GA INTERIORS

Thought For The Day...Could Do Better

2010-01-21T10:12:00.000-08:00

My daughter's just come home with her school report and I thought I'd dig mine out as it's such a long time since I read them. Here are some of the comments:

- She is a consistent worker who always gives of her best
- She always works well and cheerfully
- She has a very thoughtful approach to her work and always perseveres when the work becomes more difficult.
- She is capable of reaching the required standard, assuming she works hard.
- Her attitude and behaviour are excellent.
- A very capable student who always works to high standards.

Maybe you should take another look at your school report because mine are far more favourable than I remembered.

Have fun and let me know what comments you received.
Gwendoline.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR,
GA INTERIORS

Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Latest Interior Design Trends with Radio Verulam

2010-01-21T09:56:00.000-08:00

Recently our creative director Gwendoline Alderton was featured on Radio Verulam (www.radioverulam.com) during Elsbeth Jackman's 'Tracks of your life' Sunday show (10:00 - 12:00 GMT).

It was a fun filled session where Gwendoline shared with you her 14 favourite tunes and memories from her interesting life. She showed such a wide taste in music from Frank Sinatra to Kylie Minogue through to Mika and Queen. All given with interesting snippets from her colourful life.

Gwendoline has now been asked to contribute to Radio Verulam's evening show, with Danny Smith, on her specialism of interior design.

Have your ears tuned to Radio Verulam (92.6FM) next Tuesday 26th January 2010, 5:30 pm (GMT) to hear the latest trends and top tips in interior design. It's a great way to catch up in the comfort of your own home or office.

Don't worry if you aren't near a radio as you can listen over the Internet - just checkout the website www.radioverulam.com.

If you'd like us to feature at one of your events in 2010 then just GET IN TOUCH TODAY.*

Gwendoline
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS

Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk

* Gwendoline is a member of Toastmasters International (www.toastmasters.org) which is a globally recognised public speaking organisation.

Where does the clutter come from?

2010-01-20T01:49:00.000-08:00

If you wander around your home today what will you find?

Will things be neatly away? Will there be space to move about? Will you find items on the floor and stacked on surfaces? Do you have to wiggle your way around stuff lying around the room?

Our homes reflect our lives and there are always times when our home is a little messier because our lives are so full and busy.

But did you know that there are other reasons why the mess accumulates?

The first is CLUTTER TRIGGERS.

These are the things that clog up our daily lives and cause a build up if not dealt with in a timely manner.

They include:
- the post
- the laundry
- shoes & coats
- everyday bags (briefcase, handbag, school bag, gym bag...)

For coats, shoes and bags there needs to be adequate storage in place to accommodate daily usage. There are so many storage options on the marketplace today that offer great solutions for all of our homes.

However, a solution is only great if everyone in the home uses it! Something may look fabulous in the shop but when in a home environment it's useless if it doesn't fit in with the needs of your family.

For example: young children are more likely to put their shoes in a 'dump' box rather than line them up neatly on a shoe rack.

It's important for the whole family to remember the saying: Everything in its place and a place for everything!

The second reason we accumulate things is all down to our CLUTTER PERSONALITY.

According to psychologist Gladeana McMahon there are deep emotional issues behind our reluctance to throw things out or clear up. We each have a clutter personality and for some people you may have a combination of personalities for different items in your life:

- CASH AWARE CLUTTERBUG

This is when you're reluctant to give items away because you've paid good money for it.

How many of you have an unworn item of clothing in your wardrobe with the price label still attached as it's never been worn, never will be worn and you're reluctant to give it away?

I have to admit to this. It wasn't until I had a colour consultation that I realised I hadn't worn the top because it was totally the wrong colour for me and my personality. Off to the charity shop it went.

To break this clutter cycle you have to appreciate that someone else will benefit from your item. It's not a waste to let it go because someone else will make good use of it and enjoy it.

- SENTIMENTAL SAVER

Do you feel guilty throwing or giving away gifts from family and friends? Do you hoard the children's baby clothes in the loft or have their pictures oozing out of your home?

We all have items that are precious to us and we want to keep them. The solution is to review how you keep those memories alive.

For example, one of our customers decided to get rid of her grandmother's bureau that was clogging up her home but kept a small statue that's now displayed in pride of place.

For my own children, I've given them treasure boxes where they keep special items like their first baby outfit, school reports... They also have a scrap book where they keep precious pictures from their schoolwork - this means that we can throw away 99% of the books they come home with at the end of term.

- CONDITIONED COLLECTOR

For some people having lots of things around them brings a sense of security. It reminds them of home or a time when they were happy.

For others having material possessions symbolises wealth, ie: the more you have the more you feel you have achieved.

Collections show our emotional persona. It's easy to identify when a collection gets out of hand because the emphasis is on the quantity of items rather than the items themselves.

I love the Shaker philosophy that everything should be beautiful and functional. When a collection takes over the home it loses appeal and beauty, it's function starts to clutter the home and it becomes a distraction rather than an object of desire.

To break free from or control this clutter type you firstly need to recognise why you collect the items. Assess your collection(s) by asking yourself, if the house burnt down tomorrow what would you save? This helps you recognise what you are able to let go of.

Start by giving just one item away each week - and don't be tempted to replace it with a new item - this will help you recognise that you are in control of your life. The items remaining should be the things that have true meaning and a special place in your life.

Your home should also be much clearer and fresher after this exercise leaving you feeling invigorated and more relaxed.

- 'JUST IN CASE' JUNKIE

Are you the type of person that thinks, "the minute I get rid of it, I'll need it" or "I'll keep that just in case". Maybe you live by the Brownie/Scout motto - Be Prepared.

Being prepared is about being resourceful rather than having everything around you to cover every eventuality. You need to 'let go' of any personal insecurities about being 'caught short'. I know this is easier said than done but the more you let go, the freer you will become.

The 'just in case' junkie tends to raise their head in an economic downturn because the feeling of not having things when needed can also come from a sense of deprivation. The feeling that you can't afford to let things go and if you have an elastic band now then you should save it and squirrel it away for when you need it!

Remember, you need to be resourceful and live your life for the here and now rather than looking at the 99% of things that might, and hopefully never will, happen.

- SOCIAL SQUIRREL

This is linked to the Sentimental Saver but the items remind us of places and events rather than people we remember.

The items remind us of where we've been and the people we know.

When items become excessive it could be a sign of anxiety or trauma. The hoarding provides us with a safe and secure feeling. In times like these, you should consult professional help.

When we keep treasured items they should be 'in a place' that's organised. For myself and my children, we each have a treasure box and it's a great way to look back and remember whilst also being organised and clutter free.

Remember, you don't need to physically keep an item to remember it - you could just take a photograph of it.

- TREASURE HUNTER

Are you like me and just love rooting around in an antique shop or a junk shop to find that something unique, that piece of treasure! It's the feeling of uncertainty and surprise that's exciting.

When this gets out of hand and you start hoarding items it could be because the items give you a feeling of luck or protection against bad things happening.

It's time for you to ask yourself if you really need it before you buy it. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that posessions don't make you happy or stop things from happening. Be strict with yourself and dream of a holiday you could have with the money you save.

It's daunting reading these personality traits and my aim was to make you realise that your life experiences to date and your life as you live it now all lead to clutter unless we keep a check on it.

Of course, if you need a little help then just contact our declutter queen, Gwendoline (creative Interior Designer, GA Interiors).

Tel: 07841 519802

E-mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/

Thought for the day...Are you standing still?

2010-01-19T02:47:00.000-08:00

"You can't own land, relationships or your children. All you own is your story, and you can't just stand still and hold on to it either - you have to live it."

Baz Luhrmann
Film Director, Screenwriter and Producer.

Design Course...Create A Stunning Home

2010-01-19T01:28:00.000-08:00

"I couldn't stop just sitting in my GA Interiors' inspired bedroom - it's definitely my favourite room in the house. Now I need Gwendoline to get to work on my other rooms to match!"
Mrs Russell

A stunning home is a nurturing home because it makes you feel good to be there.

We all want our homes to be a retreat. We want to create a sanctuary where we can relax with family and friends or take time out in calm and tranqility.

Our home is our individual space where we can express our personalities; it showcases our personal style and flair.

One of the comments our exasperated clients present us with is,"It's just not working!"

This is when a client has the design ideas of what they want to achieve but when they create the room it doesn't meet their expectations. The room doesn't sucessfully express their personality or showcase their style and ideas. There's something missing!

Our 2-hour seminar is designed to share with you our industry top tips for styling your home. It's the finishing touches, the nuances of styling, that can make or break a good design.

Styling a room pulls the interior design together to create a cohesive and relaxing room.

Our 'Create A Stunning Home' seminar is a fun-filled, lively and interactive session so that you'll go home with basic skills and technical knowledge to WOW your friends. You'll be able to style your homes to perfection and create that relaxing and inviting environment you seek.

Each seminar has a limited number of places so that we can give you and your friends our individual attention.

Seminar Price: £35
Seminar Date: 18th May 2010
Seminar Time: 19:30 - 21:30
Seminar Place: St Albans, Hertfordshire

To secure your place on this unique and invaluable seminar, REGISTER TODAY with our creative designer Gwendoline:

E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Tel: 07841 519802

Design Course..Maximise A Small Room

2010-01-19T00:32:00.000-08:00

"One or two small changes to our lounge has resulted in a complete change in the look and use of the room. They were things we would not have thought of. Thank you very much."
Mrs Creswell

Like Mrs Creswell, do you have an awkward space or a challenging room? In our 2-hour seminar we'll share with you our industry top tips on how to optimise and maximise that space.

Maybe your children are crammed into a box room? We'll show you how to successfully store all of their possessions and have room to play.

Perhaps you've just moved into a new property or maybe you're remodelling your existing home? We'll take you through our easy designer steps to make the most of your living space and create your stylish home.

Our 'Maximise A Small Room' seminar is a fun-filled learning session for you and your friends to gain an insight into the design considerations for smaller or awkward spaces.

It will help you understand how we as interior designers visualise a room, analyse it's problems and then define the solution.

Our industry techniques can then be applied to any room in your home and provide a strong foundation on which to create a fabulous, relaxing and stylish home.

Each seminar is limited in numbers so that we can give you and your friends our individual attention. We create a lively, interactive and hands-on approach so that you have basic skills as well as technical theory to take home and WOW your friends.

Seminar Price: £35
Seminar Date: 2nd March 2010
Seminar Time: 19:30 - 21:30
Seminar Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire

To secure your place on this unique and invaluable seminar, REGISTER TODAY by contacting our creative director Gwendoline:

E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Tel: 07841 519802

New for 2010...Design Dilemma

2010-01-14T06:24:00.000-08:00

For 2010, we're bringing you a new and exciting interior design service entitled:

DESIGN DILEMMA.

Our clients have told us that there are times when they wish we were sitting on their shoulder so our new and innovative DESIGN DILEMMA service is for those individual moments.

Our aim is to be there to guide you with those small annoying and one-off questions that you have with your home and it's interior. For the times when you have a specific question about your home and you don't know who to turn to.

It's great for those of you remote to us as our Design Dilemma service is aimed at answering all of your questions by e-mail, with no site visit required, we're your Agony Aunt for interior design.

Here's an example from Peter in Oxford:

"I've recently been made redundant and am now working from home. I'd like some ideas to revamp an under-utilised box room into a home office with a corporate and professional style. I'm hoping this will re-energise me in finding a new and exciting job."

All of our lives are constantly changing, especially with uncertain times for Peter, so it's a great idea to review how you use your home and optimise the space within it.

Peter's main problem is a colour scheme for the room, ie: something professional and corporate within a limited budget.

For Peter, we recommend a Silver and Plumb colour scheme:

Silver is a fabulous masculine colour and a great alternative to a neutral cream or white base. It will give that corporate feel that he's looking for. We recommend silver rather than grey because of its light-reflective qualities in such a small room. To further enhance light-reflective qualities in the room, we recommend a paint type of soft-sheen or silk rather than matt.

Silver looks fantastic with most colours and would look bang-up-to-date with Pantone's 2010 Colour Of The Year - Turquoise.

For Peter though we're recommending a strong purple, Plumb, accent colour. This is the colour of the Kings and denotes power and affluence, great when looking for a new job. It's also a spiritual colour and should help balance his uncertain times.

When used in excess, purple could lead to introversion or suppression so we recommend limiting it's use to one wall, and even then only 2/3rds of the wall as shown below:

This is a fresh and invigorating design scheme. It will help energise Peter in his search for a new career. The striking stripes give Peter's new office a designer edge with a professional and corporate look and feel that he wanted to achieve.

Here's what Peter had to say:

"I'm very pleased with the way it's turned out - it's a breath of fresh air. It signifies a strong, professional and corporate image. It's just what I wanted - a highly effective home office environment."

Put your questions forward for us to review today, just like Peter, then visit our website (http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/) and complete the ENQUIRY FORM on About US.

Our design dilemma service is totally free and it's an opportunity for those of you remote to us to receive our expert knowledge and guidance.

As we mentioned above, it's an opportunity for us to sit on your shoulder and help you out with those small, one-off incidental questions.

If we feel that your problem is larger than can be covered within this specialist Design Dilemma service then we will recommend our other services that will help you out further.

Why not visit our website today (http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/) and complete the ENQUIRY FORM on About Us with your individual Design Dilemma.

We'll showcase the most frequent design dilemmas on our blog so that others can also learn from your problems. A problem shared is a problem halved!

Here's to an exciting start to 2010.
Always here to help you,
Gwendoline.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR,
GA INTERIORS.

Tel: +44 (0) 7841 519802

Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ga-interiors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/gainteriors

Thought for the day... Fine art can really make you sick!!!

2010-01-14T06:11:00.000-08:00

Dr Graziella Magherini, author of The Stendhal Syndrome, studied more than 100 tourists in Florence and Italy who became ill in the presence of great works!

Their symptoms include heart palpitations, dizziness and stomach pains. The typical sufferer is a single person between 26 and 40 who rarely leaves home.

Dr Magherini believes the syndrome is a result of jet lag, travel stress and the shock of an overwhelming sense of the past. She says, "Very often there's the anguish of death."

The disorder was named after the nineteenth-century French novelist who became overwhelmed by the frescoes in Florence's Santa Croce church.

Why not try out the top spots: Michelangelo's statue of David, Caravaggio's painting of Bacchus and the concentric circles of the Duomo cupola.

Remember to take a friend with you, just in case!

Gwendoline,
CREATIVE DIRECTOR,
GA INTERIORS.

Tel: 07841 519802

My winter wonderland

2010-01-06T03:12:00.000-08:00

Gwendoline,

Creative Director,

GA Interiors.

Tel: +44 (0) 7841 519802

E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

Website: www.gainteriors.co.uk

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/gainteriors

Twitter: www.twitter.com/gainteriors

Interior Design Trends for 1Q2010

2010-01-06T02:30:00.000-08:00

We're finalising our first quarter newsletter this week to send you the latest trends in interior design, our specialist courses for 2010 and exciting ventures with local businesses.

Not to miss out, make sure you're on our distribution list today:

www.ga-interiors.co.uk - About Us - Signup For Newsletter

Gwendoline,
Creative Director
GA Interiors.

Tel: +44 (0) 7841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Thought for the day...Make the most of the Snow, Declutter!

2010-01-06T00:41:00.000-08:00

It's snowy days like this that some parents dred the children being at home, but I love it. In fact I've been waiting for it to snow so that we can have a good old clear out of their stuff. Bring it on!!

Today my children are tackling the 'play room' cupboard that's bulging at the seams with board games, art materials, videos and DVDs. It's going to be fun.

It's an ideal day when we can potter in our home and take our time reminising through their belongings deciding what to keep and what to let go of. But remember, just because you're ready to let go of their things doesn't mean that they will be ready to get rid of it.

Helping anyone let go of items is part encouragement but it's also sharing the memories with them and then finding ways of keeping that memory alive.

For example, one of our client's decided to keep a piece of artwork that reminds her of her grandmother but she let go of the bulky piece of furniture that was a 'white elephant' in her home.

I'm never going to part with my teddy bear that my grandmother gave me when I was 7 years old but I have very little else from my childhood.

For my children, they each have a 'treasure box' for special memories. When they come home at the end of a school term with loads of artwork and school books, they're encouraged to only keep special pieces and stick them into a scrap book.

It's good to have memories and things from the past, as long as they don't clutter your life. Now when we say clutter, the things could either clutter your home or clutter your mind.

We have many ways of helping you to let go because we recognise clutter personalities and clutter triggers.

Clutter personalities are the reasons why you tend to keep things, eg: maybe the item has special memories of your grandparent or perhaps you're not ready to let go of a specific part of your life.

Clutter triggers are events that cause clutter, eg: the washing, the ironing and the post.

As lifestyle designers we work with you to make your home both practical and beautiful within the remit of your lifestyle. Tidying your home should be effortless, not a chore! Clearing up should be easy, not a bind!

Here are a just a few of our client's thoughts of our declutter services:

"I have learnt such a lot from Gwendoline's work to support us in decluttering our house before a sale. She created a really positive environment for us, so much so that we were reluctant to leave when the sale went through so smoothly and swiftly thanks to her ministrations."
Mrs de Rivaz

"Thank you for sooo much for all your wonderful help and support this last month - you have made a huge difference to our lives!"
Mrs Lazarus

Why not contact us today for your personal 1-2-1 chat,
Gwendoline.
Creative Director
GA Interiors

Tel: +44 (0) 7841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Thought for the day...Take a step forwards and be counted

2010-01-05T01:26:00.000-08:00

Today's thought for the day requires courage.

It's not about sitting at home in your snug and secure environment, it's about getting out and seeing what you can achieve.

Your aim should be to take on board something new, and it doesn't have to be something huge or magnificent. It could just be wearing a bold colour instead of black, or even adding a red lipstick or a bold tie to your sombre outfit.

It's about taking you out of your comfort zone to have the courage to take on board new experiences.

Not only will this make you more creative but it will also lift your self-esteem. We all have bad days when we need a little lift so practice today the skills you'll need for tomorrow.

Have fun and enjoy the day,
Gwendoline.
Creative Director,
GA Interiors.

Tel: +44 (0)7841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Publication...Raring2Go - Let's declutter with the kids

2010-01-05T01:14:00.000-08:00

We've been asked to write an article for the publication Raring2Go (www.raring2go.co.uk).

Our article will cover our top tips for decluttering with the children! It's never an easy task but one that we can make just that bit easier with our top tips and expert techniques.

To receive your own copy of Raring2Go contact stalbans@raring2go.co.uk or visit their website (www.raring2go.co.uk) for more creative ideas for children.

Enjoy,
Gwendoline.
Creative Director,
GA Interiors.

Tel: +44 (0)7841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

How To...Prepare Your Home For Sale

2010-01-04T11:02:00.000-08:00

Even before you invite the estate agents into your home, you should consider the following points to prepare your property for sale:

A better presented home
=
great photos
=
improved marketing material
=
increased buyer interest
=
greater opportunity to sell.

Follow these top tips now to help you achieve a quick sale at the best possible market price:

1. Know your buyer

As Ann Maurice, presenter of House Doctor on Channel 5, was reported as saying "buyers buy with their emotions, not with their heads".

In the current buyer's market, your buyer not only wants the 5 bedrooms with en-suite plus off-street parking, but they also want your lifestyle to live up to their expectations. They’re buying the dream.

The more information you have about your potential buyer, the more able you are to style your property to match their criteria.

2. Give each room a clear identity

A buyer is often confused by poor use of space, ie: when it is unclear to them what the purpose is for a particular room.

Each room needs a strong identity that shows, through furniture placement and accessories, what the purpose is for that space.

We all have that junk room or dumping ground but when you’re selling your home this needs to be turned into a useful space such as an office or children’s bedroom.

3. Keep it real

Style your property in a way that suits the character of property and meets the expectations of the potential buyer, eg: styling your home like a show house is not suitable to a country cottage.

The key is to have sufficient accessories to add interest and character in your property, after all it is a lived in home you’re selling. However it's a fine balance as having too many items in a room will detract from the space in each room or the character of the property.

4. Entice buyers in

Quite often designers talk about ‘kerb appeal’ and this just means enticing the buyers through the door by presenting the front of your property in an attractive way.

For example: make sure any rubbish bins are out of sight, address any peeling woodwork with a lick of paint, ensure all hedges are neatly trimmed and check all outside lights are working correctly by replacing any faulty or broken bulbs.

All of these simple touches show the buyer that you care about your home and it’s a worthwhile place to live.

5. Space Sells

If your home is full to bursting then this sends a message to the buyer that there is no room for them to move in - it's quite often a deal breaker!

In preparation for your move, it’s a great idea to sort through and clear out any unwanted items.

As you’re clearing out the items, it’s also a good idea to put the duster around and give your home a spring clean. Your home should sparkle and shine prior to any viewing. It’s like going to a hotel where you know there have been hundreds of people there before you but you don’t want to be reminded of it.

Your home should also be clean and tidy to maximise the space and light in each room.

All of these tips will help you maximise the property for sale by showcasing the space and usability of each room.

Whenever we style your property for sale, we always take into consideration any furniture or accessories that are already available in your home. We then work with these as a basis to create a design that appeals to your target buyer.

For anyone selling an empty property, we are able to either hire or buy furniture and accessories to create a wonderful home that's a delight to market.

Why not contact one of our interior designers today for a personal consultation of your individual requirements:

Gwendoline
Creative Interior Designer
GA Interiors

Tel: 07841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ga_interiors

Radio Verulam, Tracks of Your Life Sun 10Jan 2010, 10am

2010-01-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

The place to be this weekend is snuggled at home listening to Radio Verulam.

This Sunday (10Jan2010) is the airing of our very own Creative Director, Gwendoline's Tracks Of Your Life (10:00 - 12:00 am GMT, 92.6FM).

It will be a fun filled session with Elspeth Jackman, from Radio Verulam, of Gwendoline's top 14 songs of her life.

Tracks Of Your Life will give you a personal insight into her life and her family with many of the songs having you dancing around the kitchen.

Don't worry if you're not close to a radio as you can even catch the airing on the internet, www.radioverulam.com. Bring out those iphones!

Why not compile your own top 14 songs today and pass the list onto your friends or post your list here and we can find the most popular songs.

Enjoy,
Gwendoline.
Creative Director,
GA Interiors.

Tel: +44 (0) 7841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Thought for the day... Feed The Brain

2010-01-03T02:52:00.001-08:00

Remember that your brain needs to be fed and nurtured just as much as your stomach.

What's for lunchdinner tonight then? - a thrilling novel? the daily tabloid? A research paper? Twitter postings? A blog article? - endless possibilities.

Why not take 10 minutes to read something different tomorrow? Choose something that you wouldn't normally review. Maybe you could borrow something from a friend and experience their interests and preferences.

Remember: if you always do the same things in the same way then you'll get the same results.

Shake things up a little tomorrow and let me know how this affects your day.

Enjoy,
Gwendoline
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS

Tel: +44 (0) 7841 519802
E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Thought for the day...Are you a SPANNER or a PLANNER?

2009-12-18T02:00:00.000-08:00

ARE YOU A SPANNER?

If you're a SPANNER then you're continually throwing one into the mix. You worry about all of the things that might go wrong that you feel you can't do anything about. You're likely to be:

- reactive

- feel like the victim

- spend a lot of time worrying

- blame and accuse other people for the problems

- put off doing things for as long as possible

- fail to take action

ARE YOU A PLANNER?

If you're a PLANNER then you create and follow up on a plan of action to tackle problems. You focus on the things that you can do that might have a positive influence on the situation. You're likely to:

- take action

- be proactive

- feel in control of the situation

- be seen as leaders and strong people

Sometimes the difference between what is in our control and what is not is obvious. But often it's not clear, and it's this ability to distinguish that highlights whether you're a Spanner or a Planner.

From: The Mind Gym (http://www.themindgym.com/)

Share your thoughts with me today,

Gwendoline.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

GA INTERIORS

tel: 07841 519802

E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk

Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors

Praise Indeed...Our Recommendations

2009-12-18T01:30:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share with you some of the lovely comments we've received for our professional interior design services:

- "Thank you sooo much for all your wonderful help and support - you have made a huge difference to our lives."

- "My bedroom is amazing! It's everything I wanted! Thanks so much for your advice."

- "I just wanted to thank you for all your time, inspiration and efforts in giving me such a beautiful home. Each room most definitely has the WOW factor."

- "Gwendoline's ideas for interiors are always fresh."

- "Thank you for all your invaluable advice and help on the course, you made it fun and interesting."

- "Thank you for your help and guidance."

- "I just thought I would tell you that some very nice things were said about you at the meeting today and I really can't tell you who said them as it seemed that someone started and everyone joined in, but you were highly praised."

Receiving many comments such as these affirms our love and passion for interior design, and also highlights the strength of relationships that we create with our clients.

We design fantastic and refreshing interiors and design courses that have such a positive result on our client's lives.

If you'd like to find out more about how we can create your stylish dream property in 2010 then just give us a call today,
Gwendoline.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS

tel: 07841 519802

E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Pure Kitchens

2009-12-17T12:03:00.000-08:00

Today I met with Andrew Woodbridge at Pure Kitchens (http://www.purekitchens.org.uk/) based in St. Albans, Hertfordshire.

The designer Italian kitchens and friendly expert service make this a treasure trove in the City.

I'm excited to showcase one of my client's Pure Kitchens with you next year. Their kitchen looks fabulous already but it's going to be stunning once the accessories and final styling are complete.

Kitchens are a major cost item and the hub of the home so if you get a little lost or uncertain making your decision then just give us a call and we'll give you our expert opinion.

Why not pop in today to check out Pure Kitchens for yourself then let me know your views,
Gwendoline.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS

tel: 07841 519802

E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Gallery Rouge

2009-12-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

Today I met with Kuldip Chohan, the director of Gallery Rouge (www.galleryrouge.co.uk) based in St. Albans.

I particularly loved the simplicity of Martha Winter's artwork that's very impactive whilst also being subtle and stylish. You should go and check it out as the website pictures don't do her artwork true justice.

Kerry Darlington's work reminds me of Blackpool rock, happy times!

If you prefer atmospheric work then you should checkout Philip Gray for more traditional beach scapes and Paresh Nrshinga for striking contempory artwork.

I definitely enjoyed my visit to the gallery today and you I recommend you make the time to pop in when you're next in St. Albans City.

Of course, if you need some guidance on which artwork would best compliment your fabulous interior then just contact me today:

Gwendoline.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS

Tel: 07841 519802

E-Mail: gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Thought for the day...Are you a daydream believer?

2009-12-16T02:51:00.001-08:00

Did you know that, according to US research, you can live approximately 6.7 years longer by being a little more creative?

Being creative isn’t just about hands on techniques such as knitting or sticky-backed plastic, it also relates to movement and music such as a good old boogie at the Xmas works do!

It’s anything that frees up your mind to think.

In one of my previous thoughts for the day I asked if you think about thinking. This isn’t as crazy as it sounds because you need to give your mind space to think and prepare for those creative thoughts.

This morning I went running to clear my thoughts and declutter my mind of the endless Christmas list that I need to achieve in the next few days.

Sure we’re all busy people but sometimes it takes just a few minutes to clear your mind and create that space for inspirational thoughts and ideas that will kick start you into positive action.

If you find it difficult to clear your mind then maybe you need to become a daydream believer?

It’s a way of dipping into your unconscious mind to make space for those creative thoughts, produce some original ideas, link together thoughts and ideas as well as make sense of concepts.

There are 3 ways of getting into this state of reverie (www.themindgym.com):

1) RELAX

This is where you quieten your mind and stop conscious thinking. The focus should be concentrated on your breathing.

For example, this is an exercise I used with my children when they were younger and had been excitedly charging around all day:

Imaging filling up an imaginary jug with the air that you breathe in. Make sure that you take deep breaths from the pit of your stomach so that the jug is filled to the very top.

Imaging emptying the imaginary jug of the air as you breathe out. Make sure that you exhale slowly and empty your lungs completely.

Breathe in deeply – hold for a second – breathe out deeply – wait for a second….

As your breathing slows your focus heightens and you experience a sense of relaxation.

2) VISUALISE A SPECIAL LOCATION

This is a visualised setting where you can relax and think clearly, somewhere you feel comfortable and safe. It can be a real place or imagined.

For example, this is visualisation that I use with my son when he has trouble sleeping because his head is buzzing with thoughts:

Imagine you’re on a soft sandy beach with the waves gently lapping and the sun shining down. There’s a boat in the distance that gets nearer with every in breath.

As the boat reaches the beach you get up and pick up a box that’s just next to you – it’s a box of your worries – and you put it into the boat. There may be a few boxes of varying sizes so you put them all into the boat.

As you sit back down on the beach you watch the boat get further and further away with every out breath. It gets smaller and smaller, your worries get smaller and smaller, until the boat disappears off the horizon.

You lie down on the soft supporting sand with the sun warming your heart and gently drift into a state of total relaxation.

3) INTRODUCE A CREATIVE GUIDE

This is someone that we trust, value and respect. It is someone that is wise and original. It can be a real person or an imaginary friend. Our creative guide may respond to us verbally, give us an object or show us an image.

For me, my creative guide is the people that I interact with each day. This may be friends and family or someone in my online social network group.

I’ve always felt like a sponge and have a great thirst for knowledge. I love quirky things, new ideas and taking myself ‘out of the box’. I’m a fan of self-development and have always loved the psychology of life.

All of these 3 processes require us to use all of our senses to bring ideas to life as much as possible. By using sight, sound, touch, smell and taste we make the experience richer and more engaging.

Be more creative and live approximately 6.7 years longer.

Share your thoughts with me today,
Gwendoline.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS

Tel: 07841 519802

e-mail: Gwendoline@ga-interiors.co.uk
website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Newsletter...1QJan2010 A Year Of Optimism

2009-12-16T02:38:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the features we're highlighting in our first quarter 2010 newsletter:

- Interior Design Trends for Spring 2010

- Interior Design seminars and workshops for the creative mind

- Social Networking seminar for the business mind

- Exciting new initiative with Collinsons Estate Agents

- Listen to us on Radio Verulam

Make sure you're on our distribution list, visit our website (www.ga-interiors.co.uk) to sign yourself up today.

Have a great Xmas and a well earnt rest - there's a busy year ahead!
Enjoy,
Gwendoline.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS

Tel: 07841 519802

website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Thought for the day...If you can't convince them, confuse them!

2009-12-15T02:39:00.000-08:00

DISARMING THE ENEMY

So there's a crisis, a disagreement, a fight? How do you cope with other people's Satir categories?

Sure, levellers are great - they'll keep their heads, stay in touch with their hearts, talk things through to win-win conclusion. But how do you handle the other, less user-friendly personality sub-patterns?

The thing is to realise the signs that a person is feeling bad. They may be stressed. They may feel under siege. They may want help.

So it just won't work if you add more negative emotion to the pot. Criticism, sarcasm, mockery or shouting will simply give the other person more to feel bad about - and they'll just up the ante-placating, blaming, distracting or cutting off at the neck.

Instead, you need to lower the threat level and allow things to chill.

If you can't convince them, confuse them. (American President Harry S. Truman recommending a distractor approach).

From: What makes people tick?
By: Susan Quilliam

Crazy Bear: Fitzrovia, London

2009-12-15T02:23:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I went to the Crazy Bear bar (http://www.crazybeargroup.co.uk/) in Fitzrovia, London for some festive drinks!

It's a luscious location for a small gathering and the decor is fab. I particularly loved the cream and chrome stools and shattered glass tables in the bar alongside the mirrored walls and floors with a waterfall hand basin in the hidden cloakrooms.

Overall, it was a very intimate designer space that was ideal for some 1-2-1 time with my loving husband.

Check it out and let me know what you think,

Gwendoline.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

GA INTERIORS

tel: 07841 519802

Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk

http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/

Courses for 2010

2009-12-11T07:45:00.001-08:00

After constant requests from our clients, we're putting together our own workshops for 2010.

We appreciate your admiration of our knowledge and skills so we're taking your needs on board to bring you informal and fun learning sessions in creative learning environments.

We'll be publishing our workshop list in our January newsletter so make sure you're signed up: www.ga-interiors.co.uk.

All of our individual designer workshops will be exclusively small groups so that we can maximise our time with you and your learning needs.

We're so excited to be working closely with you again so please make sure you book up early after the release date.

Gwendoline
Creative Director
GA Interiors

Tel: 07841 519802

Thought for the day...come crowding in upon your latter-day senses

2009-12-11T07:31:00.001-08:00

Richard Ford
US Author

"construed...home just seems a provisional claim, a designation you make upon a place, not one it makes on you.

A certain set of buildings, a glimpsed, smudged window-view across a schoolyard, a musty aroma snifffed behind a garage when you were a child, all of which come crowding in upon your latter-day senses.

Those are pungent things and vivid, even consoling"

From: an urge for going (Harpers, Feb 1992)

Thought for The Day...Take Time For Others

2009-12-08T05:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in my blog "Thought for the day... Tomorrow is more important than today" I said:

"When you wake up tomorrow really listen to the first person that speaks to you. Give them your time and effort, but most importantly your ear! Listen to what they're saying and try to understand their non-verbal messages."

This morning I gave my daughter my added attention and she rewarded me with a suprise note tucked in my handbag. It was totally beautiful and said, "I don't think I could ever put you into words - your loving, kind, happy, joyfull, peaceful, nice, pink and many more but you're more than words."

My day has been extra special. I hope yours was too.
Gwendoline.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE DESIGNER
GA INTERIORS

tel: 07841 519802

Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Poll...What's your Interior Style for 2010?

2009-12-07T05:31:00.001-08:00

Why not take my latest poll (http://polls.linkedin.com/p/69192/utmpb):

WHAT'S YOUR INTERIOR STYLE FOR 2010?

- Stylish
- Glamorous
- Elegant
- Charismatic
- Eclectic

My aim is to find out how the credit crunch is affecting our interior design decisions. Do you want to get away from it all with a glamorous interior or are you mixing things up with an Eclectic mix?

Let me know your views: My aim is to find out how ther credit crunch is affecting our interior design decisions. Do you want to get away from it all with a glamorous interior or are you mixing things up with an Eclectic mix?

Let me know your view: My aim is to find out how ther credit crunch is affecting our interior design decisions. Do you want to get away from it all with a glamorous interior or are you mixing things up with an Eclectic mix?

Let me know your views and remember to add your vote to my poll: http://polls.linkedin.com/p/69192/utmpb

Radio Verulam...Tracks of Your Life

2009-12-07T04:15:00.000-08:00

I'm listening to my selected songs for my radio interview tomorrow with Radio Verulam (www.radioverulam.com). I'm so excited as I've such a varied selection of music that I just love, love, love!

Here's just a taster of the artists:

- Alesha Dixon
- Basement Jaxx
- Champs United
- Frank Sinatra
- Haircut 100
- Jennifer Lopez
- Katie Melua
- Kylie Minogue
- Lady Gaga
- Mika
- Queen
- Sonique
- Sister Sledge
- Yazz

My 'Tracks Of Your Life' is going to be aired in January 2010 so I'll keep you posted on the date when you can hear why I've chosen my favourite tracks.

Why don't you put your Top Ten Tracks together as it's such great fun and brings back fond memories.

Why not drop me a note with your favourite selection as I'd love to find out what's been your inspiration in life.

Have Fun,
Gwendoline.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS

tel: 07841 519802

website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Christmas Grotto

2009-12-07T03:22:00.000-08:00

Another busy weekend of fun and frolics!

Here are some snaps from the school Christmas Grotto that I designed into Santa's Sweet Shop with hundreds of hanging lollipops!

You wouldn't believe how a classroom can be transformed with a gazebo, some black fabric, twinkly lights and hundreds of lollipops.

Don't fret though, Father Christmas did make an appearance on the day but he was seeing to those cheeky elves when I took the pics!

Thought for the day...Tomorrow is more important than today!

2009-12-07T03:12:00.000-08:00

When you wake up tomorrow really listen to the first person that speaks to you. Give them your time and effort, but most importantly your ear! Listen to what they're saying and try to understand their non-verbal messages.

See how this affects the rest of your day. Does it make you more aware of your surroundings? Does it make you more considerate? Does it make you feel closer to that person?

Why not drop me a note and let me know. I'll let you know tomorrow how it affects my day.
Enjoy your day,
Gwendoline.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE DESIGNER
GA INTERIORS

tel: 07841 519802

Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Interior Design... Ann Maurice (House Doctor)

2009-12-03T03:21:00.000-08:00

At GA Interiors of course we're professionally trained and experienced interior designers BUT did you know that we're also professionally trained by celebrity interior designer Ann Maurice (Channel 5's House Doctor, http://www.housedoctor.co.uk/).

You may ask why we undertook such training on top of our professional interior design training?

Being specifically trained by Ann Maurice gives us the skills, knowledge and level of experience to maximise our interior design skills and training in a quick makeover scenario.

In the current economy, this skill is ever more necessary when a client, either residential or commercial, sells their property and has a limited budget to maximise their property for sale.

For showhomes we're able to create pockets of interest to hook in the potential buyers.

For residential homes, we're able to maximise existing furniture and accessories to appeal to that all important buyer.

Only today we were speaking to one of our clients (Mrs De Rivaz) who commented that our advice and styling techniques made their property sell much quicker because we created great curb appeal to attract their buyers through the door, gave their home a sense of space and purpose so that buyers knew exactly how each rooom could be used and, added the 'WOW' factor so that the oohs and aahs extended beyond the modern kitchen.

For Mr and Mrs De Rivaz, we created a property that appealed to their potential buyers, we call it BUYER APPEAL!

It's too obvious these days to put the coffee on and have bread baking in the oven but there are styling techniques that we use to create subliminal messages for that all important buyer to pick up on.

If you're planning on putting your property on the market in January 2010 then now is the time to prepare for it.

CALL US TODAY for your personal consultation with one of our creative designers who are also a CONSULTANT on ANN MAURICE's network:

Don't worry if you're not local or even within the UK as we also offer a postal or internet service - just give us a call to find out more.

Gwendoline.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS

tel: 07841 519802

website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Thought for the day... Architecture is a vehicle for the telling of stories

2009-12-03T03:15:00.000-08:00

#84: ARCHITECTURE IS AN EXERCISE IN NARRATIVE

"Architecture is a vehicle for the telling of stories, a canvas for relaying societal myths, a stage for the theatre of everyday life."

from: 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School
by: Matthew Frederick

Course...1st Steps In Interior Design

2009-12-03T03:03:00.000-08:00

Have you ever fancied a taster session in interior design?

Maybe you're planning changes to your own home and would like a few top tips, or perhaps you're thinking of going into the interior design industry? Maybe you have a flair for design and would like to expand your knowledge and decorate the homes of your friends and family?

In collaboration with Oaklands College, we teach an informal First Steps In Interior Design course. It's a 6 week, once a week, leisure course that commences Thursday 28th January 2010 at the St Albans Campus.

You'll gain basic interior design knowledge of all the main areas such as:

- Colour Theory & Psychology

- Design Inspiration & Style

- Mood Board

- Space Planning

- Furniture Layout

- Flooring options

- Lighting options

- Wall treatments

- Window treatments

- Styling techniques

It's a great leisure course where we incorporate our industry knowledge with hands on experience and a lot of fun.

Our aim is for you to gain practical knowledge so that, by the end of the six weeks, you are able to create a design scheme even at a basic level.

If you're interested in finding out more about the course or booking a place then please contact Oakland's Direct Enrolment line on 01727 737373 (http://www.oaklands.ac.uk/)

We hope to see you there and remember, if January's course is fully booked then we do other sessions at Borehamwood and Welwyn Garden City throughout the year,
Gwendoline.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS

tel: 07841 519802

website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Xmas Styling...Flavourz Restaurant

2009-12-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS 2009

FLAVOURZ RESTAURANT & BAR

Last year we were commissioned to style Flavourz restaurant (http://www.flavourz.co.uk/) for Christmas 2008 - we created a very modern design based around a gold, red and black colour scheme.

This year we were asked to take the basis that we created last year and make it even more glamorous, opulent and sparkly.

Flavourz restaurant and bar is a fusion of cultures and successfully combines food from Mexico, Italy, China and India in a buffet type format - it sounds crazy but the concept really works and the food is delicious.

We wanted to encompass this fusion of cultures in our Christmas designer styling and created a very exuberant design scheme that is certainly not for the faint hearted:

TREE IN RESTAURANT:

TREE IN BAR:

The colour scheme of red, gold and purple echoes the corporate colours of the Flavourz branding.

Altogether another successful design and a very happy client.

Just give us a call to discuss your personal requirements:

Gwendoline.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

GA INTERIORS

tel: 07841 519802

website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk

linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors

facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors

twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Thought for the day...Science works with chunks and bits and pieces of things!

2009-12-01T08:32:00.000-08:00

"Science works with chunks and bits and pieces of things with the continuity presumed, and the artist works only with the continuities of things with the chunks and bits and pieces presumed."

by ROBERT PIRSIG

How To...DECORATE A CHRISTMAS TREE

2009-12-01T04:58:00.000-08:00

2009 CHRISTMAS DECORATING TRENDS

Are you one of those people whose decorations are bursting from the box with excitement to be displayed in all their finery and glory the first day of December? Or is the thought of decorating a total nightmare and you’ll leave it until the very last minute.

For many people, like me, decorating a Christmas tree is an absolute pleasure but for others it’s a total challenge - all that mess, all that time and all for one day!

To help you out this year, here are my top tips for styling your tree in the quickest way with minimal fuss. That’s not to say your tree will be any less glamorous because we all love opulence during these festive times.

TIP 1: DECIDE ON YOUR STYLE

Before you decide on the style of decorations for your Christmas tree, you should firstly decide in which room it’s going to go. Your tree can then compliment the interior design and size of your room.

Having the tree compliment and co-ordinate the room will maximise the tree’s effect and flatter the room.

If it’s a traditional room - your decorations would be homely.

If it’s a contemporary room – your decorations would be modern.

If it’s a cottage – your decorations would be scaled down to size.

If it’s a mansion – your decorations would be large and impressive.

For 2009 there are 4 main trends (http://www.christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com/):

AIRY

Airy is characterized by lightness and transparency with glass vases, baubles and crystal a must. A white or silver tree would look stunning with airy decorations.

The emphasis is on simple structures and pure lines.

COMFORT

Comfort revolves around nature, from natural wood ornaments to animals such as deer’s, stags and hedgehogs. A traditional green tree would compliment beautifully this natural theme.

SWEET

Sweet is fantastically kitsch with feminine décor, pink floral patterns and a multicolour palette. Decorations revolve around plastic, varnish and porcelain, alongside tulle and satin ribbons.

How inspiring is this trend! It’s a dream come true for all of us big kids and totally out of the ordinary and expected!

I’m incorporating the sweet trend into the school grotto that I‘m designing this year.

Imagine the children’s faces when they enter a grotto and arrive in sweet heaven – droplets of lollipops hanging everywhere from sugar candy ribbons, and they also get to take a lollipop home! Pure bliss.

OBSESSION

Obsession is glamour and glitz for Christmas, pure Hollywood! It’s a mix of curved lines with ornate objects, luxurious silk and sumptuous velvet.

A black tree would look stunning, and you could even up end it for a total quirky designer look.

TIP 2: DECIDE ON YOUR COLOUR SCHEME

As with anything in interior design, a strong colour scheme is fundamental to a great look.

As with tip 1, the colour scheme of the decorations should compliment the interior of the room in which it’s going to be placed. This will not only maximise the tree itself but also the overall glamour and style of the room.

Looking at the colour scheme for each of the trends for 2009:

AIRY - The lightness and transparency of the Airy trend is complimented with translucent colours of chalky pastels ranging from buttercream and dusty pink to powder blue and soft grey, all on a base of snowy white.

COMFORT - This natural trend is complimented with touches of ruby red or marmalade orange to enliven the decor.

SWEET - A sweetie extravaganza is created with a milky palette that extends from sand, aqua and turquoise to violet, lime and slate grey.

OBSESSION - Glamour and glitz is fashioned with Quartz pink and rich mauve complimented with mahogany, aubergine, violet and gold. It’s a mix of metallic opulence and the latest high street fashion colours.

TIP 3: DECIDE ON YOUR TREE

A major decision is real or fake tree?

This is a personal decision that is usually made from deciding whether you want a coloured or a green tree and then whether you want to be environmentally friendly with a tree from a sustainable forest or a fake tree that will last for years.

If you want an instant tree then you could opt for a fake tree that has lights or fibre optics for added effect and ease.

TIP 4: ADD THE LIGHTS

Once you have decided upon the tree, your colour scheme and preferred look and feel for the festive season, it’s time to add the lights!

Remember to test the lights before you put them on the tree as it’s so much easier to find a faulty bulb when it’s not wound around a Christmas tree!

This is generally the tricky bit my top tip is to put on some Xmas music, grab a pair of extra hands to help you and, most importantly, take your time.

You are one side of the tree and your helper is the other side of the tree so that you can pass the lights to and from each other.

Start at the bottom of the tree and unwind the lights around the tree working your way up towards the top.

Remember to test the lights again once you have them in place. If you have adjustable lights with a variety of settings then decide how you want them to flicker and shine.

Review the lights before you add any further decorations. Ensure that they shine evenly on the tree and make any adjustments before going onto the next step.

TIP 5: ADD THE STRANDS

Once the lights are up and working, it’s time to add strands of decorations. This may include strands of balls or strands of tinsel or strands of paper chains.

Wind the strands around the tree starting from the top of the tree to the bottom of the tree. I love to loop the strands as I work so that they casually drape and add an additional element of interest to the tree.

As strands generally come in specific lengths, remember to create a continuous flow from one length to the next.

TIP 6: ADD THE SPECIAL DECORATIONS

You may be some special decorations that you’ve had since childhood, or maybe they were a special gift or are one-off pieces.

These need to be added to the tree so that they are in key positions and can be easily seen.

When adding these decorations, remember that the tree is generally seen from at least two angles. As you add each piece of decoration, move about and view the tree from all angles.

Here are some decorations (http://www.johnlewis.com/) that compliment the Xmas trends for 2009:

AIRY:

COMFORT:

SWEET:

OBSESSION:

TIP 7: ADD THE BAUBLES

Once your special or favourite decorations have been added, it’s time to add the baubles.

Start adding the baubles with the largest first and the smallest last. As with the special decorations, remember to view the tree from all angles as you add the baubles.

TIP 8: ADD THE TREE TOPPING

The final decoration to add is the tree topping.

The tree topping should match your style, eg: a star for a modern design scheme and a fairy for a traditional design scheme.

TIP 9: ENJOY YOUR EFFORTS

Remember to take time out to appreciate your efforts.

I'd love to see pictures of your efforts and remember, if you get stuck then just give us a call and we'll bring our magic to your festivities.

Have Fun,

Gwendoline.

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

GA INTERIORS

tel: 07841 519802

website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk

linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors

facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors

twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Thought for the day...Spok's favourite word is Interesting!

2009-11-26T04:15:00.000-08:00

INTONATION:

Variation of pitch adds life and colour to your voice.

Think in terms of highs and lows or allowing the voice to rise and fall naturally. It doesn't take very much alteration of pitch to make your voice interesting.

Usually, you alter pitch for emphasis and you should do this only on the main syllable of a word.

For example: with 'Oh, that's interesting' you could pitch up on the 'in' of 'interesting' or, you could pitch up on 'that's' and you would get a slightly different meaning.

Try it!

After me, 'Oh, that's interesting'.

And again, 'Oh, that's interesting'.

I remember in the last Star Trek film that I went to see with my son, Spock's favourite phrase was 'interesting'.

I just love his dry sense of humour and expression. Why not make 'interesting' your word of the day!

Enjoy.

Gwendoline
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS

tel: 07841 519802

Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

By the way, the exert for today is from: 'Speak in Public With Confidence' by Maggie Eyre.

Toastmasters...The Last Meeting of the Year

2009-11-26T03:07:00.000-08:00

Imagine if you would a room full of people, all there for a common cause to support each other in self development - public speaking.

Some people are there to overcome Glossophobia, speach anxiety or the fear of public speaking, whilst others aim to reduce the amount of verbal diarrhea that they spout.

Toastmasters, and in particular the West Herts Speakers group (http://www.west-herts-speakers.org.uk/) is a structured meeting that provides a great learning environment, a highly supportive and motivational atmosphere and a fantastic place to make friends. All of which is achieved in a fun and relaxed manner.

Last night's meeting was no disappointment and we had fabulous speakers with a range of topics:

- Andrew's speach, "A Beautiful Game" was so articulate with gorgeous phrasings and wonderful use of language to describe the game of Rugby. I have to say that this was an inspirational talk and it's the only time I've been able to understand what it's all about, apart from the beauty of the physical male form!

- following Andrew was Barbara with a speech entitled "Arachnophobia". Yes you've guessed it, the speech was about an incident with a spider. Barbara's language was visionary and I was there with her in the room, curled on the chair with the 'creature' in the corner.

- the last speech of the evening was Stuart with "Sunday Lunch". Of course this wasn't just your usual once a week spread but a special gathering with many friends. His movements were fluid, his manner engaging and his language inviting. It was so interesting hearing the reasons for people not being able to make his supper as well as the special event itself.

I didn't speak myself last night as I had the important role of 'Madam Timekeeper'.

At toastmasters, speeches are timed so that speakers learn to be concise. The aim is to talk within a set period and within that time to get your point across in an interesting and informative way. This prevents any wandering off the subject and focuses the mind.

There are also Toastmasters competitions and if you go over your time you would be disqualified.

At the next meeting, in January 2010, I am going to be speaking. The skill I have to display, at level 6, is Vocal Variety as my voice is a link between me and my listeners.

A good speaking voice is pleasant, natural, forceful, expressive and easily heard.

I'll let you know how I get on and what comments I receive.

For now, this was the last Toastmasters meeting for 2009 (boo!) so until next year I'd like to wish all of my fellow speakers a very happy Christmas.

Ho, Ho, Ho,

Gwendoline
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS

tel: 07841 519802

Website: www.ga-interiors.co.uk
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Wedding & Event Planner...Perfect Weddings & Parties

2009-11-25T01:47:00.000-08:00

It may seem strange that we've been approached to connect to a wedding and event planner (http://www.perfectweddingsandparties.co.uk/).

The whole point of the Bride & Groom's day is to show the world how much they mean to each other. This is achieved in a beautiful setting with the wedding couple dressed in all their finery and supported by their loving family and friends.

We work alongside the wedding/event planner to add glamour to the proceedings:

- we make the family home look fabulous. We're called in to make over the junk room into an all important guest bedroom for visiting relatives, to modernise the lounge, or to create magazine glamour and a sumptuous look for the special event.

- we create a unique design for the family home. For weddings and special birthday parties or anniversaries there is usually a theme to the proceedings. We work our magic to add style to the proceedings whilst also keeping with the individual theme and party atmosphere.

- we design a stylish home for the special couple. The ultimate wedding present is a design clinic with one of our creative interior designers. We offer unique services for a stylish, relaxing and personal home to set the happy couple up in married bliss.

All of this is achieved with minimum fuss and maximum impact.

To discuss your individual requirements then just contact us today:

GWENDOLINE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS

tel: 07841 519802

Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Get your message across...Balloon Talk

2009-11-24T04:45:00.000-08:00

I just love interesting facts and nonsense:

"In 1917, more than a decade before the first talking films, inventor Charles Pidgin patented a breakthrough way to stimulate speech on screen.

Before filming, balloons made of rubber or any other suitable material are concealed in each performer's mouth.

The balloons are imprinted with dialogue and characters simply blow up their balloons on cue, allowing their lines to be read just as if they were comic strip figures."

from: The Book of Lists
By: David Wallechinsky & Amy Wallace

Isn't this just a great invention and must have been absolutely hilarious to watch and experience. A real first of its time!

In today's terms it could even be seen as contemporary art.

If you decide to re-enact this out on YouTube please let me know the link:

GWENDOLINE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS
Hertfordshire
England

tel: 07841 519802

Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gainteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Christmas Sparkle...Flavourz Restaurant

2009-11-24T03:30:00.000-08:00

At the moment we're busily planning and sourcing decorations for our Christmas decoration of Flavourz restaurant (http://www.flavourz.co.uk/).

This year the owner would like the decorations to be glamorous and gorgeous, as well as stylish.

We aim to achieve this using the decorations from last year as a base BUT adding in more greenery for bulk and key ornaments for opulence.

Of course, all of this has to be considered within Health and Safety standards and consideration to the restaurant customer who will, more than likely, be very merry!

We love creating sparkle and glitz for any occassion, but especially Christmas - the season of goodwill.

Keep your eyes posted for our pictures of the finished work and if you have a special occassion where you'd like us to wave our magic wand then just get in touch:

Happy Christmas - Ho, Ho, Ho!

GWENDOLINE
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
GA INTERIORS
HERTFORDSHIRE
ENGLAND

tel: 07841 519802

Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gainteriors
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GAinteriors
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ga_interiors

Thought for the day...Less is More OR Less is a Bore?

2009-11-24T03:29:00.000-08:00

Social Marketing...Part2, THE JOCKEY

2009-11-24T02:10:00.000-08:00

Let's begin with a little refresher:

REFRESHER: PART 1, THE HORSE

In PART 1 of my social networking posts “SOCIAL NETWORKING…WHAT TYPE OF HORSE ARE YOU” (14Nov2009) I started the analogy of a horse race and, in particular, I discussed the role of the horse.

The main points to note were that the horse is YOU and you are in a race to reach the winning post, ie: YOUR CUSTOMER.

There are several levels of ‘horse’ - Reliable Donkey, Horse in the Field and Red Rum. You identify who you are, who you want to be and who your customer expects you to be.

For example, here at GA Interiors, as Interior Designers we have the customer expectation of opulence and finesse. We strive to be perceived as Red Rum – the top of our game.

We use social networking to build our image with the articles that we write. The articles showcase our knowledge, experience and professionalism BUT most importantly we show you our enthusiasm, drive and energy for our industry.

At GA Interiors we have customers frequently commenting on how inspirational we are to them and it’s because we showcase our energy, enthusiasm and the love we have for interior design. We enjoy our work and this exudes into our social networking which is then picked up by our customers.

THE JOCKEY

Today, I’ll review PART2 of my social networking series, ie: The Jockey.

The jockey will be assisting you in the race to reach The Winning Post, ie: your customer.

As I said in my last post, the jockey is Social networking … or as I prefer to call it SOCIAL MARKETING.

I just love social marketing as a tool to reach the customer because you can really FOCUS YOUR EFFORTS ON PUSHING THEIR BUTTONS.

MARKETING STRATEGY: AIDA

‘Pushing their buttons’ centres on the marketing principle of AIDA:
- Attention
- Interest
- Desire
- Action

AIDA, also know as ‘The Hierarchy Of Effects’, is the original sales training acronym, from the late 1950’s, when selling was first treated as a professional discipline.

Social marketing works on the AIDA selling principle to grab your customer’s attention, sustain their level of interest, build their confidence in you and create a desire for your product/service so that they take action to contact you to make that all important sale.

Working with AIDA keeps your audience interested in what you’re doing so that they evolve a level of trust with you and your products or services. This level of trust assures them that you are not a cowboy and are in fact a reliable and reputable company.

MARKETING STRATEGY: INTERACTIVE MARKETING

Social marketing is also interactive marketing where everything you do personifies your brand identity so that the customer learns more about you and your services every day. The more knowledge they have about you the deeper level of trust you can build with the customer.

People buy from people.

People buy based on emotion not logic:
- Pain 51%
- Fear 25%
- Current Pleasure 12%
- Future Pleasure 6%
- Interest 3%
- Curiosity 3%

With social marketing you build a level of trust with the customer as you address these emotions.

For example, at GA Interiors, our customer may be in actual physical pain with stress symptoms, such as headaches and depression, due to a cluttered home. Through social marketing we offer these customers examples and references to showcase how revitalising and pain free our de-cluttering services will be. We show them how we take away the pain, and often embarrassment, of living in a cluttered home. We show them how our services have changed the lives of people just like them - how they’re now stress free and pain free!

MARKETING STRATEGY: APPEAL TO SENSES

The beauty of interactive social marketing is that you’re appealing to the customer’s senses, ie: Sight, Sound, Taste, Touch, and Smell. You’re appealing to the customer on a highly personal level in a way THEY like to be reached.

Remember - People buy from people.

To appeal to your customer’s senses you need several mediums in your social marketing strategy, eg: if a customer likes the cinema then you could produce a video for them on YouTube, if they prefer audio then produce a PodCast and if they prefer to read you’d produce a Blog.

The language you use can also appeal to the customer’s senses, eg: ‘Silky Smooth’ would appeal to the sense of Touch, ‘Succulent and Juicy’ would appeal to Taste whereas ‘Heavenly Fragranced’ would appeal to Smell. Also, ‘Listen up’ would appeal to Sound whereas ‘See this’ would appeal to Sight.

MARKETING STRATEGY: TARGET MARKETING

Appealing to a customer’s senses is critical because that’s how you subtly hook them in to you and your brand.

Remember – AIDA (Action, Interest, Desire, Action).

Social marketing is target marketing because you’re making your brand appeal to specific customers in a way that they can relate to.

MARKETING STRATEGY: DRIP FEED MARKETING

With interactive social marketing we’re not talking about a big hit between the eyes. It’s not a traditional bill board poster!

You’re building a slow and nurtured relationship with the customer, it’s ‘Drip Feed Marketing’ – it’s a soft sell.

Slowly, day by day, you showcase your knowledge and experience. You offer industry articles that they find interesting, eg: Top Tips and How To articles. This is supported with personal references from your customers, association to other groups, professional editorials in industry publications and speaking opportunities in your field of expertise.

MARKETING STRATEGY: ESTABLISH YOURSELF AS THE EXPERT

To the customer - social marketing is free information. To you - social marketing showcases your breadth of industry expertise, knowledge and professionalism.

Social marketing establishes you as THE EXPERT - Red Rum (the horse that won 3 Grand Nationals). Or, as with GA Interiors, the interior designer that's been published in several national publications. It's not just us and our client recommendations that say we're the expert but also national magazines have honoured our efforts by showcasing our work.

The free information that you offer to your customers, backed up with glowing references and examples of how they can apply your products/services, elevates you as the centre of knowledge.

You’re the person they want to be seen with.

This perception of knowledge not only elevates your character but also your corporate brand. This in turn gives the customer the confidence that you know your area of expertise…you can solve their problem…you are the leader…you are Red Rum.

TAKING ADVICE

Of course we need to remember that, as customers ourselves, we only ever take advice when we’re ready to accept it.

97% of customers have a need, but not now!

We take on board what’s said to us each day and then when we have an application or a need for the product or service we’re in a position to make a judgement call on the individual company and take action.

The more information we have about a company the better judgment we can make, not only about the products or services, not only about the company, but also about the individuals.

Remember – People buy from people.

I termed social marketing as the Jockey because without it you could still reach the winning post, ie: the customer, and finish the race BUT….you’re far more prepared and efficient with a professional and skilled jockey alongside you.

A jockey will optimise a horse’s skills and abilities!

Interactive Social Marketing will showcase your company’s knowledge, achievements and professionalism inline with AIDA.

LET’S WIN THE RACE TOGETHER.

Now, it must be remembered that in order to win the race you have to showcase your company: - in what you do
- in the way that you present it
- in the words that you use

IN WHAT YOU DO?

Social marketing should be in your corporate marketing strategy so that you give a consistent message to your customer. It needs to be clear who has the authority to post, blog and tweet.

In some companies there is a mystery writer. This negates the need for a single person and makes social marketing a shared task. Be aware though that as a shared task the message to the customer must be consistent for the company and not personal to the individual.

As well as being consistent in content you should also be consistent with frequency.

It’s important to give time to social marketing and treat it like any other marketing tool and strategy.

You need to optimise it into your daily or weekly routine. You also need to plan what you’re going to publish. For example, Decluttering is high on the interior design agenda for Spring whereas we’d be talking about Sparkle and Glamour for Christmas. Remember, keep your message and frequency consistent.

IN THE WAY THAT YOU PRESENT IT?

Consideration to the way that you present your social marketing is linked to your corporate branding. If you are in the music industry then you may focus on auditory whereas interior design is extremely visual.

Your corporate brand and the way that you present that brand, through social marketing, highlights your industry specialism.

This is not to forget though that we always need to focus on the customer’s senses and offer them a variety of mediums to link with us and follow us.

You should consider both formal (LinkedIn) and informal (Facebook) mediums to reach your target customer. What would they use and how would they prefer to receive communications from you? Remember, keep the format of what you present consistent with your corporate brand and industry expectations.

IN THE WORDS THAT YOU USE?

List 3 words of how you want your customer to perceive you and use these words to build your brand.

Incorporate these words into your social marketing strategy with everything that you write.

That’s not to say that you use the same 3 words over and over again, but the essence of what you want to say should come across.

For example, if you want to show professionalism then you would refrain from foul or inappropriate language.

Being in the creative interior design industry, my language can veer on the edge of floaty and aspirational because I create THE DREAM for my customers.

Remember - Be consistent in what you say and how you say it.

BENEFITS OF SOCIAL MARKETING

You should now understand the benefits of social marketing:
- AIDA marketing strategy
- Interactive marketing strategy
- Appeal to Customer Senses
- Target market strategy
- Drip Feed marketing strategy
- Establish you as Expert
- Highly Variable
- Low Cost, High Impact

MAIN POINTS TO CONSIDER

You should also be aware of the main points to consider
- Consistent message
- Consistent frequency
- Consistent branding
- Industry Expectations
- Consistent use of language
- Integrated into marketing strategy

PART 3 – THE TRAINER

In my next post, PART 3: ‘SOCIAL MARKETING…THE TRAINER’ I’ll discuss tools and strategies that support social marketing, eg: Website and SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).

THE TRAINER prepares us for the race.

LET’S WIN THE RACE TOGETHER.

I’d love to receive your personal comments for this Blog posting and please fell free to pass it on with the following caveat:

This article is the property of

GA Interiors

If you have any specific questions on this topic then just contact us as we'd love to hear from you:

GWENDOLINE ALDERTON

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

GA INTERIORS

HERTFORDSHIRE

ENGLAND

Tel: 07841 519802

Website: http://www.ga-interiors.co.uk/