Monthly Archives: February 2011

New England Finery Magazine

Posted on February 21, 2011 | 2 Comments

New England Finery Magazine

The snow is gently falling, giving the ground a fresh white coat.  A quiet and peaceful New England winter day to stay inside and catch up on some reading.

My favorite read today is the newest digital magazine, New England Finery Magazine. The photography is exquisite, the articles timely and the layout is clean and elegant.  I have already flipped through all 75 pages of it many times and something new always catches my eye.  This magazine showcases so many reasons to fall in love with New England over and over.

New England Finery Magazine is co-founded by Linda Smith and Yvonne Blacker.

What is your favorite thing in this new publication?

If  you would like to transform your house into a home you love,contact me.

→ 2 Comments

Posted in A Few of My Favorite Things

Tagged , ,

Get Ready to Decorate!

Posted on February 21, 2011 | 1 Comment

Surround Yourself With The Things You Love

Is there an area of your home that needs some attention?  Every time you walk by, does it make you feel uncomfortable?

In just a few short steps I will show you how to refresh an area such as your mantel, desk, dresser or kitchen counter.

  1. Take a photo as the area looks now. Don’t move anything, quick, go get your camera and take the picture.  You’ll want a picture of the before to keep track of your progress and show off your decorating talent when the area is refreshed.
  2. Clear off and clean.  Remove everything from the space and put it on a table or floor.  Get out the cleaning products to dust and polish to a white glove shine.
  3. Analyze what you have.  Is it useful?  Does it really belong there?  Do you love it?  Does it have sentimental value? If the answer is “no” to any of the above questions; put it away, give it away, give it to a charity or feed the trash can.
  4. Put back only what you love and use.  Don’t you already feel lighter and energized?
  5. Take another photo.  This will help you see how well you’ve done and what you may need to complete the project.
  6. Pour yourself a cup of tea, sit back and admire the fullness of a refreshed space.

Congratulations, you have accomplished the first step in creating a beautiful home and life!

If  you would like to transform your house into a home you love, contact me.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Decorating Quickies

Tagged , ,

In the Studio-Jacquard, Sheer, Beads and Tassel

Posted on February 17, 2011 | 1 Comment
Rendering of arched window

Rendering of approved design with specification details.

We are working on this arched top window treatment for a home office/library.  I use Studio to design the treatment right on a photo of the client’s window.  The fabric selections are inserted into the line drawing.  All of the details are given so there are no surprises.

This is what the window looked like when I went to consult with the client.

Library window before

HELP! This window needs to be dressed!

The fabrics and trimmings have arrived.  Don’t you just love the richness of that brocade?  It is going to go with so many things.  By the way the client selected the beads instead of the tassel trim.  They will be so fun when they capture the sunlight.

Brocade, sheer, tassels and beads

Brocade, sheer, beads and tassel

If  you would like to transform your house into a home you love, contact me.

Post Note-This design is an elegant window treatment now.  Take a look at the end result and please let me know what you think.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Design Renderings, In the Studio

Tagged , , , , , , ,

8 ½ Steps to a Romantic Bedroom

Posted on February 14, 2011 | 2 Comments

Note-I wrote this article for my Ezine a few years ago.  I have reprinted it each year since, because we all need a little reminder to keep the love alive.   If you would like to copy it would you please show me some love and link it back to me for credit?

XOXO,

Marie

Happy Valentine’s Day

The bedroom is the most important room to a romantic couple.  It is your own little sanctuary away from family and work demands.  Your bedroom should be calm, clean and uncluttered.  The decorations set the stage for the mood of the room.  Paying attention to some simple details will transform your room from just a place to sleep to a lush romantic getaway.

  • 1. Get rid of the clutter. A cluttered room makes for a cluttered mind. Eliminate the distraction of bills, laundry and kids toys.  Pack away everything that does not say “love” into boxes and put them someplace else in the house.  (Under the bed works fine too.)
  • 2. Make an inviting bed.Invest in the best mattress that your budget allows.  You spend 1/3 of your life in bed; you might as well be comfortable.  Splurge a little on your bed linens.  Sheets that are worn and scratchy are just going to be irritating.  I like cotton flannel to keep us warm in winter and luxurious cotton sateen for summer.  Add a down filled or fluffy fiber filled comforter for an inviting look.

    Romantic Bedding

    Romantic bedding with lots of pillows and a custom throw

  • 3. Pillow talk. In addition to your sleeping pillows, add lots of throw pillows in various shapes and sizes.  Use luxurious and sensual fabrics.  Pillows create the romantic ambiance of a bed that you just can’t wait to jump into.
  • 4. Candle light. Place lots of candles around your room. Use different sizes and colors.  Be sure they are in a safe and fireproof place.  Light them all, turn off the lights and feel the warmth and sensuality of flickering light.
  • 5. Something pretty to look at.Flowers are nature’s gift of romance.  A few simple flowers will brighten up any room.  Float rose petals in a glass bowl.  Keep the decorations simple but meaningful.  Dig out the valentines you gave each other in the past, frame a picture of the two of you when you were first dating, add anything that has special meaning to both of you.

    LOVE Flowers

    I saw these flower over on Design Sponge. Click on the photo for a closer look.

  • 6. Heavenly scents. Entice even your nose in the bedroom.  Studies show that vanilla is the most appealing scent to both men and women.  Burn scented candles, put out a bowl of potpourri, lightly spray the sheets with your favorite perfume.
  • 7. The sound of music. Do you have a special song?  What played at your wedding?  Special music will trigger happy memories. Make a play list on your ipod and plug it into speakers.  A favorite CD you both like will work too.  No radio stations with interrupting commercials.
  • 8. In case you get hungry.Bring in a tray of plump juicy strawberries, smooth dark chocolate and tickling bubbly champagne.  In addition to how yummy they taste, the colors, shapes and textures are beautiful to look at too.

    Romantic Pink Cupcakes

    Even cupcakes can be romantic. My daughter Amy made these.

  • ½. You. The most important thing you can do for your partner is take care of yourself.  Get plenty of rest (just not tonight with this romantic bedroom you’re creating!), eat healthy foods, get some exercise and spend time enjoying what you love to do.  I have given you all the necessary steps to decorate your room for romance.  Now go find your other half!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

When it’s time for you to transform your house into a home you love,        contact me.

Copyright 2012 Window Designs etc. by Marie Mouradian


→ 2 Comments

Posted in Bedrooms, Decorating Do's and Don'ts

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Favorite Fabrics

Posted on February 11, 2011 | 1 Comment

I am passionate about this fabric.  It is from a collection that has been out a few years by RM Coco.  Every time I am searching for a fabric for a client and come across this my heart skips a beat.

Favorite Fabric

Favorite Fabric-100% embroidered silk from India- A RM Coco Exclusive

Sadly, I have never used this colorway in any of my designs.  I have used the same pattern in a brilliant turquoise which I will post on in the near future.  Take a look at the detail.

Embroidery Detail

Close up detail of the embroidery

In my designer dream room I can see it paired with one of these as an accent.

Green silk tafetta

Silk taffeta as an accent fabric

Pink silk tafetta

Silk taffeta

I love to mix patterns.  This stripe is a fun co-ordinate.  It is woven with “stitching lines” to give it great textural interest.

Silk stripe

Silk stripe as a co-ordinate fabric

In my designer dream room I would use these in window treatments, bedding, pillows and upholstery in a sophisticated master suite.

Do these fabrics make your heart leap?

Where would you use these fabrics?

If you would like to transform your house into a home you love, contact Marie.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Favorite Fabrics

Tagged , , , , , ,