Don't Hesitate... Redecorate!

While we patiently wait for the economy to shift gears, there may be some hesitation to consider changing our home environment when there's always a million other things that a few extra dollars could be saved for. However, simple and inexpensive changes to our existing decor can be enough of a change in our surroundings that it can uplift our mood and allow us to feel like we've spread our wings a little - even during a time that seems mostly restrictive.

According to Andrea Lillo of HFN (Home Furnishings News), "While consumers have backed off of buying new homes for now, they will refresh their current homes and decorative accessories are the easy way to do so... The economy has led people to pick more traditional looks... and colors they already have in their homes. It allows them to update in a small way".

Even at our Azu "bricks and mortar" store in Downtown Bend, simply changing a display can drastically change the feel of our space as well as all the products involved in the shift.

AzuHome.com carries many products online that would be a simple and interesting way to update your home without a lot of thought...or money! listed below are some products by artist Carolyn Kinder that could help spark your creative-redecorative-bone. Here's her biography:

Carolyn Kinder has created a wealth of sophisticated sculptures and cutting edge home furnishing accessories in the last decade. Her unique and farsighted juxtaposition of materials, textures and patinas, has expanded the design vocabulary. Carolyn Kinder continually inspires and delights. Her pieces, whether a graceful gazelle, stately carved horse, dramatic charger or elegant art-glass vase, truly transform and elevate any room or setting.

With roots in the heartland of America, Carolyn travels the globe discovering and developing unique decorative pieces. A consummate visionary, Carolyn’s career started as an artist and blossomed into one of today’s designer success stories. Carolyn’s comprehensive understanding and experience of both the retail and consumer environment worldwide translate to home furnishing accessories that are a pleasure to live with.

Over three decades ago, Carolyn started her career as a painter and teacher of painting in Arkansas. Her entrepreneurial spirit was quickly realized as she sourced frames for these paintings in Europe. Seeing an opportunity in the home furnishings industry, Kinder-Harris Company was founded by Carolyn in 1974 and specialized in innovative design for framed art, accessories, lamps and lighting. Kinder-Harris was acquired by a Fortune 500 Company in 1987 and in 1992 Carolyn Kinder Inc., a design firm was founded by Carolyn. It’s vision is to bring the Carolyn Kinder look to reality in home furnishing. 2002 saw the company expanding with an international division headquartered in the Far East.

An award winning designer in home furnishing, the following are some of Carolyn’s past and present industry contributions and awards:

• Recipient of the ART’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” for outstanding work in the field of customer awareness.

• WITHIT’s WOW Award Nomination for Outstanding Woman in the home furnishings industry and Legacy Award Nomination for 2006.

• Former Chairman of ART Committee for Customer Awareness, former member of the Dallas Trend Panel, and former member of the accessory advisory board for the International Home Furnishings Center in High Point, North Carolina.

• Recognized as a award winning artist, Carolyn Kinder’s paintings and artwork adorn the walls of Governor mansions, Battleships and private collections, including those of Winthrop Rockefeller.