Interior designers offer expert advice for holiday home design, decorating

Nov 22, 2022 | Design Tips

Interior designers offer expert advice for holiday home design, decorating

Original Post from pigeon605.com

Has “decking the halls” left you feeling in need of a little holiday home updating?

There are plenty of ways to update your space for the season – and beyond – with a little help from the experts.

“For a while, everyone gravitated to gray and white, and now we’re seeing trends shift to more natural colors,” said Lauren Peterson, a design consultant at Montgomery’s in Madison.

“We’re seeing greens and rusts coming back, and that also can be very timely if you’re looking for an update for the holidays.”

Whether you’re preparing to entertain at home, looking to add a little sparkle for your own enjoyment or just trying to find the best place to place your Christmas tree, the Montgomery’s team is waiting for personalized advice.

But in the meantime, we asked them to weigh in on easy adjustments you can make to create a “home for the holidays” you’ll love.

The dining experience

The holiday season kicks off with the mother of all meals: Thanksgiving. So whether you’re hosting this Thursday or preparing for another holiday dining event, assessing your dining space can make a big difference.

“We have a lot of dining furniture available right now,” Peterson said. “You can customize it to your specific wood species, two-tone it like using a white and a gray or a wood and black, or consider something like a trestle table we offer that has three butterfly leaves in it. It can seat about six when closed but open up to double in size.”

Make sure your lighting is appropriate for the space, she added.

“A lot of times, people don’t think about updating the lighting in their dining space, but it can really transform the room,” Peterson said. “We have chandeliers, sconces and more available to take today or order.”

And finally, don’t forget about the centerpieces for your dining table.

“You don’t want those too high so they’re blocking guests or conversation,” Peterson said. “For instance, we have a nice wooden bowl in multiple sizes, and you can decorate it with pumpkins or greens or florals and adjust depending on the occasion.”

Make the space functional and interactive, added Alex Reff, a design consultant at Montgomery’s in Aberdeen.

“Have the table dressed well and stocked with hors d’oeuvres as an option before the big meal,” he suggested. “When in doubt, symmetry is a safe and effective route — something as simple as a small bouquet with a couple flaked candlesticks on either side and a few woven or real mini pumpkins with fun colors.”

Want to get away from traditional reds, oranges and yellows?

“Try using fun pinks and vibrant greens, a nice floral bouquet accented with pomegranates, some greens and candlesticks to keep it simple.”

Easy home updates

Are you looking ahead to the holiday season and less than excited to welcome guests into your space? Some simple updates or redesigns might be in order.

“When I do space planning for clients, I always plan for how the space is used daily and how it is used for entertaining,” said Kayla Hathaway, a design consultant at Montgomery’s in Sioux Falls.

“Some ideas are as simple as ordering a matching dining bench in addition to your chairs at a dining table. For daily use, place the bench inside an entryway or at the end of a bed. When the holidays roll around, use the bench for additional seating at the expanded table. It will match and look finished and intentional. I also recommend using additional dining chairs in a home office or vanity.”

If you’ve not stopped in a showroom lately, you might be surprised at all the options that exist.

“There are so many innovative pieces of furniture being created,” Reff said. “One thing I love is a self-storage table. Some will store three 18-inch leaves in them! That gives a person hosting for the holidays less headaches when it comes to eat.”

Need a little extra seating in your living space? The design consultants agree: Go with poufs.

“They’re an especially great option for children and young adults,” Reff added.

They double as accents or decorative pieces, Peterson said. And ottomans “can store things year-round,” she continued. “You can use it as a coffee table, a foot rest or a bench.”

Easy additions such as new lamps, rugs, throws or pillows “also can really transform a space,” she continued.

“Sometimes, clients will come in with photos of their rooms on a phone, and we can look at that or do a house call and help you find some pieces that are available today and can make an immediate impact on a room.”

The holiday decor

Now that you’re loving the furniture, it’s time to truly deck the halls.

“I always say don’t overdo it,” Peterson said. “Mix in accessories you have with holiday accents. Something like a glass bowl can be very nice. You can put ornaments in it, but you also can put florals in it, so there’s year-round use.”

Montgomery’s has a wide selection of winter florals available now.

“You can do some whites and reds for Christmas and maybe add something glittery in silver or some white sticks that carry you into winter,” Peterson said. “We also have beads in the store on a long string that can be used in centerpieces, to decorate a tree or to wrap around a lamp to bring some fun to the base. They go for all seasons and are becoming popular.”

And if you’re stumped with how best to arrange your Christmas tree in a room, you don’t have to go it alone.

“Having a second set of eyes on your space can give you a fresh idea on how to utilize your space more efficiently. It’s quite common that I plan out where a Christmas tree will fit best in a client’s living room and how to best rotate furniture for the holidays,” Hathaway said.

“My goal for my clients is to have them utilize and enjoy their space to its full potential, whether it is just a night at home alone or a house full of people entertaining for the holidays.”

You also can’t go wrong keeping your decor simple, Reff said.

“We’re seeing classic looks from the past with a botanical or cottagecore-inspired decor, with vintage-inspired accessories and a lot of natural elements,” he said. “I have also seen a big emphasis on elegant barware and sophisticated dinnerware.”

The Whole Home Experience

Aug 10, 2022 | Design Tips

Complimentary home design sets Montgomery’s Whole Home Experience apart

Original Post from pigeon605.com

Maybe you think you can’t afford a professional interior designer for your home or apartment.

Or you figure designers are mostly out to sell you furnishings and finishes.

You might find the whole idea of working with a designer a little intimidating.

Those perceptions of design and designers quickly will be turned upside down as soon as you discover the Montgomery’s Whole Home Experience.

“Sometimes, people think we’re only a furniture store,” said Carly Ellsworth, manager of outside design.

“And once they begin to work with us, they’re absolutely surprised and excited by how much we’re able to help them for free simply because they’re a Montgomery’s customer.”

Established in 1888, Montgomery’s is a fifth-generation family-owned business with locations in Sioux Falls, Madison, Watertown and Aberdeen.

Here, the design services are as affordable as they could be – because they’re complimentary – and they encompasses everything from top to bottom in the home, from furniture to flooring, window treatments to lighting and even your mattress.

The designers you’ll work with are experts in their field who love what they do. And they will work with you on everything from choosing a piece of furniture to completely building or renovating a home.

“I was drawn to Montgomery’s as an independent designer doing my thing all over town,” said interior designer Paula Kruetzfeldt, who has been with the business nearly four years. “I knew Montgomery’s had everything I needed to offer my clients, so I decided this would be the right fit.”

She considers herself more of an interior project manager, which is a good way of describing her role in delivering the Whole Home Experience.

“Many people tell us they thought designers were only for people who have million-dollar houses,” she said. “Instead, our services are designed for everyone. And it becomes a much different relationship with people than just selling them furniture.”

Here’s what to know about making the most of your own Montgomery’s Whole Home Experience.

Where to start

Thinking of building, renovating or just making some minor but effective updates to your living space?

You can stop in any Montgomery’s store – the Sioux Falls location is at 1725 W. 41st St. – and go to the welcome desk to be connected with a designer.

“It can be intimidating when you walk in the store,” Ellsworth said. “It’s beautiful, but you might assume it won’t fit your budget, which is rarely the case. Our team is very approachable and very skilled at finding pieces to match individual tastes and budgets.”

Want to begin the relationship online? Click here to learn more about the team of designers and to reach out to anyone you’d like to get to know.

“A lot of our designers are very versatile in terms of what they design,” Ellsworth said. “And as designers, we collaborate. We love what we do so much we’re constantly sharing ideas and feedback with each other, so you really get the expertise of our entire team. There are many relationships behind the scenes that clients don’t see that make us effective at what we do.”

Then, the designer will begin getting to know you, your needs, your budget, what you’re hoping to achieve with your home project and your overall vision.

“We need to know your comfort level and your end game,” Kruetzfeldt said. “We need to understand where they’re at in the process, so we can begin to work with them each step of the way. I typically will take people through the store and let them show me what they like, what they feel comfortable with. We talk about the budget and ensure we’re all on the same page.”

Services offered

From there, the relationship can become as detailed as the customer desires. Montgomery’s designers also enjoy visiting in your home to learn more about your lifestyle and tastes.

“An even if you live in an apartment, we’ll come out and help you design your space and make it true to who you are,” Ellsworth said. “Our home is such a reflection of our identity, especially today as we’re spending more time there, be it for work or after work; it’s crucial that it feels like you.”

The Whole Home Experience also encompasses much more than furniture. Complimentary design services include every aspect of a room: flooring, lighting, wall coverings, window treatments, custom upholstered furniture or even custom pieces made right in the Montgomery’s workroom and the Mattress 1st store connected to the showroom.

“It’s a huge differentiator,” Kruetzfeldt said. “It’s all included. Every piece of flooring or fabric, every light fixture we can help select. For people who have never built or remodeled, it can be hard to remember what they picked out along the way. So we help keep the selections consistent, keep it on track, and we manage it so they don’t feel overwhelmed.”

Designers also have access to space planning software, design studios and thousands of fabric samples, flooring and hard surface options.

“We can access literally hundreds of vendors and brands for every budget, and Montgomery’s has been in business so long our vendors love Montgomery’s and want to work with us so our clients are happy,” Kruetzfeldt said.

The same service also is available to contractors, she added.

“A lot of newer contractors don’t realize that we do flooring and windows treatments and wall coverings and counters and that it can all be a one-stop shop,” Kruetzfeldt said. “They can call one designer, and the needs are taken care of from start to finish.”

Finished products

When the Whole Home Experience comes together, clients love the finished product.

This Parade of Homes house for a family in Harrisburg utilized the Whole Home Experience literally from the ground up.

“We used their floor plans and the owner’s Pinterest boards and built off that,” said Ellsworth, who designed for the family. “They have four kids, so we wanted to make sure everything would work for their lifestyle.”

At the same time, “this was their forever house,” she continued. “So they want it to be passed on to their grandchildren in 100 years, and they were very intentional about lighting, tile, wallpaper and figuring out what brought them joy in their space.”

Both are professionals with busy schedules, trying to build a house while parenting four kids, so the design services were a big time-saver, she said.

“It got to the point where I could show them two or three selections, and they loved everything and just asked me to choose what coordinated best with the vision,” she said.

“They wanted functionality and timeless quality, but they are still a family on a budget, and I think this intentional design combined with really getting to know them definitely achieved that.”

With this Parade of Homes house in Hartford, also designed by Ellsworth, she worked with client Callies Homes on all the design selections.

“They are very much a family-owned business like Montgomery’s with a lot of pride in ownership,” she said. “And they really stand out for their quality craftsmanship, so I needed to make sure the flooring, tile, lighting and furniture complemented the home they had built.”

It was built as a spec home, so without knowing the final owner, Ellsworth set out to honor the craftsmanship and vision of the builder.

“They wanted modern craftsman, which is unique, so things like the tile and backsplash were intentional to go with the darker woods that were used,” she said.

“But I also had to show how such a beautiful house could function for a family that needed six bedrooms. The flow and floor plan made it easy to find furniture that gave a formal but inviting main level and a family-friendly casual space downstairs.”

Ready to partner?

If you’re ready to take advantage of Montgomery’s Whole Home Experience, just stop in the store anytime or click here to get started.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Faux Floral Arrangement

Mar 16, 2022 | Art & Accents, Design Tips

Tips for Creating the Perfect Faux Floral Arrangement

March 20, 2022
Post by Breana McHugh

Spring is officially here! Time to trade out those evergreens and white eucalyptuses and welcome the new season into your home. By mixing floral into your Spring decorating, you can breathe new life into your space, adding freshness, texture, and color. Now the task remains to create an arrangement you love! Our Sioux Falls designer, Kayla, specializing in floral design, gave us great insight into accomplishing this. We are excited to share her process for crafting a realistic, eye-catching faux floral arrangement.

1. Decorate with Floral After Your Space is Designed
Consider floral arrangements as the finishing touch to complement design elements already in place. “The purpose is to bring in all the colors you have already worked with, like fabrics from the sofa and window treatments,” says Kayla. It is important to repeat those hues and keep with the overall scheme.

2. Determine the Aesthetic
With the color palette chosen, consider other factors contributing to the visual. First, where will the arrangement be placed? A lot of this depends on the desired size of the arrangement and the statement you want it to make. For instance, an extravagant arrangement is best as a centerpiece for a dining table, whereas a less complex arrangement works on a coffee or side table. When it comes to height, taller arrangements are more fitting for an end table, with shorter arrangements best suited for coffee tables. The selection of the vase or bowl also plays a role; the wider the vessel, the more spread your arrangement will have.

3. Make Everything Intentional
When designing with floral, every decision should be deliberate. In the arrangement pictured, Kayla begins with the largest flower off-centered. This gives her the perfect starting point, allowing her to build around it. It is key that you work with odd numbers, filling in space with flowers in batches of three, or three types of greenery, to balance out the arrangement. Think about the other floral stems, foliage, and accents you want to include. What will they add to the piece? In Kayla’s arrangement, she incorporates twig balls with hints of white to mix in some neutral tones. She also adds vines as a finishing touch to provide height and visual interest.

4. Strive for Realism
We can all agree we want our faux floral to resemble fresh flowers as much as possible. Several tips can help accomplish this. According to Kayla, “Shaping the flowers and petals by giving them a direction will create a natural feel.” Bending stems over the side of the vase or bowl will provide an asymmetrical look, typical of real flowers. Combining natural greenery is a convincing way to make the piece seem more realistic. Finally, turning the arrangement and looking at it from every angle will help you know what is missing and ensure you fill in any bare spots.

Visit us at any Montgomery’s location to purchase florals for your next DIY project. You may also work with a designer who will happily create an arrangement for you!

Spruce Up Your Home In Time For The Holidays

Nov 6, 2020 | Before & After, Design Tips, Entryways

Spruce Up Your Home In Time For The Holidays!

November 6, 2020
Post by Emily Connolly

Okay, okay. I KNOW we are all tired of 2020. It’s been a long year, and it seems like more than 11 months have passed. So, now that people are spending time with family and small groups of friends at home, it’s the perfect time to give your space an update. Here are some tips for creating a new, comfy feel to your home.

Paint your front door! Nothing sets the tone for your home like a freshly painted or stained door. Always keep your home’s style in mind when picking the picture-perfect color. Modern Homes can handle energy-rich colors, like indigo, to liven up your entry as a guide. Classic homes embrace the timeless look with a fresh red, blue, black, or deep charcoal gray. For the traditional architectural homes, add a bit of those bright pops of yellow, orange, or red to liven up and create a backdrop for your fall foliage. Add textures like a basket with fall foliage and layered rugs.

Switch up your entry: Grounding your space with texture and pattern can be a great way to make a person feel at home. Bring in those plants from your patio and repot them in a container with a pop of color. Place a mirror to make small spaces feel more extensive, and layer with your favorite fall accessories. Place in a textured cube, providing a place for your guests to remove their shoes.

LAYERS. LAYERS. LAYERS! – Going into the cold seasons, we’re aware of layering our clothing, but this works exceptionally well in the home also!

Change out your old rugs with the season! Nothing says new season like new rugs that will draw your eyes to the floor. Layering is a great way to liven up your home and create more texture, patterns, and depth to the flat surface. Using this technique will make an eye-catching point of interest. Look outside the box and layer with the one of a kind character of a hair-on-hide rug. The textural difference of this natural rug is well suited for all décor styles.

Liven up your bedding: 2020 has been a year of unexpected, and winter is upon us in South Dakota. When all you want to do is crawl into hibernation, you know you have to adult and go to work. Even IF it is only down the hall and you’re still in your pajamas… So how do you create that homey, cozy, safe, comfortable, relaxing oasis in YOUR bedroom? Add knits! Knits are so comfy and are always in style during the colder months. It’s easy to drop-in some knit pillows and blankets in bright colors or a patterned quilt or two at the end of your bed layered on top of a solid-colored, down-filled duvet to create the comfy and inviting look of a well-tailored, layered outfit.

Add foliage: Succulents are all the rage. Unlike your dog, they need very little water and attention. Just pot and go! Enjoy the texture and vibrant colors all winter long with the ease of these all-year plants.

Add lighting: You can add a bit of extra light in the simplest forms, from a cluster of candles to a new fixture in the corner of your room. A multilayered floor lamp is an easy addition anyone can make! Remember, lighting changes do not have to require an electrician. Think of lighting as jewelry for your room. A quick change by adding or clustering multiple light fixtures helps create a mood and style as unique as you!

Modular Desk WFH

Apr 23, 2020 | Design Tips, Offices

Modular Desks Are The Perfect Work-From-Home Solution

April 23, 2020

Need the perfect desk for your home office? Many of us have been working from home for weeks if not months, and that desk and office chair you thought would do for the time being may not be doing you in any favors. The right desk can help you with increased efficiency and organization, just like the right chair can prevent back and shoulder aches.

Meet Michele and Kayla, two interior designers from Sioux Falls who’ve been helping customers create home office spaces that are functional and beautiful. They offer the following advice to help you create comfort and efficiency in the space you’re spending a lot of time in.

Modular desks are popular for their versatility. They work in almost any size room and give you the freedom to customize the office of your dreams. If more than just your laptop followed you home, look for desks with closed-door storage and locks. For those of you sharing office space with your significant other or your kids, choose a desk that offers additional AC outlets and USB charging ports. Now that’s a great way to stay charged and keep the peace.

When it comes to an office chair, consider not only style but adjustable options to add to your personal comfort. How easy is it to slide out from under our desk on your flooring? And by the way, if you need new flooring, we can help you with that, too.

Lastly, your space should make you happy. A task light with soft and direct light on your work relaxes your eyes when looking at your screen. Add personal photos (even if the person you love is in the next room). Interesting drink coasters and flowers add color and charm.

FEATURED DESKS

Bassett modular desk

Truffle, Saddle Brown or Vintage Stone finishes | Open and closed storage options | Soft-close drawers | Lockable file drawers

Aspen up/down desk

Tawny finish | Drop-front keyboard and pencil drawer | AC outlets | USB charging ports | Matching bookcase and file storage available

Transform Your Room with Modern Wallpaper

Dec 6, 2019 | Decor Favorites, Design Tips, Wall Covering

Transform your room with modern wallpaper

By Renae Kranz

You’ve been mulling it over for months, asking yourself, “What’s the best way to get a bit of ‘wow’ into my room?”

That one room is just too boring. Changing the paint won’t be dramatic enough. You don’t want to do anything too drastic or expensive, but the room needs a kick in the pants.

Have you noticed a little thing called wallpaper creating a buzz out there? You may think it died a long time ago, but it really never did. And today, the possibilities make it an obvious kick-in-the-pants option to put the drama back in your room.

Need proof wallpaper is still a popular design choice? Joanna Gaines (HGTV’s Fixer Upper) loves it and has created her own line of wallpaper designs. Pay attention to your favorite TV shows. You’ll see all kinds of wallpaper used to add texture to walls or to make a big splash. If you’re watching for it, you’ll suddenly see it everywhere.

Paint is easier you say? Maybe for some areas. But what really sets wallpaper apart from paint is the texture and sheen you can accomplish by choosing wallpaper instead. And consider this—you won’t have to put all those test patches of paint on every wall of your room and agonize about which tiny difference in paint color is the right one. So painful.

Wallpaper offers photo-realistic looks, graphic prints that pop, glitter and shine for the unexpected, and tons of softness or boldness depending on your personality. Keep reading for ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

How to use wallpaper in your home

If you want a unique look and feel for your home, using wallpaper in your design plan offers virtually unlimited options to express your personality. Montgomery’s interior designer Rose Meyer says wallpaper can be made of paper, vinyl, grasses, bamboos, fabrics, bling, and many other unique materials.

“Wallcoverings are one of those details in a home that transforms the space into WOW!” Rose says.

Everyone wants WOW in their home.

Many wallpaper designs offer great contrast that brings depth to a room. You can use it to add softness, color, and pattern to otherwise hard, boring spaces. The right paper can add movement, just like a piece of art.

Wallpaper functions beautifully as a backsplash in a kitchen. Choosing one that is easily cleaned is crucial for a backsplash application. Wallpaper also works great for any niche in the house, giving it a special treatment to make it stand out. And don’t forget about your powder room or laundry room. These spaces become little gems when treated with a stunning wallpaper.

Consider which wall would offer the most dramatic positioning as a wallpaper feature in a room. Which wall is visible first when entering a room? Which wall is the most obvious candidate? A designer can help you pick the perfect spot.

Wallpaper doesn’t have to look traditional. You can find industrial and modern wallpaper looks to add great texture to a space. Faux brick papers look like the real thing. Textured concrete and even street art papers are also available.

Love shiplap but not ready for the commitment? How about a wallpaper made to look like shiplap? You can add that farmhouse feel without having to break out the hammer and nails. Keep it modern by pairing soft floral wallpaper with industrial metal accents. Or go bold farmhouse with a large check pattern that gives the feel of gingham.

There’s even a paper that looks like a weathered barn door. You could use it behind a bed to act as a headboard or on a small wall for a dramatic look.

Here are a few more wallpaper decorating ideas:

– Take a modern twist on a traditional look by using a wallpaper with bits of bling tucked into an otherwise matte finish.
– Use wallpapers with large geometric prints to make a room appear larger.
– Use a mural wallpaper on an accent wall to create a fantastic backdrop that grounds the entire room.
– Add authenticity and a lived-in look to your home with weathered, soft patterns.
– If you create a statement wall, light it separately with adjustable recessed lighting to really amp up the wow factor.

Unusual places to use wallpaper

Using wallpaper in unusual places makes you look like a real design pro. Rose says, “As a designer, it excites me to use wallpaper in the most unexpected places—ceilings, closets, mudrooms, even furniture.”

Using Rose’s suggestion, put wallpaper on the ceiling for a real surprise. Wallpapers with a sky design—think clouds, blue sky, or even stars—make the ceiling feel higher, like an endless sky above your room. Or use a dark wallpaper to provide a deep contrast with the walls.

Rose suggests revamping an old dresser with a fun wallcovering. How cool would it be to open the drawer and see some bedazzled wallpaper inside?

Kitchen cabinets are prime real estate for wallpaper according to Rose. Take the doors off and line the inside of the cabinets with an exciting wallpaper pattern.

Put your imagination and creativity to work using this great design tool in places no one else would think of.

Easy to hang and remove

So, you’re probably a little nervous about hanging or removing wallpaper. You’ve heard horror stories from friends about how hard it is. Don’t let that deter you. Today’s wallpapers are easier to hang and remove than ever.

Paint may seem easier, but the prep for paint and wallpaper is basically the same. And when you consider having to apply two to three coats of paint to get good coverage, you might feel differently about hanging wallpaper. In just a few steps, your dramatic new look is ready to go when using wall coverings.

Many wallpapers today don’t even require wetting or applying a paste to hang. Peel and stick wall coverings have grown in popularity and quality. They’re super easy to hang and even easier to remove.

Want to use a more traditional paper? Check out these links for steps to hang and remove wallpaper. It’s really not that bad. With a friend to help you, the process will be quick and easy. Or, call in a professional to take care of the installation for you.

It’s time to try wallpaper!

Ready to give wallpaper a try? Rose gets excited whenever she has a client who wants to add drama to a room. She knows right where to go.

The options for wallpaper are endless, and it can be tough to pick the right one. Rose and the rest of the Montgomery’s designers can help you pick the best wallpaper for your home and fit it in with your overall design plan.

Come on in and take a spin through our gorgeous wallpaper library. You just might be inspired by this hidden gem.

7 Reasons to Take Your Pinterest Ideas to an Interior Designer

Aug 21, 2019 | Design Tips

7 reasons to take your Pinterest ideas to an interior designer

By Renae Kranz

Picture yourself at home, curled up on a comfy but slightly worn sofa. You’re hanging out on Pinterest, searching for ideas to change the look of your home. You stop scrolling and click your mouse. A beautiful image fills your screen. It’s perfect for your space and would be easy to pull off. Or so it seems.

Beware. The “Pinterest fail” lurks just around the corner.

You’ve probably seen the Pinterest fail websites that show before and after photos of all the hilarious ways these ideas go wrong. But when it comes to your home, a Pinterest fail can quickly become frustrating and expensive. And maybe just a little embarrassing.

Thankfully, there’s a solution to the Pinterest fail problem. Take your Pinterest ideas to an interior designer.

I know what you’re thinking: “I can’t afford an interior designer.” But you can. And that’s not the only reason to take your Pinterest ideas to a designer.

Let’s walk through the advantages of using an interior designer to help you bring those Pinterest ideas into reality.

1. Good ideas, bad results

Pinterest can give you good ideas to freshen up your style but executing those ideas in your own home can bring completely different results than shown on the Pinterest site, even bad results.

A buffet you see might not have the right lines or be in the proper proportion to work with the current furniture in your dining room. Or, a beautiful window treatment might be much harder to pull off than it appears.

And we’ve all seen the paint techniques others have tried and failed to make work. Sure, it’s funny when it happens to someone else. When it happens to you after wasting your precious time and money, it’s not so funny anymore.

2. Don’t waste your money

Pinterest can actually cause you to waste money if the cool new idea doesn’t work out. And no one likes to waste money.

Remember the window treatment idea I mentioned earlier? Maybe you purchased fabric, broke out the sewing machine, and started your new creation. Halfway through you realized you didn’t cut it quite right and you need a backing. Now you can’t use the fabric you bought because the panels won’t be long enough. Do you purchase new fabric? Or just scrap the idea all together?

See what I mean? This is only one example. What would happen if you had bought that buffet, had it delivered, and then realized it was way too big? And it was on clearance, so you can’t return it.

Money wasted is hard to swallow. But how does using an interior designer keep you from wasting money? Don’t they just help you spend more?

3. Complementary design help

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room now. How much will an interior designer cost you?

I have good news. Your Montgomery’s interior designer is complementary.

That’s right. You don’t pay a thing.

Whether you need us to come to your home, work with you strictly in the showroom, help you select a pair of lamps, or decorate your entire home, our interior design services are always free.

The best part of our complementary service is the goal of our interior designers is to get you what you want so you walk away happy. Happy and free? Now we’re talking

4. Designers understand your needs

An interior designer’s job is to help you understand what you want and what works best in your home. Then they blend your wants and needs together to create something that truly reflects your style.

Your designer will start by asking you lots of questions about your needs, budget, and style. Many times, it will help them to see the space you’re working on. Seeing the space, measuring it, and taking photos helps them recommend the best pieces so you get what you want.

When all that is done, your designer can put together a plan to marry your wants and needs, creating a beautiful new space that says, “It looks like I spent a fortune, but I really just had help from a great designer.”

Can Pinterest do all that?

5. Designers are idea machines

Designers have access to many options to tailor ideas to your space. Depending on your budget and needs, they have other ideas at their fingertips to round out and complement the Pinterest idea you came across originally.

Let’s go back to the buffet idea. If you brought that buffet idea to your designer, they could make sure you get a buffet that works in your room and evokes the style that drew you to it from the start. They might also notice you need something on the wall above it to finish off the look.

You get a complete look in just two pieces. It works in your room, fits your budget, and makes you happy. Again I ask, can Pinterest do that?

6. Solutions on the Fly

What happens when you run into a problem while you’re trying to make that Pinterest idea come to life? Well, most of the time, frustration builds, money runs out, and the project becomes a fail.

Designers can work on the fly when problems arise. They typically head off problems before they come up. That’s the interior designer’s job. They’ve seen it all and have the skills to know how to deal with any situation.

They take worry and trouble out of your hands rather than adding to your stress.

7. Designers have their secrets

Interior designers are experts when it comes to what’s available for the home. They have access to things you might not be able to get on your own—a secret stash of unique pieces only they can get for you.

Some manufacturers only offer their products through interior designers or furniture store showrooms. On top of that, a furniture store can’t possibly keep every available option on their showroom floor. Your interior designer knows these products and can get them for you, often customized for your specific space and taste.

Bring your vision to life

Pinterest can be a great tool to get interesting and fresh ideas. Executing them yourself is a challenge to say the least. Instead, get all the ideas you want. Then take them to your designer.

The expert interior designers here at Montgomery’s love to see your ideas and help you bring them to life, all within your budget.

Got an idea you want to share? Stop in to show it to us. You can also check out our Pinterest page which showcases our products in all our stores. Let’s see what new ideas we can create together.

How to Hang a Picture Like a Pro

Jun 3, 2019 | Design Tips

Ever stand in front of a wall, with nail, hammer and picture in hand, and wonder “where do I start?” Three of our design experts share how to make hanging family photos or artwork a little easier and more visually stunning

Above a Piece of Furniture

Our designers all agreed that you should always let whatever ever you are hanging the art above be your guide.

“For example, a bed, if you have a series of small art, hang 4-6 inches above the top of the headboard and center the set of 2, 4 or even 6. Grouping your art above a bed gives an enormous impact,” explains Denise Dietterle, merchandising manager and interior designer. “Remember to also keep your lamps thinner with a smaller shade.”

Blank Walls

One way to do this is to measure from the center of the artwork to the floor.

“A standard rule is that artwork should be hung roughly 60” from floor to center of the artwork,” says Rose Meyer, window fashions manager and interior designer.

Or if you don’t feel like bringing out the tape measure, hang it eye level.

“If you are hanging a picture on blank wall, don’t let a tall person do it! The center of art should be at eye level, for women that is 5’5″. That way it is not too close to the ceiling or the floor,” Erica Wirth, visual merchandiser explains.

More than One Piece

Group similar items together to form a collage. Even if you have a mix of sizes and shapes, incorporate some repeat of color throughout. This is a fun way to fill up a big space. Vertical walls would have you arrange art vertically and horizontal walls use a horizontal arrangement.

Grouping also works well for children’s school pictures, evenly spaced vertical or horizontally. And forget the stair stepping with the school pictures!

Our designers are there to help you tackle any of your home design projects, regardless of how large or small. They will help you make your space a place that is yours, unique and usable! Stop into any of our showrooms and experience what our designers can do for you!

How to Work with Patterns

May 23, 2019 | Design Tips

Bright and bold playful patterns are trending this summer! Interior fashion has currently found a home with fresh and exciting patterns that brighten rooms and add life to a color palette. These new trending pieces are not your Grandma’s ancient sofa, instead, they hold a focus on large-scale shapes comprised of vibrant colors.

Luckily, there is an abundance of these playful fabrics out right now and scattered throughout our showrooms.

Find Your Fresh Face

Start your color palette with a unique fabric you cannot keep your eyes off of. Remember, large-scaled shapes and bright colors are the two core elements of this trend. The first one you fall in love with is probably your new “fresh face.”

Tangible Teammates

Don’t shy away from textures throughout your room, a mix of different textures can actually give your room a sophisticated look. After selecting your main fabric, choose smaller patterns and similar shades. Rugs, accent chairs, rugs, pillows, and smaller sofas are all perfect pieces to implement this concept. Be careful! Always avoid selecting fabrics that could outplay your main piece.

Personalize Play

The best part of these bold patterns is adding a personal touch to your home and letting your style shine. The scene is yours to set, so have fun doing it!

How to Decorate a Coffee Table

May 22, 2019 | Design Tips, Living Rooms

Decorating your coffee table gives you the opportunity to let your style shine in your living room. Adding the right pieces adds an intriguing sophistication that is sure to charm. Impress your guests with these quick and easy steps. Let’s get right into this quick read:

Prior to Decorating

Using tape, create squares around where you would like to place objects. This technique will help you measure what will fit and how much of the table you wish to decorate.

Color

Find decor that will be eye-catching on your table. For example, if your table is constructed of dark wood, enhance it with white accents.

Shape & Height

Try to incorporate a mixture of shapes. Rectangular objects are great for structure but will look too stuffy without any variation. Round trays, bowls, and candles come in handy to break up these stuffy lines.

Height falls under the same concept, find one central piece with substantial height compared to the rest for chic symmetry.

Elements

Start with a Base Stack objects on top of books or a decorative tray. The rule of three applies excellently to coffee table design. Create three separate collections on your table, each with a different base. I recommend staying within the same color theme in each group, to avoid clashing. Two collections work just as well, especially if you are working with a small table.

Greenery Flowers and plants add that pop of color that every room needs. Find glistening vases to feature your greenery. Even though real flowers are stunning, faux flowers are cheaper and last longer.

Small Objects Small unique decor pieces are perfect to set on top of coasters, trays, and books. Find objects that tie in with your theme and personal style.

Candles Everyone loves a great smelling candle! Place your favorite candle onto one of the bases to add maturity to your space.

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