UpperCase Living

Welcome to Uppercase Living! Browse through our beautiful expressions, striking images, and charming embellishments to find just what you need to turn your home into a reflection of you. No matter what room of your home needs distinction, we have something you will love. For even more creative options, design your very own expression using the Uppercase Living MyDesign™ Tool. Both catalog items and custom expressions can be quickly and easily applied to your walls. I would be happy to answer any questions or help you place your order.

Contact me and I’ll help you turn your home into a place that tells the world who you are.

Open Your House

Join My Team

Let Uppercase Living enhance more than the walls of your home – let Uppercase Living enhance your income. Click here to learn more about becoming a Demonstrator.

Everyone loves coming to an Uppercase Living® Open House! Don’t keep the Uppercase Living experience to yourself – share it with your friends, family, coworkers, and anyone else you know. Hosting your own Open House is the perfect way to earn free product for yourself and share an exciting new home decorating product with your friends.

Here’s what you will receive when you host an Uppercase Living Open House:

Open House Sales Total	Free Product Amount*	Half-Off Catalog Items
$200-$299	$20	1
$300-$399	$30	1
$400-$499	$50	2
$500-$749	$70	2
$750-$999	$100	3
$1,000-$1,249	$130	3
$1,250-$1,499	$160	4
Over $1,500	$200	4

We also offer our Hostesses the Double-Up Reward (which can help you increase your Open House total significantly) and a Booking Reward (which gives you additional product credit). Please contact me for more information on our generous Hostess Rewards program and our additional Monthly Hostess Gifts. I would love to schedule an Open House for you today! (Check my calendar to see what nights I have available.)

Iwould be happy to help you learn more about how to make your home an expression of you and your family. If you’d like to be more than a customer, I can help you learn how easy it is to host an Open House or how rewarding it can be to join my team of Demonstrators. Contact me today for more information.

Painting Over Ceramic Tile

By Brian Simkins

Decorating and adding accessories can only do so much when it comes to updating a room that has a particularly nasty color of ceramic tile. We all remember the harvest gold, avocado green, and burnt orange that adorned so many kitchens and bathrooms 30 years ago. For many, the prospect of removing and replacing this tile is not financially feasible, and painting it may seem like it would be counter productive.

It is true that paint does not like to stick to the slick, shiny surface of tile. With a little bit of extra preparation, though, you can paint your tile and create a durable surface that is much more visually appealing than the outdated look you may currently have.

First, let's talk about what you can and cannot paint. I would not recommend that you paint any tile surface that gets wet repeatedly. If you try to paint your shower surround or even your tub itself, you will be cleaning paint chips out of the bottom of your tub within a matter of weeks. It just won't stick. There are professional services available that will paint your ceramic appliances and fixtures. Things like your antique claw foot tub, your toilet, and shower stall can be painted with a highly specialized product that requires a good deal of skill to use. What we're talking about in this article is painting wall tile that sees everyday use but doesn't get soaking wet all the time.

Preparing the Tile for Paint

As with most painting projects, preparation is the most important part. The goal is to create a surface that the paint will stick to. Since we have already established that most paints will not stick directly to the slippery tile surface, we need to get rid of that shine. The first step is to clean the tile vigorously with a commercial tile cleaner. Make sure you use one with a mild abrasive. Not only will this remove all of the buildup from the tile and make it nice and clean, but the abrasives will begin to break down the shiny surface.

At this time, also make sure that anything that might deteriorate underneath your paint job is addressed. Crumbling grout, mildew stains, and cracked tiles should all be taken care of now. You can't go back and address them after you paint unless you want to repaint the entire thing.

Once you are confident that the surface is clean, you need to get a little more aggressive about taking that slippery shine off of the tile. The best way to do this is with a hand held orbital sander. Use a 220 grit sandpaper. This will be course enough to remove the gloss, but still fine enough to prevent you from leaving any marks that may show later through your paint. If you don't have an orbital sander, you can do it by hand - it will just take a little longer.

After every surface that is going to be painted has been sanded, including the corners, make sure that all of the dust is thoroughly removed. I know sanding is tedious and is generally not very much fun, but I can't overemphasize how important this step is. If you skip the sanding or only do it half-heartedly, the paint simply will not stick.

Prime and Paint

Now that you have a freshly sanded surface that is dry and free of dust, you have the perfect foundation for a good paint job. By using a high quality and high adhesion primer, continue to build the base that your paint will be applied over. This is not the project where you want to skimp on paint costs. Don't buy the cheap primer - you need a strong bond in order for this to stick to the tile. Use an oil based product, as you will be using an oil based paint for the finished coats.

Apply the primer using a brush to cut in the corners and then a short napped roller (1/8") to apply the primer to the flat surface. Go slowly and make sure you don't leave any lines caused by paint squeezing out of the edge of the roller cover. These will show through later when you apply your finish coats. Allow the first coat of primer to dry for the amount of time recommended on the can, and then apply a second coat.

Once the primer is dry, take a fresh sheet of 220 sandpaper and make a very light pass over the primed surface. You are not trying to remove the primer, you simply want to remove any small burrs that may have risen out of your roller cover and make sure that the surface is perfectly prepared to receive paint.

Some people suggest that you can use latex paint for your top coat. I, however, would recommend that you use oil. It is messier, takes longer to apply and longer to dry, but when it dries it provides a very durable finish. Latex paint often dries with a fairly soft, rubbery feel. If you were to bump it with something hard, the chances that it could peel right off are pretty high.

Use an oil based semi-gloss or high gloss alkyd for your top coats. Apply several thin coats instead of trying to do one thick one. You want to build up the strength of the paint adhesion by adding multiple lightweight layers, not one heavy one.

You will need to have paint thinner on hand in order to clean up the oil based primer and paint, as well as a pretty good sized supply of rags. Though it may be a little extra work, using the oil based product on your tiles will give you a much higher quality finish and in the long run, you will be glad that you did.

Brian Simkins is a freelance writer living in Chicago. He enjoys using his 14 years of home improvement experience to educate and equip new home owners.

How to Define Your Interior Design Budget

When you go into a travel agency to book a holiday there are two things the agent needs to know from you. First, which part of the world do you want to visit? Secondly, what’s your budget? You may have fallen in love with the idea of spending August in a Tuscan villa, complete with vineyards and pool, but your budget may suggest a trip to the English Riviera in April as being more realistic.

But if the travel agent knows you want to visit Italy, and you’ve been honest about how much money you can afford to spend, then a suitable holiday can usually be found. You may not get the Tuscan villa, but a few nights in some modest hotels in Venice and Florence may fit your bill, and give you pocket money to make the most out of your holiday.

Why is it, then, that many people are so hesitant to tell their interior designer what they can afford to spend on their interiors project. Some people seem to treat the subject of "the budget" like a game of poker. "If the interior designer thinks I’ve got less than I have I’ll get the whole thing done more cheaply." Or worse; "If the designer knows how much I’ve got they’ll make sure they spend every penny".

It’s important not to confuse the word "budget" with "life savings". Your budget should be the amount that you are happy to spend to achieve the result that you desire. It is your responsibility as the client to have a clear idea about your budget before you start looking for your designer. Remember that shoe-string TV makeovers are programmed for their entertainment value, not for their practicality or longevity in the real world.

Permanent, added-value home improvements designed and supervised by a professional come with a price tag. You are paying for the designer’s design expertise; ability to source from trade-only suppliers of furniture, fabrics and accessories; and the time they save you from having to organise and supervise builders, painters, joiners, plumbers, etc.

Once you have decided the sum you wish to invest in home improvements, it often helps to check the feasibility of that budget by allocating portions of it to different areas of expense. For a simple living room refurbishment you might allocate the budget into seven areas; for instance, floorcovering, wallcovering, curtains, furniture, light fittings, accessories and designer’s fee.

A useful tip is to think in terms of percentages rather than cash. We all think money is still worth what it used to be worth in the "good old days", and even millionaires complain about the price of butter. However, by allocating percentages to your project, you are better able to see what you can afford, and are willing, to spend on each area of the redecoration. If you want to have an elaborate curtain treatment, you may have to reduce your budget for the floorcovering, or vice versa. This method also helps you to prioritise your decoration requirements. By being honest with your interior designer about your design priorities and your budget, you are more likely to receive a design and service that will surprise and delight you.

Check that the designer you choose has a defined fee structure and make sure you get this in writing. Ensure that the designer knows your decoration budget and be clear about whether the design fees are included in this budget, or are paid on top. Give the designer the budget breakdown and as much specific information as possible about your expectations within that budget - if you’re expecting to get that antique reclaimed parquet floor above all else, then make this clear. If it your desired object isn’t within the scope of your defined budget, the designer can get back to you early on in the project to juggle the budget allocations.

The designer will welcome clear information on your budget because it is a real time saver for both of you. If the budget extends only to slipcovers for existing furniture, let the designer know this before they set off to pound the pavement in a search for brand new furniture. (Remember, you’re probably paying for their sourcing time!)

If poker really is your game there is nothing wrong with keeping a percentage of your budget in reserve without telling anyone (in fact, this is quite a good idea). If the budget runs over (and if the project requires building, plumbing or electrical work, this can happen when surprises like dry rot, rising damp or structural problems are uncovered), you then have a cash reserve. But if the project has run smoothly, and the designer has completed it on budget, then why not use the extra money to visit the travel agent to celebrate!

Modern minimalist master bedroom photos

Modern minimalist master bedroom suitable for young couple or new bridal. In this article we can see beautiful modern master bedroom with style minimalist photos. Master bedroom so large, we can arrange bedroom accessories here. In this picture we can see modern master bedroom with minimalist concept there TV flat, backdrop as the accessories, and on the corner we can find plant. All the bedroom accessories make beautiful and comfortable. With parquet flooring and decorate with modern brown rugs make clean and elegant this master bedroom. In front of bedroom we could seat on the white sofa as the small living areas. This modern minimalist master bedroom complete with modern bathtub integrated in this bedroom. From this Modern minimalist master bedroom photos you can get inspiration to decorate your bedroom. Modern minimalist master bedroom designed by Semsa Bilge.

A Change in Season Reflects a Change in Mood Now is a Great Time to Redecorate Your Home

A Change in Season Reflects a Change in Mood
Now is a Great Time to Redecorate Your Home

(ARA) – Change is in the air. Fall is here and winter isn’t far away. It’s one of the busiest times of year for interior decorators. “The reason we’re so busy is people really get energized in the fall,” says Thomas Pheasant, an award winning interior designer from Washington, D.C. “The change in temperature serves as a signal to start focusing more on the indoors to get ready for winter.”

Pheasant says one of the best, and easiest places to start, is in the room where you spend a majority of your time: the bedroom. “You don’t have to start moving furniture all over the place to change the look of the room,” says Pheasant. “Changing your bedding and curtains is often all it takes to make a dramatic difference.”

Pheasant says the same colors you see on the trees outside --- orange, gold, red, brown and olive green -- have great appeal indoors. “They really set the mood of the season, especially when combined with paisley and velvet textures.”

The bedroom isn’t the only place where bold color and texture changes will have a quick and noticeable impact. You can also set the mood of the season by putting some dried leaves or branches on the coffee table, and colorful pillows and a slip cover on your sofa. A seasonal bowl of apples on the dining room table, along with slip covers on the chairs, will also make a big impact.

So where do you start if you want to bring the fall “look” into your own home? “Start with materials. The kinds of fabric or color you choose can really change the attitude of the room,” says Pheasant. “Velvet and damask are formal patterns that are more appropriate for fall and winter. Linen, paisley and leather are more modern and better suited for spring and summer.”

Pheasant recommends you take his ideas to an interior designer for help implementing them. “Mistakes are expensive. Professional designers have resources available that most people do not. Hiring someone can make your life so much easier,” says Pheasant.

If you ultimately decide to take Pheasant’s advice, pieces from his collection of furniture and accessories are sold at over 200 independent dealers throughout the country.

Thomas Pheasant is an award-winning interior designer with more than 20 years of experience in the field. He has been recognized for his signature style of modern elegance. He focuses on bringing a contemporary dimension to classic principles in design: a bridging of past and present. Pheasant’s projects range from high-end residences to corporate interiors and special commercial assignments, such as prototype retail environments, exhibition spaces and upscale hotels.

Baker Knapp & Tubbs, Inc. includes Baker furniture, Baker Knapp & Tubbs Showrooms and Baker stores. Along with McGuire Furniture Company and Ann Sacks, it is part of the Kohler Interiors Group and a wholly owned subsidiary of Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath designs. Kohler Co. was founded in 1873. Headquartered in Kohler, Wis., it is one of the oldest and largest privately held companies in the United States.

Courtesy of ARA Content

How to Create a Room Your Kids Will Love

(ARA) - We all need a space of our own, no matter our age. Children can thrive when there is a place in their home that nurtures their imaginations and their sense of belonging.

But the children's furniture and home décor industry is a multi-billion dollar business with such a staggering variety of choices that parents may feel overwhelmed. You may be tempted to let your child live with white walls and beige carpet until he is old enough to tackle the redecorating on his own. But a few of the same principals and techniques designers use can help you create a room your child will love.

* Consider how the room will be used - Children's bedrooms have become multipurpose, like most spaces in our homes. It's likely your child not only sleeps in her room, but plays and does homework there as well. While a bed is the essential focus of any bedroom, keep in mind that you may need to incorporate play space, a study area and maybe even a seating area into the room as well.

* Get your child involved - By the time they've mastered speech, most kids are able to tell you what they like and don't like. How involved your child can be in the decorating process will depend on his age and level of development. A toddler may be able to tell you he likes blue but purple is "yucky." An elementary school child may be able to express a preference for a theme or style of bed. A high school student can be fully involved in the planning and execution of her room remodel.

* When it comes to a theme, keep compromise in mind - Maybe your child wants an underwater theme like the one he saw on a home improvement show, complete with the prow of a pirate's ship mounted on one wall. You, however, want something that will grow with him and not break the bank - or your back - to accomplish. Compromise is needed and can be as easy as placing a wallpaper mural of a sailing ship on one wall of your child's room.

* Adapt current design trends - Wallpaper murals are a hot design trend, with many home improvement shows using them to create focal points or accents in nearly every room of the house. They're a great option for a children's room because they're easy to install and offer thousands of images that will fit virtually any design theme you choose. Lowes home improvement stores across the nation sell kid-friendly wallpaper murals by Environmental Graphics for under $100. Designs range from the sports themed like the stands of a baseball stadium as seen from the field, to jungle animals and underwater seascapes. To learn more and view kid-friendly mural options, visit a Lowe's store near you.

Designing a child's room can be fun for the whole family, and a great way to spend some quality time with your child. Following these basic principles can help ensure the experience will be rewarding, and the room something your child will love for years to come.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Save Money: Hire an Interior Designer for Your Remodeling Project

Although an interior designer may not have an architectural degree, there are still many highly talented interior designers who can greatly influence the outcome of your plans and contribute to the success of your home remodeling projects. Unlike many architects, interior designers usually spend most of their time on home remodeling projects or the design of new homes — they do not normally work on commercial projects. This expertise in home building and remodeling projects allows many designers to provide you with the benefit of their focused experience, and the fact that they've probably worked on more homes than an architect who is also doing a lot of commercial work.

When looking for a good interior designer, some are certified with professional licenses, and some are not. The professional certified designers have accredited study in their area of expertise, in addition to all of the experience they've acquired as an interior designer. For example, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) the oldest and largest organization for designers, sets professional standards and provides accreditation and education. ASID members are qualified by education, experience and examination, and adhere to a strict code of ethics and professional conduct, according to their Web site, where you can search for a local designer.

Homeowners may need to hire an architect for complex or unique designs, or when special building products are incorporated into the design. An architect can help you remodel your home to just about any specifications. While an interior designer can certainly help you get that unique creative look that reflects you and your family's personality and tastes, they typically do not work with out-of-the-ordinary or super exotic designs. If you want your house remodeled out of plexiglass and shaped like a spaceship, you're better off with an architect.

If your expectations are reasonable and fit somewhat into the footprint of your existing home, an interior designer can work wonders and save you money, too. On the lower end, a designer's fees can range from 1.5-3% of the cost of your remodeling project. On the other hand, a licensed architect may charge 10-15% of the total cost of the project. With the help of an interior designer, you can save quite a bit of money, while still enjoying all of the benefits an experienced professional can bring to your project.