Summertime

Ahhh...summertime! It's my favorite season! I love the way everything is a little slower, lazier. I love being able to go out to eat without battling the crowds. I love the afternoon and evening thunderstorms. I love floating in the Gulf. I love listening to the cicadas at night. I even love the humidity! Most of all I love all four holidays of summer. Four holidays? Yes, not only do we celebrate Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day, we also celebrate MY BIRTHDAY!!! June 27th, in fact, just in case you want to send me a birthday card :-).
Another reason to love summer is the fabulous sale Hunter Douglas is offering and installing energy efficient blinds is the way to make you love your electric bill this summer too!

Relationship Decorating

The relationship between an interior decorator and client is a very human one and while not always defined as "friendships" they are often intense and personal. Like a friendship, though, a good working relationship between decorator and client involves a commitment to respect, communication and understanding.

When working with your decorator keep these tips in mind:

You absolutely should expect your decorator to have

• The ability to listen.
• The ability to make the right product selections for your project.
• Creative ideas and solutions for your project.
• The willingness to work within your budget.
• Suggestions as how to improve a home's function.
• The attitude that this is your home and should reflect your style and personality, not the decorators.

But it is a two way street - your decorator expects you

• To Know and communicate how much money you have allocated for the project.
• To be able to articulate your style and preferences even if it is visually through magazines or books.
• To be willing to listen with an open mind.
• To have a realistic time frame
• To have thought about the function and desired mood of your space.
• To provide honest feedback.

And like a good friendship, if you haven't worked together in a few years you should be able to pick up right where you left off without missing a beat!