To a T Interiors Newsletter

Not sure what to expect from a color consultation? The pictures and feedback from this recent job reflects what we try to accomplish with every client who is challenged with selecting paint colors. Sheryl had been stymied on paint colors for over a year after finishing a beautiful kitchen remodel in her 1970's Cabin John home.

Kitchen Before

Dining Room Before

Sheryl contacted To a T in October and had a deadline of completing the painting in time for company over Thanksgiving weekend. From start to finish, Sheryl had her home painted in under a month. Here are the after photos along with Sheryl's unsolicited recommendation that she shared with her neighborhood listserv.

Kitchen After

Dining Room After

"Susan of To a T Interiors was GREAT! She had the perfect temperament to help me through this, and I liked how efficiently and effectively she works, and how pleasant she is! We figured out some possibilities for the kitchen, dining room, powder room, foyer/hallway, ceiling, and two different trim colors in 1 1/2 hours. Then she ordered a bunch of sample sheets of the colors that we selected (no extra charge for this), which came in the mail a couple of days later. I was able to put the samples on the walls, which really helped me figure things out.

I was unsure about the color for the foyer/hall, which covers a large space, and she came back and we worked for another half hour and selected two other possibilities, and she again order sample sheets. I was still unsure on the evening before the painters needed me to make a decision, and Susan responded to my email for help and talked me through it over the phone at 11pm!

The painting is now complete, and we are VERY happy with how everything looks! I strongly recommend working with Susan, particularly if you are color "challenged" like me!"

Sheryl, Cabin John, MD

A Furniture Odyssey

Customers often ask To a T for guidance about buying furniture, especially since so many furniture stores have not made it through the recession. I did not feel I had the expertise to help clients decide where to shop, and how to compare furniture quality and brands. As a result of my explorations, I recently became a part-time Design Specialist at Arhaus Furniture (Tysons Corner Mall location).

I remember being struck by a uniqueness upon entering an Arhaus showroom the first time. In a few short weeks, I've come to appreciate what makes the Arhaus aesthetic so distinctive. Their product designers find inspiration in nature, in classic antiques, and in different cultures from around the world. There is no one period, style or product source that dominates an Arhaus store.

Unlike many furniture retailers, Arhaus does not use wholesalers to buy pre-fabricated, mass-produced products or other brand names. All aspects of the product production process are closely controlled, starting with the initial design inspiration.

Arhaus has a broad commitment to preserve natural resources and to actively minimize its environmental footprint. Products are constructed with this in mind by using sustainable plantation lumber, recycled copper and glass, and repurposed one-of-a-kind antiques.

After a full week of training, I've learned about the quality that Arhaus puts into its upholstery construction, most of which is bench made in North Carolina. Also that, mango, sheesham and mindy woods make beautiful dining tables and are plantation- grown, meaning they are harvested for that specific purpose. Also that Mexican craftsmen actually strike each hand-finished, recycled copper tabletop over three thousand times to create its unique texture.

Hope you don't mind the obvious plug for Arhaus furniture. It was important to me to work for a company that provides a quality product and I'm convinced of that and more. It's a family run business, established in 1986 and growing to over 30 locations in 13 states. With a global flavor, yet timeless appeal, they provide unique furnishings that make a design statement in any home.

If you are not familiar with Arhaus, you can get acquainted at: www.arhaus.com. Note that virtually every item is stocked as shown (so you can get quick delivery) but also has customizable options (so you get the exact look you want). If you like what you see, and are in need of furnishings, I hope you'll call me to set up a time to meet in the showroom and discuss your specific needs.