Interior Motif is your  local Hunter Douglas Gallery Dealer, offering custom window treatments, shades, blinds, shutters, drapery, reupholstery, and more. The first 50 attendees will receive a welcome gift bag and be entered to win a digital camera. There will also be other prizes such as $250 gift cards, subscriptions to Design NJ, movie tickets, and more.

Come and join Interior Motif  to enjoy the party and grab a taste of what Interior Motif has to offer!

When it comes to quality window coverings of exquisite taste, Interior Motif is the place to go. Please email chloe@interiormotif.com or call 201.418.9860 for further details. The party starts at 5:00pm.

See you there!

The post Interior Motif Host Wine and Cheese Event on Wednesday May 30th 5pm first appeared on River View Observer.

 Photo by steveamack.com

Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith and Lowe’s store manager Joe Santangelo of the New Lowe’s Bayonne “Cut the Grand Opening 2″ x4” on Thursday, December 30th. The store opened it’s doors to the public on Monday Dec. 27th at 6am.

The Bayonne Lowe’s has 94,000 square feet of retail sales space, with an adjacent garden center, stocking 32,000 different items to help customers build, improve and beautify their homes. 

Lowe’s of  Bayonne is located at  400 Bayonne Crossing Way Shopping Mall

 Lowe’s Companies- With fiscal year 2009 sales of $47.2 billion, Loweâ€s Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE® 50 company that serves approximately 15 million customers a week at more than 1,725 home improvement stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Loweâ€s is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

The post The Grand Opening of the New Lowe’s In Bayonne first appeared on River View Observer.

“As the economy continues to work its way out of a recession, there will be less spending on new items and more repurposing of existing items throughout the home,” says Donna Schroeder of spray paint manufacturer Krylon. “A great way to breathe new life into these old objects is with spray paint in one of the year’s hottest colors.”
Nature, collections, senses and symbols will be the drivers for paint trends in 2010, says Schroeder. These main drivers are interconnected, allowing each trend to blend into the other to create a cohesive look and feel throughout your space. The four stylish color themes found in the 2010 trend palette are:

Sense
Whether you prefer scented candles, dim lighting or cozy rugs to accent your home, stimulating all the senses is a key style component in 2010. Comprised of soft colors, the sense trend will swaddle and soothe the soul. It engages all five senses as it mixes textures, scents and patterns throughout the home. This trend also focuses on the details, allowing you to make a statement with even the smallest elements. Colors in the sense palette include Pacific Purple, Morning Mist, Hyacinth, Celery, Jade and Sand.

Nurture
As concern for the environment continues to play a large role in home design and decorating, homeowners are shifting toward smaller spaces. They’re also buying less and repurposing more. To complement this eco-consciousness and the shrinking of carbon footprints, indoor design and decor trends continue to be reminiscent of the outdoors. Bring the beauty and wonder of the environment into your home with colors found in natural elements. Colors in the nurture palette include Fern, Meringue, Terra Cotta, River Rock, Mountain View and Cloud.

Symbol
A love of architectural shapes and details from the past help fuel the trend of symbols in 2010. Moody and complex colors are integral to this palette, allowing design elements from yesteryear to resurface in modern-day homes. Look for accents with a historical look and feel to complement the dramatic hues and elegant feel of this trend. Spray paint colors in the symbol palette include Almond, Cherry Red, Navy, Ivy Leaf, Leather Brown and Castle Rock.

Sojourn
The beauty and wonder from across the world can be a great place to derive inspiration for your home. By combining meaningful objects from your personal travels with rich, globally inspired colors you can showcase your belongings as a masterful collection. This trend allows you to tell a story of your past travels and experiences through your home decor. Colors in the sojourn palette include Bahama Sea, Burgundy, Peek-a-boo Blue, Blonde Shimmer, Niagara Ivory Mist and Equestrian.

To learn more about color trends and how to choose the perfect color, visit www.krylon.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The post IN YOUR HOME-Spice Up Your Space with Top Color Trends for Spring & Summer first appeared on River View Observer.

“Weâ€re expecting people to stay closer to home this year, so weâ€re seeing a lot of decor inspired by travel to faraway places,” says Nancy Bohnett, Academic Director of Interior Design for The Art Institute of Las Vegas. “Imagine the exotic places youâ€d like to visit and be inspired by the native styles. Animal prints, bamboo and the relaxing vibe of wine country are all top trends this spring.”

Vivid Natural Hues
Taking your cue from nature doesnâ€t necessarily mean using only neutral or subdued tones. Get inspired by the proud peacock and add bright, rich jewel tones. Dress up a basic wall with a piece of art in shimmering blues and greens and highlight a special piece of furniture or high ceilings with a tall vase filled with teal, royal blue and celadon fronds.Exotic Influence
Asian-inspired bamboo accent pieces are beautiful and practical, offering storage for everything from books to the remote control. The bamboo console, end table and coffee table from Seventh Avenue (SeventhAvenue.com) create a tropical oasis in your living space for an affordable price.

Add an exotic sense of romance to your bedroom with touches of zebra print, giraffe and cheetah. Enhance the feeling of a getaway space with an indoor fountain to relax with the soothing sounds of flowing water.

A Taste of Wine Country
Invite friends and family for a relaxing evening in. Create a cozy nook with a small table to hold bottles of wine and glasses. Warm up the walls with an ochre paint, add soft uplighting with a torchiere or two, and freshen up your existing furniture with a stretch pique slipcover in burgundy or chocolate.

Energy Efficient
Eco-chic is in, especially when going green is easy. Thermal window treatments are available in many styles and colors and add a layer of insulation to your windows and patio doors, helping to save on heating bills in the winter and cooling costs in the summer.

Saving Time and Saving Money
Itâ€s still possible to update your home during tough economic times. Look for deals online and through catalogs. Companies like Seventh Avenue offer credit plans with low monthly payments. They also save you time by compiling unique homescapes to inspire you in redecorating your space. For more information and inspiration visit SeventhAvenue.com.

The post HOME DECOR- Affordable Spring Home Decorating Trends first appeared on River View Observer.

(ARA)  Whatâ€s in store for home decorating in 2009? No matter what your taste, youâ€ll find a hue in the 2009 forecast of popular paint colors to suit your style. Since the average consumer spends two to three months planning a painting project, now is the ideal time to review your options, see whatâ€s predicted to be popular and choose that perfect color.

Color Influencers
Looking to 2009, color experts are seeing three top drivers of color trends — the economy, nature and fashion.

“Itâ€s not surprising that the primary driver of our 2009 color forecast is the economy,” says Donna Schroeder, Dutch Boy color marketing and design manager. “During an economic slowdown, consumers traditionally become more conservative when decorating, oftentimes shifting to neutral colors when painting. However, even with the slower economy, we still expect to see the use of brighter paint colors as accents to the always-popular neutrals.”

In addition to the economyâ€s influence on consumer color choices, the mainstreaming of the green movement is creating a renewed consciousness and sensitivity to the environment. The focus on bringing the outdoors into the home has once again made its way into the color forecast. The desire to incorporate basic elements of nature into interior design is still very prevalent.

In contrast to the two more serious drivers, the economy and nature, consumers still want to have fun when decorating their homes. So, many of the bolder and brighter clothing and fashion accessory colors seen on the fashion runways and in retail outlets are also reflected in the forecast.

2009 Color Forecast
All of the colors in this yearâ€s forecast can be found within Dutch Boyâ€s Color Simplicity System. The five color themes for 2009 are:

Handmade
Look to this color palette to bring a personal homemade sensibility to your decor. Simple patterns and authentic colors are reflected in the desire to simplify, conserve and repurpose. Colors in this palette include: Dried Stem, Beloved, Sidewalk Square, Mandarin Cove, Tulip Stem, Creamy Camel, Bull Frog and Espresso Latte.

Honest
Clean, natural colors capture the essence of ecology and preservation while the honest simplicity and sustainable sensitivity complement todayâ€s contemporary styles. Colors reflect a raw, pure and organic feel. Colors in the Honest palette include: Remember the Alamo, Western Cactus, Berber Carpet, Northern Climb, Not So Neutral, Sea Monster, Route 66 and Twisted Knot.

Dream
Conjuring up images of mystery and fantasy, the soft, floral-inspired colors found in this palette give an enchanting aura to any home. Feelings of whimsy and magic abound in these colors. Colors in the Dream palette include: Amethyst Gem, Purple Ash, Clover Bed, Concrete Thought, Beautiful, Flip-Flop, Pink Satin and Forest Hill.

Ancestry
Connecting with roots and heritage, the Ancestry trend palette lets you embrace your culture with a variety of warm colors that are anchored to a vibrant, global community. Colors in the Ancestry palette include: Infinity Pool, Young Sprout, Fresh Linen, Bronze Beauty, Mount Royale, Classic Red, Carmel and Distinguished Navy.

Construct
Bold and simple, linear and structured, these colors enhance a homeâ€s architectural features and add a sense of Euro-modern geometry and order to any room. Colors in the Construct palette include: Dried Thyme, Sullen Mist, Rocket Red, Founding Father, Guess Hue, Laguna Blue, Pumpkin Stem and Empire State.

For more information about how to choose the perfect color, please visit www.dutchboy.com, or call (800) 828-5669.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The post Decortating Trends for 2009 first appeared on River View Observer.

Don’t Renovate- Refresh

With Cost Effective Furniture & Tips

(ARA) – Todayâ€s on-the-go homeowner demands furniture that performs double duty to provide high function without sacrificing style. Amid todayâ€s challenging economic climate, families are calling for quality and casual trends that can resonate for years to come, all at smart prices.

Thoughtful splashes neednâ€t cost thousands: Consider accessorizing rather than renovating. Low-cost, easy changes can enhance a homeâ€s value and the pleasure in reveling in a unique and personal living space.

Many people often forget that new window treatments are the quickest fix for a room. They provide texture and an instant face lift. Layering throws and pillows adds depth and comfort, and brightening a dining room with crisp table linens and stately candle accessories adds a touch of refined class. Of course, a simple fresh coat of paint can both cleanse and color any room.

When transitioning to furniture, pieces need to have hidden features that enhance value. Think lamps with adjustable height capabilities, nightstands and mirrors with built-in power strips for recharging those handheld devices that get us through the day, and dining-room tables with drawers to cleverly and neatly house placemats, napkins and other accessories.

“Homeowners donâ€t need to spend a fortune to enliven their living space,” says Jeff Allison, executive vice president of home at JCPenney. “Adding or switching out accessories and other small touches can certainly make a refreshing difference.”

JCPenney is listening to todayâ€s time-crunched, style-conscious consumer looking for casual yet high-functioning home furnishings and, in response, is launching Linden Street, a new private brand of functional, attractive home furnishings and accessories now available at JCPenney stores nationwide, JCPenney Catalog and on www.jcp.com.

To celebrate the new line, family and the community at large, JCPenney is hosting a nationwide contest, “Is Your Street a Linden Street?” in which consumers are invited to demonstrate their neighborly goodwill via a written essay. Three lucky winners will win a living room makeover and $5,000 towards throwing a neighborhood block party.

To register for the contest, visit http://isyourstreetlindenstreet.com. Contest entries are accepted until 11:59:59 pm ET on Sept. 1, 2008.

Here are some additional easy ways to refresh a room:
* Reframe photos: Attractive, well-made frames not only add class to a space but place special attention on precious memories.
* Consider an area rug: Small punches of color via an area rug — whether on a hardwood floor or low-pile carpet — add interest to any space.
* Re-arrange furniture: Simply moving the couch, armoire and coffee table makes for a whole new room.
* Eliminate clutter: A room can appear much larger — and more sophisticated — utilizing smart solutions like a storage ottoman.
* Bring the outdoors in: Plants and other greenery infuse instant life.

The post August Decor first appeared on River View Observer.

(ARA) – Every homeowner knows that the kitchen is the perfect place to please the palate. But it can also be the perfect place to add character with the color palette. When remodeling the hub of your home, choosing the right colors is an important part of the decision making process. But how do you choose colors that are compatible with your space and your taste?

Connie Edwards, CKD, CBD and director of design for American Woodmark, offers some helpful tips for guiding your color choices to banish kitchen boredom.

Cabinetry Color vs. Wall Color

Painting your kitchen walls is an easy way to add color and personality to your space. Soft blue wall paints, which are calming and easy to live with, are also versatile as they work well with both light and dark cabinetry. The color can balance cabinetry with a darker finish, such as cherry spice, or accent cabinetry with a lighter finish like maple butterscotch.

Go Bold

If you prefer the colors in your home to be trendy, consider using dramatic hues to brighten up your kitchen walls. “Bold, ethnic colors such as red and gold, the colors of China, are expected to gain interest because of the upcoming Olympics, while botanical greens are strong partly because of the environmental movement,” says Edwards. If you are not quite ready to make such a bold commitment, buy a small container of paint and test it on an inconspicuous area of the wall to see how it works with your kitchen and your style.

Mixing Finishes and Countertops: How to Avoid a Color Trap

Another simple solution for taking a kitchen from drab to dazzling is to mix cabinetry finishes and/or countertop colors. Mixing finishes and countertops is a surefire way to avoid the common color mistake of matching everything. When everything in a room is the same color, it becomes either too intense or too bland.

To avoid this color trap, choose two finishes that balance one another. Combining a maple cream or natural maple finish on the main cabinetry with a cherry chocolate finish on the island adds depth and pulls the entire room together. Or, keep the finish the same on both and use contrasting countertops for the main kitchen and the island to achieve the same balance.

For another fool-proof solution, black countertops combined with white or cream cabinetry create a timeless look. The black and white trend has made a big comeback in the last year.

Itâ€s the Little Things that Make a Big Difference

If you do not want to transform your entire kitchen into a colorful oasis, but still want to show off your style, a little bit can go a long way:

* Incorporate a backsplash in a patterned, multi-colored, or even metallic tile to easily add personality without committing to a full-on color renovation.

* Include glass front cabinetry, such as an open or mullion frame door, to create a dramatic backdrop for your vibrant glassware.

* For a quick and easy color pick-me-up, change your cabinet hardware; add colorful art prints; or invest in some bright appliances such as a toaster, food processor or mixer.

While a lot of thought and consideration should be put into the color choices of your kitchen, it does not have to be an overwhelming process. Once you know what style suits your kitchen color needs, head to your local Home Depot and speak with a design professional about how to add a kick of color to your kitchen. For other great kitchen design ideas, including cabinetry styles and finishes, visit

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The post Kitchen Color Trends & Tips for 2008 first appeared on River View Observer.

 COUNT DOWN TO THE 2011 HOLIDAY SEASON

                                                                                                                                       

(ARA) “Tis the season for making merry. Whether you are celebrating a traditional family holiday at home or entertaining some friends for a festive cocktail party, use decorations to transform your home into a winter wonderland this holiday season.

Here are some quick and simple holiday decorating tips from the experts at ProFlowers:

Classic Country Christmas
Your family tends to make all of your holiday decorations from scratch, and everyone pitches in while stringing the popcorn to go around your oversized Christmas tree. This year, take your homemade decorating a step further and transform your home into a festive country cottage. Hang pinecone garland, bought or homemade, along your staircase to bring the outdoors inside. For an added country touch, add plaid red and white ribbons to your garland. Hanging greenery on your mantel is always a classic touch, and this year you can take it a step further by sprinkling fake snow on the greenery to give your home a cozy feeling.
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Modern Holiday
The thought of hanging red and green patterned stockings from your fireplace makes you quiver. You prefer to celebrate the holidays in a minimalist way. You would love to bring the merriment of the holidays indoors without overdoing it, so what can you do? Instead of hanging them on your wall, try placing small evergreen wreathes on your dining room table or side table with votive candles in the center. This innovative candelscape will smell great and look festive without screaming HO! HO! HO! You can also try decorating your fireplace mantel with fragrant pines or topiaries in vases that have classic, clean lines.Retro Revival
If the smell of eggnog takes you back to the tinsel and brightly colored glass ornaments of your youth, you might be longing for a retro holiday. Bring back those feelings by breaking out your old boxes of ornaments and even making some of your own with old photos and retro patterned fabric. Keep your table centerpieces simple by running your table with red, orange and yellow candles set among fresh smelling evergreen.

Holiday Cocktail Party
Celebrating the holidays with some friends and some warm cocktails? Spruce up your dining room or kitchen by hanging evergreen boughs from a chandelier or lighting fixture. Gather up a few sprigs of greenery after trimming your Christmas tree and tie with a red bow to use at your place settings. You can also use these extra bits of evergreen as a substitute for real mistletoe, which is actually poisonous and dangerous for children and pets.

Whether your style is traditional, modern or just plain over-the-top, you will find the perfect holiday collection to suit your needs this holiday season at www.proflowers.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The post DECOR -What’s Your Holiday Decorating Style? first appeared on River View Observer.