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Eric Cohler is one of the country's leading designers and a frequent contributor to top home and shelter publications, including Elle Décor, House Beautiful and Traditional Home.
Meet
Eric Cohler
Eric Cohler
Kenmore Leading
Home Design Expert
Home Design Expert
Style steps
• Decorate the pet's area with colors from your décor for consistent and elegant style.
• Buy monogrammed bedding for your furry friend.
• Or, open and fill a piece of vintage luggage with chic pillows for
inexpensive comfort and style.
inexpensive comfort and style.
• Choose food bowls that complement the bedding you've selected.
Consider antique bowls or other unique pieces.
Consider antique bowls or other unique pieces.
Pet products
• Newly designed beds, bowls and doghouses are far more aesthetically pleasing than their utilitarian
counterparts of the past.
counterparts of the past.
• Designate a personalized basket to store pet toys.
• Monogrammed coats, collars and leashes add class.
Pet-lover's home
• If space allows, create a special room for your big dog's toys, bed and food bowls.
• Install doggy doors on entrances that are most frequented by your pet.
• Provide a stepstool for little dogs to help them climb onto furniture.
• Create an indoor sweet-grass area for cats to relax in.
• Have an outdoor play space for your animals, even an area on the terrace or balcony. Be sure your pet is safely guarded from the edge.
Kids' room or playroom
• It's their space, so let your child choose his or her favorite paint color for the walls.
• Install cubbies for each child's items.
• Choose sheets and linens in patterns
that reflect your child's interests.
that reflect your child's interests.
Living room
• Keep several sets of throw pillows to
alternate as the mood strikes.
alternate as the mood strikes.
• Purchase new wall art at local galleries
or art fairs.
or art fairs.
• Fresh seasonal flowers keep rooms
lively during colder months.
lively during colder months.
Bathroom
• Purchase new towels. White, fluffy towels
are inviting and calming while bright ones
add color and character.
are inviting and calming while bright ones
add color and character.
• Add baskets to corral items that normally
clutter countertops.
clutter countertops.
• Use scented candles and soaps to
suit your mood.
suit your mood.
Kitchen
• Kitchen walls are often overlooked when
it comes to color because cabinets demand so much wall space. Fresh paint or a bold accent wall adds a new design
element.
element.
• Buy new cabinet hardware. It's a fairly
inexpensive way to update the look
without completely replacing cabinets.
inexpensive way to update the look
without completely replacing cabinets.
• Change window treatments. Play with a
variety of materials and colors to see
which affords the most natural light and
creates the most appealing atmosphere.
variety of materials and colors to see
which affords the most natural light and
creates the most appealing atmosphere.
Master bedroom
• Your bedroom should be your personal
oasis. Paint it a soothing color that will
help you sleep.
oasis. Paint it a soothing color that will
help you sleep.
• Invest in bedding that makes a personal
style statement, but is subdued enough to
be a calming element.
style statement, but is subdued enough to
be a calming element.
• Select bedside lamps that offer multiple
light settings; bright light for reading,
softer light for relaxing.
light settings; bright light for reading,
softer light for relaxing.
A bold statement helps establish an overall aesthetic. A few secret weapons will help you effortlessly achieve designer style. Painting walls an opulent color like eggplant or mulberry adds richness to an otherwise unchanged room. You can get the same effect with new throw pillows and curtains. Their lush tones will make subtle colors pop.
First impressions count, and an inspired entry makes for a memorable reception. Select bold wallpaper and coordinate it with other colors in your home. Finish the room with a unique light fixture, decorative ceiling treatment and fresh flowers. These little details help establish your personal style.
Some of the most striking design changes can be completed in just a few minutes.
Rearranging furniture is the simplest thing to do. Shift your sofa to the opposite side of the room or move tables from one room to another. Remove clutter and display only the things you love. Keep the space open while showcasing your most beautiful possessions.
Rearranging furniture is the simplest thing to do. Shift your sofa to the opposite side of the room or move tables from one room to another. Remove clutter and display only the things you love. Keep the space open while showcasing your most beautiful possessions.
Entertaining outdoors in autumn is especially pleasant - no sweltering heat or pesky bugs. To create a fall fantasyland, build a fire pit in a corner of the yard and string white lights in trees and bushes. Arrange pumpkins and gourds in clusters to highlight the colorful gifts of the season.
Keeping clutter at bay keeps the focus on the décor. Use decorative baskets or boxes on shelves to capture clutter and keep items organized. I love ottomans that open to reveal hidden storage. They're great for tucking away extra blankets. Utilize space with under-bed storage bins that hold seasonal items.
Start by thinking of your garage as a room in your home, rather than a place to store cars. Install bike racks and pegboard to keep tools and equipment off the ground and give you more room to maneuver. Add cubbies or shelves for each family member.
If space allows, add a workbench or potting table.
If space allows, add a workbench or potting table.
The days are growing cooler and more colorful, a sure sign that the holiday season will be here soon. I'll share my autumn inspirations so you can transition to the season in style.
Q: I've recently installed white pegboard in my new workshop and
I would like to paint it. It has a glossy finish; are there steps I
should take to ensure the primer and paint will adhere to it?
I would like to paint it. It has a glossy finish; are there steps I
should take to ensure the primer and paint will adhere to it?
A: Sand your pegboard with a light-grade sandpaper, then apply
a primer like KILZbrand. Finish with the paint color
of your choice.
a primer like KILZbrand. Finish with the paint color
of your choice.
Do you have a question for our make-it-simple team or tips and ideas to share?
Send them to KenmoreBrand@searshc.com. Each month, our experts will respond to select questions and we'll post select user tips and ideas. If we respond to your question or post your tip, you may receive a $10 Sears gift card. Send yours today!
Send them to KenmoreBrand@searshc.com. Each month, our experts will respond to select questions and we'll post select user tips and ideas. If we respond to your question or post your tip, you may receive a $10 Sears gift card. Send yours today!
