Archive for February, 2010

On a pleasure trip to Philadelphia, PA recently we happened upon a wonderful home furnishings store Grossman Furniture in the art district.   We have passed by the store on many occasions but was certainly curious of the types of home furnishings it provides.

We were happy to note the various contemporary, traditional, and cottage like style home furnishings that were available.  We took snap shots as well as tear sheets of a few.

Found this wonderful artwork for contemporary interiors.

Grossman Furniture first opened in 1929 on 2nd and Arch Streets — at that time the area was a well-known wholesale district. The store quickly embraced their surroundings and adopted the wholesale philosophy, charging much less than their competition.  Since then, they consistently deliver on one goal: to provide a wide selection of furniture styles at dramatic discounts.

Love this beautiful contemporary chandelier

As we browsed through the store we were amazed at the various furniture styles and options available.  We were wowed by a beautiful contemporary chandelier that hung in the store.  In addition, the furniture pieces were wonderful.  Prices were very competitive.

Wonderful sofa under $1500!

Grossman Furniture carries over 200 furnishings manufacturers. Thousands of custom options.  In this unique corner retail space, there are actually seven levels of accessorized showrooms. At Grossman Furniture, you’re sure to find something in our wide selection that matches your unique style. Both in our store and online.

Check out this buffet in a Carolina Beach blue. This wonderful furniture piece was on display at Grossman Furniture.

You can browse each level of their showroom and review hundreds of their furniture catalogs. Or you can shop their collection online — by style, room or manufacturer. Then simply come into the store to make your purchase.  We plan on shopping again for our design clientele.

DSI designed this master bath for the Washington Post

Need to spruce up your bathroom?  These quick and easy ideas will turn a “blah” bath into a guest-ready space in no time.

1.)  Get a bold shower curtain.  A colorful shower curtain will addd as splash to a neutral bathroom.  Add a few accessories that coordinate with the parttern in the curtain, and the room will feel instantly transformed.

2) Display the towels.  Instead of simply hanging towels on the traditional wall rack, display yours in unique ways.  Roll a few towels and place them on an open shelf or in a basket.  Stack folded towels on a decorative chair.  Present them on a silver platter.  Your towels will become part of the artwork in the room.

3) Replace the mirror.  You don’t need to stick with the flat “builder’s” mirror.  Choose a decorative mirror with a frame suitable to your bathroom’s style.  There are so many shapes, sizes, and styles to choose from, so don’t limit yourself.

4) Update the hardware.  A bathroom can take on an entirely new look when you simply change your cabinet knobs.  You can gold bold and colorful to make a statement, or choose elegant shapes and finishes to coordinate with the existing fixtures in the room.

5) Bring in flowers.  A vase of fresh flowers is the perfect bathroom accessory.  Cut fresh blooms from the garden, or purchase a nice bouqet when guests are coming over. This will not only add a splash of color and a lovely scent, but will evoke a cheeful mood.

Although these ideas are simple, they make a big impact.  So take time to update your bathroom.  If you need more than an update call DSI today at 301-317-7855 or e-mail: interiors@designschemeinteriors.com to set up an initial consultation!

DSI Staged this Living Room for a Model Home

Staging is a vital part of getting a home ready for sale.  But since a staged home is calmer, less cluttered, and more attractive, many people are staging their homes to live a more comfortable life.  Whether you are planning to put your home on the market, or you simply want a more beautiful living space, you can use these home staging tips to achieve success.

Step number one is clearing the clutter.  Make your house as clean and organized as possible.  A cluttered, overstuffed home sends a message to potential buyers – and to your own psyche – that there isn’t enough space and storage in the home.

When it comes to paint colors, choose warm hues.  Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that all walls need to be white in order to be neutral.  But white tends to look unfinished and cold.  Look for warm colors, based on reds, oranges, and yellows.  Using soft tints of these colors will make a space feel inviting.

Lighting is a crucial part of a well-staged home.  A well-lit home feels more cheerful and attractive.  Make sure the windows are clean to allow as much sunlight in as possible.  In dark rooms, add high-hat lights.  If installed lighting is impossible, make sure you have several lamps with high-voltage bulbs.  Replace dark-colored lampshades with lighter ones so light is not blocked.

A simple – but very effective – decorating strategy is to update cabinet knobs.  Replacing knobs and hardware in the kitchen or bathroom is easy and inexpensive, and can transform the entire room.

Look for ways to highlight the most positive features in your home.  Emphasize focal points by arranging furniture around them.  Create vignettes that draw the eye to the most attractive elements of your house, like picture windows, fireplaces, and unusual architecture.

Remember that first impressions are critical.  Take a good, hard look at how it feels to drive up to your home, walk up to the front door, and enter.  Is there anything that blocks your way?  Do you need to clean up the yard?  What lighting can you add?  The entrance to your home sends a very strong message to potential buyers, and it evokes long-lasting emotions in the home’s residents, as well.  Improve your curb appeal, front door, and entrance hall, and you are sure to have a home that feels more inviting and comfortable.

Call DSI today at 301-317-7855 or e-mail us at interiors@designschemeinteriors.com.  To your home staging success!