What is an Aura?

Personal Chi is the interface between your body's energy and the environment's energy. Personal Chi is often referred to as the "Aura". The size and shape of your aura changes constantly. Generally, you extend your aura when you feel comfortable, safe, or happy. This makes you seem more approachable to others.

Fearful, unhappy, or discomforting states typically cause you to retract your auric field, pull it in closer around you. The sensation known as "withdrawal" happens when you retract your energy so that your auric field no longer overlaps the other person's field. They feel the withdrawal of your personal chi.

Comfortable Living

To arrange a home just as we would like it is to achieve a balance between ergonomics, whereby our surroundings work well according to our needs and style, whereby they satisfy us visually. Getting the basic design right to begin with, is of course crucial. But once the practical fittings are installed, your work has only just begun. This it is time to add all the small, individual touches that make the place comfortable and personalize it according to your own sense of style. A decorative frieze, an inviting chair, a well-placed lamp, a wall hung with assorted pictures, are among the things that turn it into a home. And don't forget your lighting. Light draws us to an extent that we are not even aware of.

Let's Talk Color

HUE:
Hue is just another word for color. Royal blue, fire engine red and bright yellow are hues, as are such softer colors as dove gray, terracotta and cream.

VALUE:
Value refers to the lightness or darkness of color.
*The more white in a color, the lighter the value; these colors, called tints, lie
just inside the hue ring on the color wheel.
*The more black in color, the darker the color's value; these colors, termed
shades, appear just outside the hue ring on the color wheel.
*Color with gray added is a tone.
*Adding white, black or gray to colors to make tints, shades or tones is
called extending colors.

INTENSITY:
This is the degree of purity, or saturation, of color. Although both pale pink and bright red are technically red, they differ in their intensity, or strength, of color. You increase a color's intensity by adding more of the pure color; adding white, black or the color's complement, reduces intensity. Full-intensity colors are so strong and stimulating that they're usually added only for emphasis in decorating.

Introduction to Feng Shui

Feng shui (pronounced fung schway) is thousands of years old, yet it is also today's latest design trend. Feng shui design is just as effective today as it was in Royal China because it is based on fundamental principles of how to create different energy states in the human body.

Every design choice generates a physical and emotional response in your body. Your choices can encourage you to slow down, relax, get creative, express enthusiasm, feel grounded and secure -- whatever you need from your space. You do not need to incorporate Asian decor items to benefit from feng shui. Whatever our decorating style, feng shui principles will help you design a home you want to live in.

Why call a Designer?

INTRODUCTION TO WINDOW COVERINGS

When should I call a designer?

Gone are the days when women had the time to go from store to store looking for the furnishings to decorate their homes. People today need and want the services of an interior decorator, but feel reluctant to call in a one for fear they will be intimated.

Fortunately, there is a new breed of decorator who not only wants to decorate to please you and your family, but wants to provide you with service and affordable products. They are less concerned with what is trendy, and more interested in good classic design that will not be out of style next year.

It's very important that you call a decorator in at the very beginning of your process. It's important to discuss the scope of your project at the very start, so that wise decisions can be made. If you're building a new home, a designer can effectively assist you from the blueprint stage on out!

Remember! A decorator can make your ideas work even better!

Entryways

DECORATING & DESIGN TIPS
Entryway

Inviting Entries

There’s a room in your home that isn’t really a room… yet its the place where a guests receive their very first impression of your home. And the last impression upon leaving! Guess which room we’re talking about? It’s your entry hall or foyer.

This area is truly a key area or room in your home, and in should say "welcome" to your family and friends. It should have the stamp of your personality, and should introduce the mood and style of the remainder of your home. How can you achieve so much in what is usually so small a space?

Actually its the limitation of this space that will permit your ingenuity and imagination free rein. Usually it’s a good idea to keep this space transitional in style. And since it’s a space where one seldom lingers, you can try some way-out or non-traditional ideas.

Try displaying unusual objects such as a collection of miniature chairs as a focal point. Or decorate with striking colors you might not consider using elsewhere. A small accent table placed in your foyer will allow you endless accessorizing possibilities. Why not change your foyer accessories with the seasons! It’s a great and creative way to give your entry your own personality stamp!

Livable Living Rooms

Livable Living Rooms
Living rooms deserve your best!

If there is one room in your home viewed by family and guests more than any other, it’s your living room! Usually the largest room, it will likely receive your most generous decorating budget!

As the heart of your home -- the room where you entertain friends and relax with family -- it’s the one place your personality and lifestyle are evident to all.

Here are quick tips to make YOUR living room the winner you want!
Color: create a harmonious color scheme -- all your family’s likes and dislikes are reflected.
Comfort: sofas and chairs should be rounded corners and soft, yet firm cushioning.
Furniture: Look for groupings that permit conversation. Arrange your furniture to accommodate easy TV viewing. Consider traffic lanes so it’s convenient to move around the room.
Accessories: create the harmonious feeling you want with sheers, upholstery fabrics, needlepoint accents, fabric covered tables and area rugs.

Window Treatments and Color

To make the fastest design impact, use color on your walls, which will give you the quickest pick-me-up. Window Treatments specifically designed for your home will make the biggest difference in your decor. We can assist you with your color selection and design as we are window covering specialists.

Thought for the Day

Some people will forget what you have said,
Some people will forget what you have done,
but they will always remember how you made them feel.
by Jude

Veranda's Design Tips

Thinking of hiring a designer? It's all about relationships. Meet with someone to make sure you hit it off and that they have your best interests in mind. You want someone that really listens to you. They need to listen to your needs without compromising the design element; they should have knowledge and resources; you as the consumer should be kept in the loop on day to day decisions; the designer should be responsive; they should be on top of your project at all times; they should have experience in the process and know their products and or service. Reasons to hire a designer? No time to do yourself and you don't want to make a mistake when it comes to designing your home or commercial project.

In today's tough times, home furnishings companies offer design services complimentary to their customers. This is a great service and a value to the consumer. Be careful of those that pass themselves off as designers. A credible designer is licensed by the state or accredited by ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) where they usually have a degree in interior design. Design Consultants (not licensed) can be just as talented as a licensed one. Again, you need to make sure that you build a relationship with this person and you feel comfortable that your best interests are in the forefront. Commercial projects are normally required to have a licensed interior designer.