Agricola Redesign

Atlanta Mart

2011-08-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Having just returned from the Atlanta Mart I am excited to share what is new in interior design!

First things first, eco friendly. Interiors are improving with the use of natural and recycled materials from counter tops to flooring, I saw lots of fabulous reclaimed items at Kalalou, a home accessories showroom we use quite frequently here at A Village Gift Shop.

Second, I saw lots of time worn looks, white washed woods with classic neutrals, new but with a feeling of worn and comfortable.

Third, Color. Sherwin Williams introduced the color mix for 2012 - very beautiful combinations Neutral- think piles of pebbles, weathered wood, earthy clay
Reds- brilliant flowers, glowing ember and colors of fire
Blues- clear beach water, faded denim, lakes and crisp blue sky
Greens- roof top gardens, natural forest ferns, and seaweed

Shopping my way through 3 buildings with 18 stories in each one can be overwhelming but when you look at all the textiles, rugs, home decor, lighting and furniture you just don't get tired - you get inspired!

Most showrooms sell a variety of items, and I am seeing a theme of mixing it up, new with antique modern with traditional. What ties the rooms together is the balance of the items and the combination of color and texture.

Lighting is always one of the most important elements in creating a beautiful home, and the market was not short on fabulous fixtures. Lighting as a showpiece in the room is very big.
Statement fixtures are in much like a statement piece of jewelery.

For many years, we did heavy window treatments, then we lightened up the look and kept windows simple. Well now we will dress our windows again, simply but beautifully, with lots of fabulous trim and fabrics.

We are going to see lots of metallic in paint and in wallpaper. It will also be present in our furniture finishes. Just a bit of shimmer can add so much to a room. I really enjoy seeing a bit of metallic in rooms on the ceiling with a metallic paint or in the drapery.

There is really never anything new just reinvented a combination. This is what I love about redesigning rooms for my clients. Let's use what we have first in a new and exciting way and then bring in what we need for fun touches to our homes.

2011-02-01T09:06:00.000-08:00

Light Up the Dark to Banish the Winter Blues

Here in the Midwest, darkness is king for most of the winter. Days are short, the sun does not show its face often enough, and our home can end up feeling very gloomy.
We have the answer for the dark and gloom - more light! Sounds like the obvious answer, right?, but we find that many of the homes we visit do not have enough sources of light for the size and function of their spaces.

In any room, you need to have a variety of lighting to make the space welcoming, cozy and well-lit for the room's purpose. Small rooms require at least 6 sources of light and larger rooms will require 8 or more. The type of light you add to the room will depend on the functions of the room. Is this where you read, do needlework or the daily crossword puzzle? Is this where you sit to relax at the end of the day? Or is this the space where you gather with family and guests for birthday parties or to watch the big game?

If you could use a little help banishing the dark and gloom in your house, consider reevaluating the light sources in each room.

Place lamps in every room with the appropriate wattage for that room’s activities.

Lamps should be placed in a triangular pattern through out the spaces

Chandeliers should not be too bright - dimmers make a lot of sense here - and should be hung 32” above the table top.

If the room will be used for activities like reading, knitting, or cooking, make sure you have ample light near where these tasks will be performed.

The three types of light to consider:

Ambient - the primary light source of your room: can lights, overhead lights, or ceiling fan lights

Accent - light specifically made to draw attention to

something: think about a light shining on a painting, lights in the china hutch or a niche light

Decorative - this is the diva of the light world: these are mood setting lights that just look pretty, like the cute little lamp shaped like a turtle, or a candle

Last minute holiday magic!

2010-12-15T14:44:00.000-08:00

If you have been too busy to decorate for the holidays up until now, try a few of these quick, last-minute tricks to give each room in your home instant holiday magic!

I love a mini tree, so cute and easy to do. Stay with one color theme, traditional red and green, or red and white. Do not be afraid to try a new color combination like blue and brown for example. You do not have to have a lot in your home to look festive.

Use your beautiful wrapped gifts as decorations throughout your spaces, small packages down the center of your dining table, or on table tops adds holiday sparkle.

If you have lots of books around your home take stacks of three or four and tie ribbon on them and have some laying down on your bookcases and some standing up.

Fresh flowers always festive and a treat to all the senses, stop by your local florist and bring home a gift for yourself.

Enjoy the season, by not stressing out over your homes holiday decor, simple touches will wow your guests.

Holiday Decorating Tips

2010-12-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

Many of you may be decorating your home in the upcoming days for the holiday season. We wanted to give you some decorating tips and share some of our favorite trends that we're seeing! This season, we are seeing brown and bronze everywhere! It's a wonderful mix with traditional red and gold, especially. We are using this in most all of our clients' homes this season. Below are some of our quick, easy to follow decorating tips that anyone can implement into their home this year!

-Use the same color ribbon throughout your home
-Cluster family ornaments on garland and run it on your banister or on top of armoires
-Use fishing line to hang ornaments from chandeliers and over islands with cup holders
-Use greeting cards as part of your decor~run ribbon in an empty frame and tape or glue cards to the ribbon
-Make fun bunches of stick greens and ornaments to decorate your banister instead of the traditional garland
-I love holiday runners and fabric! I use this to drape under village houses or to just add a nice layer effect to a rooms' decor
-Make sure to change out photos in frames throughout your home, you don't want a beach scene in the winter! Find fun, family seasonal photos. Also, add a touch of greens or a bow to frames as well~so cute!

Make plum the star color of your décor

2010-10-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

Great article on Cincinnati.com from this weekend. Glad to be a part of it!
Read here: Make plum the star color of your décor

Inspirational Wall Quotes

2010-10-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

Today, we posted on Facebook about a book that we are carrying in our Village Gift Shop called "Eat Your Peas For The Cure". It is an inspirational book that we are selling a lot of. Having inspiration in your life is important and one one that people are adding a bit more to their life, is by adding inspirational quotes on to the walls of their homes.

Below are a few images of ways people are using these in their homes, and not over-doing it. Some are serious, some are comical. No matter which direction you choose, if you choose to use quotes on the walls of your home, make sure it means something to you and your family. Let it inspire you on a daily basis.

A Splash of Color - PINK

2010-10-15T18:52:00.001-07:00

Are you looking to add a little PINK to your decor, but are concerned about adding too much? Here are some inspiration images to show you how you can add just a little and have it come out looking perfect.

Decorating for Halloween

2010-10-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

Halloween can be one of those tricky holiday's to decorate for - it can get out of control and over-the-top very quickly. Here are a few tips & ideas for you when decorating your home for Halloween and a few inspiration images to help.

1. Start by thinking outside-the-box. Look around your home and see what you have, and what you are currently using, that you could "repurpose" for a Halloween decoration. For example, what about taking a small black picture frame and instead of the family photo that is in it, replace it with a picture of a silhouette of a black cat. Dark, but not too scary.

2. Instead of carving a pumpkin this year, what about glittering a few small ones and using them as a centerpiece. You could even do this with the kids.

3. Try using a "white" pumpkin instead of the typical orange one. Paint on it with black paint or leave it as is - this will give a classy, interesting, unique look to your decorations.

4. If you are hosting a party, set up a candy bar - but with a twist. Have a jar of candy corns labeled "Pumpkin Teeth". Fill a bowl with yogurt covered pretzels and label it "Crow Bones". Label another jar with "Dried Bat Wings" and fill it with black licorice sticks. Get creative with the labels and the names.

5. If you really aren't into decorating for Halloween much, try just working on your mantel or table. Use orange and black accents to give the "idea" of the holiday without stretching spider webs across the room. Go for orange and red flowers and try using simple white candles.

The bottom line is do what you are comfortable with and what feels "right" to you. Check out some of the fun, unique ideas below that we found when searching online.

Girl's Night Out Cookies

2010-10-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

Here is the recipe for the delicious, chewy and nutty cookies we are serving at our Girl's Night Out Classes.

Ingredients - Cookies:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 large egg
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup dried apricots, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Ingredients - Icing:
1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
5 to 7 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:
For the Cookies: In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the egg. Stir in the flour until just blended. Mix in the apricots, almonds, and pine nuts.

Transfer the dough to a sheet of plastic wrap and shape into a log, about 12-inches long and 1 1/2-inches in diameter. Wrap the dough in the plastic and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 heavy baking sheets with parchment paper.

Cut the dough log crosswise into 1/4 to 1/2 inch-thick slices. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly apart. Bake until the cookies are golden around the edges, about 15 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.

For the Icing: Place the confectioners' sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Gradually whisk in milk and vanilla, until the mixture is of drizzling consistency.

Place the wire rack over a baking sheet. Using a spoon, drizzle the cookies with the icing, allowing any excess icing to drip onto the baking sheet. Allow the icing to set before serving, about 30 minutes.

Leftover Scraps of Fabric

2010-10-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

When is the last time you found yourself with left over scraps of fabric and didn't know what to do with it? Did you throw it out? Did you stuff it in a drawer or box never to be seen again? Did you find a new use for it?

Here are 10 ideas that you can do with scraps of fabric. Click on each for simple instructions.

1. Lavender sachets

2. Wall art

3. Book cover

4. Cosy for coffee mug

5. Guitar strap cover

6. Headband

7. Little letter needle book

8. Decorative thumbtacks

9. Handmade napkins

10. Lampshade

Have you tried another project with leftover scraps of fabric? Leave a comment here on our blog and tell us about it. We love to hear your ideas!

PINK PINK PINK

2010-10-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

October is the month of PINK in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness and we are celebrating PINK all month. Here are a few PINK rooms to help inspire you on your next decorating adventure!

Bedroom Closet Organization

2010-10-05T19:43:00.000-07:00

Organizing your bedroom closet can be tricky - but necessary. With so many shapes and sizes of closets, there is no one way to go about getting it organized. Here are a few general tips when organizing your closet along with some images of various types of closets to help give you a bit of inspiration.

1. De-clutter your bedroom closet - if you don't wear the clothes, get rid of them.

2. Store items that get used the least up high, and your most-used items in plain site for easy access.

3. Use boxes, shelves, hanging racks or cubbies for your shoes and clutches.

4. Make more room in your closet by moving out-of-season clothes out of your closet and storing them in bins or boxes under your bed or high in your closet.

5. Color code your closet - this can make it easy to find exactly what you need.

Choosing the Right Paint Finish

2010-09-29T07:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever found yourself at the store, ready to buy paint for your interior, and struggle because you have no idea what all the finishes mean and where they are supposed to be used? Here is our quick and easy reference for you so that you can make the best decisions for your walls, doors, windows and more!

The four finishes that we recommend are listed below. Sherwin Williams has wonderful paints with lots of colors and options to choose from. You can check out their website for more information on their selections - http://www.sherwin-williams.com.

Flat/Matte
This finish is great for areas in your home like the hallway or the powder room. It will hold up to the occasional cleaning and has a durable flat, matte finish.

Satin/Eg-shel
Typically, this paint finish is best for windows, doors, trim or ceilings. It can be used as wall paint as well and has a smooth, velvety look to it with just a bit more gloss. It is a great finish to choose for kid's room walls, kitchens, baths and any room that would have a decent amount of traffic because it will hold up to cleaning and lightly scrubbing.

Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss paint is most often used on doors, trim, and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. It is easily cleaned and lays down a nice, subtle shine, without being too shiny. Take care with pre-paint preparation work, as poorly prepared surfaces can be a bit distracting when highlighted by a semi-gloss surface.

Gloss/High Gloss
High gloss paints have an almost reflective quality, as their shiny finish mimics the look of enamel or plastic. Though not widely used in home interiors, it is becoming more popular for a dramatic look on cabinets, trim, and furniture in very formal and very contemporary settings. This finish will magnify any surface imperfections, so careful preparation and sanding is essential before painting with high gloss paints.

6 Ways To "Redecorate" Without Spending A Fortune

2010-09-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

We know that decorating - and redecorating - can get expensive. Here are a few things that you can do to change up a room - without spending a fortune.

1. Paint the walls! A new color can change everything. We recommend Sherwin Williams colors.

2. Hang new curtains - or try a different window covering.

3. Try framing and hanging unique greeting cards or things you have cut out of magazines. Put a simple matte behind it and you have got yourself some original art!

4. In your bathroom - try changing your mirror. Frame a simple mirror and hang it.

5. In the living room - get new decorative pillows for the couch and chairs or even try some new lamps (or shades if you have a great base).

6. Borrow from other rooms in your home. Try bringing in accessories from other rooms and grouping like items or collections together. This can be very powerful!

You Could Win!

2010-09-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

Today we are launching our first ever Facebook promotion and we are all very excited about it! It is so simple to enter and the prize is something we are sure you are going to love!

All you have to do to be entered to WIN is become a fan of Agricola Redesign on Facebook - facebook.com/agricolaredesign - by October 20th!

The Prize: On October 22nd, we will randomly select one Agricola Redesign fan to receive a gift certificate worth the number of fans we have, to be used on our Holiday Decorating Services! For each fan we have, $1 will be added to the gift card. If we have 500 fans by October 20th, the winner will receive $500 towards our Holiday Decorating Services. If we have 1000 fans by October 20th, someone will win $1000 towards our Holiday Decorating Services!

The more fans we have, the better the prize is!

Upcoming Holiday Events at Agricola Redesign

2010-09-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year when things start to get very busy. You're helping the kids with their homework and running them from one practice to another. You're trying to get the yard cleaned up and plant your perennials. You haven't decided on what the kids are going to be for Halloween, but you know you better soon! And then - all of a sudden, you look around, and it is Thanksgiving - and then, Christmas - and then, New Years! Wow - time is moving fast!

We know that this can be a hectic and stressful time for you and so we want to help. The first thing we can offer is our wonderful Holiday Decorating Services. If you need some help pulling everything out, getting it organized, setting it up and making it look gorgeous - you need to call us. No matter how big the job is, we can come in and spend an hour or so - or a few days. Your home is where the "holidays" are at and we can help you make them the most beautiful holiday's you've ever had.

After all the decorating, why not relax and enjoy the holidays with a little time out with your girlfriends! Below, we have listed our Girl's Night Out Classes that are running now through the end of the year. Bring one friend, or more than one - either way is fine. Call us for more information and to reserve your spot.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING CLASS: WHITE PLATE SPECIAL
Date: Tuesday, October 5th - 7:00 p.m.
Description: Get ready for a fun and informative evening with our design team to learn easy ways to decorate your dining table for the upcoming fall and holidays; starting just with a white plate! Call 513.771.3927 for details.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING CLASS: HOLIDAY DECORATING
Date: Tuesday, November 9th - 7:00 p.m.
Description: Nothing says "holidays" better than a well-decorated home.Twinkling lights, centerpieces, mantles & wreaths lay the stage for a joyous holiday season. Learn how to add drama to your home with festive holiday decorating tips. Plus! You will also be part of a hands on holiday decorating project. Call 513.771.3927 for details.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING CLASS: HOLIDAY DECORATING
Date: Saturday, November 13th - 1:00 p.m.
Description: Nothing says "holidays" better than a well-decorated home.Twinkling lights, centerpieces, mantles & wreaths lay the stage for a joyous holiday season. Learn how to add drama to your home with festive holiday decorating tips. Plus! You will also be part of a hands on holiday decorating project. Call 513.771.3927 for details.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING CLASS: CREATING A HOSTESS GIFT
Date: Tuesday, December 7th - 7:00 p.m.
Description: Ever attended an amazing party? Usually behind every great party is a party host/hostess who could use a little something for their hard efforts. These gifts can fit anyone's budget and make any party host/hostess happy. This class will focus on creating unique hostess gifts and each of our guests will create a hostess gift they will take with them. Call 513.771.3927 for details.

Don't forget that you can always call and plan your own Girl's Night Out! Get a group together and have a great time with us! For more information, call Ramona at 513.771.3927.

What is IRIS?

2010-09-14T08:34:00.000-07:00

Agricola Redesign is proudly affiliated with the Interior Redesign Industry Specialists. The organization, formed in 1999, sets the industry standards with regard to certification training. IRIS trained members are expertly equipped to utilize their wide range of skills, design talent and professional training to provide the highest level of interior redesign, staging and decorating services for residential and commercial clients.

As the oldest non-profit and volunteer-run redesign, staging and decorating organization in the nation, IRIS continues to be a significant force in these industries.

Having a certification in the art of redesign and home staging sets you apart from others, offering a professional distinction and credibility. When redesigners hold certification from both IRIS and the Agricola Redesign Training Specialists (ARTS), it shows their clients that their company is professional and credible, that continued education and is important to your business, that you give back to the industry by being involved and that you have received a top quality background in design.

IRIS is the only organization in the design field using a standardized manual containing comprehensive training that thoroughly prepares an entrepreneur for the industry. As a certified instructor for IRIS, Diane Agricola and the ARTS program will be able to provide every student with the highest quality training possible to confidently work in the redesign industry.

To learn more about interior redesign, color, decorating and how you may become certified through IRIS and ARTS, please email Diane Agricola.

2010-08-31T13:36:00.000-07:00

Let us introduce you to another emerging palette of colors...

Restless Nomad

sultry, sultry, exotic, primal

Thanks to the Internet, everyone now has a passport to wander the world, soaking up its flavors, images and colors, and stirring them into an eclectic global design stew. Morocco and Turkey are making their presence felt, but there's no need to stop there. Today's adventurers feel free to sample from anywhere and everywhere, pairing Persian paisleys with exotic animal skins and Indonesian batiks. Colors, too, wander all over the palette: from dusky darks, to hot vibrant pinks and reds, to earthy food-influenced hues that evoke eggplants and cabbages.

Color Trends

2010-08-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

We love sharing the newest color trends with our blog readers. Here's one of the color palettes that you'll be seeing more of in 2011.

Referred to as Purely Refined, these are understated neutrals, organic and subtle with natural elegance. The colors of Purely Refined are gray blue, sage greens, gray lilac, light gray and creamy white. These are not pastels, but strong neutrals that can stand up to the addition of peppery black and chocolate brown.

If you would like more information on how you can interpret new color trends into your home decorating, call one of our design team

2010-06-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

Setting a Summertime Table

Just because you'll be taking the dinner party outside does not mean that it should not look as fabulous as it tastes!

One way to start thinking about your outdoor table is to think color theme. A very fresh and modern color theme for any occasion is white and one other color: red and white, blue and white, green and white or yellow and white. Keep to this two color theme throughout, from centerpiece to each place setting, napkins, tablecloths. The result is very dramatic and beautiful.

A more traditional, but still playful and fun, theme is patriotic red, white and blue. Turn the theme up a notch by adding a small flag at each place setting. Simply paint a small terra cotta pot with acrylic white paint, fill it with play sand or small stones and stick a small flag in. You can then offer these to guests as a favor.

Having a luncheon for a group of girlfriends? How about a botanical theme. Begin by bringing your floral china outside. Keep things relaxed by mixing patterns on plates, teacups and saucers. Use floral tablecloths and napkins in a variety of prints, or mix in some Battenburg lace, to keep the theme going. Add a centerpiece of fresh seasonal flowers from the garden. Not serving tea? Use teacups to serve fruit salad, or dessert instead.

Even a romantic dinner for two can be moved outside for the evening. Set a small table for two with a sheer or silky cloth, overstuffed pillows on the chairs, silver serving pieces and lots of candlelight.

Want to learn more about summer tablescapes? Why not schedule a private decorating class on this topic for yourself and a few friends! Call 513-771-3927 today.

What Color is Your Porch Ceiling?

2010-05-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

If it is not blue, you may be missing out on everything from natural insect repellent to protection from evil spirits!

Blue porch ceilings are a Southern tradition and were especially prevalent during Victorian times, when the colors of nature were preferred for painting exteriors. They can also be found in Colonial homes along the east coast in historic cities like Boston and Philadelphia.

Why blue? Some Southerners suggest that blue porch ceilings arose from fear of "haints," restless spirits of the dead that were held at bay by the color blue.

Some people swear that blue paint repels insects, although this has very little scientific basis. It may arise from early milk paints that included lye in their ingredient list. Lye is a known insect repellent and milk paint fades quickly, so porch ceilings repainted each year might have served to keep insects away.

While these two theories may be rooted in fantasy, the truth is that blue is a calming color, and most people use their porches for relaxation. Having a blue ceiling mimics the natural sky and can lighten and brighten spaces to give the feeling of longer daylight hours.

The shade of blue you select will depend on the style of your home. Softer, more gray blues will work better with traditional homes while brighter, more saturated blues will play well with more contemporary structures. In any case, the abundance of natural light outdoors will allow you to select a darker shade than you might use inside you home.

Go blue!

For more information on using color in your home, call us today at 513-771-3927

Blue porch ceilings are a Southern tradition and were especial

The Color Of The Year

2010-04-08T16:58:00.000-07:00

Pantone, the world-renowned authority on color, has named Turquoise the 2010 Color of the Year!

The color turquoise can represent many things to many people...a stone in a favorite piece of southwestern jewelry, the soothing tropical waters of a fabulous Caribbean vacation, or a fun night out with friends and Bombay sapphire martinis. But how many of us think about using turquoise in our homes? Surprisingly, we think you'll find that turquoise goes with just about anything. Other than the obvious accent with white, ivory or black, try using pillows or throws in shades of turquoise on your chocolate brown chairs and couches. What about that old tired chest that's been sitting in your basement? Give it a couple of coats of a pale turquoise spray paint and you've got the perfect accent to a shabby chic guest room!

Be bold and and use brighter shades of turquoise with shades of golden yellows or lime green on your patio furniture to spice up your outdoor living areas and get that tropical feeling all Spring and Summer.

If you'd like a little help in how to use turquoise in your home, consider a color consultation with one of our experienced redesigners. Or, book a private Girls' Night Out Decorating class and we can teach you the basics for enhancing your spaces with color, all while you enjoy an evening out with friends!

Want more information? Click here or call us today at 513-771-3927.