August 2014 Newsletter
Some people feel the rain, 
others just get wet.  

~Bob Marley   

It's All In The Details!

 

It's been many years since I lost my best friend to illness.  But I still think about him all the time.  Because he taught me one of the most important lessons I've ever learned...the realization that it's not what you do, it's how you do it, that makes all the difference...It's not what you say, it's how you say it...it's not what you wear, it's how you wear it,...it's not what you place, it's how you place it.

 

And "how" is all a matter of details.  So for this August newsletter, in honor of his birthday month, I share with you 10 Design Details for your home that will show you how to make all the difference.

 

 

Monogrammed Coasters  

A coaster is one of those necessary tools that we need to protect our furniture and contain the moisture.  But in addition to their purpose and practicality, they offer a perfect opportunity to personalize your home.  So why use a basic, generic coaster?  Purchase instead coasters that are monogrammed with your family initial. It's that personal touch that sets you apart.  For a variety of options, you can custom order them online.

personalizationmall

Dorsch Interiors

 

homewetbar  

Of course if you entertain, you might also consider monogrammed glassware.   You can get any type of glass monogrammed, from wine stems to shot glasses.  Monogram what you use the most.  It's a minor detail that says to your guests, "I'm sharing what's mine with you".

     


Non-Glare Glass  

When creating a family gallery, where many pictures will be framed and displayed as a gallery, it's often more practical and cost effective to purchase ready made frames from places like Micheal's or Hobby Lobby.     

Unfortunately, ready made frames come with regular glass, which produce lots of glare.   

taouxis  

 

So if the budget allows for custom framing, whether a gallery or a single picture, you will definitely want to opt for non-glare glass.  This detail makes a huge difference.   The reduction of glare also makes the picture appear more vibrant and detailed.

beards

 

 

  


The Tissue Box

A box of tissues is another one of those practical items that we often place in various rooms of our house.  They're necessary, but certainly not decorative.  And unfortunately, no matter how decorative the box is, it's still a cardboard box.

fiveelevendecor  

 

   

    

So if you use tissues, invest in as many decorative tissue holders as you need The tissue holder is an accessory.  Choose one that will compliment the surrounding decor of the room you're placing it in. 


ideaco

designsponge  
In the bathroom,  the tissue holder can be part of a set.
restoration hardware  


The Right Lightbulb
It used to be that we basically only had one choice for indoor lighting: the incandescent bulb.  But today, we have halogen, fluorescent, LED, Xenon, and more.  Sometimes it's hard to know which bulb to use.

npr
The bulb you use is determined by what you use it for.  Do you need "mood" lighting, or reading light, or task lighting?  There are many sites online that will explain your options.  This site by Thomas Lighting offers a good explanation on each type of bulb and their optimum use.

energystar
Take the time to use the correct bulb for each application, because in the design world, we know that proper lighting is half the battle!


Hide Those Ugly Cords
This really is one of my biggest pet peeves!  And with today's technologies, I just don't understand why every lamp out there is not wireless!  But that's another battle...

For now, hiding those ugly cords is a little detail with major results. 
casasugar

Have you ever noticed that you never see any cords in magazine pictures of interiors?  That's because they've been Photoshopped.  In real life, you sometimes need to get creative in your pursuit to hide the cords.  I have personally used all types of tape, hot glue, tacks, plus there are various products out there that are specifically made for this purpose. 
knightmovesblogspot
Whatever your method, hide those ugly cords!


Use the Right Color Sheets
Sheets are like coasters...they're practical and necessary, but also an accessory that is part of the entire decor.  As such, you should pay attention to the detail of color when purchasing sheets.

sfgate
White sheet are usually a safe bet.  But sometimes, color sheets make a bigger impact.  When using color, make sure the color, and/or pattern, compliment the bedding or the color scheme of the room.  Avoid using random sheets that you bought because they were on sale...they'll look unkempt and out of place.

celeste  
homebyheidi  



Use the Right Pillow Forms
Since we're talking about the bedding, this is a good time to also discuss the pillow forms.   In order to have your bed look like it belongs in a magazine, you must use full, firm pillow forms.  The ones that feel like they've been extra stuffed.

latricedesigns  

When purchasing pillow forms make sure to feel them...that they're firm and that they don't collapse when pressed down. You may have to invest a little more initially, but it's an item you won't need to buy again for a long time.  A firm pillow forms is what gives body to your shams, which is necessary for a good looking bed.

But that's not all, if you're really looking to pay attention to the details, you'll also want to stuff the corners for that extra firmness and shape.


I've used cotton, crumbled paper, plastic bags...but the best product to fill those flimsy pillow corners is fiberfill. 
wayfair
For this extra work, you'll be rewarded with fresh-looking, perky pillows that will look polished and professional.

 

Update Your Lampshades
Changing out your lampshades is one of those details that is often overlooked, yet can make a big difference in the way a room looks.

Even if your lampshades are in good condition, you might consider replacing them with ones that are more updated or that are a different shape, color, texture, or pattern.

 

lambsearsltd

An important thing to remember when replacing your lampshades is to measure the current shade.  The most important measurement is the height.  No matter what shape you decide on, you should get a shade that is the same height.  Otherwise it'll sit too low or too high on the base and look out of place.

ilikethatlamp

newshousedesign
 


  

Hope I've inspired!

 


You Might Also Like...
(Click on picture to go directly to the link)

  

Dorsch Interiors
A "Soft Transitional" Living Room
 A recently completed project.
 

 

Dorsch Interiors
The Onyx Bar
Beautiful examples how you can use onyx in your home.

 

 

  I hope you've enjoyed our newsletter...feel free to share it with your friends!  
  
And please visit our blog, it's an extension of our newsletter...and more.   

   
 

 


 
 
Alba Dorsch, IDS
Dorsch Interiors, LLC

Alba specializes in residential and small commercial interiors. She has transformed hundreds of homes in the Miami, Florida, Greensboro, North Carolina and Dallas Metroplex areas. 

Alba is a current Associate member of the Interior Design Society and has served as past President of the Dallas/Ft Worth Chapter.   

 

 

Our Mission Statement

To honor each homeowner's treasures by creating interiors that are comfortable, peaceful and tranquil...interiors that encourage conversation, invite it, accommodate it and look as if an informality of spirit is present even in the most formal of settings.

  

 

Contact Alba at:


[email protected]


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