When you think of interior design for this important suite of rooms, it is natural to think of function and form, but the elements of texture, lighting and color can create dramatic transformations without a major renovation.

(This is the Before Picture of my example makeover. Continue to see the After Photo!)

Let’s start with color. If your goal is to create a space that exudes calmness and serenity, here is an example of how to make an instant change to a room that does not need structural changes. “Cool” colors like blues, greens and shades or tints of white can be used effectively to evoke a sense of softness and visual texture to your room.

BM –Elephant Gray BM – Glass Slipper

You can see the results in this master bedroom. Add luxurious fabrics and textures to create the sensual element of touch to your visual palette. Using a contrasting “hand” (feel) with smooth and nubby fabrics adds interest without distracting from your ultimate intent.

Since subtlety is our goal for your lair, lighting that is dimmable is a must. If you like a formal feel, here is a favorite chandelier to add a touch of sparkle to your space.

Sconces can also be used as a decorative element to give you different lighting levels within the room, and of course using a dimmer switch is recommended.

Wall to wall carpeting has been traditional for many years, but using hardwood floors with a rug made of wool and silk creates a counterpoint of textures that you feel underfoot. And is much more practical in our Florida climate.

Now let’s move to the master bathroom. If you’ve lived in your home for many years and have had the traditional built-in cabinets with a slab countertop and drop in sinks, it may be time to do a facelift with vessel sinks.

Tile is another important element of your bathroom, and texture can be seen and felt with some of the new options available.

Here is the result of one of our recent master bathroom remodels. As you can see, what was a “ho hum space” is now sleek and elegant. You deserve to have this for yourself.

(After Photo!!)

When you’re ready to create your boudoir and master suite transformation, contact me at info@bluedazedesigns.com or 407.895.5112 o or 407.719.4590 c, by March 1st to receive a “Idea Down-Load” (This includes up to a 90 minute consultation with tons of ideas to get you started on your own design mini makeover for $250). If you are ready for a full-service, let’s get started on my project consultation, your initial consultation is free!

We always appreciate your generous referrals.

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Cathy Sands
Blue Daze Designs
info@bluedazedesigns.com
407.895.5112 o
407.719.4590 c

Top tips for the holidays include doing the extra little things, and here are a few of my favorites:

• Swag bag with a $10 Amazon card and a $10 Starbucks card with a two-pack of homemade cookies wrapped in cellophane and tied with a beautiful ribbon for dinner guests.
• For overnight guests, find out their favorite music and download some music to an iPod and have a docking station set up with the music in their room.
• Include a carafe and glass on both sides of the bed

www.dwellstudio.com Aren’t these fun!

• Find out your guests favorite flowers and have at least one vase in their rooms.
• Get two luggage racks for the closet for easy unpacking and packing (and to preserve your bed covers).
• Include candles and a lighter in the room.

www.crateandbarrel.com Crate and Barrel has such a great selection of candles to mix and match.

• Have comfy bathrobes and slippers in the closet.
• Include a little basket with snacks like granola bars and fruits in the room.
• Have a hairdryer, extra toothbrushes, and a basket of toiletries in the bathroom including Q-tips, cotton balls and Band-Aids.
• Include a journal for your guests to share their favorite memories.

www.barnesandnoble.com

• You can get a small flat screen TV for hundreds of dollars, and even include two pairs of headphones so they can listen without disturbing the rest of the house.
• If you know their favorite actors, rent a movie, or add a few of those movies to your Netflix queue.
• Write a handwritten note to let your guests know how important they are to you.
• Include a map of the area, and even local magazines and a local guide book if your city/town has one.

Enjoy the time with your friends and family. They will cherish the memories of how you made them feel. I know I am looking forward to seeing lots of our friends at our Christmas party and can’t wait to see all the relatives over the holidays.

Then, once the decorations are packed up for the next year, make a checklist of what you’d like to enhance in your home for next year. Let me know if you’d like a complimentary “My Interior Design Dream Book” planning guide as my gift to you when you book a consultation for January.

Don’t forget to share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. We always appreciate your generous referrals.

From all of us at Blue Daze Designs, Happy Holidays!

www.swithcmodern.com

www.ecosmartfire.com

www.houzz.com

www.decorpad.com

www.remodelista.com

www.houzz.com

Tell us which is your favorite!

Snazzy table would make a great nightstand or a funky end table. From Horchow.

Very clean and modern from a surprising source – Ballard Designs.

Ready for your Thanksgiving table?! This would be a nice start to your design plan – Crate and Barrel.

For yourself or if you want to get a head start on your holiday shopping – from MOMAstore.

www.hgtv.com

Fun and I love the front door color too!

www.tobifairley.com

Classic green apples and feather really pop here.

www.blogs.babble.com

Classic!

www.freshnist.com

Love the tiny pumpkins and the berries!

www.poolandpatio.about.com

Fun!

www.columninedesigninc.com

Love the trend with the white pumpkins.

www.pinreach.com

www.porterhousedesigns.com

www.houzz.com

As always, Ender is very talented at mixing old and new.

Surprisingly comfortable and unique chairs.

Cool huh!

Very organic and modern. Great for end tables or bunched for a coffee table effect.

Love this shelving unit – maybe for my new office digs…..

Rustic table and updated traditional couch – great combo.

Love the peacock blue updated chair.

So be sure to stop by and see their new digs – never know what you will find.

Great dress from Blommies…. Might have to pick this one up.

Dwell bedding – classy.

Pillow from Design Public

Love this rug from CB2. Organic stripes.

More stripe options from Elle Décor.

Love stripe walls and these are so cheery from www.goodifeofdesign.blogspot.com

Pauo hand-painted lamp from www.mayebaker.com

So are you ready to add some stripes into your life? I think I need a few more items just to round out my collection.

Just spent a few days at The Post Card Inn in St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.  I was very impressed with their creative and cost conscious design details.

Love this bookcase – I may steal this idea…..

What a great way to update vintage chairs.

More fabulous “re-do” chairs!

Finished concrete floor with meandering stamped pattern – love it!

Suspension “bridge” of stained wood houses lighting – low cost and creative solution. Also love the industrial fan.

Hiding those pesky pipes in plain sight.

And last but not least…. Why we’re here in the first place!

My favorite desk, feminine but clean modern lines.

Traditional but classic bookshelf.

A place for everything and room for all her files.

Tables for her guests/clients.

Or for a different take.

Chair options:

Or snazzy but a little more traditional.

Colors:

Should we go with rich, sophisticated Taos Taupe or

Fun and fresh Jamaican Blue?

And here are some lighting options to pop in this gorgous space.

And finally a really cool rug.

Alright so what do you think? Which pieces would you put together for this dynamic, young professional?