re-design

April 30, 2009 By Webmaster

I’ve just returned from a paint workshop at Gregory’s Paint & Flooring in Duluth, Ga. and let me tell you… paint is changing!

Rebecca Dumas, a design consultant and owner of this fantastic establishment was full of knowledge about the new LOW-VOC and NO-VOC paints available by Benjamin Moore. I tried to take notes and want to pass along some of what I learned for your use in updating your homes.

1. The first paint that she introduced us to, was Aura Waterbourne Interior Paint. They say it’s “quite simply the finest paint we’ve ever made.” More customers are asking for “GREEN” products in their environment and this one is their top of the line. It’s LOW-VOC (volatile organic compounds ) for environmental protection, low odor, mildew resistance and fully washable in ANY SHEEN! “Ben” developed a collection of 144 hues that harmonize with one another. In other words, we can choose any 3 colors in the paint deck and they will work together. WOW!

2. The second paint that Rebecca introduced us too was called Natura, an interior waterbourne paint. This paint offers the “green promise” meeting the strictest industry standards. It is NO-VOC both in base and colorants and they offer over 3,000 gorgeous colors. If your family has sensitivity to paint odors, this is the way to go. I did not know that paint is considered low or no voc until the tint is added. The tints added to produce the colors is not low/no voc. Most companies promise low/no voc’s however once the colorant is added, that promise is not quite so true.

3. The other two products that she discussed was their Regal and Super Spec products that are their mainstays. The Regal is “scrub-able” in any finish and the Super Spec is their contractor line.

Rebecca educated us on their Metallic products and how and when to use these as well as some of her favorite colors that are tried and true every time she uses them. We talked about neutrals, the best shades of green, blues, reds, browns, yellows and whites.

She did say that the trend now is to “de-gold” the paint color choices and choose more muted earth tone colors. It must have something to do with the “going green” wave that the public is going toward.

Let me tell you, it’s a long way to the Johns Creek, Georgia area, but it was worth the drive to receive this information that I can share with you. Give me a call and let’s set up a consultation to update your space. I have new knowledge and I’m ready to share.

Call and arrange your re-design consultation now!

Southern Staging & Redesign
770-251-0608 home/office
770-301-4786 cell

Go Green…Use What You Have

February 17, 2009 By Webmaster

Everyone is going green or at least talking about it, but how can you be “green” in decorating? Use what you already own.

Who has the luxury of throwing out all of their furnishings and accessories and starting all over? In this economy, not many people. We may be able to afford an occasional new piece of furniture or new accessory that we bought on sale somewhere, but how do we make it blend in with our old stuff?

That’s when having a re-designer come in and offer suggestions, really pays off. For about $75 – $150 per hour, you can have someone come in and look at your space with a fresh perspective. They’re able to see things that you haven’t even thought about, because you live there and once you have your space set up a certain way, it’s difficult to imagine it any other way. A re-designer can even go into the attic or basement and use pieces that you forgot about and you’ll think “why didn’t I think of that”?

Repurposing items is another way to use what you have. Perhaps that old toothbrush holder would make a great little flower vase for daffodils….it already has holes in it and you don’t have to worry about arranging them. How about that old bar/table that used to be your grandmothers? I’ll bet it would make a great “entertainment” console for the T.V. and components. It’s a great way to incorporate the modern conveniences of today with the sentimental pieces of your decor.

At Southern Staging & Redesign, working with what home owners already have is a specialty of ours. Give us a call. You’ll be surprised at what a difference a few hours can make.