MistyforAustin's Profile

I have been an interior decorating consultant or "interior stylist" for nine years now. My business began with my obsession for design and my friends' requests for advice. Before long, I was working with a long string of clients who needed just a little design assistance. Most of these people were intimidated by working with an interior designer and terrified that they would be forced to spend large sums of money on things they didn't really want or need.

It turns out there is a need for down-to-earth consultants who can be a sounding board, offer new ideas and resources, and give a fresh point of view on a reasonable budget. The down side is that I don't always see the finished results because clients sometimes take years to finish a project. However, I am often rewarded with such relief and gratitude from clients who are delighted to be empowered to create a home they love.

So yes, there is a need for for affordable decorating assistance for the majority. And there is a very special shiny place for high end interior designers to complete an entire design scheme fit for glossy magazines. So go find some paid deco help or gang up with some creative friends and make something happen.

misty@sparkinteriors.com

@andrea

Are you from Texas and just tired of Austin? If you want brag about other TX attractions, go right ahead. This post is meant to be a helpful travel guide for visitors to TX, specifically Austin.
I personally prefer Austin over the other major TX cities, but I also think there are some wonderful hidden gems in smaller TX towns. There is so much to see in TX and so much diversity from region to region. If you are from here you'll know what I mean (ex:West TX is a whole other state than East TX).

Once again this is a case of "to each his own". If you like beach relics, bring a few into your room. If you prefer a coastal influence, borrow the colors and textures.
Pictures 2, 4, and 8 are examples of a more subtle approach to beach style without the shells, signs, etc.

Nope, Fellow Texan, I am not related to Red Adair. In fact, I am not related to any Adairs in the USA as my husband's family moved here directly from Scotland. But people ask that all the time.

Well, the entire house is amazing in person so the overall effect left me "awestruck". We hope to feature a house tour soon. But honestly, I think I am just a big design nerd, because I kept thinking about that driftwood screen for hours.

I adore blue ceilings and have painted many. One of my favorite tints for ceilings is Topsail blue by Sherwin Williams. It's on the gray/blue side and very subtle so it goes with just about everything.

Monica: We are taking the puppies out as often as we can, but it just isn't enough. Our house can get a bit distracting with two pups and two kids, so we must not hit the timing right all the time. I am about to go shop for a new timer to remind us!

Also, I will say that the potty training ability varies quite a bit among breeds. Our fist dog, Lucy, was is an obsessive compulsive lab/chow (the one who sheds alot) and she potty trained in two days. Weenie dogs are known for taking a long time to train :(

seanswim7: The fan in first photo is a vintage Hunter, I believe. I will be featuring Texas Ceiling fans as a store post on Thursday and they are the ones that restore antique fans. In person, these old fan are totally beautiful. Hunter makes reproductions.

kimg924: Yes, you are right. Not all the fans at Home Depot or Lowes that are from Hunter are of lesser quality, but some are. You get what you pay for so just be aware that not all Hunters will be the same.

As for the edger tools, I know it's controversial. I personally like them because it is neat and quick. I usually have to go back with a small brush and touch up some of the edges because the results are not perfect.

But I do agree, that as a purist you should only cut in using nice angled brushes. I just don't always feel like being a purist!

Jennaelliott -- We mixed kitty litter into the paint to dry it out, based on suggestions from on-line resources. If you have to throw your paint away in the garbage, they will not pick up wet paint or paint cans with the lids on. Honestly, that was the first time we ever bought kitty litter since we don't even have a cat!