Author name: Francis

In the digital age, where convenience often trumps all, the allure of online options and AI tools for interior design projects is undeniable. Yet, working with a human interior designer remains a timeless and irreplaceable advantage amidst the plethora of virtual solutions. Let’s explore the keys to and benefits of successfully collaborating with a human interior designer. Key 1: Clear Communication and Expectations Effective communication is vital for a successful interior design project. Before diving in, clearly discuss your preferences, budget, and project scope with your designer. Setting clear expectations helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures the final result aligns with your vision. Key 2: Budget Planning and Management Understanding the cost implications of your design choices is crucial. Your designer should provide a detailed budget that includes all expected expenses, transparent fee structures, and a plan for handling changes or unexpected costs. Key 3: Collaboration and Flexibility Collaboration is essential for a successful partnership. While it’s important to communicate your preferences and needs, be open to your designer’s professional advice and creative solutions. Collaboration involves trusting the designer’s expertise while staying involved in decision-making. Benefits of a Human Interior Designer The benefits of working with a human designer in interior design are undeniable. Beyond the tangible aspects of material selection and spatial understanding, the personal connection forged through direct collaboration fosters a sense of trust and confidence in the design process. With a human designer, you’re not just a client but a valued collaborator, actively shaping every aspect of your living space to reflect your unique personality and style. Benefit 1: Personalized Attention In-person designers offer personalized attention tailored to your unique preferences, lifestyle, and vision. Direct interaction allows a deeper understanding of your needs, ensuring that the final design reflects your personality and style. Benefit 2: Collaboration and Communication Face-to-face interactions facilitate real-time collaboration and seamless communication channels. Whether brainstorming ideas or discussing project milestones, direct interaction fosters engagement and understanding between you and your designer. Benefit 3: Spatial Understanding In-person designers have the advantage of physically visiting your property, allowing them to assess its layout, lighting conditions, and architectural features firsthand. This intimate knowledge enables them to devise design solutions that maximize your space’s potential. Benefit 4: Material Selection The tactile experience of selecting materials enhances the design process. Human designers allow you to see, touch, and feel samples of fabrics, finishes, and furnishings, helping you make informed decisions. Benefit 5: On-Site Problem Solving Despite meticulous planning, unforeseen challenges will likely occur during a project. Human designers excel at on-the-spot problem-solving, ensuring the project stays on track and delivers results exceeding your expectations. Benefit 6: Customization and Detailing In-person designers deliver customized solutions tailored to your requirements. From conceptualization to execution, they oversee every aspect of the project, ensuring that every detail is meticulously curated to reflect your taste and style. AI Can’t Replace the Human Interior Designer While online options and AI tools offer convenience, they cannot replicate the depth of understanding, personalization, and attention to detail that come with working directly with an in-person interior designer. There is power in face-to-face collaboration, and by establishing a strong partnership with your designer, you can unlock the full potential of your interior design project.

Now that spring is here, our thoughts turn to light, flavorful dishes that celebrate the season. Deviled eggs are a Midwest favorite. Perfect for holidays, game days, or just days that end in “day,” deviled eggs are one of my favorite appetizers and pair well with most party dishes. Below is a simple recipe for making deviled eggs that will be a hit at your next gathering.   Ingredients 12 large eggs 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 teaspoons mustard (Dijon or yellow, based on preference) 1 teaspoon white vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Paprika, for garnish Hard Boil the Eggs Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with enough water that there’s about one inch above the eggs. Heat on high until water begins to boil, then cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and leave covered for about 13 minutes, then give the eggs a quick dip in a separate bowl of ice water- this stops the cooking process and allows you to handle the eggs for the next steps. *Adding a pinch or two of baking soda to the water will help the shells release. Peel the Eggs Gently crack the eggshells and carefully peel them under cool running water. Blot the eggs dry with paper towels. Prepare the Filling Slice the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks and place them in a medium bowl. Set the egg white halves on a serving platter and cut side up. Mash the yolks with a fork until they are crumbled finely. Add mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper to the yolks and mix until smooth. Fill the Egg Whites Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture into the egg white halves. You can use a piping bag with a star tip for a more decorative look. Garnish and Serve Garnish the filled eggs with a light sprinkle of paprika or your seasoning of choice. I like to add a pinch of Firecracker Farms hot salt! Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. *If you’re preparing these in advance, don’t fill the eggs until the day they’re to be served. I love this recipe because it’s simple. You’ve created a creamy, tangy, and surprisingly healthy low-carb, high-protein appetizer in just five steps and maybe half an hour. The hardest part about making these is having the self-restraint not to eat them immediately; I don’t know about you, but that’s my favorite recipe. The kids also have ample opportunity to help, making prep much more fun! Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite ingredients to the filling or as a topping to create your own signature version. If you have a favorite version you want to share, please send it to hello@spectrumdg.com!

Ready or not, December is here! We presented our last 12 Days of Christmas series several years ago, and we’re excited to bring it back. Follow along as we offer ways to brighten your holiday season and the year to come. Without further ado, on this First Day of Christmas, we bring you One Room to Refresh. Is your garage feeling cluttered, disorganized, and uninspiring? It’s time to roll up your sleeves and give it a much-needed refresh. Transforming your garage into a functional and inviting space can make a world of difference in your daily life. Here are some tips to help you get started on your garage-refreshing journey. Declutter and Sort The first step to a refreshed garage is decluttering. Begin by taking everything out of your garage and sorting it into categories – keep, donate, toss, or recycle. Be ruthless in your decision-making to avoid hoarding unnecessary items. (While the “If it doesn’t bring you joy, toss it” rule may not exactly apply in this case, keep it in mind.) Create Zones Consider the different purposes your garage can serve. Whether it’s a workshop, storage area, or a place for your car, designate specific zones for each function. Use shelving, cabinets, and storage bins to keep things organized within each zone. Upgrade Your Storage Invest in quality storage solutions to keep your garage tidy. Wall-mounted shelves, pegboards, and hooks can help you maximize vertical space. Look for stackable containers to store smaller items efficiently. Paint and Freshen Up A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in brightening up your garage. Choose a light, neutral color to make the space feel larger and more inviting. Don’t forget to paint the floor with a durable, easy-to-clean epoxy coating for a polished look. Lighting Matters Good lighting is essential in a functional garage. Upgrade your lighting fixtures to bright LED options to ensure you can see what you’re doing, whether it’s working on a project or finding your tools. Flooring Solutions Consider adding protective flooring to your garage. Options like rubber mats or interlocking floor tiles not only look great but also provide a comfortable surface to work on. They are also easy to clean and maintain. Personalize Your Space Add some personal touches to make your garage feel like an extension of your home. Hang up artwork, install a small seating area, or add some indoor plants to bring life to the space. Regular Maintenance To keep your garage looking fresh, commit to regular maintenance. Dedicate some time each month to tidy up, sort items, and ensure everything stays organized. Safety First Make sure your garage is a safe place. Install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors if you don’t already have them. Keep hazardous materials and tools out of reach of children and pets. Keep It Functional Ultimately, your garage should serve your needs. Keep it functional by periodically reassessing your storage and organization systems. Make adjustments as necessary to accommodate any changes in your hobbies or storage requirements. A refreshed garage not only enhances your home’s functionality but also improves your overall quality of life. It becomes a place where you can work on projects, store belongings, and even relax. So, roll up your sleeves, follow these tips, and enjoy the benefits of a revitalized garage space. What a great way to start the new year!