The expansion is a REALITY…

Have you heard the news? Tammy Taylor Interiors has officially expanded!

On Saturday March 27, 2010 I officially opened the doors to my new Design Shop & Studio at 102 Front Street in Cramerton, NC.

The festivities got underway around 10am. In addition to family, friends and clients, I was fortunate enough to have Montcross Area Chamber President, Ted Hall and his wife Freda in attendance. Mr. Hall photographed as we cut the ribbon and made things official.

The day was very special, as it brought to life a dream that I have had for some time. Although it is a somewhat frightening time to open a new business, it is, at the same time, very exciting! You never know how much faith you have until you “step out of the boat,” so I am stepping out!

I look forward to the challenges and pleasures that will surely come. I hope you can stop by soon and pay a visit! More pictures to come…

Dressing Your Windows

Window treatments have to be the highlight of my job.  I LOVE assisting clients with designing and implementing their window dressings- And that’s exactly what window treatments do- they dress up your windows!  (And that doesn’t necessarily mean make them fancy or frilly- just right for the space they inhabit).

Recently I had a friend, all the way from Colorado, email me and ask for help with window treatment ideas for her Family Room.  I wanted to share the ideas I passed along to her to show how different styles of treatments and fabrics can change the look and feel of a room.

My Colorado friend, Britta, did a wonderful job of including pictures of both her Family Room and other rooms in her home, along with multiple measurements of the area in question (that’s because she does interior design work herself and knows the importance of  such things!  Kudos to her!)   As I looked over the photos, it gave me a better idea as to the style of her home and also her personal style and tastes.  The photos also gave me an idea as to how the Family Room related to the other spaces in her home.  This is very important to remember because you have to treat your home as a puzzle- many different pieces that all fit together to form the “big picture.”  Now the creative juices were flowing…

I gave Britta 4 different options, in hopes that at least one would be to her liking.  Here are her choices…

OPTION ONE:  The Eleanor Valance.  This valance is very clean and tailored.  It allows for the use of several different coordinating fabrics, which I think makes fabric selection fun and makes the valance itself very visually interesting and appealing. Although using several different fabrics in a treatment is pleasing to my eye, it can be a little much for some.

   OPTION  TWO: The Pleated Valance with Medallions.  I like the use of medallions for this valance, rather than the typical board mount or curtain rod installation.  This valance does add a little more formality to the room, as the parts between the pleats resemble a swagged treatment.  Swagged treatments are very classic and are typically used in more formal spaces.

OPTION THREE: Single, Stationary Drapery Panels mounted on wood rods.  Sometimes the only purpose you want your window treatments to serve is to soften the edges and just “look pretty”.  This particular style of treatment does just that.  Since the windows already have blinds that will provide needed privacy, these stationary panels soften the corners of the room and add visual height.  The red fabric also adds a pop of color and a little pizzazz to the space.

 OPTION FOUR, and THE WINNER…Drapery Panels with Tie Backs.  These panels add just the right amount of softness and simplicity to Britta’s Family Room.  The minimal pattern in the fabric adds a subtle amount of color without being overwhelming.  These treatments proves the adage “Less is More” to be oh, so very true!  I hope to see the finished product!

Special thanks to Britta for allowing me to share!  And, thanks to the readers of my blog for allowing me to chat about my passion! 

                                  

The Color of Love

 

Ahh, love is in the air… Take a whiff…Don’t you just love the smell of chocolates and flowers?

I love Valentine’s Day!  I love flowers and chocolate and telling those around me how much I love and care about them.  I love seeing florist delivery vans carrying flowers in to unsuspecting recipients!  But, most of all, I think I enjoy Valentine’s Day so much because I simply love the color RED!   

 Red is vibrant and energetic and passionate. Whether it’s a luscious lipstick, a fast sports car, or a beautiful chair or fabric, red can add life and pizzazz now matter where it is. 

 

 

When I suggest red, some clients are very apprehensive.  I just always recommend using it in a way that makes them feel most comfortable in their space. Some clients feel that where red is concerned, a little goes a long way, while others are ready to “turn up the heat!”

Happy Heart’s Day to you!  Be sure to go out and “paint the town red!”  How much paint is, of coarse, up to you!

Looking Ahead…And Living Well

A recent article in the January 10 issue of Parade Magazine gave me a needed refresher on where we are and where we are going.  (“Living Well With What You Have” by Lynn Schnumberger, Parade Magazine, Jan. 10, 2010)

The article talked about living well with what you have.  Sometimes that means giving up the things that you thought you could not do without.  When your priorities change, sometimes your outlook on life changes.  The things that once held such great importance seem to fade and we find that the simple things around us, things (or people)  that may have always been there, have taken a new place and new meaning in our lives.  We invest in people rather than in real estate.  We think of ways to help those around us who are less fortunate.  We learn to give up some things in order to have other things.  We learn that quality sometimes surpasses quantity.

After reading the article I began to think about how this relates to interior design and to the services I offer my clients.  I think that my role as a designer is to educate my clients and guide them in their decisions for investing in their living spaces.  I know that priorities have changed and people are hesitant to spend their dollars in ways that they may have before.  I appreciate the “good steward” attitude of using what you have wisely and know that I want be able to assist my clients in doing so.

Looking ahead into 2010 can bring some apprehension, but also a quiet confidence in knowing that we have all learned a lot. Some of us have personally faced financial challenges in the past year or have friends and loved one who have.  These challenges and experiences can cause us to move forward a little wiser,  a little happier and with a renewed appreciation for simplification in our lives.  I want to live well in 2010 and have a blast doing it!

I have a simple philosophy:  Fill what's empty.  Empty what's full.  Scratch where it itches.  ~Alice Roosevelt Longworth

Looking Ahead…

As I look forward to 2010, there is a sense of excitement in the air for me.  I have big changes planned for my business and can’t wait to share it all in the coming weeks. 

Before I think too far ahead and make too many plans, I wanted to embrace the present and spend a moment contemplating the coming year. Here are some of my thoughts:  

Peering out the window of my mind, I think about 2010 and what it will bring.  I hope for happiness and contentment in all circumstances.  I wish blessings for all of my family and friends.  I look for more prosperous times for our country.  I desire new clients and new opportunities with my business. 

There is so much to be thankful for and so much to aspire to in the coming year.  I look forward to what is ahead!

Christmas is Coming!

Will your Kitchen or Dining Room table soon be the gathering place for friends and family? If so, what ever will you do to prepare? Here are some fun ideas to make your guests smile and enjoy...

Use candle holders and fill them with sequined balls or candies. Then hang small candy canes over the top. This whimsical and fun centerpiece will be enjoyed by everyone- children and adults alike!

Use a mirror under what ever centerpiece you choose. This adds light reflection and glimmer- something every holiday table can use.

Do you need place cards? Use shot glasses and fill with small marshmallows and red hots. Add your guests names to a small gift tag. Use a hole punch and slide the gift tag onto a candy cane. Slip the candy cane down into the marshmallows and red hots to hold it in place and..TA DA! You have a fun, inexpensive way to guide your guests to their seats.

Be looking for more decorating ideas to make your home special and festive this holiday season! Ho, Ho Ho!!

Welcome!

This is my first post to my new blog site! Please stop by and say hello! I will be adding more in the next couple of days!