Impressions Of The Home

FOR SALE BY ME

2011-01-01T15:43:00.001-08:00

I never thought in a million years that THIS was going to be the hardest thing I'd have to do. I think I'd rather have 2 more babies than do this again.

My house. My beautiful house. The one that was recently featured in the local paper. 3 rooms! Everyone told me how georgeous my home was. "I can't believe your bedroom actually looks like that. Do you even sleep in there?" I have spent so many hours decorating, redecorating
moving furniture, scouring stores for a 'better' piece to accent my fabrics. I've done it all. Why? Because my home is my haven. Its what I love. Its what I do. Its the only thing that I know for sure. This house was going to sell within a week after hitting the market. No problem. Well, its been 52 days. Doesn't help that we put it up for sale in November, right before the holidays. Oh you should have seen is decorated for the holidays. Tasteful yet simple and all very color coordinated.

My realtor said, ''Don't worry, you'll sell. The people that come out this time of year are serious." Well, last count 16 people have walked through my house. 16 pairs of wet shoes. 16 realtors who have no idea how much time it took my husband to paint, repaint and re-repaint all those rooms. Or how long the staircase took to add endcaps, medallians and paint every single spindle. How gorgeous the crown molding and columns are in the living room and dining room and that it cost me a months paycheck to pay for it all. How my kitchen looks at 7:00pm in the summer when the sun is setting and turns the cabinets golden. How the patio feels at that time as we watch the farmer behind us plow the corn as he races up to finish his day. They have no idea how many trips I had the electrician come out so I could add just the right lighting to all my decor. How long it took us to save enough money for that nice pool and shed and ripped out the landscaping in the front and back to make it all perfect. The snow has covered my perennial garden. No one can see how beautiful that is in July. Would they even care? Would they love my house then???

As the days go on and the showings continue, my dream house starts to feel like just a dream. It sits and waits for me to come and finish. It is waiting for me to add all of the TLC and attention that I have put into this house. The attention to every detail as I have done with this house. The "stuff" that only I can do. Only I will be able to make it what it is as I have with this house. I'm starting to realize that maybe it is just a dream. And that 'this house' is where I belong. And because no one will ever see the beauty in it like I will. Maybe that's the dream.

2010-11-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

WHAT MY DAUGHTER TAUGHT ME

"I have a daughter who is going to medical school next year, the economy seems to be in a permanent state of crisis and instability and my husband's job is ever changing. But my creative muscle will not stop itching and I finally decided to scratch it...hard..."

Let me just start by saying that I am not am impulsive person. I think, overthink then second guess everything in my life. From which can of tomatoes to buy, to where to place one single chair to….should I stay or should I go.

In May, my daughter had a cancerous tumor removed from her gland and underwent 2 surgeries. Something happenes to you while you are sitting in a surgical waiting room, waiting as they open up you daughters' face, sew it back together and hand her back to you, slightly recognizable and incoherant and wrapped in bandages. Life has a way of putting things into perspective really quick.

We pray. We keep praying… and giving thanks, of course. We know it will get better if we keep trying. We remain positive because we will be better. She will get better!!!

Guess what? It does.

I drove by the most exclusive subdivision in Macomb Township, I impulsively walked into this amazing home being built. As I stood in its amazing kitchen I looked out the window, I think I stopped breathing for a second. There it was….the unbelievable view I've been looking for. I started imagining furniture, paint, flooring, staircase trim and, “Lord Jesus look at the fireplace!” I walked in every room 6 times. I stopped back into the kitchen to check out the view

again and again and again.

OK. Enough said. We bought the house. An incredible - I can’t believe its mine…PROJECT?? How can we possibly do this? I mean just last year we were counting nickels. I’m selling shoes. REALLY? SHOES? I’M A DECORATOR! I’M CREATIVE! WHAT AM I DOING?? I’M NOT EVEN A “SHOE PERSON!

What my daughter taught me…

Life is full of its ups and downs. Sometimes more downs than ups. We muddle through. We tell ourselves that it could always be worse. We stay positive even when we don’t want to, just as my daughter did throughout her ordeal. But we remain positive!! By the way, this week I finally found a great job. NO MORE SHOES!!!

When we get nervous, one sister makes a pot roast while another fixes a computer or someone else’s life.

Me? I find a decorating project. AND BOY DID I EVER!!!

My Idea Folder That Keeps Expanding...

2010-09-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

There are so many beautiful rooms to gaze at in my magazines that it is hard to concentrate sometimes. Here are only a handful of my recent favorites. Every single one of these rooms has so many elements in them that make them special that I could stare at them all day.... I thought I'd share them with you.......ENJOY!

Who says you have to eat in the kitchen...

The rich tones in this room are perfect for a dining room. Its what makes you want to sit and stay a while over a great glass of wine and good conversation.

Classic traditional....shabby chic...french country????? I don't care. I'd love to have coffee in this room. Completely monochromatic. This room is a great example of one color - 4 different tones of it.

So calming...just classic. No bold colors here. Just a simple color scheme. Add a dose of pattern... Sometimes simplicity is just the best!

Blue and white does not always mean "nautical".

I call this one "simply" amazing...

Just soak in the details in this room. The chandalier is amazing how it manages to change the entire feel of this room. Now imagine it with a ......ceiling fan??? How about recessed lights...nope, sorry... wouldn't have the same feel.

I need some waterfront property so I can decorate it with wicker and rattan. It can be comfortable you know.... I'd live here!

Sometimes all you need is a little inspiration...

Ann

2010-08-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Traditional Home ®

Decorating 101: Just For Me

Decorating your interiors or Interior Decorating should never be about impressing others. When it comes to your home, ask yourself these questions: What is it that makes you smile.

The design channels are filled with shows of beautifully designed rooms done by some of the best interior designers in the world. They scour every inch of the town, from design centers to flea markets, filling the spaces with beautiful objects. So much of their design plans are about “impressions your guests.” Let me ask you; at the end of the day is that what we’re most worried about? When you come home after a long day, where do you want to retire?

Do you enjoy collecting and reading books? Does the idea of a room filled with novels you’ve read give you a feeling of accomplishment? Or are you a garden lover? Do you enjoy the great outdoors, relishing every moment you can spend nurturing your garden or simply sitting on your patio surrounded by greenery and appreciating the hard work and sweat it took? Maybe what gives you calm is to simply to be able to walk into a room that is in perfect order to contrast with your perfectly disorderly lifestyle, where everything around you makes sense, from the calming colors to the simple patterns and just the right amount of toss pillows - infusing perfect symmetry into your world.

For me it is the kitchen. It is the gathering place for all who live and visit in my house. This room is where my day begins and ends and everything in between. It is the dumping ground for kids and home central for all activities….This room is also where my daughter and I practice recipes seen on the cooking channels and where my son sits patiently while telling us about his latest video game challenge, faking interest in yet another new dish that he’ll be forced to eat. Yes, this room is definitely my favorite.

My point is this: forget about the house and focus on the home. Your home. Find a room. Find several rooms. Realize these spaces and surround yourself with things that you love and make you smile. Because, lets face it, at the end of the day the only person that I’m worried about impressing…is myself.

TAKING A BREAK

2010-01-21T05:38:00.000-08:00

To those of you who have been following me, I'm sad to report that I will be taking a little break from blogging to refocus and/or possibly reinvent myself in the coming weeks.

My website:

http://www.homeimpressionsdesigns.com/ is still available for viewing as most of my past and present projects will be available to view there.

The new year has brought with it some new challenges and opportunities in which to explore. I owe it to myself and my clients to explore them and an hopeful that "Impressions For The Home" will be back to post some new and exciting articles and pictures in the near future.

Thank you to all who have followed me.

Ann

Impressions of Emily

2010-01-05T04:34:00.000-08:00

Since the "deChristmasing" is over (and let me tell you how depressing that was", I thought I'd share with you some photos of my 16 year old dancers' bedroom that I redecorated right before the holidays began.

She had a few requests...

1 - That the wall were painted "Tiffany Blue......"

2 She wanted a vanity for makeup and hair. And of course the mirror had to be big enough to dance in front of. This mirror came from mom. I painted it chrome to match other accents in the room. Its great lighting!

3- She wanted a place to hang out with friends. I moved her bed under the window, horizontally and placed 2 upholstered storage ottomans in front for extra seating for her friends.

4 (and most importantly) - She wanted a dancers theme.

Emily has danced for 5 years and wanted her room to reflect who she is and what she's accomplished. I took her most recent competition photo's and copied them in black and white, framed them out with white matting and balanced 5 of them on her wall over her dresser.

Her room was a lot of fun to decorate. Teen bedrooms are all about drama and this one has its share. See my next post in a couple of days when I did another dramatic teen bedroom and as always....

Thanks for visiting!

Ann

Do I Really Need To Take The Decorations Down?

2010-01-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

A view from the hall....

Just jazzed up some sprays I had with beaded fruit and ribbon for the staircase posts. I didn't have time to do elaborate staircase garland. Definately next year though...and I'll take what I've learned from my friend Sherry who does an amazing job. Check out her blog at creationsfrommyheart.blogspot.com.

The living room Mantle. The magnolia's are plucked from the current arrangements in the room. They'll get plucked back in when I take everything down.

Played with some more ribbon for an old wreath that my son brought home from cub scouts.

My hall table...simple....maybe too simple. I think I'll do something with the lamp shade.
Always a project....

My buffet counter. I think I purchased Santa from Hudsons about a hundred years ago and the mini tree and hurricane came from garage sales.

Thanks for visiting...

From my family to yours......HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY!!!

2009-12-28T06:50:00.000-08:00

I've been especially busy for this holiday season. I've taken on a second job to help with all of the added expenses but I will ALWAYS find time to decorate for the holidays. I hosted the family Christmas this year and thanks to heavy support from my sisters, I was able to do what I love the most. So here are some pics from my house. Enjoy!

The Table

Don't know what the food tasted like but the table looked great!

The Living Room Mantle

The king is from mom. She put 3 of them out every year for Christmas)

My Tree

Adoned with gold, silver and green and white ornaments and knick-knacks. I loved the theme.

The Family Room Mantle
Located in the same room as the Christmas Tree and all the same colors were used.

Learned how to make bows this year and I made lots of them!!!

I hope you enjoyed viewing these as much as I enjoyed creating.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL AND HOPE 2010 IS A GREAT YEAR FOR YOU....

Ann

"SETTING" THE STAGE

2009-11-10T04:21:00.000-08:00

Christians confirmation was last Sunday. Here are some pics from the small dinner party we had afterward. My favorite part is always the table setting!!

I kept the fall theme going throughout the house and just added things to the table. I almost almost always use chargers and I have several plate collections to mix and match. I also don't like hiding the table and I hate store-bought runners so I folded and pressed a silk piece of fabric down the center and used that. It is something to put the water glasses and the centerpiece on.

Can't wait to do my Christmas table!!!

MERCHANDISING MY KITCHEN CABINET

2009-10-21T05:55:00.000-07:00

I've been home for the last 3 days with my son who had the flu, poor baby. When there was nothing left to clean...I took on yet another project - my kitchen cabinet. So here we go.

I don't have a before picture, but this is my end result. This kitchen cabinet has been "reworked a thousand times since we've been in this house. In my kitchen, every inch of storage is utilized and this cabinet is no exception. This new display includes my everyday wine glasses, my everday coffee mugs and the rest is collected pieces from my stash, all lit up with my new puck lights.

A good display involves good balance. The black items match my black appliances. The green items are my backdrop and a color that runs through my house. The clear wine glasses add reflective quality add sparkle. Everything else is a filler.

This cabinet is the first thing you see when you enter the kitchen and can also be viewed from the front door. A great place for a display cabinet if your contemplating a kitchen remodel. Next time I'll go a frameless cabinet so the center stile is elimated.

What to do tomorrow.....

Fall Into My Entry

2009-10-05T05:22:00.000-07:00

I love the fall decor and colors so much I thought I'd share how I decorated my small entry table...from start to finish. Not much space to work with but I always begin with 2 or 3 key pieces.

Then I add some fall pics to fill in the bare spots and add lots of color.

Next comes some pretty ribbon and candles........always candles for sparkle!

And voila!! I even stuck a couple of black wire spiders and spider votive holders that I found at a garage sale in there.

I'm ready for Halloween or Thanksgiving....Can't wait to decorate for Christmas!

Time For Fall Decorating

2009-09-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

The colors for fall are so warm and inviting. When decorating for any season, I don't believe in completely removing all of your current decor. Just add to it using the colors, accessories of the season. Make sure you edit if necessary so the look isn't too cluttered. This rooster and floral arrangement were already on my serving counter. I just added a few extra pics to bring out some of the colors in the adjoining family room and added a couple of glass jar pumpkins and filled them with decorative gourds and candy corn.

Fall pics and ribbon added to my armoire......

So easy fornd me to decorate my tabletops and mantles for fall. I grab my favorite pics from the craft store and intertwine them with orange lights and grapevine so they stay secure and I play around from there. Here I used some candlesticks that were already there but just changed out the candles for fall theme.

My Favorite Garden Room

2009-06-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite room to escape. What you don't see in this photo is a beautiful floral chair that brings all of the colors of the room together. In the morning the sun beams in and in the evening I can sit on my antique, reupholstered sofa - given to me by my great aunt - and enjoy a glass of wine. It's a comforting place for me. Where is your favorite room to escape? Do you have one?

My Very First Post

2009-06-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

After agonizing for a week, I finally decided what to write for my first blog. Its going to be a story...I like stories....hope you do to. This is how I became a decorator and why. Like most of you I was home raising my kids, who were now in school full time, wondering if I should return back to work. My former profession as a retail manager and visual merchandiser was not an option. The hours are too demanding and I wanted to be home with my kids. I've always love decorating the homes of friends and family. I looked into formal education several times and the cost and time associated with college seemed unattainable so I continued on the course of decorating for free for friends, family and family friends. "OK," my sister said. "It's time to start charging people." I did. I couldn't believe it! People were actually paying me! I would get referrals from happy customers and it was wonderful. I learned really fast though, that there were a lot of things I didn't know. People in "the business" would call us "just housewife decorators." Then the time came. We all have those pivotal moments in out lives that changes us forever. For me it was losing my mom. She passed away from a very brief and unexpected illness with cancer. It was then that I decided that this life was too short to stand on the sidelines and watch all of your dreams and passions pass you buy. I mad the decision to finally go back to school. I was in my mid forties and going back to school. I wanted to formally call myself an "Interior Designer"- a professional! Finally no longer a housewife decorator. How did I pay for it? My clients actually did. All of the money I eventually charged went directly toward tuition and books. No loans, no grants, nothing. My clients and I did it together...and a really good bookkeeper - my sister. I graduated on the deans list with so much more knowledge, confidence and best of all, zero debt. The only debt I have is to my clients or

people like me who love to decorate but just needed a little bit of help along the way. Most with small decorating budgets just like me and a yearning for the room from the magazine.

So I'll be writing to not only teach you what I've learned but to to be your decorator. I'd like to take your ideas and make them work. If you don't have the ideas, I'll give them to you. I found throughout my experiences that all of us are creative in some way, we just need a little guidance sometimes. We all want to make an Impression.

Ann