A.L.I. Designs Blog

A.S.I.D. Showhouse in Galveston

2008-05-12T16:26:26Z

The 34th annual Historic homes tour is underway in Galveston and I am proud to be one of the 12 designers selected to participate in the A.S.I.D. Showhouse. The house is the second oldest in Galveston and can be toured by the public from now until Memorial day. Please visit the link below to view the house and purchase tickets.

http://www.galvestonhistory.org/34th_GHHT_press2.asp

Pet Friendley Products

2008-03-05T20:36:07Z

I just discovered the wonderful and therapeutic world of gardening. As of just a couple of weeks ago I have begun digging up my backyard and redesigning the look. My first project was planting monkey grass along my back fence line to make it feel more enclosed. I trimmed and mulched my trees as well. The next step is concerning the weed problem and fertilizing the grass. My question is, is there any pet friendly products out there that I can use with two active dogs that love the grass? My vet told me to look for products that say "pet friendly" but I can not find any. Please help!

Rental Market in Houston

2008-03-05T20:23:12Z

One of my Associates, Avalon Corporate Housing, houses short term assignment employees from all industries. Recently they landed a large client that needed 70 apartments in the next 3 months. After the excitment wore off the work began. After calling all around Houston they were able to secure just 4 apartments. They even experienced leasing agents laughing when asked if they had any vacancies. After a couple of days with the phone stuck to their ears, they were able to secure all the apartments needed but in 5 separate properties.

This is a sure sign that the rental market in Houston is stronger then it has been in years. Apartment buildings are sprouting up all over and becoming occupied just as fast.

Area Trends

2008-03-05T20:12:16Z

Since the start of the new year I have been inundated with calls from clients needing help renovating and their homes instead of staging them for sale. In Houston it seems that the trend is moving more towards homeowners staying put in their current homes and riding out the housing nightmare that we are experiencing across the country.

Has anyone else seen this trend in their area?

Ladco's Spring Cleaning Sale

2008-03-05T19:59:25Z

March 28-29 Ladco Design Center is having its annual cleaning out the closet garage sale. Their 80,000 square foot showroom will be open to designers and the public for a sale that can't be missed. Furniture and accessories will be discounted between 60%-80%.

I attended this event last year and found car loads of bargins that I could not pass up.

For more information visit their website at www.ladcodesigncenter.com

Premium Outlet Mall in Houston, Texas

2008-03-05T19:50:07Z

A new "Super" Outlet mall is opening March 27th in Northwest Houston. The massive complex is off of Highway 290 and Mason Road. It will feature over 120 designer an name brand stores with a savings of 25%-65%. Be sure to set aside a day to browse through the numerous deals and bargains that await you.

Can someone please tell me...........

2008-02-03T10:07:39Z

Can someone please tell me what a certified decorator or certified interior decorator is? Please tell me I did not waste all those years in college learning to draft floor plans, elevations, perspectives, etc.etc. Did I also waste 12 years of learning how to design and merchandise model homes? I don't want to appear ignorant I just have never heard of this term until recently. I am really beginning to wonder what these builder's are thinking if they hire someone who has not received a degree in Interior Design. Maybe they think these decorators are less expensive. An Interior designer will help these builders from making costly mistakes, designers know how to make things work and designers stay ahead of the curve. I have worked hard to get my degree and experience in the design field and I just want to know if I wasted all those years for nothing.

CSI-- The Experience--Houston Museum of Natural Science

2008-01-17T15:55:07Z

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is hosting this traveling forensic science exhibit February 1st through April 30th. This interactive exhibit invites you to examine "crime scenes" and figure out the who done it using clues around you. This exhibit is great for the budding scientist in your family. Visit the website below for more information and tickets.

http://www.csitheexperience.org/index.html

The Harlem Globetratters make their way into Houston

2008-01-17T15:45:24Z

Saturday February 8th and Sunday February 9th the Harlem Globetrotters will swing into town to play the Washington Generals. This is a must see event! The Globetrotters have been entertaining audiences of all ages for decades and it just keeps getting better. Tickets are reasonably priced so bring the whole family for a night of laughs to remember.

MLK Youth Parade

2008-01-17T15:39:26Z

Monday, January 21, 2008 marks Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Each year Houston puts on a spectacular parade in his honor and this year is no different. On Saturday January 19th at 2:00 p.m. 22 marching bands and 11 floats will make their way down Allen Parkway into downtown in celebration of Mr. King. Come early and dress warm. This event is sure to be a family pleaser.

Bank of America buying Countrywide

2008-01-16T16:02:59Z

Bank of America is buying Countrywide Financial Corporation for 4 Billion dollars in stock. This will make Bank of America the country's largest mortgage lender and loan servicer. The company will no longer offer sub-prime mortgages but will keep the name Countrywide. Bank of America is currently the largest mortgage lender in Harris County and second largest financial institution based on deposits. To read more on the sale visit the website below.

http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/01/07/daily43.html?surround=lfn

Folks Still Spending in Houston

2008-01-16T15:30:34Z

The sales tax revenue in Houston was up in 9.1 % in December compared to the same time last year. This is mostly due to holiday spending but represents that our great city is not feeling the economic pinch that others are. To read more local and state figures regarding sales tax visit the website below.

http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2008/01/07/daily49.html?surround=lfn

Downtown Hyatt Getting Is A Face Lift

2008-01-16T14:13:43Z

The Hyatt in Downtown Houston is getting a much needed face lift. Thirty Five Million dollars is being pumped into the budget that is expected to be finished late October of 2008. 900 guest rooms will be transformed and a new upscale steak house is being up in to entice more business travelers. The Hyatt was the first atrium style hotel in Houston opened in 1972. This hotel is a staple of our great city and it renovations are well deserved.

Houston's Meals on Wheels Gets Much Needed Help

2008-01-16T14:06:48Z

Houston's Meals on Wheels was awarded 1.4 Million dollars to help keep its "Wheels" rolling in Houston. Todd Staples of the Texas Department of Agriculture awarded the state 9.5 Million dollars total to help with their new Texans Feeding Texans Program designed to help the less fortunate through out the state. If you would like to help please do so by visiting their website. Keep in mind that every little bit helps!

A Great Opportunity Missed

2008-01-13T12:08:02Z

First of all I would like to thank Karen Otto and Kathy Lamarr for hosting a fantastic round table for the Texas stagers who attended this past week. For those Texas stagers who did not attend I really think you missed out on a great opportunity to get to know more about our field of work and how we as a group can help better educate Realtors and the public about the benefits of home staging. The more we ban together the stronger our voices will be heard. I learned so much from this round table and can hardly wait for the next one. I encourage all Texas stagers to attend the next one. I know we are all busy with our businesses, but by taking one or two days out of your work schedule to attend a round table will benefit you more than you can imagine.

I've been Memed

2008-01-07T11:33:20Z

Well here it goes, the 5 things you do not know about me. I am a huge animal lover, in fact I have a Pom who is now 9 years old and she is my second child. I have one Daughter who is now 28 years old and is my partner, I had her when I was 10 years old ( just kidding). I am originally from Lafayette, Louisiana, but have lived in Houston for 20 years now and I have no plans to ever live in Lafayette again. I know never say never. It is a nice place to visit but I have always loved living in a big city. I am completely computer illiterate, that is why I have a partner, but I am learning slowly. Finally I have been married to my best friend now for a little more than 2 years. Here is the link that Kathy gave me http://activerain.com/blogsview/27305/The- first-activerain-meme. I will now meme 3 other people. I hope I did this right, remember I'm not that good with computers.

Downtown Houston Pavilion Is Full Speed Ahead

2007-12-30T02:31:58Z

The ceremonial shovel was dug into the ground this week to mark the start of construction on the Mega Pavilion opening Downtown. The property boast 360,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 200,000 sq. ft. of office capability. The Pavilion is centered around the mayors downtown revamping initiative. This massive development will house large name retailers and restaurants that will make our city more attractive to travelers and convention organizers. Being that office space tenancy in Houston is at a historical high, companies looking to move to Houston will see it as a Welcome sign.

Home Sales and Wine-- How the Two Fit Together

2007-12-30T01:31:56Z

The custom home real estate market in Houston is extremley comptetitive. Home Builders are constantly trying to imagine what their client would want in their homes before even meeting them. The one new feature they claim a home buyer can't do without is a space dedicated to their favorite wines. Whether it be a 500 sq. ft. room or something as simple as a wine refrigerator, home buyers are requesting them in their plans. Wine room designers are booked months in advance and not complaining. When a home buyer is deciding between a home with or without the feature it could be the deciding factor that sets one home apart from the next. I believe that this trend will be around to stay.

Mixed Use Development Coming to the Heights

2007-12-30T00:56:44Z

The laid back neighborhood known as the Heights is facing a dramatic change. A developer has bought 5 acres of land on Heights Blvd. that he plans to turn into a 5 story mixed use development. The project features 100,000 sq ft. of retail space that will be topped with 200 to 300 apartments. High end retails are already inquiring about the project set to start in the fall and opening in 2009. For more information regarding the project visit the website below.

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2007/12/24/story1.html

Chevron Houston Marathon

2007-12-30T00:22:07Z

Runners its time for you to break in those new shoes you got for Christmas and gear up for the 36th annual Chevron Houston Marathon. You have just 14 days left to register and get in your last training rounds. With four different courses to chose from the whole family can participate together no matter what age or ability. If running is not for you don't forget there are volunteer opportunities as well. You still have time to register so visit the website below and get started!

http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/Chevron_Houston_Marathon.htm

End of The Year Cleanup

2007-12-29T23:52:18Z

As 2007 comes to a close, it is time for us to clean up our "closets". By closets I mean the inventory that we have been collecting over the past year. We all have a couple of pieces in our inventory that need a little to much TLC for repair. Take this opportunity to clean out some items that would not look so great in a clients home but would go great in a home for the less fortunate. I have a religious charity in a area that is glad to take anything you can give them. They will even come and pick it up from your doorstep. This a great time of year to be thankful for what you have and give back to your community.

You Want Me To Leave What?

2007-12-29T23:40:28Z

Recently I had an appointment with a builder to decorate one of his models. After the first interview he informed me that it would be my firm and another competing for the project. He asked if I could put together spec boards for him at our next meeting. I spent the next several days putting boards together that went into extreme detail regarding fabrics, furniture placement etc. Our following meeting went great and he loved my ideas. As I got up to shake his hand goodbye he casually asked me if I could leave my boards there with him so that he could look over them some more. I knew where this was going because I have been there before. I politely said I am sorry but I do not leave boards with clients. I practice this for obvious reasons as I am sure some of you have come across this before. The builder looked at me like he was offended and could not believe that I would not leave my ideas there with him.

After I left his office I started thinking, how would a builder feel if he drew up plans for a house, had a client look them over and then ask him to leave the plans there with them so they could "think" it over. No smart business person would do this and I would not expect anyone to do it for me.

Has anyone else come across this situation and if so, how did you handle it?

A True Honor

2007-12-21T10:54:52Z

Our firm was recently invited to design the powder room of the Samuel May Williams Historical home in Galveston, Texas. This home is will be the A.S.I.D. Spring 2008 Showhouse. The history I have read on this home says that it is the second oldest home still standing in Galveston and was built in 1839. I am so honored and pleased that the local chapter of A.S.I.D. has chosen us to design such a part of history. I will post before and after pictures when they become available. It will be a long process but well worth it. The showhouse will be open May 2, 2008 through May 18, 2008. If anyone is in the area it is well worth your time to see all of the Historical homes that Galveston has to offer.

Breakfast with Santa

2007-12-10T19:46:55Z

The Houston Zoo is hosting a breakfast with Santa on December 22nd. Children have the opportunity to have breakfast with Santa while learning about his elves and other furry animals at the zoo. Hot breakfast will be served and gift bags will be handed out. Advanced reservations are required so get your tickets soon by visiting www.houstonzoo.org

Houston's Home Sales Decline Slowing

2007-11-27T16:26:55Z

Houston is on set to have its second best year on record for home sales. The Houston Association of Realtors released a report showing home prices holding up against last year which will make the housing sector a very profitable one for 2007. The average single family home was up compared to last year with a median price of $145,390 but down from the national average of $210,000. Although home sales are off from 2006, Houston came out ahead of 2005 which was a record year. You can read the complete article by looking at the link below.

http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2007/11/19/daily21.html