The Stories

Learn more about our philosophy of design, a few Cheryl-isms we always abide by, and more. As always, we’re telling it like it is!

kitchen with kitchen tile backsplash

How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Backsplash: 3 Essential Tips!

An interior designer's guide to selecting a kitchen backsplash that meets your needs AND showcases your personality.

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vintage glassware displayed with modern lamp

Follow these 3 Rules to Mix Vintage & Modern Like a Professional!

Say NO to catalog decorating! Seamlessly mix your beloved vintage and newly acquired modern pieces to create a timeless space
our six favorite shades of red paint by benjamin moore

The “Unexpected Red Theory”: How to Be Brave & Try It! Plus, Our 6 Favorite Shades of Red Paint!

Red is the “it” color of the season and according to a new trend, you can’t go wrong when adding

I am passionate about everything. So what?

Compulsive Overachiever or Just Compulsive? I would guess that most of my former teachers in school would say one of

Why getting a floor plan review before you break ground is so important for a happy home!

To us, the key to a good outcome in a project is- To have a cohesive floor plan! And this

Celebrating Matriarchs

While our young shop only has two moms at the moment, we love celebrating the moms in our “global village”!

5 Reasons Why You Need a Good Designer to Review Your House Plans

Why getting an independent review of your home plans is so important Whether it is a remodel or new construction,

Colonial Living Room Makeover, New Jersey - Grasscloth wallpaper, teal curtains, velvet sofa, original art and dark furniture

How to Work With a Remote Interior Designer Outside Your Immediate Area

You CAN work with an interior designer outside your area Have you ever seen a designer’s website and loved their

Bath design myths and mistakes- What you need to know

Bath design has hardly changed in years I am still seeing many plans come across my desk with many of

multicolored decorative pillow, decorative pillow, summer inspired, 20in x 20in pillow

How a mere pillow can update a room- Believe it!

Pillows, Rugs and Lamps – consider them artwork These three accessory items are super important to the end creative product!

Design by the numbers! Quick kitchen design tips!

Seems lately even some new designers are not paying attention to the important numbers you need to know! Quick tips

What does it cost? A budget breakdown on a condo living room with before and after photos!

Determining a budget We get asked about budgets every day- and of course defining a budget for your design project

How to use vintage pottery to inspire color and pattern in your home

Who wants a sterile catalog home or worse, one that looks too perfect? Most of our clients surely do not.

The Making of a Mudroom! How to make a hallway be a functional space.

This little foyer was an add on at some point at my client’s home. She wanted a pretty but functional

Buying on the internet? Big box got your bucks? Read this first.

Everyone thinks buying on the internet is less expensive than buying local at a bricks and mortar store- But wait!

SW COTY “Cavern Clay” – It is not about just the color!

What is all the ruckus about? Facebook is all abuzz about the new color of the year from Sherwin Williams.

Just say NO to Catalog decorating!

But why? Design trends and style historically are heavily influenced by society as a whole and what is happening in

Grey and White Shower tile beautiful detail Coastal Bath Remodel Pensacola Florida

Want best results? Don’t ask me for a square foot price on tile!

(updated older post for 2018! At least am consistent- we still follow this process!) I have a rule about pricing

How to create a budget for your design project- and why it is important to your investment!

A budget is necessary! In the real world with our #realpeoplelivehere attitude- we know most people have a budget

What does “design your kitchen or bath” really mean?

Last week we met with a delightful couple about various design issues they had throughout their home. One spouse made

Do NOT do this when designing your kitchen!

A few of my ‘just say no’ kitchen design mistakes- I rarely see these mentioned so going to just

Marcheeta Residence Los Angeles

Dwell on Design: Highlighting the home tour!

To say I was blown away might make you think I do not always stroll through 20 million plus homes.

Cheryl Clendenon at Casa Perfect

Casa Perfect – I touched Elvis!

Ok so I did not really touch him- duh. I know he is long since deceased. But I touched door

The-English-Room-4

One Room Challenge: Our Top NINE!

What is the One Room Challenge? We all get by with a little help from our friends, right? There’s nothing

Finding my mojo at Dwell on Design

Dwell on Design, 2018 I had the enviable ( do not be a hater!) opportunity to attend the show with