Passion

Although we have a deep-rooted passion for couture elements throughout our designs, ultimately interior decorating and design should be beautiful, affordable and unique! Hopefully we will inspire you through our blog and website to create a beautiful space that you will love for years to come. Please visit our website for more inspiration!


Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Color Inspiration

Check out our latest designs in the newest color issue from VISION magazine (Sept/Oct 2010), PAGE 38.

http://www.epaperflip.com/aglaia/viewer.aspx?docid=60e48f77dbd6476eb9db2ad8185aaf29

Holiday e-Newsletter from Impressive Windows & Interiors

Holiday e-Newsletter from Impressive Windows & Interiors, LLC

Click HERE

Friday, October 8, 2010



This house was built as a spec home. The builder put on simple side panels for decoration/staging purposes. After the homeowners moved in they found that the blazing sun in the morning did not allow them to sleep in the room overnight. We decided on dupioni silk panels fabricated with french blackout topped off with Helser Brother Hardware. I think that these drapes not only make the room feel warmer, but rich and luxurious as well.


Monday, September 27, 2010

Last call- Midwest Window & Design Expo 2010

Please join us for a day of learning with friends and colleagues on Monday, October 3rd (one week from today). We have 2 great speakers...Susan Schurz from Rowley Company/owner of Tavern Hill as well as JoAnne Lenart- Weary from The Decorating & Staging Academy.

Truth be told, we are almost full BUT we still want YOU THERE. It is a VERY affordable way to see 2 great speakers for a VERY low cost.

And we have LOADS AND LOADS of freebies from EXTREMELY generous industry companies and numerous door prizes as well. You really won't want to miss this!

Visit our BLOG HERE to sign up and take advantage of this fantastic deal!

See you there in a week!


Sunday, September 19, 2010

Time to start thinking about fall outdoor clean-up

Now that the summer is winding down, it is time to start thinking about wrapping up our outdoor projects. This is the time to prioritize and make a tentative schedule for all of those things that we tend to put off until the spring arrives and we suddenly get overwhelmed with projects when all of that snow melts. Here are a few things that you should start thinking about for the coming weeks.

Irrigation system- Do not forget to schedule your "blow-out" early. Sometimes irrigation companies will extend a special price if you get a few neighbors to get their system blown out at the same time.

Fertilization- This is another item that you really should try and remember to do. You will have a much greener yard come spring and you will be happy that you set aside an hour or so to complete this task.

Pull dead growth- Sometime after the first frost the dead leaves start to look unsightly in our flower beds. If you are anything like me you have a compulsive need to get rid of the dead leaves. If you can, try and resist that urge. I have found that this extra layer of dead leaves provides a "mulch" or insulation as the warmer spring weather arrives. Yes, it does look kind of ugly, but if you run out of time to do this task, you will have plenty of time come spring.

Transplant annuals indoors- Another task that cannot be overlooked if you wish to save your annuals for replanting outside next year. As soon as it gets cold, you may already be too late. Start thinking about this now to prevent your plants from dying a early death.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Solution for tangled jewelry- featured on GMA 8/25

Well, I guess great minds think alike! This morning while checking my emails I was delighted to see on the television that Good Morning America (GMA) was featuring ways to organize your jewelry; to make them look like art on the wall.

Many of you that have visited my website have seen my jewelry organizer in the Gallery. I thought I would also share it here to show you all how fantastic your jewelry can look....just like art.

This is simply an old frame that I found at a garage sale with hideous picture in it. I primed and painted it, made a cushioned board with hooks and attached it to the back of the frame.

What do you think?

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Sew What? Sew Buttons!


I have had the pleasure over the last few months to have subscribed to a fantastic email newsletter. It is from the sewing magazine, Threads; which is available on newstands all around the country. This week, the editors sent out a video on "How to Sew Buttons" that I thought was certainly worth sharing with all of you.

Enjoy

Friday, July 30, 2010

Easy Recipe

Hello bloggies...

Today up in Minnesota is has rained, and the air has cooled off. To be honest it seems a bit damp and chilly.

I thought today we be a perfect day to share with all of you an easy crockpot recipe that I make quite often. It is not low calorie, but it is very easy!

3-4 Cups of cubed chicken or turkey
2 Cups of chicken broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 Cup of half and half

Put the top three items into the slow cooker for 8 hours on low
Add the half and half about 30 minutes before it is done.

Serve over cooked Speggheti or Linguini noodles

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Abracadabra!




I have a little fun up my sleeve today! It is called a virtual rendering. Wouldn't it be nice if you could "see" what your room will look like after you commit to a room makeover or simply new window treatments? Well, now that is now possible.

Here is a simple example of what you will see, a virtual rendering of what the treatment will look like in your room. See how closely it resembles the finished product?

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Hardware is for the birds


While in Atlanta, GA, just a few short months ago, I had the pleasure of taking a class from Susan Kostelecky. She is the owner of SK Designs in Houston, TX, and a very talented lady! Visit some of her work here

Susan presented a class titled, Susan's Latest and Greatest Things. Among her wares in which she presented was this fantastic detailed bird finial! Check it out!

Monday, July 12, 2010

Tropical Inspiration!




I recently found this fabulous Robert Allen fabric for a client of mine. It has bold flowers and vibrant accents, sure to appeal to the masses. Client decided to treat herself to many new pices in her cabins master bedroom.

Here is what we did to her master bedroom; turned it into a tropical oasis!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Monday, June 7, 2010

Do you have green pillows?


I am not actually talking about green colored pillows...but environmentally friendly pillows. I recently was introduced to them by a fellow designer and I found them very comparable to the traditional synthetic pillows and at the same price!

Why is this important? Well, you have all heard me talk about the growing trend of outdoor living, right? Well, with so many families extending their durable indoor spaces into the outdoor areas Sunbrella fabrics are becoming even more popular! If you use any of the numerous Sunbrella velvets, canvas or sheers for your indoor areas you will get twice as much use our of your matching accessories if you use Green Pillow Inserts, because they can be used outside as well. Just think, you can get twice the use in one for NO MORE COST! It's a no-brainer :)

Happy decorating!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

What does the color of your front door say about YOU?



White- You like things sterile, very clean. It satisfies you to see nothing. Color confuses you within your home and therefore you tend to back away and "stay safe" when it comes to color.

Black- You love traditional style and appreciate the architecture within a home. Your home is very tidy and sensible.

Gray- You are mysterious by nature but love a little contemporary or modern flair. You are current on the latest decorating trends and consider yourself a pioneer.

Brick/Red- You love attention being drawn to you in your life as well as your decorating. You love being in the spotlight and enjoy being at the center of the party.

Pumpkin/Orange-You are bold and not afraid to take a risk. You feel young and energetic and are tired of "predictable decorating".

Gold/yellow- You have a daring personality and love to garden. You take a great deal of inspiration within your decorating from mother nature.

Lime/green- You always love throwing a great party! Your design style tends to be a little off-beat but extremely comfortable.

Violet/Magenta-You love an elegant room with an eclectic twist. Your style is original and you are definitely a trend setter.

SO, what color IS your door?

Friday, May 21, 2010

Fantastic new fabric line




While in Atlanta I was extremely busy with numerous design and fabrication classes as well as networking and bonding with my peers. It was not until later on Friday that I was finally able to make it to the show floor to view the vendor booths. I had the pleasure of running into a great couple of gentleman who happened to be fabric vendors at the International Window Coverings Expo. There I stumbled upon some of the most exquisite fabrics I have ever seen. And beleive me these are some of the TOP brands in the industry, just not the over the top pricing. I could not help myself :) I now carry the line in my studio in Hastings, MN. Why not have your home stand out from your neighbors and look into cutomizing your home today. And if you would like to view this fantastic fabric just give me a call...you will not be sorry.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Hollywood Glam in the Bedroom~


One of the most popular ways to decorate a master bedroom is classic vintage luxury or Hollywood Glam! Here are a few ideas to get you started!


Paint- When painting your walls use bold jewel tones and classic neutrals for colors. You can pair this with graphic print wallpaper on one wall as a focal point.


Furniture- Luxurious fabrics (silks, faux furs, etc.) paired with gold-leaf, mirrored furniture, crystal chandeliers, and large tufted headboards. Small budget? No problem! Re-purposing an old piece to fit in with your design plan is a great way to make a statement and not invest a great deal of cash. Ralph Lauren came out with a great metallic paint line about 7 years ago and many of the other paint companies have done this as well. Your possibilities are endless!






Thursday, April 22, 2010

Outdoor Living

As we transition into the summer season, the coolest trend in interior decorating is not indoors at all. It is outdoor spaces, an extension of your indoors!

Current trends include:
  • recovering outdoor furniture
  • outdoor drapery panels for porches, pergolas and covered decks
  • outdoor fireplaces
  • water features of all sizes

As you know, we can help you with parts of your outdoor project that you can't tackle on your own or complete the entire project for you in just a few short weeks!

If you need help with actual construction of any area of your outdoors (or indoors), I highly recommend Kasel Exteriors of Hastings. They have experienced crews with excellent experience! Visit their website here

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Patio Blinds




In the Midwest, we hibernate in the winter time and therfore our patio doors rarely get used. That is of course until spring comes along! The weather is getting warmer and we are filled our refrigerators with items to cook on our grills. Well, it is that time of year once again and you may think that patio doors are a pain to cover for somebody in my industry. As a matter a fact, they are a pleasure to cover...I LOVE patio doors!




While their are numerous ways that patio doors can be covered I am just going to share with you my favorite!




Most often, I place cordless honeycomb shades that stack high enough and then place a treatment over them to cover the stack of the shade when it is in the "up" position. This allows a person to be able to take advantage of the beauty of a soft-covering on their window to coordinate with their decor and still have functional kid-friendly privacy at the same time.


More information about the Hunter Douglas treatments that qualify for the Energy Tax Credit can be found here.






Wednesday, April 7, 2010

DIY Outdoor Ideas

One of the most popular areas to decorate now may not be inside your home at all. Now that the weather is improving, we are all excited about beautifying our outdoor spaces.

Here are a few ideas for do-it-yourself projects to help you beautify one of the most coveted areas within our properties, our outdoor spaces!

Arbor

Pergola

Window Box

other outdoor ideas

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Spring Cleaning

Now that Spring has officially arrived you may look around your house and see many things that may need sprucing up. Here is a quick list of things to do now to make the months ahead less stressful:

When you are out in the yard playing with your kids, grab a bag from the garage and take the dead perennial growth from last year and help spruce up your yard a little at a time. Be careful, wear gloves and do not forget the sunscreen. Need help? Call a professional! I use Four Seasons Outdoor Services out of Cottage Grove, MN

Use a solution of vinegar and water and clean your windows from the inside, along with a wide squeegie. I always take off my screens in the fall and clean them and store them for the winter. That way I only have to clean them once per year.

Start your seeds NOW. This will save you a great deal of money on your vegetable garden and flower pots/boxes. I started growing seeds for the first time this year and I was surprised at how easy it was. I planted on Saturday and some are aleady 5 inches high! I just put them in a sunny location inside our patio door on the floor.

This is a great time to check/change the batteries in your smoke detectors. You can never be too safety conscious.

On another safety note, be sure to replenish the items in the roadside emergency kit that you keep in your car. Even though it is summer, you still should have a kit in your car. Also be sure that your first aid kit is replenished and ready to go.

Happy Spring!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

LIVE life

I have been blessed by numerous happenings lately that have got me viewing life from a beautiful new and different perspective! I have never been a negative Nellie or a Debbie downer, but from time to time I find myself not appreciating life as much as I should be. I know we all get into a rut every once in awhile and I am giving you permission to GET OUT OF THAT RUT!

Surround yourself by people that inspire you and those that you can inspire back.

I believe that everyone is capable of great things, the journey for some is longer than others.

Don't waste your energy on conflict; life is too short. Agree to disagree and move on!

When you find yourself feeling down...stop and appreciate the things you are grateful for, I'll bet you will find that there is a lot!

Be positive, it's contagious!

In my little world of decorative creativity, the most beautiful inspiration comes from the times that I have cleared my head and start to appreciate the small things. So...clear your head and believe in yourself! You are capable of great things, I promise!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Annual open house

Please join us for Impressive Windows & Interiors annual Spring Open House!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 from 6:30-8:30pm
3588 Greten Lane in Hastings, MN
Complimentary hors d' oeuvres, wine and more!



Hightlights include:
TJ McGillis from Hunter Douglas, the leader in hard window coverings
Home Staging Expert Tricia Sibley
DVD viewing of the Extreme Makeover project in St. Paul, MN
Our 2010 entry into the Window Fashions Magazine-VISION- National Ingenuity Workroom Competition

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

I can't decorate! Please help!

From time to time I receive a call from a very frustrated client that says "I just can't decorate". While listening to them on the phone or in person, voicing their decorating dilemma...I genuinely sympathize with them. Although most want me to immediately come and rescue them, I don't and here's why.

The first step in deciding what you like it is to find it, and find it for yourself. You need to scour the books at your local library, home improvement stores, magazines or brochures to find "the look" that suits you and your family. Take lots of notes and start a decorating journal or 3-ring binder with inspiration pictures in it. True, I ask many questions during consultations to narrow down the style that they may have mind, but the truth is every ones perception of a particular style is different, and when you can visualize it and show that vision to another person that is the best way to receive the style that you like.

In addition to this journal I suggest that you also work with a designer that will provide you with virtual renderings of your room so that you with have a pretty good idea as to what the ideas that you came up with will look like in your room. If you would like a FREE sample of what we can do for you send us a photo of your room via email at Jill@ImpressiveWindowsandInteriors.com and put BLOG OFFER in the subject line (one virtual picture rendering per email address, and offer only valid for the first 15 people that respond via email). We will email you back with 3 new decorating ideas for your room within 2 business days. This offer is only good until March 31, 2010.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Orange you glad I didn't say banana?

The color orange may be one of those scary colors that you cringe at when viewing colors to palce within your home. I am here to say...do not be afraid, orange is your friend.

When color analysts say that all colors "come back" into interior fashion they could not be more correct. For those of you out there that are of a certain age like myself can remember back to the 1970's when the color burnt orange was very popular in the interiors of homes. Well, here it is again...burnt orange.

The color orange is used to assist us in times of caution...construction signs and safety equipment. It is also used to celebrate holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving...a great autumn harvest color. And it also looks great on clothing and the interior of any home!

So go ahead and use this beautiful color on your clothing and in your homes, as orange has reared its colorful head once again...and will again in another few decades.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Wood, Tiger? Not what you'd think :)

So sorry to be off topic today, but today is the first day of the Chinese New Year!

I have always been a believer in the Chinese Zodiac. I am not Chinese, not even a little. Ever since I was little girl I remember sitting at the local Chinese restaurant with my parents eating dinner. We would all read the Zodiac calendar on the restaurant place mats and I have known for many years that according to the Chinese Zodiac calendar I am a Tiger. We are strong, protectors of our family and it is said that if you have a Tiger in your family that you are protected.

Well today is the beginning of the Chinese New Year and it is the year of the Tiger. We (Tigers) are supposed to have a great year this year...I am hoping that this is a great "sign". Additionally I also found out today that according the the Chinese calendars there are different types of Tigers (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water), and I am a Wood Tiger according the year in which I was born.

What is your Chinese astrological sign?

Have a wonderful week!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Seeing white yet?

The East is still digging out from a snowstorm that they experienced last week, it pounded them with foot upon foot of almost endless snow. Here in the Midwest we are once again getting hit with 3 days worth of snow, not as bad as the East but nonetheless unwelcome by most. I thought the next few entries would be a great time to talk about tasks to tackle as you are stuck in your home.

Is there a correct place to hang art? Yes. About 6 inches above a table or sofa or at eye level in the rest of the home. Hang in small groups if possible in similar color groupings to bring interest to various areas throughout your home.

Friday, February 5, 2010

On a roll....more organizing

I realize that JANUARY is national "get organized" month and I am a little late in sharing all of these organizational tips. But the way I look at it, we can always find NEW great ways to organize ALL of the time.

I wanted to share a source that has been great for me personally as well as professionally over the past 2 years. Her name is Audrey Thomas, owner of Organized Audrey LLC. She helps people learn skills and techniques to get the organized, drive their productivity, increase efficiency and help them juggle the demands of work and home. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing her speak in person 2 years ago during a special luncheon with my local chamber of commerce.

She has a free newsletter called Transforming Times and this publication is filled with GREAT information each and every month about organizing and taking control of your life. If you have time to go to her website she also has numerous free articles that are EXTREMELY helpful for all types of organizing!

Monday, February 1, 2010

Organize your closets...organize your life!

My husband and I recently made the decision to organize our closets! First and foremost we are starting with our master bedroom walk-in closet. This particular area in our home has been the catch-all dumping ground for all of the things that we aren't sure what to do with for the past 7 years. We are anxiously awaiting the time in the near future that we can consider this an extension of our master bedroom.

It all started one day last week when I was watching Fine Living Network and saw an advertisement for EasyClosets.com. I went to their website and was thrilled at all of the options that they have and FREE DESIGN service to boot!

I went through the website and followed the directions...they had a lot of great information and the inspiration pictures were fabulous! It was like a dream...crisp white baskets, pristine folded piles of sweaters and shoes neatly stacked in rows. I was hooked! I went immedaitely upstairs and took measurements of our closet and entered in all of our information. But I was clueless as to what to do with it! If you have ever had the displeasure of viewing our master bedroom closet it is a strange shape, complete with nooks and crannies galore. I opted for the FREE DESIGN service just to see what they could do with our crazy closet.

2 business days later, I have a great 3-D design and the ability to make numerous changes as I see fit. I am so excited to execute this plan I can hardly stand it! I can't wait to move on to the next closet!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Staging on The Cheap. 10 Ideas Under $100

  1. De-clutter- You should take out 40-50% of the items in your home and store off site to give the illusion of more space. Try a local storage facility or a friend/family member with some extra room.
  2. Paint- Tight budget? Get paint for free at your local recycling center. If color doesn't matter you can also get paint that was mixed by mistake at your local hardware store or paint speciality store for around $5.00 per gallon.
  3. Fixture Fix Up- Don't replace those fixtures, paint them. Get a good primer, a great color and finiah and you have a brand new looking fixture.
  4. In Need of Furniture? Try Craigslist or eBay. You can also check yout local paper for weekly garage sales, free and thrify ads.
  5. Throw pillows- Instant update for a saofa. USe 3-5 colorful pillows, larger sizes are better.
  6. End Tables Nearing Their End? Cover the tops of the tables with a beautiful fabric and secure underneath the table. Top it with a custom glass piece to complete the look.
  7. Update those lamps- Attach trim or ribbon horizontally along the top and bottom of shade with fabric glue.
  8. Bookcase Blues- Need to add color and interest to those bookshelves but you have no books? No problem, Half-Price Books has you covered.
  9. Need artwork? use empty picture frames painted exciting colors. You can also use them to frame smaller items on the walls that you would like to bring attention to. You could also use them in layers propped on a a fireplace mantel.
  10. Curb Appeal- Trim the bushes, mow the lawn and manicure the flowers. If it looks great on the outside more people will want to come inside!

Last but not least, make sure the house has been thoroughly cleaned!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

View the latest issue of The Decorator's Notebook


Well, the January issue is here! View the complete issue HERE. Be sure to pass it on to your family and friends!




Happy Decorating!
Jill

Monday, January 18, 2010












Most of the time when we think of the process of staging a home it involves many important steps, most of which are time-consuming and take a great deal of money to execute. How can we eliminate these steps and save money and still accomplish the same results?

It is called virtual home-staging which can be done at a fraction of a cost of traditional home staging. Over 80% of homeowners look at pictures on the Internet before they go look at a property in person. With the growing number of home due to relocation's and foreclosures, this in an excellent opportunity to make your home stand out in a over saturated market. Home staging is about the buyer envisioning the potential of the home while helping you (the seller) to sell your property more quickly and for more money. Virtual home staging enhances the show ability of any home. It gets people that may not normally consider your home, a chance to see the potential that your home has to offer. While it would be completely dishonest to make certain changes to the home such as hiding a flaw or changing it structurally, it is completely acceptable to make a home look good with the proper decorating and accessories.

You can send pictures of your home to decorators or designers that provide this "virtual home staging" service and in just a few days and a few phone conversations you can have this done in no time! Here's to quick selling!








Important safety information

On a serious note...there was a recent window treatment safety recall (December 2009). I have had many calls and questions about this and as an industry we have halted production on roman and roller shades with strings until a ruling from the Consumer Products Safety (CPSC) and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) posts a ruling on what we need to do to make these treatments safe for children and pets. Please see document posted in regards to this issue here.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Are you afraid of ME?

Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending an evening with "just the girls" learning to play the game of Bunko. There were about 14 ladies laughing, talking and getting to know each other, it was the most fun I have had in a long time! About half way through the evening the hostess came into the room and I told her that she had a beautiful living room. It was decorated traditionally with a great fireplace, leather furniture with a bit of contemporary flair and best of all it overlooked the Mississippi River...really nice! She said that she was nervous about having me over because of my occupation, she felt I would judge her home negatively. That really made me sad as her friend...I wonder how many people think that I would judge their beautiful homes if invited over?

Now I am being completely honest, as a decorator as well as a friend to you all. I guess part of being a successful decorator is understanding that in order to be successful you need to be able to turn it on and turn it off.... "It" being of course the decorating ability. If you ask for my help I would be honored, otherwise I honestly will not notice! I promise!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

After pictures from the Extreme Makeover Home Edition

The Extreme Makeover Home Edition episode that we were asked to participate in aired over the weekend on ABC. Here are a few of the after pictures from Ty's secret room (the master bedroom for the Morris family). We fabricated bedding, pillows, window treatments, canopy and upholstery for the room...36 yards of Dupioni silk sewn in just 18 hours!

Monday, January 4, 2010

Simplistic Design Trends













As we begin each New Year, we typically see many forms of rebirth around us. From fiscal years to mother nature we see several processes start over with a new beginning. For many reasons I think it is calming and cleansing to be surrounded by light, airy colors that seem to float around the room like they barely exist to the human eye. I like to think of minimalistic design as a type of a new beginning. Here are a few places that have inspired some of my minimalistic design projects.