|
|
My Blog
Bedrooms
|
Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2012 3:10 PM
 So, how
do you choose paint colors that work with the lighting in your home?
Pairing the right paint color and lighting can have magical
results; but, finding that perfect combination can be tricky.
Geography The first thing I do when I visit a home is look at the way the windows are facing.
If you have a south-facing room you’ll have sun a good portion of the day; if the
room has a north facing view, the opposite is true. In rooms without direct
sunlight, I recommend warmer colors to brighten the room. And, if you live in South
Florida where there’s abundant sunshine, you’re going to want to look at cooler
tones to balance the intense light from outside.
Utility I always ask my clients what the room is for; I had a client who only used
one of his rooms at night so he wanted it to look best then. This made all the
difference in picking out the right color; a warm chocolate brown, it looks
great with lamplight! What you need to remember is if the room is cool and
dark, add warmth. If it’s bright and illuminated, go neutral or add cool colors
with blue undertones.
Context What else is in the room? The way light reflects from one color to the next
has a strong impact, so the relationship between colors is important. Consider
all the large elements in the room, and the light bulbs used in your lamps and overhead lighting. Sometimes a color becomes redder, other
times a color becomes greener. Your best bet is to bring in samples of color
and pick out what you think looks best under the lighting conditions.
Testing For the best outcome, I encourage my clients to get a small sample to try out
before committing. I recommend painting small areas of every wall in
the room to ensure you will be happy with the color later on.
Trust
In the end, if you cannot trust your eyes, call a Color Expert like Pam DiTomaso,
Allied ASID of RyanAlexander Interiors.
Pam is trained to identify the exact hint and hue that works for you and
your décor. She will ensure you enjoy your homes' interior for a long time! |
|
|
Posted on Friday, September 09, 2011 2:39 PM
You know what they say about opinions; everybody has one. So lets take a gander at Sherwin Williams predictions for
2012. Sherwin-Williams' colormix 2012 forecast highlights 40 hues,
in four earth-inspired, color-family groups: reds, blues, greens and neutrals.
Colors that are analogous, or adjacent on the color wheel, are a dominant
trend," said Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for
Sherwin-Williams. "We discover a fresh array of combinations within
color families be it fiery reds, watery blues, grassy greens or organic
neutrals."
The company says reds will be seen in many shades,
specifically flowery tones like fuchsias, red-oranges, violets and
delicate pinks. Two shades of blue that are expected to be popular
are denim and water.
"As
we seek economic blue skies, we're rediscovering denim, the rugged fabric of
the American worker," Jordan said. "Clean water is another
essential commodity, from oceans to tap. Our serene blue palette pays homage
to both of these treasured resources."
Greens with a more yellow-tint will be seen less, in 2012 than
previous years, as lush shades of green are paired with rustic
tones and organic elements like algae, moss and seaweed. Raw materials
continue to influence color trends, which will be seen in golden tones and
subtle neutral shades inspired by linens, wood and unfired porcelain.
|
|
|
Posted on Friday, August 26, 2011 3:37 PM
The South East's largest home improvement event returns
to the Miami Beach Convention Center Labor Day weekend.
The Home Design & Remodeling Show is a unique marketplace that
enables homeowners to experience the products and services first hand,
talk one-on-one with the experts and get personalized advice to plan
individual home improvement and design projects.
Pam won't answer any requests for the room design she will unveil; but, we did manage to find out that a world
famous artist is working with Pam and will incorporate his artwork in her
Room Vignette.
...The Miami Home Design & Remodeling Show opens
Friday, September 2, 2011 and ends on Tuesday September 6, 2011 at the
Miami Beach Convention Center 1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach,
FL 33139.
Stop by Booth C to be delighted by Pam's design. Click on Home Design to see show hours and ticket information. |
Design Connections, TradeShows, Community, Dining Rooms, Wall Art, Bedrooms, Living Rooms, Kitchen & Bath, Floors, Accents, Outdoor Entertaining
|
|
|
|
Posted on Monday, March 28, 2011 4:42 PM
Professionally Stage
your Home to its best advantage; anyone who has followed the down trend
news in the housing market knows that when the housing bubble burst, some may
have made money in real estate. But, the
majority have taken a killing, seeing their homes devalue to the point that
they are now upside down in their mortgage.
So how do you sell your home with losing your entire
investment?
• Choose a good and
dedicated real estate sale professional committed to making a sale. • Hire a staging
professional to stage your home to its best advantage; inside and out! • Scale down by getting rid of and/or packing and putting
into storage what you don't currently need to make your home spacious and uncluttered. • A staged home has the appearance that the home was well
take care of.
 They will rearrange
artwork, create space by removing furniture, and add lighting to poorly lit
areas, paint soft colors to freshen the walls, update old fixtures and rip up
dirty carpets.
Be prepared to spend some money to get a good return. Stay away from anyone who suggests that you
move walls or get into a construction renovation project; unless the ceiling is
falling down or serious repairs are needed to maintain the integrity of the
house.
 Most people balk
at the idea of staging their home, never mind paying a professional! But with a market that has so many homes for
sale that are undervalued; staging
gives your resale home the edge over non staged homes on the market! Staging your home to sell demonstrates to the
buyer that the house has been kept up to date and has been well cared for. Any savvy realtor will tell you, staged homes
sell much quicker than non-staged homes. With the current housing slump not
expected to lift for a few more years, anything that will help you sell now
shouldn't be over-looked.
|
|
|
Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Friday, January 21, 2011 2:55 PM
What can be done to make the closet space as purposeful as
possible? Here are a few tips for getting the most from your closets:
- If
your clothing closet has just
one rod consider adding another; you can sort out clothes based on usage,
seasons, or by tops and bottoms.
Think about a department store like Macy’s; not only are they in the business of stylizing your
clothing, but they organize it too!
- If in
your tool closet you are always
scrambling around looking for that special screwdriver, then perhaps it’s
time to mount the screwdriver right onto the inside of the door. Or look at these mobile
tool cabinets that you can pull out of the closet and roll right up to
your project!
- Toy storage is pointless if you
don’t engage your youngster! The last thing you need is your two year
old throwing a tantrum because his favorite stuffed animal is in the back
of the closet beyond his reach! Large storage
bins can hold balls, stuffed animals, and dress up clothing. Use clear
plastic containers, label them, and then install pull out shelves to
keep them organized and within easy reach.
Not only will you help your child develop a system of organizing; but,
your child will be able to read and identify similar items at an early age!
- Craft storage requires discipline
and well thought out container purchases (check out the Container
Store for great storage solutions!)
Are you separating your beads by size or color? Will you need large containers for yarn
or small containers for thread?
Then store your containers in drawers that are clearly marked; i.e.
Beads.
- Decorative or Seasonal items are the easiest to organize by the
holiday.
Designate specific shelves in your closet for each Holiday. And as you store items back into their
respective bins, weed out anything that has lost its “glitter”. Then when you purchase new items you
will already have the space on its respective shelf
- You do
not have to have a gourmet kitchen to have pull
out drawers installed in the Pantry. Set the shelves at heights best suited
for your needs; keep glass jars and cans at chest height. This eliminates grabbing for a breakable
or heavy item in haste and not having a full grasp on it!
|
|
|
Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Monday, January 10, 2011 9:10 PM
While I stopped making short
lived resolutions years ago; these small Home
Décor resolutions will last well into the new year!
Paint: Select a new color and refresh those tired
walls. Or create an accent wall by
adding a BOLD
Color!
 Re-Arrange: Switch out the leather chair from your office
and replace it with the leopard print from the living room and both rooms are
refreshed!
Re-Frame: Take down your Artwork; re-evaluate its relevancy and
then go to your nearest framer and ask them to help you re-mat, re-size, and
re-frame! Remember, just because it came
down off the wall in the Living Room, does not mean it has to go back up
there! Perhaps the Bedroomdesign will be well
suited for this refreshed mastery!
 Lamps: Usually the most over looked outdated item in a home! Donate the old and buy new!
Re-Style: Re-style
the plant shelves! Even if you don’t buy
new accessories, dusting off and re-arranging what you have is refreshing!
Pillows: New pillows are like lollipops; once you get
tired of cherry red, it’s easy to get turned on by Lime green!  Make a Phone Call: Know when to give up and call
your Interior Decorator! At RyanAlexander Interiors
understand that tired rooms make you tired!
So even if you don’t know what to do, we can help you to re-vamp and
refresh; and, that is prolonged resolution
worth attaining! Contact us today at www.ryanalexanderinteriors.com
or 786-704-9370. |
|
|
Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 9:02 PM
I received a phone call today from my client in NY. I work with her through email in-between
house calls. Today, “Lucy” called to
tell me that the painter said that the ceiling color HAS TO MATCH the trim color; only the finishes are to be different.
I find this phone call partly amusing…while,
my client and I have worked together for over 15 years through various projects
and re-do’s; the painter has planted a seed of doubt in her mind.
Of course, I chuckle because I know the root of his concern;
and then frown because I also know the root of hers! For him it is strictly economical. For her; her comfort level has been
compromised because I am not there to directly oversee the progress.
The painter wants to paint the ceiling flat white. Agreed, however; he wants to paint the trim,
semi-gloss white vs. semi-gloss Linen White. Painting the ceiling flat white and the trim
semi-gloss white; allows him to buy 5 gallon tubs of paint. A 5 gallon tub of paint is cheaper than individual
cans of paint and any leftovers are easily utilized for another customer. Otherwise; what does he do with a ½ gallon or
more of semi-gloss Linen White ( Benjamin
Moore custom color)? To wait for another
client to want semi-gloss Linen White
trim and moldings, could be a very long
time coming. While, I understand his
economic dilemma, I am not happy.
My client is feeling uneasy.
She is thinking, “the painter seems to know what he is talking about…makes
sense, ceiling needs to match the trim;
but, my interior designer is not
here, has she overlooked this aspect?”
Naturally, I calm her fears by explaining the painter’s motivation, and
remind "Lucy" that all the moldings, trim, and doors in the house are already painted
semi-gloss Linen White and all the
ceilings are already painted flat white!
She sighs a sigh of relief, and I know we are back on the same page
again!
BTW, I am flying to NY at the end of the week! (smile) |
|
|
Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 12:58 PM
I am not talking about 3D
viewing…I am referring to an interior
designers dream; the disappearing
TV!What a fantastic design creation! Granted, TV’s have evolved over the last 10
years from big bulky boxes to slim and sleek “hang able” wall furniture; but,
somehow their large and luminous black wall holes are a decorating eyesore!
Now, instead of mounting that
big black hole onto the wall; Cabinet Tronics has designed a piece of furniture
and lovingly housed it inside. The TV
comes out when you are ready to view it! TV lift
furniture is a combination of layered exotic woods and stylized cabinetry that may be positioned at
the foot of the bed, against a wall, or centered in the room.
Not only does this give way
to a host of home design ideas for interior
decorators; but the features normally associated with television viewing
are not compromised in any way: a swivel mount is available to view the TV at
various angles in the room, the housing give access to cables and wires, and
the remote control handles all operations!
You do not need to check into
a Luxury hotel to enjoy this rendezvous, now Luxury TV viewing is available
right in your own home. Call us at 786-704-9370 for
assistance in creating this home design
experience! |
|
|
Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Monday, October 18, 2010 10:24 AM
If you struggle with the concept of turning your bedroom
into your definition of an oasis; then keep it simple. Start with color, a basic for me
whenever I am planning a room. Select a
color or color scheme, and then start adding layers and textures and hues.
These three examples of Master Bedrooms were inspired all on
the basis of color:
 The grey’s in the Master Bed room are all within the same
hue. What inspires a great look for this
bedroom sanctuary is the mixture of textures.
 The Green and white bedroom is a play on two colors, which inspires a
Light and airy feel yet produces a luxurious and inviting sensation.
The browns of the third bedroom contrast rich
chocolates with beige tones. Together
the look is clean and comfortable!
Your bedroom is your sanctuary; your ultimate
definition of relaxation and comfort. Getting
inspiration on bedroom design and decorating
is not difficult if you know how and where to look for ideas! RyanAlexander
Interiors can help you create your own oasis; call us now at 786.704.9370
or visit us at http://www.ryanalexanderinteriors.com |
|
|
Pam DiTomaso, Allied ASID: Posted on Friday, October 01, 2010 10:24 AM
As the mother of a 10 year old boy I am always frustrated by
the lack of style in boys clothing. Have
you ever noticed that the boys department is an adjunct to the men’s department
whereas the girls department is its own section? And the girls bedding sections are 2 to 3 aisles, whereas the boys might be just one! Implying that girls are more stylish than
boys are! Boys get lumped into the usual
themed décor: SPORTS, CARS and TRUCKS, and ANIMALS.
It’s time to think outside the box starting with
what your child is studying in school! If your child is studying Art, then have him paint one entire
wall! His theme and colors, his creation!
 Music lovers love their favorite lyrics or musical notes floating
on the walls of their bedroom. Roman or Greek Mythology buffs can add
a column or two to the room and then hang their shields and
weapons of choice on the walls. Science or Math or Computer Geek (?); Well,
you get the idea. Don’t allow big box
stores inhibit your or HIS imagination!
I get a kick out of it every time one of his friends walks into his bedroom
and says
|
|
|
|
|
