We won! Bellacor Project!

Hey all!

I am starting to wonder if it will ever stop raining. What happened to Summer? Just a quick note to share with you all...BrynnAlden Interiors was awarded the re-design project for Bellacor Corporate Headquarters in Mendota Heights! Yay!

Keep watching as the transformation happens! We are looking forward to showing you the finished project.

In the meantime. Here is a link to Bellacor. They sell a wealth of home decor, furnishings, and lighting. You never know when you'll need them. Enjoy!

http://www.bellacor.com/

~Kelli

Paint Colors - Light vs Dark

Happy Sunny Wednesday!

Do I dare say...I think Spring is finally here! Shhhh...don't say it too loud or Mother Nature may change her mind. I think those of us here in the Midwest have had enough of this crazy, colder than normal, weather. It seems to be a unanimous thought with everyone I speak to, we are READY for Spring.

I was watching HGTV one night. I know you are thinking why are YOU watching HGTV? It is my favorite channel. Some good things, some not so good in my opinion, but none the less a lot of variety. On came "Designed to Sell". I was pleasantly surprised by the designer, her name is escaping me at the present moment, but some of her ideas were exactly what I would do. Specifically, the use of a milk chocolate brown in the guest room. Hence, the idea for this entry.

The majority of people think using dark colors on the walls creates a cave like atmosphere. I completely disagree. I am not saying dark paint colors are for everyone. They are not. I however prefer dark over light. In my opinion, it makes a warmer, cozier space. In my master bedroom, I have used chocolate brown. I have also used a brick red in the hallway and header wall between my living room and dining room. Brick red and "tree bark" are in my lower level. If you are thinking, "You are crazy!" You are only partially correct. I prefer the term "daring". Just remember, paint is a very inexpensive element to experiment with. If you want to change it, it costs $30 - $50 depending on the brand of paint and your time. I love to paint, as most of you know, so the physical painting doesn't deter me one bit.



I lean toward dark colors in general, especially in my own home. I think there is a great balancing act one has to do in order to pull off dark colors successfully. Here are a couple of examples from the current issue of Elle Decor - May 2011. Aparently, I am not the only one who is crazy. Take a peek. I can't force clients to use dark colors when they are light people. However, if you are on the fence, I can try to sway you to the Dark side! Enjoy!

Space Saving Home Office Areas

Good Morning! I don't know how all you feel about the snow we are having...I know I would prefer the 50 degrees back! I know it's coming soon enough! Really not soon enough for me!


Anyway, I was the member spotlight in one of my networking groups a couple weeks ago. I did a little exercise to try to help the members understand a little bit more about what an Interior Designer does.

Yes, folks, we are more than pillows and paint colors. But don't get me wrong, we love it all!



Anyway, moving forward, one of the gals had asked a question about a home office in a bedroom, which is also a very tight space. She was tired of looking at all of her stuff.

I recommended using a screen/divider to separate the work space off to its own space and also act as a view blocker to block "all the stuff". I also recommended, taking an inventory of what she actually needs to work. Get rid of or re-locate the stuff that is not absolutely necessary for working.

Then the issue of a chair came up. The chair takes up a lot of space. Time to visit the local good-will to see if they have a smaller version for in-expensive. Throw the current one in the back of your truck or car when you go. They will take it, and you get a little tax write off of a donation, so get a receipt.



Anyway, I have a few different options for small home office spaces that I came across. One is using a screen/divider. Next are a closet conversion, a small niche office, and then just a small area without a screen.

They may work for you, they may not. In any case, I hope you get some great inspiration and ideas for your space. Of course we are always happy to offer additional on site help if you need! Good Luck and Happy office organizing.

If you could please take the time to be one of our followers also, that would be great!

Kelli

Kitchen Remodeling - Truth

Hey All!

I hope 2011 is off to a great start for you! It is for me! I am so excited about how things are starting for me. I was checking my email and linkedin this morning...I came across this in one of my industry colleagues websites. I know everyone thinks they can do kitchen design by themselves...it is extremely more involved than you will ever imagine. I have copied two pieces of Justin's advice, mostly, because I agree with him...check them out...

Here is what colleague Justin has to say...

I want to renovate my kitchen...where do I start? Follow these great kitchen design tips and you'll be well on your way to creating your dream kitchen!

Budget - Here is a great tip...the first thing you need to decide is how much you have to spend on your kitchen renovation. So many clients come to me and tell me what they want without thinking about the cost. Then they receive the estimates and it's a rude awakening. A good rule of them is to assume that everything will come in higher than expected.

What should I budget for?
Well, it all depends on how large or small you plan your kitchen renovation to be. Let's assume you are planning a full kitchen renovation. Use these kitchen remodel cost percentages as a guidline:

Appliances	10%
Cabinetry	30%
Countertops	10%
Electrical and Plumbing	10%
Flooring	10%
Backsplash and Painting	10%
General Contractor - Labor	20%

Always add 30% to the bottom line to compensate for any product and labor increases.

I know this seems like a lot but, you'll be happy you did!

Justin also says this, and this is an extremely important part...

Hire An Architect/Kitchen Designer - This is an extremely important step. You need to have kitchen floor plans drawn up in order to move ahead. Not only will they help you to decide what products, materials, and sizes to use, but they will also act as a precise blueprint for your contractor, electrician, plumber, tile installer, and countertop fabricator to follow once your renovation is underway.


Important - Only hire an architect if you are going to be adding an addition on to your kitchen or moving any load bearing walls! If you are not doing any of these things, an interior designer will do just fine...and will cost you less!

This is one of the best kitchen design tips I can give to help you keep down your kitchen renovation costs!

I am not trying to dis-credit the cabinetry departments in the big box stores...however, they are not usually the most experienced. They are hourly employees just like every other department in the store. Most of them have NO formal training...if you are lucky, you might come across one that has years of experience...and knows the design end from doing it for so many years. I encourage you to hire an interior designer...they are knowledgeable in Kitchen and Bath design and they are usually less expensive than an architect.

Hope you found some good advice here. See you all soon. Could you do me a favor? If you are reading this...would you please add yourself as one of my "followers" on my blog homepage please? I appreciate it!

So long 2010...Hello 2011!

It's hard to believe that 2010 is just hours from being over! WOW! I look back and ponder the things I am thankful for. My health (of course), my wonderful husband, my 2 amazing children, my family, (who is ever so supportive), and my wonderful wealth of friends. God has blessed me with many things in 2010. All of them I am thankful for.

For 2011...I look forward to the many more blessings I will receive. My goal for 2011...well...I have many.

Things to come for BrynnAlden:

A new website...with the close of the store in 2008, we shut down the website. It is time again to get a site up and running along with my blog. Wish me luck!

Design in a box...I have to come up with a new name. A professional decorator by the name of Windsor Smith has developed this concept. I think it is brilliant...this is something I plan to incorporate as a service to my clients.

Event & Pary Planning...Design is more than pillows and curtains. I know you are all shocked, but it is true. I will be adding event and party planning to our service list in 2011. From kid's birthday parties to corporate holiday parties, we will offer planning services for your special events.

New-Park Lions are also on my agenda...I will be joining the New-Park Lions Club. I haven't been part of professional community service organization since Key Club in high school, but I have volunteered my time as much as possible at the kids' schools. I think it is important to help in your community. There is always someone in need!

Watch for all these exciting changes in 2011...they are sure to keep you in the loop!

I would love your feedback. If there is something you need help with, there is something you would like to read about, or just plain chat...let me know.

I want to wish you all a blessed, healthy, and prosperous New Year! You deserve it!

Happy New Year!

Kelli

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Eve-

I just want to wish you all a Merry Christmas. Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. See you soon!

Kelli

Christmas Decorating...

I can't believe its already December 3rd! Hopefully the time after Christmas goes by as fast as the fall did!

I was reading the December issue of Traditional Home and thought I would share some thoughts...

One of the articles featured the home of New York Designer Christopher Hyland. It is very beautiful. Not my taste all around but beautiful none the less. This is a picture of his Christmas Tree.

He goes on to say, he doesn't leave off ornaments our leave out Christmas decorations because they aren't "design worthy" he uses all ornaments and all decorations because they are the story tellers of years past.








I totally agree! Each crocheted butterfly on my tree reminds me of my Grandma. Each photo ornament of Don and Ruth remind us all of them. Painted pine cones with glitter remind me how fast my kids are growing. The wind up Santa music box I received from my God Mother years ago also tells a story. "Tiny Tim" sits at the top of our stair well waiting for us...he tells the story of Rick's childhood! Although he needs a little sprucing up every once in a while...he still welcomes us home!




Design is an art. Remember "art" has many faces. There are no rules to "art" despite what some people think. It is very subjective. Subjective to ones own opinion. Design is much the same. There are rules and principles of design. But designers do not use them in the same way. That is what makes us unique in our own design solution.



I hope you all create your own Christmas Wonderland at your own homes. I finally, am putting the finishing touches on mine. Although, it never is exactly the same each year, some things are close.

Happy Holiday Season to you all!