Inexpensive Backsplash Solutions-Tips from a Maine Interior Designer

I am often asked about backsplashes-are they really that important? YES. Yes they are. How clean is the wall behind your stove right now? That's what I thought....

Home sellers are often trying to improve on a budget. My #1 recommendation is to use the simple glass tile to update. Several recent home staging clients asked for other ideas,so here are my favorite alternatives:

Bead board/wainscoting, use sparingly!

TIN and painted tin-don't do the fake tin/plastic adhesive tiles, either. Do the real ones they are not expensive. Great improvement on a budget.

The New Normal:Sofas-Tips from a Maine Interior Designer

Last week I worked with a client on space planning a large room. Part of the challenge was the amount of SPACE that large rolled/puffy sofa arms require. Did you know that a track or small arm on a sofa will save you between 12-24 inches of space? Multiply that times the number of upholstered pieces you have in a room...that is how your room got so small. Put your furniture on a diet...

The Griffin Sofa by Ballard Designs will seat just as many people as the larger sofas, but the design itself is why the overall dimensions are smaller (slim arms/back).

The Landon Sofa by Pottery Barn

The last five years has brought about a change in upholstery styles. I am seeing two very defined trends-one celebrates clean, modern lines without sacrificing comfort and tends to be smaller scale, the other incorporates vintage/historic inspired style but less fussy.

Bromeliad Sofa by Fiore Interiors

I was pleasantly surprised by the latest bix box catalogs-Ballard Designs, Pottery Barn, and West Elm. Normally for "big box" stores I head to ZGallerie. Nice to see the rest catching up. The New Normal is now mainstream, ie safe.

Pottery Barn finally got on board with the Chesterfield! I have been blogging about this style sofa for a long time! Catch up  here.

Even the slipcovered look is now more tailored. Solano by Pottery Barn

Your local retailers should have styles similar to the above, in a choice of fabric/leather/configurations. If they don't, email me for advice/direction ( info@fioreinteriors.com)

Los Angeles Glam or Casual Maine Interior Design?

The Answer is BOTH.

Good design can accomodate and create seperate design styles, often using the same materials.

Introducing Michael Jon Designs fabric at Fiore Interiors.

I traveled to (BACK) to Los Angeles a couple times this summer, and as always I stop into design centers and hipster design boutiques that cater to celebrities/designers. While traveling to the markets in North Carolina, Las Vegas, and New York is great-the strongest trends originate in smaller Hollywood boutiques FIRST. Then they filter through the manufacturers,simplified a bit more for the masses (more on that tomorrow). The photos above and below and from a hipster places that must remain anonymous...

Very glam Hollywood which is their signature look that didn't surprise me. What DID surprise me was the fabric!

MJD, or Michael Jon Designs is an affordable fabric/textiles manufacturer located in Los Angeles. I have an account with them, and go to them for durable, basic fabric. This year they debuted a very fashion forward, colorful collection that I adore.

The fabrics are still AFFORDABLE and DURABLE...so hipster style without breaking the bank...unless you are shopping in Hollywood and still paying $4000 for a sofa (see why I won't mention the boutique!).

Here are some of my favorite new patterns:

Ok, the red and orange is not for everyone, but add the orange and red accent pillows to a chocolate or khaki sofa=amazing.

And yes, I am confident this fabric line is suitable for New England. Durable solids and textures, fun patterns, and beautiful color to warm us during cold winters.

The MJD website is here. It's not easy for consumers to navigate which is why I own sample books. Please contact me for further information.

PSO Designer's Showhouse Lobster Bake-Portland, Maine

Empty House Party & Lobster Bake

   Good Food

+ Interior Design

+ supporting the Portland Symphony Orchestra

=Great Event I hope you can attend!

Wednesday, August 3, 5:30 – 7:30pm, $40. per person. Bernie’s Foreside Restaurant presents a festive outdoor Lobster Bake and Empty House tour of 149 Western Promenade, the Portland Symphony’s 2011 Designers’ Show House.

Lobster, Chicken or Grilled Vegetables (please select at time of reservation)

Menu also includes: Corn on the Cob, Coleslaw and Potato Salads, Blueberry Cake and Strawberry Shortcake, Beer, Root Beer, Lemonade

For reservations, please contact the PSO office at 773-6128 ext. 311 or email events@portlandsymphony.org.

I have included some teeny images of what being installed this month...can you guess WHERE it is going? You might be able to if you attend the event!

Hope to see you there...

Featured Listing-15 Silver Brook Circle, Scarborough, ME

CLICK to enlarge

What I liked most about this home (besides the kitchen, which is gorgeous) was the privacy. It's in a pretty community in Scarborough, Maine, but it has a little road/extended driveway of its own through a wooded area. It feels secluded and private while being accessible, which is rare for developments.

The sunroom is bigger than my first apartment in L.A :) and I would probably be either a large game/entertainment space or a room to let the kids play and create. I staged it for the owners who have taken excellent care the property.

4 Beds 2 Full, 1 Half Baths ,3316 Sq Ft 6.26 Acres

MLS# 1000021 listed with Rick Beal of Coldwell Banker.

 

Sneak Peek- Portland Symphony Orchestra Designer's Showhouse

I am so excited about this GORGEOUS Fabric that you can see at the Portland Symphony Orchestra Designer's Showhouse in September/October 2011.
The photo is a little fuzzy on purpose...must keep the design under wraps so ticket holders can see it first!
Fiore Interiors has designed spaces on the first and second floor. The historic home is located on the Western Promenade in Portland. Down East Magazine will have the guide available in August.
13 different designers + one home = fabulous design madness. You won't want to miss it.

Before and After-Interior Design in Historic Portland Maine

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Here is a glimpse into the oldest house on the western promenade in Portland, Maine.

The breakfast room exists to eat in, but also to enjoy the amazing gardens. So I (Vanessa Helmick of Fiore Interiors) did a simple update to the room that reflects the owner's current style but also complements the garden view. Open, airy, and serene.

Enjoy!

I do plan on professionally photographing the house when its finished, but for now the snapshots will have to suffice.