Check out this predicament...

Scott & Tara found the perfect setting for their dream home and engaged a terrific builder to execute construction. Nothing was spared in building quality and the project was completed in record time with little complication.

They engaged a "decorator" to assist with the aesthetics and at first glance it all looks wonderful and visibly connected to the natural environment outdoors. They "have it all" when you look at the surface; pretty landscape; pretty house; pretty furniture; pretty décor – something like the house in this picture.

But, guess what happened when the buzz of the project and the feeling of "pretty" settled into the daily routine of real living patterns?

My A-Ha Moment this week has led me to this blog post. Let me explain. For a long time now I have been concerned about the "absence of decorating polish" for lack of better words that seems to be creeping into today's home interiors. Namely, bare windows; cookie cutter furniture; copycat room settings and quite frankly architectural details that look like someone decided to cook every favourite dish they knew all in one meal! I realize the significance of budget efficiencies when it comes to home products, but, I know that at the heart of the problem there is a more disturbing "blight" inflicting the interior design & decorating matrix and that's "a lack of essential nutrient training!"

“So, the cat’s out of the bag!!!” When it comes to buying power, “women count!!”

And with this statement you naturally ask: What deep sleep did Irene just wake up from?

It’s not ground-breaking news that what women want in our homes has become the primary focus for today’s home décor industry. From sparkling kitchens and fancy appliances to quiet tranquil bathroom havens, we are being wooed at every turn with promises of every kind to ease our workload and enhance our lifestyles. Not surprising when you consider the overwhelming global purchasing influence women have evolved to wield.

"Please please tell me there is more to a backsplash than tumbled marble, or ceramic and glass tile for a sophisticated update for my tired country kitchen" Laura pleaded.

I want to give "my domain" as Chief of Culinary in our house a bit of sparkle while I carry out my labours of love preparing meals for my family and friends."

I admit, nobody preaches prevention as a recipe for avoiding project disaster more than me when it comes to interior design, remodelling and decorating. My eBooks and numerous published articles are always focused on "getting it right the first time".

However, life being what it is, even the best of us in the business get faced with the unexpected and despite all of our skill, knowledge and experience we find ourselves in the middle of challenges we would give our eye-teeth to have avoided.