My “Flower Factor” thoughts and advice ….

I believe flowers and plants have the natural energy to infuse peace and harmony into living and working spaces.
Like your wardrobe, iPod playlist and even your refrigerator door, your home is a reflection of who you are, whether you live in a single family home, apartment or dorm room. As a designer, I believe your living space should reflect your sense of style and personality. One easy and versatile way to show your style is to tap the power of flowers to express your individuality and mood as it changes – on a weekly or even daily basis. Today, you feel playful, next week you may want to feel relaxed. Flowers can match – or even make – your mood.

And, while no home will ever be picture perfect, flowers can be used to create favorite spots we love to walk by, relax in, or reenergize in. Why do we need these go-to spots? A Harvard study showed that having flowers in the home decreases anxiety and provides bursts of energy that last well into the day.

When it comes to a room, I have my tricks for creating the look I want. And, when it comes to great flowers, my “trick” is my florist. Here are some tips for great flowers for any space.

Creating Favorite “Best Dressed” Spots
Do you ever look through a magazine and envy the rooms that are so well put together? There is always one thing in common in all those pictures – flowers. The good news is that you don’t have to have a designer to create a “best dressed room” – a place that comes together and creates an ambiance of warmth and style. You might just need flowers and plants. Here’s how:

First, consider your room’s style. If it’s contemporary, choose complementary flowers with bold colors and simple lines and shapes such as orchids and lilies. For a traditional style room, bring in a full arrangement of “petalled” flowers, such as roses, carnations and greenery. For a playful, eclectic room, choose gerbera daisies, tulips and belles of Ireland. Because there are so many flower varieties to choose from, ask your florist for advice, including what’s fresh and in season.

Your florist can recommend flowers for any budget, can design in a vase you provide and can deliver same day if you want your blossoms in a pinch.

Next, search for logical surfaces to showcase the flowers and select the areas that need to be “softened.” For example, when a wall gets too busy with shelves, pictures or a mix of wood and stone, adding flowers is the perfect solution to give a room a visual break and even calm our senses. I also consider the size and function of the surfaces for the flowers. For example, to create a focal point, bring in a larger arrangement. Choose smaller bouquets for conversation spaces and pleasant bursts of color in a smaller room.

Blooms for Rooms

When it comes to picking flowers for a room, there’s no wrong choice. Yet, for those who want to create a specific look, look around your room to see what color stands out most. I always choose one of two routes – either match the flowers with the décor or completely contrast with it. For example, I might pick orange and yellow flowers, which would pop in a blue room. Purple and red flowers will be a bold contrast in a predominantly green room. If you’re not sure, e-mail a picture of your room or space to your local florist for some recommendations. Or, you can alternate color schemes, depending on your mood and the season.

One of this season’s top trends is monochromatic flower arrangements – different flowers of all one color. Monochromatic flowers add an unexpected “a-ha” to a home or room without any extra effort. A big bunch of bright whites, all yellows or shades of blue makes a confident statement and will go with any décor. These simple touches are easy on your wallet but big on impact.

Flowers create warm, comfortable environments, perfect for our workspaces, where we spend about
one-third of our time! Green or flowering plants are ideal for office spaces because they can grow with
you in your job. Single stems in a bud vase are a
nice way to change your surroundings regularly
and brighten your desk.

If you missed the live Webcast and twitter party watch here…

Happy Blooms,

Kel

Ntotice how in each example the floral arrangements enhance the room design, either adding color or texture within the scheme.

“This a fascinating study I want to share with you…  I love flowers in my home and in my designs, read why you love them too!!” …

SCIENCE AND NATURE UNEARTH NEW INSIGHTS INTO EMOTIONAL HEALTH

After you realized this, what did you do to prepare yourself?  I took a very windy road to design…Being an only child of a Judge, I was always pointed towards Law School.. After my BA in Advertising/Marketing and 2 years in Law School…. and 10 years of designing homes “unofficially” … I went to IDI thinking people would care if I had a formal design background.

What type of training or schooling did you have to complete in order to proceed with Designing? None really…. I have NEVER been asked! I have done 4 TV shows and it NEVER came up – and since I am on a repeat and referral basis in my private career, still no one asks … Honest!  BUT I did choose to attend Interior Design Institute so I would have an answer, just in case someone asked….

How much time did it take to complete the training/schooling associated? 2 years

What do you think is the best part of your career?  Seeing people transformed by their surroundings…I LOVE IT!

If you could change anything about your career,what would it be and why? I would have started my product launches earlier, while doing TV….It helps with exposure and longevity in the career. People remember you as long as they can see you!

What suggestions could you give to a high school student who is interested with Interior Design?  If it’s your passion, pursue it! There is NOTHING better than waking and doing what you love…you cannot fail if you love your career.  Choose a school that is accredited and passionate about your education… Be wary of schools that promise too much.  Interning is a great way to gain experience, but do not get stuck in one place! Set a limit to your internship and jump out of the nest within a year.

How does a typical day for you go? Up early to review each client file. Go over each client and daily tasks needed to be accomplished with assistants. Go to all job sites necessary to keep on track with all the contractors and sub-contractors working on my jobs (gotta watch those guys) Be sure to have at least 2 new client meetings per week…Most days I am with clients shopping which is fun 70% of the time – sometimes it’s very challenging!
then pick up my kids from school, workout, cook dinner, relax with the family…Gotta have a balance!

Could you tell me about one of your most interesting memories? I have so many from the TV shows and my career…but I do have one that I think of often…. When I was about 5 my mother set the “design ball” rolling… My room was a mess (of course) and she told me to “clean it and make it look like a model home!” I worked on my room for two days (it was raining outside so I didn’t care)… I made a sofa out of boxes and pillows, a dining area, etc… It was like my studio apartment.  TO this day I think of that when I have a cool loft to remodel or a bachelor pad that’s small and challenging.

Aside from schooling/training, what does it take to do Interior Designing? (i.e. kind heart, strong stomach, etc.)
UNDERSTANDING and DIPLOMACY – there are soooo many factors involved when you are working with people and their valued possesions…. It takes a very intuitive and patient person to be a designer. You must listen more and talk less….remember to incorporate THEIR ideas into something great – NOT just your ideas.
 
 
What other jobs could you do with the skills you have gained in this field? Psychology!

What are your biggest challenges? Big personalities

Are there many opportunities in your field? Yes, if you understand how to change with the economy, and relate to your clients… referrals are the best! I coach Interior Designers on how to make money in this economy – everyone learns the tricks to making $ and a successful career.

How much job security is there in Interior Design? A ton, if you run your own business. TV is fickle…and so are other bosses.

Before you chose Interior Designing, what were a couple of your other career choices you had in mind? Geologist, Marketing, Graphic Design

I am recently divorced and want a brand new start to my whole life. The problem is I have older furniture that I’ve moved with me. I can’t really afford all new stuff, so how can I update my look on my “single girl” budget.

Thank you,
Single and Sassy

Dearest Status Updater,

There are very simple changes you can make now without dipping into the “Girls Night Out” fund!
Here is a brief list to get your started:
1. Slipcover – Go to your nearest Bed, Bath and Beyond (The Beyond section is the best!) and get an inexpensive slipcover for your sofas or chairs. Choose a darker neutral tone. It hides the most spilled food and drinks for all those parties you will be having.
2. Start Tagging! – Don’t be afraid to paint furniture pieces to update them. A Semi-Gloss Black can of paint can do wonders for a small side table or coffee table.
3. Color – Decide on your new “single color”! A color completely opposite of what you had before to symbolize your independence. Once decided buy small, inexpensive accessories in that color to jazz up table, mantels, sofas or beds.
4. Send out the Evites – It’s time to show off the new you. Cheers!!

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Dear Kelli,

I’ve lived in my beach-side home for 7 years and I’ve hated it ever since. My husband and children love the home, I am the only unhappy one. There is nothing warm about the home. I am having trouble making it “mine”. What can I do?

Sad in the Sand

Dear Crabby,
Most people would think living near the ocean with a happy family, would be heaven…but as a Design Psychology Expert I know there is much, much more to it!
Start with this exercise;

Exercise #1 Realization: I want you to walk through every room in your home, slowly and intentionally looking at each and every item in each room. Place an emotion onto every item as you do. For example; You walk into your family room and you see your coffee table bought by your husband upon marriage. It makes you happy, but longing for time with him alone, like it used to be. On top of the table is your Mom’s antique bowl you’ve always hated, full of potpouri (you never liked the smell) and old books you love. Realize that everytime you walk by those items your subconscious has those exact impressions in a split second. If the majority of your emotional responses to the stuff in your home is negative – you cannot like your home! BUT you can change how you feel by removing the things that don’t make you happy. DONT throw out others belongings without conversation, but DO surround yourself with things that make you smile and feel happy.

Exercise #2

Once you’ve determined the room that needs you attention most, call in the troops. Your next project is to reclaim your room by making it fresh and a source of happy feelings. For this example we’ll stick to the family room. Enlist your family or friends to help you completely clear out the room. Everything out! Just the walls, floors and you… Notice the “bones” of the room. Remember why you liked the room in the first place. It could be the beautiful fireplace, the large windows, the niche for art work, the flooring, etc… Now decide what you’d like to highlight in the room – your new focal point. For this example the fireplace is our new focal point. Arrange the furniture to highlight the new focus. Sometimes there is more than one focus. This may mean having to find a new home for the TV, or “repurposing” furniture from other rooms to make it work. You may decide to replace the furniture you dislike. But realize whatever changes you make, they are absolutely worth the effort and money if it means your happiness!

As always, I am here to help….
Cheers,
Kelli

My wife and I have been saving for two years to be able to remodel our kitchen and we believe we are ready to go.  We have several friends that have done major renovations and they all have stories of going over budget and way over their promised time lines.  I want to start interviewing contractors but how do I know what to ask and how to determine who to hire?

Thanks,

“Man with a mission”

Dear Missionary Man,

This is an important question and I feel it’s important to add the advice of a trusted contractor, Emery @ MAC Millworks.

Emery says, “I should write a book on this subject because everyone needs the answer to this question. Here are a few good questions and suggestions that will go a long way in finding the right contractor.

1) Ask people you know if they have had a good experience with a contractor and if they are satisfied. You must be realistic in getting what you pay for, Champaign for the price of beer is not realistic. And most of all “Would you hire this contractor again?”

2) When interviewing a contractor ask for references and check them.  Ask about time line, budget, quality of work.

3) If you like what you hear ask the referral if you can come by and see the work.

I recommend my clients see three projects – one in progress (they can see what a home under construction is like to live in), a recently completed job (the new and old clients can talk about time line, budget, and the whole experience), and a job at least 5 years old to quality check the work.

4) Your contractor should spend “A LOT OF TIME” planning the project.  If he wants to start on the job before you have everything decided RUN!  The key to staying within budget is having a complete plan or “Scope of work”. Every job is different and each scope must be unique, typically I write a scope of work for a kitchen remodel that is at least two pages describing each step in the construction process along with a construction calendar that details the time line of the project.”

See, told you he’s good!

Now you have a PLAN not just a Mission…

Cheers, Kelli

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The Realest Housewives of OC

As many of you watched, Jeana and I had a blast remodeling her Bedroom and Living Room into her ultimate haven. You probably “owwed and ahhed” over her stunning bedding from Beyond The Sheets, and I could hear you cheering when I removed the, now famous, Moose painting from over her fireplace!  I am here, once again, to help you recreate some of the magic you saw in Jeana’s home. Truth be told, we remodeled her home on an average budget. You can create the very same look for much less than you expect!  Although georgeous, the expensive bedding could very easily has been replicated with a quick visit to that “Beyond” store or “Home Goodies”, as I call it. When looking for that rich, elegant look, buy one expensive, colorful, accessory ie; throw, duvet or pillow, and “go faux” with the rest!  European shams and dust ruffles don’t have to be expensive, they will just be covered up. And, Wal-Mart, (I nearly passed out in the isle) sells 600 thread count sheet sets for $80!! For a huge impact, copy what we’ve done here and paint the walls with a deep solid semi-gloss, and then glaze it with a metallic bronze. In a weekend, you too can have this budget friendly, beautiful haven you always dreamed of!

“Kelli has done an amazing job on my refresh of my home, her easy style and the way she really listens to how you live in your home, I have had other designers that would tell me how much I am going to love an ancient Japanese black kimono in my guest room, I hate it is depresses me!”….. Jeana Keough

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Make it Work!

After a month of boxes, tape, and bubble wrap I can finally see the color of the beautiful carpet in my new home!  If you are anything like me, 4 am is a perfect time to find a new home for vases, hang art and fluff pillows.  My mind was spinning as I tried to find new ways to design rooms using my furniture and my fiancé’s furniture harmoniously… Alas,  I listened to my own advice, “Find one unifying color to tie everything together” and viola, a cohesive, beautiful design.  Even if you haven’t moved but need a change, you can apply the same design principal and make it all work.  Walk around the room you wish to remodel. Look at every item that will stay in the room.  What color is visible on every single item in the room? For me it was black, yes, BLACK!  As I walked around my new surroundings, I noticed the black kitchen cabinets, black iron scroll railings, and black granite on the bar.  If my accessories didn’t already have black on them, they were going to soon! I left Lowe’s looking like I was going to graffiti the house, rather than spray paint sconces, lamps and mirrors.  I painted walls and even the mantel black. The result is gorgeous with that “designer” look everybody desires.  Don’t be afraid of paint, and just make it work!

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• Memory Walk, Master of Ceremonies, Alzheimers Association


• Lifestyle Designers, keynote speaker, Newport Beach, CA


• MomTV, featured guest


• Remake My Life, TV Series, Design Psychology Expert


• Marketing to Millionaires Summit, celebrity appearance


• Ryan Lee Continuity Summit, celebrity appearance


• BoomJ Today talk show, DirectTV


• World Market Las Vegas, Keynote, MGM Grand


• ABC Morning News, Milwaukee, WI


• Fox Morning News, Milwaukee, WI


• NARI Home Show, Milwaukee, WI


• LA Fashion Week, celebrity appearance


• Hollywood Yard Sale/W Magazine, celebrity appearance


• CA/Boom, LA’s Top Design Showcase, celebrity appearance

NBC and Jane Pauley welcomed Kelli to their stage to discuss organization and displaying your “treasures”… And she appears monthly in her own column in the OC Gazette, “Ask Kelli”

PR…

Celebrity Designer Kelli Ellis Named Orange County’s Top Interior Designer by OC METRO Magazine

Orange County, CA (PRWEB) September 29, 2009 — OC’s own celebrity interior designer, Kelli Ellis is OC METRO’s cover girl and voted Orange County’s Top Interior Designer.

This may not be the first time you’ve seen Kelli Ellis. She has been busy beautifying homes on HGTV’s Takeover My Makeover, TLC’s Clean Sweep, and Bravo’s Real Housewives of Orange County. In addition to her residential interior design business, Kelli appears in three documentary movies, The Compass, Riches, and The Vow. Her commercial projects have put her on the design map throughout Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego. Kelli has received many accolades and rewards for her work including Luxe Magazine’s, Editor’s Top Choice, and speaking engagements across the country, discussing design and her theory of Design Psychology.

After polling OCMETRO’s fans and readers, the online vote was overwhelming. “Kelli really deserves this top honor, her eye for design and color is amazing. Not to mention all who know her, love her – she is a truly gifted, beautiful person inside and out,” OC Metro Editor.

In a recent interview Ellis was asked, what one piece of advice would you offer aspiring designers? Ellis replies, “Respectfully remember you are there to help the homeowner create their dream home, and be honored they’ve asked for your guidance.” When asked, “What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a designer?” Ellis responds with a huge smile, “We are all trying to make our homes our havens. I know I’ve succeeded when my clients say, “I live in my dream home,” or “It’s exactly what we wanted.” I must admit, I get a bit teary-eyed.”

Kelli Ellis can be contacted at http://www.kelliellis.com

Editor’s Note: Kelli Ellis is available to discuss interior design trends in Orange County and across the country. In addition, she will explain the importance of design psychology in the American home.

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