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Cathy Hobbs Blog: Design Recipes (Do-It-Yourself Interior Design Solutions, Approachable Design and Home Staging Techniques) www.design-recipes.com

~ Hi there! On HGTV's Hit Reality TV Show DESIGN STAR, I sewed, painted & sawed my way through some pretty tough challenges, but design doesn't have to be hard! I believe in combining simple, timeless design ingredients to create what I call "Design Recipes". I hope you find this to be a truly awesome resource. www.design-recipes.com contains design tips, articles, podcasts, how-to videos and of course design recipes galore! I invented Design Recipes simply because I love sharing my ideas! For years I collected design magazines, tagged and clipped pages with inspirational images & did nothing! That's because I didn't have the resource information so I could purchase the beautiful furniture I was seeing on the pages of the magazines! With Design Recipes, I SHARE how the room was executed, giving you the basic design tools needed for you to recreate the same look on your own and best of all I give you all of the resource information! Enjoy!

Cathy Hobbs Blog: Design Recipes  (Do-It-Yourself Interior Design Solutions, Approachable Design and Home Staging Techniques) www.design-recipes.com

Monthly Archives: July 2013

Cathy Hobbs: Home Staging Gone Social!

31 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by cathyhobbs in #1 Home Stager, Cathy Hobbs, Certified Staging Professionals

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Cathy Hobbs, cathy hobbs home stager, social media

Hey everyone! Happy Wednesday!

Have you signed up for one of my Stager Training courses? Find the course nearest to you here!

I wanted to take this opportunity to make sure you all know exactly where to find me and my expert home staging tips online and in the social media world.

1. Houzz

Screen Shot 2013-07-31 at 3.37.29 PMIf you are on Houzz, I’d love to invite you to follow and connect with me there! I post ideabooks, projects, and more!

Screen Shot 2013-07-31 at 3.39.13 PM2. Twitter

Screen Shot 2013-07-31 at 3.40.37 PMI have a Twitter account dedicated solely to my home staging expertise. This is where you will find important, in the moment information on class dates, updates, launches, shoots etc!

Have you been a part of one of my home staging classes? Would love to hear from you!

3. FacebookScreen Shot 2013-07-31 at 3.42.44 PM4. Pinterest

Screen Shot 2013-07-31 at 3.44.12 PM Screen Shot 2013-07-31 at 3.44.23 PMPinterest is the BEST place for inspiration and it’s fun to keep in contact through this virtual pinboard. I will also post my recent home stagings and pictures from classes!

—-

Are you on social media? I would love to connect with you! Feel free to reach out to me on any of these platforms or comment below on the blog!

Be sure to also LIKE Design Recipes on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Design Recipes on Instagram, Pinterest andTwitter!

Also to personally follow me, you can become a FAN of Cathy Hobbs Interior Designer on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Cathy Hobbs on Instagram and Twitter!

 

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Cathy’s Tuesday Tip: Easy Backyard Fixes

30 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by cathyhobbs in Best Home Stager, Cathy Hobbs, Green Design

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amazon, backyard fixes, cathy hobbs design, cathy hobbs design recipes, ikea, lowes, target

While we are still in the summer season, why don’t you dedicate a day or weekend to fixing up your backyard! It doesn’t take much, but having a revamped appeal will make you want to be outdoors more often – and maybe even throw that backyard grill party you’ve been putting on the back burner!

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

Fire pits are a great way to make your backyard cozy and inviting! Most retailers that focus on home improvement sell them. Check out these different options!

  • Target
  • Lowes
  • Wal Mart — Surprising, but actually a Better Homes & Gardens’s product!!!
d114180581cd09b1_herb-planter

Photo Credit

This small herb garden courtesy of Pop Sugar is just too cute and is super easy!! Take these steps and see how you can create your own!

These tips are DIRECTLY from Pop Sugar!

  • Assess the situation to determine what sort of set-up is ideal. Do you have a backyard? How long do you plan to live in your current home? If you can dedicate a corner of your backyard to the venture, and aren’t planning on uprooting any time soon, consider a raised bed, either store-bought or DIY, which will provide enough space for a vast variety of herbs. If you’re looking for a smaller-scale solution, terracotta or ceramic pots are a great alternative.
  • Consider what herbs you cook with most often. It can be easy to get carried away when browsing seed catalogs or the herb start section of your nursery. Plant only what you’ll realistically use in order to avoid waste; you can always add more to the mix later. Herbs like basil, parsley, mint, thyme, rosemary, and cilantro are most practical, but consider chives, dill, tarragon, oregano, or more-exotic varieties like Thai basil, marjoram, or savory if you think they’ll be a worthwhile addition.
  • Gather up the necessary equipment: Even if you’re going the raised bed route, consider separate terracotta planters to restrict the growth of plants like mint that tend to grow rabidly, lest they overrun your other plants. You’ll also need potting soil, asturdy trowel, seeds or herb starts, a hose with a sprinkler attachment or a watering can, and a pair of gardening gloves. If your herb garden will live by a sunny window, make sure to buy planters with a saucer to collect excess water and avoid messy cleanup; alternatively, try one of these clever indoor setups.

If you’re interested in learning more, continue reading the article here!

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

Updating your outdoor furniture or adding pieces if you don’t have any can really make the place feel home-like. Modeled to look like an actual room, having a table and chairs makes it easy for guests to get comfortable and enjoy themselves! Check out some great furniture sets that won’t break the bank!

  • Ikea
  • Lowes
  • Amazon

I hope you’ve found these tips helpful and I hope you share with me your best backyard fixes!

Be sure to also LIKE Design Recipes on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Design Recipes on Instagram, Pinterest andTwitter!

Also to personally follow me, you can become a FAN of Cathy Hobbs Interior Designer on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Cathy Hobbs on Instagram and Twitter!

PLUS

There’s STILL time to enter the giveaway! Click the image below or this link! Giveaway ends Sunday August 4th!

cathy giveaway

Thursday Travel To Design: Venice, Italy

25 Thursday Jul 2013

Posted by cathyhobbs in Cathy Hobbs, Hotel Design, Interior Design, international design

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Cathy Hobbs, Design Recipes, european design, international design, italy, murano glass, venice

Venice, Italy is typically one of those cities on the must do list when traveling to Italy. I stayed here for 3 days, which for many is long enough to walk the lovely canals, take in a museum or two and perhaps shop.  For me, Venice is also a city that continues to blend old and new.  Today, one visiting Venice can stay at a charming older style inn or opt for pure modern. Further, while glass making in general has evolved around the world, many believe that Venice, specifically the island of Murano, off the coast of Venice is where some of the best glass in the world continues to be made.  A visit to the island of Murano, is a day trip, however if you can not make the trip, there is certainly plenty of Murano glass that can be purchased in Venice, just be sure to inquire about authenticity if that is what you are looking for. Beyond a trip to Venice itself, there are also many ways one can bring “a taste of Venice” into one’s decor. From glass chandeliers to perhaps a unique piece of furniture, you can easily integrate Venetian style pieces.

It is also worth noting that The Corning Museum of Glass http://www.cmog.org in Corning, New York is the largest glass making museum in the world. So if a trip to Italy is out of the question, why not head to the Finger Lakes region of New York, and stop by this wonderful museum, don’t forget to visit wineries, as wine making is also what the Finger Lakes is known for.

Interior Designer Cathy Hobbs in Venice, Italy

The Ca Pozzo Inn in Venice, Italy

The Ca Pozzo Inn in Venice, Italy

ca-pozzo-inn-venice-design-boutique-hotel-room-patioThe website http://www.italyheaven.co.uk is a potential source for hip places to stay, restaurants and nightclubs while in Venice

Murano Glass

Murano Glass

murano-glass-sculpturePhoto credit: RatesToGo.com

Light Fixture From The Venetian Lighting Company: FORTUNY

Light Fixture From The Venetian Lighting Company: FORTUNY

An example of a classic Venetian chandelier

An example of a classic Venetian chandelier

The travel website, ratestogo highlights some of the top landmarks one can visit when in Venice. http://www.ratestogo.com/

Be sure to also LIKE Design Recipes on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Design Recipes on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter!

Also to personally follow me, you can become a FAN of Cathy Hobbs Interior Designer on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Cathy Hobbs on Instagram and Twitter!

Cathy’s Core for Home Staging (PLUS GIVEAWAY!)

24 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by cathyhobbs in Affordable Design Ideas, Best Home Stager, CERTIFIED STAGING PROFESSIONAL, giveaway, Home Stager

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Cathy Hobbs, cathy hobbs home stager, Design Recipes, design recipes giveaway, giveaway, home staging expert

Hi everyone!

(there’s a GIVEAWAY at the end of this post! keep reading!!!)

Happy Wednesday and Happy #HomeStagingSecrets day! I’m back and today I’m going to share with you my FOUR core elements when I do home stagings. Even you can get your rooms to look like one of my professionally home staged interiors, like this one!

Screen Shot 2013-07-24 at 9.19.02 AM

There are 4 key parts that you have to keep in mind as you are designing or redesigning a space.

1. De-cluttering. You’re going to pack anyway, Hobbs points out, so pack early.

2. De-personalizing and neutralizing. The key is that a potential buyer needs to see it could be their home with their stuff.

3. Furniture arrangement. Space and flow should be maximized.

4. Styling. These are final touches including art, plantings and towels to make a home look inviting.

I hope you’ve found these tips helpful, and if you are still interested in learning MORE, please consider enrolling in my insightful courses! Here are the dates and locations for my upcoming courses. Please contact below if you have any questions.

Screen Shot 2013-07-24 at 9.24.15 AMAnd for the BIG NEWS. I’m giving away THREE FREE Design Recipes!

Please follow this link or click on the giveaway image below to be redirected to the Facebook site where the giveaway is! Giveaway ends Sunday August 4th!

cathy giveaway

Be sure to also LIKE Design Recipes on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Design Recipes on Instagram, Pinterest andTwitter!

Also to personally follow me, you can become a FAN of Cathy Hobbs Interior Designer on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Cathy Hobbs on Twitter!

Cathy’s Checklist: Are You Green?

23 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by cathyhobbs in Affordable Design Ideas, affordable interior design, Cathy Hobbs, Green Design, HGTV Design Star

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Cathy Hobbs, cathy hobbs green expert, cathy hobbs ikea, cathy hobbs life improvement, green design expert, green expert, ikea life improvement, leed expert, life improvement squad

Going Green Checklist 7.23.13Welcome to another Tuesday and I’m very excited to give you all this tool! It’s a green checklist and allows you to stay on track with keeping a low budget and staying eco-friendly! 

Pin this, share it on twitter, email it to your friends! Print it out and stick it on the fridge so that you are always reminded of how easy it is to be green!

Here’s my video from Ikea’s Life Improvement Squad where I function as the “green expert!” Here’s some behind the scenes footage from my shoot!

The BIGGEST myth about being green is that it’s expensive or time consuming. I want to get rid of that myth and hopefully we can all make the world we live in a little bit better by taking some of these steps.

Now tell me: what questions do YOU have about going green? What are you struggling with? Tweet your questions to @cathyhobbs or @designrecipes and use the hashtag #GoGreenwithCathyHobbs!

Be sure to also LIKE Design Recipes on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Design Recipes on Instagram, Pinterest andTwitter!

Also to personally follow me, you can become a FAN of Cathy Hobbs Interior Designer on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Cathy Hobbs on Instagram and Twitter!

Popular U.K. Brand “Plain Lazy” Signs Cathy Hobbs To International Licensing Product Deal – Names U.S. Brand Ambassador

23 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by cathyhobbs in Affordable Design Ideas, affordable interior design, budget design, budget interior design, Cathy Hobbs

≈ Comments Off on Popular U.K. Brand “Plain Lazy” Signs Cathy Hobbs To International Licensing Product Deal – Names U.S. Brand Ambassador

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bedding, brand ambassador, Cathy Hobbs, Design Recipes, pillows, plain lazy, product line, sheets, u.k. brand

Hi! I have exciting news to share that is truly a dream come true! I have just signed a deal for my very first line of branded products that will include bedding, sheets, pillows, stationary and a broad array of other soft goods. I am super excited! Stay tuned to see a Cathy Hobbs product in a store near you AND for plenty of these products to appear in our popular Design Recipes!

Lifestyle Expert Cathy Hobbs to Launch Self-Branded Line

With U.K.’s Highly Popular Urban Street Brand Plain Lazy in the U.S.A.

Internationally Recognized Designer Will Work with Plain Lazy’s U.S. Marketing Firm- MVG to Launch Highly Popular British Skate/Surf Lifestyle Brand.

New York – July 23, 2013. Plain Lazy, one of U.K.’s leading lifestyle clothing brands, and National Design Expert- Award Winning TV personality Cathy Hobbs (ASID/LEED AP), founder and creator of Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes™, have joined forces to introduce the brand to the U.S. consumer, announced Plain Lazy’s U.S. licensing firm Marlboro Victor Group (MVG).  Ms. Hobbs, an internationally-recognized interior designer and five-time Emmy Award-winner, will serve as the brand’s ambassador and will launch a selection of innovative design projects in the United States, including an extensive line of products under the Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes brand.

Ms. Hobbs will be working with MVG on a variety of online and offline promotions to raise the U.K. retailer’s brand in the U.S. market.  A five-time Emmy award winning television personality, Ms. Hobbs is the exclusive brand ambassador for the world’s leading eco-friendly paint line, Mythic Paint and is currently the green expert for “The Life Improvement Squad” a national campaign with IKEA and O, The Oprah Magazine.  She is also a veteran of Reality TV, starring in Season 6 of HGTV’s Hit Reality Series Design Star. A seasoned interior designer, home stager and television personality with more than 20 years of on-air experience as a local news anchor and correspondent, Ms. Hobbs is also the former Co-Host and Executive Producer of two real estate and design series “NY Residential” and “Metro Residential” which aired in (New York City) the number 1 television market as well as nationally. Hobbs was also the creator and co-owner of the “Metro Residential” series.

“We are delighted to be working with award-winning design icon Cathy Hobbs and her company to bring the Plain Lazy brand to the U.S. consumer,” said Max Smetannikov, founder and CEO of MVG.  “We look forward to working with her closely as we roll the brand out across the U.S.A.”

“It is truly an honor to have been selected by Plain Lazy to be their brand ambassador, said Hobbs.  “The opportunity to bring my designs and design vision to consumers on such a large scale is an absolute dream come true. My goal will be to blend innovative design with unparalleled quality and value.”

About Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes™

Founded in 2003, Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes™ is a boutique style full-service design firm that in addition to executing high-end residential and commercial interiors specializes in affordable design solutions called Design Recipes™, as well as home staging. Cathy is a LEED AP recognized and credentialed by The U.S. Green Building Council for her exceptional expertise and knowledge of Green and Sustainable design and is the only Green Home Stager in New York City. She is also an NCIDQ certificate holder. A graduate of one of the top interior design programs in the country, The Fashion Institute of Technology, her commitment and vision is to make interior design approachable and affordable to all those who seek the services of a professional designer. Cathy also serves as a member of the prestigious interior design committee for The Fashion Institute of Technology.

Cathy has been featured on programs like “The Nate Berkus Show”, “HGTV Design Star”, “HGTV’s Top Ten”, “Martha Stewart Living-Radio” and in publications like REDBOOK, O, The Oprah Magazine, and The Huffington Post.  She is currently a regular contributor to the prominent shelter sites Sheknows.com, Shoptopia, Cotton Candy Magazine, and Ehow where Cathy also serves as an Ehow presenter hosting her own interior design web series.

About Plain Lazy

Plain Lazy, a highly popular British street-urban, skate/surf lifestyle brand, has been developing unique, dynamic and cheeky designs, created exclusively for those who “like to see the funny side and take things a little more slowly”. Founded in 1983, Plain Lazy is an offline and online clothing company which provides a wide range of slogan T-shirts, funny hoodies, funky denim jeans, shorts, backpacks, and more.  Plain Lazy is based on promoting choice, encouraging freedom of expression and demonstrating individuality. Offering a vast and varied selection of messages, Plain Lazy allows the consumer to communicate with character. Happily spreading the ethos of the brand around the world, Plain Lazy is always looking for ways of making life lazier without compromising quality.

About Marlboro Victor Group

Marlboro Victor Group (MVG) is a group of companies dedicated to online marketing, lead generation, licensing and sales. MVG’s activities include: Social Media Marketing – development of campaigns, apps and content aimed to make clients more competitive in social media; Licensing – identifying brands, executing market entry, managing brand development in the United States; Online sales – sales representation for content owners, targeting clients interested in online and interactive TV advertising; Cross-border consulting and client representation in selected industries; Product development for hand-picked projects in core competency industries. MVG acts as both an investor and operator in listed fields of activity.

Project of the Week: Creating a Modern Studio from an Amish Shed //UPDATE: THE WORK HAS BEGUN!!

23 Tuesday Jul 2013

Posted by cathyhobbs in Affordable design, Affordable Design Ideas, affordable interior design, ARCHITECTURE, budget interior design, Cathy Hobbs

≈ Comments Off on Project of the Week: Creating a Modern Studio from an Amish Shed //UPDATE: THE WORK HAS BEGUN!!

Tags

affordable renovation, amish construction, Amish Shed, budget construction, Cathy Hobbs, Pre-fab house, Pre-fab studio, tiny house, workplace studio, yoder precision carpentry

Now that the structure has finally arrived, it is time to truly get to work and as you can see there is A LOT of work to do! Over the coming months, master carpenter Scott Yoder of Yoder Precision Carpentry will turn my design vision into a reality.

Design Vision: The design philosophy behind this structure, will be to create a warm, cozy studio and work space, from what traditionally would be a shed just for storage.  Further, the space should also double as a second living room, perfect for family movie viewing.

Why an Amish shed? The goal was to create this country oasis (the structure sits on a property in Upstate New York), on a low budget.  In researching my options, the cost of a pre-fab house or even a work space was cost prohibitive. Because Amish made sheds are typically affordable and well made, I asked myself… “why can’t we just raise ceiling heights and play with window and door locations and create an actual work/living space?”  The finished structure is exactly what I was hoping for, the ceilings are lofty (the walls are 8’ tall, but with the A frame design the center peak is closer to 10’ or 11′), and with 4 windows, a front door with fan light, sliding glass door, (2) transoms and a dormer, the space will certainly be filled with light.

The goals this week:

1.      Install electricity. Without power, it will be impossible for Scott to use his tools or be able to even see past a certain time of day.  Further, a heat and cooling source is needed at some point when the drywall is installed.

2.     Begin the frame out along the north facing long wall. Here there will be the following:

a.      A built-in niche for a long sideboard

b.      Two niches for built-in wall units

c.      Two closets covered by custom made barn doors

 Take a look at the photos below … I think we are off to a great start so far!

Wood to be used for the frame out

Wood to be used for the frame out

Scott Yoder of Yoder Precision Carpentry

Scott Yoder of Yoder Precision Carpentry

IMG_0147Now this is PRECISION!

You can see the framing already in place along the main wall

You can see the framing already in place along the main wall

BE SURE TO CHECK IN NEXT WEEK!  When master carpenter Scott Yoder brings in some help to shift the studio renovation into HIGH GEAR!

BE SURE TO CHECK IN NEXT WEEK! When master carpenter Scott Yoder brings in some help to shift the studio renovation into HIGH GEAR!

Be sure to also LIKE Design Recipes on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Design Recipes on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter!

Also to personally follow me, you can become a FAN of Cathy Hobbs Interior Designer on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Cathy Hobbs on Instagram and Twitter!

Friday Flower Power! HOW-TO-VIDEO: Artificial Tropical Flower Arrangements

19 Friday Jul 2013

Posted by cathyhobbs in Affordable Design Ideas, affordable interior design, budget interior design ideas, FLORAL TIPS, flower arrangements

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artifical flower arrangements, artificial tropical flower arrangements, birds of paradise, Cathy Hobbs, Design Recipes, Kenji Takenaka, Noir Hanna

WELCOME BACK TO FLOWER POWER FRIDAY!

Hi everyone, as the owner of the NYC based interior design firm, Cathy Hobbs Design Recipes each Friday,  Kenji Takenaka Floral artist and Master Designer at Noir Hanna International and I come together for what we call FRIDAY FLOWER POWER! Each week we not only provide step by step instructions for creating dynamic floral arrangements we also provide a corresponding How To Video!

This Weeks’ Topic:

Artificial Tropical Flower Arrangements

Artificial flowers look more real than ever and making artificial tropical floral arrangements can be a wonderful low maintenance way to add color and texture into your décor .

It’s true, tropical flower arrangements can look a little busy so one modern idea is to make a simple tropical arrangement using just a one type of tropical flower, such as Birds of Paradise.

 Step 1: When you make an artificial arrangement, always use Styrofoam inside the vase just like you would use Oasis foam in a fresh arrangement.  Then decide the height of the arrangement you want to make.

Step 2:  The best way to cut artificial flowers is with wire cutters (as most have wires inside).  Scissors simply won’t work!

Step 3: Add greenery so that you cover all the Styrofoam. 

Step 4: Keep the arrangement simple yet vibrant.

Kenji preparing the artificial Birds of Paradise.. OMG they look sooo real!

Kenji preparing the artificial Birds of Paradise stems.. OMG they look sooo real!

When you can make an artificial arrangement this beautiful it almost makes you wonder if you’ll ever want to purchase real flowers again! A couple of things to keep in mind …while its true artificial flowers are more expensive than real flowers, they of course last a very long time.  One way to ensure this is to make sure that you keep your artificial flowers out of the sun so they don’t lose their color and fade.

contact info:

interior designer cathy hobbs

Cathy Hobbs Design recipes http://www.cathyhobbs.com

master florist kenji takenaka

noir hanna international http://www.noirhanna.com

Be sure to also LIKE Design Recipes on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Design Recipes on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter!

Also to personally follow me, you can become a FAN of Cathy Hobbs Interior Designer on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Cathy Hobbs on Instagram and Twitter!

Thursday Travel to Design: Mexico’s Rancho La Puerta Spa

18 Thursday Jul 2013

Posted by cathyhobbs in Interior Design, Spa Destination, Spa Vacation, Travel

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Cathy Hobbs, Interior Design, mexico, rancho la puerta, southwestern design, spa design, spa destination, spa vacation

This week, a special travel to design, as I take you to one of my favorite spa destinations, Rancho La Puerta located just across the Mexican border, not far from San Diego. When I traveled to Rancho La Puerta, it had been years since I had stepped foot into a spa. In the mid-90’s, spa destinations were my vacation of choice, my mother and I would joke that we would simply would go from “spa to spa”.  For many spa vacations are the epitome of decadence, a chance to enjoy healthy, world class, low calorie food, work out for hours each day, then treat yourself, in many cases to a daily massage or other glorious spa treatment.

Rancho La Puerta’s design strength lies with its warm, easy design.  The design is welcoming and enveloping without being overwhelming or pretentious. Throughout the sprawling spa campus, one can find three health and beauty centers as well as thatched roof, open, buildings for yoga, pilates and feldenkrais, which attracts groups to Rancho La Puerta each year.

At Rancho La Puerta, unlike many other spas, a one week stay is required. But why not?! Spend the week here, eating healthy, challenging yourself with their fitness classes, meet new friends and partake in their evening activities.  Nearly every night, my girlfriend and I would head to jewelry class or sculpting class after dinner!

At a time, when so many of us are stressed and looking for tranquility in our lives and homes, why not incorporate this tranquility through the use of colors, finishes and textiles, similar to those used at the legendary Rancho La Puerta. Exhale and Enjoy!

The Spa Restaurant

The Spa Restaurant

The Restaurant Interior

The Restaurant Interior

A mix of country and Southwestern

One of the many common areas where you can curl up and read a book or just do nothing!

One of the many common areas where you can curl up and read a book or just do nothing!

One of the many inspirational sayings you will find throughout the ranch. I LOVE the idea of incorporating inspirational words into ones' living space.

One of the many inspirational sayings you will find throughout the ranch. I LOVE the idea of incorporating inspirational words into ones’ living space.

The tranquility of water

The tranquility of water

The Spa Pool

The Spa Pool

Why not create your own tranquility at your home?

Why not create your own tranquility at your home?

One of the high ceiling, beautiful designed work out areas

One of the high ceiling, beautiful designed work out areas. LOVE the exposed stone wall.

Feldenkrais class

Take a look at the built-in benches and I ADORE the grand fireplace!

If you have never walked the path of a Labyrinth you are in for a treat! Walking its path can be quite reflective.

If you have never walked the path of a Labyrinth you are in for a treat! Walking its path can be quite reflective.

Be sure to also LIKE Design Recipes on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Design Recipes on Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter!

Also to personally follow me, you can become a FAN of Cathy Hobbs Interior Designer on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Cathy Hobbs on Instagram and Twitter!

Cathy Hobbs: Home Staging Using Minimal Colors

17 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by cathyhobbs in Affordable design, Best Home Stager, Cathy Hobbs, Home Stager, mythic paint

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10 percent off paint, anthropologie, cathy hobbs coupon code, cathy hobbs home staging, green home staging, Home Stager, home staging secrets, mythic paint, mythic paint cathy hobbs code, mythic paint coupon code, paint coupon code, pier 1 imports, west elm

Screen shot 2013-07-16 at 10.50.01 PM

Hi and welcome back to our Wednesday Home Staging Secrets! Above is an interior that I staged and as you can see most of the room is white! That means, you can do a lot with what you have already! No need to go out and redo your entire space, just adding a few key pieces will have your home looking ready and professional.

1. USING ONE COLOR

I love color! And I love using color, but I encourage people to design with one neutral color to be used as a general wall or fabric color for upholstered pieces, and then to use two to three accent colors that can be incorporated into accessories such as pillows, area rugs, artwork, pottery, and vessels. I also remind clients that it is okay to create a design scheme using shades and tones of the same color.

Screen Shot 2013-07-17 at 10.49.26 AM

2. LEAVE CEILINGS WHITE

I tend to leave ceilings white in order to help visually raise the height of a room. While I am not completely opposed to painting ceilings a color, people often fail to realize that a painted ceiling automatically visually reduces the height of a room. I recommend painted ceilings only if looking to create a certain mood or sense of coziness.

3. HANG ARTWORK AT EYE LEVEL

Eyelevel is at five feet. The center point of a piece of artwork should be hung at five feet above the finished floor. Adjustments up or down a couple inches may be needed, but I consider this to be my general rule of thumb.

Screen Shot 2013-07-17 at 11.21.44 AM

Here are some great pieces that I think will make your room stand out!

1. Cabana Geometric Pillow — Pier 1 Imports

2. Heath Chair — West Elm

3. Carpi Blue Candle, Citrine — Anthropologie

Hope you’ve found my tips helpful, please comment below with any questions or comments!

Screen Shot 2013-07-17 at 11.27.00 AM

Mythic Paint, Cathy Hobbs Collection — Cathy’s Limeade

DON’T FORGET TO USE CODE “CATHY” FOR 10 PERCENT OFF YOUR ORDER OF MYTHIC PAINT!

Be sure to also LIKE Design Recipes on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Design Recipes on Instagram, Pinterest andTwitter!

Also to personally follow me, you can become a FAN of Cathy Hobbs Interior Designer on FACEBOOK and FOLLOW Cathy Hobbs on Instagram and Twitter!

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