Life By Design Carolinas: Detailed Services and Rates

Hello friends!  I hope everyone had an enjoyable Labor Day weekend with your families and friends!  It looks like the end of summer is here and the beginning of fall is soon to come!

Today, I want to invite any one who may be interested in Life By Design Carolinas' services to take a look at our newly added pages:  Interior Redesign and Professional Organizing Services. These pages can be found in the menu bar under the main title of the blog!

You will find details on all of the following services:

• Redesign Consultation
• Redesign written action plan
• Redesign Services
• Color Consultation
• Professional Shopping
• Product Research
• Professional Organizing
• Floral Designs
• Holiday and Event Styling

These pages detail our services as well as the current rates for the services.  We always do our best to be as transparent as we can, therefore we post our rates clearly on the site. If there are any exceptions at all, they will be noted with the client at the consultation appointment and before any work is initiated.

Of course, there are multiple companies you may choose to help you within your home, but at Life By Design we recognize that the process of updating your home or your lifestyle is an extremely personal one. Because of this, it is important to work with someone who is genuinely motivated, invested in your priorities and with a sense of humor,  in addition to skills and experience! We are able to offer all of these qualities!  Please give us a call to ask a few questions and get to know us before you make any decisions!  We would love to say hi!

Isn't it time for a little update?

K.I.S.S.

Keep It Simple Stupid...

This client had already purchased these lovely containers on the mantle for her harvest room.  She had been given some real pheasant feathers from a friend and she knew exactly what she wanted. She wanted simple, tall, narrow arrangements with only a few elements to complement the colors of the room and the stonework.
(these photos were taken around Easter, hence the rabbits and eggs)

Voila!

Of course there are many different clients with extremely diverse tastes and preferences for home design.  This is what makes my job so interesting.  I can truly appreciate everything from the most conservative traditional homes to the most artistic and brightly colored homes because I have seen everything on the spectrum done really well. When someone spends time and makes conscious decisions regarding the order and design of a home, it can make a world of difference.

House Rules....What House Rules?

I am passionate about color.  Color is transformative in every context.  Even more interesting to me, are the colors we choose to surround ourselves with in our homes.  If you really want to understand more about a person, then make sure you get to see her home.

We have all had those situations where we meet a new friend or co-worker and although we can certainly get to know that person on many levels in multiple contexts, we always look forward to seeing his or her home.  Why?  I am certain there are many members of The Decor Police out there, but that is not what I am getting at. We really just want to see our friend's home because in a way, it is the final piece of the puzzle in her personality.

•  Is she quirky and eclectic in her approach to decor?  
• Does he have a lot of collections on display?
• Is he a minimalist?
• Does each pet have his own bedroom?
• Does she have a home full of original artwork?
• Does she have a large collection of black and white photography?

 It isn't about wearing white gloves and wiping the top of the television when nobody is looking... her house helps to tell her story, all of our stories.

What Do You Mean By Simplify...Exactly?

SIMPLIFY- transitive verb

To make simple or simpler: as  (a) to reduce to basic essentials, (b) to diminish in scope or complexity: streamline and (c) to make more intelligible: clarify


Even after reading Merriam-Webster's definition, simplify will mean something different to you, than to me and to others. The concept of simplicity is not new to us in this green, "Eat-Pray-Love," hgtv, yoga-loving America. I find it interesting that although we are barraged with "zen" concepts, we (yes, I am including myself)continue to acquire more stuff, eat more, and do more multitasking and activities than ever before in my lifetime.

This is NOT a condemnation of this glorious country or capitalism, because I happen to be quite a fan of both. Nor is it a condemnation of new technologies, good stewardship of the earth or eastern culture and medicine, because I appreciate each of these.  This is an observation. I just believe that perhaps the concept of "simplify/simplicity" has been  misused in a lot of ways...and perhaps even hijacked in some.

It is up to us to define it for ourselves, in terms of how it might apply to our lives and then even how it can best serve us.

Simplify is the first word in the tagline of Life By Design for a reason. A balanced life often begins with this concept and the actions one takes in his life to create a sense of order.  Oh and by the way....it doesn't have to be some "out-there" concept that only yurt-loving, vegan philosophers aspire to...it can be very practical.

For me, Simplify has a broad meaning that includes:

• not overcommitting myself
• online banking and one credit card
• small house, less upkeep
• small yard
• eliminating "extras" from low priority areas and having what I need, plus some "extras" in my high priority and "fun" areas of my life.

How can you take a small step towards more balance in your life today?  Take a look below at mine.  I just cannot figure out how my make-up and hair products keep growing in numbers? I will have to think about that...hmmmm.

BEFORE

AFTER

One step closer to balance, one step farther away from chaos.  I'll take it.

Have You Ever Experienced A Hostess Mental Block?

Whether you are "The Hostess with the Mostess" or "The Paper Plate and Plastic Last Minute Princess," you have wondered at some point between volunteering to host and hearing the front doorbell ring, "What am I going to put together to freshen up and decorate?"

Certainly there are different levels of entertaining, but most often with garden clubs, book clubs, supper clubs, birthdays and barbecues, you need only to concentrate on a couple of  spots to create a festive and enjoyable celebration!  Life By Design can help with this service as well. Often, the celebration will concentrate around a dining area or patio and you just need help with a festive centerpiece or theme.  Whether it is a simple get together for friends or a large graduation dinner, we can make sure you have the "Mostess"....and reduce a little of that stress that comes along with it.

Tips..... Where do I focus my time and effort to ensure the best experience for my guests?

• Front Door Entry...(or door you most utilize for your home and guests.)  Add  two nice size plants on either side of the door in clean containers.  Make sure your front door is clean, no webs, and your entry mats are clean and not threadbare. 
• A Festive wreath always works on the front door!
• Guest Bathroom...other than being extremely clean, your guests will appreciate humorous towels, extra toilet paper in the cabinet, fresh soap and even a small tube of hand cream.
• As long as your main floor is picked up and put away, the main focus should be where the food will be placed. A great centerpiece on the main table is a way to create drama and introduce any theme.

This photo is of a small centerpiece that I created for a springtime book club meeting.  About 15 ladies attended and the table was later filled with homeade hors d'oevres...kinda makes you want to join a book club doesn't it?

A Flower Speaks a Thousand Words

Before

After

This design was created for the same dream client!  She wanted something dramatic and timeless for her dining room table. This was a more complex project because I wanted to create something beautiful for her and honor the style of her home, but also add drama with color, texture and a less traditional shape. When you have a centerpiece that is large and dramatic, it is best to let it stand alone. Of course when entertaining, this would be removed and the table would be set for a dinner party!  

Floral Design Client

I created this floral arrangement for a client who is an absolute dream. She asked for two arrangements and gave absolutely no criteria. She had seen several other designs of mine and gave me the opportunity to design anything I wanted to go into her entry hall and dining room!  She has such a beautiful home and this provided an inspiring backdrop for me.  Luckily, she was very happy with the results!

Before