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This basement renovation enhanced and expanded the family’s living space by giving the children an area to play with their friends. When the parents entertain, they enjoy the wine cellar, kitchenette and beautiful bathroom.

Greening your home to make it more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Use these 10 ideas to get started on going green.

• Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Replacing just five incandescent bulbs with CFLs can save you $100 per year on electricity bills.
• Plug air leaks around doors, windows and other spots with weather-stripping and caulk.
• Use a programmable thermostat to keep the temperature at 78 degrees in summer and 62 degrees in winter when no one is home or everyone is sleeping.
• Buy Energy Star appliances.
• Reduce water waste by adding inexpensive aerators to your sink faucets, changing to low-flow showerheads and dual-flush or no-flush toilets.
• Use no- or low-Volatile organic compound (VOC) paints and cleaning products. VOCs can cause many short- and long-term adverse health effects.
• Use wood alternatives or sustainable wood products, such as rapidly renewable bamboo flooring or wood cabinets certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
• Plant trees to provide shade and wind protection for your home, which will reduce heating and cooling costs, and pick native plants that need less water, fertilizer and pesticides.
• Make sure your HVAC system is running efficiently. Change filters monthly during peak usage periods.
• Switch to clean and renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, geothermal heating units or even wind turbines. If that isn’t feasible, you can also sign up for green power through your local utility to help expand the development of these technologies.

Everybody seems to be on a budget, Monique could help guide you to the most economical items for your home design project. Monique carries budget blinds, budget shades, budget shutters, and other window treatments that will work within your budget. Contact Interiors by Monique to get the most value for your home project.

There are many different ways to go green in the interior of your home and making the right choices on your furniture, carpeting and window treatments is important. Some popular green choices are made of the following materials; wool, silk, cotton, mohair and bamboo. Not only adding beauty to your home, these products are all natural and have little impact on the environment.

Do you and your spouse have opposite opinions on your homes decorating? Interiors by Monique can referee, she will brake the tie with her professional opinion and bring harmony to your home.

Have a limited budget, or just need a consultation? Interiors by Monique can accommodate you with her new virtual design. As an alternative to traditional design, she will now offer telephone or email design sessions. Interiors by Monique offers decorating and design suggestions, budget help, and a step by step guide on how to accomplish your project.

Should you need help with carpeting, window treatments, furniture, reupholstering, or colors, etc. Interiors by Monique can advise you via phone or email answering your questions on how to improve your space, so you will fall in love with your home once again.

Contact:  Monique [at] interiorsbymonique [dot] com or 781-239-3410

The dull bathroom came alive with a splash of color and new contemporary vanity. The white ceramic tile with variegated shades of blue mosaics transforms the room into a modern space.

The sheers hanging down from the canopy of the bed give an airy, ethereal, ambiance to the room.

Decorating a child’s room should be lots of fun.  But with a small, powerful critic judging your every move, making choices can be stressful.  What will my child like?  Will this be sturdy enough?  Will it last?

Boys Bedroom

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when starting a child’s room redo:

1. Keep your child involved

It may seem obvious, but most parents forget to ask their young children what they want when it comes to room design.  You may not be able to honor every wish, but you can certainly keep your child involved in the process.  By recognizing your child’s opinions, you show respect, the room will more likely reflect their desires, and they will feel ownership and pride.

2. Your child, the artist

You child’s artwork not only makes for colorful accessories on the walls, but it works as a confidence booster.  Frame an art project as you would any other special piece.  By treating your child’s work as special, they will feel special.  And they will know that they are contributing to the beauty of their room.

3. Keep storage low

Children can’t put their things away if the storage is too high.  To make it more likely that toys will be cleaned up, provide convenient storage.  Colorful bins and suitcases make great storage for under the bed.

4. Using color

One mistake parents make is painting the entire room in the child’s favorite color.  This can turn out to be overwhelming.  A room painted completely bright pink can be stifling and cause anxiety.  And since children change their mind so often, you may be forced to repaint quickly.  Instead, choose accessories, like pillows, rugs, bedding, and artwork in the child’s favorite color.

5. Remember function

You always want to keep function in mind when designing a room, and this is never more important than with children.  A pretty window shade, for example, will be a real disruption if it lets in too much light and wakes the child up early in the morning.  Decorative bedding can be beautiful, but if it is too difficult for the child to make his bed, it quickly loses its appeal.

By getting creative and keeping function in mind, you can create a beautiful, efficient, practical child’s room.  Have fun!