Decorating a Commercial Space

In the Design world 25% of my work in commercial spaces. Doctor's offices, store fronts and restaurants are my specialty. If you have one of these types of businesses and want a redo here are some general rules. First it is always important to use surfaces that are fire rated and safe for your project. Safety comes first. Secondly, use surfaces that are designed for commercial traffic like heavy duty 20 ounce wall coverings and toilets that are designed for commercial use. Today there are so many choices in commercial finishes that home owners have become attracted to these surfaces for themselves. Neutral tones of gray, grayges and whites are the most popular right now and the industrial look is very hot. Black boards , cage lights and weathered wood are also very popular. For more information on this topic tune in to Modern Design Wednesdays at 2-3 pm or on the podcasts anytime. Go to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com and then click on Modern Design.

Dorm Room Chic

Well folks it is August!!! That means it the back to school month. Oh how I hate that thought. I have to let me great interns Jesse and Connor go back to school. Dorm rooms can be challenging. Often you are not allowed to paint or put nails in the walls. Here are some things you can do as told to me by my summer interns on WHCR-DB in Flemington. Bedding is key. It gives you color clues for the rest of the room. If you pick a blue stick with it for all your accessories. Storage is also key. Keep things neat and organized. lighting is very important!!! Pictures and art work can be hung using command strips!!!! They are great and will give you color and visual interest in your new space. For the full story tune into Modern Design every Wednesday from 2-3pm live @ www.hunterdonchamberradio.com. You can also listen to the podcasts any time you are looking for great design ideas

.

What Makes a Contemporary Home Contemporary

More and more I am hearing from clients that they want to make their homes more contemporary looking. Even if they are in a traditional home, clients are moving towards a more contemporary look. The word transitional is used often to achieve a more modern look in a traditional setting. Painting rooms gray or grayge with very white trim and ceilings is a great start. Removing accessories and looking for cleaner lines when buying furniture is also a very good move. Bigger accessories and modern art help complete a modern look. For more information on this topic tune into Modern Design on WHCR-DB. Go to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com then click on Modern Design. We are live every Wednesday from 2-3 PM est.

A Healthy Home

Today there are so many things working against us in our homes. Toxins, chemicals and pollution are everywhere. We need to make our homes a healthy and safe haven. Green cleaning supplies are just one way to make your home safe. Removal of wall to wall carpet and getting a humidifier for your bedroom is also a healthy choice. For more information of this topic tune into WHCR-DB every Wednesday live from 2-3 pm. Go to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com then click on Modern Design.

Let's Decorate Outside

Now that the weather is warm we seem to focus more of our intentions outdoors. People are spending more and more time outside and we are seeing many out door rooms. Our door furniture and enclosures are more popular than ever. People are setting up their decks and patios like living rooms and dining rooms. the materials have gotten better and they are much more comfortable. Outdoor rugs are not only practical, but they are now beautiful. Outdoor dishes and glasses are so good looking you may want to start using them inside. Wonderful colors like teal and citrus green are great outside. Pots and planters are more interesting than ever. For more information on this topic listen to Modern Design on WHCR-DB live on Wednesday from 2-3 pm. You also can also listen to the podcasts anytimewww.hunterdonchamberradio.com then look for Modern Design.

. Go to

You Light up my Life

Lighting is probably the single most important element to any space. A room can be gorgeous, but if you cant see it, you have wasted your time. Lighting has changed significantly in the past few years and there are so many options now. It is daunting. Florescent bulbs used to be terrible. Now they are good. There are just so many types of bulbs now. Bruce Brodack of Flemington Fan and Light will help us break it all down on this week's Modern Design. Go to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com and click on Modern Design. Tune in Live this Wednesday at 2:00 pm or listen on the podcast.

Collections

In a world that constantly asks me to simplify and reduce clutter, the topic today is collections for the home. I have collected cabbage ware for many years now and have built quite a collections for my kitchen. I keep select pieces on my sideboard and love to serve with them when I have company. When occasions come up people will bring me pieces to add to my collection. When I am out shopping or on vacation, I seek out these items when shopping. It is like a treasure hunt. Clean lines are in, but collecting something you like can very much coincide with that look. You just need to group your collection together and keep it to one area. Use your collection as a focal point in a simple space. You will be glad you did.