DaileyDose

A Blog by Sally Dailey
Okay, so here is what I Think, Love, Desire and Want when it comes to Interior Design, Art, Life, Passion and maybe... well... anything.

DAILEY NEWS: READ ON DESIGN DIVA'S

ADDITIONAL POSTS FOUND HERE

ALMOST FINISHED, BUT NEVER DONE!

This week’s blog is celebrating and reflecting on a client’s home that has been nine months in remodeling mode. We are almost finished…still awaiting several custom art pieces, several pieces of furniture and outside painting and landscaping. Every night I leave the home and I lull myself into believing it is done. The truth is that it is never done. This home as well as all of our homes, are breathing organisms that are in a constant state of flux. And this is a very good thing!

THE SECRET: LIFE'S SECRET

A dear friend who is actually attending our May Vision Boarding Camp told me about a great documentary on Netflix, which also happens to be a best selling book called, The Secret - It speaks about how your thoughts control the universe. Through this "law of attraction" you "manifest" your desires. The author explains, with simplicity the law that is governing all lives, and offers the knowledge of how to create – intentionally and effortlessly – a joyful life. The power is within.

CREATING YOUR IDEAL HOME

The best homes evolve over time. They are nurtured, they are honed and they are made with a process usually full of surprises! I have stated previously that your home provides more than shelter or comfort. It should enhance your daily life, brighten your spirits and support your passions. Your ideal home should reflect who you are now and who you want to become.

HOW TO PLACE ART…”ARTFULLY”

I previously have written on the importance or art in a space, the definition of what makes something art but now I am writing about how to place art. This is the overwhelming task that leaves a home or space undone because the occupant is afraid to make a mistake hanging, afraid to make holes in their walls, and mostly afraid what others in their home or space may think of their choice in art. I cannot count how many times that I walk through a potential client’s home to find completely blank walls and s art pieces stacked against the wall. So, if this sounds like you, please read on!

PUT IT IN NEUTRAL

I am a person who loves color. Color stirs strong feelings within me, both positively and negatively. I previously felt that neutral colors such as white, taupe, gray and black lacked the pop and pizazz I found with brilliant glorious saturated color. However, I started a remodeling project with a lovely couple that I had worked with previously. It was the project of a lifetime! They had some one come up to their old house and ask if they would consider selling the home to them. Out of the blue, they decided this might be their chance as empty nesters, to sell their large beautiful home and buy a smaller home suited to their new life. They loved the area that they lived in and within days of selling their home, they purchased a 35 year old white brick ranch. I was called to see if I would be interested in helping them once again…I jumped at the chance!

20/20 VISION BOARD CAMP

In a blog a few weeks ago, I mentioned that I have teamed up with Christian Life and Leadership Coach, Kate McGovern to host an amazing vision board camp that allows you to think about the important things in life, think about your passion and goals and then create a beautiful artistic vision board to give you motivation on a daily basis.

The time is NOW- date and venue is set… here are all the details...

THE REMODELING MYSTIQUE

I have been actively involved in directing the remodel of a 1980’s ranch home that my clients purchased 9 months ago. WOW! I still remember the phone call from them…asking me if I would be interested in helping them once again. They had the good fortune of a couple calling on them to say they would be interested in purchasing their home...

YOU ARE A VISION AND MASTERPIECE!

Circa 1961, I was a 6 year old girl and I accompanied my mother into a shop called, The Ethan Allen Carriage House in St. Louis, Missouri. I fell in love with this store and all the treasures it held. I became obsessed with the catalog, The Treasury. As I fanned through the pages daily, I remember seeing myself as an Interior Designing Artist. I could see it, feel it and now…I live it! That was such a natural transformation...

WHERE TO SHOP TO OUTFIT YOUR HOME

The days of the huge furniture stores are coming to an end. Most of us want an eclectic vibe in our homes, therefore, we want to put our own collections together.

We also shop online and this has created the large furniture stores to evaporate. The days of buying everything from one source is passe.

HOW TO CHOOSE ART FOR YOUR HOME

“You don’t have to be a Rockefeller to collect art”. This was a quote from the movie, “Herb & Dorothy”.

The art displayed in your environment is the energy, personality and tells a story about you and how you live. It makes a powerful statement!!! Below are a few suggestions about selecting and collecting art, then statements about mistakes choosing and displaying your art and lastly pictures showing art…artfully displayed in each room. Enjoy!

THE BEST COLOR TO PAINT YOUR KITCHEN

The kitchen is the heartbeat of the current home…not that all even cook there! It is however, where everyone congregates to feed the dog, do homework, plate up your carryout dinners and pay bills…making it the work horse of your home.

It is also the most expensive room in your home when it comes time to update and remodel. Every decade it becomes time to assess and rework areas of our kitchen that are showing their age. Small actions, such as changing cabinet hardware, are not going to make significant updates. Appliances, cabinets and countertops are the big ticket items and should be treated as classically as possible. That does not mean to suggest boring, but this is an area where you want something timeless. Save the funk, colorful choices and mixing of styles to the pieces you will change out over time…such as wallcovering, paint, art pieces, furnishings and rugs/textiles.

COCKTAIL TABLETOPS: HOW TO DRESS THEM

I am going to give you some valuable info on how to properly dress that cocktail table. Attached is a listing of recommended useful, interesting items followed by 15 room settings with descriptions of why the photo depicts effective accessorizing for that cocktail table and room setting. Here we go!

Here is a compilation of some of my favorite cocktail table objects…use them in tandem but do not overload your table with items that have no meaning to you and always leave half the surface open for food, drink and feet!!!!!!

IN HONOR OF VALENTINE’S DAY- DECORATING WITH THE COLOR RED

I can honestly say that I love all color…in the right shade, hue or intensity. I can also say that the color red is one that I use very sparingly and usually as an accent. An entire wall or room of red is just too much for me, however, I do love when it is paired with another color as an accent.

A picture says a thousand words….with that I give you eye candy demonstrating different emotions evoked by combining red with another distinct color. Next to each picture is the emotion I feel is conveyed by adding red accents with that particular color. Please let me know what you think???

HOW MUCH DOES A KITCHEN REMODEL COST?

The question many people wonder but are scared to ask… Is it in my budget?

Your kitchen is the pulse of your home life, it tells how you live and it also can make or break your home! This is the hangout room these days. No longer do we entertain in the formal Dining Room. Your guests pull up a seat and chat while you prepare the meal. And every decade or so, you need to take a good look at your kitchen and do a small bit of upgrading to keep it fresh for now and for resale later on.

Think about how your family uses your kitchen… What works, and what is not so great, put your money into elements that would improve the function.

PAINTING FURNITURE, WELL PAINTING, ANYTHING!

I will show you how to paint on 3 different types of furniture… keep reading.

Ok, I am an Artist and Interior Designer- in that order!

I lead all my design work with the eye of an artist. Although I work in almost any medium; I have loved painting since I was 4 years old. For my 4th birthday, I asked for an easel and watercolor paint in TUBES! Of course, having an artist mother, I GOT THEM and could not wait to start creating my first masterpiece!!!

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

This statement could not be more true. This doesn’t just apply to design but it applies to all facets of life!

This statement makes the analytical type frantic, frustrated and anxious. They want a definite answer to every problem. This statement is too noncommittal, too wishy-washy for most…but it is exactly what I love about the world of Art & Interior Design. In my world, anything goes….within the right proportion. It is all subjective; there are no wrongs. It is merely up to your individual tastes...

WHY HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?

This is something that is in the foreground of my thoughts when I meet a potential client for the first time.

An exceptional designer is- half artist / half psychologist! Hire the best that you can afford! I say this because it takes courage for you to make that initial contact for help in your living or working space. You’ve probably gotten resistance, from family and friends, to spending money on what may be considered "frivolous."

HOW TO MIX PATTERNS & COLOR IN YOUR HOME

To spark excitement, create energy and add dimension while decorating your home… it is necessary to mix color, patterns and images. The key is to also play with the mix of differing sizes, geometric and organic images and shapes.

This first image to the right, or below depending upon your viewing device, makes a sophisticated statement through the effective play in patterns...

THE SIMPLE LIFE

Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? In this hustle and bustle world, your home should be pure joy to your eyes, every time you enter!

I have a few easy tips to help you create a less cluttered, functional space!

Step 1:
Take a hard look at the rooms in your home. (I suggest taking photos of your space...

SELECTING THE RIGHT PAINT COLOR

When selecting colors for your home, select colors that make you happy. These colors should be something that you enjoy to look at and can live with for years to come.

IGNORE the trending colors.
IGNORE the recommendations from your neighbor or hairdresser.
IGNORE what your children suggest for color...