Sarasota Design Star!

Tui Lifestyle Turn Key Furniture Packages

2010-09-05T08:17:00.003-04:00

I went to Miami last week specifically to speak to the execs at Tui Lifestyle. I had been saying for months that what the consumer needs is an alternative to the Rooms to Go furniture package. I understand people want to save money and the hassle of going to 20 different places to furnish their condos but I have never been impressed with the quality or style of thier products.

I wanted to see high quality, high style furniture packages and after mentioning this to some of my friends in the biz, I learned that there is a company that does exactly this. So, I visited their website and sent a letter of interest to them and they invited me to Miami to visit their showroom.

The style is beautiful, european style furnishings, luxurious textiles, well built, quality offerings in turn key packaging. I walked the showroom, sat on the upholstery pieces, opened the drawers, walked through the warehouse. These people know what they're doing and they're doing it precisely the right way. The pricing is truly amazing. A one bedroom turn key furniture package varies by style from $12 - 29K. This includes everything! The furniture, mattresses, linens, towels, accessories, living room, dining room, kitchen, and utilities as well as the bedroom and bathroom. If you have two or three bedrooms you just add some more pieces. Foriegn buyers will love this because it is precisely what they are looking for. Check out their website at www.tuilifestyle.com and call me for a private consultation. Debbie Wagner 941-518-8783.

HD Boutique!

2010-09-01T08:24:00.003-04:00

HD Boutique is coming up and I'm going to be there! This is where I get the opportunity to view the latest interior design fashions - not for the home, but for restaurants, hotels, and fun public spaces. I like to use the products and materials I find here, in my residential applications. My thoughts are that when you are traveling and stay at a fabulous resort and you love that experience of fresh, crisp linens, big fluffy white towels and calm environments that speak to your soul - of course you want to relive that experience! So why not incorporate those elements in your vacation home or rental? When I use the products I find at HD Boutique in a residential application, my clients get a design that is cutting edge, ahead of the typical residential design curve and have a longer design life. Not to mention, these interiors are "delightful", evoking memories that last well after their holiday! HD Boutique has grown tremendously over the years. I was at the first show, and every show after. I went to the big HD show in Las Vegas last year and I have to say that I walked away feeling like I dont need the Vegas show when Miami's HD Boutique has it all.

Coverings Trade Show

2010-05-25T16:31:00.003-04:00

I went to the Coverings Trade Show in Orlando last month and found some new products. Colored grout with shimmer to it. Combine this grout with glass tiles and you've got a classy look.

I also learned of a landscape tile that absorbs the UV light during the day and illuminates at night! How cool is that?!

While I was at the trade show I attended a seminar on Trends forecasted through 2020. This was truly an amazing seminar that predicted our outdoor spaces would be the highlight of design for the next 10 years as people hunker down at home due to finances.

I also attended a seminar on upcoming Color Trends and was excited about many of the color combinations set to make an impact on our lives.

If you are looking for a great designer with her finger on the pulse of upcoming trends, colors and products all you need to do is lift your finger and call 941-518-8783. Cheers for now!

New Product You've Gotta See!!

2009-07-13T14:34:00.003-04:00

While I was at HD Expo in Las Vegas this year I saw a product that is truley HOT!! Planika has a range of fire burning products to rock your world! A fireplace you can hang on the wall! Coffee tables with fire cylindars incorporated in them. No venting needed. They burn a clean alcohol based bio-fuel. If you would like more info or pricing call me at 941-518-8783.

Go Green

2009-04-30T16:44:00.001-04:00

!!!"GREEN" OFFER!!!

Bradenton/Sarasota designer Debbie Wagner of The Home Stylist will reduce her design fees by 50%, from $85/hr to $42.50/hr. to rental property owners that hire her to renovate/remodel their property using Green friendly products and practices. The reduced design fees will help offset the additional costs of some of the products.The intent is to market the finished project as a Green project and so they can market their property as a Green friendly rental with their rental company.

For more information call Debbie Wagner at 941-518-8783.

Thought process behind rental property budgets.

2009-04-17T08:58:00.005-04:00

In the last two months I have gotten calls from people who have purchased foreclosed properties, some of them quite expensive too. Their plans are to turn key furnish the property and put it in a rental program. The new issue I have been facing though is that they put all their money into purchasing the property and have very little left over for furnishing it.

Here is how I come up with a budget for turn-key furnishing a property for rental.

First take into consideration the true value of the property, just because it was purchased for hundreds of thousands dollars less - it still has a perceived value.

I am going to use the latest job that I did not get because the owners were unrealistic about the cost to furnish it. They purchased the home for I'm guessing $1 million, I think it probably is worth $1.3 mil. Location is amazing - walking distance to St. Armands circle, on a canal with a dock and lift. Short distance to Lido Beach. Gorgeous mediteranian style home. Approx 4500 s.f., 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, den, family room, game room, laundry, kitchen, living room, dining room, breakfast room, 3 lanais and a rooftop deck! Not a stick of furniture, window treatments or electronics - completely bare.

If furnished properly and to the level that the house demands it could easily rent for $12-15,000 a month! So after crunching the numbers and my rates are very fair I came to $137,000 to turn key furnish it with window treatments, electronics and the works - move in ready. And what I have found over the years is that if the owners put in 10% of the property value it will come out perfectly - my fees included in that figure.

The owners then email me that their budget is $60,000! Four couples bought this house together and all they can come up with is $60k. I was floored! The house had to have 30 windows and sliders - how on earth can those be dressed with this budget? Not to mention the number of tv's and electronics needed. There wasn't even a washer and dryer in the place.

When furnishing a property for rental I have a checklist of all the items that are to go into that property; everything needed in the kitchen, bedding, t.v. size requirements, etc. Think about it this way, if you are going to pay $15,000 a month for a rental property you probably have a lot of money in the bank and you are used to a certain level of comfort and you expect the same or close to the same level as you have at home. So I emailed them that there is no possible way that They, I, or anyone else could turn-key furnish that place for $60k AND get it rented. I said prove to me on paper how it can be done and I will do it. My thought process is that once they put some real thought into it they would realize it can't be done. I also said if they came up with $85k I could realistically attempt to do it. Never heard from them again....

To do that place for $60k I would have to put roller shades -without the blackout liner on the bedroom windows only, one bed, one nightstand, one lamp, and one set of bedding in each of the bedrooms, no t.v. in the living room, one flatscreen in the game room and one in the family room, there wouldnt be much of any artwork in the place and the rest would go to furnishings. I would only be able to put KMart outdoor furniture on two of the lanais - if I'm lucky and I would be doing this for free because there would be no money left to pay myself! SPARSE would be the design concept!

So yes, it can be done for $60k, BUT, can it be rented? Definately not for $15,000. Maybe for $3,500. So that equates to a huge loss of income. Had the owners chosen to do it right the first time, they would have paid for the cost to furnish the property within the first year from the rental income they could have aquired at the higher rate. When you decorate to the level of the property value the results are that the property is rented far more often than a property that is done cheaply.

For example, I had one couple who called me after the rental company told them they would be dropped from the program because their condo was not getting rented and was too dark. I came in renovated the place for about $40k and the results were that the property is rented most of the year and they couldnt even use it themselves because it was always rented out! The renovations were paid for the first year - now it's all gravy!

I had another couple called me that bought a luxury condo at the Ritz. It was completely empty when the rental agent wanted to show it to a potential renter so I showed up with the concept boards in hand and they signed a 2 year lease at $20k a month! The place is gorgeous and again was paid for in the first year - gravy!

When purchasing a property, owners can use a general rule of 10% of property value to turn-key furnish the place so that it is getting the most out of the rental program.

Update...

2009-04-16T12:38:00.003-04:00

Wow, it's been a while since I blogged here.

I did attend the Green trade show in W. Palm Beach and was really disappointed. There were about 20 tables with vendors and that was it. There were good products but I was already aware of at least half of them. So, although we are all trying so hard to push the Green movement it still has a ways to go.

I had a wonderful time though while I was there. My friend Elizabeth who is a designer in Ft. Lauderdale met me there and we went to Kona Grill for sushi - really delicious! and then we drove to The Breakers for martini's! I think that this is must do at least once in your life and I have been fortunate enough to have done it twice! Life is good!

I spent a few days with friends then travelled to Orlando for the Home Electronics trade show. I was disappointed with that as well since it was about 1/3 of the size of the shows in previous years. Apparently, my host told me, the economy is so bad that vendors are only doing select shows and this wasnt one of them - the big show was expected in Atlanta.

The next show I had planned to attend was KBIS in Atlanta in May. After reviewing the schedule I decided that the seminars are way to expensive! And because of the economy I have to choose which trade shows I can afford to attend. Therefore, I've decided to attend the HD Expo (Hospitality Design) in Las Vegas in mid May.

HD Expo is something I have wanted to do for years! I go to the HD Boutique show every year in South Beach but the Vegas show is REALLY BIG! Due to the economy there are some really great rates to travel to Vegas so for the price of 3 seminars at KBIS I am able to go for 5 days to HD in Vegas! I registered for three seminars (at only $37.50 ea!). They are as follows:

1) Complexity of Color
2) Creative Solutions: The Challenge of Design Excellence
3) Global Trends Report: Around the World in 80 Projects

I am really excited about the new products I will be introduced to and the cutting edge ideas and designs that keep my designs fresh and new!

Schedule Update.

2009-03-10T15:59:00.003-04:00

I will be in West Palm Beach tomorrow, March 11th, to attend the Green Conference and learn about the latest "green" practices and suppliers.

On Thursday I will be in Ft. Lauderdale and visiting the Design Center of the America's (DCOTA) to see what is still available from their floor sample sale last week.

On Friday I will be in Orlando attending the Home Electronics trade show and learn about the latest and greatest in home entertainment, security and more.

I will update my blog with everything I learned on this trip!

Pray for safe travels!

Newspaper Exposure!

2009-03-06T10:55:00.003-05:00

My picture is in the Longboat Key Observer this week! Thanks to photographer Jessica who was snapping pic's at Lee Hienemans open house last week.

I am in the papers a lot because I go to a lot of events on the island. 80% of my customers are on Longboat Key so I attend a lot of events and I end up in the paper. It just so happens that a lady who was referred to me by her realtor the first year of my business was at this party - 6 years later! She said that she really appreciated my input to her project and that I really listened to her. Turns out she hired Lee Hieneman to do the remodel - it took her 6 years to make a decision though! She also mentioned that she's been following my career in the paper the entire time! That was great news for me to hear.

Be where your business is!!

Give and Gain

2009-03-06T10:10:00.003-05:00

I think I was on Linkedin when I got a link to a blog from a guy that runs a marketing firm. His philosophy for networking is to be a good listener and help people to build their businesses, give them ideas to grow on and in turn they will keep you in mind when the perfect referal comes up. This theory is called Give and Gain. His blog got a lot of positive feedback to this method of networking.

My first thought was "well, no kidding!" I guess I have always instinctively done this. Because of my line of business I have to be a good listener and I am. Because of the amount of networking and marketing I do in the community I come in contact with a wide variety of business people and ideas. Therefore whenever I speak with someone about their challenges I can almost always come up with an idea or solution for them. I also have a large binder that holds all the business cards of people I've met, therefore I can always put people together that can help each other. This morning I was talking to a business colleage who wants to sell her business so I gave her the contact info for an immigration attorney who helps foreign nationals buy businesses! Viola!

I belong to the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce. This is the best small chamber in the area by far. Mainly because it's members really do help each other build their businesses - unlike any other chamber in the area. There is another larger chamber in the area that is struggling. I believe it is because everytime I attend one of their events its always "what can you do for me" attitude I get from its members, or, it's a pick up joint! The members dont seem to try to help each other. Until they get that attitude adjusted they will continue to struggle in growing their membership. They need to learn Give and Gain!

This brings an important point to mind. Whenever you hear of a networking group or some sort of business group to join. Ask if you can attend a couple of meetings first. This is very important. Every legitimate group will be happy to let you attend and you get a feel for the group to see if it is a good match for you. This will save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars every year. I review the groups that I am a member of every year to see if it is providing me with referals and business. If it is not then I dont renew my membership. I try to join a new group every year to expand my exposure and meet new business leaders in the community. A $250 membership fee for a year of exposure beats the price of print ads any day!

So Give and Gain is a great way to grow your business, and help others to grow theirs!

Design for the Times- Creating Calm

2009-03-03T08:39:00.007-05:00

When we are bombarded daily with instability and lack of trust in the very establishments that we are supposed to rely on, we crave the escape to a calm and peaceful environment. Have you ever spent time in a Japanese garden? It is simple, beautiful, has lot's of open space. It involves your sense of sight, smell (subtly) hearing (with water features) and touch. And taste, if there is a Japanese tea house involved.

If you want to create a sense of calm in your own personal environment there are some easy inexpensive ways to accomplish this.

Get back to nature. Water or fire features. Nature scenes via pictures, paintings and murals. Colors from nature. Remember that in nature, the colors are dark on the floor and get lighter as you go higher. Dark ground, light sky. Add fresh flowers, real plants!

Paint. Paint your walls with soft, calm, & peaceful colors. Shades of biege, or sand are very calming. So is pale aqua, or pale pink, or soft yellow.

Remove the clutter. Clutter stifles the flow of energy. Take all the accessories out of the room then add in only a few personal items such as pictures, art, or sculpture. Personalize it but dont put every personal item in the room. Collections of similar items in threes spread around the room creates interest and a sense of balance.

Balance. Creating symmetry in a space is calming. Divide the space in half and whatever is happing on one side of the room in terms of heights, line, proportion should be happening on the other side of the room as well. For example, when you have a fireplace with a mantel and you put a tall candle on one side of the mantel put a tall candle on the other side as well to create equal balance. When you have a tall entertainment center or flat screen tv on one wall, offset on the other side of the room with a picture of the same scale hung at the same height. Asymmetrical design, where things are not equal, creates excitement and high energy - not calm.

Line. Creating horizontal lines in the room is calming. Zigzag lines create action, energy, movement and are not considered calm. Vertical lines create height but not calm. I love painting wide, horizontal bands on the walls. Even horizontal lines on pillows will work. I love horizontal lines in a room. I have taken molding strips and attached them horizontally to the wall.

Scent. I think we all know by now that Vanilla is a scent that speaks to our soul. I personnaly am tired of that scent and prefer other calming scents. I really like the Ralph Lauren Spa scent. I love lavender! People always comment on how wonderful my house smells because I have Glade plug-ins in the lavendar scent scattered throughout my house. Visit a candle and atomizer specialty shop to find the scent that speaks to you personnaly.

Sound. Home fountains come in all styles and prices. The sound of flowing water is soothing. Water features in general connect us with nature. Also, if you have a lot of hard surfaces the sound is bouncing around the room. Buffer these sounds by adding area rugs, and drapery panels to absorb the sound. Turn off the tv. Turn on soft, soothing music.

Lighting. I love dimmer switches! You can set the level of lighting according to your mood and what you need to accomplish. Task lighting or general lighting is overhead, well lit lighting in the room. Add a dimmer switch and you can lower the level of light output. How about turning off all the lights and just lighting candles?! Or turning off the overhead lights and turn on low wattage lamps. Lighting is a key element to creating a calm environment.

Taste. Mmmmm! Comfort foods. Soup, starch, scones! Wine!

So, if you need a calm, personal environment to escape to just implement some of the ideas above and RELAX!! If you look around you probably have many of the items mentioned and may not even have to spend any money!

Buy Local!!

2009-02-28T14:36:00.003-05:00

Early this morning I drove to a local fruit and vegtable stand and purchased fresh produce for the week. I love the smell of cilantro! When I buy it at the grocery store I can barely smell it, but at the market the smell lures me toward it. The fresh strawberries filled my car with a sweet scent all the way home! I filled two grocery sacks to the top with fresh fruits and vegtables for $19.50. Thank you farmers! Tonight I will make stirfry for dinner with a fresh salad!

Later in the early afternoon I visted the Village of the Arts community. It is a community of brightly colored, craftsman era homes that serve as live/work spaces for local artists. It was such a wonderful treat! These people are so creative!

As a designer I have always tried to fill the spaces I do with local art scenes by local artists. It gives each space a unique, one-of-a-kind feeling.

I found so many different art mediums. There were welded metal sculptures with local underwater themes, framed photographs of beach scenes and crustacians, folk art with unique sayings such as "I'm from Florida, I can drink with the best!" Or, "I see drunk people" - it was pretty funny. There was also watercolor and oil paintings, and one artist was painting a 4 foot long gecko. One gallery showcased the works from students at the Ringling School of Art and Design.

We also discovered a small restaurant that has theme dinners ranging from Ethiopian to Peruvian to fresh made pizzas!

So be a tourist in your own town and buy from the locals. Walking through this small village churned the creative juices in me and inspired me to follow through with some of my artistic ideas.

Follow Up and Follow Through

2009-02-28T14:24:00.003-05:00

My networking and marketing efforts really paid off this week. I reconnected with businesses that have fed my business in the past to let them know that I am still in business and stronger than ever. As a result I got two leads for new owners and an offer to keep my marketing materials in the business center of a downtown condo building, I was also offered a priceless phone and contact list for a key real estate office! So next week I will touch base with the people who had the leads and I will get my marketing materials and some acrylic holders to put in the condo building. I am also going to update my website with new info and pictures and will contact a couple of my past clients for testimonials to add to the website.

I also helped three other people build their businesses. I referred a client to a personal trainer with a unique approach to physical fitness. I also helped get a key contact name for another person just building their business. In return she is going to give my card to someone who is ready to decorate in her subdivision and get me the information for advertising my business on the subdivisions website! Finally, I attended an open house for a contractor that I cross refer with and invited a client to the open house.

By helping others build their businesses they will keep me at the forefront of their minds when they hear of an opportunity to pass on to me. And, it's so easy to do because I have a mind for business and I love helping others!

Marketing my Business.

2009-02-26T09:36:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I haven't blogged for awhile. A year to be exact. I AM still in business! 2008 was a tight year. Since I specialize in vacation homes and rentals my business is slow at the beginning of the year due to the fact that the rentals are full with seasonal visitors, but once they leave, around Easter, the phone starts ringing again. This was the case in May. Although I had my regulars calling me at the beginning of the year to do little touch ups to their units, the bigger jobs started in May. This confirms to me that my marketing efforts paid off and even though it was a horrible economic year I was still able to attract business because of my referal base. It just goes to show that if you do a great job and make sure everyone is happy at the end you will get repeat business and referrals.

What I have learned to do during the slow times is reconnect with those that referred business to me and to develop new marketing and networking plans. It's good to look back and see which plans worked and which didn't. The best plan for me is t0 network. I try different organizations each year and at the end of the year determine if they were worth it or not. I also decide what new organization I want to join that might help build my business.

The key things to look at when determining what organization will work is who are the members, are they businesses that can help build my business, how many events/opportunities does the organization provide that I can attend and meet these people.

Also, it is important that you have the opportunity to present your business at these events, such as an introduction or a 30 second opportunity to let them know who you are and why you are unique. Tailor your speech to what the members would feel is important about your business.

I find that the fact that I've won 1st runner up for rookie small business of the year in '06 gives me credibility. Also, I let people know what trade shows I'm going to and offer to bring back specific product information that they might be looking for. This let's them know that I feel its important to stay on top of new trends and products and that I want to help them with their business at the same time.

I try not to hand out my business card unless I am asked for it and then I ask for their's as well. I'm also a great listener and I ask questions about their business and what challenges they are dealing with, then I try to think of a great idea or tip to help them overcome that challenge and I reconnect with them.

I keep a large binder in my office that holds every business card I have ever received and it is organized in groups pertaining to the type of business. I also enter the contact info into my Constant Contact database as well as my email database for future marketing. When my clients ask me if I have a painter or a place to buy silk arrangements I can always pull out my binder and refer someone I have met personally!

Creating personal relationships is critical to building a successful business. Don't be short-sighted. Everyone you come in contact with is important now and can be even more so in the future. I make everyone feel they are important. I try to refer people to other business as much as possible.

When I have finished decorating a residence I go to the chamber office and pick up all the brochures, business cards, telephone books and magazines that I feel would be important to the owner and the renter and I fill a drawer with the information. This helps the local businesses and puts restaurants, parks, and arts information right at their fingertips.

When people know that you are trying to help build their business they like to help you in return!

Small Space: Creating Value

2007-12-28T10:54:00.000-05:00

In the past having a small property was a detriment to your real estate investment. Now, with the move towards simplifying, downsizing, retiring and vacationing, small properties can have a definate advantage. An experience designer can help you make the most of your real estate investment.

Here are some things to consider that will create value to a small property.

Location:

A room with a view is a positive feature for a small property. An expansive view can make a small space feel larger. A designer will accentuate the view making it the focal point of the space.
Cultural rich city. Being in close proximity to dining, arts and entertainment gives a small space a definate advantage. A designer will help you diffuse city noise.
Nature: Being able to escape into nature via long walks through the park, lounging at the beach or fishing at the lake, being close to nature is prime real estate. A designer has tricks to bringing the outside -in.

Storage and Style:

Purchasing or updating a small property with built-ins and storage options as well as providing multi-purpose rooms is a resale perk. A designer can custom design built-in storage and closet systems for the property. Buyers can definately see the value of a small home with built-ins and lots of storage.
Paint. It's true, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way - nuetral is better as people want to visualize their own style in the space. One of my secrets is to paint the cieling the same color as the walls creating a seamless space.
Product. Having the latests upgrades is important. Counters should be at 36" high. Tile should be updated or glazed. Fixtures, including plumbing and lighting should be updated. Cabinets and built-in's should appear rich and expensive. An interior designer can create concept and cohesion in a space.

Amenities:

Purchasing in a development or community that is rich in amenities will definately pay off. Pools, hot tubs, exercise facilities, walking and bicycle paths, and covered parking are benefits with advantage. Your realtor can guide you through the process of finding the perfect community.

Retirement Perks: Downsizing

2007-12-28T09:11:00.000-05:00

By looking at downsizing as a perk of retirement rather than a necessity, you will have a much better frame of mind going forward.

Converting from a large home to a smaller home - or, no home at all in the case of travellers, takes a lot of thought, effort and dedication. Let's face it if you are not dedicated to your new mantra of "less is more" you will soon acquire new "stuff".

The New Home:

Location! Location! Location! Evaluate how you want to live and this will help you decide where you want to live.

For example, if you dont want to cook anymore, living in an area with a wide range of restaurant choices would be a essential factor in determining where you want to live. Also, you would no longer need a large kitchen. However, if you dream of living out in the country with no neighbors and a long trek into town you would need lots of pantry storage and a working kitchen. Both options can save you money in different ways.

When downsizing to your new home every room should have purpose, be utilized daily and be multi-purpose if possible. No more unused "formal" spaces. A great room provides, seating, viewing and dining all in one space. You can sit in your living space, watch television and have a table and chairs for dining all in one area. An extra bedroom should be multi-purpose. You can use if for tv and office, or guest room and office, or even guest room, office and tv/reading. Built-in storage and shelving, as well as a murphy bed or sleeper-sofa will be great investments.

Converting a closet to a computer credenza makes good sense and is much more useful. Creating and making the most of built-in storage and shelving systems will utilize volume of space from floor to ceiling. Creating storage is a vital component of downsizing as well as employing the volume of the space.

If you decide that you will travel during the first part of your retirement years you may decide that puting everything in a climate-controlled storage facility makes more sense and saves money. So what do you put in storage? Only the basics, items you will need/want when you are ready to move into a home again. Basic furniture items, kitchen items and mementos you cant part with, bed and bath items. You may find that many of the items you couldn't bare to part with in the beginning don't hold the same importance to you after you've been travelling and living without them for so long.

Perks of Downsizing: You are living your newly designed lifestyle. Less cooking. Less cleaning. Less maintaining. More dining. More relaxing. More freedom.

Purging and Clearing the Clutter:

It took many years to collect everything in your home. Many of those items hold emotional ties. Downsizing means you must re-evaluate and let go of many of your belongings. Some things will be easy and you will laugh at how silly it seems now to have held onto them for so long. Others will be extremely difficult to let go of.

First of all, it is best to ask children and family members if they want any of the items you are considering getting rid of. Your children may want old photos, heirlooms and furniture or yard maintenance items. I have listened to many stories of family members who are fighting over items they want as mementos of their parents once they have passed on. Why not give them those items now while you are still with them. Whatever items your family members dont want you need to respect and understand that your tastes are not theirs. You enjoyed the collection and that's what's important. Now you can look at the items as good investments - by selling these items at a garage sale you are making money that you can invest with.

Photo's: Keep a few family photos, the rest can be scanned and copied onto disc's and disc's can be copied and distributed to family members.

Clothing: Do not store clothing. Evaluate what you will need and use, and get rid of the rest.

Furniture: Keep only what you will use and wont become outdated. Pass on heirloom pieces, sell or donate the rest.

Holiday/Seasonal items: Keep one small box of your favorite things, distribute the rest among younger family members with small children and big homes! Your future holidays will be spent travelling or visiting family.

Collections: This is the hardest to get rid of. My best advice: Use, Donate, Sell.

Perks to Purging: You have addressed the issues of who gets what. You are freeing yourself of possessions. You have freedom to move.

Downsizing Pets?!

Yes it's true. When I moved into a larger home four years ago we had two hampsters, two finches, two cats and one medium sized dog. Well, hampsters get tumors and finches have a short life span. As the beloved pets passed on, I passed a new house rule - no more caged animals. Seeing how I was the only person cleaning the cages this was easy for me. We still have the cats and the dog but I inform my kids - regularly it seems - that when they move out they are taking their pets with them. By carefully planning the future, I will have only a small lap pet during my retirement, one that can travel with me, otherwise, I will have no pets at all.

Perks for downsizing pets: Less mess. Small space = small pets. Freedom to travel.

Downsizing provides more time, more money, more freedom and less burdens. Downsizing is indeed a retirement perk!

Symplify and Save Big

2007-12-28T08:20:00.000-05:00

Let's face it the grass always looks greener on the other side - or across the street. In my case the thought of a larger house for our growing family was very enticing. Now, only four years later, I yearn for my previous smaller-more-efficient home where every inch was utilized and had purpose. Never did I consider the fact that many of the rooms in the new home are hardly ever used (formal living room, formal dining room, guest room). Or, what it would take to clean such a large place. I hardly ever see my kids because they have most of what they need in their bedrooms.

Being an interior designer, I often get calls from realtors inquiring about staging properties with furniture until the property sells. I soon realized that I have enough extra furniture and accessories in my own house that I can actually stage a small two bedroom condo!

As the kids get older and will soon be on their own, I am beginning to evaluate my belongings and wonder what their purpose will be in the future. I'm fairly certain my kids wont find my extensive shot glass collection of any sentimental value when they move out. Also, having acquired my mother's antique dining suite, I am fairly certain my kids wont want any of my furniture when they move out either.

Therefore, I am now retraining my thought process when I make a purchase. Although I have always been a true believer in "retail therapy" I must now consider: 1) why am I purchasing this item 2) what is the life expectancy of the item 3) do I really need it? 4) is it something my kids would want in the future? 5) what will it cost to maintain it? After asking myself these important questions I probably wont actually purchase many of the things I considered purchasing. I figure I will save a few hundred dollars every month by eliminating unnecessary items.

By trading my large home for a smaller-but-well-designed home, I will save thousands of dollars a month in mortgage, insurance, property taxes and utilities!

The light bulb is on and the horses are out! I'm loving this already! Heck, if I lose 15 pounds I already have a fairly new wardrobe waiting in my closet! I can afford to vacation AND look good! Simplifying does make perfect sense.

Small Spaces: Built-ins are a Blessing

2007-12-28T07:17:00.000-05:00

The interest to downsize or simplify one's lifestyle has been gaining in popularity. Especially now, when baby boomers are beginning to retire and re-evaluate their current lifestyle and learning how to transition into their future lifestyle. I believe that built-in storage and shelving is critical to the successful transition to a smaller space.

Let's face it, when moving from a large space to a smaller space, somethings got to go. But having a well-planned space to move into will make life so much easier. Built-in storage and shelving is a key component to a well-planned space.

Use that space. I'm talking volume. From floor to ceiling, use every inch. A thoughtful layout will be functional and beautiful. Open shelving combined with closed cabinets and drawers, multiple levels, room for art and accessories as well as storage for paperwork and utility items.

For example, in the master bedroom, under the bed storage is great for keeping wrapping paper, seasonal clothing and items such as skis. A thoughtfully designed built-in closet system will utilize the space so much better than your standard shelf and rod. Built-in closet systems can provide additional drawer space, room for shoes, hats, and purses. Tie and belt racks are a great addition for your closet. You will save time with an organized closet by finding what you need when you need it, and your things will last longer if they are stored nicely rather than in a heap.

How about turning an unused hall closet into a built-in computer credenza that can be closed up and out of sight when not in use! Also, built-in benches with seats that can be lifted up are an excellent way to store extra blankets and bedding or boxes of photos.

An extra bedroom can have multiple uses by incorporating a murphy bed system that integrates built-in storage or a corner desk thereby providing space for office work or a t.v room as well as space for guests.

Hiring an expert that has fresh insight to your needs and can custom design the perfect solution will ease your burden and free up your time so that you can get to the task at hand - purging unused items.

Can I score points for sticking with my business?!

2007-11-06T13:54:00.000-05:00

OMG! Cant I just score a few points for sticking with my business?! In this crazy economy where businesses are shutting down left and right I have to say that it is driving me crazy that I keep getting phone calls from previous friends, clients and business associates who want me to join their (yes) MLM (multi-level marketing) business! Good, Golly, Gosh, people! (my daughters favorite saying) If I'm going to put my efforts somewhere it's going to be where I find my passion, not where "supposedly" I can make a great career out of selling people on the latest fad! Wake up! Even Amway isnt around anymore! I'm not 20, I've been around to see many friends put their money and efforts into these endeavors. I'm not one of them, I want to love what I do, I am talented, I have passion, I went to school, I have a degree, I give back to my community, I am happy at MY career choice! I love my friends, but dont cross the line and mix the relationship. Those who know me, know that I am good at what I do and that I love what I do. Don't try to lead me down a different path. You gave up on your career, don't expect me to do the same.

Disturbing Mortgage Trend

2007-10-25T16:54:00.000-04:00

It seems that lately I keep talking to people who are ready and willing to walk away from their mortgages and face foreclosure - I can't blame them. Last year we all faced rising insurance rates coupled with higher property taxes. That, along with the fact that here in Florida many of us are in businesses that are affected by the real estate market so we've had to go through 1 - 2 years of a seriousely depressed market. Today I spoke with one person who had an invesment property that has been for sale for well over a year, she is now dipping into her retirement savings to make the mortgage payment. We both agreed that there will come a point - sooner than later - when the retirement money will be more important than the condo and she says that when that time comes "the bank can have it back." Another person has her house up for sale because her husband is being transfered, she has it priced well below market and is even willing to take a loss to sell it but it no one is even looking at it. I myself saw a nice house for rent close to mine that is on a canal with a boat dock for half of what I pay for my mortgage, and the lawn and pool care are included! Oh, too just call the landlord when something needs fixing.....! Right now home ownership is overrated!

Slow in Sarasota

2007-10-23T12:38:00.000-04:00

Wow! I have to say that this slow economy is finally on my doorstep. I usually receive many more calls than I have been during the month of October. However, I have learned from the past that when times are slow you take advantage of the opportunity to review your business plan, make changes, reassess what you are doing to get customers and think of new ways to get customers and make new contacts. So, that's what I've been doing.

Some of the changes I've made are where I network. For four years I have belonged to the Longboat Key Chamber and I have done all my networking there. For a short time I belonged to Sarasota Young Professionals but found that it was not "professional" at all. People told me years ago that I should attract business from Lakewood Ranch and although I had a couple of customers from there, I've never actually "tried" to get business from that area. Well now is different. For a small fee I was able to join Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. A large group of businesses operating in LWR. I am really happy with the value of this membership. I am able to attend luncheon's and after-hours networking events where 200 people and more show up! It operates as well as any chamber in the area. Also, during my business evaluation I decided that I wanted to attract international clients so I joined Sarasota Sister Cities and Sarasota Association of Realtors. I haven't done much with either so far. Right now I think I will focus on the Sar. Sister Cities since many members have the same mindset as me. SAR hasnt impressed me much so far.

I've also placed ads in newspapers offering a wider range of services and holiday decorating. I've found that people ask their housekeepers and pool guys to care for their property while they're away and so I've decided to offer discounted property management services. So, I'm still focusing on Longboat Key, but I've recently added Lakewood Ranch as a viable area to establish my services as well.

As I mentioned above, I recently started offering Holiday Decorating services and my ad should come out next Thursday. I hope that it is well received as this would be a very fun outlet for my creativity. I love decorating my own house and have 3 trees and an extensive ornament collection. I also mentioned in the ad that I would do businesses as well.

Well the main point is that I've put a lot of effort and energy into finding new business and in my mind you cant put that much energy into something without it paying off in the end. I recently saw a special on CNBC in which Donald Trump was the guest and one of his points about being successful in your business is to "Be Tenacious!" and that's something that is sticking with me and will be part of my mantra!

Hotel of the Future: Posieden Mystery Island

2007-09-24T18:03:00.000-04:00

I was one of the lucky people at the HD Boutique show in South Beach last week to attend the semninar on Radical Innovations. There were 4 innovative hotel design projects highlighted for this seminar. The story boards for all four were located outside the meeting room where attendees could browse each project before entering the seminar. Two hotel projects were honorable mentions and the other two were the finalists for a $5,000 award that was granted at the end of the seminar based on the results of the participants votes.

The Posiedon Undersea Resort was the winner of the award and rightly so. A lot of thought has gone into this hotel design including ways to float this underwater hotel above a coral reef.

The French designer, Jean-Claude Carme started out building submarine parts and also worked with Jaque Cousteau. The concepts that go into submarine design are what drive this hotel design. The rooms are pods that are bouyant and float above the coral reef located beneath it. The rooms are a spacious 550 s.f. each. and boast all the amenities you would expect from a 5 star resort. There is also an underwater restaurant. And, guests can pilot their own 3 person submarine!

The hotel is yet to be built but already has 12,000 guests waiting at $15,000 per person per night. Guests can only stay 2 nights underwater and the rest of the week in a hotel on the resorts privatey owned island located in Fijian waters.

How safe is it? Well, shortly after purchasing the island a Tsunami occured nearby as a result of an underwater earthquake. The owners soon learned that a deep trench undersea provided a barrier so that the wave from the tsunami was weakened before reaching the island resulting in just a 3" wave by the time it reached shore.

To learn more about this exciting resort visit their website at http://www.poseidonresorts.com/

Eco-Friendly products

2007-09-23T15:15:00.000-04:00

Having gone to two trade shows in two and half weeks that had to do with interior design products I was impressed that there is much more emphasis placed on eco-friendly products, procedures and projects.

Products

I spoke with a wallcovering manufacturer who told me that the way they have addressed the issue is by letting the buyers return the unused product for recycling. The manufacturer will recycle the wallcovering rather than having it put in the trash.

There are new eco-friendly foams for bedding and pillows also. Low voc paints that we can use in our homes and businesses.

Most of us now know of eco-friendly flooring products such as bamboo and cork.

There is a conference on Green + Design in Atlanta on October 1-2 with 4 distinct areas of design; Commercial, Hospitality, Retail and Residential. There will be seminars directed at each of these distinct areas as well as product exhibits. To learn more about this conference and expo you can visit http://www.greendesignexpo.com/.

Practices

Not only are there products available to the consumer that are eco-friendly, there are aslo practices that businesses can put in place that are environmentally friendly. For example, restaurants can opt to put practices into place such as sorting recyclables from garbage and composting food waste. They can choose products wrapped in non-bleached papers and they can pressure suppliers to use packaging that is less harmful to the environment. They can also put symbols next to the items on their menus that are eco-friendly like vegetarian items.

Retail showrooms can use more effecient lighting and bulbs, and again eco friendly packaging.

Commercial offices can use light harvesting techniques, purchase furniture that is eco-friendly with little or no off-gasing, and cooling with water features.

Consumers can help by placing an emphasis on frequenting establishments that make a consious effort to go-green.

Projects

I attended a seminar at the HD Boutique trade show in South Beach titled Radical Design. There were two finalists that had created innovative hotel design projects and were trying to win a $5,000 prize for their ideas. The runners up were Carly Cannell and Linda Wallack of Weetu Corp, a new company that was formed just 1 month prior to the contest. These two women came up with the idea to radically redesign exhisting road-side motels/hotels of the 50's and 60's with a decidedly retro themed brand called the MoMotel. Their intent was to remodel existing motels rather than tear them down completely. They would reconfigure the floorplans to offer 3 different sizes, create an experience for budget concious travelers and use eco-friendly products. You can learn more about their concept by visiting www.goweetu.com.

Un-Branding: The New Trend

2007-09-23T14:08:00.001-04:00

I attended the HD Boutique show in South Beach last week and one interesting trend that came out of it is "un-branding". The reason behind it is this, some chain hotels or lodging venues and chain restaurants are exactly the same no matter what their location is. You know exactly what it's going to look like. P.F. Changs restaurant is a good example, I love this restaurant and I know exactly what it's going to look like no matter if I'm in Tampa, Naples or Orlando. The same goes for lodging, there are numerous hotel chains that offer the same design in every city.

"A brand is a symbolic embodiment of all the information connected to the product and serves to create associations and expectations around it." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/brand. Business owners have been told for years to create a brand association for their products. Indeed, Starwood Hotels just hired their new CEO Frits van Paasschen, based on his branding experience - he has no lodging experience. I happen to be a member of Starwood resorts. I know that when I stay in at any Sheraton I will sleep on a SweetSleeper bed, heck, I bought the Marriott Bed and all it's bedding after staying at a Marriott Renaisance resort! I remember staying at a Westin resort and all the sand in the ashtrays were stamped with a symbolic "W".

So what's all the talk about un-branding now? Not to worry, your marketing dollars did not go to waste. Un-branding is about giving the location or setting of the venue much more consideration in the design. Restauranteur Jeffrey Chodorow, of China Grill and Social restaurants, spoke to us about taking the important elements that you find in both Social restaurants; game room, pool table, lounge seating, etc and keeping those elements but creating a design that is site specific and takes in the elements of its surroundings. Karen Daroff of Daroff Designs said the same thing when she spoke of spa design. When creating a new restaurant or spa or hotel regardless of whether you've created your own "brand" aesthetic, the design of the space should encompass the key elements of it's surroundings; mountains, desert, red rock canyons, water, white sand beaches. Miami = Art Deco, beaches, water, Arizona = desert, cactus, Idaho= mountains, stone, evergreen trees. Indeed Social in Miami is white on white, with chrome and clean lines. Social in Hollywood is actually Morrocon inspired. But in every Social restaurant you will find a game area and pool table and other elements connected with being in a Social restaurant.

What they are saying is keep the elements that are unique to your brand, but give leeway for designing for the location. A white on white, with chrome contemporary restaurant in the wild, wild west desert of Arizona would feel out of place. Wouldnt it be great if your destination hotel was designed with the destination itself in mind? If the hotel sprung from the landscape.

HD Boutique Show in South Beach

2007-09-23T13:28:00.000-04:00

I attend the HD Boutique show in Miami every year. I love hospitality design and since I specialize in vacation homes and rentals I think it's important to stay informed of what is happening in hotel design. This show is sponsored by Hospitality Design magazine and just like the magazine the show continues to grow each year. Four years ago I walked the entire show in half a day - this year it took 2 days. Every year brings dynamic speakers on cutting edge topics.

I truly believe that hotel design is at the forefront of residential design. People stay in these incredible, luxurious hotel rooms and want to replicate that experience within their home. When I design a vacation home I want people to feel at ease the moment they step in the door, I want to "wow" them. I want them to feel like the place is worth every dime they are spending to be there - and more. I want them to tell their friends.

When I attend this show I get to see the products that will be in hotels, I form relationships to purchase the products at cost, I attend seminars to hear from people about what to look for in the future, how a concept was formed and what went into implementing it, I like to hear from the experts about what is important to them, maybe there is something I should be thinking about more seriousely, and I get to learn about the differences in a variety of products.

This year I saw a lot stronger emphasis placed on eco-friendly products. I saw a trend by the hotels and restaurants of un-branding, and they had very good points for this. And I saw dramatic concepts for hotels in the future.

South Beach is the perfect location for this show and staying in the area is priceless. There are dozens of trendy boutique hotels in this area, all within walking distance. During the day we would go to the show and at night we would walk to a few hotels in the area and check out the design of the lobby, restaurant, bar and pool areas. We would spend time in the spaces and experience them for ourselves. One night the group got split up temporarily and a couple of us spent some time in the lobby of one of the hotels (I think it was the National - not sure, too many cocktails) that had numerous classic chair designs, so we tried each one out for comfort. It was fantastic! One of my favorite hotels was the DeLano! I could not get enough of this hotel, it was so comfortable to lounge in. Another night I dragged the group to the Sagamore Hotel because it houses the restaurant/bar Social and the following day I would be attending a seminar hosted by the owner and designer of the restaurant. It was really incredible to have visited the space and then listen to what went into creating the space.

HD Boutique is about hotel and restaurant design now and in the future and South Beach is the perfect backdrop for this event.

SAR - International Congress

2007-09-23T13:08:00.000-04:00

I was fortunate enough to attend the first annual SAR (Sarasota Association of Realtors) International Congress this past week. It was held at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club and many of the sponsors had businesses at LWR. The purpose was to inform realtors on how to do business with other realtors in other countries around the world. There was an economist that gave his professional opinion about where the real estate market really is and where it is headed. He backed it up with graphs and good resources. It was very enlightening and more positive for our area than negative although the general consensus is that we will still go through another 6 months at least of slow growth.

This seminar was two days for me (some realtors were there for three days). I was the only Interior Designer there and my purpose was to meet new realtors, inform them about my business services and suggest that I could help sponsor one of their overseas trips if they were to include my promo materials with theirs. I met many people who were open to the idea and want to explore it more.

There were many speakers who talked to us about how they do business in other countries, what to plan for and things that you might not think about when doing business in a foriegn country. It was suggested that you should focus on one country, study the culture, learn how to do business in that country and become an expert on that country. Better to focus on one country than to try and do it all everywhere. There was a panel of people from other countries and people who do business in other countries and they answered questions about what it is like in each particular country to do business in the real estate market. It was incredibly informative. There was also information about resources, and websites and programs that you can use to market abroad. They talked about making contacts abroad with other realtors and creating business relationships.

We also got to tour the Lakewood Ranch area on a guided tour bus. We stopped at some Pat Neal homes where they served lunch, then toured model homes at the Lake Club where they served us dessert!

The staff at the Country Club served up the most fantastic meals during the entire 3 day event. We took home goody bags filled with information on LWR and the sponsors and many promo items.

designers daily blog 9/22/07

2007-09-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

I've done 3 trade shows in 2-1/2 weeks and have tried to use this weekend to catch up. The first trade show was in Orlando for a Furniture and Accessories show. The current economy had a terrible outcome on this show as there were very few companies on display - apparently many have gone out of business, and very few attendees - perhaps for the same reason. Nonetheless I made a few very good contacts for purchasing direct with the manufacturer so I was happy.

The second show was for Sarasota Association of Realtors - International Congress. I attended this event because I want to make new realtor contacts, and especially those focusing on the international client. It was an incredible 2 day show, I met some great people, and it was worth every cent. I learned so much and it really put a bug in my hat to become an international realtor.

The third show was for HD Boutique in South Beach. It stands for hospitality design for hotels and restaurants. I attend this show every year and am never disappointed. I am excited about all that I learned and have a few great news article ideas from it. Usually I stay with my friend who is a designer in Ft. Lauderdale but this time I got a room at a trendy boutique hotel - The Catalina and she met me there for both days. It was crazy, the hotel is very trendy, it was voted best place to model watch in '07. And true to its name there were half a dozen models checking out monday morning when I arrived. Many of the shows attendees were also staying at this hotel so I made lots of friends right away. The convention center was 2 blocks away and South Beach was 1 block away. I arrived monday, met about 6 people from the show, Elizabeth showed up and we walked to this street that has a bunch of restaurants and outdoor seating, it was awesome and the restaurant we chose had the best manager, we had a great night. The next day, we went to the show, walked half the floor and went to a seminar on spa design. That night we met at the bar and there was a tradeshow party across the street, that was a total rip off $90 for the tickets and you get all you can drink but the food was a cold veggie and dip buffet! The waiters walked around with skewered meat appetizers but were few and far between so for $90 I had two drinks, and three bite sized pieces of meat! A few of us decided to go find a better place to eat up the street, as we were walking by the Ritz Carlton there was an event happening at their restaurant and we were trying to read the sign to see what it was, when someone tapped me on my shoulder, I turned around and Channel 10 news camera was in my face and the newswoman was handing me a postcard with a painting of a bunch of naked people and in front of the painting was a bunch of naked people, she asked me what I thought about it and I asked "the painting or the orgy?" she said you tell me and I said "I dont know, is it art or is it an orgy?" she asked "would you participate?" and I said "no", then a long pause and I said "at least not for free" (that's what a couple of drinks will do). Then she asked one of the guys with us and he said he would do it but he had to leave for Chicago that day. So, we were probably on the evening news but we were'nt inside to watch so I'll never know.
The next day I walked the other half of the show floor and attended a couple of more seminars. One was on Dramatic Design which was a contest for someone to comeup with a design for a hotel in the future and it had to be feasible. There were 2 finalist, both had really good ideas and I expect to see both completed in the future. The audience got to vote who the winner was and they got$5,000. It was such a compelling seminar that nobody wanted to leave when it went over its alloted time. I voted for the posieden project which is a concept by a french man on an underwater hotel - it is so incredible I really hope it gets built although right now it's at an estimated $15,000 per person per night room rate. He's got it booked for the first 3 years once its completed. There was a panel of 5 judges within the hospitality industry that got to ask questions. Some of them were kind of lame. After that seminar I walked into the other seminar on the restaurant chain Social. The owner and the designer were there explaining the concept and implementation of the restaurant and now they are going to launch a hotel with the same name. They were unorganized speakers but they were still intriguing because the ideas are really exciting. I've decided to write seperate blogs on the things I learned because it would be too much for one blog.

Saturday I had to go through 5 bags of flyers, magazines, business cards and ads from the three shows so now I am in the process of flipping through the magazines. I hope this all goes to good use someday.

Designers Daily Journal 9/12/07

2007-09-12T21:28:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I sort of dropped the ball with the blog for a few days. Here's the catch up. Thursday evening the people I thought were going to hire me decided to cancel our Friday shopping trip because they saw a model done by another designer and wanted to meet with her. This was fine because I had to fit them in on Friday to begin with. So on Friday I got ready for our family trip to Orlando for the Rock the Universe Christian Concerts at Universal Studios. We played all weekend in Orlando because it was my birthday and this is what we do for my "national holiday" as I told the kids. Monday I had blinds installed at a condo I finished up earlier in the year and I also met with the tile guy and the plumber at the "never ending job" I am currently trying to wrap up. I dont like the little straggly things that happen at the end of a job because I have to put so much of my time into it and the clients dont really want to pay for that time since in their minds the job is done. So, I took care of some small items then had to come back the next day to meet the electrician to hang the new chandelier. Found out that my usual electrician has a serious medical condition that came up over the weekend so he's laid up - I really hope he gets better because I've been working with him for four years and he's the best and I would feel horrible if something happened to him. I also learned that one of the contractors I'm working with lost his father to a motorcycle accident. They were very close and we are praying for his family as well.
Today I met with my artist friend to discuss the artwork for an upcoming condo remodel. I love being able to customize the artwork and she has great prices. The clients will get a unique piece and yet pay only what they would pay for mass-produced art. I'm really excited about the art that I chose. Next it was on the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance luncheon, the first one Ive been to and it had at least 200 people. I am really enjoying this group. Afterwards I stopped at Chasen Ried because one of the owners asked if I was interested in a job there, not knowing that I had my own business, but I like to introduce myself to people in the industry regardless if we can work together now or not. Turns out they needed a designer and I happen to know of one that is looking for a job. Then I finished the day with my evening Spanish class. Who knows I could be speaking Spanish - in 5 years! It seems overwhelming! But I will get it - eventually. Tomorrow I have my first Sarasota Association of Realtors event and am looking forward to making new contacts.

Designers daily journal 9/6/07

2007-09-06T19:54:00.000-04:00

First the good news: I had a great meeting with a specialist in Search Engine Optimization at the Small Business Development Council in Tampa today! He really knows his stuff and it was easy to understand and follow along. I told him that I wanted to get my website to the first page of the searches without having to pay for it (sponsored search). We looked at my website and he gave me lots of ideas on what I can do to get it to the first page and also other ways to create a more user friendly website. I came away with lots of ideas and cant wait to get started. It's going to take a good amount of time to write the new copy so I need to dedicate that time in my schedule.
Now the bad news: The couple that I had planned to furnish their new rental decided to not rush things and wait to make a decision. Of course my first instinct is to ask myself what I did wrong. But that's a bad mindset and entirely unjustified so I am working through it and know that whatever happens it's for the best. I hope they are not going to go for those other designers that the property management company also refers. They use the cheapest products and there is no talent to their designs at all. I guess you get what you pay for. It's like free advice...it's worth every penny you paid.

I practiced my spanish tonight with my kids who are also taking spanish this year. Its becoming a really fun family affair. My son laughed because mom has homework!

Designers Journal 9-5-07

2007-09-06T19:47:00.000-04:00

I helped an older couple from Savannah arrange their furnishings in their new home. They are really a lovely couple to work with. As with most men, the husband was most concerned with his sound system and making sure it worked to it's best ability. This posed a challenge as his Bose speakers have a speaker in the back that is supposed to bounce off a flat surface (usually a wall) the speakers also could not be place closer than 18" to the t.v. This created a challenge because they have a lot of eclectic pieces of furniture and I wanted to put things on an angle rather than have everything up agains the walls in a rectangle. So we struggled with it for about 45 minutes trying different arrangements and I could tell he was very aggravated with the way the arrangement didnt accomodate his speakers. So, knowing that if I didnt make him happy the whole design was at stake, I tried an arrangement that worked for the speakers and I found a way to still get some items on an angle. It wasnt the optimum result but we were all happy with the end result. Even though I know how to make it look good, if the homeowners cant live with it than it is worthless, they have to be happy first.

I started my spanish class tonight. I learned a lot, it seems impossible to learn right now. There's a married couple in the class that dominate the class and constantly switch the focus of what is being taught. I'm pretty sure one of us will kill them before the class ends.
How do you say "Get a rope!"

Designers Journal 9/4/2007

2007-09-05T07:12:00.000-04:00

I spent the weekend catching up on paperwork and focusing on marketing products. I ordered postcards for a mailing I'm going to send the residents of one of the larger properties I've done work in. I also ordered postcards to drop off at the realtors offices in Lakewood Ranch. Each set of postcards was specifically tailored for the clients I'm wishing to reach. On LBK the post card has a testimonial from one of my former clients who has 2 units at the property. At LWR the postcards focus on theme designed rooms such as childrens rooms, game rooms, home theater rooms - I have some really awesome products for theme rooms and want to focus on that more.

Today was supposed to be a day of catching up on shopping for some smaller items for some clients but I got a call from a couple that was referred to me by one of the property management companies and the only time I could fit them in was today so I met with them and we decided to work together furnishing their condo to get it on the rental market. They are really a lovely couple. Thank you God for always sending me the nice people!

Designers Daily Journal 8/31/07

2007-08-31T16:31:00.000-04:00

I had a really great day today. I have been working for months on a condo remodel and the owners finally came down to see it this weekend. They absolutely love it and even brought me a present because they knew my birthday is next weekend. Then we went shopping for a new chandelier and found a really unique showstopper that we fell in love with. We also found a bedside lamp for the guest room and a silk palm tree for the living room and a torchiere lamp for the living room as well. I think everything we purchased was on sale because of the holiday weekend. We loaded all the purchases in my truck and then they took me to lunch at Sam Sneads, again for my birthday. I just love it when my clients love their remodels! Although I dont think the property management company is going to love me because the owners dont want to rent the unit out anymore.....oops. Well, now it's time to enjoy the long holiday weekend.

Designers Daily Journal 8/29/07

2007-08-31T16:29:00.001-04:00

Today was short but sweet. I met with the Director of Sales of a new resort on the island and presented my company to him and explained how I could be of service to the builder by developing a design concept for the rooms and spec the products for the builder to purchase. It was a good meeting and we'll see what comes of it. Then I spent a few hours at the beach with my husband since it was his day off.

Designers Daily Journal 8/29/07

2007-08-29T20:01:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a busy day. I went to the breakfast meeting at the Longboat Key Chamber and decided to wear my Ambassador shirt and play that role instead of standing up and talking about my business. Had a great conversation with the lady that's involved with promoting the EDC (Economic Development Council). SO everyone eats breakfast, sits down and gets a minute to talk about their business. I decided to talk about what you can do when business is slow and re-evaluate your marketing strategy and brainstorm with people. Everyone thought I had great ideas and was right on track. Next I went straight to meet with the owner of Superior Interiors, to make the final selections for materials that are going into a condo remodel we are working. This was the second meeting we've had about this and both lasted a good 4 hours. But we finalized all the details this time and I feel really good about the direction of the project. Afterwards I went to the Plumbing Gallery and chose all the plumbing products for the project. The only thing left for me to do is get him the lighting products. After that we will wait for the permitting to be approved (it should have been done by now but the architect has been stalling us for far too long). Then once we're approved, the demo will get started, when demo is done and their building the new walls and installing the wiring and plumbing in the walls, I will start with shopping for the furniture, window treatments, rugs and accessories. Some furniture will take 3 months to come in and that is about how long it will take the construction guys to remodel the unit. God willing! The condo is complete in my head, I know exactly what it's going to look like when it's completed so now all I have to do is order the products to make it look that way.
Next I met with another client that was nearby to show him the fabric samples for his window treatments. That reminds me, his check is in my car. He hates writing checks and no matter how much something is, it's always too much in his mind.

Afterwards, I came home, the house was 83 degres for some reason, and I had to make dinner! Yikes, you just want to serve watermellon when it's that hot! Fed everyone then went to the volunteers meeting at my daughters school to sign up for the events I will help out with (in my spare time! ha!) for the year - private school.

Now I'm answering emails and updating blogsite. During a loud thunder and lightening storm that is freaking out my dog so I must attend to her now. Cheers!

Designers Daily Journal 8/28/07

2007-08-28T15:41:00.000-04:00

My handyman team is so great! They refered me to one of their clients, whom I met with this morning. Lovely couple who moved here recently, brought their furniture and want to use it in their new place here. Their style is eclectic, and not very expensive but they do have some original modern pieces from the 60's. This is actually a small job for me but still quite challenging trying to make a mish-mash of furniture look good, all while making them both happy when its entirely clear they never agree. However, I told them they have to at least let me try the pieces in some new places even if they dont "think" it will work. I've done this enough times, I have a good eye and a great sense of room balance and I've had awesome results so they will just have to discover this as we go.

Afterwards, I met with Kimmy my web designer and went over some website details. She does great work! It's all Greek to me, but she walked me through it. It's easier just to have her make the changes and me keep to the things I do best. While I was with her we submitted the website to Google and attempted to submit to Yahoo! but registration was required so I didnt feel like spending the time on it then.

Next I went to my workroom to pick up some fabric samples for my client to look at tomorrow.

Finally I came home, discovered a new business social site called linkedIn and it looked worthwhile so I registered for it and found out that many of the people I do business with are already members so I asked them to give me recommendations. Then I sent invites to all the other people and invited them to join - it's free! Finally, I went back to submitting my website to Yahoo! - the hard way, I tried to do it myself. But thankfully I screwed it up and had to call in and got a great gal to help me and she is going to have them do a profile on my business and get the right keywords programmed and have their people get me good positioning so in the end I felt better - during the middle of it she probably should have hung up on me because I was flustered and a bit of a _itch.

Ok, so all this computer stuff I launched on this past week, has been time consuming but it will pan out eventually and it damn well better pay off!

Designer's Daily Journal 08/27/07

2007-08-27T11:25:00.001-04:00

Well, for a Monday, today is starting out quite nicely! I met with a mentor at the Small Business Development Center at MCC in Lakewood Ranch. We worked on finding new markets for me to target and he had a lot of great ideas. I am going to take a couple of weeks to implement those ideas and then meet back with him again to go over my "branding position" (what makes me stand out from my competition). During those two weeks I will make a list of everything that comes to mind as to how I am different from my competition so that we will have something to get started with.

Next I entered two new blogs pertaining to design and I think I'll market my blog to the local papers, I think they might appreciate having this type of content at their fingertips.

While typing my entries, I got a call from a lady that was refered to me by my handyman team, Glen and Troy (they are THE BEST!). I will meet with her tomorrow to see about placing her existing furniture and artwork that she brought from Savannah, into her new home here in Bradenton.

I have so much new stuff for my webmaster, Kimmy, to implement into my website after my meeting at the SBDC, that she'll probably be able to retire while I still have to work!

ROI-Return on Investment Property

2007-08-27T10:49:00.000-04:00

If your vacation property has tired, worn furnishings you are losing money. You may not want to spend the money to update the interiors because it is just a rental and you and your family hardly ever use it. Think again. After all, this property is income property, and your goal is to produce income. What if I told you that by making the necessary upgrades to your furnishings, your property will rent faster, more frequently and you have a good chance at recapturing the money you spent on the improvements in the first year!

Many local property management companies refer me when their clients properties are not renting, due to the condition of the furniture. Let's face it, if people can afford to spend $6 - 8,000 a month on a rental property they expect the property to have the level of furnishings that they are accustomed to.

A recently upgraded condo on the beach, showed a remarkable increase in renters, specifically because of the recent improvements. Now,the owners can hardly get in to use it themselves! AND, they've already recaptured much of their investment in the first few months! Before making the improvements, they were so disappointed with the lack of rental traffic that they actually considered selling it. Now, they are thrilled that they finally comitted to making the improvements instead.

Hiring a designer to assist with upgrades is a great way to get started. Designers have a trained eye to see the potential of a property and can save you time and money by doing it right the first time. My clients can't get over how easy it is to work with a designer and the peace of mind they get by puting the project in my hands while they get on with their busy lives.

There is one possible drawback, I recently completed two condo remodels for two seperate clients. Both couples liked the improvements to their units so much, they decided to pull out of the rental market and keep the units exclusively to themselves!

New Trend with Property Investors

2007-08-27T10:24:00.000-04:00

Not too long ago property investors were buying places for a low price, making some minor improvements to the property, turning around and reselling them for a much higher price and earning a nice profit in a relatively short period of time. Now, with the real estate market taking such a huge downturn, property investors are left holding many properties in their portfolio and are looking for new ways to create income and pay these mortgages.

Here in Sarasota, Florida there is an increased trend for these property investors to turn-key furnish their properties and use them as vacatation rental properties. Turn-key is a term used to describe a place that is completely ready to use. In this case it means that the properties are completely furnished, including bed linens, towels and kitchenware, for the renter to walk in and start using the place immediately.

It still takes a considerble investment to completely furnish a place, especially if window coverings are involved and these investors are not used to purchasing this type of product. Being an interior designer myself, I have found it challenging to meet their budgets, but after intense research and making new supplier contacts I have found that together we can come up with a satisfactory working budget to meet their needs.

By furnishing the property and managing it as a seasonal rental these investors are creating enough income to pay for the full year of mortgage payments and they can thus afford to hold onto the properties until the market changes again.

The bonus to furnishing a property is that on average the property sells faster than those properties that sit bare.

So, if your a property investor and you haven't turned your properties into rentals, now is the time to do it, before you miss our high tourist season. It takes a minimum of 4 weeks to get the place turn-key ready, so don't wait until the last minute.

Beach Cabana Theme

2007-08-26T13:23:00.000-04:00

I love themed designs. I created this Beach Cabana theme design for the entry of a client's vacation condo. You can see more of my designs at www.interiorsbydeb.com

Designer's Daily Journal

2007-08-26T11:34:00.000-04:00

Since this is my first day of blogging let me get you up to speed. I'm an interior designer in Sarasota and in Orlando, specifically Celebration Florida. I started my business in 2003 and have been growing it ever since. I specialize in vacation homes and condos and 80% of my clients dont live here full time. I get all of my business through referals. Usually, realtors and property management companies refer me to their clients.

I belong to the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce and the Kissimmee Chamber of Commerce.

So, I've recently been doing a marketing push. I joined the Lakewood Ranch Business Aliance group in order to make more contacts in the LWR area. Networking is huge here in Florida - it's the best way to get business. I signed up to help out on the events committee and we're in the process of planning an event during the Christmas season.

I am also in the process of joining the Sarasota Association of Realtors. The reason I've decided to join is because many of the people who give me leads already belong to this organization and suggested that I join. The main reason for joining is that I am now trying to really focus on International clients and SAR is hosting an event focusing on international clients. Also, there is an organization called International Real state Council that I want to learn more about.

Friday I went to the beach with my husband, while the kids were at school, and I brought some reading material that I wanted to catch up on. I read in Biz941 about the importance of blogging. I made some business calls and played in the surf.

Saturday I drove to Orlando to attend the Furniture and Accessories Market at the Orlando Convention Center. I drove 3.5 hours round trip to go to show that took me 1.5 hrs to walk through! At first I thought it was going to be a total waste because most of the stuff was cheap crap. However, I did make some worthwhile supplier contacts. I now have two places to purchase mattress sets, a great contact for buying silk florals, and numerous contacts for artwork. All of these contacts will sell to me at wholesale prices so in the end this was more than worth my time and effort.

Today, I decided to do research on blogggin and how I can benefit from it and I set up my blogsite. A new learning experience! I also printed out my business plan and a copy of my 1-page condensed business plan for tomorrows appointment.

Tomorrow I have an appointment at the Small Business Development Center where I will review, with one of their experts, my business strategy, how it can be improved, what I'm doing right, what I'm doing wrong, how to direct more people to my website and now blogsite, and any other advice they have to offer. No matter how long you've been in business you should review your business plan, make changes if needed and always look for professional advice. You should also commit 30% of your time marketing.

Got what it takes to be a designer?

2007-08-26T08:58:00.000-04:00

So, you've watched Design Star and now you want to be a designer. Do you have what it takes? Most designers will tell you that it starts first with Passion- you have to have a passion for design. You will never make it without a passion for the business. Got passion?

OK, next is Education - go to school and earn a degree in Interior Design. I did a lot of research on many schools and their programs. Then when I had found two schools I was considering, I called the top designers in the area and asked them for their opinions on the schools and their programs and if they were going to hire someone, which school education would they prefer. All the designers I called were more than happy to give me their input and I chose my school. Education is key!

Experience! Obviousely, you will need experience. How do you get experience? With an internship - preferably two internships. Some internships are paid. My design program required two internships and I decided that "where" I interned was more important than if it was a paid internship. I also decided to explore two of three design areas.

The three areas of design are Residential, Hospitality and Commercial design. Residential is working with Homeowners. Hospitality is vast and includes Hotels, Hospitals, Restaurants, Casinos. Commercial includes Office Space, Retail Space, Corporate Space.

I chose Hospitality as my first internship and joined NEWH (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality) through this networking organization I met a lady who owned Interior Design International a hospitality design firm in Seattle. I was able to eventually hire on as an intern which led to a full time paid position. The second internship was with two well established interior designers that shared an office space in the Seattle Design Center building. They were awesome designers that taught me a lot! Internships are a great way to get experience!