(*North East West South) You do not have to select trendy colors for your home.  They should be right for your environment, especially your lighting conditions.  And they should be right for you and your lifestyle.  The "Today's Home"™ show on May 8 featured a discussion about color, with guests Teresa Tullio and Nancy Alwin [...]

  IS INTERIOR DESIGN LEGISLATION TRULY DEAD? ANOTHER "ZOMBIE"? Several weeks ago, the general consensus was that HB-2491, the bill to license and regulate the interior design profession in Oregon, was dead in committee.  Last Friday, I received an e-mail stating that proponents of the bill had requested (and been granted) an Informational Hearing about [...]

HOME OFFICE DESIGN FOR ENTREPRENEURS + TELECOMMUTERS Do you have (or want) an in-home office that really works for you?  The perfect office, no matter how often you use it, or how many hours you occupy it, should be functional and comfortable.  It must fit your needs, and be an effective tool for your success [...]

  ECONOMIC CRISIS: ITS EFFECT ON HOMEOWNERS   The economic crisis that began in 2007 is continuing, and its effect on homeowners continues to grow, a problem that's larger than we've faced individually and collectively since the Depression.  When Jay and I talked about creating “Today’s Home”™ a year ago, we agreed that the format [...]

WIRELESS CONTROL SYSTEMS: VERVE What can you do with these new wireless contol systems?  A better question is:  What can't you do with them? The basic concept for  Verve Living Systems is that your controls are completely un-wired.  No wires to the back room.  No wires for electric power.  Totally wireless control!  How do they [...]

DO-IT-YOURSELF PROJECTS: POWER TOOLS What Do You Need?  How Much Should You Pay? You can go wild at a "big box" store or your local hardware store and spend thousands of dollars on power tools for your do-it-yourself projects. What power tools you purchase depends on: ^ ►  How handy you are ►  How much [...]

DIMMABLE L.E.D. BULBS! Yes, we now have dimmable LED light bulbs.  These can be used anywhere you would use a regular light bulb.  I found both L.E.D. MR-16 and "A" types, at about $20 at big home-improvement stores last month.  Here's what they look like: ^ The dimmable L.E.D. MR-16 is a standard 12-volt unit [...]

LEGISLATION IS UNNECESSARY, UNWANTED!   Dear Oregon Homeowners and Consumers: We are currently fighting to defeat unnecessary legislation in Oregon (House Bill 2491), which proposes to require registration of interior designers.  We need your help, to contact Oregon Legislators and register your objection to the bill that is full of contradictions and purposely vague references.  [...]

  INTERIOR DESIGN LEGISLATION HEATS UP In the past seven weeks, interior design legislation was introduced (or re-introduced) in 15 states (Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado, OREGON, WASHINGTON, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, and  the latest in Pennsylvania).  Bills have been successfully defeated by grassroots organizations in Arizona, Colorado, and Washington, but [...]

FREEDOM FIGHT IN OREGON "Be on the lookout . . ." HB 2491, a bill to regulate the interior design profession in Oregon,  is currently being reviewed by the Business and Labor Committee of the Oregon House.  The bill's sponsor is Representative Paul Holvey.  If passed, the bill will negatively affect the freedom of Oregon [...]

"SOPHIE GETS CURTAINS!" — THUMBS UP!! Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Adelene Smith ("Addie") about her new book, "Sophie Gets Curtains!".  Addie and I became acquainted about three years ago through a long-distance introduction by Patti Morrow, a mutual friend.  Since then, we've talked about interior design in numerous e-mails.  For the past [...]

HOME THEATER:  WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE? Last week, I answered these questions which many people have asked me over the years: ►  What's a Home Theater system? ►  Do I really need a Home Theater system? ^  Let's start out with a definition.  Home Theater is typically  a combination of: ►  A large-screen television; all [...]

  KITCHEN AND BATHROOM DESIGN: APPEARANCE, FUNCTION, AND SAFETY You may have (or want) the most beautiful home in your neighborhood, but if it lacks safety and function, it  will never be the best home in your neighborhood.  Here's a simple graphic to help you understand why your kitchen and bathroom must have great appearance, [...]

MICROWAVE OVENS "Today's Home"™ began yesterday with a discussion about microwave ovens.  They are the most popular kitchen appliance,. purchased in higher numbers than any other appliance.  The reason for this?   They're often found in other rooms besides the kitchen (family room, garage, master suite, outdoor kitchen, etc).   Two factors determine how safe each [...]

WATCH OUT FOR THAT THROW PILLOW!! (It could be dangerous to your health, safety, and welfare) Please take a few minutes to watch this video.  Pay special attention to the "bridged" answer when the reporter asked if there have been  specific instances where anyone has been injured by an unregulated interior designer.  This is what [...]

IDPC'S "THREE E'S" — NOT ASID'S "THREE E'S"! The second event for the Interior Design Protection Council, IDPC-NW (Oregon) was attended by an exuberant cross-section of emissaries from the design, build, and remodel professions, eager to be enlightened about egregious interior design legislation that ineffectively emanated from state coalitions (or "collaboratives") on behalf of the [...]

LET FREEDOM RING! It's July 4, 2010, a day when most Americans get together with family and friends for a barbecue. Millions of Americans watch fireworks shows, and listen to patriotic music. It's one day when all of us can openly celebrate what it means to be an American. I'd like to challenge you to [...]