Hello! Hope your new year is off to a fantastic start.

This winter has been pretty mild so far, but that doesn’t mean some of us aren’t super-eager for spring. So what’s my #1 tip for surviving the rest of winter? Start planning your home improvement projects now! 2015 was remarkably busy for our industry (the strongest I’ve seen it since I started my business 8 years ago), and that momentum has set us up for a promising 2016.

So rather than wait until the last minute, start the conversation today! Whether you want to remodel your kitchen, bath, or basement, or perhaps redefine a dated dining room, Lavender & Lotus Interior Design would love to be part of your next project.

Hello, hello! Wonderful to see you again :) And just like that - it’s September.

A popular project this time of year is what I like to call a redesign. This is when we give an existing space a new look or function. Examples may include breathing new life into a living room, turning a guest room into an office, or improving the organization of a mudroom. A redesign may include new furniture, a new color palette or accent color, flooring, lighting, window treatments, accessories, and possibly minor construction.

Contrary to popular belief, not every designer is bound and determined to reinvent the wheel that is your home. I love to incorporate existing pieces and achieve the desired results as efficiently as possible. Most importantly, I work with each client to develop a recipe for change that best fits their needs and goals.

So what project are you looking to tackle in the coming months? Fall is an excellent time to create order after a chaotic summer as well as plan ahead for holiday entertaining. Let’s start the conversation - call or write today!

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… or sweet… or tranquil… or sophisticated… or cheerful… or sporty… (felt like I was naming off Spice Girls or the 7 Dwarfs for a second there…)

Summer is an awesome time to paint. But when contemplating the options feels a bit like counting stars in the night sky, it’s no wonder that many are overwhelmed with the thought of it. Regardless of whether you love or hate to paint, color can have a remarkable affect on us - not just psychologically but physiologically.

Few people realize that color affects our mood, our appetite, even how well we are able to concentrate or relax in a space. Literally, color can make or break a room. Need I also mention that 1 in 10 men are also color blind?

Because color can be so complicated, and because I know the difference the right color can make, a color consultation is one of my favorite services I offer. I love being able to work with someone for what could be as little as an hour, and be able to provide them with peace of mind and confidence that they will love their color selection.

Is there a painting project on your To Do list this summer? Call or write today to schedule your consultation.

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After a particularly tough winter here in New England, I don’t think I’m the only one who is READY FOR SPRING! Give me sunshine! Give me flowers! Give me color! Give me pleasant weather and cute sandals and iced coffee and spring cleaning! Really?! Spring cleaning? You betcha. I am ready to sweep away this filthy winter and make room for the inevitable mud and bugs of spring.

So what is on your To Do list ? Here are a few springtime suggestions to consider:

Check for damage - how did your deck, siding, and roof fair the winter? The endless onslaught of snow required many homes to have their roofs shoveled, possibly damaging shingles in the process. Be sure to repair these areas sooner rather than later.

Wash your windows and treatments - let’s face it, washing windows is not what most consider to be a good time. But it’s worth it! Partner up and check it off the list - you will be glad you did :) Take a moment to wash/vacuum your treatments too.

Declutter - I’m not sure any household is completely immune to stuff building up, falling where it may, quietly creating chaos in our lives. Spring is an awesome time to tackle all that STUFF. Trash, recycle, donate - you know the deal. If it’s a keeper, put it where it belongs. Overwhelmed? Break it into baby steps by starting with just one closet, or set a timer to see what you can accomplish in an hour.

Add a splash of color - sometime around January I noticed that I was absolutely CRAVING color, but the answer doesn’t have to be paint. A splash of color can come with an accent pillow on your living room sofa, a new hand towel in the bathroom, a flowering plant for your kitchen window, or a happy wreath to hang on your door.

Thanks so much for tuning in. Wishing you all a wonderful day!

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As we jump back on our tour of incredible spaces, let’s adjourn to the bedroom.

Essential characteristics for a successful space: Think COMFORT - soft textures, pleasant lighting, cozy furniture. Think RELAXING - chose colors and patterns that make you happy and peaceful. Think PERSONAL - this is one of the most private and sacred rooms in your home. Create a space to nurture and honor yourself.

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Stair systems can be pretty standard. Rise, run, railing - end of story. But that doesn’t have to be the case. The following images illustrate how a staircase can contribute to the interest and character of a home.

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Depending on the size of the home, some families may have both a living room and a family room. For others, these terms may be interchangeable. I consider living rooms to be more mature, slightly more formal in nature, whereas family rooms are kid-friendly and casual.

Essential characteristics for a successful space: comfortable seating, appropriate materials, and extra pillows or blankets for snuggly moments. Carefully consider what activities this room must accommodate as well. For example, include a side table and lamp for reading, flexible furniture arrangement for morning yoga or family dance party, and storage for board games/movies/books/etc.

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As we continue our tour of sensational spaces, we move from the mudroom to the kitchen. This is one of the most important rooms in your home - not just for daily function and family time, but as a major selling point for your house.

Essential characteristics for a successful space: durable/easy to clean materials, an efficient work triangle, and several layers of effective lighting. Other details to consider include quality cabinetry, abundant storage opportunities, desk area for bill paying or homework, and well-suited for conversation/entertaining.

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I’ve been wrestling with writers block for months. So rather than write, let’s explore some fantastic spaces, room by room.

Our adventure begins with what is typically the primary entrance to the home - the mudroom.

Essential characteristics for a successful space: durable/easy to clean surfaces, oodles of storage, and a strategy to stay organized. I like a variety of open (shelves or cubbies) and closed storage (i.e. drawers, cabinets or closets) for easy to access items and the flexibility to hide my mess.

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Last but not least, metal is also trending strongly these days. Another classic element to design, metal is great for adding variety, sophistication, and a touch of sparkle to a space. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, but be mindful that different finishes may support or conflict with the character or vibe of a room.

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