Mona Marking Milestone: Five Years With CWD

Imagine your kids have grown, your current home is too large and for your golden years you’ve chosen to build your dreamhome. Something a littlesmaller, but also something that reflects your tastes andinterests. You know some of the amenities you’vealways wanted. Whether you’re in the market for onelevel living or centralizedvacuum cleaning or justa bigger kitchen, there’s more involved in designingyour dream home than youmight think. Before talkingto a contractor, you might want to consider talkingto a decorator. An experienced interior decorator like Mona Rand who is celebrating her fifth year with Custom Window Decorators of Lewiston can often save her clients more money than the modest fee she I enjoy taking the time to Hiring a decorator used ers when designing work-you’re a do-it-your-selfer, portunities to make some-receives for her services. ensure that the personali-to have a connotation as spaces and waiting rooms. having a professional out-one happy.

With the amount With over thirty years of ties of the soon-to-be in-something exclusively for “You want the décor to re-sider’s perspective of your of money people spend on
total experience, Mona is habitants of the home are the rich, but with more flect the feel, type and pa-lifestyle and home space their homes these days,
a member of ASID (The reflected in the décor of the available and economically thos of the business,” states can give you some solid they deserve to be happy
American Society of Interi-home,” says Mona. “It’s im-sensible selections available Mona. “Every business reference points. Likewise, with what they have,” says
or Designers.) Mona espe-portant that different tastes to homeowners, the reten-makes a statement even be-Mona’s huge list of suppli-Rand.
cially enjoys empowering can be blended together to tion of a decorator can save fore you walk through the ers and vendors might af-For more information
people to create wonderful ensure the happiness of the you many hours running door; my goal is to instill ford you the opportunity to about Mona Rand and all
environments that reflect owner(s). These items are around with tiny swatches confidence in the would discover unique accents and the services available at
their taste and personality.then infused within your and samples.

A decorator be customer.” You get a statement pieces you can’t Custom Window Decorate When a contractor shows budget to ensure that a firm can also ensure that if some similar experience when find in a huge box store. tors log onto their website
up on a job site, the cost figure is laid out before of the items on your wish you walk to through the The window treatment at www.customwindowdecorators.com of
having a crew on-site ever talking with potential list aren’t feasible up front doors at Custom Window service offered at Custom decorators.com or call them
can often exceed $500 to contractors.” that these options will be Decorators just off Exit 80 Window Decorators still toll free from anywhere in
$1000 per hour depend-Once a contractor is cho-achievable later. Suppose in Lewiston on Route 196 offers their free shop from Maine at 1-800-273-1119.
ing on the size of the crew. sen, Mona and the staff at you really want hardwood next to the Chick-a-dee of home service. From beautiful window
Work stoppages because of Custom Window Decora-floors, but you initially can Lewiston. While oversized With over 30 years ex-treatments to heirloom
confusion over items like tors work to coordinate the only afford carpet and lami-upholstered chairs greet perience coordinating ho-quality furniture and lots
flooring, moldings, light-materials to be used within nate flooring, will the sub-you in a comfortable way, meowners and contractors of creative ideas to help
ing and a myriad of things the home before the framing floor being installed sup-thousands of cloth, wallpa-has given Mona Rand the your home look its best
most would-be homeown-is started. No frantic phone port that hardwood down per and paint samples are opportunity to decorate are all available at Cusers
might never consider calls from the contractor re-the road? This is just one quickly within reach for the hundreds of homes and tom Window Decorators in
can ensure that work flows garding this or that during example of ways hiring a staff and customers. businesses and she eagerly Lewiston.
smoothly and as efficiently the middle of your work decorator today can save Setting up an affordable looks forward to each and
as possible. day.

Regular visits to the you time, money and ag-preliminary discussion with every project. “From off

“I try to start out with a build-site guarantee that the gravation down the road.a decorator can also be ben-hallway half-baths to mil“
must list” and a “wish list” proper materials are used “This same approach is eficial if you’re remodeling lion dollar estates, each
with each and every client. and installed correctly. used with business own-you present home. Even if project offers unique op-

Mona Rand of Custom Window Decorators is a member of the American Society of Interior Decorators and brings over 30 years of experience to the table with every job.
Mona Rand and Milke Faverau irong ous some details and blueprints for a project going on in Lewiston.
CUSTOMWindow Decorators
1478 Lisbon St., Lewiston, 1/4 Mile East of Exit 80, Rt. 196
784-4113 or 1-800-273-1119 www.customwindowdecorators.com

WE CREATE BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS
TO ENHANCE ANY ROOM IN YOUR HOME.
FREE SHOP AT HOME SERVICE ON ALL WINDOW TREATMENTS.

Save On:

• BLINDS
• VERTICALS
• DRAPES
• TOPPERS
• SHUTTERS
• SILHOUETTES
• CELLULAR

We came across a great Quiz on finishing your Bath with Style:

(ARA) - Once you’ve designed your dream bath and selected the big ticket items like the flooring, tiles, faucets and sinks - it’s time to add the fun details and finishing touches. Will you choose chrome bath accessories to match your modern sensibilities? Or will you lean toward rich, old world finishes to complete your look?

If the choices seem overwhelming, start with this quiz to find the finish that’s best for you and your bath décor.

“Interior decorating can be an overwhelming process,” says Tim Bitterman, senior product and brand manager for Inspirations by Moen. “But once you know how to find a look that suits you, the selection will fall into place.”

Here’s a quiz that will help you tap into your inner personality traits to find out what accessory finish is right for you.

1. You enjoy listening to:

A. Country Western or Classic Rock
B. Jazz
C. Pop
D. Classical Music

2. The last thing you bought for your home was a(n):

A. Quilt, baskets, or collectibles
B. Antique vase
C. Yoga mat
D. Oriental rug

3. Your favorite subject in school was:

A. Social Studies
B. History
C. Art
D. English Literature

4. Your perfect day would be:

A. Flea market shopping, or hunting for collectibles
B. Traveling around the country visiting historical sites
C. Clubbing with friends at a fashionable nightclub
D. Relaxing with a book on the front porch and a glass of iced tea

5. You go to the movie theater to watch:

A. Romantic comedies
B. Classics
C. Independent movies
D. Dramas

Mostly A’s: Shabby Chic

Your laid back personality requires a finish that makes a comfortable statement. Wrought iron with its deep, rich black tone complements your relaxed personality whether you have country-inspired decorating desires or love the look of mismatched shabby chic.

Look for bath accessories that make a statement while complementing your existing décor like the Stony Ridge accessory collection from Inspirations by Moen. Towel rods, towel rings, paper holders and robe hooks feature a casual design with birdcage-styled finials perfect for your easy decorating style.

Mostly B’s: What’s Old is New Again

You lean toward the past with a sense of nostalgia appreciating old world finishes and classic pieces. Oil Rubbed Bronze or Antique Nickel finishes lend an antique look that is hard to resist. Feel free to harmonize by using warm colors, such as red, orange and gold. Incorporate old treasures you may have stored in the attic to add to the look of the room. Some weathered postcards of a European vacation spot or an antique suitcase will reflect your character in the bath.

Mostly C’s: Chrome Sweet Chrome

Your fashion forward personality looks for contemporary style with a clean finish. The shiny, sturdy feel that radiates from this finish keeps your bathroom visitors calm, cool and collected. The universal styling of Chrome allows you to pair this with any style, color or accent.

Mostly D’s: Traditional

The distinctive look of Brushed Nickel evokes warmth and history - perfect for your traditional personality. You stay true to the classics and incorporate dark woods, clean lines and architectural accents into your décor. Complement this look with strong colors in rich reds, navy blues and greens.

Now that you know how to determine your favorite finish, you’ll soon be on the right track to adding the perfect finishing touches to your bath - giving it the right look for you and your personality.

For more information on bath style trends or the Stony Ridge collection available from Inspirations by Moen, call (800) 321-8809, or visit www.csi.moen.com.

Ten Tips for Accessorizing Your Home (tips from myinteriordecorator.com):

1. Personalize your home with art and accessories.
2. Repeat a color at least three times in a room.
3. Relate your art to its surroundings. Art prints placed about 6″-9″ above a sofa will create a unified look.
4. Cover two thirds of the space above furniture with one or more pieces of art to achieve proper proportion.

5. Position artwork at “eye level” to look at the center of it from either a sitting or standing position.
6. Vary the height of table top accessories for balance and interest.
7. Create a formal look with symmetrical groupings of art. Create an informal look with asymmetrical groupings.
8. Place mirrors so they reflect something beautiful. Use them to add dimension, expand space or reflect light in a room.
9. Display art on easels to create interest in corners, bookcases or on table tops.
10. Custom frame artwork to coordinate with room decor. Select a frame that compliments the decorating style. Select mat colors that enhance both the art and color scheme.

Looking for someone that carries a particular brand? Take a look at what we carry here at Custom Window Decorators:

Hunter Douglas Aluminum Horizontal Blinds
Hunter Douglas Country Woods - Wood Blinds
Hunter Douglas - Provenance Woven Wood Shades
Hunter Douglas - Duette Honeycomb Shades
Hunter Douglas - Applause Honeycomb Shades
Hunter Douglas - Custom Vertical Blinds
Hunter Douglas - Silhouette Window Shadings
Kathy Ireland Home by Alta - Quality Custom Window Coverings:
Honeycomb Shades, Roller Shads, Pleated Shads, Roman Shads, Faux Wood,
Aluminum Blinds, Vertical Blinds, Window Shadings, Woven Woods, Wood Blinds,

Art can be a wonderful way to inject personality into a room. Get a few tips on hanging art, from making sure it’s level to grouping things into attractive displays.

Information from: http://video.about.com/interiordec/How-to-Hang-Art.htm

How to Hang Art
There’s no question that art transforms your home like few other design elements can. Hung art defines your personal aesthetic. It says, this collection is important enough to see every day of our lives.
Choose Art to Hang

The first step is easy: select the art you love. Forget about trendy. If it speaks to you, use it. Still lifes, landscapes, photography, portraits… anything can comprise an artistic moment.
Where to Hang Art

Once you’ve chosen pieces, scout out possible hanging locations. If you’re developing a grouping, test your placement on the floor first. Groupings like this one should start higher, because you’ll be adding pieces as you go along. In general, larger pieces look better on top, smaller ones on the bottom. Offsetting works in a collection, but if you’re trying to achieve simplicity, then don’t be afraid to line things up.
Proper Height to Hang Art

If there’s one thing that people consistently get wrong when it comes to placing art, it’s hanging height. You may have heard that artwork must be hung at eye level. Not true. Pieces should be placed in relation to what’s under and around them. Typically, art is hung too high and should be lowered. If your ceiling is 15 feet high, for instance, pictures should still hang just 5 and a half feet off the ground. Above-mantle pieces, if the art isn’t leaning, it should be hung approximately 6 inches over the mantle. Leave 10 inches clearance above sofas and headboards. Be wary of hanging anything above arched furniture, because the lines conflict.
Before You Hang Art

When you’ve finalized your placement, it’s time for framing. Think of frames as the final signature on a piece of artwork, like shoes with an outfit, they make all the difference! In general, for larger works, wider frames are more decorative and ornamental, and thinner frames are more contemporary and subtle. Take into consideration how much space you’re trying to fill. If you need the piece to be larger, choose a wider molding. If you’re creating a grouping, you may want to control framing costs by keeping things simple.
How to Hang Art

To hang art, a tape measure, hammer and small nails are essential. If the art is heavy, you’ll need wall anchors, likely two per painting. Some people use picture hangers with integrated hooks, which are inexpensive and effective, but no better than a nail, in my experience.

Use a pencil or tape to mark the top of the frame while your partner experiments with different heights, then measure off the distance from the top to the nail crosswire. This is where you insert the nail.

If you really want to be sure of nail placement, I recommend cutting butcher paper to represent the pieces, hanging it and leaving it up for a few days to get a feel for it before you do any hammering.
Hanging Art Securely

If you’re concerned about securing the hang, either because of child safety, or other structural reasons, you’ll want to secure the work to the wall with hardware mounted on both sides.

Using hooks with holes, insert nails or screws and hang the piece directly on them. This method does require more accurate measurements and time.

What you put on your walls will change the way you feel about your home, and offer a window into your life for you and your guests to enjoy.

I’m Anne-Marie Barton, About Home & Garden.