Julie Fergus, ASID | NH Interior Designer

Board Mounted Valance Ideas

2012-01-17T06:03:00.000-08:00

Board mounted valances mean that the fabric treatment is attached to a board. Thus eliminating the need for decorative hardware. This can be a visually simpler and usually lower cost. Design options are limitless.
Tip: Install the valance well above the window glass so that the view and light are not blocked. This will make the window appear taller.

Here are examples of the many possibilities of board mounted valances. All were designed by me and fabricated by my professional workroom.

106" width is possible.

Contrasting fabrics create detail.

Simple box valance.

Box style with two contrasting pleats.

Shaped valance with contrasting welt and center accent.

Trim and two fabrics.

Trim adorns the top and a contrasting fabric in a center pleat offer a simple yet interesting treatment.

Two fabrics, contrasting patterns and shapes enhance details of the room.

Tight area required a simple treatment to allow the pattern to be the focus.

Shape and pattern offer a lot of decoration in a simply detailed space.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Creating a New Color Scheme

2012-01-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

Where to start when starting a new room from scratch? Start with fabrics. A color scheme can be as simple as asking yourself what colors you like. Once you do that, you narrow your options. In this example photo, the client likes spice and green. As you can see from these fabrics, the actual tone of the colors can be lighter or darker.

When shopping hone in on the colors and then see what appeals to you. Typically most people will know what they like when they see it. The hardest part is just getting started. If you need inspiration or direction, look to your wardrobe, what you typically wear is what you might show the colors you are attracted to.

Italian Christmas Cookie

2011-12-20T05:06:00.000-08:00

Cookies with a simple icing.

A festive and simple cookie that will be enjoyed by everyone. It is fun to make and young children might enjoy helping.

Italian Christmas Cookies

4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tsp. vanilla
3 1/2 cup flour
4 tsp. baking powder

Sift dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, beat in eggs; add vanilla and dry ingredients.

Knead and add flour as needed to keep dough from sticking to hands. Pinch off dough, roll in your hands to form a log and then twirl into shape. Place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes.

Icing

2 cup sifted confectioner’s sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
6 tsp. water
Stir until creamy

Dip cookies into icing and sprinkle with trim. Place on wire rack with wax paper on counter to collect the dripping icing and sprinkles.

Place iced cookies on wire rack with wax paper under for easy cleanup.

Old Family Recipe - Nutroll

2011-12-07T07:47:00.001-08:00

This is a very old family recipe passed down through my family by my slovak great-grandmother.

Nut Roll Dough

10 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 pounds butter
5 eggs
4 1/2 tsp. powdered sugar
1 1/2 can evaporated milk
2 rapid rise yeast packets
3 tsp. vanilla
9 tsp. baking powder

Mix butter and flour as for pie. Add eggs, powdered sugar, yeast,pinch salt vanilla and baking powder. Mix in the milk, knead it into a large ball. Let stand in refrigerator for a few hours. Makes about 14 rolls.

Nut Roll Filling

4 pounds of shelled walnuts

1 cup sugar + more to taste
1 egg white beaten
1 can evaporated milk + more to make filling spreadable
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp.+ almond extract - to taste

Grind nuts fine in food processor or grinder - nuts must be very, very fine. I use the grinder attachment on my Kitchen-Aid mixer. Mix ingredients in bowl. The above are approximate amounts; you may need to add more milk to a make it spreadable and more sugar to sweeten.

Create a mixture of powdered sugar and granular sugar; use this to roll the dough on Instead of flour. It makes It sweet and a nice crusty outside finish.

Take a tennis ball size of dough and roll it to 1/8 inch thick. Spread with nut filling all over the dough (not too much). Roll up, like a jelly roll and tuck ends under. On a baking sheet create foil boats - 3 per sheet. Once the roll is formed, set nut rolls inside boats and bake.

Place inside the foil boat and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until light brown.

Once cool, wrap each roll in the foil and store in the freezer until to you are ready to slice and serve.

here is the roll sliced.

Griding the nuts.

The walnuts very, very fine.

Start with a tennis ball size dough ball.

Roll till about 1/8" think and spread nut paste.

Roll the roll.

Bake rolls in foil "boats"

How to Choose a Sofa

2011-11-14T05:27:00.001-08:00

If you are in need of a new sofa, there is much to consider BEFORE you go shopping. There are so many styles, specifications and details to choose from to make the best choice for a new sofa. First start with the size that fits your space. Before you decide on color and fabric, ask yourself the following questions:

Do you want a three seat cushions, two-seat cushions or a single seat cushion?

Loose, attached back cushions, or upholstered back (tufts or not tufts)?

Skirt or exposed legs?

High or low arms?

Streamlined or oversized?

Avoid these mistakes:

1. sofa too big for your space

2. fabric and frame not the best durability for your lifestyle

3. deciding on price over quality

What defines quality?

There is a lot going on under the fabric of an upholstered piece of furniture. Price does certainly reflect the quality of a piece. Ask the sales people in the furniture showroom about the frame, the foam, the pillow and cushion content. All of these elements affect the price. Be sure to understand what you are buying to suit your budget and durability needs.

To illustrate sofa options I've selected sofa models from Sherrill Furniture. There are so many other options and styles. These examples will help you identify what style you like before you go shopping.
Furniture photos courtesy of Sherrill Furniture.

Single seat cushion, high arms, pillow back with skirt.

Single seat cushion, look pillow back, lower arms, with skirt.

Single seat cushion, loose pillow back, integrated arm with exposed legs.

Two seat cushion, loose pillow back, low arm with skirt.

Three seat cushion, pillow back (may be attached or detached), wider arm with exposed legs.

Single seat cushion, tufted upholstered back with exposed legs.

Two seat cushion, loose pillow back. detailed exposed leg.

Two seat cushion, two pillow back, low arm with skirt.

Simplify the Holidays

2011-11-09T07:29:00.000-08:00

The Christmas commercials have already started. Are you ready for a relaxing and fun-filled holiday season? Or are you about to get caught up in the frenzy of shopping, decorating, cooking and entertaining without a clue as to how to keep your sanity? If you choose the first option, then I've got a plan for you!

Let's face it, new merchandise in the shops, catalogs arriving daily, magazines full of decorating ideas and the TV screaming "buy me!" can turn the best of us into plastic-tossing shop-a-holics. In our quest to create the perfect holiday, we often think that bigger is better and have this crazy desire to outdo whatever we did last year, even though it almost killed us! Some people think that if they buy more of the newest seasonal offerings that the holiday will be perfect. Not true! The best way to have a wonderful holiday is to simplify it and enjoy the time you’ll spend with family and friends. It's easy to make smart choices and balance your schedule so that you, too, can enjoy the holiday season.

Here's the plan:

1. Reduce clutter. I know it's the latest buzz in decorating, but it is the best way to improve your home. During the holidays you’ll have more stuff in your home and you’ll need to make room for it. Holiday décor, family gatherings, baking and cooking will make your home busy and over-crowded, so eliminate everything that could potentially be in your way this holiday season. Make room for the new items and collections and for all of the “stuff” that your family will bring with them.

2. Plan ahead. It is possible. Find out what family plans are and adjust schedules accordingly. Mark your calendar and stay ahead of your to do list by not putting items off until tomorrow.

3. Shorten your gift list. By doing this you will spend less time shopping and save money. Make a gift list before you shop and stay focused. If you have a fixed budget stick to it. The holiday should be joyful, not painful. If you overspend it will come back to bite you in the end, so don't do it!

4. Maximize shopping time. Now that you've made your list, plan your trip to gather your items in the least amount of time. Spend less time “shopping” and more time interacting with your family and friends.

5. Keep decorations simple. Mass produced inexpensive decorations are everywhere and it's easy to load up on stuff without thinking of where you'll put it. Don’t do it! Look over what you already have, then decide what you need - or can do without. Remember, whatever you buy has to be put away again after the holidays! Choose carefully and you can make a spectacular focal point with a minimum of "things".

6. Host a “Decorate my Home” party. Invite a few close friends over and decorate your home together. It is a great way to spend time with people and to get your home decorated at the same time. Snacks, drinks and music make for a great decorating party.

7. Bake cookies with friends or family. Make a list of all of the items you will bake, divide the shopping list and share the expense of the ingredients. Make a big mess in one kitchen and cleanup together. This is a great way to get your baking list done and have a larger assortment of goodies. You'll save money and have fun cooking with the crowd!

8. Plan your menu. If you are hosting family over several days, plan your menu for each day and shop accordingly. This will reduce last minute running around and create a lot less stress.

9. Keep parties small. You’d love to include everyone, but be realistic. Invite those that you truly want to spend time with. Smaller gatherings will be easier to prepare and accommodate.

10. Shorten your to do list. It is easy to make a long list of the things you want to do; there's nothing wrong with that. But as your time gets tighter, start crossing off items. Do only what is truly important and eliminate the rest.

I write all of this as a former “my holiday has to be perfect” person. I finally realized that it is about being with people and enjoying everything about the holiday. It isn’t about spending time in long lines, being stuck in the kitchen all day or cleaning the house for hours before guests arrive. I used to go all-out and create a "Martha Stewart" holiday. It was perfect and beautiful. But it was stressful and a lot of work. I created long days and nights for myself and had no time to enjoy the results. Then one year I decided enough was enough and simplified. It was still wonderful. My home was beautiful and I had more time to have fun and enjoy my family and friends.

Please give consideration to my list and learn from my transition from a stressful holiday to creating a simplified holiday. There’s a saying, “If it isn’t fun, why do it?”. Well that certainly applies to the holiday season.

How to Paint Furniture

2011-10-31T13:38:00.000-07:00

The key to a successful furniture painting project is in the preparation. Surfaces to be painted need to have a dull finish so that primer will adhere to it. TSP or TSP Substitute can be used to degloss and prep surfaces, but if you have a very glossy finish, as in the table example below, "liquid sandpaper" is great alternative to sanding for speed and dust control.

Using the liquid sandpaper is my preferred method of furniture prep. I don't like sanding because of the dust that it creates, However, you should take precautions when using the chemicals by reading their directions. For more information on deglosser products click here.

If you have flaking surfaces, you will have sand the surface. All flaking surfaces have to be removed. If you have veneer damage, simply remove the loose pieces and fill the voids with a wood-filler and sand until smooth.

My preferred primer is the Kilz Original oil-based spray primer. This makes for quick work, but you must have a well-ventilated space and a spray area to catch the over-spray. If you don't have that, Kilz Premium water-based liquid primer is the next best thing.

Use 4" high-density foam rollers.for a brush-free finish. I use a brush for the edges and corners first, then use the roller for overall surface painting. The trick for no drips is to remember not to brush the paint over into an edge, always brush "off" of the edges.

For the best top coat use quality paint, such as Benjamin Moore. Use egshell finish for a washable matte finish. Pearl finish is a step above egshell and semi-gloss is the glossiest you can get in latex. Choose your finish based on the look and function of your piece.

Typically, you will need one prime coat and two top coats. If you are distressing your finished piece, you may only need one top-coat.

Have fun transforming your pieces!

Gather your supplies.

Nice dining table with a worn finish.

Table after primed and painted.

Table in it's new environment.

If you don't want to paint your own pieces, contact us and we can do it for you in our in-house workroom. Prices vary depending on condition and size of the piece.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com |

Cabinet Details

2011-09-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

American Home Gallery can provide and install cabinets for your kitchen or bathroom. Here is a sampling of kitchens and bathrooms designed by Julie Fergus, ASID using our cabinet lines for custom solutions.

Click on the photos to view slide show of larger images.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Cabinets built-in to knee walls to maximize the dead space.

Add caption

Drawers, drawers and more drawers.

Blind corner cabinet.

Double trash bins are good for trash and recycling.

Floor to ceiling pantry cabinets with adjustable shelves to maximize space.

Cherry cabinet with feet.

Wrap a free standing refrigerator with panels and cabinets.

Island with lots of drawers and micro cubby.

Spice rack on inside of door.

Lazy Susan.

Lazy Susan is great for small appliance.

Drawers are great for all of your wraps. The Micro cubby is functional.

Roll-outs for pots and pans.

Panty cabinet with roll-outs.

Remodeling Survival Tips

2011-08-04T04:22:00.000-07:00

An additon can interfere with many interior spaces, and distrupt your life while under construction.

Remodeling Tips

Living through a remodeling project is not fun. If you can avoid it, live somewhere else while the major work is being done. Either way, dust control should be a major part of the set-up for any remodeling project.

My top 11 tips:

1. Have a clear, complete design plan. The only way to get competitive bids you can rely on is by an apples-to-apples comparison. You must have finishes, fixtures, appliances, cabinetry, lighting, and budget all defined in order to get accurate bids from a contractor.

2. Have a realistic budget!!!

3. Who is in charge? Whether you hire a contractor to be the general contractor or whether you do it yourself, decide who will be the decision maker when you are unavailable. You have probably underestimated how much time (and money) can be wasted when a crew of workers has no direction. Letting the contractor control your project or letting it “come together on the fly” and may result in costly mistakes. Avoid being your own general contractor if you don’t have a flexible job or if you are a long distance from the home being remodeled.

4. Prevent the project area from spreading to the rest of your space. Use plastic, tape, plastic, carpet runners, plastic, and fans to keep air moving from the clean space to the “dirty space” while keeping adjacent areas clean. And be safe…throw out the plastic when you are finished. Static electricity will adhere hazardous material like lead dust to your plastic. Throw it out when you are done.

5. Stay three steps ahead of the contractor and sub-contractors.

6. Choose all of your fixtures and have them on site as soon as possible. DO NOT wait until the contractor is asking for them.

7. Be patient and don’t panic when things are not running smoothly or perfectly. Building construction is only perfect on paper. On the job things nobody anticipated with always come up. Be ready for them. Learn to go with the flow and not exactly according to the schedule. You’ve got to be flexible. There is a lot of balancing and coordinating.

8. Pick your paint colors way ahead of schedule and paint test samples to be sure of your choices. Again, DO NOT wait until the day before the painter is coming to make your final choices.

9. If you have a strict budget, stick to it by not increasing the original scope of the project. In my experience, most projects that go over budget are due to the homeowner increasing the scope of the project, after the project starts.

10. If the scope of your project grows, the longer your project will take so plan accordingly.

11.Have fun along the way and perhaps a festive drink toast the progress (or to get you through it!)

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Bathroom remodels require a staging area outiside
of the the bathromm - plan accordingly

This is the staging area outside the bathroom.

Summer Colors

2011-08-03T07:18:00.000-07:00

Summer is a great time to enjoy more vibrant colors. Porches are the perfect spot to explore color. For this porch we chose a bright blue for the floor then softened it with the colorful runners that had that same blue it them.

Lime green is a great contrast to the blue and we brought that color into the accents and the cushions.

Porch just aster it was painted.

Porch after the plants have been added.

Detail of the color combination.

Other fun combinations are pink and lime green, as shown in these Lily Pulitzer fabrics by Lee Jofa.

Summer Entertaining

2011-06-30T05:02:00.000-07:00

Summer is a time for gathering with friends and family. Make entertaining easy a simple pasta salad. I like pasta salads because they can be made ahead, saving you from being in the kitchen while guests are visiting. A lemon pasta salad is a fresh and easy recipe. Use any pasta you like, I typically use farfalle or rigatoni.

What you will need is:
Zest of one Lemon
Juice from one lemon
Olive oil
1 lb. pasta Feta cheese, crumbled – add as much as you like
Flat leaf parsley, chopped coarse or fine, you choose
Grape tomatoes sliced in half Salt & pepper

Cook the pasta and let cool. Toss with olive oil to coat. Add everything else except the lemon juice; save it for adding just before serving. You may like more or less lemon, but don’t omit it, that is the key ingredient to give this pasta salad a fresh taste. Enjoy!

Cottage Style Bathroom

2011-03-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

Click on the photos to enlarge them.

This is a totally new bathroom in an old house with low roof. I had to maximize head-heights to create a shower and standing at the sink.

To see more details of the before, during and after remodeling make over of this bathroom click here.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Custom Desk

2011-03-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

This is a very simple desk I designed for a client. Reclaimed white oak from Bingham Lumber in Brookline, NH. Sometimes it is impossible to find the best furniture item, so custom is necessary.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Best Irish Soda Bread

2011-03-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

Soda bread just out of the oven.

Slice a piece and serve with soft butter.

I like it sliced in wedges.

This is the best Irish Soda Bread recipe you will find. It is moist and delicious.

Ingredients

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

3 tbs. sugar + addt’l for top

3 tbs. butter, slightly softened

1/3 cup currants

1 tbs. caraway seeds

1 cup buttermilk (this is the key ingredient)

Preheat oven to 375.

In mixer bowl, combine the flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt and sugar. Mix in butter and mix until crumbly. Add currants and caraway seeds. Pour in buttermilk and mix until combined.

Take the dough out of the bowl and place onto a floured board and knead for 1 minute (add a little bit of flour so that it not too stick- but not too much). Roll the dough into a ball and pat down to about 2 inches thick. Slash a large X, about an inch deep, across the dough. Sprinkle well with additional sugar.

Bake for 25 minutes until light golden brown. Cool on rack and serve warm (with lots of soft butter). Yum!!

Entertaining Ideas

2011-02-04T04:16:00.000-08:00

Entertaining is about connecting with your guests.

I like to entertain friends and family, but to do it well, you've got to be prepared. Here are my top priorities when entertaining:

A clean house is at the top of the list.
Keep your guest list simple or small, this makes it easier for you.
Plan the menu days in advance and purchase items no later than the day before. Avoid last minute running around, which equals stress.
Keep your menu simple, the food is not most important, visiting with friends and family is. A homemade pizza can be wonderful when served with a great salad.
Create atmosphere with lighting. Avoid all lights on at maximum wattage. Soft lighting allows people to relax.
Light candles. Nothing is more soothing than candles. Always have a stash of candles to replenish those that burn down.
Serve a light appetizer when guests arrive, and serve dinner forty-five minutes or so after arrival. Don't make guests wait hours for dinner or give them the opportunity to fill-up on snacks.
Create a comfortable dining table, and dim the lights so you can linger and talk after the meal is done. Create a low centerpiece so all guests can see each other.
Serve dessert in the living room. This allows guests to truly relax and lets you enjoy another room in your home.
My personal plan is to serve snacks or appetizers in the kitchen, while I finish up the meal. I serve dinner in the dining room, and dessert in the living room. I like the progressive approach and the change of scenery moving from room to room is fun.
When having a casual dinner, I like to serve in the kitchen. It is easy and guests always feel comfortable when I serve in the kitchen.
Remember that the most important element of entertaining is to connect with guests, so keep your menu simple, plan ahead so you can relax and spend time with your guests.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Conveying Design Concepts

2011-01-30T07:14:00.000-08:00

Assisting people with home makeovers requires that ideas be conveyed in a format that helps with visualization. I do that in a few ways: computer imaging, hand-drawn sketches or with photo collages. Most of my projects are for vacation homes. This means that I have to communicate long distance to keep the project moving forward and to help clients make decisions.

Here are examples of how I communicate design ideas. This is the design process.

Click on the photos to enlarge.

Sketching valance idea.

Dining room concept using rug as the theme.

Color and furniture options.

Working out a bathroom layout.

3D CAD image to illustrate bathroom design.

Illustrating the size of a section for an open space.

Furniture plan developed before shopping.

3D CAD image to illustrate the ceiling design.

Finishes for bathroom.

Elevation detail for bathroom.

Fine-tuning the colors and fabrics.

Sketching the built-in.

Finish samples.

Assembling samples of finihses to choose from.

Mocking up colors for consideration.

Putting together the overall color concept.

Sketch of a custom table.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Hopeless Turned Asset

2011-01-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a space can look hopeless. Careful planning, creativity and yes, money can make a hopeless space become an asset and add value to your home. These are shots of a remodeling project in the works.

Click on the photos to enlarge them.

This is an unfinished attic space.

The attic space is opened to the main living area.

Skylights add light and ventilation.

This is a quick sketch I did to illustrate how the space can be furnished.

Here is the space painted and carpeted.

Carpet and paint now complete.

Here is where the attic is.

Attic open to the living space.

Finished space.

Custom built daybed and desk.

Custom daybed cover and pillows by us.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Major Whole House Remodel

2010-11-17T04:58:00.000-08:00

A major home remodel project I've designed is underway. The goal is to create a great room, a master suite, expand the views to the lake, and maximize the landscape around the home.

The badly designed breezeway was removed and new two story structure is being built. To minimize the height of the new entry, the grade will be brought up and landscape stairs will be built. Plantings will be an important element to soften the structure and connect it to the surroundings.

I created a video of the exterior design concept. Click here.

Builder: Cormack Construction Management
Stone Mason: Jim Huston
Landscaping: Belknap Landscaping
Cabinetry: Julie Fergus / American Home Gallery

Click on the photos to enlarge them.

This is the starting point: a badly designed and constructed breezeway connects the house and the garage..

Breezeway demolished.

New entry / breezeway framed - the design is taking shape.

The new entry takes shape.

Custom cabinets provided by American Home Gallery being installed.

New stone covers the brick fireplace.

Testing paint colors.

The exterior is taking shape. The landscaping will be very important here.

Antique white cabinets. It is a nice soft color.

Sink centered on window with integrated DW to the right.

Dining room.

Entry. The wall to the right is going to be a gallery with monorail lighting.

Guest bathroom using server for vanity.

Getting ready for the landscape and main staircase.

The entry hall.

The kitchen is place. Appliances and plumbing being hooked up.

Wrought iron hardware.

Kitchen the heart of the home.

Traditional trim and stair details are timeless.

The great room.

Working side of kitchen island. Dining room beyond.

Dining room with natural light.

Dining room with lights on to show the variety of lighting.

Guest bath vanity.

Vanity top follows the shape of the vintage server / vanity.

Powder room.

The hardscape will define the planting areas.

The entry landscaping is taking shape.

The finished landscape.

The finsihed landscape.

The luandry room.

Master bath vanity.

Julie Fergus, ASID is a professional interior / home designer. Her showroom and design studio is American Home Gallery located at 49 Center Street in Wolfeboro, NH. Julie’s design projects have been published in Country Home, Better Homes and Gardens, Yankee and New Hampshire Magazine. To contact Julie visit her website.

Let There be Light!

2010-11-04T05:10:00.000-07:00

Good lighting is critical to create beautiful and functional spaces.

Types of lighting:

Ambient lighting is overall illumination of a space, room, or area.

Task lighting illuminates a work-surface or area for reading, working, or playing games.

Accent lighting highlights specific areas, objects, art, or surfaces.

Decorative lighting can be ambient, task, or accent. The decorative light itself becomes an element of the space.

Lighting Dos:

Choose several types of lights to have a variety of options and flexibility.

Provide reading lamps with bright light next to comfy chairs and sofas.

Have lamps with three-way sockets to supply soft, medium or bright light when needed.

Place lights in open spaces on different levels of intensity to create contrast.

Highlight special features or art with accent lighting.

Use dimmer switches to allow you to soften light.

Lighting Don'ts:

Have only or rely on one ceiling fixture with a single bulb in a room. It creates hard shadows.

Have all fixtures illuminated at max wattage at the same time.

Forget how important lighting is.

Placement of fixtures is the starting point to determine lighting needs and solutions. The placement will also dictate the maximum size of fixtures. Be sure to measure your space before you purchase fixtures on-line. Looks are deceiving. You must avoid buying fixtures too big or too small for your space.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

The photo above illustrates several lighting types in one space. Track lighting illuminates the hutch and book case. Two three-way lamps flanking the sofa provide enough light for reading. A chandelier over the dining table uses a dimmer switch to provide atmosphere for dining and brighter light for other tasks depending on the activity at the table. Pendant lighting over the counter is task lighting at the surface.

No White Ceilings!

2010-09-16T15:25:00.000-07:00

There is NO rule that a ceiling should be white. Ceilings should and need to be treated as the 5^th “wall” of a space. The only time when a white ceiling makes sense if there are a lot of white elements in the space, if not, white is wrong.

The interesting aspect of colored ceilings is that rooms adjacent to each other can have different colored ceilings, because typically, the ceiling is not totally visible from one room to another.

I share these photo examples of ideas for your ceilings. Visit our showroom to see the use of color on ceilings.

Click on the photos to enlarge them.

Kitchen from Overworked to Functional

2010-08-26T05:26:00.000-07:00

This kitchen makeover was years overdue. The cabinets were maxed out, there was not adequate counter space and the lighting was insufficient. My design challenge was to maximize the floor space and add more linear counter space. Storage had to be improved and made easier to access.

Rich Maid Kabinetry, one of three cabinet lines offered by American Home Gallery, was the choice for this project. Every cabinet is made to my exact specifications to ensure that every square inch is maximized.

White subway tile, black granite counters and white cabinets maintain a classic style that compliments the entire antique home.

The island top is maple butcher block with permanent finish, by Grothouse Lumber, built in a custom shape per my drawing.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Click on the photos to enlarge them for more detail.

Finished kitchen is a classic style, perfect for this older home.

The before kitchen was cramped, overworked and not extremely functional.

Maximizing the space above the refrigerator is a must. Freestanding refrigerators appear larger than when built-in.

The before kitchen did not maximize the wall space.

This is the island. A cubby for the microwave keeps counters clear. A pull-out double trash bin keeps the floor clear. The wall in the background is major pantry storage and a broom closet.

The table was a clutter magnet which did not maximize the space.

The traffic flow through the kitchen to the foyer and dining room was made easy.


The prior layout was crowed and did not provide ample traffic flow space.

These tall cabinet maximize the square footage.

Blind corner cabinet.

Blind corner cabinet shelves.

Blind corner cabinet roll-outs. This maximizes the storage area.

The floorplan illustrates the efficient layout.

Drawers used for baking ingredients.

Deep drawer for pots and pans.

Double trash is a must!

Drawer for spices.

Drawer for baking ingredients.

Design to Stay?

2010-07-27T08:18:00.001-07:00

People typically procrastinate fixing the little things (sometimes big things) around their home. But when a homeowner plans to sell their home they rethink the property so that it appeals to potential buyers, and they will spruce it up to sell it.

To illustrate how simple changes can have a great impact on interior spaces, I am using photos from a staging project where I enhanced a home.

The task at hand was to enhance the interior in two weeks. I took lots of photos of the rooms, measured windows, selected window shades, colors and coordinated subcontractors to get the work done. I shopped for lighting, wall art and accessories. I mentally planned the new furniture layouts. Everything was in motion, and two weeks later the interior spaces were greatly improved.

In the scheme of things, the cost was minimal, but the results outstanding. I used the homeowners furniture, rearranged things and eliminated more than I added.

The kitchen before was cut off from other spaces.

The remodeled kitchen moved the sink to the window, removed upper cabinets, and replaced countertops.

The sitting room's dark paneling was drab.

Paneling painted, flooring replaced and giving a new function of this room improved the flow.

The bedroom was sparse and lifeless.

I'm usually not a fan of beds on an angle, but this was a way to gain more floor space and to have a headboard that did not block the windows.

The former sitting room was cut-off from the kitchen.

Paint, paint, paint!

The sunroom was underutilized and did not have a summer feel to it.

Painting and summer furnishings created a space that can be enjoyed in three seasons.

This was staged to make a great first impression:

This could not have been more dark and depressing upon entering this home.

I had the solid metal door replaced with a glass door, painted the stair treads and railing and brought in colorful accents. HUGE difference, little effort.

Just rearranging furniture can improve the space.

The family room was unbalanced and oriented only toward the TV.

Moving the sofa and side chair to create a central seating area makes the space work better.

This was right in front of the entry door. Not a good first visual into the home.

I created a sense of an entry area. This allows guests to enter the home and not be right in the family room space.

Why not spruce up your home now so you can enjoy it? I wonder if some people are selling because they don’t like their home and think a new one will be better. Reevaluating the home you have and improving it may be the most cost-effective way to a better home.

If you want to spruce up your home to sell, or for you to stay, consider working with me to beautify, organize and improve your home. Click here for my small project fees.

To see other great examples of staging and home make overs contact me.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Finding YOUR Design Style

2010-05-30T06:04:00.000-07:00

Well, to start with, let's simplify the task! Instead of trying to duplicate someone else's elegant interior, create a list of the things that are important to making your life easier, functional, attractive and a reflection of YOU!

Do away with the fantasy of holiday dinners served at a ten-foot farm table if you don't have room for a ten-foot table. Let go of the thought of white-on-white decor if your house is teeming with kids and pets. The first rule of home decorating is to know YOURSELF! Make your home accommodate your real everyday life.

HOW TO DO IT:

Take a realistic view of how you and your family use your house - every day, not just on holidays or when company is coming - everyday!
Don't buy anything unless it meets your functional needs first.
Organize! Throw out what you don't need. Keep what defines you.
Have a Plan! Create a theme for the whole house.
Prioritize! Start with the room that's most important to you and make it your own.
Determine a budget no matter how big or how small. This will define your choices.
Take on one room or one problem at a time then move on to the next and the next.
If you're not sure of your choices, ask your family and friends for opinions, then do what you think is the best!
And remember, many interior designers offer consultations to help steer you in the right direction, so don't hesitate to ask for help.

Getting started is the hard part. Getting into it is the fun part.

And seeing it finished is pure joy itself!

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Five Common Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid

2010-04-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

There are several interior design mistakes that one can make. I am going to focus on some that I think are the most common. If you take these steps one by one you will have a successful interior.

1. Over furnishing a room. This is by far the most common mistake that I see. People buy furniture too large for the room or fill it up with too many items. This makes the space crowded and small. Purchase furniture that will allow a room to breathe and not over crowd it. Having furniture that is multi-functional will reduce the number of pieces in a room.

2. Hanging artwork too high. Hang art around 66"-72" to the top of the piece from the floor. This is most visually appealing in a room with an eight-foot ceiling. There are exceptions when the art is very large or it is hanging above a large furniture piece. Don't hang art in a diagonal line. Group smaller pieces together to create one focal point. Take a look in decorating magazines and study how art is hung for good visual examples.

3. Clutter and disorganization. If you organize your day-to-day clutter and eliminate stuff you seldom or never use, you will have much more living space. Purge unwanted items. Make room to display your collections and provide storage for things you want to keep.

4. Quantity versus Quality. Buy only what you love and avoid cheap knickknacks and art. Buy the best art, furniture and accessories you can afford. The quality of good items will last and may hold resale value if you choose to eliminate them later. Cheap stuff is always cheap and will become throw away items.

5. Bad lighting. Have several light sources in a space not just one overhead ceiling fixture. Incorporate floor and table lamps for reading. Chandeliers offer overall ambiance and illumination. Track and recessed lighting provide accents for art and tasks.

You can not go wrong with symmetry.

The chandelier over a dining table needs to be correct shape and scale.

Creating a cozy sleeping space and maximizing a sloped ceiling.

Kitchens need to be carefully planned as this one was.

The sectional components chosen fit perfectly in this space.

What makes an interior design successful?

2010-04-18T07:12:00.001-07:00

There are lots of reasons, but the real reason is that there was some sort of plan or vision to carry a theme through. Things go wrong when people get off track of the vision or the plan. I’ve seen it happen to my own projects when clients go off on their own and get caught up in a “deal”. Just because something is a “deal” does not mean it should be purchased. That “deal” could compromise the whole design or space.

On a recent project my client and I worked out a furniture layout that provided flexibility to seating and kept the space open to the views. She calls me and says: “I can get the matching love seat for a great price.” There were many things wrong with a matching loveseat for her space. I had to respond by going back to her original needs and vision. She snapped out of it, and avoided a huge mistake. I’m grateful that she called me instead of just buying it. She knew it was wrong on some level, that is why she called.

Another example of potential mistakes is purchasing items to solve a temporary problem. I am working with my showroom manager / assistant on the home she just moved-in to. She was avoiding have me see her “disaster,” and she was getting frantic to solve storage. She was just about to spend $1000 on a HUGE hutch so she would have a place to put stuff. It is a good thing she showed me photos of it so I could save her the money and the hassle. She got the same lecture as other clients that start veering off track. Why spend $1000 to solve a temporary problem? So within the next few days I was over there and created a great layout that transformed the open living space. She is still overjoyed and amazed at how incredible the newly designed space is. She now has a plan and has invested that $1000 in furnishings that will make her new living space beautiful and functional,

The lesson is, before you buy anything for your home, think it through. Because if it doesn’t work you’ll waste money or be stuck with something that is wrong.

A deal is not really a deal if it won’t work in your space.
Buying pieces for temporary solutions should be avoided.
Don’t buy items for no reason, have a place for them. This will save you from accumulating lots of things that will be in your way later.
Avoid trendy decorating items and furnishings

Colorful Home for an Artist

2010-03-08T10:10:00.000-08:00

My artist client loves color. When planning the design for her new home we were starting with a blank canvas. My concept was to enhance the stone fireplace by painting the walls in a gray color accented by white trim. This allows the eye to focus on the view rather than the distracting stained trim. This crisp combination softens the space and provides a neutral backdrop for the color furnishings.

I always start with a floor plan. This illustrates how the spaces will work and what the maximum sizes furnishing can be. This will help when shopping so no mistakes are made by purchasing the wrong pieces.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Click on the photos to enlarge them.

Kitchen before - very ,very blah.

This is NOT blah. Same cabinets.

Dull.

Window seat, paint, color and now it's a cool space to enjoy the view.

Now it's a bright and cheerful alcove with an incredible view.

TV Placement Idea

2010-02-03T16:08:00.000-08:00

The TV vs. Fireplace Challenge. What is the focus?

So where do you place the TV in your main living space when you have a fireplace? Based on the research I have done (in addition to extensive television viewing), the proper mounting height for a TV, for viewing from a seated position, is at your seated eye level. Therefore, it is important that your TV location and home electronics are designed and planned for as part of your overall home design.

My solution?

The location of the TV and the accompanying electronics need to be planned for. If you must have the TV above the fireplace get it as low as possible, which I suggest 50" maximum to the bottom of the TV from the floor. In this sketch I created (below), I have drawn a 48" wide x 32" high firebox and flush hearth (a flush hearth is also good to save floor space). The space between the firebox and the mantel is minimized. I set the TV back 6" from the front of the fireplace to keep the heat away from the TV.

The sides can be flanked with built-ins for additional storage, or the vertical element of the fireplace and TV can stand alone. Don't let a builder, mason or fireplace insert salesperson tell you where the firebox or TV should go. Consult with a home electronics specialist. Plan it through and think of the desired end result and furniture layout, then work backwards so you can avoid the mistake.

This is a small example of the benefit of working with me to help you work out important details in your home design. I can work with you to redesign one room or a whole house. Call or email me to learn more about the benefits of working with a qualified designer to make your home the best it can be and avoid costly mistakes.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Interior Design Service Packages

2010-02-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

I have created design service packages to better assist you with small projects. Even a small project or one-room makeover can benefit by having a designer's input. Make the most of your space and budget with fresh and innovative ideas from me.

A New Room in a few hours!! - A room (or space) makeover in a few hours is possible. Some of the things we can do in a makeover: move furniture, hang artwork, develop a furniture plan, select paint colors, determine better storage solutions, create beautiful displays, to name a few. You will have a whole new space in just a few hours. $450.00*
*Three-hour maximum for this fee - fee and time needed can be customized based on your needs

Get a Fresh Perspective. - In-home consultation to help you select paint colors, establish a furniture layout, create an overall master plan for your home design needs, sketch window treatment ideas, hang artwork, and much more. We can accomplish A LOT in a short amount of time because of the tools I bring with me. At the end of our time together you will have a direction, a color and a plan to maximize your budget and space. This means you will avoid costly mistakes and love your new space. $300.00*
*Two hour maximum for this fee - fee and time needed can be customized based on your needs

Need Validation of Your Ideas? - You bring all of your information, photos, samples, fabrics, and ideas to me at the showroom and I will work with you to elaborate on your ideas, help you establish your design direction, assist you with final choices.This great for people that have already done research and selections and need advice on making the best final choices. $150.00*
*One hour maximum for this fee - fee and time needed can be customized based on your needs.

Design by Mail: if you live outside of my area, you can still get personalized design ideas using my Design by Mail service. Click here for more info and rates.

Avoiding costly mistakes are the key to maximize your decorating dollars. Get my professional input so that you can create the room you love with the flair that reflects your personal style.

I look forward to hearing from you. Appointments typically need to be scheduled one-week in advance. I can do Saturday appointments. Call or email me to get started on your room makeover.

For customized whole-house design we can discuss your project scope and I can prepare a quote for design services.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel through the state and North East. www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Custom Valances

2010-01-28T11:51:00.000-08:00

Click on the photos to enlarge them to see more detail.

This is a double scoop board moutned valance.

Tab top with rod.

Board mounted.

Pinch pleat with trim.

Flat top with double fullness to get the scoop between rings.

Soft top with trim.

Tab top with pinch pleat and cut scoop between pleats.

There are several ways to hang a valance: on a board, on a rod with rings, on a rod with fabric tabs, or on rosettes, to name a few.

I like to mount the valance above the trim so that it hangs into the top third of the window. Each window treatment we design is fabricated by a local workroom and installed by us.Contact me to discuss your window treatment needs.

Julie Fergus, ASID, is a nationally published interior designer. Her studio and showroom is located in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Julie's clients are primarily in the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley, however, she will travel throughout the state and North East. .www.JulieFergus.com | www.DesignByMail.com

Simplify your Home Interior

2010-01-01T08:34:00.001-08:00

Most people have a dream home. Unfortunately, it is often not the one they live in. Thinking that you must spend a lot of money to create your own home style is a myth. The process requires dedication, time and innovation. Defining your style involves an awareness of your space and color preferences, finding images that you like and opening your mind to the possibilities.

A great way to start the process to achieve your dream home is to simplify. All too often, homes are filled with too much stuff, mostly clutter and too much furniture. By removing furniture, accessories and knickknacks that no longer are of use or in style, you will be on your way to a simplified environment. This is a difficult thing to do because people don’t want to get rid of their stuff or devote the time needed to do so. If you were to tackle one room at a time, you could eliminate boxes of things from your house. Take your unused good items to the Salvation Army or give them to friends who can use them. In most cases, this unnecessary clutter is easily forgotten when it is gone. Once you eliminate all of your unused possessions, you will have much more room to move and the space will be refreshed. The next step will be to make use of what is left.

Create a cozy interior by having soft lighting that creates varying light levels. General overall lighting can be as simple as a torchiere or more permanent as recessed lighting or wall scones. Incorporate a few lamps with different wattage bulbs to create contrast and interest. Always have at least one area in a room where you can sit and read with good lighting.

Furniture placement will affect the visual appeal and function of a room. It is best to minimize the number of pieces in a room. Consider pieces that can perform multi-functions. Such as a chest instead of a table because it will provide you with storage and a place for a lamp. Another example is to have a drop-leaf table that can be opened to accommodate serving drinks, snack and offer a place for doing paperwork.

After you have removed all of your unused stuff, simplified your furnishings and added varying light sources you will have a comfortable and relaxed interior that you can enjoy

Think Beyond the Expected Wall Cabinet

2009-11-29T11:42:00.000-08:00

It's not a new idea, kitchens of the past had furniture and not built-in cabinets. We've complicated our lives with too much stuff and cramped our spaces.

A kitchen doesn’t have to have upper cabinets. Highly functional and quality base cabinets can be built to accommodate everything and anything. For example, if you want more windows for sunlight and openness plan to maximize all your base cabinets for optimum storage.

In my own kitchen I opted for windows instead of wall cabinets. In the photos here I show you how I use the base cabinets for my baking needs. I love to bake which meant that I needed to have my baking supplies handy and easy to access. I had drawers built to store my baking supplies. It is easier to reach into a drawer than it is to sift through items on a shelf.

Custom Treatments

2009-10-29T05:42:00.000-07:00

Custom window treatments are desired by clients because they want a unique look or have a very challenging shape or size. When you have a shaped window it is virtually impossible to find something "off the rack" to meet your needs. In this example there is a wall of glass. Walls of glass are great, but if it is your bedroom, it isn't so cozy, especially at night. At nighttime, there is no privacy so there needed to be something. The drapery panel is the right choice for this large space. The fabric added much needed softness to the hard surfaces. I measured and sketched the shape. This allowed me to convey the exact sizes and angles to my fabricators for the custom rod and panels. I chose to use grommets because they controlled the angled panels. Drapery panels serve many purposes: decoration, softness, privacy, light control, UV protection and insulation.

Quality Furniture

2009-10-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

Not all leather furniture is created equal. That is why I only specify and sell American Leather furniture to my clients.. American Leather offers a large variety of styles and colors. My favorite pieces are recliners that look like club chairs, as shown in this example. When considering leather furniture, consider the finest quality so your investment will last for decades.

Dated Finishes Need to Go!

2009-10-07T07:35:00.000-07:00

Why do you live with dated finishes and decor? If it is for budget reasons then the easiest way to improve the look of dated finishes is with paint. Stained pine trim is basic and can be dull. A fresh coat of white or off-white paint will instantly improve the look and feel of the space. In this example, there is a beautiful view. The stained trim distracted the eye from looking through the windows. Once the trim was painted the space was visually simplified to allow the view to stand out. This is just one of many ways to improve the style of a space.

Living Room Makeover

2009-09-24T04:14:00.000-07:00

The design task here was to take a large space and make it cozy, comfortable and family friendly. The first step is to ALWAYS start with a floor plan. It is so important to know what will fit in the space. From there I create a layout. A living room with a fireplace and TV are always a challenge. Here is how I solved it. There is a large TV on the wall opposite the fireplace that is on a heavy duty swivel. The sofas with high arms were chosen so that people could sit back on the arms or lay down to face the TV. The two leather chairs are recliners. This layout comfortably seats four for TV watching. When the TV is not in use the focus in on the fireplace and the central conversation area. The two white side chairs in the foreground are overflow seating for the dining room. I love the flexibility of side chairs that can be moved around into other rooms as needed. The custom drapery adds a needed softness to the space. Coordinating the fabric to the wall color is elegant and simple. I brought in just a touch of whimsy with bird finials on the iron rods. Redecorating and refurnishing a room takes time. It is important to have a plan and implement it as your time allows.

Planning a Guest Room

2009-08-31T04:26:00.000-07:00

When planning a guest room consider two twin beds. This will give you the flexibility to accommodate two singles or one couple. Two beds can be joined with a twin doubler which wraps around the twin mattresses to create a king bed. When using headboards be sure that they are attached to the bed frame to make it easy to slide the beds together. One example has no headboards and uses wall mounted lamps. The second example has upholstered headboards in a square shape so that they fit nicely next to each other.

Simple Flowers

2009-08-06T15:23:00.001-07:00

Simple flowers are wonderful. The mix of wild flowers and a vintage ironstone pot are the epitome of country decorating. My own personal decor incorporates painted furniture, ironstone and crystal. The reason why I love it is because of the casual feel it creates when blending elegant and simple. It makes me feel welcome and relaxed. I think it also makes my guest feel welcome too. Forgot the fancy or expensive flowers and look in your yard for wild flowers. Put them in a pretty short container and you have instant color.

Organization or Containers?

2009-07-01T04:09:00.000-07:00

I am a big fan of organization. So when on a recent trip to NJ, I had to make a stop at the Container Store to see all of the possibilities for storage solutions. The vast space is neatly laid out and uncluttered. It is inspiring to a person that pines to be organized.

However, I became disappointed because what I really saw was high-priced boxes, plastic containers, and wire shelving; no real solutions. While browsing the bins, cubes, containers, hangers, etc. my thoughts went to how much one would spend to get “organized.”

These storage components won’t cure you if you are a clutter bug. It isn’t a quick fix or solution. Being organized isn’t just about having your stuff on shelves or bins. The real work begins by simplifying what you have. Don’t spend money on more stuff to store your stuff. Get rid of the stuff and you won’t have to spend more.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that pretty organizers and bins will solve your storage challenge. Cleaver storage is more than a new clear plastic bin or shoe organizer. It starts with evaluating what your needs are and how to maximize the space you have. Once you do that than you should store what is essential.

I know I have over-simplified the challenge of getting organized. I urge you to think about bringing more things into your home unless you’ve dealt with the things you already have in your home. If you need help getting organized, contact a professional organizer or interior designer with an expertise in space planning to assist you.

The before and after photo above illustrate the makeover in a small vacation cottage. The laundry and bunk room are combined. To improve the overall functionality of the space we had to eliminate one set of bunk beds. This gave space for much needed storage and folding area. New paint, artwork and lighting are the finishing touches to make the room bright and pleasant.

Break Away from Neutrals

2009-03-30T09:12:00.001-07:00

Do you love color? Most people do love color, but they are afraid to break away from neutrals when decorating. I have a current client that is an artist and she is not afraid of color. Together we have developed a colorful palette for her vacation home. We started with Periwinkle and developed the choices from there. As I have shown in my YouTube clip, using fabric as a guide, you can create amazing successful color palettes.

Simple Modifications Freshen A Room

2009-02-12T14:38:00.001-08:00

I've lived in my house for twelve years now, and I realized it was time to freshen things up a bit. In January I took some time to paint and make some simple changes. I painted walls, ceilings and furniture, changed drawer knobs, de-cluttered, removed curtains, and hung drapery. I am confident in saying that I am a fast painter, I enjoy it. Here are the quick high lights that you can learn from so you can jazz up rooms in your home quick and easy.

Window Coverings Save You Energy and Keep You Warm

2008-11-11T06:51:00.000-08:00

Rising energy costs are affecting everyone's budget. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat lost through windows can account for 10 to 25% of your heating bill, and even new energy efficient windows allow heat loss. If you've not had an energy audit on your home yet, a simple way to check for heat loss is to simply put your hand on the window sill and see if you feel cold air. Even a small draft means a big heat loss There is also direct conduction through the glass, which make rooms colder when left exposed.

Today’s technology provides us with a huge selection of insulating window treatments, from honeycomb shades to decorative blinds and draperies. These new treatments prevent heat loss and provide insulation to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer, as well as beautifying the decor in the room. Additionally, window coverings control light and provide privacy.

Window shade products have R-value (resistance value) ratings which measure a product's resistance to heat loss when in a closed (lowered) position. Window coverings with a high R-value can provide much needed insulation and significantly reduce heat loss. The higher the R-value, the more insulation a window product provides. A single layer of uncovered window glass has a winter R-value of about 0.88, while a double-glazed window has a value of about 1.75. By selecting an energy-efficient window treatment, you can help increase the R-value one to five points.

Combining shades and draperies will increase the insulating value. It is important to install shades and draperies properly to minimize gaps that would allow air to filter through. Consult with me to determine what product is best for your window, budget and style.

Design a New Kitchen

2008-09-30T05:40:00.000-07:00

The perfect starting point for a new kitchen is with function. Defining the look is easy, deciding on the layout and function is the hard part. There are so many possibilities that the function needs to be the focus. Once you get the desired layout determine than focus on the look, style, lighting and specifications. Kitchens are a very important space in your home. They require serious attention and a realistic budget to make the most of the space.

Video Clips of Design Ideas

2008-08-06T03:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I've finally made the time to create video clips of design ideas. I have created a You Tube Channel to upload video clips as I create them. I'll cover lots of tops. The first round of clips are different versions of the same topic. These are essentially practice clips. As I get more familiar with the format and learn how to edit clips I can give you lots of ideas and advice with more visual examples. Click here to see the first round of clips. Julie's Videos of Design Ideas I welcome feedback and suggestions. I'd also like to hear from you about what topics you'd like for me to discuss. Keep in mind the clips will only be a few minutes each. You can subscribe to my You Tube channel so that you will be notified when new clips are posted. Thanks for taking a look.

The Starting Point for New Furnishings

2008-06-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

The starting point is this loveseat and ottoman.

Then we add other pieces.

Open space can be a challenge,

I always start with a floor plan.

I am always amazed at the mistakes that clients have made before they hire me. In an effort to illustrate and explain the benefit of working with a designer (more specifically, me). I can save clients time, headaches and money, it is that easy. In this example, this is one of my own properties. It is a single family home which I have recently transformed into a vacation rental. The goal was to make the interior casual, comfortable and colorful. The first step in any new project is that I always start with a floor plan. Either it is a rough sketch or a detailed computer drawn plan. The plan shows what fits in the space. This is critical! All too often I have seen clients buy furniture too big for the space they have. This is a complete waste of money. Once I had the floor plan, I started shopping. I was open to a color palette but I looked for one piece that would dictate the direction. In this case, it was beautiful colorful ottoman at Parson's Furniture. From there I was lucky enough to find a coordinating loveseat in the Bargain Barn that was a color I love (how lucky was I?). From there it was easy. I bought the ottoman and loveseat from Parson' Furniture and then I started the layering effect. Add rug, pillows, accents, lighting, curtains, etc. I am not a fan of "matching" and "sets" so everything coordinates not matches. Fortunately, I have a retail shop to draw from for the painted accent pieces and lamps. Vintage furniture painted is a great way to get quality, unique furnishings without spending top dollar. Before you think you can't afford a designer, think again. I know I have saved clients money and the end result far exceeded their imagination.

Furnished space

Make your home fun!

2008-06-03T15:07:00.000-07:00

Don't have a boring interior. Predictable and safe interiors are no fun. Bring color into your spaces and enrich your home. In these examples I show you different ways to not be boring. Have fun, step out of your comfort zone. Paint your ceiling a color, choose medium or dark toned colors or choose several colors for one room.

Design to Suit Your Busy Life

2008-01-14T05:47:00.000-08:00

Lives are busy. Make your home work for you. Before you focus on making your home beautiful focus on the functional needs. If spaces meet your storage, seating and task requirements you will feel good.

Design for Everyday Living Step by Step

Start with the function.

Know what you need to accommodate your lifestyle everyday.

Create an organized and efficient everyday entry.

Streamline your kitchen storage needs to handle daily tasks.

Make your laundry area easy to use and a nice place to be.

Look to maximize underutilized spaces and rooms.

Analyze your daily habits and work that into your solutions.

Create simple furniture layouts.

Have fun, don’t stress, think differently about your stuff and home.

Furniture Size and Placement

2007-10-18T13:55:00.001-07:00

Furniture placement and selection is so important when planning a room. I love this project before and after because it is such a great example of size and placement. This client was anxious to get new furniture for their new house. They went shopping purchased two large leather sofas because that were in-stock and well priced. Once they were delivered my client knew they weren't right. That's when I came to the rescue, sort of. The leather sofas were sold at a loss. We started over with a floor plan then went shopping together to find pieces that would fit in the space. I designed a built-in for the long wall to help with storage. When the new furniture arrived it was a success and everything worked out beautifully. My client invested in a few hours of my time and got exactly what she wanted in the end. This is a great example of why working with a designer can save you money. Instead of spending money on things that you'll have to sell at a loss, spend it on a professional that can lead and assist you in achieving the style and function you want. When you are shopping for new furnishings for your home know the sizes of pieces. The most common mistake is buying pieces too big or tall for a space. Here are tips to help you choose a sofa: do you want bun feet, exposed legs or a skirt? Do you want high arms or low arms? How high do you want the back? Do you like back cushions attached or do you like no cushions and a smooth upholstered back? Do you like two seat sofa or three seat sofa? Once you know that, then start looking at fabric. There are lots and lots of choices. Hone in on what you like and what will work in your space before you go shopping. Have fun and enjoy it.

Fall Back in Love with Your Home

2007-09-21T11:34:00.001-07:00

Whether you have a new home, old home, or vacation home - good decorating and design are important details. Expedite your vision and ideas for your home projects with a new view of your interior. Take snapshots of different rooms from all angles. Print them out, go to a coffee shop and look at them. Analyze them. What do you like? What don't you like? What jumps out at you as a new idea, use or function of the space? Looking at your rooms by photograph instead of in the space will give you an almost objective point of view. Share them with a trusted non-judgmental friend and get honest feedback.

We're also here to help you love your home again. We know what you’re thinking. “I don’t have a budget for a designer or designer enhancements.” But it’s not true. With our help and guidance you can maximize the budget you have and create a home that is beyond your imagination. You deserve to have a home you love. Let us show you how.

Plan, Purge and Paint

2007-09-04T04:57:00.000-07:00

The 3 P's of any interior makeover. Plan, Purge and Paint. The most important step is the Planning. Get all of your ideas in order. Create a floor plan to organize your space and to help you make decisions. Purge what you don't use, what is broken and outdated. This will simplify your spaces and make the things left in the room become the feature. Paint!! I can't say it enough. Paint is the BEST way to transform any space! Always use the best quality paints. I strongly recommend Benjamin Moore and California paints.

Simple Makeover

2007-06-25T16:44:00.001-07:00

The easiest way to transfrom anything is with paint. In this before and after I use a chair as an example. Dining chairs don't require a lot of fabric so you can splurge a little. Figure 1/2 yard per chair. So for this chair I selected Robert Allen Beach Day in Sprout. Retail price per yard is $66. We de-glossed the finish on the chairs with liquid sandpaper, primed with spray can of Kilz and top coated with Benjamin Moore Linen white and lightly distressed the finish. The end result is an elegant chair with a beautiful finsih and fabric. Look around your home and see what you can transform.

No Where to Put Stuff?

2007-05-17T17:28:00.001-07:00

These are actual spaces that cleints have lived in before getting organized.

This is how some people live. No where to put things, or so they think.

Sometimes interior design is not just the task to make spaces pretty, it is to make them organized. Get inspired to make the most of your rooms and spaces.

It is somewhat unfun to have to deal with your stuff. Once you get over the unfun part, you can have an organized home where you can easily find what you are looking for.

This is an example of how I designed an everyday enty.

Designer Insight

2007-05-15T05:34:00.000-07:00

Designing for everyday living is rewarding because it improves the quality of my client’s lives. Whether it is designing a beautiful kitchen, picking the right paint color or organizing a laundry room, it is rewarding to me because it improves lives. My clients don’t know that I obsess about their projects. I want them to be happy and when they second guess my ideas and personalized solutions it saddens me. I try to convey that I look out for their best interest, but I don’t think they really believe that. I don’t feel the need to be right or force a design on a client. I just know what the best design is for their space and budget. But they often don’t listen and get focused on the mainstream or ordinary solutions because that is all that they know.

I have been practicing interior design for 19 years and have had projects published in several national magazines (which is highly competitive). I live what I do and yet clients second guess my concepts and want me to illustrate their one and only idea as the best solution. I read and peruse about 12 shelter magazines a month. I have the latest and greatest design and decorating books. I surf websites for product information and design trends. I attend national trade shows and watch HGTV and DIY often. I can visualize interesting and innovative designs in my head and I am extremely flexible to work out all kinds of ideas for clients. A project can not be totally successful until the client trusts me and is open to new ideas. Otherwise it is just another makeover – nothing special. I can make a space special fabulous and functional to the individual client's lifestyle if they will just allow me.

Country Chic

2007-04-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

Do you have a love of fancy things and elegant style, but are more comfortable living in a casual home? Then Country Chic is the perfect solution for you! It can be described several ways:

A fine blend of elegant pieces mixed with relaxed and casual accents.
Eye-catching fabrics and fixtures alongside simple, unadorned furniture.
The mixture of ease with formal elements for the chic edge.
Similar to Cottage Style, but more simplified and eclectic.

Country Chic is my personal design style of choice. My best personal example is my dining room, which I use as the visual for this article. It has symmetry mixed with a little whimsy to create a relaxed feeling. The elements of the room are formal: crystal chandelier and lamps, fine china and serving pieces. Yet the twist comes through placing those items with lightly distressed furniture pieces. The furniture is not a set. It is a mixture of pieces painted the same color for structure and mis-matched formal chairs painted and distressed to invite guests to sit.

In my case, my dining room is my favorite room, yet the one that is least used. To remedy that, I brought in a collection of books and current magazines and placed them in neat and orderly piles. This has created a comfortable and attractive spot for me to take a seat and catch up on my reading, clip articles and enjoy a cup of coffee. I am now able to use the room in an entirely new way yet still display some of my favorite "special" pieces. In the end, Country Chic is a wonderful choice for those who love elegance but live in casual comfort. I encourage you to rethink your dining room and your elegant pieces. Dining rooms and fine china should be used. Make them part of your everyday lifestyle.

Successful Cottage Decor

2007-03-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

Visualize the perfect spot to spend time relaxing, reading and sipping coffee in a comfortable cottage setting. Now transform this visualization into a style that says relax. The effect is comfortable and inviting, it is Cottage Style.

We know it when we see it, wood and painted furnishings mixed with muted tones of color, mis-matched chairs around a dining table, formal and casual accents blended together, floral fabrics with ruffle details, vintage lighting and architectural remnants. But how do you begin to create your own cottage style?

The starting point to redecorate your home to suit your taste and lifestyle is a floor plan. This will define what will fit into the space. Don’t rely on keeping every detail in your head; write your ideas and intentions on the floor plan. Once your plan is done, focus on things you love and use that as the inspiration for the color palette and decorating details. A great way to establish a color scheme is to find a fabric that wows you and use that as a guide. Once the floor plan and color scheme is established, go shopping. You will know exactly what you are looking for and can easily make decisions. You will avoid buying furnishings that don’t fit into your space.

The photos highlight a real-life example of cottage style. It is relaxed, not perfect and a place where everyone can be comfortable.

Details that make it cottage style:

Soothing shades of blue make a bedroom peaceful. A headboard is made from window shutters with a cute cut-out that are painted and distressed. Vintage chenille bedspreads were made into pillows.
Hang a formal crystal chandelier over a well-worn farm wood table and you have instant cottage appeal.
For a casual seating area, bring the furniture close together, have a place to put your feet up, place lamps for reading and add tables for beverages.

Have fun while creating your cottage décor and remember to design your home to accommodate your everyday lifestyle.

Julie Fergus, ASID is a professional interior designer. Her shop and design studio is American Home Gallery located at 49 Center Street in Wolfeboro, NH. Julie’s design projects have been published in Country Home, Better Homes and Gardens, Yankee and New Hampshire Magazine. To contact Julie visit her website at www.JulieFergus.com / 603.569.8989

Start a New Décor from Scratch

2007-01-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

What’s the starting point to make an empty room suit your taste and lifestyle? I always start with a floor plan. This will define what will fit into the room. From there I focus on one thing you love and use that as the inspiration for the color palette and design style. In this example the inspiration was the watercolor painting. Once the floor plan and color scheme was established, we went shopping. We knew exactly what were looking for and it was easy to make decisions. In the end, the room came together and the client was very happy. It reflects her personal style.

Create the Ultimate Laundry Room

2006-12-28T05:17:00.000-08:00

Your laundry room should be as beautiful and organized as the rest of your house. If it is an everyday task (and I bet it probably is) make it a place you will enjoy. Create a colorful scheme, add lots of lighting and make good use of the size. Here is my favorite laundry room project.Why is it wonderful? It is decorated, colorful, functional and still offers room to move.

Treat yourself! Make a laundry room that you love.

Afraid of Color?

2006-11-24T19:43:00.000-08:00

Why are you afraid of color? Or why do you think you are clever with color? I have found that people who fall into these categories often have visually unsuccessful spaces. When someone is afraid of color they will be so safe that the spaces are boring and uninteresting. The fear leads to choosing white and off-white colors or very pale tones of colors.

The other end of this spectrum are the people that think they are very clever with color and have it everywhere with no defined execution. A perfect example of this is the use of uncomplimentary colors used in adjacent spaces when they can be seen in the same view.

The solution is to choose a color palette that works for all spaces that are open to each other (spaces without doors). Successful use of color is a theme that is carried through the spaces. Use closed-off and isolated rooms as opportunities for surprise and to highlight your favorite color.

I have oversimplified the color challenge in this post. The point I make is to have an overall consistent color palette and juggle those colors through the spaces. Shy away from the lightest shade on the color card and go toward the middle or darker end. If you need inspiration, find a multi-color fabric you love and pull the color combination from that to define your color plan. Good luck!

In the example below, I illustrate how I started with the color combination from the paint color fan deck and used the colors on different surfaces for a cohesive execution.

Make it Colorful!

2006-11-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

Color makes it fun. In these vacation home projects a relaxed casual style was a must. Using a mix of vintage furnishings with trendy colorful accents I created a spaces that are comfortable on budget. Pillows and slipcovers can be changed seasonally or if the color scheme wants to be changed. It is a cost effective way to enhance and alter your decor.

Design for Everyday Tasks

2006-11-12T16:14:00.000-08:00

Laundry is an every day task for many families. Create a laundry room that is a nice place to be. In this before and after example. I converted a large closet into a space for the washer and dryer. There is still lots of room for storage. We added color and lighting and now it is a comfortable, accessible and easy place to do laundry everyday.

Make a Great First Impression

2006-09-22T04:49:00.000-07:00

A first impression is so important. Your home's main entry is your chance to set the tone for the rest of your interior space. This is critical when marketing a home for sale and welcoming guests to your home. In this home we jazzed up this foyer with color and light. The furniture piece is a vintage server that I modified by removing the drawers and painting inside and out. It offers storage for everyday items and adds interest. The accessories were found at big box retailers. It is successful because it mixes styles and colors so it is interesting and different. We wanted to create a little wow factor without going overboard. Think about how you can change your everyday entry so that it will wow and welcome you home.

Decorate Your Home from Home

2006-08-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

In today’s busy world we all have less time to accomplish everything we want to do. Creating a perfect home might always seem to be on the back burner. It doesn’t have to be that way. Make it easy on yourself. Take advantage of the many ways to make your home the way you want it to be, without leaving your home! Build your decorating theme around something you love. Maybe its a color, a collection, artwork, or a piece of furniture. Use that item as the launching pad to define your style. To maximize your budget and time, start with a Design-by-Mail. Right from your computer you can choose your lighting, furniture, paint colors and accessories. I provide you a design plan so you can start your shopping. With a customized design in hand, you can shop on the internet at your leisure. You will save you time and money purchasing the best items to suit your style. Contact your favorite small shops (like mine) and ask for photos of available products. Most shops should be able to email you photos and coordinate delivery or shipping. Through the Design by Mail service, I am available, via email and phone, to consult with you to make the best selections for your project. The most important element of a design project is to be organized and focused to make the right choices. It will all fall into place and the result will be fabulous. You will wonder why you didn’t tackle it sooner. Start today! www.DesignByMail.com Julie Fergus, ASID is a nationally recognized interior designer. Her projects have been published in Better Homes and Gardens, Country Home, Yankee and NH Magazine.

Ultimate Pantries

2006-08-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

Don't underestimate the power of an organized pantry. A pantry can help your kitchen work better for your everyday needs. The pantry doesn't have to be a built-in, a cabinet or a closet. It can be a piece of furniture. Let a freestanding piece provide needed storage. Locate the piece near the kitchen. Maybe a nearby hall or adjacent room.

Create a Focal Point

2006-08-16T04:50:00.000-07:00

The television and the fireplace have been competing with each other for years. The flat panel has helped to bring the two together. But sometimes it is not always feasibly possible. Here is an example of how the fireplace is the focal point and the television secondary. This works because the wall is a dark color so the black of the television blends in. If the wall were white the television would jump out. So consider a way to visually create the fireplace as the focal point and make the television blend.

Storage Ideas

2006-08-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Chests of drawers and dressers do not have to be limited to the bedroom. Incorporate chests into other rooms for all kinds of storage from linens, games, gadgets, compact discs, videos, food, supplies, hats, gloves and so on. This is a great way to have storage along with a surface to display your collections, framed photos and a place for a lamp.

Go vertical! Use the walls for storage. By adding bookshelves vertically you will minimize the spread-out factor. Buy the tallest bookcase possible to maximize floor space.
Custom made built-in shelves and cabinets in rooms other than just the kitchen may be just what you need. The money spent on this may keep you from a costly addition and renovation. Bookcases in hallways (if there is room) will optimize that space and remove stuff from other rooms.
Consider stock wall cabinetry for storage. This is a great idea for home offices. It provides ample concealed space for typical office clutter.

The photo illustrate how furniture can simplify and organize a small space and provide opportunities for color and interest. When you see piles around your house, think of a piece of furniture that you can add to hide and store your clutter and everyday items.

http://www.juliefergus.com

Everyday Entry

2006-07-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

Don't underestimate the importance of an organized everyday entrance to your home. This entrance should be neat and functional, making you feel good when you come home. Give coats, keys, mail, shoes, boots and winter-wear items their own place. Coats may be hung on simple hooks with an over-shelf providing storage for smaller items. A coat tree can be an alternative to wall hooks and also provide an interesting vertical element. Attractive baskets on a small table will hold your keys and mail. While removing your coat, a bench is an ideal place to put the grocery bags, purse or briefcase and provides seating while removing boots which can then be stored underneath. In the above home renovation, we devoted a very small amount of space in the kitchen for coats and everyday stuff. We found interesting hooks and built-in the bench with storage beneath it. It is an attractive feature of the room and keeps the stuff contained. Make it easy for your family to keep everyday stuff contained and organized.

Kitchen Basics

2006-07-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

Kitchens today are more open to the rest of the home than ever before and can be treated as other rooms by incorporating furniture for storage instead of built-in cabinetry. Furniture is often less costly than cabinetry andprovides the flexibility to change the look of the room more often without a major renovation. Start with the function first then develop the details.

Other quick ideas:

Incorporate lamps to soften the lighting.
Provide a place for guests to sit when they join you in the kitchen. It will keep them out of your way and will keep you company while you work.
Add shelves for cookbooks and displays of dishware; hang pots and pans from the shelf.
Put your liquid dish soap in a pretty dispenser and keep on the counter.
Put olive oil in a bottle with a spout.
Choose durable materials for all surfaces.
Bring in a chest for extra storage.
Add a small bookcase to stack all of your everyday clutter, like mail, magazines and books to keep the counters clear.

There are many options for kitchen layouts, materials and fixtures. Be sure that you get what you want. Don‚t be swayed by builders, contractors or kitchen showrooms that might try to change your mind. Often, they do this to make it easier for themselves or to up-sell you more products. Knowing what you can afford and exactly what you want will make it far easier to achieve your own unique kitchen.

Define Your Style

2006-06-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

Well, to start with, let’s simplify the task! Instead of trying to duplicate someone else’s elegant interior, create a list of the things that are important to making your life easier, functional, attractive and a reflection of YOU! Do away with the fantasy of holiday dinners served at a ten-foot farm table if you don’t have room for a ten-foot table. Let go of the thought of white-on-white decor if your house is teeming with kids and pets. The first rule of home decorating is to know YOURSELF! Make your home accommodate your real everyday life. HOW TO DO IT: · Take a realistic view of how you and your family use your house - every day, not just on holidays or when company is coming - everyday! · Don’t buy anything unless it meets your functional needs first. · Organize! Throw out what you don’t need. Keep what defines you. · Have a Plan! Create a theme for the whole house. · Prioritize! Start with the room that’s most important to you and make it your own. · Determine a budget no matter how big or how small. This will define your choices. · Take on one room or one problem at a time then move on to the next and the next. · If you’re not sure of your choices, ask your family and friends for opinions, then do what you think is the best! · And remember, many interior designers offer consultations to help steer you in the right direction, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. Getting started is the hard part. Getting into it is the

Home Design for Everyday Living

2006-06-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

Interior design is more than making a space beautiful. It includes organizing and planning for tasks and functions. That doesn’t sound very exciting or romantic, but it is a very important part of design. If a space is beautiful but does not meet functional needs, then the design is unsuccessful. Instead of being fixed on beautifying a space to improve it, deal with the challenge of functions. Start by identifying what the space challenges are: piles of shoes by your everyday entry, stacks of mail and magazines, an overcrowded room, not enough or the wrong furniture, under-illuminated spaces, and countless small items that accumulate throughout your home. When a home is shared by several people that have different habits it is hard to make changes, baby-steps might be in order. After you have identified your challenges, begin with the one that irritates you the most. It might be that pile of shoes. Focus on that one challenge and research several ways you can eliminate that it. Thankfully, the Internet has many products at your fingertips. Browse websites for product options that will help you with space challenges. Don’t get crazy and start buying all kinds of bins and shelves, that will further complicate the task. Deal with one challenge at a time so that you can complete it and move on to the next. Consider the visual appeal of the product. Can it be in plain sight or should be behind closed doors? Maximize closets and incorporate storage furniture to eliminate clutter. Your home will become your dream home when you take control of it and treat it with care instead of a place that stores your stuff. Take advantage of the cold months and create your dream home.