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9. and 10. HAVE FUN and THEN HAVE MORE FUN If you’re not enjoying it, then something is not going well. I wish all of you an amazing new year! Here’s to happy new beginnings in your homes and design adventures! ^
7. Make design a social event Create a list of your problem design areas in your home. Print pictures of rooms you like from online or tear out images from magazines. Then, don’t be scared to have friends over and (over wine) ask them your questions and see what solutions they dream up. Start the evening by saying, “Don’t be offended if I don’t use your suggestions but I’d love to hear what others would do with the space.” Obviously don’t give anyone too much wine or you might hear more than you want to! But why not help each other out? Having photos of what you like will keep the sugges- tions geared toward your dream style rather than theirs. 8. Involve your whole family into the design of your home Even though it may slow the process down, it’s important for all people who live in your home, of all ages, to have a say. Hang hooks at kid level, or display kids’ art in a prominent place, like over the fireplace.
vintage piece in the West Bottoms, going to the Art Institute’s “Starving Artist” sale, or Prairiebrooke Gallery’s lithographs and prints they have stored away (just ask to see what they don’t have out), you have no excuse not to add an original to your collection. And if you really want to have fun, pick a theme and start collecting paintings or photographs. Whether it’s paintings of whales, landscapes, paint by numbers, whatever; there is no wrong answer if you love it! 6. Paint a piece of furniture Have you discovered Annie Sloane Chalk Paint yet? If not, you should. Bella B Décor and Restoration Emporium teach classes and carry the amazing paint. There are also other great furniture paints like CeCe Caldwell, van Gogh, Miss Mustard Seed, local Mother Earth Paint, etc., or you can even make your own. It’s an easy way to make a dining room buffet or nightstand have a fun and happy design moment! You can also mix Annie Sloan paints together to create your own custom color.
Jennifer Bertrand is the winner of HGTV’s show “Design Star” season three, and cohost of “Real Life Design” on cravingtalk radio.com. She resides in
Weatherby Lake, MO, with her lovely English husband Chris, her happy son Winston, and has big plans in life to conquer the design world … again. Email pics and questions to Jennifer jblovesdesign@gmail.com Instagram hgtvdesignstarjenniferbertrand Facebook Jennifer Oldham Bertrand Twitter jblovedesign
e River Market Antiques T g Find your Own Look by Recycling some amazing Lifestyles from the Past For information contact: recycledretailmanagement@gmail.com k 816.221.0220 115 West 5th Street Kansas City, MO 64105 30,000 SQ. FT. RiverMarketAntiques ~ ~
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