Your Decor: Santa Cruz Interior Design Services

Phone: 831.535.9665
640 36th Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Click below to read our article
from Beautiful Homes


	"We had never used a color consultant before and were concerned that he end result wouldn’t be 'ours'. Kathie was very professional, easy to work with and was very sensitive to our tastes and opinions. She was able to take the things we wanted to keep and blend them seamlessly with the new colors in our bedroom. She left us with a comfortable design that is 'ours'." Patrick & Lou, Las Vegas


	"Working with Kathie was very productive. She provided a wide set of alternatives for us to consider and suggested some combinations that would work well together. Her expertise and closer sense were a real benefit. She helped us make a great choice for the interior of our home." Steve, Scotts Valley


	"Kathie’s understanding of color has been a huge help to us. I would not hesitate to recommend her if you are considering color choices for your home or office". The Patrick’s


	"We were nervous about picking the wrong colors for our bedroom and would have if you hadn’t come along. Your color selections gave us the exact feel we were looking for. We love it! I would definitely recommend Your Décor to other." The Kessler’s, Scotts Valley


	"Kathie is a wonderful help to have when organizing. She helped me move into and organize my kitchen. She did a fabulous job and utilized my small space to work for me and my husband. Moving is a nightmare in general, but Kathie had my kitchen done within a few hours! I also call her with questions constantly and she helps me come up with solutions for my small organizing projects. She is the best!" Rebecca, Aptos


	"It’s no exaggeration to say that her work puts my mind at ease. Her services helped me so I can concentrate on the things I need to get done without swimming upstream against a current of procrastination. Kathie always seems to know how to help, and where to start." John, Aptos


	"Kathie has been a terrific help to me and my business. She helped me cut through the clutter, organized my files, and rid myself of all the unimportant nonsense that has accumulated. She took control of the project and moved it from start to finish. Kathie even helped me organize a Yard Sale. I cannot imagine how I was able to make due without her." Nancy, Santa Cruz


	"Your Décor accomplishes in 3 hours what would take me 12, and does a better job! I am now more productive and have learned techniques from Kathie’s examples. My office saw the light of day after she left, very refreshing." Susan, Watsonville


	"We enjoyed having the fresh new look that Kathie gave us in our home several months ago so much that we asked her to come back and do a full makeover in another room. After Kathie went through our home she felt the most effective room for a facelift would be the room she transformed for us several months ago. As this room is visible from downstairs, Kathie felt adding color would make a big impact. She reused almost everything that was in the room but removed two pieces of furniture which she felt gave the room a more spacious feel. Along with understanding our taste and style, Kathie was great about keeping the costs down. She shopped until she found just the right things at the right price. She knew what we would like and worked towards creating it. We are now hooked on having color throughout the rest of our home and would be delighted to have Kathie would work with us again!" Janice & Joe

Kathie L. White is uniquely qualified in the field of Interior Decorating. Not only is she a Certified Interior Decorator, she is also an International Staging and Redesign Professional, Color Consultant, as well as a Professional Organizer. She is a member of NAPO, IDDP, and CID.

While living in Singapore and Thailand for 12 years, Kathie had the opportunity to study Textiles, Home Decorating, Floral Arrangement and Feng Shui, all under the tutelage of local professionals. Living and traveling abroad has enhanced her depth of design which she loves to share with her clients. Kathie is passionate about Interior Décor and continues to improve her practical skills through education in the art of home interiors. While enjoying the challenge of merging her understanding of design with the homeowner's character, Kathie ensures her client's lifestyles are addressed all the while keeping in mind what is new and fresh in the world of Interior Décor.

It’s All About Color

Recently I attended a Design & Color seminar hosted by Behr Paints. It was a fun one; I learned more about their new Aura paint (fabulous stuff by the way), listened to some interesting speakers, and of course a yummy lunch was served!

Behr presented the 2010 Design and Colors plan which is a dynamic union of contrasts. They have taken their paints and designed styles that are mixed in with a backdrop of breathtaking hues, from brilliant jewel tones to smoky blacks, folk art and retro design with reclaimed detail. The result is a captivating amalgam of color and style that can easily by described as original. By responding to a world bursting with change, innovation and diversity, four distinctive trends emerged.

Soft Structure – the softer side of modern. This design is all about using neutral colors that go beyond congenial grey and taupe. Hues of mushroom, stone and white are enhanced even more with subtle undertones of blue and lavender. These colors offer flexibility in their ability to accommodate many other colors and furnishing styles while maintaining a classic appeal.

Colors: Royal Peacock 540B-7, Opulent S-H30D, Cozy cottage 740C-2, Frost 1857. Porpoise 790E-3, Creek Bend 790F-4

Artisan Voyage – a vibrant cultural exploration. Old world charm can be created even I f you don’t venture far form home, colorful walls help define the mood of adventure. Aqueous teal conjures visions of the sea. Luminous shades of orange and gold evoke the sights and smell of fruits and spices seen on an Indian street market. Ancient civilizations come to life in the mysterious blue of semi-precious gems. Artisan voyage is a fun and colorful design for 2010.

Colors: Soulful Music 600F-7, Chlorophyll 460B-6, Status Bronze 280B-7, Empress Teal 510B-7, Glowing Firelight S-G-200

Dark Glamour – a glamorous take on industrial style. With Dark Glamour, Behr uses dark hues set in a mood of Gothic intrigue. Vivid jewel-tone accents enliven a space, antique white, smudged black and smoky gray combined with gemstone; garnet and jade are used to create rich alluring palettes. Dark Glamour is perfect for a romantic bedroom.

Colors: Deep Garnet 110F-7, Dark Granite 780F-6, Thermal Spring 490D-6, Black Suede S-H-790C, Sandstone Cove 730C-2

Farm House Craft – a fusion of urban and rural. Farm House Craft captures the essence of growth and renewal; it’s a palette of earthbound colors. Succulent garden greens accompanied by earthy browns make an organic pairing of colors creating a feeling of a stress free atmosphere.

Colors: Wine Barrel 200F-7, Mocha Accent 720D-5 Japanese Fern 400B-6, Forest Ridge 420F-7, Clay Pebble 770D-4

An Organized Space

I believe peace of mind is an important goal for everyone. Organizing and making a home beautiful and functional is a great way to create peace of mind.

At its most basic level, organizing is a about setting a goal to create a home that functions smoothly and gives you peace of mind. However, an organized environment isn’t the only goal; you want a space that’s beautiful and expresses who you are.

Take a walk around your home; do you see a room, closet or maybe your garage that could use a good clearing out? If so keep reading.

Everything you own has a call on your energy. Look a your possessions with fresh eyes and ask yourself if each object reflects your love for yourself and your space. If not, it is time to let them go.

“Do I really love this object?” “Do I use it?” Do I need it?” If the answer to any of these is “NO”, then its clutter so get rid of it.
Clutter is emotional so it may take awhile to be comfortable with letting things go. Once you start it is hard to stop. After your extra baggage is eliminated you’ll feel lighter.
Get rid of anything that’s broken, has no emotional ties, or is a hassle to use or clean.
Life constantly changes and evolves, our space is a reflection of this. After clearing out you’ll have space for new beginnings.

Clutter is postponed decisions!

Style

Personally I like an eclectic, diverse interior: a mix of contemporary, rustic and simple lines. My home is filled with items that I have picked up from my travels: I have furniture and art that are unique to me and my lifestyle. A room becomes more interesting and has more depth when you layer different styles. This may be my personal taste…it may not be yours and that is ok. One’s personal space should not look like something from a magazine or a neighbor’s home: it should reflect the lifestyle and history of you and your family.

When looking to buy new furniture think long-term. Consider buying classic pieces that will hold up over time, go for the best quality you can afford. If you purchase neutral color pieces, which are less trendy, you can easily swap out accessories to change as design trends change.

It’s not enough for a room to look pretty – it also has to function well. Put some thought into how you plan to use a room. This will dictate what kind and how much furniture you actually need.