I AM Modern Magazine for Moms

Answers from Jennifer & Suzan
written by jennmangum , September 25, 2008

Question:
Where can I buy the nice deep couches that are so hot now?
I do not want to spend 5k on a sofa at Restoration. What is a good place to go for ultra plush deep sofas? Help?

Answer
Hi Isabelle-
You will definitely pay a premium for Restoration Hardware – but there are other options. We find you can get the best pricing for good quality furniture at GreenFront. But you need to know what you are looking for when you walk through the door, it can be very overwhelming. But it sounds like you have a specific couch style in mind. We would recommend starting there and if the price is still to high check out Belfort Furniture, prices will be lower but the quality less. Havertys tends to have current styles but the quality will be less than Belfort. Hope that helps!

Where can I buy the nice deep couches that are so hot now?
written by Isabelle , September 19, 2008

I do not want to spend 5k on a sofa at Restoration. What is a good place to go for ultra plush deep sofas? Help?

Answers from Jennifer & Suzan
written by jennmangum , August 06, 2008

Question: Is white leather sectional out or in? I keep telling my wife that we should get a low to the ground, white, leather sectional in our living room. She says that we are going to look like out of the Scarface movie. Please help me settle our argument. Is my idea in or out?


Answer:
Sal-A white or off white leather couch can look amazing if the rest of the décor is well thought out. If you purchase the couch and the design stops there you might be in trouble…so you are both right (how’s that for diplomatic?) A monochromatic pallet would look great with a white leather sectional, meaning go for different shades of whites/creams/browns in different intensities throughout the room. If you like a more modern look you could pair it with black accessories and maybe a punch of red. Again the key is to know the look you are going for before you purchase so that you don’t end up with something that doesn’t reflect your taste.



Question:Trend in Wallpaper

I started to see more and more wall paper with ornamental designs and velvet accents and other decorative elements. I want to do it too but I am afraid of the cost, the process and when I sell the house. Is it wise to put black and beige wall paper with velvet swirls on your dining room walls in Ashburn? WIll buyers get it, and if they don't will it be a pain to get rid of? thanks, G



Answer:

Wallpaper is definitely making a come back and there are lots of cool textures and gorgeous patterns out there. The paper you’ve found sounds great! We would recommend going for it. You might have to change it out one day so when you get a quote for the application also find out how much it would cost to remove it. It is always fun to make a decorating statement in the dining room. Make sure that your furniture and accessories match the mood of the wall coverings. With all the pattern in the wallpaper make sure that your window treatments are understated – maybe a silk dupioni. We do custom window treatments and room refinements, so give us a holler if you need any help. Have fun!

Is white leather sectional out or in?
written by Sal , August 02, 2008

Ladies,

I keep telling my wife that we should get a low to the ground, white, leather sectional in our living room. She says that we are going to look like out of the Scarface movie. Please help me settle our argument. Is my idea in or out?

Trend in Walpaper
written by Gena , July 25, 2008

Hi,
I started to see more and more wall paper with ornamental designs and velvet accents and other decorative elements. I want to do it too but I am afraid of the cost, the process and when I sell the house. Is it wise to put black and beige wall paper with velvet swirls on your dining room walls in Ashburn? WIll buyers get it, and if they don't will it be a pain to get rid of?
thanks, G

Answers from Jennifer & Suzan
written by jennmangum , June 27, 2008

Question:

Curtains

Curtains, my bedroom needs to darker. But I want it like the W Hotels. I sleep the best when I am out of town. How can I achieve that darkness in my home?

Answer:
The trick is lined and interlined drapery panels that close properly. Most drapery panels that you can buy “off the rack” like at Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware are often only lined; they will not give you the black out effect you are hoping for. Interlining is the key element your draperies will need to give you the darkness you are searching for. Interlining is another layer of fabric that has a flannel or felt-like characteristic. It is placed between the outer fabric and the lining. It gives window treatments a luxurious look and provides insulation from light, heat and cold. When you mount the treatments you want to be sure you mount them atleast 4” outside the casing of the window. This will insure that you do not have light “leaking” out the sides of the panels. Hope this helps!


Question:

How to make low ceilings seem higher?

What design element should I incorporate into a new home I am buying that has relatively lower ceilings?

Answer:
Here are some tricks you can enlist to make your ceilings feel higher.
First - if you are putting up window treatments mount them all the way to the ceiling (also think of using stripes, it elongates the room).
Second - when you paint, keep the ceiling white. Stripes (subtle or otherwise) in the paint will make the ceiling feel higher if you are not interested in stripes on your window treatments.
Third - try putting up large pieces of art instead of smaller pieces scattered about. –or if you have lots of smaller pieces group them together to make a large grouping.

Congratulations on your new home!

Curtains
written by Daphne G. , June 22, 2008

Curtains, my bedroom needs to darker. But I want it like the W Hotels. I sleep the best when I am out of town. How can I achieve that darkness in my home?

How to make low ceilings seem higher?
written by Daphne G. , June 22, 2008

What design element should I incorporate into a new home I am buying that has relatively lower ceilings?

IRN
written by jennmangum , May 27, 2008

Question:
I live in a 3000 square foot house, and I would like to get most of the rooms painted. I know I want neutral colors, but want to know who you like to work with and what should I expect to pay for this job?
Thanks,
Tonia

Answer:

Tonia-

When hiring a painter recommendations are key. It’s a job that will make a big impact on your home and you want it done right. It’s always a good idea to get a couple of quotes. When we consult with clients we often give them several painters that we have had good experiences with. Ask your neighbors and friends for recommendations.

Make sure you know what is being quoted. For example you always want 2 coats of paint. Another good question to ask is how many days will it take to complete the job? Also is the cost of the paint included in the quote? Be very clear on what you want painted, ceilings, trim and the walls or just the walls. The cost of the job will also be impacted by the current conditions of the walls. Are the walls paint ready or will quite a bit of repair work be needed- spackling and sanding. Often painters will give discounts if you are doing a larger job or during slow times of the year- usually January and February are slow.

Good luck with the painting it’s a great way to update your home without breaking the bank. If you need any help please don’t hesitate to give us a call we do lot’s of paint consultations to get people on the right track.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Mangum, IRN & Suzan Meredith, IRN
Redecorate Today
571-333-0222

Need a Painter and Want to Know Average Costs
written by Tonia , May 18, 2008

I live in a 3000 square foot house, and I would like to get most of the rooms painted. I know I want neutral colors, but want to know who you like to work with and what should I expect to pay for this job?
Thanks,
Tonia