Sharon's BlogFocus on One Project
Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:50:41 -0600 This past weekend, I took my goddaughter, Lexi, shopping for her birthday. It didn't go well. Our first mistake was going to the mall. After three department stores and two specialty stores, we were still empty handed and exhausted. It was a simple case of visual overload and too many choices. I guess one of the reasons I love QVC is they make it so simple by editing the choices for me! Their buyers do all the hard work. I can enjoy the shopping experience instead.
As a designer, I can remember feeling overwhelmed by choices when I first began my career. How on earth do you find your way to the perfect sofa when there are thousands to choose from? Fabric — so many samples!?!
Eventually, after a lot of practice, it began to make sense. But first, I had to gain the knowledge of all the manufacturers' products, then narrow them down by price, comfort, etc. That gave me the ability to know what the best options were for each client based on style, needs, and budget, and narrowed the choices to a reasonable few.
It turns out that through that process, I managed to find the magic formula — focus. According to Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, it's important to have a specific decorating project in mind in order to be creative. Vague ideas can turn your creativity into a malaise that paralyzes your creativity. So, instead of saying the entire house needs redecorating, focus on small, doable projects to build your confidence and sense of style.
 In many ways, our brains are like computers. They really can’t think of that many things in parallel. Often, I'm complimented on my ability to multitask, but the truth is I'm good at time management. I'm a detail scheduler. When writing a book, I commit to 2,000 words a day — no matter what. When working on projects around my home, I focus on a specific area or room. Some days, I focus on work in my office, like designing clients’ floor plans or paying bills. Other days, my focus may be the kitchen — trying new recipes or getting the summer tomatoes cooked and stored for the winter. This gives me a sense of freedom to ignore the rest and allows me to truly accomplish what's most important for the day.
It turns out that working this way is the most logical. The more thought we dedicate to a project, the more likely it is to be completed. As I learned when I was a young designer, it takes time for our brains to gather the relevant information for a project. The second step for me is accepting the fact that my best work comes when I focus on one thing at a time until it's complete. When I find myself being pulled into other directions with random thoughts, I take a short walk and get myself back on track.
Creating a home that's uniquely designed for you and your family is a thoughtful process that requires commitment to the evolving plan. Design is about your own way of seeing the world. Personal style includes everything that you touch and see. Your home should tell the story of your life. That means that completing your design will take a lifetime of building and believing in your own style.
So, trust your artistic impulses. Invest in a few home-decorating magazines. Tear out the pages that you find most appealing, then analyze the details:
This should help you identify your personal design preferences. Focus on just one and enjoy the results.
Be blessed and inspired!
—Sharon Hanby-Robie, ASID
view more New Color Forecasts
Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:18:59 -0600 As an interior designer, color is an important part of my life. From as far back as I can remember, I've been intrigued by color. Even my dreams are filled with rich, vibrant color! So I always look forward to each season’s new color forecasts. For fall 2011 through winter 2012, there's a burst of new seasonal tones. The premier color forecast organization, The Color Marketing Group, recently met in Taipei for their conference. The two most-important colors they've chosen are Limbu and Bolt.
 Limbu is a truly luminous color of yellow that simply glows. Symbolic of celestial light and earthly fire, yellow, the elixir of life, has been chosen to bridge cultures and act as a directional beacon for a world seemingly in chaos. The color will enhance and define space, internal and external, physical and sensorial. Yellow can span time and reconnect us with our ancestry and values of the past. It's a color that can help set our minds free and bridge the gap between art and design. It's provocative and often associated with joy, radiance, and intellect. Its mineral association is with the metal most treasured by humans…gold.
 Bolt is a cobalt-inspired blue, the traditional mourning color, particularly for the Chinese. With its deep tones, it's the perfect accent to highlight a fresh, optimistic palette that sees tradition as secondary to modern thinking. It's a dynamic color that exceeds our expectations with energy and depth. In the Western world, this color has connotations of spirituality, loyalty, and substance — the perfect anchor for today’s challenging times.
With neutral foundations like grey, bolder colors will provide fresh accents. Coral, turquoise, reds, pinks, and oranges will gain popularity. Shimmery accessories for the home will also add beautiful compliments to our rooms. From the world of fashion clothing, we'll see pleating making a name for itself within our homes as well. And, of course, it's the time of year to begin bringing the outdoors in with a burst of flora and flowers in fabrics, rugs, and wallpaper. Yes, wallpaper is making a comeback, too!
 Elegant color combinations continue with black and grey, black and silver, light blue and grey, emerald and white, gold and white, orange and grey, lavender and white, and tan and black. You can also mix styles using a minimalist interior with accent-furniture elements, like an art nouveau armchair in neutral, natural colors such as black leather or cinnamon velvet.
Whether your choice is bold or subtle, fresh or classic, I look forward to mixing patterns and colors in timeless ways to create unique and individual styles for you and all my clients this season.
Be blessed and inspired,
—Sharon Hanby-Robie, ASID
view more Textile Details
Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:27:03 -0600 Fabrics are an essential element to an interior designer. We gravitate toward their color, touch, and texture. Textiles are an indispensable part of our lives. We rediscover their caress every day, whether in table linens or bed and bath fabrics. If you've watched me on QVC, you know that I can't keep my hands off the products I present. As Hermine Mariaux of Home Textiles Today put it, “From colorful to calmly sophisticated, home textiles are the first and the last thing we touch to our skin and use to brighten our home environment.”
So how do you know which fabric is right for you? The answer depends on many things — where and how you'll use them, your expectations in terms of longevity and durability, and their ease of care. Fabrics are divided into two content categories: natural and man-made fibers.
Natural fibers are very appealing because of their beautiful appearance and also their distinctive hand (the way they feel). Man-made fabrics can be made from organic products such as wood pulp or cotton waste (which is used to make rayon or chemical sources such as olefin, acrylic, polyester, or nylon). Many of today’s fabrics are blends of both natural and man-made fibers, which result in the best of all worlds — durability, colorfastness, and a beautiful hand.
Construction also plays a vital role. The tighter the weave, the stronger the fabric. But the thickness of each thread also affects the overall fabric. One of the best fabrics for durability and touchability is microfiber polypropylene. Picture the finest fiber you can imagine, and then divide it in half — that's microfiber. Half of the thickness of silk and one hundred times finer than a human hair, microfiber is the tiniest man-made fiber ever created. Fabrics made of microfiber are wrinkle-resistant and easy to care for. I feel so strongly about the performance and value of this fabric that I even upholstered my sofa in WHITE microfiber. Now nearly eight years old, it still looks great because this fiber is washable and stain-resistant! Love it.
When choosing fabrics, here are a few tips to remember:
Be inspired!
—Sharon Hanby-Robie, ASID
      view more Chic Collectible Décor
Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:52:39 -0600 As an interior designer, I believe that our homes should tell the story of our lives. Therefore, I've always encouraged my clients to fill their homes with things they love. Decorating with collectibles is a natural outlet when you're a dyed-in-the-wool collector like my husband, Dave, or my friend, Jan. For them, things that have a sense of the past are a passion. Jan loves American-style splatter wear, quilts, signs…anything that's old American in style. My husband started collecting antique children’s toys and books as a child. Big Little Books and Hubley toys are his passion, and now, it's grown from a hobby into a business. If you're an avid collector, your home is the place where you can showcase your collection to enjoy and share with visitors. I love helping clients create a sense of balance by merging all aspects of the old and new design forces to form a style of harmony. The challenge is transferring a simple collection into a home-enhancing asset without creating chaos. It’s the difference between shopping in a big-box store to browsing a boutique-style store — the display is the key to transforming stuff into a beautiful arrangement. Here are a few golden rules that'll help you make this transformation in your home:
Be inspired,
view more Backyard Vacation
Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:24:30 -0600 It’s that time of year when we start talking about summer vacation. But this year, the conversation seems a little different — it's more about whether or not to actually go somewhere for vacation. I just spent a glorious week at home with my two little nieces. It made me realize that as I think about all the great getaway vacations we've taken, the memories that seem to endure most are not so much about where we went — they're about the people, family, and friends who joined us. Based on that thought, I had to ask myself, why not plan a backyard vacation instead? Backyard vacations are all about finding ways to enjoy the benefits of a vacation without all the hassle of traveling cross-country. One secret to a successful backyard vacation is to create ways to have the same relaxing and fun experiences that you'd look for in any vacation. For me, that means blocking out my calendar as if I'm really out of the area and unavailable, then turning off my need to be in constant communication with email, phone, and other electronic media. I like great food, beautiful scenery, and time to totally relax. How hard could that be to create right here at home? When I wrote my first book, we built a screened-in porch on which I dreamt of basking in the joy of simply lounging on the glider, reading a good book with a delightful summer beverage. I can’t tell you the last time that happened. Why? Because I simply don’t make it a priority. Promise #1: You will not let the temptation of house chores deter you from an amazing backyard vacation! As the song says, “There’s no place like home.” By simply creating inviting outdoor spaces in your own backyard, you'll be able to escape to peaceful, easy living whenever you choose. As an interior designer, I realize that the same rules apply to outdoor spaces and gardens as those used indoors. It’s a balancing act between freedom and control with a stronger point of view. Outdoor spaces need more energy and more color because of the power of natural light. Bigger and bolder is also better when you're working with an uncovered space such as a deck or patio that doesn't have the confinement of ceiling structure. Always take the time to think about the kind of theme or look you want. I like the concept of continuing my interior design style outdoors. That way, the divide between the two is less conspicuous, creating the illusion of continuous space from my kitchen to my screened porch and onto my patio.
Choose a central focal point for each collection or grouping of spaces. Strategically placed furniture can draw the eye to something beautiful in your landscape, whether it’s a garden area, tree, or fountain. If you've arranged your furniture in clusters, you may need a focal point or direction for each. The most visually pleasing arrangements are those that mimic interior room spaces. Of course, don’t forget to surround yourself with things you love. Extra touches such as pillows, a hammock, or an umbrella will add to your comfort. The goal is to appreciate what the outdoors has to offer that can enhance the quality of your life and give you moments that make it worth living. Be blessed and inspired, Sharon Hanby-Robie, ASID
view more American Style
Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:27:01 -0600 What defines American style? After working as an interior designer for over three decades, I think that American Interior Design is a style as versatile and unique as the people in America. I moved to Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1980 and was intrigued by its history. The area was part of the William Penn Charter, granted Penn by the king of England. Lancaster was named for Lancaster in England, and it appropriated the red rose, symbol of the House of Lancaster, the British royal house. Lancaster was chartered as a borough in 1742. It was the capital of the American colonies when Philadelphia was captured by the British. Many of the homes from that period continue to influence how we live here in Lancaster.
Every city has its own story which contributes to our unique and diverse style. When North America was colonized, settlers brought building traditions from many different countries. Architecture from our Colonial period still influence the houses we build today; Cape Cod, German Colonial, and Georgian Colonial. The mid 1800’s through the 1900 gave us elaborate houses in a variety of Victorian styles. The rise of industrialism brought the era known as the Guilded Age with palatial Renaissance Revival style and Neo-Classical house styles. Frank Lloyd Wright, Arts and Crafts, Bungalows, Ranches, Spanish and Mediterranean homes can all be found across our grand continent. So how do we decorate? We appreciate the freedom we have to create our own kind of style. We appreciate the heritage that has given us the details and beauty of many cultures and ages which we translate into an interior style that is comfortable for relaxing, yet gracious enough to soothe the senses and inspire dreams. In some ways, I feel like we have evolved ‘back’ to a time when we were first discovering the world and all the treasure it had to hold. The Global influence is once again strong and a distinctive component of how we define American.
Designers understand the enormous influence that environments have on those within. We choose specific ideas to enhance the quality of life. A few thoughts for today and decorating: a sunny disposition is more easily found in spaces that contain the color orange. So fill a bowl with oranges or add a few new pillows in your favorite orange hue. Remember that light which translates to openness, contributes to a better balanced emotional well-being. Time to un-shutter those windows and let a little Spring sunshine into your life.
Don’t forget to make it personal! I believe our homes should tell our life stories. I hope yours story is a beautiful collection of those things that are most significant and pleasing to you. Be inspired! Sharon Hanby-Robie, ASID view more Did you know that there is an Academy Award for Color of the Year?
Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:41:14 -0600
Well, they don’t actually call it “Academy Award” – but it’s still a big deal. The Nominees are: Benjamin Moore Vintage Wine: A smoky tone which combines the comfort of a brown with the luxury of purple. Vintage Wine first got our attention on the fashion runways of New York, Paris and Milan, and its impact is just as magnificent in the home. Pantone Honeysuckle: A Vibrant, Energetic Hue – a color for all seasons. It is Courageous, Confident and Vital. It is the color for a brave new world. Its bold spirit of Honeysuckle will infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for everyday – with nothing “everyday” about it. Dulux Citrus: Is a light, airy, citrus yellow that symbolizes a freer spirit, sense of fun and positive energy. Encapsulating a mood of hope and optimism, it conveys a feeling of fizzy sherbet, new growth, relaxed fun and the goodness and vitality of sunshine. Yellow in colour psychology is often associated with: And the AWARD goes to (drum roll please . . . . ) Pantone’s HONEYSUCKLE!
The press release from Pantone says: While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life. “The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.” I for one am thrilled. My home color scheme is turquoise, pink and white. So maybe now I can finally find some pillows and accessories in Honeysuckle to work in my rooms! Honeysuckle is upbeat and dynamic when used on large areas like an entry. It is an appetite and conversation stimulant when used on dining walls. Not that brave? Then consider placemats, and table linens, or even glassware and candles. For me, it’s simply addictive. A friend recently commented that each time she visits; there is more of that color! I love it. Why don’t you join me, and add a lively flair to your interior spaces with Honeysuckle patterned pillows, bedspreads, small appliances and tabletop accessories. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Honeysuckle for a dynamic burst of energy in the family room, kitchen or hallway. Be Inspired! Sharon Hanby-Robie, ASID view more Hottest Trends from Las Vegas Furniture Market ? Exciting!
Wed, 02 Feb 2011 15:35:09 -0600
That’s how I feel after a few days at the signature market event highlighting trends and top product picks for the first major total home furnishings market of the year. As an interior designer the most exciting trend is that color is finally back! It was one of the distinguishing factors of this Market with color dancing throughout the home furnishings complex. Splashes of color in decorative accessories are a quick and simple way to communicate and a way a way to add an accent and make a statement in your home. Purple will register high on the popularity scale this year, as will denim-like blues. Neutrals will also figure prominently in 2011. My favorite color palette is finally taking center stage for 2011: Honeysuckle, an energetic reddish pink that can be seen all across the Market floor in textiles, pillows, bedding and rugs. It’s even showing up sofas, chairs and chaises. Black accents and animal prints were also showing strong in accents. Accessories are key - something as small as a bright ceramic vase or an exotic candleholder has the power to change the entire narrative of a room. A contemporary palette of green, orange and white, was another example that was fresh with color. Gift + Home categories also featured an array of new product lines, and spring fever was a consistent theme. Look for birds, bunnies, buds and tempting fragrances. Other featured creatures were farm animal figurines. Wall plaques, wreaths, votive and pillar candleholders and more accessories filled with fun and color! When it comes to home furnishings, both style and scale will lead the way in the 2011. Vintage and French industrial looks are in, as are exotic and white-washed woods. Expect to see a warming of finishes. Gone are the deep mahoganies of the past. Instead, it’s a causal comfort story with distressed finishes. In addition, intricate detailing, refined finishes, classic upholstery silhouettes and casual dining solutions will set the stage this year. The value of area rugs is one of the most exciting areas in design right now. Even a small investment can result in adding a depth of luxury and elegance to a room. Layering rugs is one warmest trends showing. It’s much like layering your clothing. You’re building on a style and - when done right - adding colors, materials, or textures can give a room depth and warmth. Throwing a patterned rug over a sisal, seagrass, or jute rug is a foolproof approach for those a bit hesitant to combine intricate patterned rugs. A simple earth-tone texture for the base layer can help anchor the room, while the patterned rug can help define an area. Now back to reality – spent four hours on I-695 after landing at Baltimore airport on my way home – then a night at my friend Howard Johnson’s in Pikesville, Maryland. Finally, arriving home nearly twenty-four hours after landing to a drive-way with two feet of snow! I am so ready for SPRING! Be inspired, Sharon Hanby-Robie, ASID view more The Simple Home
Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:38:20 -0600
A few years ago, I wrote a book titled: The Simple Home. I have always found the concept of simplicity appealing and January seems like the perfect time to review the idea of simplicity. Webster’s dictionary defines simplicity as the state, quality, or an instance of being simple; freedom from complexity, intricacy, or division into parts; freedom from deceit or guile; sincerity; naturalness. I have found that unless I am purposeful in my choices, my home won’t feel like the simple, satisfying, sanctuary I desire. I believe the first step in bringing simplicity into your home is to define what it is you hope will take place within its walls. Too many of us try to fit our lives into to pre-molded concepts or floor plans without truly thinking through whether they make sense for the way we want to live. I have always liked the idea of creating a Mission Statement because it gives me direction and parameters. Think about it – what would your homes mission be? Would it be a place where children feel comfortable or is it creating a place for aging well? Would it be to provide an environment of peace, comfort, safety and joy? Defining and knowing the purpose is vital to creating the home you desire. I live in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which has a large Amish population. I have always admired the Amish. Their homes are truly simple. They believe in giving to God, their community, and taking care of each other. As in early times, their church services are actually held in their homes. Each Sunday a different family opens its home for church. That certainly has an effect on the choices they make for designing and furnishing. Too often, we define our home by someone else’s rules or purpose. We compare our home with those of our friends, parents, community, or the latest trends in style, rather than evaluating how it meets our needs. Simplicity is always satisfying. Purging the excess and creating breathing room rather than clutter is freeing. It offers us the freedom to focus on and enjoy one event, one day at a time. My home is my sanctuary, my retreat and a peaceful place for family and friends. My mission statement which I wrote many years ago still applies today: I want my home to be ordered in such a way that it reflects the beauty and depth of our Lord’s creation. I want it to be functional, provide safety and comfort, and yet remain gracious enough to soothe the senses and inspire dreams. There was a time when I thought my house had to be perfectly clean and perfecting decorated. Thankfully, I got over that phase a long time ago! The reality is that life has many phases and stages, and we will have a simpler and happier life if we accept graciously the particular phase or stage of life that we in, and design our homes accordingly. So take the beginning of this new year to think about how your home feels and what you would purposely change to give yourself the freedom of simplicity.
Happy New Year, Sharon view more Entertaining in Style
Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:04:30 -0600
T ‘was the day after Thanksgiving and all through the house no one is stirring with much to be done. Wash the crystal by hand and the linens too. Stretch high—put the serving platter back on the (top) shelf – wishing that Christmas ornaments would be hung by an elf! Meanwhile, I’m tired and thinking maybe next year – reservations at a restaurant might better than here! Okay, I’m not a poet. But as I watch cars going by with green trees and tinsel and hot-air snowmen waving high, I’m hoping for inspiration to make the next round of celebrations full of unforgettable memories that will last throughout the year. Our family has been blessed with three new babies this year and that makes me realize just how important the simple things in life really are. So again, I am reminded be true to ourselves while focusing on loved ones especially the children—with the goal to make sure we enjoy this time together with celebration and not stress. My first Christmas here in Pennsylvania was feeling pretty lonely with all my family a state away – when a neighbor called in early morning and invited us to come over in our PJ’s and to join them for family fun. It was such a simple gesture – yet it meant so much. No planning, no pretense, no fuss. As we watched their young ones giggle with glee I acknowledged that some of the best celebration ideas come from the youngest – the wee. They have not yet lost the gift of joy and the freedom of creativity. So I’m thinking why not let them be my inspiration this year? My family spends good times at the dining table as we reminisce. So this year the tables the children’s to set – perhaps handmade placemats or monogrammed paper napkins, place cards, even the centerpiece can be a delight with little ones in charge. Help them with choosing an idea or theme, and then layer it on – from linens to platters. Let them add interest to each place setting with a seasonal flourish such as cinnamon sticks, flowers or place cards. Consider using your fall rakings to decorate the table with leaves and acorns. Or try the simplicity of a vase filled with branches and falling leaves. The idea is to use what you got– buttons, marbles, dolls, even books can be fun. My husband collects old children’s books. Piled high in multi-levels with small vases of simple flowers; old pages from used books taped together make interesting and readable placemats create a fabulously interesting and fun table. Remember the key is not to fuss– instead enjoy the freedom with the focus on creating a festive mood that will set the tone for the season and year to come. Be well. Be blessed. Be inspired! Sharon view more |
