Home Interiors & Gifts, the direct sales company famous for its decorative wall plaques and home accessories, officially ceased operations in 2008. The original company, founded by Mary Crowley, was dissolved after its parent company filed for bankruptcy. However, the brand name and product lines were acquired and have continued under different structures. Today, a successor entity operates primarily online and through independent consultants, often under variations of the name like "Home Interiors & Gifts by Celebrating Home." While the classic door-to-door sales model has diminished, the core concept of selling home decor through party plans and individual representatives persists, allowing the company's legacy to continue in a modern, adapted format.
The 70-30 rule in interior design is a guideline for creating balanced, visually appealing spaces. It suggests that 70% of a room should be decorated in a primary style or color scheme, providing a cohesive foundation. The remaining 30% is reserved for a secondary, contrasting style or accent elements. This allows for creative expression and prevents a room from feeling monotonous. For example, a living room might have 70% modern furniture with neutral tones, while the 30% could be vibrant artwork, textured throws, or vintage decor pieces. This principle helps achieve a layered, curated look that feels intentional and harmonious, rather than cluttered or overly matchy. It's a flexible rule that encourages personalization within a structured framework.
Budgeting for an interior designer varies widely based on project scope and location. For full-service residential design, a common range is 10% to 20% of your overall project budget, including furnishings. For a standalone design fee, expect $100 to $200+ per hour, or flat fees for defined projects like a single room. Some designers work on a cost-plus model, purchasing items at a trade discount and charging a markup. Always clarify the fee structure upfront. Allocate an additional 10-20% contingency for unforeseen changes. Investing in a professional designer can prevent costly mistakes and add significant value through space planning, trade discounts, and cohesive vision.
The 80/20 rule in interior design, also known as the Pareto Principle, is a guideline for creating balanced and visually appealing spaces. It suggests that 80% of a room should feature a dominant, cohesive style or neutral color palette, while the remaining 20% is reserved for accent pieces, bold colors, or a contrasting style. This approach ensures a room feels harmonious and intentional, not chaotic. For example, a living room might have 80% in neutral beiges and grays, with 20% in vibrant throw pillows and artwork. This rule helps designers and homeowners layer interest effectively, making updates easy and cost-efficient by focusing impactful changes on that smaller, versatile portion.
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