William McWhorter has been an interior designer since birth. He is a former president of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Los Angeles chapter, as well as a longtime member. He has his own company, which works with luxury-loving clients and he also works on other projects, including those for ASID and also helps restore historical homes.
When William was around eight years old, he got his first opportunity to see what it would be like to work as an interior designer. His parents were remodeling and they asked young William to help them select some of the materials, like tile and design some of the cabinetwork.
After his interest was first piqued, he pursued his interest, becoming a member of ASID, before it was even called ASID. He explains, "ASID exists to further the profession of interior design and the ethics and professionalism, and good taste and good design and what designers do to improve peoples' lives. I was a member of AID back in 1967, which was the organization before ASID. Back in those days (laughs) if you weren't a member then you really didn't get decent jobs. And because it was considered the epitome of the profession to belong to the organization."
He has been working in the design field long enough to understand the importance of the relationship between client and designer. If you are interviewing interior designers, he advises you ask the following questions before committing:
· Do you have the time to take on my project?
· How many projects do you usually work on at one time and are you able to handle my project? That should be one of the first questions.
· Also the client should ask to see the designer's book/portfolio and, although you may not see exactly the room that would be right for you, it will show the designer's scope.
A relationship between the designer and the client is exactly that; a relationship. It involves trust. And the reason the client comes to a designer and finally selects a designer after interviewing several people is because they have selected someone that they have narrowed it down to and that they trust that that designer knows what he or she is doing. And they have to place their trust in that person.
When he's not working on making elegant luxury interiors, William enjoys being a part of the Doheny Mansion project. He explains, "The Beverly Hills Garden and Design Showcase has been a joint venture between the city of Beverly Hills and ASID to raise money for the restoration and preservation of the Greystone Estate. Each year ASID designers decorate and furnish the rooms and the house is seen by over 10,000 visitors during a three week period. Being passionate about historic architecture, it was only natural for me to jump on the bandwagon and do rooms there. The first year I did Mr. Doheny's suite and the following year I partnered with a fellow ASID colleague to do the billiard room, the social secretary's room and the bowling alley, which was newly restored by Paramount Studios when they filmed "There will be Blood." Last year, I did Mrs. Doheny's suite. It is a labor of love for me. My dedication led me to become a member of the board of directors of the Friends of Greystone."
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Interior Design Guru
Rock-Solid Luxury of Carved Stone Creations
If you want to rock, Carved Stone Creations offers custom designs with stones and bronze for landscaping and residential and commercial building projects. The company imports stones from more than 35 countries, such as marble, travertine, limestone, sandstone, and onyx.
Estate fountains, gazebos, natural-stone veneers, framing for doors and windows, marble staircases and balustrades are but a few of the varied applications that transform a house into a unique home of distinction. Design scopes are as wide and varied as a client's imagination (and pocketbook).
If you are looking for tips to getting stones in your home's decorum, download the catalogs and brochures of Carved Stone Creations for innumerable suggestions, tips, and recommendations. Check out the dozen granite variants and the various exotic stones of jade, limestone, sandstone, and onyx. There are ADA-approved stone basins for bathrooms and kitchens; large-, medium-, and small-stones flooring options; fireplaces and mantles treatments; and bronze statuary and fountains that range from ornate to sedate.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Versace For Your Home
The Versace name has long been synonymous with lavishness and luxury. From the opulent designs and shapes to the decadent fabrics, who knew that famous philosophy had been extended into a home collection?
Begun in 1992, the Versace Home Collection was originally textiles and linens and has since been expanded to encompass all aspects of luxurious home living, from tabletop finery to bedroom sets. Each collection is an expression and expansion of a classic design theme, often of Greek origin, which are now known as signature Versace.
Launch Versace Slideshow
If you've ever seen Donatella's fabulous digs on television or seen its Versailles-like magnificence and wanted your own surroundings to resemble a modern take on luxurious, near-royal living, then you must check out their home collection found at www.versace.com. Even the Web site is a testament to Versace's signature gild, with its flash-player design and ability to maneuver different on the tiniest details of their offerings.
At first glance, much of the current furniture collection seems deceptively simply designed, not at all like the lavish signature Versace we are used to. But when you play with the fabrics and accessories, the clean lines become the perfect setting for myriad fabrics the collections offer. Even the tables compliment the modern opulence presented, with their sharply cornered curlicues. But when you top it all off with Versace signature patterned dishware, the seemingly simple designs become practically regal. Even the sleek platform beds take on a special air when completed with Versace's patterned bed linens and pillows.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Selecting Right Ready Made Curtains For Your Home
Practically every homeowner likes to make their home beautiful and luxurious in terms of décor and an integral part of getting decent and the perfect look for your room is through the purchase of the right curtains for each room. Because the décor and concept of theme in your living place can vary from one room to another, it is recommended to consider numerous factors before choosing the coverings for your windows and doors. Some factors you need to take into account when choosing ready made curtains is the type of room you are purchasing for, the style and size of the windows, the specific kind of ambiance you want to form for the room, and décor and the design of the room.
For instance, if you are purchasing ready made curtains for the bedroom of your kids, elaborate and heavy curtains look somewhat odd and can prove quite costly, whereas lighter curtains with light colour and simple designs can look ideal. On the other hand, if you want to decorate a room that is reserved for purpose of entertainment, where the décor is elaborate and rich, then heavier elaborate window treatments can prove nice.
If you use room for relaxing, it may benefit from light and simply designed coverings, whereas in a kitchen, you can use café style curtains or even blinds. Each room needs careful consideration and thought before you decide anything in the selection of right curtains for the windows.
Ready made curtains can increase that dash of beauty and loveliness to your room. It is really surprising and wonderful experience how simple things like curtains can change the entire look of a living space. If you review online ready made curtains selling stores, you will find a wide range of ready made curtains in a myriad hues and different colours to choose from.
Today life is very busy and most people are hard-pressed for time and it seems quite daunting task to order bespoke ready made curtains. But now it is very easy, you can choose reliable online ready made curtain selling store for your convenience of picking from varieties of classy range.
Ready made curtains have become design feature element for home decoration rather than simply things to provide personal privacy and keep light out. One of the simplest and affordable ways to modify the look of the living space is to change the door and window treatment. By planning to buy ready made curtains, you can reinvent any room affordably and easily. Ready made curtains are the fantastic solution for those people looking to fit their own specific type of curtains. It is the perfect solution for those who want such curtains that are easy and quick to hang.
There are numerous benefits of curtains as it provides a living space that a fantastic and colourful look as well as keeping out sunshine, keeping in warmth in winter and prevent upholstered type of furniture from fading.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Know When Your House Needs Painting
Most of us still aspire to owning a home, it may be your biggest investment, yet something as simple as knowing when the house needs painting can be a complete mystery. Exterior painting is a huge factor in the appearance of your home, but most importantly is to protect your home. Unprotected wood leads to warping, rot and water damage. Most professional decorators would recommend painting every five to ten years, depending on the climate and exposure.
As part of your home maintenance checks, look for obvious signs of peeling paint, also blistering, cracking, or changes in texture. All these telltale signs mean the wood is exposed to the elements. You may find only patches of rough spots for now, but this could be the first indications that the general condition of the paintwork is beginning to deteriorate. Instead of doing touch-ups on an ongoing basis, it might be the best time to hire a professional House painter to get the whole painting job done.
Deterioration Signs - What to look for Flaking and Peeling:
Paint simply does not stick. The surface might have been dirty; too many layers of paint or the wrong type or paint was applied.
Alligatoring or Checking Pattern:
The cracks resemble alligator skin, meaning the outer coat did not adhere properly to the paint underneath, or not enough drying time between coats of paint.
Blistering:
Some layer of the paint peel off and bubble. Moisture is seeping into the wood.
Chalking:
You will see fine powder on the paint surface. May of occurred due to poor quality of paint, or paint was spread too thinly when applied. The chalking will leads to the colour of the paint fading.
Cracking or Scaling:
Severe crack form when the paint begins to split. It may result from moisture seepage or air pollution.
Mildew and Algae:
Small black spots appear caused by excess moisture or not enough air or sun to prevent the growth of the fungus.
If you see any of the above warning signs, its time to call in the expert House painters to access your home properly. Best not to wait until your next home renovations or additions project, Painting professionals can restore your home back to its best in less time and effort while protecting your investment for many years to come.
By:
Paint Your Home Like a Pro
Painting is one of those jobs that most homeowners will tackle themselves before paying a professional. It's also one of those jobs that looks easier than it is. Anyone can slop paint on a wall, but not many can make it look like a professional job. Here are some tips to make your next painting project look like it was done by an expert. It may take a few more steps, but it's well worth the effort.
1. Wipe down all woodwork with a cleaner. Paint adheres better to a clean surface. Sand the all the trim, doors and windows and vacuum and wipe with a tack cloth.
2. Before using your paintbrush soak it in water (if being used with latex paint), or paint thinner (for use with oil-based paint). Flex the bristles to spread the liquid right into the base of the brush and spin or shake it dry. This step will make your brush easier to clean later. When you open the paint can, use a nail to drive holes in the U-track around the top of the can. This allows the paint to drain back into the can after pouring.
3. Prime any bare woodwork before applying final coat. When molded doors, paint the rails first, then the inside panel, and finally the stiles or outside frame. Allow to dry overnight and sand with a 220-grit sandpaper. Vacuum and dust once again.
4. Use Dap or spackling compound to fill any nail holes or cracks. Once dry, sand lightly if necessary and paint with primer.
5. Caulk all the gaps between the trim or baseboard and the walls to create a nice clean line. To smooth the caulking, wet your finger and run it along the the line.
6. It's time to paint the ceiling. Cut in or paint a 2 to 2 1/2 inch stripe along the outside edges of the ceiling. Wipe away any paint that touches the walls. Using a roller, complete the rest of the ceiling by dividing your strokes into a 3-foot section. Work your way across the room, one square at a time.
7. Now begin the finish coat on your trim, windows, and baseboard. Once dry, sand lightly and dust with a tack cloth. Next, apply your finish coat. When painting window trim, if you get paint on the glass, let it dry and then scrape it off. Dampen the glass first to prevent scratching it with the window scraper.
Some use the paint as a sealant from moisture. To do this, hold the edge of a wide putty knife blade against the glass, flat side against the wood, and scrape up to it. You'll end up with an even strip of paint on the glass about the thickness of the blade.
8. Once the baseboard is dry, cover the top of the trim with blue masking tape. Using a brush, cut in around windows and door trim, then along baseboard and finally at the ceiling or crown molding. Use an extension handle on your roller to paint the walls. Just as with the ceiling, envision a 3 or 4 foot square and fill in working from the top down. Use a putty knife to remove any paint nubs on the wall once the paint dries. Finish with a final coat and remove the masking tape as soon as the paint has set. Don't wait too long or you may pull off some of the drywall with the tape. Resist the urge to yank the tape, but instead pull it slowly and evenly to avoid ripping it.
By: Tina
Tips to Decorate With Bedsheets
Are you a person who strive to get artistic touch to everything? Do you find yourself bored with your present home furnishings? Are you trying to get rid of that old bed sheet but can't do it as it is not so old? Have you bought bedsheets that don't interest you enough to use on your bed now? Do you want something beautiful and inexpensive too? If even one of these questions generate a 'yes' as an answer then this is where you'll find creative ways to use your bedsheets.
Pillows and Cushions:
Use bedsheets to make covers for pillows and cushions of shapes that interest you- rectangle, square, heart shape or round. What all you want is pillow forms, scissors, threads, and needle or you can simply get stitching kits including all the required items and make that exquisite pillow cover. You can even use ribbons, laces, beads, sequins etc. to embellish these covers to your entire satisfaction.
Curtains:
Use your bedsheets to make curtains of various styles- swags, valence, paneled curtains or cafe curtains. If you are comfortable with sewing, make it yourself and if not, then get some professional help or you can manage to learn it from net about how to make curtains.
Quilts:
They are simply adorable- the colorful quilts. You can use a number of sheets for making interesting patterns. Use embroidery, appliqués or beads to embellish the quilts and you'll amazed to know how you don't recognize your bedsheets now
Round Table Covers:
Do you have a round table, and not getting the right sized table cover? Use your bed sheet to cut a circle from it, wide enough to cover the table down to the floor, sew the hemline and here is your round table cover ready for your use!
Mats:
Have you bought mats made of rubber or coir but now you don't like their feel. Just cover them up with bedsheets and colorful, soft mats are ready for use. You can permanently sew them up with the mats or temporary arrangements, like attaching with the help of Velcros, can also be made.
These were only few of ideas that can be applied for using new bedsheets to decorate as well as reusing them for required purposes. Let your imagination do rounds to find out more interesting ways to use those bedsheets!
By: Jeff Hardy
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