All posts tagged design advice

September Designer of the Month: Interiors by Mary Susan – LaGrange, Hinsdale, Burr Ridge & More!

Each month, DeSitter chooses one of our very special designers to be our designer of the month. We introduce them to our customers with a little background information about them, some design tips/advice directly from the designer and some images that showcase their work. For the month of September, we are proud to honor Mary Susan from Interiors by Mary Susan!

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Interiors by Mary Susan began twenty five years ago this month.  It has been quite a journey.  I have designed homes from coast to coast including three in Hawaii and two in France.  I was involved with the Ronald McDonald home at Loyola as well as the Constance Morris Home in LaGrange.  In addition, I have designed candy and card shops, restaurants and private businesses.  My design journey has been an honor and a privilege.  I still get excited over remaking just one room.  Designing hundreds of kitchens and bathrooms has often brought me to a DeSitter showroom.

My relationship with DeSitter began over 15 years ago.  I was having carpet installed in a 10,000 sq ft home when, for personal reasons, the installer decided to quit that day.  The carpet was all cut up and my client’s home was in complete disarray.  I reached out to Steve DeSitter, one of the owners of DeSitter Flooring, located in the same town as my business.  DeSitter saved the day and that was the beginning of what has now become a long-term, professional relationship.

Steve and Tom have a reliable professional business that is supportive of both the community and designers.

Below you will see some examples of DeSitter flooring that I have incorporated in my design work over the years.

Mary Susan’s Top 10 Design Tips!

  1. Go big or go home.  Always error on a larger size with chandeliers, artwork and tile!  Also, fewer larger accessories that look important are better than a lot of clutter.
  2. There can be only so many divas in a room. Everything cannot be the star!
  3. Choose colors YOU love and not necessarily what is trending. I promise you it is all a cycle.
  4. Remember scale!  Scale is so important when selecting furnishings for a space.  Two 84” sofas can be completely different in scale because of style, yet the exact same size.
  5. Stick with live or simple faux plants. Orchid’s rock.
  6. Drapery mounted near a ceiling, when applicable, looks opulent and adds height to any room.
  7. Remember rooms need to breathe. Just like you! Do not feel you have to fill every corner.
  8. Bookcases and mantels need special attention. To me, there is nothing like thoughtfully placed books.
  9. Spend money on good lamps and fine art and less on upholstery to elevate the look of a room.
  10. The result of beautiful spaces that spill into one another is because they have just enough continuity to pull them together and just enough contrast to make them independently interesting.

 

 

DeSitter Summer Clearance! LaGrange, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, Wheaton & More!!

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Dare to Compare Prices!

You truly cannot beat our Overstock Clearance prices, ranging from $.95 – $4.95.

Are you currently thinking of remodeling your bathroom? How about creating your dream kitchen? Let us help you do just that!

We have two showrooms that house our Tile and Stone products: 444 Roosevelt Road in Glen Ellyn and 301 W. Hillgrove in LaGrange. Stop in or Call today to set up a FREE Design Consultation with one of our Tile Specialists! 630-633-5407

We have tiles in all colors, sizes, designs, finishes, etc. so we are sure to have exactly what you are looking for!

Summer is almost here! – Glen Ellyn, LaGrange, Carol Stream, Hindale, & More!

Summer is right around the corner and you’re going to bounce right into it! If you’re planning on hosting bbq’s, parties, get togethers and more….you’re going to want to be sure your home is up for the challenge!

It’s the perfect time to switch up your interior design and add some color and freshness to your decor. This can be achieved by doing a huge project or by simply adding some accent pieces here and there – it’s all up to you!

Looking for carpeting, hardwood, or lvt? Great! We have two conveniently located showrooms for you to visit and a very friendly staff to help!

Interested in a tile project but need some help? Awesome! We now have two locations that house all of our tile products AND we offer a FREE design consultation!

Let us help you transform your home into a perfect place to meet with family and friends and enjoy your summer!

Tile! Tile! Tile! LaGrange, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Burr Ridge & More!

DeSitter is here to offer you the best prices on quality products without sacrificing quality! Why trust your neighborhood tile shop? It’s simple, we have over 70 years of flooring experience. We supply the best brands and custom tile solutions so that our customers have the best selection to shop from.

Work with our designers and friendly sales staff to find the ideal tile for your home. Whether it’s re-tiling a master bathroom, updating your kitchen flooring, or another area of your home, we provide an enjoyable flooring experience from start to finish.

With our tile gallery, you choose from the highest quality tile that fit within your budget. From ceramic to natural stone, we have exactly what you need! Stop In or Call Us Today to set up your free design consultation!

High quality, beautiful style, and affordable prices, that’s our guarantee.

Call (630) 633-5407 or contact us today for a free estimate from DeSitter, you won’t be disappointed!

June’s Designer of the Month: Vanessa Nunley Designs – Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Carol Stream, LaGrange, Hinsdale, Western Springs & More!

Each month, we like to recognize one of the designers that we partner with and feature them on our site to showcase some of their work. We also ask them to provide a few design tips, words of advice or an article focusing on something that they are passionate about. This not only helps us continue to build up our relationships with the designer but also to offer their services and expertise to more of our clients.

For the month of June, we have decided to feature Vanessa Nunley from Vanessa Nunley Designs! Read the article below and take a look at some pictures of her work. Please feel free to contact Vanessa directly about any services that she may provide for you and to assist with any of your current or upcoming projects!

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Vanessa Nunley Designs – 630-8716119 – vanessa@vanessanunleydesigns.com – www.vanessanunleydesigns.com

La Grange Park 60525 Ceramic & Natural Stone Tile

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There’s no better place to shop in La Grange Park for tile than DeSitter Flooring. Experts in flooring for over 90 years, we are proud to offer you the best selection we can. We want our customers to have choices when they shop for new flooring. That’s why were dedicated to providing a unique inventory of high quality products at affordable prices.

Unlike other stores who only provide a few options for ceramic tile, DeSitter carries the best brands including their own custom tiles. DeSitter provides a personal touch by providing professional design staff to help you decide. Our designers know how important having the right tile for your interior can be. We’ll find you the best fit for your home and your budget!

From the moment you start shopping until the end result, we work with you every step of the way to provide a positive flooring experience! Your satisfaction is our top priority. There’s a reason why DeSitter is the number one name in La Grange for Ceramic & Natural Stone Tile.

Our Tile Gallery is located at 301 W. Hillgrove right in LaGrange! We stock hundreds of tiles of all sorts of designs and colors and know we will have exactly what you need!

Call (630) 633-5407or contact us today for your receive a free estimate on your new tile!

April Designer of the Month – Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Geneva, St. Charles & More

It’s that time of the month again! Time to feature a fabulous designer partnered with DeSitter Flooring!

It’s no April Fool’s joke that PB Kitchen Design has some spectacular designers and we’d love to introduce you to Debbie Larson, a design specialist.

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“Kitchen design is a natural fit for someone as detail-oriented as Debbie Larsen of PB Kitchen Design in Geneva, Illinois.  Debbie is vigilant in her effort to get kitchen design right for each of her clients, and while she acknowledges that PB Kitchen’s projects are complex, she sees more and more homeowners making a concerted effort to research and be more purposeful in their planning to create simple, timeless spaces. Debbie is a multiple award winning designer and was recently featured in Kitchen & Bath Business magazine for her collaboration in a Sugar Grove, Illinois project with her colleague, Dave McFadden.”

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“When Debbie first entered the old kitchen of this Chicagoland home, she saw the opportunity to open up the kitchen to a lake view. “They wanted an organic feel, to bring the outdoors in,” explains Debbie. “The client has a large family that often had extended family and friends over, so they wanted an inviting space where everyone could gather and be a part of the food prep process. We took down the dining room wall so that space now reveals views of the lake through the kitchen as well.” 

to-do-listCheck out some helpful ‘Pro’ suggestions from Debbie!

 

#1 – Do your homework before your initial sit down meeting with a designer. Look at photos of kitchens online and make an idea book of what you like, but also, what you don’t want in your new kitchen. Houzz and Pinterest are fantastic resources for variety and inspiration. 

#2 – Make sure you and the designer have good chemistry at that first meeting. For the most part, the cost of quality customcabinetry is not going to vary too much from showroom to showroom. Look for a design team that asks you questions and listens to your likes and dislikes rather than one that acts as though they have all the answers before they get to know you. When there’s good communication you increase the chances the designer can pull valuable content from your conversation and create a space that defines your unique personality. It’s all about connection

#3 – Get inspired. I went to school for interior design, but I get my inspiration from my clients, previous projects, other designers in the industry, architects, and furniture design. Again, online kitchen portfolios and sites like Houzz make for a great starting point in deciding what kind of kitchen you want to create. 

#4 – Let your designer conquer the beast! A good designer is a fantastic listener. I love the depth of finding out about my how my clients use their kitchens in their daily lives and what defines them as a working family. It’s my job to draw those practical needs out of them, be precise in solving their spatial concerns, and ultimately creating a beautiful space they never want to leave. 

#5 – If being innovative and unconventional excites you, tell your designer. I do enjoy a client who will break out of the proverbial kitchen design box. Currently, we are working on an “Organic Industrial” type of kitchen remodel which combines distressed finishes and clean lines. Woven into this design is a contemporary vibe with a sprinkling of natural stone, iron and steel elements. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and let your designer “see” your personality and quirks – the outcome can be marvelously you! 

 

Dark Hardwood VS. Light Hardwood – LaGrange, Hinsdale, Lisle, Western Springs, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton & MORE

Hardwood flooring is becoming more and more popular nowadays. It’s relatively easy to maintain, a beautiful addition and valuable!

But, just like carpet, there are so many different products to choose from! There are different species, different sizes, and different stains! Making your decision may not be very simple.

There is one particular topic that many people debate on: dark hardwood or light hardwood. You have to determine what’s best for you and we can help with a list of some pros and cons for both!

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Dark Hardwood:

  • Currently the most popular in trends
  • More modern
  • Less expensive to stain floors darker
  • Go with lighter cabinets the best
  • Hides gaps, knots and water stains better
  • Shows almost all dirt and dust so needs to constantly be swept up and maintained
  • Shows scratches more
  • Makes spaces appear smaller

 

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Light Hardwood:

  • Does not show a lot of dust and dirt, needs less maintenance
  • Hides scratches and dents because of the lighter color
  • Goes with darker cabinets the best
  • Makes spaces appear larger
  • Not as trendy as it once was
  • Staining existing floor to lighter colors costs more

Overall, your choice between dark and light hardwood really depends on what you like! We always feel that you should go with what you love and what looks good to you, instead of having to follow the newest trends or what’s popular at the moment.

 

What Should You Know About Stair Runners? – LaGrange, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton & MORE

Odds are that if you have a staircase in your home, it’s used quite often and seen by almost everyone who comes in to your home. With that being the case, don’t you want it to look nice and maybe even a bit classy and elegant?

There are a few different things that you can do to a staircase and it all really depends on your design style, comfort choice and how it works for you and those in your household. Of course, each has its own pros and cons.

For example, some people choose to leave the look of the hardwood stairs and keep them bare (meaning no carpeting). There are many beautiful species and stains of hardwood and this could be a beautiful look all on it’s own. However, some people have experienced a lot of slipperiness on bare stairs. This probably wouldn’t be that good of an idea where there are elderly people living, small children who are just learning to crawl/walk or are constantly climbing the stairs alone, or even those with pets that use the staircase, as well. Another issue that people find to be tiresome regarding bare stairs is how much dirt and dust piles up and how noticeable it is, if not routinely cleaned up.

The other main option with a staircase is to install a stair runner. Stair runners can be installed using broadloom carpeting or already finished stair runners and this material can be found at all sorts of stores and flooring showrooms. When considering a stair runner, there are many different options. Stair runners come in different fibers, all kinds of different styles and many different colors. These will all depend on your style choice. The other main thing that you have to decide is what type of installation you prefer; the two basic types are hollywood (the runner is wrapped around the edge of the tread and stapled under the nose of the stair) or waterfall (the stair runner flows continuously all the way down, without being fastened to the risers). See the pictures below to differentiate between the two. Some people choose to have a floating install, which means only the top surface of each stair is carpeted and the carpet on each step is not connected to the next.

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Other design choices that have to be made is how much stair you want visible on each side of the runner. Some people choose to have no stair shown, while others stick to the rule of thumb of 4″ of stair showing on each side. It really all depends on your design choice. With wider staircases, the area of stairs still visible is generally larger than 4″ on each side. Another option is to have stair rods installed on your stairs or not to. Some people think it gives the staircase a more elegant look, while others either don’t like the look it has or sometimes complain that the stair rods cause issues with stubbing toes on them. Again, it’s based on your personal preference and no one way is the right way. The following images show staircases with stair rods installed. Stair rods also come in different finished and designs.

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When having stair runners installed, there is a chance that there may be some extra carpeting left over. In situations where this is the case, you can sometimes ask the installers to make bound area rugs from the excess material so that is not wasted. This is something that you should speak to your sales associate about when discussing your install.

If you have any questions or would like to look at some carpeting samples for a stair runner in your home, contact us at (630) 633-5407 to set up a consultation!

 

How to Choose an Area Rug – LaGrange, Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Western Springs & MORE

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You’re interested in purchasing an Area Rug for your home but what’s the best way to do so?

First, you need to decide if the Area Rug is to serve as the focal point of the room or if it is to be used more as an accent to your room’s decor. It truly does make a difference! If it’s to be the main design piece of the room, you will have to coordinate all of your other decor around the rug. If it is to be an accent to your room’s decor, then you have to make sure the color or design balances with everything else in the room and helps accent it.

Next, you need to decide what size Area Rug you need. This can be a little tricky because some people like it differently than others. It’s YOUR Area Rug and YOUR room, so feel free to choose what you feel looks best! If you’re interested in what the “rules of thumb” generally are for Area Rug sizes, this is what is often said:

  • For dining rooms, it’s recommended to have the Area Rug be large enough to not only hold the table, but to accommodate the chairs as well.
  • For hallway runners, it’s recommended to have at least 6 inches of flooring shown on each side of the runner.
  • In general, it’s recommended to have the Area Rug be 2 feet shorter than the shortest wall in the room.
  • In large rooms, a general rule is to have about 18 inches of bare floor between the edge of the rug and the perimeter walls.
  • In smaller rooms, the general rule is to have about 8 inches of bare floor between the edge of the rug and the perimeter walls.
  • For bedrooms, you can either have 12-18 shown of the rug on the sides and foot of the bed OR you can simply have a smaller rug (same width as that of the bed) at the foot of the bed. You can even have runners on each side of the bed (and at the foot of the bed too!), if you’d like.
  • In larger rooms, you can have one large rug OR you can also coordinate two or more rugs together and have them all in the same room

If you do research on how to select an Area Rug, you are going to come across a ton of different “general rules” and “rules of thumb” and read all sorts of different opinions on the Do’s or Don’ts. You simply need to keep in mind that there will never be a right or wrong answer, just an opinion and a preference. Feel free to bend or break the rules.

Make your space YOURS! Get creative, step out of your comfort one, introduce colors to your rooms, and have fun with your interior design! 

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