Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Feeling Tired?

This time of the year many people are feeling tired.  One of the big factors is setting the clock's back by an hour.  As silly as that seems, once the dark comes upon us we automatically want to get settled in for the evening. 

Another reason is the overwhelmed  feelings of the holiday's coming upon us.  There is just so much to do between the time the calendar flips to November into December.   If you have young children in your house hold you most likely have school events, the class trips, birthday parties, sport practices, religion classes etc. etc. etc. Oh, and do you have a job outside the home?  If you have a significant other that helps keep up with the laundry, errands, food shopping etc ...you are among the  lucky ones...

One huge reason why you may be feeling so tired is from your home!  Since you are busy with so many other obligations and events this time of year your home sometimes gets neglected.  Or perhaps its not only this time of year but your home is always neglected.  If my home is out of sorts, I'm out of sorts.   Once your home is in order, your mind will be in order and you can rest easier at night.

There are professional organizers that can help you get your home to where it needs to be.  Thumbtack is a good resources.  You put in the area where you live and what you want done as far as organization.   You then will receive bids from various organizers.  If you can't afford a home organizer there are plenty on line sites that can motivate you to start.  My suggestion is to start in the heart of the home the kitchen.  Once your kitchen is organized than head on to the bedrooms.  I am telling you that once you have control of your home and your clutter you will feel energized and less.












Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Turning Inward

This is the time of year that I find that I am looking to re-decorate, cook, snuggle on the couch with my newly learned knitting hobby and sipping a glass of a hearty red wine. 

I'm thinking about warm foods, looking at new receipies and planning  the upcoming holidays.  At this stage it feels nice to put on a warm sweater....and to wear your favorite comfy boots again.  I still get excited over the first snow fall to add to the ambiance.


I love to add layers to a bed, with various colors and materials...a down comforter in a duvet cover is a must.

 I try to keep some of my herbs alive through out the winter that I've brought into the house.

I have found some great recipes on Food 52


Will keep posting!
Corinne

Reference
Photo's from Tumbler
Visit our official website












Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Who What Where When


Knowing that the success of Harmonizing Homes is dependent on myself is beyond scary at times however I wouldn't change it at all!

I have been asked what did you want to be when you were a child?  I wanted to be an artist, I loved color, design.  I studied graphic design when I was in High School, I elected to go off campus to do so. 

Best Business Advise -  You can't do everything on your own .  Look for experts when you need to and hire professionals for the things that you acknowledge that you are not good at.

What is the Biggest Risk?  Everyday is uncertain and is an adventure.  If I don't get up and get moving get my self out there the business would not be...Every day is different!

Biggest Lesson learned?  That it doesn't just take creativity to be successful in business, I have to deal with the daily nuts and bolts such as policies and procedures, contracts. It is something that I have battled from the beginning with some expensive lessons learned.

My Proudest Trades?   Resiliency.....recreating my self!

Where do I get inspiration?  Travel is the best way....remove your self from your daily environment even if its is a trip into NYC....but my favorite place for inspiration is Vermont.



 


Thursday, September 29, 2016




Like clock work every year the beauty of Fall comes into our lives.  I always feel a bit sad that summer has come to an end.  There are no rules in Summer, no shoes, we live in swim suites, read books, hang on the beach and let our minds just wonder.

Fall comes and there are schedules, planning, flight arrangements for travel for the holidays. OMG Rosh Hashanah is next week What are the kids going to be for Halloween?  Where are we having Thanksgiving ? 

We decide we need to get things in order.





We start to look inward at our home, cooking, family and friends.  How can there be only three months left in 2016??

When I walk up this morning to a dark rainy cold morning.  I slipped on my yoga pants and loose fitted top and grabbed my coffee to begin planning my day. 
I just wanted to make a stew ..That Is what the day feels like.....or maybe just sit and read my book that I started on the beach this summer and didn't finish it.  Its still in my beach bag with my towel.

But the truth is we are busy helping folks like you get there homes in order for the holidays.  We have a great team of designers and artisans that can help you with your decorating
Don't wait until the end of October as it may be too late.




Resources





Friday, September 23, 2016

What Color Should I Paint My?

Hello,
One of the requests that we always receive is ,"I need help with paint colors". Paint colors can be intimidating. In today's market place there are many great tools that will help you with paint color.  For an example Sherwin Williams has Color Snap Visualizer. You can down load this APP onto your phone using google play or ITunes.  If you see a color perhaps in a pillow, take a picture and the app tells you what color matches the closest.

We continue to attend educational seminars, learning what are the new trends, studying products and sustainability.   We love color....that is what we do...

Last evening we attended a presentation by Sherwin Williams, presented by Rebecca Smith, Design Account Executive which was held at Creative Displays in Tinton Falls.  I'd like to share with you the inspirational colors for 2017.

This year trends were inspired for various generations, moods and culture.








For more information on Sherwin Williams Color Forecast.   Remember its only paint its not a life time investment. So have fun with color try something new this fall.   We would love to help you transform your home with great design and style.  Check out our website Harmonizing Homes.

Until the next blog
Corinne

Friday, September 9, 2016

Decorating on a Budget

Hope you all had a great labor day.....Its amazing how fast the summer goes...Now that we are into September many of you are starting to think about the upcoming holiday.  You may be thinking about updating some of your rooms; so I thought I'd share a recent project that we just finished in Rumson New Jersey.  We had a very limited budget as our client has three (3) children in college... Below is the finished photographs of the bedroom that we did.  We added crown molding, removed old molding, painted the room, added a new ceiling fan and had the floors refinished.

Below is a picture of what the room looked like before. 

We needed to take care of the off centered window and make the room look updated and romantic. I will list the sources at the bottom of the blog.
We removed the existing window treatments and added draperies and sheers.


The bench is a lovely addition to any bedroom

We moved the television and added a floor mirror

References
Lead Designer - Charles Messenger of Harmonizing Homes
Television - Best Buys
Mercury Glass Table Lamps -Lamps Plus
Floor Mirror - Home Goods
Draperies - JC Penny's
Bedding - Macy's
Headboard- Wayfair
Dresser and side tables - Ashley Furniture
Drapery Hardware- Bed Bath and Beyond
Accessories - Creative Designs Inc
Area Rug- Wayfair