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You may have noticed a different look to this newsletter. Well that's not the only thing that has received an "extreme makeover", check out our website to see what other changes we've made! We redesigned the whole thing to be more fun and easier to use.
Design Dilemmas & Decorating Solutions
Robin Daly answers your decorating questions; if you have a dilemma just email her at robin@dalyspaint.com and she'll be happy to respond to you personally. Robin also makes house calls!
Dear Robin ~
Q) Any suggestions on decorating and preparing our guest bedroom for the holidays? I have some relatives who will be staying with us and I'd like to take it beyond the minimal décor that currently welcomes my guests. It has the basics like a bed, but what can I do to make it feel warm and inviting?
A) With the holiday season just about here (ohmygosh, already?); I can understand that you are probably ready to get going on this project ASAP. So let me share with you some ideas that will take your guest room to a whole new level.
Starting with some of those basics you've mentioned, here's where I'd begin: bed, good pillows (not those old yucky pillows floating around the house that nobody wants to use anymore) nightstand, bedside lamp, and drawer and closet space. If you don't want your room to feel like an afterthought then these are your key items. But your guest room can be so much more with a little attention to the details.
Let's chat about the sheets for a moment… 100% cotton is the only way to go. I know, I know, there are some great bed-in-a-bag deals out there. But if the sheets are a polyester blend, then they will feel cold and slippery to the skin. You can find great cotton sheets without breaking the bank. And your guests will sleep better!
If you have some time before the onslaught of overnighters, you may want to consider a new look. For fun, you might even want to give wallpaper a go. There are so many great designs on the market, and wallpaper gives walls a depth and richness that paint cannot.
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Guest Room Check List
The Must Have's:
Alarm Clock
100% Cotton Sheets
Extra Blanket
Good Pillows
Closet and Drawer Space
Towel and Washcloth
The Niceties:
Seasonal Flowers
Candle and Lighter
Current Magazines
City Guidebook
Hair Dryer and Brush, Toothbrush and Paste, Razor
Radio or CD Player
Water Carafe and Glass
Bathrobe
Snacks (like fruit and energy bars)
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Some of my favorite new wallpaper books are:
Sacura by Osborne and Little
If you ever thought that design that comes out of Brittan is stuffy, then take a look at this book. The lead pattern is reminiscent of the Art Nouveau movement, but with a fresh twist.
A Capella by Seabrook
This is a great book for that Mid-Century Modern look that is so hot right now. Plus it is stuffed full of elegant background papers that will fit into a variety of homes.
A fun wallpaper pattern from A Capella
Silver and Gold by Arte
Another winning book from the people that design Arte wallpapers. So much of what they design is unusual and unique. Plus they have tons of great background papers.
Stripe Resource by Thibaut
Stripes are so flexible, and this book has some really great color combinations. I LOVE the wide tone-on-tone stripe in the front of the book - the robin's egg blue is so appealing!
If you don't feel quite up to the task of papering the Guest Room, you can always add a fresh coat of paint. One of the most flattering colors you can use is peach; try C2 Paint's "Afterglow" or "Brulé". Your guests will feel fabulous in a room with this color on the walls. For more C2 colors, check out their website www.c2color.com.
Tips and Tricks
I may have mentioned this in an earlier newsletter, but I really like the Wonder Sponge and I think you should know about it. It's great for cleaning delicate wallpapers or flat wall surfaces. It feels like a sponge, but you use no water. You use the sponge to basically "erase" the dirt. A handy thing to keep around the house.
Home Project Notebook
Did you know we have a great reference list of independent painters, furniture refinishers, wallpaper hangers, and even decorative painters? If you are looking to start a project and need some help, we welcome you to start with our reference list. You can find it online by clicking here or we can fax it to you, just call 206-633-4200.
Daly's is very picky about who makes it on our list, these are all independent businesses and we are happy to support their quality efforts.
Common sense reminder: You need to ALWAYS check out any contractor before you hire them! Make sure that your needs and expectations are clearly understood, and that you get your bids in writing. Also, you should call at least 3 contractors during the bid process. Just because we like somebody on the list does not guarantee that you will - so make informed decisions!
What topics would you like covered in this newsletter? Email me your questions or ideas at robin@dalyspaint.com. I write this newsletter about once a month, but I'm ALWAYS happy to answer your questions personally.
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