Tips & advice for interior decorating, interior design & colour consultation

May 16, 2016 By IO

7 Interior Design Sins that I’ll Steer You Clear Of

It’s a familiar experience: a homeowner reaches the end of a redecoration project only to get the feeling that something is off. Some part of the design is creating disharmony, though they can’t put their finger on which. In order to avoid this unfortunate outcome it’s important to work with the right decorator; someone with the experience and expertise to avoid common interior design mistakes. I’m Isabelle Tremblay and I founded Decor Isabelle to help homeowners in the GTA realize their interior decoration dreams.

Avoiding Common Interior Design Pitfalls

The best way to avoid common interior design sins is to know what they are. In my experience at Decor Isabelle there are 7 that crop up more often than any others.

1) Lighting Dissonance – Successful interior design incorporates different types of light for different effects. A decor can sometimes be undermined if the type, intensity or colour of light clashes with other elements. I can help restore harmony to your lighting scheme.

2) Legacy Artwork – Sometimes artwork that’s been with a family for years will create matchup problems with a new decor. Resolving this issue isn’t always easy, but it’s not impossible either. Sometimes all it takes is a new frame or a rearranging of neighbouring elements.

3) Trendy vs. Stylish – Trends can be great fun but need to be incorporated with care. Since trends change like the weather, they’re often best employed as a complementary element of the decor rather than a foundation element. This way you avoid your decor feeling dated.

4) Inclusive Decor – High-end elements are a great way to add finishing touches to a decor but they shouldn’t interfere with the daily operation of the home. There are always ways to accommodate the whole family and still obtain a stylish result. I’ll be happy to show you how.

5) Heirlooms – No one wants to consign the family heirlooms to storage just to accommodate a redecoration. Fortunately you don’t have to. As is the case with legacy artwork, there are ways to make heirlooms work with a new decor. Sometimes it’s just a matter of creating context.

6) Front-loaded Spending – Fiscal restraint is needed to avoid spending too much right out of the gate. Set a budget for each component of the new decor and stick with it. You’ll be happy later on when you have adequate resources to finish the job right.

7) The DIY Decorator – In our DIY-crazed world it’s tempting to think anyone can be a decorator. But true professional decorators spend years learning the subtleties of their craft and the results speak for themselves. If you’re able to, make the financial stretch and bring an interior design professional in to handle your redecoration. You’ll be glad you did.

I have more than 20 years experience decorating homes in Hamilton, Burlington and the entire GTA. I specialize in identifying and cultivating a personal style for my clients that allows them to feel completely at ease in their newly redesigned home.

Call today to book an in-home consultation and start yourself on the road to a more stylish future.

May 12, 2016 By IO

How to Make Sure Your Interior Decorator Can Meet Your Expectations

To enjoy a successful relationship with an interior decorator it’s necessary for the two of you to get to know and trust one another. As such it’s important to think about your wants and expectations before interviewing prospective decorators. While the onus for a productive relationship isn’t entirely on you, this type of thoughtful consideration will nonetheless make it easier to select a decorator who understands your goals and will work with you to achieve them.

Selecting the Right Interior Decorator

Selecting the right decorator more often than not begins with a bit of introspection. This will help you align your goals and priorities and facilitate communication once you do sit down with potential decorators. Here is a short list of things to contemplate before picking up the phone.

How Involved Do You Want to Be? – If you tell the decorator you’re leaving everything up to them you should be ready to do that. If, however, you want a greater degree of input, it’s important to say so upfront. This way everyone is on the same page from the get-go. Decorators are generally used to working closely with clients so don’t be shy about stating your preferences. The whole process will benefit.
Do You Expect Lots of Options? – Some folks are content to let the interior decorator whittle the options down to a couple before presenting them for consideration. Others expect the decorator to show them a plethora of options for every element of the decor. Think about which approach works best for you and then state your preference to the decorator.
Do You Change Your Mind Often? – While you certainly have a right to change your mind about things, you should also be mindful that doing so too often can create bumps in the road. If, on the other hand you tend to vacillate, it may be best to step back and trust the decorator to use their experience and training to make decisions that will be in your home’s best interest.
What Do You Expect From the Decorator Personally? – Are you looking for someone who will spend hours discussing swatches over coffee in the kitchen, or do you want someone who will come in and get to work? Different decorators have different approaches and it’s important not to engage the services of someone who’s all business if what you want is a laid-back vibe.

Be fair to yourself and any prospective interior decorator by contemplating these questions before you begin your selection process. By keeping these considerations up front, you have a better chance of finding a decorator you can build a mutually beneficial relationship with.

Isabelle Tremblay of Decor Isabelle is unquestionably one of the greater Toronto area’s premier home decoration specialists. Driven by her love of interior design and with more than 20 years of experience beautifying homes in Hamilton, Burlington and the entire GTA, she can help turn your home into the comfortable, inspiring oasis you’ve always wanted it to be.

Call Decor Isabelle today for interior decoration!

April 9, 2016 By IO

What does colour consultation involve

If you’re planning on redecorating your Greater Toronto area home, hiring a colour consultant is a great idea, though many people are unaware of what to expect from the process. Colour consultation as practiced by Isabelle Tremblay of Decor Isabelle is actually a straightforward process that begins with scheduling an appointment and from there, you’re on your way to beautify your home with ease.

On the day of the appointment, Isabelle will arrive at your home and discuss your overall goals, analyze your current colour scheme, including flooring, furniture and all other elements that are involved. As she goes along, she will ask you many questions about your lifestyle, the way you live in your home, how and when are your rooms utilized, what is the primary purpose of each of them, etc.

Isabelle is profoundly convinced of the influence of colours and surroundings on your moods. Before you realize it, she will have gathered enough information from you to sense your style and your “likes”, knowing what is the atmosphere you want to create. She will then start the process of personalizing your colours, so it reflects your personality and style, resulting in making you feel happier every time you enter your home.

During the process, Isabelle may advise you on various decor elements such as lighting, wall treatments, window coverings and accessories that will contribute to create visual harmony from room to room and maximize the WOW factor effect? of your newly decorated home.
When Isabelle is finished, you’ll have a comprehensive personalized colour scheme that will help you achieve your interior design dream.

Colour: the convergence of art and science

A paint chip in a paint store or magazine photo may look amazing, but always keep in mind that the particular reflection of light in your home will make that colour look very different. Other elements like furniture, flooring, accessories may also render it ineffectual on your walls. For your Hamilton or Burlington home, consulting with someone like Isabelle Tremblay, who knows the complex science of colour inside and out, will save you many trips to the paint store, frustrations and anxiety.

If you are considering repainting or papering your walls, purchasing new furniture, updating your window treatments or undertaking a renovation or redecoration of your home, you’ll want to secure the services of a qualified colour consultant decor specialist? to help creating a visual flow from room to room by bringing the disparate elements together. Isabelle from Decor Isabelle will be happy to guide you through the process and help you achieve your goals. Call Isabelle at (416) 573-2301 to be on your way for a happier you in your new decor.

Remember: The goal of a colour consultation is to simplify the process and set your mind at ease. A consultation with Isabelle will help you avoid costly decorating mistakes and provide a clear vision of your personalized design scheme.