Want to understand all the facets of Interior Decorating and Design straight from the pros? Then look no further than this extensive guide for your home. 

The Homeowner's Guide to Interior Decorating and Design

BENICIA — Choosing new window coverings for your home isn’t something to be taken lightly. Window coverings are a substantial investment, so it’s important to make an informed, conscientious choice that will leave you satisfied for the long term. Here are two pieces of advice for choosing a window covering product: Don’t get too attached to a window covering style before meeting with your designer. Sometimes you’ll have your heart set on a particular type of shade or blind, but due to the configuration of your windows, the angles of your walls or some other factor, it ends up not being a good fit for your home. For this reason, instead of focusing on a particular style of window covering, Read more

<h1>Shem Isaac: Drawn Into Shades</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
BENICIA — While he initially planned for a temporary stint in the window covering industry, Shem Isaac ultimately found himself drawn into a permanent career. “Before I got involved in window coverings, I was in the water purification business,” he recounts. “My company was being bullied by a much larger competitor, and it got to the point where I was having trouble supporting my family. An acquaintance of mine who had a small window covering business offered to pay me $500 to get some appointments for him. I went out and got him seven appointments. He came back and said, ‘These leads are garbage. I didn’t make a single sale!’ So, I went out the next week and got him six more, only to get the same result. I couldn’t understand what was going wrong, so I asked him to take me along on a couple of appointments. It didn’t take long for me to see what the problem was. His sales presentation was ghastly. He didn’t explain anything to the client—he just told them his shutters were the best and everything else was subpar. Then, without measuring any windows or even touring the house, he gave them an estimate of $10,000. The homeowner was speechless…because what do you say?”
Determined that he could do better, Shem asked his acquaintance if he could try his hand at some sales presentations. “I went out there and struggled,” he admits. “I had no mentor—actually, he was an anti-mentor—so I had to figure it out for myself. It took two weeks to make my first sale. I didn’t do a great job, but I spent a lot of time educating the homeowner and offering them design and color suggestions, which they appreciated.”
Following this first successful appointment, it didn’t take long for Shem to hit his stride. “I would learn more with each sale I made, and it just snowballed from there,” he affirms. “Our profits doubled in my second month and then again in the following month. All this time, I still had plans to return to the water purification business. However, I gradually fell in love with window covering sales. I found out I was good at it and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
Today, as owner of Home Living Window Fashions, Shem says his favorite part of his job is developing his staff. “I’m a hands-on owner and I take time to train and foster my employees. Whether it’s going into the field with my salespeople and installers or spending time with the scheduling department, I want to invest in the people who make up and represent my company.”
A resident of Vallejo (where he lives with his wife and business partner, Melody, and their children), Shem spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “Melody and I have twin daughters and a son, so family is the biggest aspect of our lives,” he says. “We like to watch movies, go on hikes, do backyard barbeques and take road trips together. I also enjoy reading nonfiction books and watching the latest superhero movies and TV shows.”
In regard to a professional philosophy, Shem references a book he says has been particularly influential in the way his business operates. “‘The Speed of Trust’ by Stephen Covey is all about developing relationships and attitudes that instill trust in your clientele,” he explains. “We need to have speed of trust with our vendors so we know they’ll back us up if a customer has an issue. We need to have speed of trust with our employees to set them up for success. And, of course, we need to have speed of trust with our customers so they feel comfortable and confident in our services. If an issue arises, we don’t have a ‘Well, you have to prove it’ mentality—we’re like, ‘OK, let’s move forward and get this taken care of.’ That’s what it’s all about.”
When asked what he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Shem says he would start a business to help young entrepreneurs. “That would allow me to fulfill my love of mentoring. The number one reason small businesses fail is because they’re under-capitalized, so I would probably provide some seed capital and then coach them to avoid the number two cause of failure: lack of vision. I think that would be a very rewarding way to spend my time and effort.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What was your first business? 
A: I owned a comic book and sports card shop in Napa when I was in my early 20s. We had a small arcade and we were across the street from a high school, so it was a really fun environment.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: Manny’s Steakhouse in Vallejo.
Q: What’s your favorite book? 
A: “Launching a Leadership Revolution” by Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady.
Q: Do you collect anything? 
A: I collect gold and silver bullion.
Q: Who’s your favorite superhero? 
A: Captain America.

Shem Isaac: Drawn Into Shades By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter BENICIA — While he initially planned for a temporary stint in the window covering industry, Shem Isaac ultimately found himself drawn into a permanent career. “Before I got involved in window coverings, I was in the water purification business,” he recounts. “My company was being bullied by a much larger competitor, and it got to the point where I was having trouble supporting my family. An acquaintance of mine who had a small window covering business offered to pay me $500 to get some appointments for him. I went out and got him seven appointments. He came back and said, Read more

Shem Isaac is president of Home Living Window Fashions, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (415) 493-8979 or by email.

Shem Isaac: Drawn Into Shades

PETALUMA — When hooking up a new A/V receiver, one worthwhile measure is to label all of the cables. While easy to overlook, this simple step can save you a lot of time and trouble if you ever need to disconnect or relocate your receiver in the future. Few people realize that most A/V receivers come with pre-printed labels for just this purpose. As you connect each source (TV, CD player, etc.), simply find the corresponding label and attach it to the cable. That way, should any of your cables get disconnected, you’ll know exactly where to reconnect them. Today’s high-end receivers come with labels for just about every kind of component, Read more

<h1>Tito Pabon: A High-Definition Career</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
PETALUMA — When asked what led to his career in the home theater and automation field, Eliseo “Tito” Pabon says it all stemmed from a childhood fascination with technology. “When I was a kid, I had a set of walkie-talkies, and I wanted to know what was in there and how it worked. In high school, I took up radio and TV repair, and after graduating, I joined the Coast Guard, where I continued working with electronics, telephony and computers. Twenty-five years later, I got out of the Coast Guard and wanted to continue in the electronics field. In 2006, I got connected with Jim Hage, then-owner of High Definition Designs, and went to work for him. Eight years later, my wife, Lauralee, and I assumed ownership of the company.”
Today, as owner of High Definition Designs, Tito says he enjoys both the technical and customer service aspects of his job. “I really enjoy setting up a new home theater or automation system and seeing it come to life. However, I think my favorite part is seeing the client’s reaction and getting that ‘wow’ factor.”
A resident of Petaluma, Tito expresses his appreciation for the North Bay climate and the active lifestyle it promotes. “I’m an avid cycler and I love the outdoors, so the weather is perfect for me,” he affirms. “I also enjoy playing tennis, going on walks with our dogs and doing landscaping projects around my house.” Besides enjoying the local lifestyle, Tito takes regular trips to the East Coast to visit his son, Joshua, who is a postal carrier in New York City, and his daughter, Jocelyn, who runs a small business in Baltimore.
In his life and career, Tito espouses the importance of integrity. “I strive to be a man of my word and always do what’s in the client’s best interest,” he affirms. “There have been times when I’ve had to tell a client, ‘I can’t help you,’ and referred them to someone else. In some cases, the client will call me later for a different job, simply because they appreciated my forthrightness, so it’s often a win-win.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Tito says he’d see the world. “I would definitely travel more, especially overseas. I used to travel a lot when I was in the Coast Guard, but since becoming a business owner, I haven’t had the time. I’ve never been to Europe, so that’s probably the first place I’d go.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What are your favorite sports teams? 
A: The New York Yankees and the New York Giants.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: It’s a toss-up between Sugo Trattoria and LUMA, both of which are in Petaluma.
Q: Would you rather live in the city or the country? 
A: The country.
Q: Do you collect anything? 
A: CDs, records and digital music.
Q: If you could immediately master any musical instrument, what would you choose? 
A: Either the guitar or the saxophone.

Owner

Tito Pabon: A High-Definition Career By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter PETALUMA — When asked what led to his career in the home theater and automation field, Eliseo “Tito” Pabon says it all stemmed from a childhood fascination with technology. “When I was a kid, I had a set of walkie-talkies, and I wanted to know what was in there and how it worked. In high school, I took up radio and TV repair, and after graduating, I joined the Coast Guard, where I continued working with electronics, telephony and computers. Twenty-five years later, I got out of the Coast Guard and wanted to continue in the electronics field. In 2006, Read more

Eliseo "Tito" Pabon is a veteran of the home theater and automation industry and owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/high-definition-designs">High Definition Designs</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2005. He can be reached at (707) 992-5999 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/high-definition-designs">email</a>.

Tito Pabon: A High-Definition Career

NOVATO — Even if your home has been remodeled to today’s style and standards, one aspect may still be obsolete: your fireplace. Here are a couple of ways to bring an outmoded fireplace up to date: 1. Aesthetics Whether they were built in the 1980s or the 2000s, most fireplaces are composed of the same elements: a prefabricated firebox with glass, bi-fold doors framed in brass. Unfortunately, regardless of its construction date, a fireplace made of these elements tends to look passé. To update the look of your fireplace, replace those glass-and-brass doors with a custom-made, wrought iron fireplace door. These doors can be made to order and even include specific designs such as emblems or images. Read more

<h1>Ron Kiesel: A Door of Opportunity</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
NOVATO — After losing his livelihood to an economic downturn, Ron Kiesel was fortunate to come across a brand-new door of opportunity. “In the early 2000s, I was a project manager for a housing developer based in Mexico,” he recalls. “Living part-time in Mexico and part-time in Truckee, I had the best of both worlds. However, when the economy crashed in 2008, it all ended. The Mexican economy is very dependent on the U.S. economy, so, not surprisingly, the housing market took a big hit, which put me out of a job. While figuring out what to do next, I had a conversation with my good friend, Danny, who owned a successful fireplace door business in Southern California. He figured if his business model worked in SoCal, it could work up north as well. The next thing I knew, I was selling fireplace doors in the North Bay Area.”
Today, as president of Fireplace Door Guy, Ron says his favorite part of his job is the creative possibilities. “I build all of my doors from scratch, so when it comes to design, it’s pretty much a blank canvas. That allows my customers to be as creative as they want with their designs. One time, a customer gave me a picture of the moon and stars, and I incorporated it into the door design. That keeps things interesting and makes my customers really happy.”
A resident of Novato (where he lives with his wife, Andrea), Ron spends his time outside of work on a variety of pastimes. “I have a ’99 Mustang Cobra convertible that I enjoy driving when the weather is nice,” he says. “I also have a condo in Scottsdale, Arizona, and I go down there every year for MLB Spring Training.”
In his life and career, Ron espouses the value of a positive mindset. “Wherever I am, I make the best of it,” he explains. “When I was in Mexico, I was happy there; when I was in Truckee, I was happy there; and now that I’m back in the Bay Area, I’m happy to be here doing what I’m doing. Life is full of transitions, some of which are planned, some of which are unexpected, but as long as you can roll with the changes and stay positive, you’ll be all right.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Ron says he’d head to a tropical locale. “I like warm, tropical climates, so I’d probably take a vacation somewhere in the Pacific Islands—preferably somewhere I haven’t been yet, like Jamaica.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What was your first job?
A: Selling car parts.
Q: Music or talk radio?
A: Both. I listen to sports radio on KNBR in the morning and Pandora on my phone the rest of the time.
Q: What kinds of music do you like?
A: Mainly country and classic rock.
Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Sun Chips.
Q: If you could time-travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: I’d go back to the 1950s and ’60s. Things were so much simpler and easier back then. Sure, we have a lot more conveniences today, but things are also a lot more complicated. I miss the simpler times.

President

A glimpse into the life and career of Ron Kiesel, president of Fireplace Door Guy LLC.

Ron Kiesel is president of Fireplace Door Guy, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (408) 692-5980 or by email.

Ron Kiesel: A Door of Opportunity

ROHNERT PARK – When it comes to selecting new window treatments, today’s homeowners have numerous options. However, out of the many choices available, only one will substantially add to the value of a home: shutters. Once they’re installed, shutters are considered a “fixed asset,” which puts them in the same league as other permanent fixtures like floors and countertops. Imagine you were having your home appraised and inside you had several thousand dollars’ worth of custom draperies. In this case, the home appraiser might add $500 to your appraisal for having the windows covered. With shutters, on the other hand, the value added to the home often exceeds the cost of the shutters themselves. Read more

<h1>Duane Vos: Blind Ambition</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
ROHNERT PARK — When Duane Vos started installing window blinds as a young man, he had no idea it would lead to a full-fledged career. “My dad owned a flooring and decorating store in Parker, Arizona, where they sold window coverings but didn’t install them,” he remembers. “He was also into cars and was paying me to restore a ’59 El Camino in the shop behind the store. One night, his manager told me he’d been installing blinds after work for the last 15 years and asked if I was interested in taking over for him. At $15 per blind, it was way more money than I was making restoring my dad’s car, so I agreed to take the gig when I was finished. After installing blinds for a couple of years, I made a deal with a distributor to start selling them as well. On January 1, 1998, I moved back to Phoenix, where I was raised, and started Creative Window Fashions.”
Four years later, Duane relocated from Phoenix to the Bay Area, where he planned to try his hand at a new livelihood. However, as if by fate, he found himself right back where he left off with window coverings. “While my wife and I were looking at houses, I became friends with a builder who asked if I would install shutters in his house,” he recounts. “Within a month, I had three more window covering jobs, and things just took off from there. I figured it was meant to be, so I stuck with it and opened a new Creative Window Fashions in California.”
Today, Duane says his favorite part of his job is interacting with customers. “I love people, so dealing with customers is something I’ve always enjoyed. Customer service has always been and continues to be the focal point of my business.”
Outside of work, Duane stays busy with an active lifestyle. “My wife, Maria, and I enjoy going for walks, swimming, and most of all traveling—that brings us the most joy. In the past year alone, we’ve traveled to Israel, Mexico and Peru. We also love spending time in Hawaii and going swimming with dolphins.”
In regard to his professional career, Duane cites a correlation between spirituality and window coverings. “I’m a very spiritual person, so I consider the spiritual side of everything I do,” he explains. “In the metaphysical world, we work a lot with light, and that’s also a big part of what we do in the window covering industry. When I’m in a house doing a consultation, a lot of the questions have to do with light. How much light does the customer want? What type of light do they want? What color? A lot of people don’t think about this aspect of window covering design. In the end, I want to make sure I’m on the right spiritual path, and just by the amount of lives I’ve touched in this business, I know I am.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: What was your first job?
A: I worked at the local Dairy Queen when I was 15.
Q: What’s your favorite book?
A: “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: Scotland.
Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Apples with almond butter.
Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: I would go to the future so I could bring back information and tell people that we’re going to make it—we’re going to be alright.

A glimpse into the life and career of Duane Vos, CEO of Creative Window Fashions, Inc.

Duane Vos is CEO of Creative Window Fashions, Inc., a Diamond Certified company since 2011. He can be reached at (415) 935-0986 or by email.

Duane Vos: Blind Ambition

PLEASANTON — There is a wide range of window treatments available on the market today. Three of the most popular options are blinds, shades and shutters. To learn more, read the following overview of each of these window treatments: Blinds One of the most economical window treatments on the market, blinds come in two different formats: horizontal and vertical. Horizontal blinds are available in wood, faux wood and metal, with slats or louvers that range in thickness from half an inch to two and a half inches. You can also choose between cord-operated or cordless blinds. The most common application for a vertical blind is over a sliding glass door. For a modern upgrade, Read more

<h1>Alan Robinette: An Interpersonal Opportunity</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
PLEASANTON — Years ago, Alan Robinette was looking for a career change—preferably one that involved more interpersonal interaction. As it turned out, the window covering industry gave him a perfect opportunity to do just that. “Prior to my current career, I was a service division manager for Huffy, where most of my interactions were with corporate buyers in an office setting,” he recounts. “As time went on, I became interested in finding a career that would allow me to interact with people on a more personal level. I figured a good avenue for this would be to get involved in some aspect of home interiors, which is why I ultimately chose to get into the window covering industry.”
Today, as president of Window-ology, Alan continues to enjoy the rewarding work entailed by his second career. “I still really like interacting and forming relationships with customers, as well as beautifying their home interiors. Besides enabling me to work with people on a personal level, my job allows me to have a direct impact on their lives by enhancing the beauty and functionality of their homes.”
A resident of Pleasanton (where he lives with his wife, Chris), Alan likes to spend his free time on active pastimes like working on his house. “I own a historic home that I’ve enjoyed restoring and maintaining, and I continue to do little projects here and there,” he affirms. “It’s neat to know I’m putting work into something that will transcend my lifetime.” Alan says he also likes to travel regularly. “Often, I’ll combine vacations with my business-related travels, whether by arriving at the location early or staying a week after. My favorite city to visit is definitely Paris—I’d love to just stay and hang out there for a month.” Additionally, Alan enjoys spending time with his and Chris’ two grown daughters, Ashley and Lauren, and granddaughter, Naomi.
In regard to his professional career, Alan has taken to heart the phrase, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” “One thing that sets Window-ology apart is we don’t just install window coverings; we make our own,” he explains. “We have a facility where we manufacture our own shell shades, roller shades and other products. We take a lot of pride in making our own high-quality window coverings, and it also enables us to give our customers more options in terms of customization.”
When asked what his life might look like if he were to retire tomorrow, Alan says he’d probably take that month-long Paris trip he’s been daydreaming of. “I would definitely continue to travel. Of course, in between, I’d need to find something to keep me busy, so I’d probably do some more home projects. One thing I’d like to do is build a two-story playhouse for my granddaughter.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Coffee or tea? 
A: Actually, I prefer espresso.
Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant? 
A: I have two, both of which are in Pleasanton: Forno Vecchio and Eddie Papa’s American Hangout.
Q: What were you most known for in high school? 
A: I had a pickup truck, and I’d give a ride to anybody who wanted to jump in the back.
Q: If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future? 
A: Probably the past, just to learn more about my family history and get to know some of my ancestors.
Q: What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? 
A: For my 40th birthday, my family threw me a surprise party and invited pretty much everyone who’s been a part of my life from high school onward. That was really special.

Alan Robinette: An Interpersonal Opportunity By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter PLEASANTON — Years ago, Alan Robinette was looking for a career change—preferably one that involved more interpersonal interaction. As it turned out, the window covering industry gave him a perfect opportunity to do just that. “Prior to my current career, I was a service division manager for Huffy, where most of my interactions were with corporate buyers in an office setting,” he recounts. “As time went on, I became interested in finding a career that would allow me to interact with people on a more personal level. I figured a good avenue for this would be to get involved in some aspect of home interiors, Read more

Alan Robinette is a veteran of the window covering industry and president of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/window-ology">Window-ology</a>, a Diamond Certified company since 2009. He can be reached at (925) 331-0343 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/window-ology">email</a>.

Alan Robinette: An Interpersonal Opportunity

SANTA ROSA — When it comes to reupholstering a chair or sofa, one aspect that’s sometimes overlooked is the cushion. However, a cushion can have a significant impact on how a piece of furniture looks and functions, so it’s important to look beyond the fabric and regard what lies beneath. Few people realize that a cushion can make or break an upholstery project. Whether it doesn’t fit correctly or wasn’t properly installed, a cushion can make the entire job look bad. Additionally, a poorly installed cushion is often uncomfortable, which can defeat the purpose of having a piece of furniture in the first place. To avoid such issues, discuss your cushion options with an upholstery specialist and, Read more

<h1>Dan Skiles Jr.: Mastering the Craft</h1>
<h6>By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter</h6>
SANTA ROSA — In the years following his employment at an upholstery shop, Dan Skiles Jr. went from sweeping floors to mastering a time-honored craft. “After graduating from high school, I got a job at a local upholstery place, where I started off pushing a broom and making deliveries,” he remembers. “Pretty soon, I moved up to stripping furniture and started learning how to sew. Along the way, one of the old-timers took me under his wing and taught me the finer points of the craft. In 1985, I started Master’s Touch Upholstery and have been here ever since.”
Today, Dan says that although shifts in popular consumption have had a diminishing effect on the upholstery trade, it has also created a more specialized niche for the craft’s remaining practitioners. “These days, most people don’t take their sofas to be reupholstered—they just buy a new one. As a result, there’s not nearly as many upholstery shops as there used to be. However, there are still plenty of people who have high-end or antique furniture they don’t want to get rid of, which helps keep us in business.”
A lifelong resident of the North Bay Area, Dan resides today in Santa Rosa with his wife, Cheryl, where he appreciates the luxuriant local landscape. “Here in Sonoma County, we have some of the most beautiful countryside around,” he asserts. “As a lover of the outdoors, I enjoy driving around and taking in the scenic beauty.”
Outside of work, Dan enjoys a number of hobbies and activities, including gardening, fishing, raising birds and playing guitar for his church’s worship band. “I like gardening on my property and fishing for largemouth bass at Clear Lake,” he affirms. “I also raise Indian Fantail pigeons, which I show, judge and sell.”
In regard to a professional philosophy, Dan espouses the importance of integrity. “When we open up a piece of furniture, we have to make decisions depending on what we find,” he explains. “An upholstery shop can either cut corners and go the cheap route or do it in a way that yields long-lasting performance. By staying committed to the latter approach, we consistently do right by our customers.”
When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Dan says he would continue enjoying the things that currently occupy his free time. “I would spend more time tending to my garden and birds, as well as fishing. I’ve never been much for traveling—I’m just happy being out in the fresh air and among growing things.”
Ask Me Anything!
Q: Coffee or tea? 
A: Tea.
Q: Have you ever read a book more than once? 
A: The Bible.
Q: What’s your favorite snack? 
A: My mom’s chocolate chip cookies.
Q: What’s your favorite holiday? 
A: Christmas—it has religious significance for me and it’s a time for family to get together.

Dan Skiles Jr.: Mastering the Craft By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter SANTA ROSA — In the years following his employment at an upholstery shop, Dan Skiles Jr. went from sweeping floors to mastering a time-honored craft. “After graduating from high school, I got a job at a local upholstery place, where I started off pushing a broom and making deliveries,” he remembers. “Pretty soon, I moved up to stripping furniture and started learning how to sew. Along the way, one of the old-timers took me under his wing and taught me the finer points of the craft. In 1985, I started Master’s Touch Upholstery and have been here ever since.” Today, Read more

Dan Skiles Jr. is a 45-year veteran of the upholstery industry and owner of <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/report/masters-touch-upholstery">Master's Touch Upholstery</a>, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (707) 200-7463 or by <a href="http://www.diamondcertified.org/contact/masters-touch-upholstery">email</a>.

Dan Skiles Jr.: Mastering the Craft

Do you want to understand all the facets of interior decorating and design straight from the pros? Look no further than this extensive guide.

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR REPORTGetting Started with RedecoratingRedecorating your home can be a daunting enterprise, especially if you have no idea where to start. One of the best things you can do to get the ball rolling is visit a flooring showroom. This will give you a chance to survey the various product options and get guidance from experienced flooring specialists.When you visit a flooring showroom, it

DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR REPORTGetting Started with RedecoratingRedecorating your home can be a daunting enterprise, especially if you have no idea where to start. One of the best things you can do to get the ball rolling is visit a flooring showroom. This will give you a chance to survey the various product options and get guidance from experienced flooring specialists.When you visit a flooring showroom, it’s a good idea to bring samples of the colors and textures in your home, such as paint and fabric swatches. These kinds of “color cues” can serve as a basis from which to create a fresh design scheme. However, if you want to start from scratch and choose all-new colors and fabrics, your home’s existing swatches and fabrics won’t be of much help. In this instance, your best bet is to bring in elements of your current home décor that won’t be changing, like artwork or framed photographs. Using these, a flooring specialist can help you find corresponding colors and build a new design scheme for your home. Larry Blodgett is a 25-year veteran of the flooring industry and owner of Blodgett’s Abbey Carpet &amp; Flooring, a Diamond Certified company since 2009. He can be reached at (925) 335-6958 or by email.

DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR REPORTGetting Started with RedecoratingRedecorating your home can be a daunting enterprise, especially if you have no idea where to start. One of the best things you can do to get the ball rolling is visit a flooring showroom. This will give you a chance to survey the various product options and get guidance from experienced flooring specialists.When you visit a flooring showroom, it’s a good idea to bring samples of the colors and textures in your home, such as paint and fabric swatches. These kinds of “color cues” can serve as a basis from which to create a fresh design scheme. However, if you want to start from scratch and choose all-new colors and fabrics, your home’s existing swatches and fabrics won’t be of much help. In this instance, your best bet is to bring in elements of your current home décor that won’t be changing, like artwork or framed photographs. Using these, a flooring specialist can help you find corresponding colors and build a 

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