New homeowners, design students and community-minded folks came together on a recent evening at the Red Bank, New Jersey showroom of Window Treats Inc. to hear great decorating advice while benefiting a worthy cause.
Elliot Laniado, owner of the custom window fashions business, along with his son, Meyer, teamed up with 180 Turning Lives Around, the Monmouth County social service agency that supports victims of violence, to bring decorating superstar Sally Morse to the store for an evening of “Wine and Design.”
Morse, the national director of creative services at Hunter Douglas and a frequent guest on HGTV, led her audience through what she called “the 10 steps to decorating the perfect room.” She gave great tips, and the event raised money to benefit 180 Turning Lives Around.
Window Treats, a family run business, has always made it a point to be active in the community. Elliot Laniado is part of a local volunteer EMT squad and his son helps local designers increase their businesses with marketing and other business advice. The company frequently promotes charities and organizations that benefit the community.
At the event, design students, home owners and the self-professed design-challenged snacked on light fare and wine while Morse shared her design tips. Highlights included choosing colors that work together, balancing a room with furniture placement and adding accents that compliment major pieces. Having once been the opening act for Rich Little, Morse lent her creative guidance in a most entertaining manner and guests laughed while they learned. The event was a huge success and not only raised money for 180, but created awareness in the community about the organization.
“This was a wonderful evening of star power and service,” said Barbara Napoli, development associate for the agency. “Sally’s expertise and sense of humor made it a very memorable event.”
Here are Sally Morse’s step-by-step suggestions for decorating a room:
1: Start with Color
“You don’t start a road trip without a map,” said began. Find a print that you love—whether it’s wallpaper, fabric, a patterned carpet or artwork—and build your room around it.
2: Select Your Case Goods
Determine what type of tables, cabinets, counter tops, dressers, headboards, sofas, chairs and floors you really like and make sure they are correctly sized for the dimensions and layout of the room.
3: Placement
Furniture placement is a key element in the overall look of your room. Morse recommends three different layouts for living rooms based on the alphabet: an L, U or X-shaped set-up for sofas and chairs.
4: Lighting
Chandeliers and wall sconces add drama and style to any room. Small interesting lamps on bathrooms vanities, kitchen countertops and in hallways always provide a beautiful soft touch.
5: Windows
Window treatments are both fashionable and functional. They provide privacy, light control, energy efficiency and beauty to any room. With a huge selection of shades, blinds and shutters to choose from, the homeowner can add a fabulous finishing touch to any room with custom treatments.
6: Flooring
From stone, vinyl and tile to area rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting, selecting beautiful flooring materials can compliment any room. Wool carpeting is wonderful because it wears beautifully and cleans easily.
7: Walls
Pearlized paints in a variety of lovely hues look great and add a soft sheen to a room. Flocked wall coverings and grasscloth are becoming very popular. One should try not to paint their walls beige or white.
8: Hard Accessories
Hard accessories are paintings and artwork, mirrors, pottery, lamps and lighting—pieces that you love that express your personality and style.
When grouping paintings, place the smaller ones above the larger ones to avoid a top-heavy look.
9: Soft Accessories
Items such as pillows, tablecloths, curtains and draperies, silk flowers and plants soften lines and create warmth. Try to combine an equal number of hard and soft accessories in one room to achieve balance. These details give your room style and substance.”
10: Personal Touch
Make your home reflect your personality. Show off your interests and hobbies in a creative way by starting collections featuring photos, books, pottery, glass or sculpture. Add a sense of humor into your rooms. Don’t be too serious.
This decorating benefit was coordinated through the efforts of Elliot and Meyer of Window Treats, both of whom are very active in the community. For more information about Window Treats’ custom window fashions and upholstery services, visit www.windowtreatsinc.com or call (732) 219-0303.
