http://www.articlealley.com en-us editorial@articlealley.com Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Decorative Mirrors Mirrors are best used when they will reflect something worthwhile. Too often they are considered a quick fix and reflect an empty wall or stairwell. They are not to be used as a stop gap. Think about ... http://www.articlealley.com/article_100466_27.html 15th November 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt The explosion of home automation and the increasing use of home theatres is a great opportunity for designers and contractors. In fact, K&B specialists already have a real talent for the essentials in many spaces well beyond... http://www.articlealley.com/article_99210_27.html 15th November 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt The Real World This vision was short lived. I moved home and after two weeks of working a retail, full-time job, I came home and declared I wanted to go to college. I found I wasn't quite ready for the realities of a real... http://www.articlealley.com/article_98829_24.html 15th November 2006 Copyright (c) 2006 Melissa Galt Halloween isn't just for kids anymore. In fact it seems more and more adults young and old, especially singles, are celebrating Halloween. It's a great opportunity to meet new friends and a possible date while disguised!... http://www.articlealley.com/article_93788_27.html 11th October 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Everywhere I look these days, it seems we are all too often caught in the act of multi-tasking. Now this is not an inherently bad trait; many of us wouldn't get nearly as much accomplished without this invaluable skill. My q... http://www.articlealley.com/article_92455_24.html 04th October 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Creating a Unique and Original Life In order to lead an original and unique life, we do have to think outside of the box and create our own rules and guidelines for accomplishment. The best among us always have done so. I... http://www.articlealley.com/article_91989_24.html 04th October 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Making the Best Choices We are each the sum total of the choices we have made to date. If we want a new reality, we have to make new choices. After all, the very definition of insanity is to do the same thing always and e... http://www.articlealley.com/article_91918_24.html 04th October 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt In listening to radio advertising recently it struck me that a bank is offering as its unique selling proposition that it is open on Sunday. While I am sure that many consider this a significant convenience, I don't. All I s... http://www.articlealley.com/article_89781_24.html 28th September 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt One of the most common challenges for any small business is determining what their worth is. This is different than establishing their value as value is dependent on the marketplace, competition, skill set, and exclusivity. ... http://www.articlealley.com/article_89602_15.html 27th September 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt I know most of us are taught that we can't have it all, we are told life isn't fair and it is about sacrifice and giving up to keep going. Not true – we can have it all, once we establish what our own personal "all" is. Most... http://www.articlealley.com/article_88553_24.html 23rd September 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt The summer flew by and we are already into August and back to school. This is the perfect time to get those decorating projects you've been putting off, into the works. The first glimpses of holiday decorations are already... http://www.articlealley.com/article_84845_27.html 31st August 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Looking for a room with a view when there is none?! Can't afford to move, or renovate?! Check out the latest in truly affordable decorating trends, wall mural graphics. These wall-size scenics can truly transform a space,... http://www.articlealley.com/article_84805_27.html 31st August 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Wall Paint For easy maintenance, use a minimum level of eggshell gloss (never flat) for light colors. The darker the color, the higher the gloss. For a tone like hunter green or burgundy use a semigloss, it adds a richn... http://www.articlealley.com/article_81705_27.html 15th August 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Interviewing a design professional is important in finding the best match for you and your family. This is a lot like matchmaking, it is a matter not just of skills and talents but of a personality fit as well. Some of the... http://www.articlealley.com/article_80705_27.html 13th August 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Spending Plan aka Budget I know, no one likes to think in terms of money or limitations which is how budgets are perceived, but if you aren't really ready to get down to brass tacks and talk with your design professional ... http://www.articlealley.com/article_80411_27.html 12th August 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Many times hiring outside expertise to assist you with your interior decorating needs can be a real plus, and more cost effective than you may have realized. Designers and decorators come in all styles, levels of service, a... http://www.articlealley.com/article_78365_27.html 01st August 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Getting Launched and Letting Go In the meantime, I was launching my own design practice six months earlier than planned. I had to put some pieces inherited from Mother up for auction to gain some working capital and pay d... http://www.articlealley.com/article_77330_24.html 28th July 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt It should have been easy. Shoulda, woulda, coulda -- those words had been the essence of my life and so many other people's lives, too. Now I've learned that life really isn't about those words at all, and it isn't about e... http://www.articlealley.com/article_76892_24.html 26th July 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Do you have a useless niche, a room without a reason, an available closet? Transform it into a space with a purpose! No, of course, it doesn't have to fit anyone else's definition of useful, only yours, but let's consider so... http://www.articlealley.com/article_75725_27.html 24th July 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Heading out of town for a long weekend, or maybe you have a business trip abroad? Whether it is a roadtrip to Charleston, a romantic getaway to Europe, or even a camping adventure in North Georgia, there are always opportun... http://www.articlealley.com/article_73822_27.html 19th July 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt The Guest List Mix this up, singles and marrieds, age mix. We learn more from those beyond our generation. I typically have both clients now friends, vendors now friends, and friends. Involve your guests. Give them a ... http://www.articlealley.com/article_73492_35.html 19th July 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt I recently spoke in Milwaukee for the Symphony Orchestra's annual fundraising luncheon and tabletop setting auction. It was a great event, well attended by many patrons of the arts. Milwaukee has a breathtaking new addition ... http://www.articlealley.com/article_71591_24.html 12th July 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Getting Ready for Remodeling Know your options! Explore all the different styles and looks. Find what you like. Don't get caught up in affordability at this stage. This is just the idea stage. Create a wish file! Go throu... http://www.articlealley.com/article_65525_27.html 22nd June 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Outdoor Living, Naturescaping Summer is in full bloom, but are you able to really enjoy the great outdoors? Have you created a haven amidst nature's bounty to stop and smell the roses? Are you afraid of gardening and sure wh... http://www.articlealley.com/article_65242_27.html 22nd June 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Carpet The lowest maintenance and most durable carpet is level loop (often called "Berber"). The loop construction provides 4x the surface of wear, hence its' durability. It doesn't show tracking at all and now comes i... http://www.articlealley.com/article_63916_27.html 16th June 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt With life as busy and overloaded as it can be these days, more and more often people are making their homes the center of entertainment. They are forsaking going out to places in favor of staying in. Media rooms are an impor... http://www.articlealley.com/article_63437_27.html 16th June 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Your decorating isn't complete until you add the finish and polish on your rooms. In part 1 of this series, we touched on ideas and sources for some wonderful window treatments, awesome accessories and collectibles. In this ... http://www.articlealley.com/article_61163_27.html 08th June 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Now that you've got your decorating project well underway by placing rugs, ordering upholstery and selecting a color scheme, it is time to add the finish and polish. Here we'll touch on ideas and sources for some wonderful ... http://www.articlealley.com/article_60431_27.html 06th June 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Shortcuts are about streamlining and simplifying your life. Consider eliminating a phone line. That's right; in this age of technology do you really need a cell phone, a home phone, and a work phone? Okay so you can't elim... http://www.articlealley.com/article_59623_27.html 04th June 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt So you want the key to better living? It's simple. All you need is more time to do things you really want to do. The question is how to get that. Read on and you'll learn the secrets and shortcuts right now. As far as f... http://www.articlealley.com/article_58778_27.html 01st June 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Carpet The lowest maintenance and most durable carpet is level loop (often called "Berber"). The loop construction provides 4x the surface of wear, hence its' durability. It doesn't show tracking at all and now comes i... http://www.articlealley.com/article_56805_27.html 26th May 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt One of the best things about being single is that when you decorate your house, apartment, townhouse or loft, it's all about you, and you can create a space that is completely yours. Being single and living on your own is th... http://www.articlealley.com/article_56293_27.html 24th May 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Hey, it's the new millennium and you've been working hard at your career for a number of years, but you haven't taken the time to really make yourself a home. Why not? Don't wait for a better half, a mate, or a spouse--jus... http://www.articlealley.com/article_55257_27.html 21st May 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt The Parts and Pieces: In the second and final part of this series about designing your signature life, we'll talk about how Entertaining and Homemaking, Travel and Adventure, and Personal Image and Style play key roles in... http://www.articlealley.com/article_54632_27.html 20th May 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt The Parts and Pieces: In Part 1 of this 2 part series about designing your signature life, we'll talk about how Interiors, Career Choices, Relationships, and Entertaining and Homemaking can all be wonderful opportunities ... http://www.articlealley.com/article_53573_27.html 15th May 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt These days decorating doesn't have to be about custom design. It can be about where to find it now and how to make it work for you. There is such a wealth of readymade elements both at retailers, online, and in mail order c... http://www.articlealley.com/article_53289_27.html 15th May 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Shhhh, did you know the 70's are back? It's true. While you thought you were enjoying the advent of moss, sage, and khaki in combination with canyon, moonglow and horizon, really it is just the renaissance of avocado and g... http://www.articlealley.com/article_50981_27.html 07th May 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt The terms Arts and Crafts and Mission Style are often used synonymously today. They refer to a style of home design and furnishings emphasizing natural materials, especially wood, and showcasing a pronounced geometry in the ... http://www.articlealley.com/article_50452_27.html 07th May 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Sight--Seeing Your Business Take Off Color--Use company colors to best advantage. If you don't have any specifically, select a couple. Consider the psychology of color in your selection. Here is a summary of the psych... http://www.articlealley.com/article_49691_15.html 02nd May 2006 Copyright 2006 Melissa Galt Color! It is often the first design element that a homeowner considers in the decorating scheme, and it is also the easiest and most cost effective way to make a dramatic change in any interior. It affects our moods, our lo... http://www.articlealley.com/article_48483_27.html 30th April 2006