Debbie Wiener's Blog

We are starting a new column all about Debbie’s real-world family friendly designs. She will feature one project from beginning through completion. Check in every Tuesday for an update. Here is the first shot of Debbie’s new project. Her goal: to make this living space family friendly, colorful and all around better for these great [...]

Make-up for your home?  Absolutely!   That’s why we paint and paper our walls and ceilings and hang art work- to camouflage flaws, make rooms seem larger or smaller and highlight our home’s best features and furnishings.  Here’s how to do it like a pro: Concealer:  Fill in, sand and paint any holes, cracks and other [...]

You don’t need to sacrifice stylish window wear because your best friend sheds on hanging fabric or jumps up at the window and drools!  Whether it’s your spouse, kids or your dog, choose shades and blinds that go up and down on your window frame, rather than draperies that hang along the side to the [...]

An area rug or carpeted bedroom adds softness, luxury and warmth to your home, but won’t last long if you don’t go shopping with your dog in mind.  Long nails, shedding, drooling, even play time can easily pull fibers and make new carpets and rugs look old and dull. Here’s how to make the right [...]

Whether buying a new sofa or recovering the old one, choosing the right fabric to cover that furniture is a must! Fido may be your best friend, but shedding hair, drool and sharp nails (sounds like a few men I know) can make a new sofa look old in just days. Follow my fabric fundamentals [...]

Dog-gone it!  Dogs are everywhere!  While surfing the Crypton website (www.cryptonfabric.com) I came across tote bags, luggage, even pillows and throw blankets with gorgeous dog-themed designs suitable for any style home and every budget.  In design showrooms across the country, you can readily find wall coverings and window fabrics with dog silhouettes and in the [...]

Kind to feet and paws, my Fido-friendly floor tips take the worry out of accidents, scratches or drool. Tile floors: Almost any stone, ceramic or porcelain tile is a safe and durable choice- it’s the grout (a mixture of sand, cement and water) that shows stains and mold without proper care or unless you choose [...]

If I’ve learned anything in my years as a designer, its this: nothing affects how you feel in your home more than the lighting. Good lighting makes even the most modest rooms look impressive. Without great lighting even impressive rooms and furnishings look modest. Don’t underestimate the power of good lighting. Allow for separate and [...]

Natural wood with no stain or wood with a medium-tone stain hold up best over time. Why? Abrasian, scrubing and daily wear break down a floors surface, and the first thing to wear off is the stain. The more closely the surface matches the wood underneath, the longer this aging process takes. Excerpted from Slob [...]

My number one rule about all flooring is “No neutrals!” No beige, no cream, light taupe or butter yellow, off-white, pale silver, white wash or antique cream, or buttermilk. One day, in the not-too-distant future, design anthropologists will look back at our homes and laugh at how many of us, myself included, were stupid enough [...]