Great News ! Designs By Gia has just been voted #1 Home Decorating Service in Best of North Central Massachusetts 2011 !

Spent the day filming a video tour of one of my latest kitchen design projects. Can’t wait to include this on my website!

When trying to create an efficient and functional environment furniture selection and proper space planning can establish the flow and functionality of a room. There are a wide variety of choices to be made when purchasing furniture. It is a costly investment, so it is wise to get a professional to help guide you through the selection process. Proportion and scale of related pieces as well as durability are important elements to consider before purchasing. Also, keep in mind the size and scale of the room. Once pieces are selected, a space plan can be developed and placement of all pieces can be determined.

A color’s psychology should play a major role in the development of a color scheme. Colors bring out feelings and emotions and therefore picking a color suited to the owner’s personality is important.

When creating a color scheme it is important to choose colors for every room so the colors won’t contradict each other. Creating a flow from one room to the next is one of the more difficult aspects of creating color schemes. Although each room is different they should still maintain some consistency to create a flow throughout your home (more…)

It is important to consider the style of the architecture in your house when creating your design plan. The style of the additional architecture should be consistent with the existing architecture in your home. Some of the details that can be added are crown molding, changing door and window casings, and adding chair rails and panels. Decorative painting can also be used to enhance the architectural style of a room. These are the details that can turn a simple room with four walls into an interesting space. Architectural features help create the framework for any room design. (more…)

I advise all of my clients to have a well thought out plan before starting a design project. By doing so, you may be avoiding costly mistakes. Whether designing a room on your own or with the aid of a designer, it is important that the details be decided on before starting the project. Your plan should consist of the following:

• Space Plans
• Furniture Layouts and Selections
• Lighting Plan
• Color Schemes
• Fabric Selections
• Window Treatment Designs

In preparing your design, a professional designer can use all of their resources to provide you with ample amounts of suggestions and materials that will help you in deciding on appropriate selections.

When starting a design project, I suggest first doing an assessment of your possessions. Go through your home and identify items that you absolutely love. Look for these items in the room you are currently working on as well as other areas in the home. Many treasured items have been found on a back shelf or in a closet, just waiting to take center stage in your home. (more…)

Create a long lasting centerpiece. Use fresh fruit or vegetables. Apples, pears, grapes, and apricots are a great combination of shapes and colors. Group them in a large bowl or vase to create a beautiful eatable arrangement. Or consider using fresh vegetables. Artichokes and eggplant provide a nice mix of texture. Group together on a decorative tray or bowl. Pumpkins and assorted sized squash also provide a beautiful traditional look for your Thanksgiving table. Use an assortment of sizes and colors and group them generously in the center of the table turning and tilting randomly to create a bountiful display of autumn. Remember that some of the best centerpiece ideas can start in the produce section of your grocery store.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Spring is here!  After a long winter, there are many ways to bring a touch of spring into your home.  Every home can benefit from some small changes at this time of year.

Here are some easy ways to freshen up your interior spaces for spring:

- New bedding : celebrate the season with new crisp white bed linens and  a new comforter . This small change can change the look of your bedroom.

-Lighten and brighten windows with a good washing and some new custom sheers. This is a great time to simplify window treatments and let in the sunshine in. (more…)