Online Design Kit Helps Newlyweds Mesh Furniture and Decorating Styles

Irwin Weiner ASID - Overhearing couples discuss decorating their home - when they think you're not listening - is one of the most fascinating experiences ever! With their guards down, decorating can be a huge, contentious issue between married folk.

New York interior design Ada Gonzalez kept overhearing newlyweds talking about "your furniture" and "my furniture" and couples qualming over how to incorporate two sets of clashing furnishings and accessories into a consolidated interior design scheme - so she developed an online e-decorating service she calls the Dream Design Kit to help couples decide what to keep, what to toss, and what to add in a new living space that they'll be sharing. She explains more in the following video interview with Daryn Kagan.

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Trends from Latest AD Home Design Show

 

Irwin Weiner ASID - The Architectural Digest Home Design Show isn't the sole arbiter of style trends for the home, but it's interesting each year to see who exhibits and is putting money and public relations into their product lines. Will someone new break through the noise and become a standout and a true trendsetter? The following LifeMinute.TV video shows their favorite trends including some mid-price pro ovens and a refrigerator solution from Jenn-Air, US-made shagreen furniture from Skatemoderne, fascinating stereo speakers turned into high art from TON Art (each piece combines gold and light), and indoor-outdoor furnishings from Oasiq Outdoor Furniture.

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Plan Perfect Playdates for Your Kids

Megan Gates - There’s no doubt that playdates are beneficial to kids. No matter how old your children are, playdates encourage sharing, taking turns, and socializing with others. But when it’s time for you to host the playdate, it can be challenging to know what to do! While there’s no need to throw a party-like atmosphere, a little preparation can go a long way.

There are a few things you’ll want to handle prior to the playdate to ensure that you get started on a good note. First, make sure your child puts away any toys that he or she doesn’t want to share. You may also want to place a few activities within reach for the kids, such as those that encourage them to play together. Good examples include arts and crafts, puzzles and board games. And of course, make the playdate suitable for the ages of the children. If you’re inviting a toddler, 45 minutes is adequate. Even older kids can get overtired, so limit the playdate to 2 hours or less.

One of the best places for a playdate is outside! Not only do you minimize a messy house, but being outside always seems to make kids play better. Don’t think you need to arrange an outing at the park, either. Open up the sandbox, play a round of catch or drag out the soccer nets. This fall, it's fun to

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Mid-century Modern House Tour in Lawrence, KS

Irwin Weiner ASID - Never judge a house by its exterior! That's the big takeaway I had from the following video house tour in Lawrence, KS. For over 35 years, Dr. Dennis Domer, a Kansas University architectural historian, had been driving past this blah-looking home built in 1956, never dreaming that inside was a mid-century modern gem.

As an interior designer, it's my job to make sure that even if I can't impact the curb appeal or exterior of a home, I sure enough can help the homeowners force their guests to quickly exhale when they enter the home and think, Wow, this is a fantastic surprise; I never dreamed this home would look like this from the outside. Enjoy this house tour and lecture, and look into architect Robert W. Hess for more background on the designer of this Kansas home.

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