Frequently Asked Questions

Many of our clients have questions regarding Carole Shashona’s interior design style, others have questions regarding Feng Shui color schemes, and some simply want to know more about Carole’s accessories, gifts, and empowerment jewelry. Because of this we have categorized and provided for you some of our frequently asked questions. We have even provided you with some quick Alternative Interior design tips. We hope you find the answer to your question below, but if you don’t please send us a note we would be happy to answer your question.

COLOR & DESIGN QUESTIONS AND TIPS

Home Interior Spaces

Q: I recently painted my family room walls green, and I find that my family and friends relax, then zone out in this room. What color should I paint these walls to create more energy and fun times for get-togethers?

A: If you want to create a quiet retreat, the green wall pallet is the perfect way to go. We recommend painting the walls claret or plum and you’ll be able to fire up fun times.

Q: The front door to my home is non-decorative wood, and it’s now time to paint it. What color would you recommend?

A: If your home is modern decor with lots of steel and glass you can add a punch of energy color with a red door for glamour and creativity. Remember the famous Red Door for Elizabeth Arden? If your home is traditional or a colonial, even Spanish, you can choose black lacquer or distressed black with low luster for a very chic look. Note: remember to paint the shutters to match.

Q: Is it true I should never use red in a bedroom?

A: This is a no-no.  Many people want to spike up romance, so they paint a wall red and even sometimes a ceiling. Too much red can generate anger and burn out. Instead, we recommend using small accent pillows or even adding a vase with red flowers. For more color wheel interior design information, read Feng Shui Chic. 
Or contact us to make an appointment for an off-site consultation.

Q: I’m dieting, and one of my friends recently read one of your articles and told me you mentioned red is an appetite stimulant in the dining room and kitchen. Is this true? What colors should I paint the walls? By the way, a lot of the red is natural clay brick. Help!

A: Paint your non-brick walls a very pale soft ecru or yellow to balance the red hue. Since this area is the heart of the home, too much red creates a feeling of burnout. And if you’re overworked, overtired, and burnout is added to the mix, you’ll eat more—especially carbohydrates (That’s one of the reasons fast food places tend to have a lot of red in the interior—it makes you want to eat their kind of food.) Lighting is also important here. Use warm white—not blue white—light bulbs. Blue-white light bulbs or fluorescents will add too much contrast to the brick tone, and the imbalance creates more strain on your eyes. Also be sure to add lots of plants by the window.

Q: In my dining room I have six chairs, and I do have a leaf for extension. Do I need to find the same chairs to match? I’ve been frustrated and can’t seem to find them.

A: Don’t knock yourself out looking for the impossible. Instead, look for a wonderful bench. This will help you for your overflow when entertaining larger groups, and when you’re not entertaining and you take your leaf out, you can put the bench against the wall under wonderful art and use it as an accent to hold books, plants, etc. If you have more questions, contact us for a consultation.

Q: I heard using a mirror in the bedroom causes restlessness and unfocused energy.

A: Yes, it’s true if you place it in front or in back of your bed. A perfect solution is to place a mirror on the wall opposite a wonderful view of a garden, beach, or painting. Want to find out more, check out some of my tips contact us. You might want to consider our fish door protector to bring more flow into the bedroom.

Commercial/Office Interiors

Q: We have a large corporation and often have meetings in our conference room. Midway through a meeting I often find my team seeming bored and unfocused. What can I do to pep them up?

A:

1. When it comes to Feng Shui for business offices color is the key. Why not try red seats for your conference chairs to keep the energy fired up?
2. Check your lighting and make sure you have dimmers so you can control the lighting for early morning discussions as well as evening meetings.
3. Make sure your corporation logo is visible to everyone in that room so your team can stay focused on the work at hand.
4. Keep awards given to the company visible.
5. Check out my Buddha door protectors to bring wisdom and help boost the energy in the room.
6. Make an appointment for business offices consultation; we would love to help you.

Q: I have a law firm, and in these difficult times, I want to create a warm, confident image for my clientele when they enter the office. However, my receptionist has added throw pillows and is recreating a kind of home environment. I don’t like this “warm & fuzzy” look. What should I do?

A: You’re absolutely right. Throw pillows and knickknacks are perfect for the home and will not instill confidence in your business. Instead, use specific colors such as warm greens and yellows to welcome clients. The wood element as a subliminal image shows stability and confidence. Your logo over your reception area is important. And, of course, display live plants.

Fashion

Q: I always wear black when meeting family and friends for dinner, because it’s so safe. I also wear neutral colors for my nails but then find I blend in rather than stand out in a crowd.

A: Yes, the color black is safe and also slimming. But let’s punch up the energy here with a beautiful fuchsia color this season. This year there are beautiful lavender nail polishes, and you can use the same color for accessories. Choose this wonderful color for a scarf, pin, and even a shoe—click your heels and dance!

Our Services

Q: What are your fees for an interior design consultation?

A: Every experienced professional designer has a unique template. Fees vary depending on location and square footage. For commercial projects there is a flat-fee for conceptual design plus a square footage fee. For residential projects, there is a flat fee for design conception plus an hourly charge for purchase and overseeing.

Q: I can’t visualize what a space will look like – how can you help me?

A: Depending on client needs, we will provide, as part of my additional services, blueprints, lighting plans, and renderings to show furniture arrangements and color choices.

Q: How do we begin?

A: The development of any design project involves many different talented professionals depending upon the client’s needs. The next step is to contact us. After our meeting, and when deposits are in hand, I select the appropriate team and begin the design process to coordinate with your timeframe.

Our Jewelry and Home Accessories

Q: How do I care for my beautiful empowerment jewelry?

A: Just as your body requires nurturing, your beautiful handmade empowerment jewelry will benefit from your loving care. Add one tablespoon of salt in lukewarm water and let it dissolve. Submerge the bracelet or necklace for 15 minutes, then rinse in fresh clear water. Towel dry with soft cotton (do NOT use paper towel – they’re too rough).

Q: How do I boost the energy in my empowerment jewelry?

A: Jewel Energetics handmade empowerment jewelry is made of all natural stones and crystals and benefit greatly from the sun. Simply place your bracelet or necklace on a windowsill to capture the sun’s rays for one afternoon.