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One of the best things about the holidays is the anticipation of company coming and getting everything prepared for their arrival. At the top of the holiday to-do list is making the guest bedroom ready for visitors.

With all of us shut in our homes this past spring, increasing our outdoor activities this summer, working and schooling from home, being quarantined, having groceries delivered or taking advantage of the curbside pickup, and ALL of the stress of the pandemic, not to mention social unrest and the election, we are READY to have a little family-time and enjoy each other this holiday…..I’m exhausted aren’t you? lol

This merry season, we can follow safety guidelines AND enjoy our company.

Whether you’re on a strict budget or you have a little extra, read on for a comprehensive list to help your guests feel welcome and comfortable.

One Month Before Visitors Arrive

Evaluate carpets.

This applies for all carpet in the house, not only the guest room. Look at your carpet from different angles and decide whether the carpet needs to be cleaned. Ask yourself these questions:

· Has it been 6-12 months since the last professional cleaning?

· Are there spots and traffic lanes creating a not-so-fresh feel?

· Do you have pets that shed their dander, hair, and add more dirt?

· Will you have young children crawling and playing on the floor?

If your carpets are looking ‘less-than’, it’s time to schedule your carpet cleaning. If professional cleaning is not in the budget, consider renting a cleaner from your local home improvement store.

Schedule the cleaning a week and a half to two weeks out from your guest’s arrival.

The Week Before Holiday Guests Arrive

Wash the linens.

Every guest wants to climb into fresh, crisp, good-smelling sheets. Even if they are clean, after many months of not being used, sheets may take on a musty smell. (If your guests are sleeping in one of the children’s rooms, wash the sheets the day of arrival.) Get them washed, dried, and back on the bed. When washing, also clean the pillows, blankets, throws, comforter, and towels.

One recommendation is to have an extra set of freshly washed linens in the closet for accidents. Some guests also like to change the sheets and remake the bed when they leave.

Whether you have a beautifully decorated cozy comforter with an inviting array of pillows, a modest quilt with two pillows, or your son’s spiderman sheets on twin beds, what matters is that it’s fresh and clean for your company.

Deep clean.

It goes without saying that you should vacuum and thoroughly dust your guest room. In addition, you should also clean the windows and mirrors, run the broom through the corners of the room and over the light fixtures to knock down any cobwebs, and wipe down all the light switches, railings, and surface areas with a disinfectant.

Another important room to deep clean when preparing for guests is the bathroom your company will use. If it’s in the budget, hire a professional cleaning company to come in to thoroughly clean. If it’s not in the budget, then use your own elbow-grease to do some serious cleaning. If you have one, evaluate the inner shower curtain to decide whether it needs to be replaced.

In the sink cabinet, make sure there is ample toilet paper and a plunger, so guests don’t have to ask for it.

Declutter.

Guest bedrooms tend to be the room where people dump stuff they don’t know what to do with. If the room where your guests are sleeping is one of the kids’ rooms, it may have piles of toys or clothes. Find a home for and put away any piles that have built up over time. To make room for your guest’s belongings, dressers and end tables should only have a couple items on them. The floor should be void of extra items.

Keep this in mind:

More space, more comfortable, and more welcoming.

Remember to clear some space in the closet too. Leave about two feet of hanging space with 6-8 empty hangers for your visitors.

Childproof.

Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve had a little one in your home. If your guests have small children, enter the guest room with a new set of eyes considering any unsafe areas.

· Childproof the outlets.

· Remove or put up any cords including the blind strings.

· Remove unstable furniture.

· Clear out any small objects that an infant or toddler could put in their mouth.

· Consider moving plants up out of reach or removing them from the room for the duration of the visit.

· Remove unnecessary rugs that they could slip on.

· Secure the TV, dresser, and shelving units to the wall.

Something fun to consider for your child guests is to set up a fun child sleeping area such as a teepee with roll-out foam bed bundle or a tent with pads and sleeping bags. It would be fun for the kids if you gifted them colorful, child-friendly flashlights to use in their special sleeping area. Kids want to feel welcome too.

Guest Items.

There are items that you should always have in a guest room and a few simple basics that your guest may have forgotten to include in their suitcase.

· A few travel-sized hand-sanitizers and extra masks.

· A lighted alarm clock near the bed.

· An outlet strip on the end table so they have an easily accessible outlet.

· Bathroom items such as an extra toothbrush, floss, shampoo, soap, body wash, cotton balls, Q-tips, shaving cream, and a disposable razor.

· A washable water bottle for each guest, a pen and notepad, phone charger, tissue, and a wastebasket.

Information Station.

Provide them with an information card on their night table. If your home is wired, share the Wi-Fi password. If not, then provide a cable connection for their computer.

Consider sharing your home’s security system password, gated community information, swimming pool code, parking regulations, other HOA guidelines, the garage code, and add FAQ’s to the information card.

You can also provide an extra set of keys during their stay. Let your company know if you have any special events or plans.

Extra Comfort.

There is nothing worse than being cold at night. Place extra blankets and pillows in the closet and let your guests know where they are. Make sure that they are also recently washed.

Add a freshly cleaned, colorful throw blanket on the bed. It not only adds a pop of color to the room, but it also invites your guest to curl up and get comfortable. With that same pop of color, and in your favorite scent, set one or two favorite candles in the room.

Leave a few of your favorite reading materials in a basket or set on the dresser. Early morning risers may not venture out of the room for fear of waking the household.

Consider adding a place for your guests to place their luggage. This could be a bench, foldable luggage rack, or an ottoman.

Above and Beyond.

For those with a larger budget, you may want to consider luxury items similar to a 5-star hotel service. You can provide a brand-new robe and slippers for each guest. If your family participates in a matching pajama’s photoshoot for Christmas every year, set out each guest’s pajama set. To provide a basket of toys, coloring items, dolls, and books to play with will bring a smile to the faces of your younger guests.

A bit of cheer that will brighten any guest’s day are fresh flowers. Set a colorful vase of flowers on the dresser or end table. Double-check ahead of time to make sure someone is not allergic or sensitive to flowers. Remember to change out the water and add vitamins if your guests stay more than three days.

Guest Bedroom on Day of Company Arriving

Set Out Towels.

Lay out a full set of towels for each guest so they do not have to go searching for them. That includes a washcloth, a hand towel, and a bath towel.

If company is staying for more than a couple days, you may want to wash all of the towels on day three, after they use them in the morning and replace them before they get ready for bed in the evening.

You know your guests better than a local hotel chain knows them, so you have an inside track to knowing what will help make them comfortable. Do the best you can to think of what they might need and create a cozy, oasis that is restful and peaceful.

We’ve tried to provide a comprehensive list of ways to get your guest room ready for company. If you think of one that we’ve missed, please add it to the comments below!

Have fun and enjoy this well-deserved time with your company. Have a happy, healthy holiday season from the BGI Team!

Amy Guess, Allied ASID
BGI Principal Designer
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There are lots of reasons we love fall – the changing colors, the holidays and, of course, the cooler weather. But for interior designers, the best thing about fall is a visit to High Point Market.
High Point Market in North Carolina is the largest furnishings industry trade show in the world. All the latest furniture lines, accessories and trends in interior design are on display, and the place is a feast for the eyes to say the least!
We took countless pictures and fell in love with so many pieces. It was hard to choose our favorite new developments in design, but there were some trends that were simply too dazzling to forget. Here are a few of our favorite High Point standouts that we hope to use soon!

Metallics

High Point standout

Shimmering Fabrics

High Point standout

Mid-Century Modern

High Point standout

Embellished Furniture Fronts

High Point Standouts

Natural Elements

High Point Standouts

Neutrals with Pops of Color

HIgh Point Standouts

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors
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From pumpkins to autumn leaves, orange is all around us this time of year. But why is a color that brings fall foliage tours and smiles to so many faces seldom used in interior design?
Simply put, while most people love color, they’re afraid of choosing the wrong color. So they choose colors they think are “safe.” And while understandable, they’re missing out on the power of color!
Orange is a powerful color, and orange decor can be dazzling. Orange is considered the color of joy, adventure and creativity. It combines the warmth and happiness of yellow with the energy and stimulation of red, and it’s also thought to invoke feelings of optimism.
Here are some of our favorite rooms with orange décor that embrace the power of color.

Home Office

Orange decor

Via Barbara Gilbert Interiors

Home offices don’t have to be all work and no play! Liven up the space with fun patterns and vibrant hues. Orange and fuchsia make for one fun, festive color combination in this family-friendly home office we designed for a busy family that loved cheerful rooms.

Nursery

 Via

Forget pink or blue! An orange and white color palette mixed with cheerful yellow and blue accents creates the perfect nursery for a boy or a girl. In this room, it would be hard not to smile evening during those late night feedings!

Guest Room

Via

As complementary colors, orange and blue always bring out the best in one another. Add a bold detail like these large-scale suzani headboards, and you’ve got one showstopper of a room.

Kitchen

 Via

Yellow isn’t the only happy color to paint a kitchen. Break with tradition and wow with orange! The color alone sets the mood regardless of the decorating style you choose.

Dining Room

Via

There’s a reason people flock to see fall foliage. The warm, dusky hues naturally soothe the soul. So what better shade to choose than a deep earthy orange for the dining room – a frequent gathering place for friends and family?
 

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Feeling in the spirit this Halloween and want to create your own haunted manor? Jack-o-lanterns and hanging sheets are great for the kiddos, but they do little for those with more sophisticated tastes.
If you’re hosting guests or simply want an eerie, but elegant atmosphere this All Hallows Eve, take a cue from the masters of horror. From Hitchcock to Bram Stoker, Halloween decor inspired by the classics is sure to enchant and bring imagined bumps in the night.

 The Raven

Via

Think poetry is just for lovesick dreamers? Then you’ve never read Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven. The simple phrase “never more” sends a ghostly message when hung above a mantel and draped with bat garland.

Frankenstein

Via

Welcome to Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory! Snakes and creepy critters become even more menacing when placed inside apothecary jars alongside a few well placed books. Mary Shelley would be proud.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Via

I doubt Washington Irving ever imagined the lasting impact his short story, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, would have when published in 1820. Recreate the spooky magic of Sleepy Hollow with a tablescape of white pumpkins, candles and rustic linens.

Dracula

Via

With their webbed wings and nocturnal habits, bats were feared even before Bram Stoker wrote Dracula. Greet guests with a flying colony of bats and set the stage for greater frights to come!

The Birds

Via

Black and white framed-images from Alfred Hitchcock’s classic, The Birds, are sure to quicken the pulse of any horror fan. Add a faux version of one of the most terrifying villains in horror history, and let the fun begin. Happy Halloween!

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Can you blend rustic charm with contemporary design? Absolutely! And reflecting this unique union was the guiding principle in our latest project – a rustic contemporary design home built in Celina, Texas.
Our design was inspired by Celina’s own duality. The small city sits at the intersection of a State highway and a farm to market road. Corn-lined roads usher you into town, and high school football is still king. In fact, Celina High School has one of the most successful football programs in the all of Texas, and that’s saying something!
But Celina also sits just north of the bustling Dallas Metroplex and the Dallas North Tollway, adding modern convenience to its rural appeal. The area is known as the “Golden Corridor,” and Celina’s housing market is booming. It was important for our design to reflect this balance, and a rustic contemporary design was the perfect fit!

The Exterior

Rustic Contemporary Design
Natural lighting and elements are prominently featured in the design. Expansive windows make the most of the home’s beautiful surroundings, and create a continuous flow from the outside in. A stone facade, clean lines and light-dark contrast set the tone for interior finishes.

The Kitchen

Rustic Contemporary Design
The heart of the home opens to the living room, creating a spacious area for friends and family to gather. Dekton countertops offer a seamless surface, and beauty that matches function. The sophisticated blend of raw materials is fireproof and non-porous, with virtually zero water absorption.
X-mullion white cabinetry and opulent Duraglass accent tiles bring visual interest and light to the space. A custom-designed, two-part island system offers the ultimate in function and flexibility. The system includes one stationary section and one mobile section mounted on casters, which can serve as a serving or prep area, breakfast bar or craft table.

The Living Room

Rustic Contemporary Design
A floating hearth with dark porcelain tile surround serves as the focal point of the living room which is bathed in natural light. Dark faux ceiling beams and casings match the tone of the porcelain tile, and are in stark contrast to room’s light finishes.

The Staircase

Rustic Contemporary Design
A modern staircase with metal and glass railing greets visitors to the home and can be viewed from the majority of the house. At its pinnacle, a contemporary chandelier descends from a double vaulted ceiling through faux beams illuminated with LED uplighting.

The Master Bathroom

Rustic Contemporary Design
In the master bedroom, an ensuite spa-inspired bathroom features a freestanding tub, frameless glass shower and porcelain flooring in a herringbone pattern. Dekton countertops, polished chrome hardware and glass accent tile complete the look.
Thaddeus Drew Signature Homes builds amazing homes, and we loved working with everyone involved. Great collaboration!
 

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors
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Art and accessories may make a home look beautiful, but they do little to help us with everyday tasks. That’s where home appliances come in. And with today’s technologies and finishes, they’re looking quite dazzling on their own!
I had the privilege recently of attending the Jenn-Air Designer Forum at the World of Whirlpool in Chicago. Design specialists from around the country were invited and treated to a visit to the Windy City to explore the latest in home appliance technologies.
The World of Whirlpool facility is a showstopper in itself. The 30,000-square-foot facility is located in the penthouse of the historic Reid-Murdoch Building in downtown Chicago.
World of Whirlpool
The Chicago landmark was built in 1914 and once used as a makeshift hospital after the S.S. Eastland capsized in the Chicago River on the opposite shore. It also contains 12 state-of-the-art demonstration kitchens, interactive laundry showrooms and innovative meeting spaces.
For two days, experts from the world’s leading appliance brands shared their knowledge and educated us on the latest in home appliances. All of the products showcased were extraordinary, but of course I have my favorites and want to share them!

Black Stainless Steel

Black Stainless Steel
Can’t decide between black or stainless steel kitchen appliances? Now you don’t have to choose. You can have both with KitchenAid’s black stainless steel!
KitchenAid has introduced the first-ever black stainless steel finish in the appliance industry, and it is stunning! The finish has all the same material qualities as stainless steel, but in a warmer tone. Plus, it hides fingerprints and other marks! I love using contrasting colors in kitchen designs, and this finish offers so many new and exciting options.

Steam & Convection Oven


Steam and convection ovens are one of the hottest (no pun intended) trends in appliances, and for good reason. Steam preserves nutrients in vegetables and tenderness in meats, while convection heating cooks food more evenly and quickly. Combining the two results in healthier, better cooking – food that’s tender inside and roasted or crisped outside
To showcase the oven’s abilities, the Jenn-Air chef cooked salmon and creme brûlée at the same time. There was absolutely NO flavor transfer and both were delicious! The ovens are so popular, many of our clients are choosing to omit a microwave from their kitchens and rely solely on a steam and convection oven instead.

Induction Cooktop

Jenn air induction cooktop
Another appliance heating up the marketplace is the Jenn-Air induction cooktop. Induction cooking heats the cookware, rather than the surface of the cooktop, through magnetic induction. This keeps the surface of the cooktop cool to the touch and easily cleaned. Induction cooktops are also extremely energy efficient, offer precise temperature control and heat up more quickly than a traditional gas or electric cooktop.
As an added bonus, a dishwasher-safe silicone pad can be placed on top of the cooktop, between the cooktop and cookware while cooking. The pad can then be thrown into the dishwasher after cooking for super easy clean up! Four of our clients have already chosen to substitute an induction cooktop for an electric range, and all have raved about them.

The Food!

2015-09-01%2020_35_46
Of course, the trip wasn’t all work and no play. While showcases the appliances and their abilities, chefs prepared some of the best food I’ve ever tasted.
The “broken cone” dessert was without a doubt my favorite! Homemade vanilla ice cream with salted caramel and chocolate pieces was served with broken cone pieces with a hint of peanut butter to scoop up the deliciousness. I literally could have licked the plate!
 

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors and Jenn-Air.
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We had an amazing night recently at the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Awards Celebration. Industry designers and professionals from throughout the Texas Chapter gathered to recognize the best of the best, and we were thrilled to receive five of the prestigious awards!
From contemporary to traditional design, Legacy of Design Awards were given from a variety categories and the projects were simply stunning. We were inspired by all the designs, and extremely honored to be recognized. In fact, the only thing more exciting than the celebration was calling our clients to tell them they had award-winning homes!

2015 ASID Legacy of Design Awards

2015 ASID Legacy of Design Awards

FIRST PLACE – Transitional Living Areas

 Project Information

 2015 ASID Legacy of Design Awards

FIRST PLACE – Transitional Residential Singular Space

 Project Information

 2015 ASID Legacy of Design Awards

SECOND PLACE – Transitional Master Bedroom

 Project Information

 2015 ASID Legacy of Design Awards

SECOND PLACE – Transitional Master Bathroom

Project Information

 2015 ASID Legacy of Design Awards

HONORABLE MENTION – Transitional Kitchen

Project Information

We couldn’t be happier, and want to thank ALL our clients for making our designs possible!
 

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors
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Do you want to know how to arrange your furniture to optimize socializing with friends and family?

Or how to give old furniture new life, and add texture to a room to boost visual interest?

living-area-design-dallas-txInterior Design Tips & Tricks

Professional interior designers use tried-and-true tips and tricks every day, and you can, too! Our free 10 Interior Design Tips & Tricks Guide  offers simple and practical ways to add more style to your home, and make the most of your existing furniture and decor!
Just provide us your email address by subscribing to our monthly Barbara Gilbert Interiors Newsletter, and you can download our Ebook with 10 professional interior design tips for FREE!
LED Lighting in Interior DesignYou can also sign up through the Barbara Gilbert Interiors Facebook page, where we routinely post updates on our projects and showcase the latest in design news!
We understand your home is the backdrop of your life! And we want to help you make your home as beautiful and comfortable as possible.
Subscribe today, because life is better when we’re inspired by our surroundings!
 

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors
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School is almost back in session, and soon gym shoes and backpacks will replace flip-flops and sunscreen. But don’t let the hectic pace of the school year take the fun out of this exciting time! An organized home helps cut the stress and provides more time for the activities your family enjoys. Here are three back to school organization tips to help you tackle the school year and get the most out of each day.

Create a Homework Station

Via

Homework is easier to start and do if everything needed is close at hand. Decide on the best location in your home for a homework station and maximize the space for efficiency. Choose a table or desk with sufficient work space, clear the area and add adequate lighting. Organize homework essentials, like pens, pencils, erasers and other tools into nearby bins. Remember, if your kids can see the supplies, they’re less likely to ask you to help them find them! Visible bins work better than drawers.

Create a Command Central

Via

Create a family communication center to keep track of each family member’s activities. A family bulletin board that includes a family calendar, space for school handouts, phone messages and invitations works great. Consider color coding your family calendar by assigning each family member a color. Mount the board over a console table or bench, add baskets or bins for each person’s belongings, and you’ve got a family command center.

Create an Exit Station

Via

It’s hard to forget things when they’re routinely organized and displayed. And a full-size mudroom is not required. Create a simple system by the door to help you remember special items you and your kids need to take with you each day: homework, keys, lunches, backpacks, jackets, etc. You can also hang or place a bin or basket by the door to hold the items each person needs to remember that day.
Happy organizing!
 

Source of Images: Houzz.com
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A quiet revolution is underway, but this often overlooked revolution is producing big results. In fact, some people are calling it the most exciting change in lighting since Thomas Edison introduced the light bulb over 130 years ago!
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are transforming the lighting industry, and are expected to change the way we light our world. LEDs use at least 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs, last more than 25 times longer than traditional bulbs, contain no mercury and produce very little heat. They also emit virtually no UV or infrared radiation, and they gradually fade out over a long period of time rather than burning out all at once.
Recent advances in technology have also greatly altered LEDs. The diodes’ once cold, bluish light has been replaced by any color and temperature of light desired. A soft yellow light similar to incandescent lighting is achieved with a low Kelvin color temperature. Manufacturing costs are steadily decreasing, and LEDs are now available in countless forms, from bulbs and light tubes to light strings and strips.
Flexible and easy to install, new applications for LEDs are constantly emerging. The end result is safer, more energy efficient and more dramatic designs and interiors. Here are just a few ways we’ve recently used LED lighting and some ideas for your home. Join the revolution!

LED Lighting Projects

LED lighting in interior design
LEDs highlight reclaimed timber beams on the ceiling in this family room, and cast a soft light from above. The modern and rustic elements blend beautifully, adding warmth and visual depth to the space.
LED Lighting in Interior Design
A built-in bookcase becomes anything but ordinary with the installation of a metallic grasscloth wallcovering and LED accent lighting. The LED lighting gleams off the grasscloth and showcases a variety of personal treasures.
LED Lighting in Interior Design
LED lighting, placed under the cabinets at the toe kick, provides a nightlight effect in this serene master bath. An additional LED at the height of the architectural arch adds impact and further task lighting.
LED Lighting in Interior Design
A dark cork wallcovering is illuminated by LED accent lights, creating the perfect backdrop for white accessories and built-in shelves.
LED Lighting in Interior Design
LED lighting in all the right places gives this contemporary kitchen a light and airy atmosphere. The lights illuminate the glass uppers and accent tile over the cooktop for a dramatic effect. The cabinets and toe kick are also lighted, but from beneath, to add safety and task lighting to improve function.
 

Source of Images: Barbara Gilbert Interiors
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