Cut pictures out of magazines and catalogs, gather wall covering and paint samples, fabric and carpet cuttings. What has attracted you to choose these particular items?
Was it the texture of the fabric? Was it the pattern of the wall covering? Was it the style of furniture in the pictures?
Open your closet - what colors do you see the most? You are probably are seeing the same colors throughout your home.

Visit furniture showrooms, antique shops, fabric and carpet showrooms.Make note and take pictures of what you love and what makes you feel good when you look at it.
You can do research on-line, look at window treatments, faux finishes, accessories. What WOW’s you? The selections are endless!

* Don’t rush this process. Take a few weeks or months if necessary. Choosing “a look” for your home is a process! Ask family members to participate.

Now, spread out all your pictures, samples etc. Pay attention to common factors; what colors give you a warm feeling? Are they bright and cheerful? Is the look traditional or more country? Are you surprised to find that you love wall covering instead of paint? Need help acting upon your inspiration? Call Lydia Costa today: 508.336.2572.

October 2008

Lydia Knows...

THE COMING TOGETHER OF A SPACE IS SO EXCITING!

Planning a remodeling project, be it one room or your whole house, requires decisions that must be determined before the space takes shape. When you make your plan, you are working and change is inevitable. Welcome it, because it improves and refines your ideas. One small change can set off a whole new set of ideas and solutions and should be carefully examined for content, scale and balance.

Find the mood you want, the style and the function, and create a flow throughout your home. Decide what needs the most work. Don't forget about how light affects each room and what the view is from your windows!

If you rush through the preliminary planning of your project you'll end up accepting what is basically there instead of carrying out your dreams. We all want to do something distinguishing with our homes. Now is the time for maximum opportunity. Decide what part of the project you are capable of doing yourself, and for what part you will need to hire professionals. Remember, mistakes can be costly.

Need assurance that you are making the best decisions for you and your family? Contact Lydia at lydia costa INTERIORS for a decorating/design consultation.

September 2008

Lydia Knows...

THAT MULTIPLE WINDOWS ON ONE WALL CAN CREATE AN UNSIGHTLY FOCAL POINT

It is always a challenge when there are more than two windows on one wall that are different sizes or heights and sometimes even different styles.  If there is a second wall in the same room with multiple windows you have a compound problem.

There are several ways to "trick the eye" and create a design where the windows may appear all the same height (when they are different heights) or create a look that the windows are evenly spaced when in fact they are not.

The simplest way to treat these types of windows is to treat the whole wall of windows and make a wall to wall window treatment.   Choose a tone-on-tone fabric that is the same color as the wall. This will not draw as much attention to the windows, and in fact, may make the room appear larger.

Do you have the additional problem of an unsightly view out your windows?
Create a wall to wall or ceiling to floor stationary treatment in a bold pattern or bright color to create your focal point.

Need help getting started on your project? Contact Lydia at 508.336.2572, to schedule a decorating appointment or stop in and visit her studio located at 820 Taunton Avenue, (rt.44) Seekonk, MA. Visit Lydia’s web site at, www.lydiacosta.com. Lydia Costa has been Decorating Homes and Business since 1987.