I'm always looking for highly functional products that make life easier and had the opportunity to test a bunch of them. Check out these reviews I wrote for Family Handyman digital.

I love that Blueland is working hard to reduce plastic waste. Having used these products now for 8 months, I am quite impressed. The glass cleaner and dishwasher tablets are my fav.

This amazing 7-in-1 multi-purpose appliance gets better with every use. Keep the kitchen cool and cook practically anything, from bread to smoked ribs. Read on for more info.

The app that connects to this smart thermometer is awesome. You'll feel confident cooking meat because it's foolproof!

This countertop composter breaks down food waste in less than 24 hours, and reduces greenhouse gasses emitted from our landfills. Go Green!

The Chomp Mop is a game changing when it comes to washing walls and ceilings. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this product. Be sure to order the wall cleaner too. It's gentle (doesn't stink or trash your hands) and highly effective without toxic chemicals. ​Check out the full review and video here.

Vertical storage makes everything better. If you're in need of a sturdy and attractive cabinet, this is it! I used mine in the garage, but could use another in the basement. It's roomy and stable. 

​Cobrahead Weeder. If you're looking for a precision weeder that's easy on the wrists. Check out this article on Family Handyman for the CobraHead review.   ​

Saker Mini Chainsaw. This battery powered mini chainsaw is impressive and so easy to use. When weather takes a toll on your trees and bushes, you'll be glad you have this handy chainsaw at the ready.

Rubber Landscape Edging. Choosing the right border for your landscaping is an important decision, because you'll want it to last for years. This hassle-free and durable product gives your yard a finishing touch. It's easy to install and it's lawn mower friendly. Check out why I love this product so much.

Liberty Garden Hose Reel. Stop struggling with an unruly hose. The Liberty Garden Hose Reel is a game changer with a 360° rotating carriage.

PIC Insect Killer Torch. Add ambiance to your back yard and kill the mosquitos too. These attractive solar powered torches do double duty to keep the bugs at bay. I especially love that this is a non-toxic way to kill yard pests.

Lomi Countertop Composter. Wondering what to do with all of your food scraps? This countertop composter is amazing. As a gardener, I love compost and the Lomi composter breaks food scraps down in less than 24 hours.

Seeding Square. I love inspiring new gardeners. The seeding square is an easy tool to help you properly space seeds or plants. Kids love it too!

Heartfelt Happy Holidays!

A front porch view from Milwaukee Interior Designer and Color Consultant, Sheri Kaz.

414-897-7741

Craving a cozy corner? Ready to warm up a decade of grey? Time for a change?
Wisconsin winters can feel dreary and cold, but you don't have to feel like you are living in an igloo.

See how this cool blue room instantly becomes inviting with Arizona Tan by Benjamin Moore. Like the glow of candle light, these comforting tones warm the space.

As a Milwaukee Paint Color Consultant and Interior Designer, I'll help you choose the perfect paint color to warm up your room.
This color was chosen to work with the new furniture I found to create a welcoming AirBnB.

Not only did a deeper hue show off the historic crown molding and architectural features, it created a sunny warmth in this Victorian home.
see more

Sheri Kaz is a trained color specialist in Milwaukee metro, serving Greenfield WI, Greendale WI, Franklin WI, Hales Corners, Oak Creek WI, Muskego, Mukwonago, New Berlin WI, Brookfield WI, Wauwatosa and Waukesha County.
Call 414-897-7741 to book your personal color consultation for your interior design and home renovation projects.

I've been searching for a mid-century style flooring replacement for my Wisconsin 70's linoleum kitchen flooring for some time, This is the closest I've found. Vintage-look vinyl flooring mats at Hudson&Vine. This is basically a washable area rug. The largest size these floorcloths come is 10' x 10'. At $10+ a Sq Ft just unroll it for an instance new look.

They have hundreds of flooring styles, beyond mid-mod. Several would've looked gorgeous in my 1906 kitchen. From Williamsburg 18th Century Joinery to stunning patterns for Deco-style flooring, you can find a style from every decade and color palette. Historic home lovers are sure to find something to compliment their decor. Browse the options and let me know what you think!

I haven't purchased this product, so I don't know about the quality or durability of it.
If you have experience with it, please add to the comments below. We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Mid-century style floor mat at Hudson & Ivy

Who wouldn't love this Marmoleum knock-off - Adama Vinyl Rug 6' x 6' $488

Classic and colorful! Easily create a new vibe for your space. We all know how a new area rug can change your life, here's a new option for your wet spaces.

SHERI KAZ Designs finds creative solutions and resources for your interior design challenges.
Interior Decorating, Staging and Design Serving Southeast Wisconsin.            
​ #MilwaukeeInteriorDesigner #DIYDesign #DecoratingOnaBudget

Warm and comforting, Redend Point invites us to relax.
Click to explore Sherwin-Williams

Cheerful and warm, Raspberry Blush brings depth and boldness to a space.
Check out the Benjamin Moore fun accompanying playlist and color trends.
​
​Click read more to see Behr and Glidden Color Trends

Warm and sophisticated, Blank Canvas is the calming background for you to express your style.
See the Behr color trends for 2023

It's time to feel cocooned. We all need to feel warmer and calmer, we need a collective hug. 
The Fashion Frill claims that Digital Lavender will be the Pantone Color of the Year. It's no wonder, Lavender is creative and serene, with a magical healing affect. 

The colors and lighting in our rooms make us feel - happy, depressed, calm, energized, content or cozy, it's up to you. So how can these trends help you to choose a paint color for your home? They don't, but stark white and cold gray may not be helping your mental health and well-being.

As a color specialist, I understand the psychology and intuitive science behind color. I can help you create the mood you desire, by creating balance and harmony throughout your home or business.

Sheri Kaz is an intuitive and trained architectural Color Consultant and Interior Decorator in Milwaukee, WIsconsin. 

The night before Thanksgiving, my best friend Jan hosts a party. This year, the halls were decked out, the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, dining room and of course the great room and even the garage! Festive and magical!

Jan has countless bins to hold her collection! Each year there are new surprises - recent acquisitions from thrift stores, marketplace, end of season sales and gifted family heirlooms passed on, to a woman who cherishes everything about the holidays.
I was inspired to take a couple of pictures to share her joy. Beautiful!

BENEFITS OF WOOL: Sustainable green product, No toxic chemicals, Easy to maintain. Warm, warm warm! According to Direct Build, Wool can have a R-value 2.1 vs. other carpets 0.7.  A well-made wool rug will last a lifetime, Take care to  protect the edges while vacuuming (avoid using the beater bars or set the vacuum on a high level setting).
NOTE: Be prepared to vacuum often in the first few months because can wool shed. It also tends to be much heavier, so a summer trip to the basement may be a two person project, if the rug is large.
An X-tra Cozy alternative: Underfloor heat mat that can be used under carpet or engineered wood.

2. Thermal Windowcoverings - Windows are a source of drafts and heat loss.
Investing in thermal lined drapes, to be drawn when the sun goes down will help keep your space cozy.
I switch out the lightweight bedroom drapes for beautiful thermal lined velvet drapes in the winter. When I put my hand behind them, I can feel the difference in temperature. They work!
An alternative is honeycomb cellular shades. Double or triple combed will provide the most protection from the elements. They also provide protection from summer heat and won't black-out the room like heavy thermal drapes. Like clothing, think in layers to adapt to nature.
For a super-sexy look, try faux leather drapes with sheers underneath.

3. Electric Fireplace - Treat yourself to a beautiful space heater.
Now, with gorgeous 3-D LED flames and adjustable thermostats you can enjoy binge watching with the cozy glow and warmth of a beautiful fire to your space. From wall mounted and modern to traditional, there are so many choices available. I absolutely love mine, which doubles as a TV stand and has casters for easy mobility. Easy & Affordable.

4. Ambient Lighting - Fairy lights, table lamps and candles create a cozier room.
Harsh lighting feels cold, bright white light bulbs shouldn't be used if you are looking to warm up your space. Find bulbs in the 2700K light spectrum (warm white). Strategically place your lighting to open up the corners of your room and avoid using the harsh overhead can lights.

5. Cozy Textiles - Switch it up for winter, Bring out the cuddly throws and pillows. Change the vibe of your space with luxury and warmth - Chunky, furry, textured - even Corduroy is making a comeback, - who knew?!!

Now go fix yourself a cup of hot cocoa and snuggle up!


Sheri Kaz Interior Designs serving Metro Milwaukee and SE Wisconsin. Call 414-897-7741 to book your personalized interior design or color consultation.  Also available for remote e-design interior design services.

    So many choices...
Quartz, Granite, Soapstone, Concrete, Butcher Block, Laminate, Engineered Surfaces
   
   So many things to consider...
Function, Beauty and Budget

   Some things you may not have considered...
Longevity - durability, maintenance, trends.
Sustainability - Granite, Soapstone, and Marble are mined and shipped. Recyclability. Renewability.
Availability - Supply chains issues, made in America

   Some things that matter...
Fabrication
Ease of installation
Variety

   So what's the best material for countertops for you...
I was recently introduced to Thinscape by Wilsonart and I'm excited to share my new found knowledge about this innovative and sensible option.

I'm grateful to the Wilsonart rep, and snagged these images off of the ASID Thinscape Product Spotlight Presentation. Thank You!
This product is nice to the touch and very impressive. It's sleek and sustainable, pretty and practical. 

Perfect for restaurant tables, kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, conference room tables, and more.
​I have samples that I can show you!

INSIDER TIP: Your installers will save time and money. As a thinner product, it's light -  yet durable. Two guys can carry it on site. It's super strong and does not require a substrate and BONUS: it can be cut with woodworking tools.

If you are interested in learning more, visit  www.wilsonart.com/thinscape.
​Or give me a call to see samples and explore your kitchen countertop options. 

Sheri Kaz Interior Designer serves Metro Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin.
Residential and commercial interior decorating and color consulting to transform your space, into your happy place.

Color has the power to make us feel whether we know it consciously or not.
For instance, for decades I have used this trick - when I’m feeling tired, puny or sick and need to act and look alive, I reach into the closet to find hot pink or fuchsia. You may argue that it’s psychological, and I would have to agree!

The color of art may draw us in like a magnet. Poppies in a field, a calm blue lake, a bold abstract make us feel. Not just the subject matter, but the colors the artist has chosen will either resonate with us, or won’t.

The hue of a room has the ability to lift us up, calm us down or depress us. Consider a cloudy day versus a sunny day. Lighting in your space is important to your mood, whether it’s natural or artificial light.

The psychology of color is proven and I can’t help but to wonder... has this glacial trend of gray, dominating the interior design industry, contributed to the depression of a nation?

Having come from a climate with 300 days of sunshine a year to the Midwest, I’m shocked and surprised by how many homeowners jumped on the grey bandwagon, only to create a drab space, without regard to undertones.

My prescription for seasonal depression, is color!
Choosing the right hues and tones can make a huge difference in your outlook and mental health.

Let's talk about Light Reflective Value LRV- For instance, Benjamin Moore paint assigns a LRV number to each color. The deeper the color the less light it will reflect. Think about a light gray roof verses a black roof. The black absorbs light, retaining heat, while the lighter roof reflects light.

COLOR & LIGHT
Light can bounce. Photographers use reflectors to bounce light. The same is true inside your home. You can use color or mirrors or artificial light to change how a color looks.

Cool white light bulbs verses warm white bulbs will change the way your color looks. Sunlight is considered a “blue light” but do you notice how it changes in the fall with it’s warmer glow?

If you are surrounded by nature, your color will look different in the winter than it does in the summer. So when choosing color, study it under different lighting conditions.

UNDERTONES MATTER
Considering using gray in your home?
There are things to consider and the best tip I can give you is to

Read More >>>

UNDERTONES MATTER
When choosing grays, understanding undertones can help you achieve the feeling you want in your space.
I've chosen examples from Benjamin Moore. Go to your nearest Ace Hardware and pull a few of these swatches to help you decide, as monitor colors may not be true.

Can you see the difference in the Undertones of these paint colors??

Of course there are thousands of paint colors to choose from, each having it's own unique pigment formula. I always suggest painting samples on foam core so that you can move it around your space at different times of day to see how your light and surrounding colors will effect the color. Look for the undertones!

To learn more about color and light, click here.

Green is trending right now in interior design with so many beautiful options. If you are brave enough to go deep and bold, it will always be soothing.

My clients are art collectors, but the pale walls diminished their amazing pieces. With my  encouragement they understood how a deep shade of green would pop their prized collection.

The rich hues brought an elegant sophistication to the space, showing off their beautiful furniture and art.

Using lighter complimentary shades in the sunny office and dining room elegantly brings balance to the bold and invites you into the space.

A dynamic custom paint design changed the entire feel of the space, bringing life, energy and coziness to these happy homeowners.

Sheri Kaz Interior Designs offers nationwide virtual interior design services, color consulting and on-site decorating services in Metro Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin.


View 2023 Color Trends Here

These empty nesters were ready for a new life. I asked the usual questions about how they use each space, what is working for them, what needs to change. We talked about materials, layouts and colors.

Looking around, I couldn’t see anything that pointed me to a mutual style the couple would enjoy. In an effort to hone in on their tastes, a palette, and vision, we played a game, I showed them different pieces of art to get their reactions.

Before I left, I asked them to remove all of Mom’s custom made window coverings, an option they hadn’t considered. Upon my next visit, with the fussy draperies now at Goodwill, I inquired, how did that make you feel? Tom’s look said it all! A sigh of relief.

I saved them hundreds of dollars and instantly changed the feeling of the space. Of course, we still had the other issues to address. I presented concept boards and we worked together to develop a style and palette that they would love. I followed up with a written document of guidelines for them to shop for materials. I gave them links to sources outside of the big box stores and set them up for success.

Vicki and Tom have a self-imposed  two year timeline to complete their renovation projects. Hence, no After shot yet! A vision can easily be forgotten with so much time in between. A clearance sale or contractor can easily derail a vision. Vicki continues to send me emails of things she is considering, and I’m happy to respond.

According to Vicki, having the guidelines and plan is extremely helpful, working with me helped make the remodeling process fun and has helped the couple prioritize their home improvement projects. They are currently looking at backsplashes that bring them joy and will then choose options for countertops.

When homeowners shop for themselves, it saves them money and being able to confirm their decisions with a professional, protects their investment. Understandably, they were very fearful of making mistakes they would regret. Having an expert guide them, gives them the confidence and inspiration to keep marching forward.

Anxious to see Before & After shots? Click here

I'll give you a call if you'd like to fill in the form below (I promise I will not share your info and I will personally get back to you ASAP) or call me direct on the landline!  414-897-7741

When the host of the VRBO house double-booked our reservation for our trip to the “Garden Bloggers Fling” in Madison, Wisconsin, our only option was to stay in a hotel. Traveling with my dog, Missy, I looked forward to staying in a pet-friendly peaceful home. The stressful scramble to find new accommodations, turned out better than I could have imagined.
VRBO booked us in the Hotel Indigo at 901 E. Washington Street.

I feared this would be a stinky noisy college hotel, filled with party goers that would provoke unwanted barking. The entrance was tucked in the back with a well appointed patio sheltered from the noise of the busy street out front. Missy came bouncing in to meet her new friends whom greeted us with cheerful Midwest hospitality.

What? Wait, where am I?
This is wonderful!
There was a huge paint can on the backdrop of the reception desk. I wasn't sure if we were in the right place. Paint brushes, color swatches and memorabilia from the previous occupants lined the display shelves below creating a mini Mautz museum. Having worked in a paint store, I felt right at home!

I was delighted by the artwork, repurposed paint rollers, vintage paintbrushes, and a divider wall with glass containers of pigment.

The space paid homage to history with notable Wisconsin natives, like Georgia O’Keefe, Frank Lloyd Wright, Thornton Wilder and Vel Philips, the first black woman to graduate from UW-Madison Law school in 1951, among many other firsts in government and social change.
Check out the excellent PBS documentary here. https://womeninwisconsin.org/profile/vel-phillips/

The rooms were equally as cheerful and well appointed with fluffy cotton robes and multiple shower heads. The century old walls absorbed what little noise there was and Missy was content while we were touring gardens all day. Of course, when we came home, she wanted to explore the entire hotel, taking me to nooks I might not have otherwise seen, with creative design surprises around every corner. We visited the public restroom, a retro lounge/ business center and unfortunately, being a dog, she couldn’t check out the Palettes Restaurant inside the hotel.

The lobby offered custom board games to keep guests entertained, a mid-century styled marketplace, plus the friendliest front desk staff, ever!

The Garden Bloggers Fling had been postponed for two years, due to Covid. The event host hotel (no dogs allowed) was further up the hill near the capital. The Hotel Indigo had complimentary transportation and I especially enjoyed being driven to and from our venue. Santa was our morning driver, he was a great guide and took us on different routes, pointing out landmarks and entertaining us with stories, including his own version of Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer! Every evening, Evan picked us up from the venue, loading our plants and garden tools and listened to the plant crazy ladies highlights of the day.

By contrast, that hotel was a nice, yet comparably stuffy corporate hotel, lacking inspiration, color or creativity. The "themed" meeting rooms boasted names like the Assembly Room and Caucus Room, exactly the type of hotel I was hoping to avoid.

On the otherhand, our wonderful Hotel Indigo was a tasteful themed boutique hotel, under the IHG hotels & resorts umbrella. The imaginative interior design is attributed to Gary Brink Architecture & Design. GBA, being a local firm, took the history of the space and neighborhood to heart. The result of their passion; hospitality design at its finest, incorporating a unique brand and memorable experience into a hip place to call home when visiting Madison.

Being the paint freak and color geek that I am, I never wanted to leave!

As an interior designer who worked in television and advertising for the majority of my career, I am keenly aware of integrating brand into the entire customer experience. When designing the space for the Delectable Egg restaurant, I used subtle egg-shapes in the upholstery and curated whimsical egg art and fixtures creating a unique design that supported the brand and delighted customers.
In design, details matter.
Taking design to the next level, is about customization, adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness, connection or surprise. Kudos to GBA for an engaging and unforgettable experience. Well Done!



To read more about the Garden Bloggers Fling visit My Garden Zone


Sheri Kaz is a Southeastern Wisconsin Interior Designer and Color Consultant offering in-person and remote residential and commercial creative design services.

ORGANIC ARCHITECTURE Frank Lloyd Wright loved the land, he integrated his structures into the surrounding nature, and surrounded the home in lovely gardens.

​He experimented with his use of windows and doors in unexpected shapes and ways.

You can see the influence of Japanesse architecture, the roof lines mimic the hills of the surrounding countryside.

In some places the ceilings were very low, apparently Frank was a short man.
The kitchen was the smallest room in the house, I thought it was a butler pantry and didn't even take a photo.
The furniture was not designed for comfort, as he believed we should not spend our time sitting around.
His book collection was truly amazing. I would like to spend 6 months in his library.
He designed tea cups to camouflage women's lipstick marks. A man of function and good taste!
His apprentices were highly involved in the construction and building.
Plywood was used in everything from flooring to light fixtures.
He was highly influenced by Japanese design and had an extensive collection of Japanese artifacts.

and in bad need of repair. The history behind the school is very interesting as he first designed it as a boarding school.
To learn more about #FrankLloydWright
https://franklloydwright.org/taliesin/

The entire estate is beautiful, nestled upon the Wisconsin River's sandy shores amongst the rolling hills. Hidden cottages blend into the landscape, built by and for Frank Lloyd Wright's apprentices. The renovated Romeo & Juliet tower, built as two separate pieces, stands proudly in the background. The family cemetery at the Unity Church, also built by Frank, is a genealogists dream. 

Taliesin is a national treasure worth preserving. I encourage you to visit or support their efforts by donating, volunteering or whatever, there is so much work to be done to maintain it. They offer a variety of tours and hikes and it's a perfect social distancing activity that is sure to inspire! 
I can assure you, I will be back for more,

​I hope you enjoyed my virtual tour.
​Learn more here  www.taliesinpreservation.org
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Sheri Kaz is an interior designer based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and provides e-design remotely. 

​

Looking for kitchen remodeling ideas? The most economical way to remodel a kitchen, is to keep the footprint the same. Moving plumbing and electric can add costs to your remodel. If your kitchen functions properly, using the typical triangle, including plenty of counter space where you need it, you can affordably update your old tile counter top, dated back splash or add additional decorative lighting to give your kitchen a fresh new look. My client in Hartland Wisconsin was ready to get rid of the tired wallpaper and border. The black appliances were in great shape, so I tied them into the design with black accent tile and a black under-mount sink.

Oversized white subway tile gets jazzed up with a black border and a large scale mosaic pattern. An airy shade of silvery blue paint, softens the contrast and pops the wood tones, for a bright and airy freshness.

Black is a crisp neutral, giving definition and contrast to a space. The classic black and white theme of the hard surfaces will easily support new color choices, including appliances, paint or accessories. The new black light fixtures and barstools tie the entire look together.

I love finding the perfect lighting solutions! Using rainglass diffuses the light while adding interest and dimension to the large space. Not only is new lighting a great upgrade to functionality, it's the best jewelry for your space, adding beauty and mood. Previously, this kitchen was shadowy and dark with can lights on the high ceilings. By adding three new pendants over the bar, we have defined the space and featured the vertical depth in a long horizontal space.

Sheri Kaz Designs, Interior Designer serving Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin, Including Oak Creek, Franklin, Greendale, Grafton, Hartland, Waukesha County including New Berlin, Muskego,  Lake Country including Oconomowoc and surrounding areas. Racine County, Walworth County including Lake Geneva. Sheri is available nationwide for remote interior design services.

Now that you've had extra time around the house to purge the clutter during the Covid19 lock down, you're probably tired of looking at the same walls and dream about adding some style to your space.

Several of my clients were anxious to transform their space during quarantine and we did remote consultations via Facetime and Zoom. Even before Covid hit, I've provided many remote color consultations and design services nationwide from Phoenix to Fargo.

One interesting remote design project was for clients in Sweden, who were turning their historic Denver landmark into an AirBnB. I helped them with space planning, lighting, paint colors, furniture and art sourcing and selection, and installation coordination and final styling. The home was originally owned by Buffalo Bills' sister and where he ultimately took his final breath. It was fun to research and add touches of the history in the home. Even though the clients were an ocean away, they were involved in the process and thrilled with the results!

Click to see the before and after pictures here.

Imagine building a new home, three states away with so many details to attend to. When it came to design choices and materials, my clients Jan & Mark relied on me to guide the vision and source products to create a custom home beyond boring builder grade.

Thanks to technology and a process built on communication, client service and creative design, we start with a phone conversation about your challenges, design goals, style preferences and your lifestyle. I'll ask you to send me a few pics and we'll set up a time to have a virtual consultation.

If you're having trouble choosing paint colors, we look at swatches together and create your custom color plan and palette.  I'll work with you to identify undertones that are compatible with your flooring, trim, existing hard surfaces and furnishings. I'll make recommendations to bring out the features of your architecture and create flow from room to room.
TIP: Buy paint samples, paint them on foam core and move them around your space during different times of day and lighting conditions. 

Remodeling and redecorating projects are more involved than a color consultation, but many choices in materials, fixtures and furnishings are done via email and digital concept boards that we review together. 

Staging and space planning can be done remotely as well. Some clients need help rearranging their existing furniture and we can create a new look and flow that will make you feel like you are living in a fresh new house! If you are considering selling your home, you'll get top dollar with professional staging recommendations.

Need some curb appeal? Your outdoor spaces add value to your life and your property. Let's create a vision and make a plan. Even if you are a do-it-yourselfer, having a trained eye can help you to stay on course to create an inviting home. Exterior color is an important decision, so if you are ready for new landscaping, roofing, siding or paint, let's talk. I want to help you protect your investment. 

Of course I always love meeting people in their homes, but I'm also effective at working with you remotely, as much of my work for larger projects is done via photos, emails, and phone calls anyway. 

Most of the stores are open now, so you can actually lounge on the sofa before you buy it. Samples and swatches are easier to obtain and contractors are ready to roll.
So what's stopping you?
Let's Get 'Er Done!

Call Me!
Sheri Kaz
414-897-7741 Office

Pantone is recognized worldwide, designers pay attention, The color forecasters gather and talk color, until they come up with the "Color of the Year". Decision by committee. Personally, I feel that the new blue is a bit heavy and depressing for the dawn of a new decade. Yes, we need to feel peaceful, but we also need to feel hopeful. If I was on the international color forecasting board I would block this conservative decision ;) More on Pantone

Let's look further back by decade, the roaring 20's brought a sense of adventure, war was over, people felt lighter, colors were soft and sophisticated. I doubt people thought much about color during the depression and WWII. Life was pretty drab, pigments and paint were expensive.

The dawn of the 50's was a time for celebration, again, a sense of freedom and expression, kitchens were soft pink and turquoise, even automobiles came out in sexy new colors and everyone owned one or two. Here's a swatch of Pontiac car colors from the Spring collection of 1956.
As enchanting as an Easter Parade!

As we moved into the psychedelic 60's, people and colors became bolder and brighter. Rock and roll and flower power pushed the colors to an exciting new level.

Earth and energy dominated the 70's psyche with the awareness of polluted waterways, gas shortages and the oil embargo, people craved a connection to earth. Dark wood, textured macrame and pottery took center stage. Brown, green and golds could be found everywhere, including your refrigerator.

The "me generation" of the 80's brought on the Miami Vice vibe, carefree and light. Who didn't have something mauve or teal or country blue in their home?

By the 90's colors were deeper, the khaki colors of Grunge. The world didn't end with Y2K and vivid orange and fresh green celebrated the new Millennium. Colors were highly saturated and exciting, bold with contrast.

Color has the ability to affect mood, it reflects our collective conscience, we crave different colors at different times of our lives. I ask, what color do you need in your life right now?

Color can be very powerful. Use it wisely.

UPDATE: This new decade took a turn - see the 2023 Color Forecast Here

This 60 year old ranch has had wallpaper in the kitchen since the beginning of time.  When I moved in I knew this was going to be a project. I was encouraged when the top layer came off easily, but the liner was glued on tight. After some trial and error, using steam and various toxic products, I would steam, scrape and peel, still leaving behind a sticky gluey mess. I decided to work with more natural products like baking soda & vinegar to get the paste off. It was very tedious and time consuming. This was going to be an extra tough job.
I had to find a better way...

This is a messy job. I found that old Amazon boxes worked better than ruining my drop cloths to absorb the water and paste and could be easily moved as I worked around the room. You have to be careful using steam as to avoid saturating the drywall too much.

Finally, I stumbled upon the tip of using FABRIC SOFTENER. Whaaaat? Certainly more pleasant than DEP or industrial chemicals.  I put it in a spray bottle, steamed the area, squirted on the fabric softener, let it sit a while a then worked with the steamer and a wide putty knife to scrap the gooey paste off the wall. It worked like Magic!

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO STRIP WALLPAPER
Cardboard floor protection
Steamer
Fabric Softener in a spray bottle
Wide putty knife
Old rags or newspaper to clean the goo off of the putty knife
Scotchbright Scrubbing  pad
TSP or Spic & Span (use rubber gloves)
A bucket or two

WASH BEFORE PAINTING
Once you have the glue scrapped off, you'll want to wash the walls with Spic and Span, TSP, or baking soda to get the residue off so the primer/paint will adhere. I used a blue scotch bright pad and gently scrubbed, and follow up with another spic and span wash with a clean cloth.  I touch each area while it is still damp to see if its sticky and go over it again, until it is clean.

MORE TIPS To Make Wallpaper Removal Faster.
Work a small area at a time. The process will go much faster with 2 or 3 people. One to steam, one to scrape and one to freshen the buckets and provide refreshments.
Make sure the walls are completely dry before priming. I wait 48 hours.
Avoid plumbing problems, beware of dumping gluey water down the drain. 
From start to finish, this small kitchen took well over 60 (wo)man hours, so plan accordingly.

​ help, with balance, scale and flow. We can accomplish a lot in 2 hours! I will point you in the right direction and be available for follow up if needed.
 
Oftentimes, my do-it-yourselfer clients will shoot me an email or text, with items they want to purchase to complete the vision. I help them to make the right purchase for their space, even if they want to shop themselves. They like having an on-call partner in design, to bounce things off of. And next spring, when they are ready to paint that guest room or kitchen, they know who to call for a quick paint color consultation.
 
Your project doesn’t have to be huge or expensive to call in an interior designer. If you need fresh ideas, a trained eye or simply want to get it right the first time - - give me a call, I would love to help.
 
Happy New Year to all!!!
Sheri Kaz 303.717.9856

Sometimes we need an event like a move, or remodel to motivate us to go through the junk we’ve been collecting and eventually discarding in our basements. It can be overwhelming, but the tremendous sense of freedom is liberating when we can release it!
 
Tip #1  Walk through your space and determine the things you absolutely LOVE. Make a mental note of it. If there was a fire, what would you really, really regret losing. Identify your most precious possessions.
 
Tip #2 Speed purge! Grab a box or a bin and put everything you can easily get rid of without a second thought, and put it in the bin (or multiple bins if you’re really in the mood to purge)!
 

Tip #3 Find a home for it. The “sorta like it, might need it, wonder if I’ll ever use it” stuff will need some thought.
As all organizing experts suggest, once you’ve determined what you want to get rid of, you need to find it a new home, either in the trash, donate, sell or shred. Allow time to take pictures, post it for sale, or organize a yard sale.
 
Tip #4 One room at a time. In theory that worked for me, but I did the big sweep speed purge in all rooms first and left the harder decisions for another round of purging in each room.
 
Tip #5 Start early! Never underestimate the amount of time it takes to sort through clothes and paper related stuff. How many sweaters does a girl really need? Business and personal projects, books & magazines, stuff in the basement since college, take time to look through. I would grab a pile of stuff to sort through in front of the tv every night.  If it’s reference materials you’ve been hoarding away for years, like me, you can google it! Toss it!
 
Tip#6 Set Deadlines. Plot out your course of action on a calendar. Because we all have other things we need to do in-between, give yourself goals and deadlines. For example;  Week 1: Purge guest room & master. Week 2: Living room & Dining room. Week 3: Books & Media, Week 4: Clothes & Closets.  Once you break it down into manageable pieces, you will feel less overwhelmed and be able to stay on track.
 
Tip #7 Once you’ve decided to get rid of it, get it out of the house. I’ve been driving around with stuff in my car to drop off at Salvation Army every week, rather than waiting for a monthly pick up.
 
Tip #8 Label boxes and make a master list. If you are storing or moving, a list is helpful so that you can remember the contents of each box. It’s amazing, I have put some things in storage and found that once the items are packed away, I really don’t need or want them after all.
 
Tip #9 Be Ruthless! I don’t want to be that person who pays to move my stuff cross country, only to find it was expensive and excessive.
 
Tip #10 Focus on the goal. As you feel worn down by it all, to stay motivated, keep your end game in mind. “I am going to love my space when it’s clutter free and remodeled.”
 
 
Honestly, after living in my house for 25 years, I was shocked that I still had so much stuff, even after a huge yard sale. My big purge took three months to complete. Unbelievable! Ugh. Now I have to pack all of my “keepers” once my house sells and I know I will be purging again.

So as they say, only keep the things that bring you joy.