4 Ways to Create a Serene Sanctuary
Too often the bedroom is neglected in favor of decorating public rooms. Here’s how we transformed an ordinary master bedroom into a luscious, crystalline sanctuary. 1. PICK A PALE PALETTE. You need not limit yourself to one hue to achieve a calm setting. Mix several quiet colors; their equal value enables you to blend patterns […]
Decorating Around Kids, Cats & Dogs
You can have great interiors with kids and pets if you take into consideration during your planning stages the special challenges posed by living with the little critters. Here are some of the ways I’ve discovered through my own experience and that of my clients. For Colors, Think Medium Tones. Very dark and very light solid colors […]
Let There Be Light!
What better way to start the New Year than with a master bedroom makeover that focuses on light. The client had only three requests: make the room lighter and brighter, replace all the current furnishings, and make sure that everything is durable. We listened. The very first thing we were able to install is the […]
4 Tips for Downsizing
If you or someone you know is thinking of moving to a smaller home or a retirement community, here are some tips that will help make your transition smoother. 1. Start a “TO DO” notebook Here you will list the tasks that need doing, as well as names of professionals whose services you may need […]
3 Ways to Transform Your Master Bedroom
Recently we had the good fortune to transform a client’s master bedroom from lackluster to luscious. There are many ways to do this, but my top three favorites are: 1. Personalize your furnishings. These clients are avid birdwatchers, and recently moved to a condo overlooking the Willamette River that teems with local waterfowl, raptors, and […]
Living in Your Living Room
This inviting seating area in the sunny bay window looks like it has always been here, but truth to tell, it just happened last week. That is, the completion of the room happened last week, but was actually year in the making. Let me back up to show you what the living room of this […]
California Country Living, Victorian Style
On February 16, 2018, I was in Potter Valley, California, working on the historic Spotswood House, when I saw this view behind the house of antique farm equipment, with an enormous willow just beginning to leaf out. This photo perfectly captures the feeling one gets while being on a working farm that has been in operation since the 1880s. In 2001 […]
Realizing Dreams: Master Bedroom Makeover
A few months ago Helene Cogen moved from Miami, Florida, to Portland, Oregon, because her children and grandchildren live here. She had owned a home here for years, but only used it in the summer, so it was furnished like a beach house–very casual, with lots of white wicker furniture. With a permanent move, she wanted […]
What Every Guest Room Needs
A few months back a long-time client called me to ask if we could do a makeover on her oldest daughter’s bedroom. The daughter had graduated college, moved across the country to start her career, and didn’t know that any changes would be made. She asked if we could please keep the wallpaper so it wouldn’t […]
Vintage Charm for New Construction
When the homeowner asked Emery & Associates to help her choose finish materials for the new home she was building, we found ourselves ensconced in a treasure trove of antique French furnishings, accessories and art work. After listening carefully to her stated preferences, we created a palette around her favorites colors, plum and green. The […]