Tired Of Frugal Living?

Maybe using the words frugal and interior design in the same sentence seems counterintuitive at first blush.  Isn't it a great feeling when you snag a piece you love and adore, will really actually use and it was (almost!) a steal?   We agree.

If time is money and you need it by Friday - call us!

Without revealing the brand, we can tell you several fine furniture stores  in Houston carry this handsome leather collection.  Frugal Alert: You get many of the quality features of custom at an in-stock  price you'll like. 

There's Never Been A Better Time to Buy  Area Rugs

 A Mid-Century Modern Icon - The Classic Eames Chair

You've seen it.  It lives at the MoMA in New York and the Art Institute of Chicago.  

Created in 1956 by Charles and Ray Eames, the first lounge chair and ottoman was made as a gift for Billy Wilder, the director of "Some Like It Hot," "Irma La Douce," and "Sunset Blvd."

During World War II, the Eameses and a group of inventive collaborators designed leg splints, aircraft parts, and stretchers made of molded plywood for the federal government and the  aviation industry.

Shortly afterward, the Eameses used their expertise to create their first commercially produced, molded-plywood furniture that ultimately inspired the Eames Chair design.  

1959 "Impress The Neighbors" ad for the Eames chair and ottoman.

Charles Eames said his goal for the chair was that it be "a special refuge from the strains of modern living."  He also wanted the chair to have the "warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman's mitt."

A look that would make you want to relax into it, the design emphasizes its function. To make that happen, the Eameses used production techniques that combined technology and handcraftsmanship.

 The Eameses' Legacy 

Their evolution from furniture designers to cultural ambassadors demonstrated their boundless talents and the overlap of their interests with those of their country. In a rare era of shared objectives, the Eameses partnered with the federal government and the country's top businesses to lead the charge to modernize postwar America.

Quick Quiz: 

Charles and Ray Eames were:

A. Brothers

B. Cousins

C. Husband and Wife

D. Father and Son 

See Answer Below

Take Advantage Of Interior Reflections' Three New Services!

• Tried and True Inspirational Color Portfolio

We'll share our go-to  colors and create a signature palette for your home

Why reinvent the (color) wheel?  From a dizzying array of more than 1300 colors, we've hand picked 55 tried and true, "go to" colors that we guarantee will provide beautiful results.       

Interior Reflections brings this sensational color portfolio to you.   The large 8.5" X 11" samples that make up your unique, custom palette are yours to keep.  Co-ordinating trim and ceiling colors are included too.  Take advantage of our color expertise and put this valuable  tool to work for you right away. 

TIP:  When selecting paint colors, sheen can dramatically affect the hue.  Semi-gloss and to some extent, low-luster finishes reflect light and flat finishes absorb it.  The same color could appear brighter in glossy finishes, an effect that intensifies over large areas.  If in doubt, it's better to choose a shade that's too light rather than one that's too dark.

• Throw Everything On The Floor

Okay, maybe not literally.  Let us be your home stylist.  If you enjoy shopping, go buy three or more accessories that you love. Then pull out all the art and accessories from cabinets and closets that you weren't ever quite sure about.   Then call us for a time to get together. Frugal Alert: Any time you recycle, repurpose or reuse, that's being frugal.  We call blending the old with the new to create a smashing new look just  a smart money-saving strategy. 

Plus you have options!  Take us shopping or we'll take you shopping or give us a budget and we'll go shopping for you. 

•  Let's Go Outside

  Did You Know? We have professional training in European garden design.

Nature inspires and informs us in our everyday lives.  When  starting an exterior project, make sure color, texture, scale and  proportion extend seamlessly from your interior view to the great outdoors.  

Much more than just choosing paint or stain colors, you'll be the beneficiary of the harmony and unity created by carefully choosing the right outdoor design elements.  

Ask us about our exclusive line of outdoor water features that  combine natural slate inlays, wall wash lighting and the soothing sound of gently streaming water. The quality and value are outstanding and we offer free shipping to your doorstep.  Frugal Alert: There's more than 20 to choose from and they start at just $199.00. 

People are talking about the time and money Interior Reflections saved them...

No, we didn't write this mission statement but it certainly resonates with us.  It actually belongs to James Avery Craftsman. 

Several years ago, we were visiting the JA corporate headquarters in Kerrville  and got up the nerve to ask to meet Mr. Avery.  He came right out and was as hospitable as he could be. 

He asked where we were from and what we do for a living and when we said interior design, he grabbed one

of those small order forms, flipped it over and began sketching the second floor balcony of
the new home he and his wife were building.

Then he started asking design questions; would we recommend painting the handrail a different color than the balusters?  How about adding two more columns?  

It hasn't  happened very often in 28 years - but our mind went totally blank.   Couldn't think of a single answer.  We recovered but not too gracefully. Next time, we'll be ready just in case Mr. Avery has more  design questions...     

Have Design; Will Travel

 We Do Vacation Homes!

Did You Know? 

In the forward-thinking design community, talk about how to successfully integrate hospitality into healthcare is a hot topic.  But this is not in itself a new idea; in fact, it is ancient.

Both "hospitality" and "hospitals" are derived from the same Latin origins: The word "hospital" comes from the Latin hospes, signifying a stranger or foreigner, hence a guest.

Another noun derived from this, hospitium, came to signify hospitality; that is,  the relationship  between guest and shelterer.  

Prevent Your Patio Tablecloth From Taking Flight

For $1.19, buy clear  plastic shower curtain rings. Spread the "C" shape apart and just slide on the edge of your table.  Voila! 

Quick Quiz Answer:

C - Husband and Wife

   Be Green This Spring 

If gardening has left you with tons of empty black plastic pots, it's nice to know Lowe's will recycle them for you  no matter where you bought them.