AbbeyK — On Interior Design

Hot Countertops

As if we don't have enough to worry about here's an interesting article, "What's Lurking in your Countertop," from The New York Times, by Kate Murphy, July 24, 2008.

The gist? Some rare, exclusive granite countertops may contain very small amounts of radon, a radioactive gas that can cause cancer.

Before you go into a panic, rip out your counters and replace them with something else, do your homework. The article states:

"The Marble Institute of America plans to develop a testing protocol for granite. “We want to reassure the public that their granite countertops are safe,” Jim Hogan, the group’s president, said earlier this month “We know the vast majority of granites are safe, but there are some new exotic varieties coming in now that we’ve never seen before, and we need to use sound science to evaluate them.”

For more information:

"TO find a certified technician to determine whether radiation or radon is emanating from a granite countertop, homeowners can contact the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (aarst.org). Testing costs between $100 and $300.

Information on certified technicians and do-it-yourself radon testing kits is available from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Web site at epa.gov/radon, as well as from state or regional indoor air environment offices, which can be found at epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html. Kits test for radon, not radiation, and cost $20 to $30. They are sold at hardware stores and online. "

So read up, and educate yourself. Thank you NYT for this informative article. Any one out there have any experience with this?

The Economy, Luxury and Your Home?

What's the economy got to do with your home? Well a lot. And these days some people are tightening the belt. Sure gas is more expensive, and so is food, but when I do the math, a tank a week of gas is only costing me about $1K more a year. So I've made some simple adjustments, including lumping trips to close locations, and making more of my coffee at home.

I think your house is so important that I don't think it should be neglected.

Need some joy in your life during uncertain times?

Paint that room a new color, re-organize that closet, and make plans to do work around the house. Why not plant a few flowers outside? A kitchen or a dining room you love will invite you to cook more or have others over. Serving dinner to a big crowd out of the question right now? Invite some friends over for a pot luck. How much fun is that?

If the budget it tighter than it was last year, try decorating in stages. A good plan goes a long way, and a home that you love makes you happy every single day. So please don't skimp on your home!

Here's one idea: nice table cloth and some fresh flowers go a long way even if the room is not quite perfect.

Please feel free to share more ideas for how to keep your home looking beautiful in a slow economy!

PS Many retailers run sales in the summer when business is usually down and inventory needs to be cleared. That makes summer a great time to buy. Always ask sales people when they run their sales. Most work on commission so remember to go back to the person who helped you initially.

My Job as an Interior Designer Is so Glamorous

What's a typical day like? There is no typical day, but I'll tell you the story of a recent day. A running around town day.

With gas prices out of this world, I have made some changes in how I do my job. When a client called in the past, I would have popped over to see something in question. These days I try to combine that quick visit when I am in the neighborhood or at least near by.

So last week I needed to go to Newton to:

1) visit a client who wasn't sure her light in the entry was the right size;

2) deliver a bench cover to another client. It has a Velcro back and needed to be attached to the bench;

3) select carpets from a trade only showroom;

4) borrow some samples from a designer friend.

Miraculously, I was able to schedule both clients and pick up at the designer friend's on the same day.

Wouldn't you know it though, when I went to install the bench cover, the peel off backing would come off. Well it came off in some places, but not in all. We had waited so long for this bench cover. I really didn't want to send it back and it's a 2 person job to get the cushion in exactly the right place. So then I decided to call my upholsterer... maybe they had some ideas.... and they did....and it's a new one for me: Use a hair dryer to coax the paper cover off.

Guess what it worked!

Taking Off Some Time for the 4th.

Be back next week.

Happy summer!

Great Sale at Wisteria

Wisteria, one of my favorite catalogues is having a 20% off sale through July 4.

Code is July408.

Maybe you are in the market for a little something?