Perfectly At Home

Holiday Decorating Tips

2011-12-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

Holidays are approaching fast! No matter what you celebrate, it's just fun to be festive. Here are some of my favorite seasonal decorating tips:

Choose one color scheme, it will make your shopping easier, and will make your space look professionally finished. Some good combinations to opt for are crisp cheery reds with funky apple greens. This is a fun twist on the original traditional red and green palette, and will come off more lighthearted and playful. Warm golds and deep sable browns are sure to blend with your existing interior without being too intrusive in your home, and you can add dashes of color for maximum impact. Sparkly silvers, whites and blues create a cooler toned backdrop for a wintery wonderland.

Create your own family decorating traditions. Something simple, like a plain live green wreath or garland can become something special. Let everyone have a hand in embellishing it with a selection of pretty ribbons, crystals, feathers, shells or ornaments. Make handmade paper snowflakes, or paint your own wooden dreidels.

Use the whole room, high and low, to be dramatic. You can use a tension rod in a window and hang pretty snowflakes or spheres at different heights with fishing line. It will look fantastic outside and in.

White lights are easier than colored lights, they will show off your decorations and be less distracting than the colorful ones. They go with every color combo, so they can be used even if you change your colors. Candles are a special treat to indulge in for the holidays. The more the merrier, dim those lights and enjoy!
Use this opportunity to rearrange your furniture. Try putting everything at an angle, or be daring and experiment with being asymmetrical for a change and create a cozy conversational area! One or two seasonal toss pillows thrown into the mix will be fun as well. It's good to be a little festive in every room, even your powder bath and kitchen deserve a little primping for the season.

My final thought for the holidays, layer it! “Less is more” does not apply for this time of the year, and I really like to do it up big and let it shine. Yes, it's a lot of work, but it makes you feel good, and I think that we can all use a little more of that right now! Happy Holidays!

Hot Design Trends

2011-09-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

So, what are the new hottest trends in design? Our last buying trip to Las Vegas in August showcased some beautiful new surprises. Elements of nature are definitely popular themes in everything from the recycled and sustainable wood used for furniture, the botanical patterns incorporated into accessories, fabrics and rugs, and the rich, natural woodsy colors infusing all of the above. The general idea is to bring a touch of nature into your home with clean, crisp and clear visual lines.

Area rugs are an easy way to incorporate some of the new natural elements. The biggest change that you will see in this arena are the over-scaled, bold floral patterns in bright colors, with a contemporary lean. One of my favorite rugs that I saw had a dark cocoa background with a large floral and leaf motif in autumn colors of reds, oranges and greens. What struck me about this particular rug was that I could visualize it in a very contemporary home because of its' design, but I could also just as easily picture it in a California-Tuscan style home because of its' colors. Things that have true “transitional” characteristics will tend to be more easily adaptable in an existing setting than those that are leaning to one style or another. If the thought of a large floral pattern is not your cup of tea, then consider a luxurious textured rug. There are many to choose from, so there will be something that suits every color palette and design preference to bring in that twist of nature.

Speaking of color, this season the Panetone Color Institute (a.k.a. “The Color Gods”) suggests using “natural outdoor based shades-think browns, mushroom, foliage greens and greenish yellows. Also popular are ethereal blues, concrete grays, dusty grapes, pale yellows and earthy reds.” One of my personal favorites for the main core of the house is actually from the older Frazee deck “Crisp Khaki.” It continues to be a strong, basic neutral color, and it allows for the trendier accent colors to blend with it in fabrics, art and accessories. Paint smaller rooms (bedrooms, Family Room and even the Living Room) the trendier shades. With any color, invest in samples of a few options and paint several coats on a piece of poster board and walk with them around your rooms at different times of day. This is a very cost effective test to see how the small paint swatch translates to large wall. I go out on many paint consultations and am aware of how frightened people can be of paint, but it can make such a huge impact on your home and is a great way to bring on a welcome change.

As for accessories, we noticed that warm toned silver-patinas were shown along with the Old World golds, in everything from picture frames to bookends to lighting. Bird motifs were prevalent in many items, and indeed, are popular purchases from our clients. Even finishes on furniture are taking a subtle cue from nature. We saw many pieces that had a rougher, almost rustically worn look to them with straighter, sleeker lines. These had a light washed-over look that can best be described as looking like they have been in the family for years, not Shabby Chic, and definitely not Southwest. A popular recurring style involved a soft burlap-looking material mixed with classic French framing and the whitish finish. Manufacturers are aware that consumers want to be eco-friendly, in fact, there was a “Green” presence in most all of the showrooms, and many are boasting of their sustainable materials, it's up to us to support that. With those thoughts in mind, “Happy Designing!”

Window Trends

2011-07-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

Window treatments today have a simple and sleeker feel than those of the opulent past. People are seeking straightforward design and the less bulky styles are the way to go. If you use a trim, keep it light and don't over-do it. People are looking for a style that is more minimal, easy to care for, and won't overwhelm the room. Function is most important, which means using either a functional drape, shutter or shade for light control while preserving your views. Simple side panels or a tailored valance can be used with those hard window coverings to add personality and character to an otherwise bland window and accentuate a certain color or design element in your space.

If you have a house full of shutters, you may find that they are indeed easy to care for, but lack the overall finishing touch of a well-dressed home. While I never recommend combining a soft window covering that prevents you from opening a shutter, like a valance with side returns or a stiff cornice box, you can enhance shutters with clean lined drapes on the sides. I prefer to use a style that incorporates an interesting peg bracket for the supports at the top, thus introducing fabric and stylish hardware in one easy swoop. This works well for a variety of hard window coverings, and you do not have to put the drape panels on every window. Use valances on windows that have shades that lift horizontally. Think about focusing on your central window(s) and let the small windows stand alone, especially if you just want a hint of fabric in your room.

Of course, the choice of fabric is extremely critical to the design. Solid or stripes? Floral prints or textural neutrals? What type of lining is best for my material? Natural textiles are very popular, and many are made from eco-friendly fibers. Silks, faux-silks and velvets are typically thought of as very formal materials, but when they are made up as straight side drape panels with an iron rod and rings, they can be just as casual and informal as cotton blends, suitable for any room while adding a lot of dimension. Likewise, you may see loose woven scrims and woven wood shades used in a more formal living room setting, and see that they fit right in. It is often the surroundings which set the tone of construction of the window treatment itself, so don't hesitate if you find a great material and think it won't work because of it's traditional uses.

No drape is complete without great hardware. There are many great selections available in wood and iron, and the finish choices are vast. I liken the hardware to “the jewelry” of a window treatment. It is usually the last design element to select, and the finial or peg brackets can complement a pattern in the fabric or the room itself.

While it doesn't need to be complicated, even a simple window treatment can complete a room and bring out the “Wow” factor. A good designer will guide you to find the right combination.

New Carbon Monoxide Detector Law

2011-06-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Starting July 1st, 2011, A new California state law, SB 183, will require most single family homes to have a carbon monoxide (CO) detector installed. While enforcement will be mainly focused on education and awareness, the law does allow for fines of up to $200 per offence. In addition, before a home can be sold, a carbon monoxide detector must be present. Every year, there are 30-40 deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning in California. Most CO detectors can be purchased for $50 or less at your local hardware store.

For more information, click on the following links:

Sign On San Diego

The S.D. Real Estate Inspection Company

2011-06-03T13:14:00.001-07:00

This month we celebrate the one year anniversary of our move to Bressi Village. We're calling it our Bressi-versary!

We've had a great first year here in Bressi Village, and you couldn't' ask for a more beautiful or picturesque place to spend a day.

In honor of our Bressi-versary, we're having an amazing store-wide sale. This weekend; Friday, June 3rd thru Sunday, June 5th, the entire store will be on sale. EVERYTHING in the store will be 15% - 50% off. EVERYTHING in the store!

This is our biggest sale of the year - DON'T MISS IT!

Jazz

2011-05-20T16:13:00.000-07:00

Free, Live Jazz!!

For much of the spring and summer, our good neighbors here at Bressi Village, Peet's Coffee, sponsor free jazz concerts on Friday nights from 6 - 8:45 pm. (Not every Friday - so you may want to call ahead). The band plays outside on the patio, and everyone is welcome, young or old. It's a lot of fun, and a nice way to spend the evening. When it's warm, you can get yourself a frozen yogurt at Extreme Yogurt, or iced latte at Peet's. If it's cool out, a coffee or capacino might do the trick!

We usually stay open a little later on concert nights, so be sure and stop in to say "Hi" and take a look around.

See you on the Patio!!

Winner - Ranch & Coast Readers Poll 2011

2011-05-05T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Ranch & Coast Magazine Readers Poll is in, and this year they chose Perfectly At Home as the best source for home accessories and decor!! Thank you to all of our clients, customers, and friends who voted for us!

Best Of 2011 — Home & Garden

Casa Christina for Everyday

2010-08-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

A terrific new line of Italian inspired tableware. The Casa Christina collection is a beautiful and affordable line of everyday plates, bowls, mugs, and serving pieces.

First Week

2010-06-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

Well, Our first week at the new store is behind us. What a wonderful week it's been!! Many of our current customers, clients and friends came to see the new store, and to wish us well. In addition, we've been warmly received by the Bressi Village community, with tons of people stopping in to welcome us. Thanks to everyone who's come by, and for those of you haven't made it in yet, well, what are you waiting for? We're planning our Grand Opening Celebration for July 15th. To make sure you receive all of the details, sign up for our e-newsletter!

Little Italy Art Walk

2010-04-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

Don't miss San Diego's original fine art festival - the Little Italy Art Walk in downtown San Diego. April 24th & 25th. www.missionfederalartwalk.org

2010-04-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

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We're Moving

2010-04-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

Perfectly At Home will be relocating this summer!!

Already under construction, the new Perfectly At Home will be located in the Bressi Village Shopping Center, East of El Camino Real, and South of Palomar Airport Road – just a little over 5 miles from our current location in the Carlsbad Forum. We’ll be directly across from Trader Joe's and adjacent to Peet's Coffee & Tea.

Our new ground floor showroom has lots of sunlight, and will be larger then our current showroom, allowing us to showcase more furniture, and increase the workspace for our designers.

If you don’t already receive our monthly newsletter, Sign Up above for construction updates and information about our impending move

2010-03-29T16:53:00.001-07:00

Perfectly At Home has announced a big move! Coming very soon, we'll be moving out of the Carlsbad Forum, and into Bressi Village, across from the new Trader Joe's. We'll keep you posted as things move along!

A positive outlook for San Diego’s economy - SignOnSanDiego.com

2010-02-12T12:12:00.000-08:00

As the owner of a retail business - tied somewhat to the housing market - in San Diego, the last 2 years have been more than a little trying. But since the beginning of the year, we've had the feeling that things were starting to loosen up.

An article in today's San Diego Union Tribune by Matthew T. Hall, seems to confirm our optimism. In a report out of USD, for the first time since 1984 all of the economic criteria that they use to evaluate the local economy were pointing up, suggesting a positive outlook for 2010!

To Read the whole article, click on the link:

A positive outlook for San Diego’s economy - SignOnSanDiego.com

Thanksgiving Cows

2009-11-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

2009-09-17T14:16:00.001-07:00

Seating is something that we don't often give much thought to until there's not enough of it. If you're having a dinner party, where do you pull your extra chairs from? The old fold-aways in the garage, or maybe that tired old chair relegated to the kid's room. Having a couple of nice side chairs on hand can make all of the difference. They can be used to add extra seating whenever and wherever you need it. When not in use, they can be discreetly pushed into a corner of the living room, or placed next to a sideboard in the dining room.

We're really excited about a new line of affordable slipcovered chairs and benches that we've just brought in. They are perfect for extra seating, or even for use as host & hostess chairs. We have a great new program that brings in affordable slipcovered parsons chairs, side chairs, barstools and benches. Designed as slipcovers, they fit as if they were upholstered. Just choose your style of chair or bench, then choose your slipcover fabric from over 60 styles. Delivery only takes 2-3 weeks! Prices for muslin covered chairs start at just $175, and the couture covers start at only $75. That means for just $250 you can have a beautiful upholstered looking chair.

2009-08-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

These Dolls come to you from beautiful Colombia, South America. Handcrafted in all natural fibers of corn husk, coconut, loofah, burlap, and ceramic.

Each doll has originality, sophistication and the utmost quality. Each Doll also has a unique name and identification number.

No where else in the world can you find handcrafted Dolls such as these! We know you will enjoy their beautiful construction and exquisite personalities!

2009-08-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

Living Rooms typically have a fairly standard formula - two sofas facing each other, or maybe one sofa and two chairs facing each other. It's very traditional, but how practical is it? How many people can comfortably sit on a sofa and talk with one another? Well here's a practical and stylish solution - Chairs set in the round, circling a round or square coffee table. When more guests arrive, it's easy to bring in an extra chair or two to the circle, so that everyone's included!

Pillow Sewing Demonstrations

2009-07-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

In-house seamstress, Julia, shows us it's as easy as 1..2..3! For the month of July, on Thursdays and Fridays, 11-2pm, Julia is giving pillow creation demonstrations. Anyone can drop by to watch the demo's, and Julia is more then happy to answer any sewing questions you may have. As a professional seamstress for over 20 years, there's no one better to ask.

2009-06-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

Pillows and their transformative qualities are our focus in July. New pillows on a sofa, chair, or bed can completely change or enhance the feeling in any room. It's an easy way to accomplish a light-makeover. For the entire month of July, we're offering 20%-50% off of all of our in-stock pillows. Find offerings from Sweet-Dreams, Reilly-Chance, Bella Rose, and more - including custom!

Coral & Seashell Accent Pillows

2009-06-13T13:02:00.001-07:00

These beautifully embroidered coral and seashell accent pillows have just arrived! Measuring 10" x 10" and 19" x 19". Add a touch of the beach to any room, these pillows bring a refreshing feeling of summertime to your home.

Residential Interior Design Services

2009-06-11T16:23:00.000-07:00

Custom Drapery & Window Treatments - Bedding - Upholstery - Custom Sewing!

Whether you’re moving into a new home or updating your current one, choosing the right fabrics and trims can be a daunting task. Our ASID Designers will work closely with you in order to find just the right look for your home. Our designers are trained professionals, and will help you fit together style, design, and materials.

Chose fabrics and trims from Robert Allen, Ralph Lauren, Duralee, Beacon Hill, Kravet, Kasmir, and many more.

June Specials

2009-05-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

The other day, I was at home adjusting a wooden blind to better block out the punishing mid-day sun. As I was doing that, I noticed that the blind had seen better days, and the thought crossed my mind that it was probably time for something new.

Thinking that a lot of you are probably in the same boat, we decided that for the month of June, we'd offer incredible savings on our hard window coverings, (blinds, woven woods, shutters), from Hunter Douglas, Conrad, Graber, W.D.S., and others.

So, we invite you to Save 25% on all eligible orders placed in June.
Give us a call, or make an appointment to come in and talk with us about your window needs.

Fathers Day

2009-05-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

Fathers Day is June 21st!

We have some great gifts for Dad! Like this Golf Bag - Wine Bottle Stopper from Olivia Riegel.

How about a great item for on his desk, or in his den?

Family Photo? We have terrific frames for dad to show off the family in.

And Don't be afraid to step outside the box. How about re-covering Dad's favorite, but tired looking old chair? We can do the whole thing - from fabric to labor - it's easy!

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-23T10:33:00.001-07:00

We Are Open Memorial Day Weekend!!

Saturday 10:30 - 5

Sunday 12 - 5

Closed Monday, 5/25/09

SAVE 15% ON ALL PURCHASES - ALL WEEKEND

May Specials

2009-05-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

We have three great specials for May!

Save 15% on Fabric - 15% off of all special order fabrics.

Save 20% on Bedding - 20% off of all in-stock and special order bedding from Eastern Accents Bedding.

Save 15% on Any Purchase - 15% off any one purchase (multiple items okay) of regularly priced, in-stock merchandise. Just mention our Blog.

Call or email us for details.