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!

What are the best Gray Paint Colors by Benjamin Moore?
Considering using gray in your home? There are things to consider and the best tip I can give you is to look for the  undertones.
You can look at 20 different swatches of gray all in the same tonal value. They are all a little different. The undertones you are seeing is what makes them appear different (unless you are actually colorblind) and you may wonder how they will look on something as large as the walls of your room.
More importantly -  how will it make you feel?

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.

Lately I’ve had several clients almost embarrassed to call me for help. Like Vicki and Tom from Oak Creek, Wisconsin. “We moved into our mother’s home after she passed away and want to make it our own. We have a limited budget and want to do it ourselves, but need some guidance.” #affordableinteriordecorator

They were overwhelmed. She needed a vision for her home and didn’t know how or where to begin. Vicki was wise to call an interior designer.

I walked into the typical Southeast Milwaukee suburban ranch home, built in the early 60’s. Mauve carpet and floral drapes with elaborate swags greeted me. The kitchen was painted in a playful shade of pink with matching countertops. The family room had faded paneling and worn carpeting that needed to be replaced.

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.

Need to add some curb appeal or refresh your exterior paint? It's easy to go with the same palette and you might not be able to imagine anything different. Or maybe you're afraid to try something new. But, will the tried and true be the best choice for your house and neighborhood? 

Here's an example of a client that desperately needed a new paint job. White was her obvious choice for this little house. She just wanted the peeling paint to be restored, she sought my advice and here's how we transformed her exterior to add curb appeal. She was thrilled and so were her neighbors. Hiring a color consultant really can make a huge difference. 

As a lover of architecture and interior design, I recently took a little trip to Spring Green, Wisconsin to see the home of Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Taliesin is a journey back in time, with a look to the future.

Frank Lloyd Wright - The Perpetual Home Renovator
This home was built in 1911 and added on to and remodeled many times over the years. Because he could! I love his experimental courage, always innovating. True to his Organic Design philosophy, all of the building materials were sourced locally.  Sadly, the soft sandstone is beginning to deteriorate.
​
The photos can not possible capture the spirit and beauty of the place, so I encourage you to visit and donate to the preservation of this national treasure. Check it out  www.taliesinpreservation.org

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.