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Newsletter for the Interior Design industry.

September 2004 – Volume 1.4  

      

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Thoughts from the Dream Team; and welcome to the fourth issue of the “DreamDraper™ Newsletter for the Interior Design industry." 

We look forward to meeting many of you at The Custom Home Furnishings Educational Conference and Trade Show in Fort Washington, PA (outside of Philadelphia) in a few short days (Oct 1-2).  Please make sure to stop by our booth (# 601) and say hello.  The schedule of classes and demos are listed below, at the bottom of the newsletter.  

It is my pleasure to host the DreamDraper™ Newsletter on behalf of Evan Marsh Designs, creators of DreamDraper™, and bring you tips on the latest design trends and news that will help make your business even more successful. Keep the questions, ideas and tips coming.  We so enjoy hearing from you.  Let us put you in the news with your story!   Margi  

Click here to contact Margi.

email:   askthedoctor@evanmarshdesigns.com 

Click here to learn more about Margi.

Margi Kyle

ASID, IDS, WCAA, NSA

“THE DESIGNING DOCTOR, LLC”

     

Click here for more about Margi.

  

Included in this newsletter:

   

   

Feng Shui and the Cost of Clutter by Margi Kyle

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all of the “things” in your life – the collection of material goods and unending lists of activities that all demand your attention and your energy?  Just thinking about all of these needs and obligations can drain your energy, cloud your thinking, make you feel depressed, and cause a general malaise that can act like a giant anchor, preventing you from doing anything.

An underlying premise of Feng Shui is that we must make room for new opportunities to enter and enrich our lives, and clutter can greatly impede this process.  The clutter can be either physical or mental. Is a room too busy with furniture, mementos, and remnants of everyday life?  Are closets and drawers full of “stuff” that you think you might need someday – even though you haven’t used them for years?  Are attics and basements jammed wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling?  Are you constantly racing to the next activity – or feeling guilty because you are either late or ignoring functions, meetings, or commitments?  Do you have a hard time getting started or dealing with the routine tasks of life, even though you know that these must be done?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you have barriers to change in your life that are draining you of the energy to explore new horizons.  The essence of Feng Shui is simplicity and creating an open physical and mental environment that allows exciting new thoughts, challenges, and opportunities to enter our lives.  If our space and our minds are full of clutter, we are shutting out any chance for positive change.  The “cost of clutter” is incalculable but is clearly indicated if we feel that we are moving through life with no sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, or well-being.

How do we free up this space and create an environment for positive change?  Adopt the underlying premise of simplicity and set out to free-up your mental and physical workspace.  But recognize that you cannot do everything at once, and start by setting small and achievable goals to clear your mind and your space.  Critically examine your personal schedule and eliminate those things that provide little satisfaction, enjoyment, or are being done because you feel it’s just the right thing to do.  Stop running from place to place and reserve some time just for contemplation and unplanned relaxation.

Don’t try to change your physical environment overnight. It’s impossible to make major changes in a room setting that is full of clutter.  First tackle a few drawers, a closet, the boxes under the bed, or those precious items that you hate but would also hate to throw out. Once the clutter is eliminated you can move on to bigger projects.  Removing the clutter will allow energy to flow into the room and permit new visions and possibilities to be realized.

And what benefits will be apparent as you move down this path?  You will feel more focused, more satisfied, and more energetic as you finish the small tasks of “clutter-cleansing” and move on to the bigger things.  You will move from a mired-in-the-mess mindset to one of dreams, unending opportunities, and significant accomplishments!   And the key was making room in your life.  

I use some of the tips (for example, never place your desk so that your back is to a window, as it is felt that you will be lacking in support) as add on advice for my clients to enjoy a harmonious space.  For more reading on Feng Shui, try some of the books below (click on each book for more information).  Margi

cover

The Complete Illustrated Guide To Feng Shui

by Lillian Too
cover

Feng Shui:  How to Create Harmony and Balance in Your Living and Working Environment

by Belinda Henwood & Howard Choy

cover

Feng Shui in 10 Simple Lessons

by Jane Butler-Biggs  

cover

Interior Design With Feng Shui

by Sarah Rossbach

 

 

Floor Plans Using DreamDraper™ and PowerPoint by Evan Marsh Designs

Many designers use Microsoft Office programs such as Word for word processing, Excel for maintaining data and calculating information, and Outlook for email.  But have you discovered the power of PowerPoint?  Quite often designers will already have PowerPoint installed on their computer and don't even know it!  Did you know that you can easily create floor plans to various scales using the combined capabilities of DreamDraper™ and PowerPoint?

To sketch out a floor plan, use the Clip Art feature.  The illustration below shows the capabilities of PowerPoint.

On the top right of the illustration, you can specify the type of clip art that you need.  In this case, the word "desk" was input (the input area is circled in red).  Microsoft PowerPoint will then search the internet for available clip art that fits your description and it will display the choices (as shown on the right).  You can then drag the clip art directly onto your PowerPoint slide.  

As you can see, the floor plan example in the above illustration used several pieces:  the plain desk, the corner desk, the desk chair (shown in lavender on the right), and the arm chair (shown in pale yellow on the right).  Using PowerPoint's Clip Art function, we were able to search for the table and chair graphic (shown in the lower left corner of the room), the sofa, and the plant.  In addition to finding the clip art, PowerPoint allows you to change the color of the graphics.  Notice that the desk chair was changed from lavender to burgundy.  You can even insert textures, such as the wood grain effect used on the desk and tables (the original clip art graphics were plain brown), or fabric as used on the sofa and arm chair (original color of each was pale yellow).  

Hint:  If you type "office layout" in PowerPoint's Clip Art Search field, you will find useful space planning graphics, including items such as file cabinets, lamps, and bathroom features.  And because you are using PowerPoint, you have the full draw capability from Microsoft to resize the items, rotate or flip them at any angle.  Plus you can add text, dimensions, draw lines and arrows, use color, use different fonts, etc.  The grid shown in this floor plan example is one of several available from the DreamDraper™ system and will print to scale.  Use the power of PowerPoint!

Drag   Drop   Design!

  

 

Color Connections by Margarett DeGange

The impact of color in an interior can be fascinating. Colors do not just effect us visually.  They have an emotional and physiological affect on us as well.

Using color with a specific intent or purpose in mind allows it to truly serve us. Deliberate color choice can help to create and elicit certain moods within the home and can serve to improve our quality of life.

Following are a few of the general associations of many common colors along with some of the basic physiological responses the body has to them, based on scientific research.

 
Blue

  • Associated with peace, safety, tranquility, and calm, and symbolizes loyalty, and productivity. It represents justice, strength, perseverance, and service. Pale blue suggests insecurity and introspection, as well as imagination.

  • Causes the body to produce chemicals that are calming.  It can increase productivity and strength. Blue is the color most likely to produce the lowest pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration, heart rate, and eye blink frequency. If overused, this color can be depressing and a bit cold. It is the least appetizing (who wants blue food?). 
 
Purple

  • Associated with royalty and wealth.  It is theatrical, magical, sophisticated, intellectual, romantic, and spiritual, but can be considered artificial and decadent.  Lighter shades reflect innocence, imagination, femininity, and a love for the aesthetic.

  • It reduces hunger and stimulates the upper brain. It depresses heart muscles and motor nerves. It helps to maintain ionic balance and increases the power of meditation.
 
Green

  • Associated with being calm and safe, and relaxing.  It represents order, honesty, and practicality.  Dark green is associated with wealth, security, success, tenacity, and good judgment.  Lighter greens represent new growth and inexperience.

  • Physically easy on the eye compared to all other colors. Can actually improve vision.  It is calming and refreshing to the mind, and helps build tissue cells like muscle and bone. It relieves tension, lowers the blood pressure, dilates the capillaries, produces a feeling of warmth, stimulates the pituitary, and helps even out the emotions. Green acts as a hypnotic upon the sympathetic nervous system. 
 
Black

  • Associated with power and authority, as well as violence.  It is sleek and sophisticated, and the color of drama. It enlivens other colors. It is also the color of submission and mourning.

  • In small quantities it stimulates.  In large quantities it is oppressive. It can quickly bring on a feeling of depression.
 
White

  • Symbolizes purity, innocence, light, crispness, and coolness.  It represents sterility, cleanliness, sharpness, and openness.

  • It causes a lower pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration, heart rate, and eye blink frequency than almost all colors except blue.
 
Red

  • Associated with arousal, anger, aggression, passion, love, mental energy, control, excitability, as well as danger.  It represents valor and courage.  Rich red is sophisticated, and also denotes compassion.

  • Adrenaline is released in the presence of red. It stimulates appetite, heightens the sense of smell, raises the pulse, and increases blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate.  It is highly visible and causes an increase in eye blink frequency.
 
Pink

  • Associated with fun, music, celebration, and excitement.  Lighter shades are associated with sweetness and can be calming.

  • Very pale pink is sometimes associated with lethargy—mental and sometimes physical loss of energy.
 
Orange

  • Associated with excitement, affection, radiance, and heat. It is warm, friendly, and inviting. It denotes commonality, and a sense of home.  Deep oranges are associated with dependability, strength, rich beauty, wealth and fame, and lighter hues represent comfort and the relieving of stress.

  • Orange increases appetite, induces relaxation, slows down the rates of blood flow, increases the potential for sleep, increases the pulse rate, but does not effect the blood pressure. It helps assimilation and circulation and helps relieve muscle cramps.
 
Yellow

  • Denotes happiness, warmth, cheerfulness, energy, and life. It represents renewal, intensity, talkativeness, prestige, love, and intellectual stimulation. Paler shades denote wisdom, enlightenment, goodness, freshness, inexperience, and clarity.

  • Causes vision to take place relatively quickly compared to other colors. It is hard on the eyes (use in moderation), speeds metabolism, and can make us emotionally uneasy and argumentative.  Paler shades enhance concentration and clear thinking (yellow note pads). Yellow rooms cause babies to cry more often, and cause allergies to flare up more frequently in people of all ages.
 
Brown

  • Associated with the earth, and implies sincerity, genuineness, and reliability.

  •  It reduces irritability and mental tension, promotes the synthesis of serotonin, eliminates chronic fatigue, stimulates the formation of prostaglandin E1 (which has many functions in the actions for the womb, brain, lungs, and kidneys).

As you design and decorate, keep in mind that the use of color in an interior space is something to embrace.  Color can be used specifically and deliberately to serve us and enhance the home or work environment.

Margarett DeGange

Personal Development and Professional Skills Consultant

The DeGangi Group:

DeGangi Interiors and The DeGangi School of Interior Decoration

www.decoratingschool.com 

Decorate Hawaiian 

www.decoratehawaiian.com

Communicate 2 Connect Seminar Productions

www.communicate2connect.com

DeGangi Baby 

www.degangibaby.com

"Personal and Professional Growth is Our Passion"

5115 Bellerive Bend Dr .

College Station, TX  77845

(979) 690-8329

Make sure to catch Margarett's seminars at the Custom Home Furnishings Industry Educational Conference and Trade Show (SEP 29-OCT 3, 2004 in Philadelphia, PA)

  • The Birth of a New Client - Adding Bundles to your Bottom Line Through the Baby Bedding Niche

  • Breaking the Color Code: A look at the Psychological, Emotional, and Physiological Impact of Color

  • Whimsical Window Treatments for Children's Rooms

  • The Easy to Create, Paint by Numbers Marketing Plan: Use it for Increased Sales, Greater Business Focus, and Business Empowerment

  • Personalities in Control:  Tap into the Four Dimensions of Personality and Behavior for Incredible Business and Personal Success
 

 

 

A Passion for the Historical Window Treatments by LaVelle Pinder

I have a passion for studying the historical window treatments.  I purchase many books with pictures and every time I go to Paris I look for originals in the flea market.  Through the years I have accumulated a few of the originals and put them together in a collection.  The complete treatments might often be too much for today’s client, but the components and ideas are fabulous.  The basic lines are so classic and are always in good taste.  Many of the pelmets, cascades, and swags have a slightly different twist that can add originality to a cornice, valance, or panel.  This is why I have been so excited to have DreamDraper™ include some of the designs from my Collections Book (Antique Parisien Designs).  We can now take these wonderful components and adapt them to our personal designs.  This has always been my intent in sharing the Collection…for designers to be inspired and create.  With many of the samples that I make for the Window Fashions Regional Tour Showcases, I will apply some of these components.  There have been times when I make the full blown treatment (as shown below, in the DreamDraper™ illustration to the far left).  For the most part, those are fantasy creations.  Most of today’s clients would find them overbearing.  I usually try to point to the components that can be applied or eliminated for a practical application.  I encourage you to study the old world designs and be inspired.  I encourage you to create with DreamDraper™ and unleash your talents and passion for creativity in window treatments.

LaVelle Pinder

LaVelle Pinder Decorating
3196 Herren Rd.
Doyline, LA 71023
Phone or Fax (318) 745-2454

  • Speaker for Window Fashions Certification Program

  • Window Fashions Magazine columnist

  • Author of Antique Parisien Designs and Homeowner's Guide to Purchasing Custom Window Coverings.  Contact LaVelle to order.

 

Make sure to catch LaVelle’s seminars at the Window Fashions Certification Program Regional Tour:

October 14, 15

Cincinnati OH
October 25, 26

Fort Myers FL

 

 

   
  
   
   

Mix and Match with DreamDraper™

Question:

Can I take parts of one design and use those parts with another design in DreamDraper™?

Answer:

Yes, you have the ability to totally mix and match the different components.  The designs within DreamDraper™ can be broken apart and "ungrouped" which allows you to create designs that are elaborate or elegantly simple.  See the example below.

   

The above design is included in the DreamDraper™ "Draperies" collection and the design incorporates swags, cascades, panels, tiebacks, fringe trim, rod, rings and finials.   (A Scot Robbins Parkhill Royale design)

Using the same design as a starting point, the above treatment shows how you can take off the adornment, change finials, and even lower the position of the tiebacks on the panels to fit your window.

 

The illustrations above show the various stages where the design is being "ungrouped" and taken apart, so that you can use just the pieces that you want, and mix and match with other design elements.

 

As a finishing touch, don't forget that you can add color or even your own fabric to help your client visualize the design options.  DreamDraper™ is the only design system available where you can do all of the following:

  • Add color and your own fabric to the designs

  • Turn any design into a colored translucent sheer

  • Break apart the designs and remove adornment

  • Color areas of contrast such as lining or trim, without having to draw in those areas

And of course, your window treatments can be designed and sized to scale.

Drag   Drop   Design!

  

   

DreamDraper™ designs are vector-drawn images, which means that unlike GIFs, they retain their beauty and clarity no matter how much they are enlarged or modified.  DreamDraper™ designs can also be used with popular imaging programs such as Adobe Photoshop!

DreamDraper™ revolutionized the industry when it was first introduced at the 2003 International Window Coverings Exposition in Baltimore, MD.  It was the first system of its kind -- the first to demonstrate the capability of designing window treatments directly on top of a digital photo;  and the first system that allows you to apply your own fabric to the designs;  and turn any design into a translucent colored sheer!  

To learn more about DreamDraper™, click here or call toll free:  1-866-56-DREAM.
 

  • DreamDraper™ Online Forum - Evan Marsh Designs hosts an online forum for registered users of DreamDraper™ where you can get support and share design tips.  For information on how to join the forum, click here.   

  • FREE Showroom Pass - to the Window Fashions Region Tour shows.  

You are invited to be our guest at the Window Fashions Region Tour shows (see the remaining 2004 schedule below at the bottom of the newsletter). If you would like a Showroom Pass for the vendor show (a $10.00 value), please contact us and we can provide you with one for FREE!

We look forward to seeing you!  

 

Coming Soon!

Educational Classes and Seminars

Want to polish your decorating skills?  Do you feel there is so much more you could do for your clients if you had better knowledge?  Are you just starting out in the business and need all the tools and education, before you venture into a new career?  Wherever you are in your journey, we have the answers for you. 

We have developed a long-distance course that will be available for you to purchase in the very near future.  Learn from the comfort of your home and at your own pace.  Topics that will be covered are:  use of space, business forms, business etiquette, the many personalities of clients, difficult clients, pricing products, running a business, color, pattern, print, balance, rhythm, window treatments, lighting, accessories and creating a professional presentation.  The course will include the latest tools and technology to give you the competitive advantage, and lots more.  Each course segment will be accompanied by work sheets that will be completed by each decorator for evaluation before the next lesson will be released.  

Plus we will be offering online seminars and occasional guest speakers who are experts in their field, such as the renowned designer Jamie Gibbs, ASID, IFDA.  We are very excited about the new educational classes and seminars.  We are working hard to finalize the details but wanted you to be the first to know! 

If you are interested and want more information, email us (Drdesigner@aol.com) and we will get back to you.  Margi   

   
   

Seminar Schedules - 2004

Margi Kyle, ASID, IDS, WCAA, NSA.  Click here for Margi's bio.

Date & Time

Place

Subject

Fri, September 10, 2004

Southbury, CT

Decor & You

Windows of Opportunity *

Fri-Sat, September 17-18, 2004

Dallas, TX - Texas Chapter ASID, World Trade Center

DreamDraper™

Mon-Wed, September 20-22, 2004

San Diego, CA - San Diego School of Design

Windows of Opportunity *

      

Fri, October 1, 2004

 

10:30 - 12:00

Philadelphia, PA - Fort Washington Expo Center

Custom Home Furnishings Industry Educational Conference & Trade Show

DreamDraper™ - A New World of Design Possibilities

Design with ease using exquisitely detailed designs—and to scale; application of colors and fabrics; and adding wall color and effects. Learn how to design, save time, organize your files, and market yourself using the state-of-the-art DreamDraper™ system.

Fri, October 1, 2004

2:00 - 2:50

Philadelphia, PA - Fort Washington Expo Center

Custom Home Furnishings Industry Educational Conference & Trade Show

DreamDraper™ Demo

Sat, October 2, 2004

10:30 - 12:00

Philadelphia, PA - Fort Washington Expo Center

Custom Home Furnishings Industry Educational Conference & Trade Show

Where Will You Be In 5 Years *

Sat, October 2, 2004

2:00 - 2:50

Philadelphia, PA - Fort Washington Expo Center

Custom Home Furnishings Industry Educational Conference & Trade Show

DreamDraper™ Demo

Sat, October 2, 2004

4:30 - 6:00

Philadelphia, PA - Fort Washington Expo Center

Custom Home Furnishings Industry Educational Conference & Trade Show

Windows of Opportunity *

Thu, October 14, 2004

Minneapolis, MN - WCAA, International Market Square

Windows of Opportunity *
     

Sat, October 16, 2004

10:00 - 11:30

High Point, NC - Rooms A-C, 11th floor Club Level of IHFC

Marketing Tips to Dazzle Your Clients

Put pizzazz in your presentations!  2004 Marketing Tips help close your sale with innovative graphics, business forms and stunning illustrations.  Learn the latest tools of the trade, including DreamDraper™. 

Wed, October 20, 2004

1:00

Indianapolis, IN - WCAA

Windows of Opportunity *

Fri, October 22, 2004

Radford, VA - Radford University

Windows of Opportunity *
     

Thu-Fri, October 28-29, 2004

 

Dallas, TX - Decorative Center Dallas, World Trade Center

Marketing Tips to Dazzle Your Clients

Put pizzazz in your presentations!  2004 Marketing Tips help close your sale with innovative graphics, business forms and stunning illustrations.  Learn the latest tools of the trade, including DreamDraper™. 
     

Fri, November 5, 2004

Phoenix, AZ

IDS Chapter all day meeting. *
      * The indicated seminars are not specific to DreamDraper™, however Margi will be more than happy to address any questions regarding the system. 
     

     

  

Jamie Gibbs, ASID, IFDA.  Click here for Jamie's bio.

Date & Time

Place

Subject

Mon, August 23, 2004

 

1:30 - 2:00

Long Beach, CA

West Coast Interiors Expo

Looking Like a Genius with Difficult Window Solutions

 

Using the newest version of DreamDraper™, Jamie Gibbs will walk you through numerous difficult window situations and discuss soft treatment design solutions that will WOW your clients.
  
  
  
Evan Marsh Designs, creator of DreamDraper™

Date & Time

Place

Subject

Mon-Tue, August 23-24, 2004

Long Beach, CA

West Coast Interiors Expo

DreamDraper™, booth # 218, Park Place

Mon, August 30, 2004  

Houston, TX  

Window Fashions Certification Program 2004 Regional Tour

DreamDraper™

Mon, September 13, 2004

Providence, RI

Window Fashions Certification Program 2004 Regional Tour

DreamDraper™

Fri-Sat, September 17-18, 2004

Dallas, TX - Texas Chapter ASID, World Trade Center

DreamDraper™

Fri-Sat, October 1-2, 2004

Philadelphia, PA - Fort Washington Expo  Center

Custom Home Furnishings Industry Educational Conference & Trade Show

DreamDraper™, booth # 601

Thu, October 14, 2004

Cincinnati, OH

Window Fashions Certification Program 2004 Regional Tour

DreamDraper™

Sat, October 16, 2004 

High Point, NC