Designs) will gladly apply the cost of the window consultation into the cost of the window treatment order.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when dressing your window.

Style

What is the style of the room and furnishings?

Will you be changing colors or styles in the room in the near future?

Do you like the view outside of the window?

Are there styles, colors, patterns or textures that appeal to you?

Is the room missing something in visual weight, texture, or color that the window could address?

Function

What is the sun exposure into the room?

What type of privacy do you desire?

Is energy efficiency a concern?

How much light control do you need?

How much insulative value is important to you?

Do you require total darkness when the treatment is closed?

One common way to address windows these days is to have a functional "alternative" window treatment, added to a "soft" or "creative window treatment".

Featured is a lovely example of woven woods (alternative) with a textured silk fabric panel (creative.) The look is sophisticated and interesting - without appearing too stuffy. The color in mahogany colored dining table and framed chairs is repeated at the windows. Texture and line interest was added for interest.

This classic example of mixing the function and creative aspect of the window is done in many combinations with drapery panels. You can try this look with wood blinds, cellular shades and roman blinds. This look works well for most of today's updated styles. The style can be expressed through the materials and patterns you utilize. Try a mix that works for you, and keep in mind the panel doesn't have to function. It is decorative, so traversing (opening and closing) in this case isn't necessary. Less fabric, less money, less fuss. The alternative window treatment does all of the work.

Alternative window treatments can be used alone without a creative window treatment (fabric) option. In the above photo, this homeowners woven woods are used exclusively for a contemporary, updated look. Using only a functional window treatment works particularly well in decor that is simplistic with clean lines. It also works well for two story windows that homeowners and commercial clients don't want overly "dressed".

Alternative Window Treatments

Horizontal Blinds

Woven Woods

Cellular Shades (also called Honeycombs)

Solar Shades

Shutters

*Roman Shades

Creative Window Treatments

Drapery Panels

Cornices

Swags

*Roman Shades

Roman Shades are timeless and are popular with the current trends. They function as a creative and functional window treatment all in one. Roman Shades are great for windows with moulding to showcase, and they also bring color and pattern to eye level in a room. They can look contemporary, casual, retro, and country depending on the style and fabric you select.

Are you looking for an updated solution to your sliding door that doesn't include vertical blinds introduced from the 1990's? There are many updated solutions for sliding doors today. For starters, solar shades, woven woods and shutters can be made to slide on tracks for a clean look.

Roman type shades that cascade in a waterfall down the sliding door is also a great look. Also, keep in mind drapery panels that traverse are also a great look for sliding windows and French doors.

Simple drapery panels also make a great statement at the windows for almost any style of decor. I love the way they elongate any room. I especially like the style in dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms. When hanging panels consider raising them above the window moulding 6 to 8 inches. Also, consider not compromising your lighting and view, by placing hardware so the panel is only an inch or two over the right and left of the window.

Solar shades are also gaining popularity. Once used primarily for commercial applications they are now being used for a clean, uncluttered look. They are best used in an application when privacy isn't important, but the view is valued. They block glare and UV rays and come in many colors and textures. I love including them with a wireless option two story window applications like great rooms.

There is a window style and function that can be personalized to you. Please contact me to discuss interior design ideas for your windows. We will make window dressing fun!

Interior Design Direction for DIY'ers

Do it yourself or 'DIY' for short is catching more and more momentum in home improvement. Many television networks like HGTV and TLC show what one can do with a tight budget and sweat equity. Home Improvement is big business. Lowes and Home Depot welcome thousands of people into their stores each weekend with the "home improvement' bug.




As an interior designer in Portland, Oregon I love this awareness. Most of my clients lead very busy lives and at the end of the day and during weekends at home, they crave a place to relax, retreat and entertain. Rooms featured on television home makeover shows have inspired many of us, but sometimes also leave us frustrated when our own DIY home projects don't measure our intent or expectations.


What if you had some expert advice in the beginning to ensure your inspired plan and the finished outcome were one in the same? What if your finished space exceeded your expectations because expert advice made you aware of challenges you didn't forsee and brought great ideas to light that were specific to your space and project that you wouldn't consider on your own?



Most homeowners see contractors, architects, interior designers. and tradespeople as an all or nothing proposition. This isn't true. More and more trade professionals have added the DIY crowd to their business clientele. We will gladly visit your project site or room project and make some recommendations. You might find a seasoned professional can steer you clear of common pitfalls in materials, colors, textures, and applications.


Let's say you need a new deck. A new deck built by a contractor costs $7000. To purchase necessary materials to build the deck costs $3800. Although you haven't built a built a deck before - you buy a book at the local home improvement store on deck building. The project takes you longer than you anticipated. You make some mistakes the book didn't cover. Also, perhaps the design of the deck could have been more pleasing by addressing shading for afternoon sun, diagonal lines to open the space and a solution for the herb garden you wanted for cooking. The book didn't cover those considerations!





Interior Design and Decorating professionals like Angela Todd Designs work the same way. You can work with us in whatever capacity makes sense for you. A couple of hours with recommendations and a to-do list? No problem. For under $250, you can have piece of mind and know your project's decisions are sound. You will now your wall color won't need repainted, your granite and backsplash match, and your carpet will go with your sofa.



Consider working with an interior designer when....

• You know what you like when you see it, but you aren't sure how to put it together.



• You have existing pieces to incorporate into a new look, but don't see the common thread.



• You don't know what your room is missing or needs to look exceptional.



• You absolutely do not want to buy something you don't like, don't need, or won't use.



• You aren't sure where to start in your home or room for a great look.



• You don't want or can't afford to make mistakes that need fixed or redone.



• You have a budget and it is important you stick to it.



• You aren't sure if your tile, carpet, paint, (insert item) will look great in your room once finished.

I would love to help you turn your room into something personalized and exceptional. Imagine having your room ignite your senses every time you enter. We will work together to create the results you desire. You let me know how much - or how little - you want help. If you are located in the Portland Oregon area, you can contact me via my interior design web site.




If you are reading this blog and you are located outside of Portland, Oregon. Please email me for an interior designer referral.