Interior Decoration

Window Treatment Sewing Lessons
Sewing class for intermediate sewing students. You will learn to make a rod pocket swag/jabot valance for your windows. Phone (203) 431-9995 to register and contact instructor before class to help you determine what fabric yardage/trim/hardware you need to purchase and allow us to make a pattern sized specifically for your window(s). If you are familiar with and have a machine of your own, you are encouraged to bring it; otherwise one will be supplied to you. All materials are provided (except the decorative fabric, trim, and hardware) for which a materials fee will be collected at first class. Taught by Mary Villa. Mary Villa is owner of Newtown Curtains LLC which provides high-end custom window treatments, bedding, pillows, and blinds. She also teaches sewing classes in upper Fairfield County.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for Fall 2010 dates.

Use What You Have Interior Design, Decorate for Less Make-over Tips and Update with the Hottest Design Trends
Learn how to rearrange your present furniture, and use as much of what you already have to make your rooms beautiful and stylish. Then, you’ll see how to update with key pieces and accessories. We’ll view the hottest interior decorating trends today to update or make-over the rooms in your home to look fresh, stylish and reflect your personal taste. Would you like to know a designer’s tips for decorating on a limited budget--where you can save money, and where you should buy quality, as well as sources for inexpensive and great design? In this interactive class, designer Georgette Miller will showcase her favorite 50 hottest interior decoration trends from the most popular design magazines and books. She’ll also discuss her favorite make-over ideas, and share tips on decorating stylishly for less money. We’ll view over 100 charming rooms which have budget decorating ideas. Students will practice identifying the latest design trends, collaborate on a practice make-over room from a recent decor magazine, and can bring in pictures of their own rooms for make-over and updating ideas. Reading list of the instructors’ favorite books on these topics supplied. $5 fee for class supplies, materials and handouts. The class is team-taught by Georgette Miller, interior designer and Linda Keefer, educator.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for Fall 2010 dates.

Color

Color Choices for Your Home
Participants will learn how to pick the correct color for any room in their home or for the home’s exterior, based not on a trend, but on individual, interesting and specific selections. This workshop provides participants with an overall view of their chosen selections along with an easy visual technique to help choose colors. An assignment will be given enabling students to apply their knowledge at home. Students are encouraged to bring color sample chips or pamphlets from hardware stores or other design centers. If choosing exterior colors please bring a recent photo of home. Taught by Elizabeth Madden. Elizabeth Madden is a Color Therapy Specialist educated at Parsons School of Design. Her interior design business, Creative Color Concepts is 15 years old.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for Fall 2010 dates.

Green Design and Energy

Green Design: How to Incorporate Renewable Energy into Your Home
Our reliance on oil, coal and natural gas has had profound effects on the environment, and has cost homeowners and landlords tremendous sums of money. This course will focus on alternatives to conventional energy sources. Renewable energy offers homeowners an excellent alternate solution to their energy needs. While these sources of energy generally require a significant up-front cost, they do pay off over several years of use. They are also eligible for tax credits from the state and/or federal government. We will discuss various new technologies and products on the market, and learn which ones would work for the typical homeowner. Taught by Gail Ascher. Gail Ascher is a licensed Architect, with a strong interest in sustainability and green building, and many years of residential design experience. She is a LEED Accredited Professional, having recently passed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design exam.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for Fall 2010 dates.

Feng Shui

Feng Shui for the Garden
Planting a new garden? Working with some existing plants? Not sure where a garden should be? What colors to use? Can I do this myself?...Yes, you can. This class covers the best placement of gardens, best colors to use, successful plantings for this area and applies the “bagua” for larger garden areas. Bring a picture of the front of your home which includes your driveway area. Taught by Joanne Loftus.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for Fall 2010 dates.

Feng Shui
Joanne Loftus is back with her popular and dynamic Feng Shui seminar. By applying simple techniques to your home, you create a place that supports and enriches everyone who lives there. What better time than now, to make your home as wonderful as possible. We will begin at your mailbox and go room by room discussing technique, colors, decor and so much more. Feng Shui allows you to look at your home in a whole different way. It is the most simple adjustments that create the most powerful changes. A $10 materials fee is payable to the instructor at class. Taught by Joanne Loftus. Joanne Loftus is a consultant who lectures on Feng Shui and Home Staging in this area.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for Fall 2010 dates.

Home Staging

Home Staging
“You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”. In this difficult market, make your home as appealing as possible. We will go room my room covering do’s and don’t and ideas that are inexpensive yet very effective. Make your home as “saleable” as possible. A discount consultation is available for anyone who attends the class. Taught by Joanne Loftus. Joanne Loftus is a consultant who lectures on Feng Shui and Home Staging in this area.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for Fall 2010 dates.

Preparing Your Home for the Market (or to Enjoy It Yourself)
Lonnie Shapiro, co-author of the Connecticut issue of How to Make Your REALTOR® Get You the Best Deal, presents a general discussion of what buyers see when they look at a house and the before and after benefits of staging. She has arranged a variety of guest speakers including professional stagers and a professonal organizer who will explain what you should start doing. Participants will view a video of a major real estate trainer discussing preparing your home for the market. There will be a panel discussion including a building inspector and an attorney who will provide more information on additional ways to prepare for your eventual sale. A recent home purchaser will comment on what she expected when she saw houses. Lonnie Shapiro has been a realtor in Ridgefield for over 30 years, has been teaching several years, and works for Prudential Connecticut Realty.
Please call (203) 431-9995 for Fall 2010 dates.