News from Metropolitan Interiors

March 2011

Happy Spring!

The snow is finally melting and the spirit of spring is gently arriving. To summon in the springtime, I had the opportunity to publish an editorial ad in the March issue of The Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine. Please follow this link to view the featured article.

Portfolio Editorial

This newsletter features a father/daughter family room makeover success story. It was a pleasure helping the Nealon family transform their ordinary family room into. . .well, you'll just have to see the before and after pictures for yourself! Also included in this issue is the debut of my advice column entitled "Ask Julie Ann." Send in your home decor/Feng Shui questions and if published, receive 10% off your next client consultation.

I would like to invite everyone to join me on Thursday, March 24th at Talon Performance Group, where I will be offering a free lecture on the Feng Shui basics. Please scroll down to the bottom of the newsletter for more details.

Victoria, Tesia, and I want to thank everyone who attended the Home and Garden Show in early March! We truly enjoyed chatting with past, present, and future clients, as well as our friends. The overall energy of the event and the exceptional artwork displayed made our booth a huge hit! A special thanks goes out to the following showrooms who graciously lent beautiful furnishings and art to our booth: Home&GardenShowBooth2011

Zachary
Design Professionals
Art Resource Gallery
Hirshfields
Textural Hues

Warmest Regards,

Julie Ann

A Father/Daughter Makeover Success Story

Nealon Family Room

Before Image

Let's just say that a flair for home decor was not in John Nealon's genes! In fact, he would be the first to say that his family room needed a major style boost. "Growing up, our family took the 'utilitarian' approach to home decoration. Aesthetics were not a focal point," he confessed. Living in a charming home built in 1925, he wanted to enhance the preexisting features with updated design. The family room, a central gathering place, was a perfect starting point. Another motivating factor was Sarah, his teen-age daughter. As it turned out, nothing was "signed off" until Sarah put her stamp of approval on it!

Julie Ann commented, "I loved working with a father and daughter team. Creating a space where both feel comfortable was definitely a goal of mine. Adding contemporary furniture to a traditional home was a fun and welcoming challenge!" As Julie Ann always stresses a clutter-free space, removing knick knacks off the fireplace mantle and elsewhere was her first plan of action. Doing so made the beauty of the fireplace, itself, "pop." Julie Ann chose a comfortable sectional creating more seating space than the previous couch and love seat combined. Together they all chose the colors and style of the custom wool rug. With Julie Ann's creative assistance, the two found artwork to reflect their personal styles. As John explains, "Through this makeover process, I actually learned what art I did and did not like." A custom designed television stand polished off the room.

After Images

Nealon Family After1

Julie Ann infused elements of Feng Shui to inspire good luck and to keep the energy positively flowing for her clients, John and his daughter, Sarah. John remarked, "I am so pleased with this transformation. Julie Ann was so patient! It was a great process for all of us." The final result is a beautiful family room, a space where both John and Sarah feel proud to entertain friends and family. May they create many warm memories there!

To view more pictures of the Nealon family room, please follow this link:

http://www.metrointeriors.com/portfolio/

"Ask Julie Ann!"

Client Question:
How can I incorporate the elements of Feng Shui into my home entertaining? Could you give a couple key tips to help facilitate an evening of harmony and warmth?

Julie Ann Says:

Along with the preparation of delicious food to adorn the table, setting the stage for a comfortable and entertaining experience is the goal of a heartfelt host/hostess. The art of Feng Shui most definitely plays a huge role when hosting an elegant dinner party or casual gathering. A clutter-free room is most important for starters. The dining room table should offer ample space for each guest. You may wish to sit in every seat around the table prior to your gathering to ensure that all guests enjoy a pleasant view. Keep in mind that comfortable dining room seats are a must, yet not so cozy that your guests outwear their welcome! An immaculate tablecloth or attractive place mats set the initial tone. Placing a beautiful fresh flower arrangement, candles, or a bowl of fruit set in the center of the table is a simple way to add color and ambiance. Consider hanging a large mirror in the dining area as it makes the room appear more spacious. A mirror is also a *water element, which helps balance space and flow. Hopefully these tips will enhance your home entertaining and create an atmosphere that is truly relaxing!

*Water elements, such as a mirror or a trickling fountain, can also energize networking, communication, professional opportunities and wealth.

Submit your home decorating and/or Feng Shui questions to Julie Ann. If your question is published in her newsletter, you will receive 10% off your next home consultation.

FREE LECTURE

Life and Work in Balance: Feng Shui 101

Speaker: Julie Ann Segal

Date: Thursday, March 24, 2011

Time: 7:30-8:00 a.m. Networking

8:00-9:00 a.m. Program

Cost: Free

Location: Talon Performance Group

5891 Cedar Lake Road
Minneapolis, MN 55416

Feng Shui promotes the building and enhancing of vital Chi Flow. Interior Designer and Feng Shui Practitioner, Julie Ann Segal, will provide you with an understanding of simple Feng Shui concepts to create healthy living spaces with intention.

Lecture includes: Overview of Feng Shui, working with Feng Shui Bagua, learn about Feng Shui tools, balancing the 5 elements, and working with positive and negative energy in space.

This session will explore new ways of looking at life and work in balance. An informative, pragmatic program designed to help Professional Women Soar in 2011.

To register, please go to http://fengshuisoar.eventbrite.com