Decor & You Core Story

TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc. Millions of people come home to . . . Ugly unused or uncomfortable space. A sea of clutter Furnishings that look simply like a “mishmash of possessions” Missing or wrong window treatments dark & cramped areas that lack personality & pizzazz

feel completely overwhelmed same thing everywhere can’t spend all my free time can’t afford mistakes struggling unsure For most, decorating is a struggle TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

45 % they just can not choose colors 25 % the colors they like would not fit the room Avoid over-the-counter-color advice and save yourself time, money and "do-over" frustrations. Top Challenges: In a recent survey people felt: TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: COLOR PHOBIA Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

The power of colors can… Knowledge of color theory is critical in making the right decisions about your color choice --- the first time! set a mood, attract attention, or make a statement. energize, or to cool it down. create an ambiance of elegance, warmth or tranquility. convey an image of playful youthfulness. Combining the intricacies of science and color can make rooms sing with harmony! TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: COLOR PHOBIA Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: COLOR PHOBIA 90 % of visitors to a paint department of a local big box store * were unable to define two of these basic color harmony terms: Monochromatic Analogous Complementary Split Complementary Triad Asymmetrical Tetrad-Double Complementary * Informal exit poll 27 respondents Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

Understand the essential properties of color: hue, saturation and value. They transform: Colors respond differently to light because of how their color was created, i.e. pigments, fabrics, etc. It’s called Metamerism into 12 basic colors 12 million colors Colors are impacted by surrounding colors; it’s called Simultaneous Contrast TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: COLOR PHOBIA Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

Does this sound like you… I love buying every home decorating magazine or book, and spending my free time reading every word! I can’t imagine a better place to spend a Saturday (and Sunday!) than in a furniture store, strolling the aisles for hours- just looking for that “perfect” sofa! I have no other hobbies, decorating my home over and over again is my life! So, if I get it wrong the first time, it’s not a big deal! I can spend all my free time decorating! TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: LACK OF TIME Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

… or is this more like it? Where does the Time go? Get ready! Get Set! GO! Source: Results from National Sleep Foundation's 2008 National Sleep in America Poll. Americans have a very long day Wake Up Call: 5:35 am That morning time flies by Out the Door: 7:45 am Commute to Work: 23 min That’s without Traffic Start Work: 8:09 am Commute Home: 23.min Only if you get to go straight home Home By: 5:27 pm And your to-do list begins Finally In Bed By: 10:53 pm TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: LACK OF TIME Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

Poor Furniture Selection & Value TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS What used to be a somewhat simple Decision now needs far more consideration about safety and value Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

U.S. household wood furniture imports have risen this could explain the abundance of “curb side” furniture that is available today. from 19% in 1992 to 64% in 2008 We all have heard or seen the disappointed customer’s comments about how they can’t even count on the Top Retail Stores anymore. Retail FACT: Quality that was there yesterday is no longer here today. Retail FACT: Customer service usually can’t help once you have accepted delivery. TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: QUALITY Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

You can quickly expose “ curb side ” quality by following these simple tips: TIP 1: Lift up one end of a sofa or an arm of a chair. Then push on the arms, back or wings. There should be little or no give when you do this. TIP 2: Always avoid upholstered furniture that is squeaky. TIP 3: Must have strong, stable frames that cannot be felt from the outside. Check corners and edges; if you feel the frame within, the cover or padding will wear out prematurely. TIP4: Look for straight, strong seams. TIP 5: Does it pass the rub test. 100% Kiln-dried hardwood frame. Arms wrapped with high-density foam Inside backs supported by sturdy sinuous steel springs or crossed-weave webbing, each covered in high density foam padding. Exterior frame wrapped with foam padding Pillow back cushions filled to ensure a uniform soft back Dacron foam filled seat cushions or Dacron with Feather and down. Hardwood legs. Stress points reinforced by dowels, corner blocks, screws and glue. Steel coil springs 8 way hand-tied to the frame using polyester cord or Sinuous Spring affixed to the frame Foam coils for overall seating comfort. Padding edge roll provides shape and firmness to the front edge. Skirts that are lined and then interlined for lasting smoothness and shape. Before you purchase a piece of furniture, Ask yourself . . . How long do you want it to last? Quality Construction Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

TODAY'S TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS Today the furniture in our homes not only affects our comfort , but can also impact our health Safety & Environmental Impact Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

Today's Headlines “ Thousands injured by 'toxic gas from Chinese sofas” New Warning - Drapes and Upholstery are often treated with and give off formaldehyde. Many baby nursery furnishings tested emit very high levels of formaldehyde. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) The TSCA gives a "free pass" to all chemicals in existence before 1976. Those chemicals are not required to undergo any safety testing. Some 60,000 chemicals, that have been linked to health issues, are grandfathered in the TSCA and not subject to mandatory safety tests. Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

Non Eco friendly material products In a recent survey Only 27 % of youth bedroom units sold last year were comprised of Eco-Friendly Materials Leukemia, brain cancer, and other childhood cancers have increased by more than 20 percent since 1975. Source Tracey J. Woodruff, et al., America’s Children and the Environment , (Washington, DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2008) TODAY'S TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: SAFETY Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

Source: Minnesota Department of Health Many products we have in our homes release or “off-gas” VOCs. Some examples of sources of VOCs are: Building Materials Carpets and adhesives Composite wood products Paints Sealing caulks Solvents Upholstery fabrics Varnishes Vinyl Floors Short-Term high levels of VOCs Eye, nose and throat irritation Headaches Nausea / Vomiting Dizziness Worsening of asthma symptoms Long-Term high levels of VOCs Increased risk of: Cancer Liver damage Kidney damage Central Nervous System damage Formaldehyde: A flammable reactive gas belonging to the VOC family of chemicals. Breathing low levels of VOCs for long periods of time may increase some people’s risk of health problems. Several studies suggest that exposure to VOCs may make symptoms worse in people who have asthma or are particularly sensitive to chemicals. The US Department of Health and Human Services considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen. Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

Is it any wonder that we have a nation of very sick and disabled children? New information about the heavy metals found in coal ash has the EPA currently considering classifying it as hazardous waste. Dimethylfumate is commonly added into furniture from China to prevent the growth of mold and was responsible for recent outbreaks of contact dermatitis. Bonded leather only contains 17% leather. There are toxic chemicals such as lead and cadmium that are used to create the shiny leather like surface of bonded leather Typical household paint contains up to 10,000 chemicals, of which 300 are known toxins and 150 have been linked to cancer. TODAY'S TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: SAFETY Contact dermatitis will only fade if the skin no longer comes in contact with the irritant. There is carpeting across America today, that has been made from recycled coal ash. Don’t assume all leather furniture sold today is made with 100% real leather. Most paints will release VOCs that may lead to serious health problems over time . Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

Approximately 150,000 children are hospitalized and 600 children die annually from asthma. It is the primary cause of school absenteeism.* 12 Ways to Green Your Indoor Air Quality Important note: Indoor air quality (IAQ) can be particularly compromised during winter and summer months when the home is more likely to be sealed tight. * Source United States Environmental Protection Agency For More Information… TODAY'S TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: SAFETY Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

Does any of this sound like you. Do you… always buy your products from bargain sales, including paint? never worry about color? Do you tend to just stick to brown and beige? just push all your furniture against the wall and call it a “floor plan”? hate sticking to a any kind of plan? If you don’t like it when you get home, you’ll save for your next tag sale. think about lighting,? Or do you think, “who needs more than one lamp per room, put a 100 watt bulb in and call it a day”. Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: MISSING A PLAN Correcting decorating mistakes involves too much time and $$$. Often we end up wondering what went wrong and living with: Colors and Furnishings that do not fit the room. Sagging, depressing window treatments. Rooms that do not function. Flooring that’s impractical. Bad lighting. TODAY'S TOP FIVE COMPLAINTS The #1 reason for a master plan: Getting it right the 1 st time Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

Timeline: : Don’t forget to factor in your available time. If you plan to handle everything by yourself, you will need to be realistic about the amount of time you have and how quickly you will be able to accomplish each process of your decorating project. Portable Color Plan: : Include all the your swatches for: paint, fabrics, wallpaper and flooring samples and have them with you when you begin the shopping process. Floor and Function Plan: It's so important to know the space that you're dealing with and all its limitations. You have to measure each wall, window, and door opening. Make sure you cut out and resize each product selection and arrange it on your pre measured space grid that has all your rooms’ measurements. Style Plan: Start looking for your personal trends everywhere. Ask yourself, are you Formal or Informal. Then look through as many home design and decorating magazines you can find. Cut out and save any pictures that you find inspiring. Furnishings and Accessories Plan: Have a very detailed list of all products you want to have in your room, and stick to it when shopping! Its easy to get distracted, having this list will keep you on target and help curb impulse buying. Investment Plan. Plan to Buy – Buy to Plan Take into account what you really want to spend and over what period of time. TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: MISSING A PLAN Plan to Buy –Buy to Plan for a Beautiful Room Easy to follow tips for your … Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

You can add a great deal of value and space to your home just by focusing on: Changing your floor plan Improving color scheme Furnishings and accessories Adding area flooring New window treatments Accent lighting Replacing dated Fixtures Light alterations such as decorative trim Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

A few items or the entire room Furniture Accessories Art Wall Coverings Window treatments Accent Lighting Flooring Wall to Wall with Rugs Change Fabrics TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: MISSING A PLAN Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

Simplify your next decorating project and seek the experienced advice from an in-home professional decorator. They will modernize and ADD value to your home. They will help you save $$$ by helping you avoid decorating mishaps. They will answer all your questions and help you make difficult decisions. They are certified color experts. They are product specialists that save you time and give you access to resources only available to the trade. TODAY'S TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: WRONG ADVICE Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

“ Room-In-A-Bag .com ” Big Al from AL’S Hardware Store Anyone but Big Al at the Hardware Store Your BFF. Who has redecorated her home 5 times and finally has it right Your own personal in-home Interior Decorator A good interior decorator will help you put together a solid plan of action – Plus – Save you months of searching for product information and other research. Decorating Advice INDEX NOT GOOD GOOD TODAY'S TOP FIVE DECORATING BLUNDERS AND RISKS: WRONG ADVICE Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

A trained professional will be there from the beginning to the big reveal. You can expect an experienced decorator to do everything from simply listening to your ideas to supervising the entire project. From procuring products and selecting fabrics, to scheduling and overseeing all installations and deliveries. They can provide a safety net that only experience offers. Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

Together in your home we’ll discuss the home décor goals you and your family share. a look that’s uniquely yours “ Not only is Decor&You practical, they are FABULOUS!” I love how my home makes me feel now! “ Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

Decor Design Planning Space Planning Window Treatment Design Lighting Plans Color consultation Project management Green and Sustainable Design Exceptional Warrantee and Customer Satisfaction feel a higher level of comfort ALL of our decorating services are complimentary including: Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

Quality without compromise We are your Personal Product Specialist Furniture & Accessories Art Wallpaper & Paint colors Window Treatments Accent Lighting Flooring Wall to Wall with Rugs Fabrics Custom Bedding Sustainable Products love the space you’re in Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

What's on your mind… 1. Define your style goals Ask yourself: What do you want to accomplish? – next – How do you want your home to look and feel? 2. List your options List and plan how you are going to pull your new look together 3. Surround yourself with knowledgeable people Every Decor&You Decorator has the experience and talent to guide you through all the hurdles ahead of you plus a winning team of experts that she/he can call on for any of your requests. a step above the rest “ I have never had a store or service give me the same great experience as Decor&You”. Copyright © 2010 -2011 Decor&You, Inc.

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