A FREE bi-monthly home decorating ezine!
published by KatieDid Design
March 2002
brought to you by KatieDid Design
http://www.katiediddesign.com
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February, 25th 2001 ------ March Issue ------
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IN THIS ISSUE:
Editorial
1. SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL
- FREE pillow!
2. TIPS & TRICKS
- Create a Window Seat
3. FEATURE ARTICLE
- Things to Know About the
Rest of Your Bedding
4. E-ZINE OF THE MONTH
- Creating Home Decor
5. BOOK OF THE MONTH
- At Home With White
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This free e-zine is published monthly for
10,000+ subscribers. Thanks for joining us!
We do not spam, and keep a record each
subscription request.
Links for Subscribing, Unsubscribing, and
deleting duplicates are at the bottom of this
issue.
Past issues are posted on-line:
http://www.katiediddesign.com/ezine.html
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Hello Dear Readers!
Thank you all for your responses last month to my little survey! Your answers are really valuable to me. Those of you who can't click on the links in this ezine... I have to tell you that I'm really confused. Many of you are using the same versions of the same programs that others are using who COULD click on them! So I'm not sure what to do. If you're having this problem, updating your software may solve it.
Your biggest and most frequent decorating questions were really an eye opener. The vast majority of you had questions about color, so I'm going to work on articles to go in-depth on this topic and hopefully help you out.
Many more of you struggle with decorating within your budget, and I identify with you! I started my business partly to earn money to do my own home. Whatever the case, I am going to try to come up with more tips and articles to help
you, too.
I also want to refer you all to the Decorating Resources section of my website. A number of you had questions that I've already addressed in articles that are part of this section. In particular, my article "Finding Your Style" answers MANY of the questions I received, so take a few minutes and read it. Here's the link to the list of articles:
http://www.katiediddesign.com/resources.html
AOL-ers:
<a href="http://www.katiediddesign.com/resources.html"> Click Here
</a>
Finally, I've finally caught up and gotten the rest of this e-zine's back issues posted to the website, so you can reference them.
This month's article is the conclusion of my new three-part series on "Things to Know About Bedding." So let's get on with the issue...
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1. SUBSCRIBER'S SPECIAL
- FREE pillow!
This month's subscriber special is a little different. Through March 31st, if you place ANY window treatment and/or valance order over $80.00, you can get a matching 14" 16" or 18" corded pillow for free! (Fabric excluded).
KatieDid Design:
http://www.katiediddesign.com
AOL-ers:
<a href="http://www.katiediddesign.com"> Click Here </a>
And don't forget that you've got a few days left to take advantage of the February Subscriber Special on pillows! I'll take 10% off any pillows that you order before February 28th. That includes corded pillows, fringed pillows, ruffled pillows, removable pillows, neckroll pillows, bolster pillows.... any type at all. Just tell me that you're a subscriber when you
order!
Fabric Accessories Department:
http://www.katiediddesign.com/accessories.html
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These offers are available to anyone who is already a subscriber, or who subscribes when they place their order. Just tell me what you'd like and mention that you're a subscriber. If you have something in mind right now, drop me a line and ask!
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2. Tips & Tricks
- Create a Window Seat
Are you still looking for more storage space? How about framing a window with bookcases and a window seat? You could do this in almost any room... bedrooms, a kitchenette, or even a family room or living room. And you can go all out and remodel for built-in customized storage, or you can achieve a look just as charming by purchasing ready-made components.
If you want to remodel, then you'll want your storage bench or window seat to be a little wider than your window. You can either hinge the lid so that it can be lifted to access the storage underneath, or you can design two or three storage drawers.
Then build floor-to-ceiling bookcases on either side. You can hide some of the shelves behind doors for more hidden storage if this suits your needs better. These bookcases do not need to be as deep as the window seat, but I recommend that the depth of each be at least within 6" of the other. Another option would be to build in closets instead of shelves and cabinets. No matter how you do it, match moldings to the rest of the room and fill the entire wall if you can. This will help your additions to blend seamlessly with the rest of the room.
Those of you who can't or don't want to remodel can still use this tip to add a charming window seat and storage to any room. First you'll need to find a trunk or storage chest that's a little wider than your window. Center it under the window to begin your arrangement.
Then find bookcases, armoires, or storage cabinets to place on either side. You can use identical pieces on either side for a matched look, or mix and match different pieces for a more casual look. They don't have to be the same type and finish of wood - if you're already mixing woods in the room, then it will look fine to do it here, too. And don't forget about the ready-to-finish pieces that are available for you to either paint or stain any color you want.
No matter how you go about creating your arrangement, you'll want to complete the look with a window treatment, matching bench cushion, and maybe some pillows. You'll want to choose a window treatment that does not get in the way of anyone enjoying your new seat. Popular options are scarves, cascades, and valances that adorn only the top of the window. Just have fun experimenting and you'll find a combination you like.
Have fun!
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This article Copyright 1999-2003 - Kathleen Peters, KatieDid Design. Reproduced with permission.
Kathleen Peters - 'Katie' - is a custom window treatment and bedding designer, and owner of KatieDid Design, her online shop. She is also the editor-in-chief of Decor, Decorating, and Design, a free bi-monthly ezine filled with articles, tips, and guidelines to help with your home decorating.
http://www.katiediddesign.com
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3. FEATURE ARTICLE
- Things to Know About the
Rest of Your Bedding
Are you thinking of purchasing some new bedding? Perhaps a new duvet cover, bedskirt, or throw pillows? There are some things that you need to know before you go out shopping! These tips can really save you lost time, frustration, and money, and help you choose the right bedding the FIRST time.
DUVET/COMFORTER COVERS:
Last month's article explained a lot about down comforters. If you are considering purchasing one, then you'll also need to purchase a duvet cover. A duvet cover, also known as a comforter cover, is basically a large 'pillowcase' for your comforter. They are usually used to protect a down comforter and dress the bed to fit the decor of the room, although they can also be used to dress up an old comforter. Duvet covers can be purchased or custom made in hundreds of styles, from basic styles in a high thread-count washable sheet material, to elegant designs in brocade and velvet. They can be left simple and unadorned, or trimmed with luxurious cording and fringes.
When you go shopping, it is important to remember how you will be using your duvet cover. If you are one of those who like to use your down comforter as your sheet and blanket combined, then you need to make sure that whatever fabric you choose will wash and wear well... I highly recommend a high thread-count cotton. But if you put a sheet or two between yourself and your comforter, and don't mind paying for dry-cleaning once or twice a year, then go for whatever look and fabric you prefer.
BEDSPREADS:
If you want to purchase a bedspread, then checking the measurements is even more important than for a comforter. Measure across the width and length of your mattress as well as the distance from the top of it down to the floor. Bed frames lift mattresses off the floor in every measurement possible, so you can not assume that a queen bedspread will fit your queen bed properly until you've measured it.
BEDSKIRTS:
So many people I've talked to are surprised when they can't find a bedskirt that fits their bed properly! The drop (the distance from the top of the boxsprings to the floor) is usually the problem. But think about it... there are hundreds of styles of beds and frames, and mattresses come in many thicknesses. When you combine those two factors, you'll realize that every length of drop, from 12" to 30" (and maybe more), is needed by someone out there! Each manufacturer has had to choose one or two lengths to offer, so consider yourself lucky if you find the perfect design and color of bedskirt in the perfect drop length! If you don't want to have one custom made, then keep in mind that it won't hurt for it to be one or two inches off the ground. Or, you can always allow it to puddle on the ground for a relaxed look. But no matter what, you should measure your bed to find out what you need BEFORE you go shopping.
One other thing to consider if you want a ruffled bedskirt is how full those ruffles will be. Many ready-made bedskirts are not very full any more, due to the fact that bedskirts that are less full use less fabric, and therefore save the manufacturer money. I have seen bedskirts that are shown full in the packaging photo, but are much less full in reality - even after ironing out the wrinkles and maneuvering the ruffles to get the maximum effect. I have to conclude that the photo is a fixed-up version. So keep this in mind when you're looking at a photo on a package. You should be safe if you're ordering out of a catalog, since they are more likely to have used the actual product for their photos.
PILLOWS AND SHAMS:
There aren't too many tricks to buying pillows and shams. Sizes really are standard, and manufacturers still usually tell you if theirs is any different. In fact, there are only two things to remember.
The stuffing is what you want to pay attention to when you're purchasing a pillow. Feather or down/feather combinations are considered the best, although they're not for everyone. Polyester filling is the alternative, and they vary from cheap pillows that will only last two months, to those which are 'down alternatives'. Prices, quality, fullness, and construction vary greatly for both, but for the most part, just buy what is most comfortable for you. If you do purchase a feather or down pillow, then make sure the cover is a high thread count cotton to keep the feathers and down in, and keep your receipt and packaging if you want to keep the warranty valid.
There aren't as many alternatives for decorative pillows, but if your pillow is going to be getting some regular use, then try to get a down filler and a removable cover for easy washing.
Shams are pretty straightforward - with one exception. Flanged Shams - shams with a flat straight border around the edge instead of ruffles or pleats - are made several different ways. The best ones will be padded and have cording around the edges. The cording can be made from the same fabric as the rest of the sham, or made with a different fabric to make the edges stand out. The padding is thin, covers the front of the whole sham, and not noticeable. Both features really help the flanges to stand out and hold their shape. Some manufacturers skimp on these extras, leaving their shams limp.
I hope that these tips help you create the haven of rest that we all need at the end of our stressful days. And I hope that they make at least a few of those days less stressful!
Have fun!
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This article Copyright 1999-2003 - Kathleen Peters, KatieDid Design. Reproduced with permission.
Kathleen Peters - 'Katie' - is a custom window treatment and bedding designer, and owner of KatieDid Design, her online shop. She is also the editor-in-chief of Decor, Decorating, and Design, a free bi-monthly ezine filled with articles, tips, and guidelines to help with your home decorating.
http://www.katiediddesign.com
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4. E-ZINE OF THE MONTH
- The Creating Home Decor Minute
Check out The Creating Home Decor Minute... This free weekly newsletter contains decorating ideas and high-end craft projects for the do-it- yourself decorator. Perhaps the coolest part is that it can be read in under a minute! Plus, each subscriber is entered to win a monthly drawing for a home accessory item. And during the month of March, Kelley will be featuring 31 new home decorating projects to celebrate National Craft Month and it's theme...discovering life's little pleasures.
Try it! You just may learn new, exciting ways of
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Subscribe by sending an email to:
mailto:creatinghomedec@aweber.com
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Or visit Kelley's website to sign up,
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5. BOOK OF THE MONTH
- At Home With White
by the editors of Victoria Magazine
This beautiful book will really open your eyes! You'll see how full of life an all-white room can be. If all-white isn't for you, then the ideas can easily be used to create an all-ivory instead. Even if you don't want a monotone color scheme, you can still get great ideas to use. I highly recommend this book, so give it a try!
Get it through Books-a-Million:
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Get it through Amazon.com:
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Enjoy!
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Remember, if your decorating isn't fun, it isn't
worth it. So enjoy it!
--- Katie <><
KatieDid Design - Custom Home Decor Design
http://www.katiediddesign.com
PO Box 381235
Murdock, FL 33938-1235
1-877-KATIEDID
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