My favorite days are the days I get to see a Decorator in a Box come to life. When clients send me their "after" photos I can't help but do a little happy dance. I usually do this sitting at my desk with my arms waving in the air with jazz hands.

This family moved to a larger apartment in Brooklyn, NY. A few years prior I created  a nursery and bedroom design when they were expecting their first child. With a growing family they needed a larger space. I created a design for their new apartment great room.  The design was equipped with comfortable TV viewing, reading nook and entry storage. This apartment also has a nook I designed to be a family and kids play area. Then to top off the design we made the basement more cozy for the kids to play and the family to hang together. The basement is right off the outdoor patio so I see this getting a lot of use this Summer. Here is a look at how this minimalist and Scandinavian modern design came together. I love how clean and organic everything looks. It functions so well with lots of storage to hide away toy clutter. Mission accomplished!

Tell me about space. Decorator in a Box can help you with a remodel project to a simple art selection. No design project is too big or small for online interior design. Send me an email and we can discuss pricing and create a game plan that meets your personal style and budget. 

I look forward to hearing from you!

Xo, Annie

I'm thrilled to share this San Diego Kitchen transformation with you. It was one of my favorite remodel projects last Summer. This home under went a major remodel after water damage from a pipe burst. It was a forced remodel for this family which is never fun to have as your Summer is starting out or anytime. I think all the headache was worth it after seeing this design come to life. The main thing that drove this project was the Kitchen island. The clients knew they needed to seat their family of six which they could not in the old kitchen. Sitting together for family meals was key. Therefore the island is all new custom cabinets. Isn't it gorgeous?! That white oak those natural quartizite stone countertops! We used as many of the undamaged cabinets as possible by painting them around the perimeter. Most of the white and gray cabinets you see are the original cabinets that have been painted. Isn't it amazing how you can't even tell we re-used the old cabinets?! The clients also had a dream of open shelves which gives this space a completely new look.  The power of cosmetic changes like paint, countertops, tile and shelves? My favorite features are the new floors and the tile wall with open shelves and sconces. Wait...I take that back it's too hard to choose I love it all!

This design was all done from afar like all of my designs. I emailed and mailed the client their Decorator in a Box with everything they needed to hand off to the contractor. It took all the guessing out of the project. When your undergoing a remodel there is so much to think about. It's overwhelming. It helps to have an interior designer guide you with all the selections. That way you won't make any costly mistakes. Before I sent the completed design there was a lot of brainstorming and sketching of the island layout with the clients. Then after they received the design I was available to answer any questions they had or to make design tweaks. They had a clear vision to hand off to their contractor to start executing the design. JMW Custom Home Builders did a great job on the execution. 

Tell me about your project. No matter the size of the project I'm here to help. Whether it's a kitchen or bath remodel to selecting art and pillows Decorator in a Box will work for you. I will work with your personal style and Pinterest inspiration boards. Most importantly I will work with your budget and even things you already have. Let's start you custom online interior design today!

Xo,
Annie

A design with color! Power pink no less. This home office in Northern California was fun to create for so many reason. First the colors my client wished to incorporate were her favorites magenta and purple. Yet we had to keep the existing green walls. Second we were on a major time crunch. Her backyard guest house needed to be converted into an office before her new job got crazy busy. Therefore, she needed everything to be in stock and delivered ASAP. I accepted the color combo and time challenge. Here is a sneak peek of this power pink, purple and green office. I hope to share before and after photos with you  soon. 

Tell me about your space. I'll create a custom Decorator in a Box that meets your personal style, timeline and budget. It's so easy it can all be done from the comforts of your computer. While your sippin hot cocoa in your slippers and pj's. Follow the four step process HERE. The best part is I'm a small business and you work directly and only with me. 

Xo,
Annie 

Happy Thanksgiving all! I'm sitting in my kitchen while my girls are playing in the large amount of snow outside. I'm about to make pies and I can't wait for the smell of turkey to fill the house tomorrow.

I just had to give you a quick glimpse into this last Decorator in a Box I created for a return client. I designed a few rooms in their Mid-Century Modern L.A. home. Well now they are saying goodbye to L.A. and Washington State bound for a storybook cottage. The mission was to make the most of the small room while keeping things ultra cozy and Skandi. The design was inspired by their trip to Sweden. The reindeer hide you see in the photos is actually from this trip. They wanted to get things ready for a oh so cozy Christmas in the cottage. I hope to share before and after photos with you very soon. 

Tell me about your home project. You can email me photos from the comfort of your home while the turkey is cooking in the oven. No project is too big or small for Decorator in a Box. I will create  a custom shopping list, furniture plan and vision board in 2 weeks or less. It will be emailed and mailed to you. I will work with your Pinterest inspiration photos. Most importantly I will work with your budget. I will give you the design and you will do the shopping at your own pace. I will work with your favorite stores and give you recommendation on your own. 

Let's start your design today. Click here to follow the fun and easy steps to be on your way to Decorator in a Box bliss. There is still time to get you a design before Christmas!

Xo, Annie

One of my favorite things to do when designing a room is to work with what you already have. Often times people feel like they need to start from scratch when working with an interior designer. That is not the case with Decorator in a Box. I want you to get the most bang for your buck. When I start with a client they complete the online questionnaire which tells me their priorities. That was the case with this boys bedroom design in San Diego. His Mother thought organizing and revamping his bedroom was the perfect Summer project. The mission was to create a space with more storage and a spot to do homework. This project was completed just in time for school to start. In true California style this guy likes to surf. Not shown in the after photos is the surfing photographs done by his photographer Father. These photos will be the perfect addition to finish off the design and give it the Southern California style. My favorite part of the design is the beach style hanging lamp.

Tell me about your space. I will work with what you have to create a look that reflects your personal style. Plus incorporate new things to pull the overall look together. Most importantly I will work with your budget. The process is so easy you can do it over your lunch break or while the baby naps. Start your Decorator in a Box today! 

Xo, 
Annie

Who doesn't love all the colors of Fall starting to pop up? Isn't this photo from Chris Love Julia the coziest corner? It's definitely inspiring a future corner for one of my designs. I'm also loving the warmer accent colors in interiors and it looks like they are here to stay awhile. The camel leather chairs, rust pillows and mustard velvet's have me feeling cozy. These warm colors currently have a more modern vibe. It felt like for many years any time you wanted to work in a terracotta or mustard yellow pillow it was more on the traditional style side. I'm excited to start layering in these warm color accents into my own home and current designs. How do you feel about the warmer tones? Are you still loving tone on tone grays or are you looking forward to more color?

Need help with a custom design in your home? I'm here to help with a Decorator in a Box. Send me your room photos, measurements and style inspiration. I will create a custom shopping list, furniture plan and vision board to meet your budget. I'm always available for questions or to make design tweaks.  The best part is you can start the process over your lunch break or while the baby is napping. Give your room some love and start your custom design today. You can start the process here.

Xo,
Annie

image via chris love julia

image via tiffany lusteg

image via the preppy hispanic

image via clothandwool

I have been making a conscious effort to reduce waste and make our household "more green". In the past this seemed like an overwhelming task. Since I have begun the process I realize little steps snowball into a big wonderful fluffy snowball. As families we have the power to cast the vote by the purchases we make. The more sustainable we buy the sooner it will be more accessible. It feels good to have that kind of power. Since doing this I have seen multiple benefits I did not expect. I see my daughters being educated by our choices and doing their part. As an interior designer I notice everything. I like things to look pretty. Most sustainable products are lovely and really add to your lunch box, shelf or counter-top in a beautiful way. Little things like opening your lunch to see a reusable napkin or bag can have a impact on your day and lifestyle. I have also noticed since everything is reusable it saves us money which always feels amazing right?!

Here are thirteen small easy and completely doable changes I have made. I could have added thirteen more...like I said it's a snowball. I now notice everything wasteful. Especially how much plastic use there is. Here are my favorite things all of them can be found with a few clicks on Amazon. I recommend supporting your small and local business for some of these products. Even if you just start with reusable plastic bags it makes a massive difference. 

As a Mom of two girls I'm constantly packing snacks and lunches. We have used a reusable bento lunch tin for years, but sometimes you just need a bag. These reusable bags work so great. I use them for so much more than I thought and the wash up like a champ!

 Image via @thislittlemiggy //reusable bags via full circle home

So many plastic straws end up in our oceans. This one is a change with lots of impact. Next time your at a restaurant say "no straw please". We are a big smoothie making family and we love sipping those with these straws. I keep the them on hand in our kitchen drawer. I keep a stash in my purse to use at restaurants in lieu of their plastic straw. 

via amazon

Beeswax wraps have multiple benefits. We have replaced plastic cling wrap by using these. We use them to cover containers in the fridge, wrap fruit and sandwiches. They rinse up very well.

via amazon

These are my favorite. Dryer sheets have a lot of chemicals that are not good for us or the planet. These reusable dryers balls get out the static, fluff our clothes and look pretty in a canister on your laundry shelf. They are a win, win, win!

via food 52

So many of our bath and cleaning products come in plastic that cannot be recycled. By using refillable amber glass for your bath and cleaning products you can make a lasting change. Then the trick is to not refill the bottles with something that comes from a giant plastic jug that get throw in the garbage. You can find refillable soaps in compost friendly packaging. You can also visit your local bulk store that has bins where you can refill your products in a reusable container. Whole Foods is one of these stores, but search your area for options. You can also research ways to make your own cleaning products to put in the containers.  

You can opt for no packing on your shampoo and conditioner. This I have not tried yet, but have heard great things. As soon as I run out of shampoo I'm going to give it go.

via basin

This one is a no brainer. If you haven't switch to a bento container for you lunch your missing out. I love following this company Planet Box on instagram simply to get their beautiful and fun lunch ideas. 

via planet box

I'm not much for drinking out of a water bottle. I love my stainless reusable tumbler with a straw. It keeps my ice water cold and I bring it everywhere from the gym to the store. Begone with plastic water bottle waste that is one of the worst things for our planet.

via amazon

Eliminate the food you purchase in plastic containers and opt for shopping at a bulk bin store in your area. Bring your own bag and refill pastas, beans, nuts, cereal and baking essentials. The earth will thank you and your pantry will be a show stopper. My hope is to see more store popping up like this. Whole Food is one of them and you can get deals there with your Amazon Prime account.

via the container store

Keep a pretty compost pale on your counter to discard food scraps and keep it out of landfills. Instead this compost will be used to grow more food in gardens. This is truly giving back to the earth. Minnesota locals can do this free. Sign up here to get your free organics bin. 

via food 52

We use to use a lot of liquid laundry soap that comes in a hug plastic container. I have since switched to a powder detergent to in a cardboard box which is easier to recycle than the plastic jug. If you a liquid detergent lover you can refill a spout container at your local bulk store. I also love this because it adds to the laundry shelf pretty factor. Once again win win!

image via mindy gayer design

Instead of grabbing more plastic for your produce opt for reusable produce bags. These also come in handy for nuts and pastas coming out of a bulk bin. 

via amazon

In our house we were in a bad habit of grabbing paper towel after paper towel to use as a napkin. I have now tried to start pulling out cloth napkins at every meal instead of just special occasions. It's less waste and makes the meal more enjoyable even if we are just having PB & J. 

via west elm

The list of things could go on and on. Once you start it's really actually fun. The main thing is to  start with something small. Small goes a long way. I think you will find in the process your home looks pretty, you feel less guilt and planet earth is feeling good too. 

Do you need help making your house more of a home? Tell me about it. I will create a custom interior design that is mailed right to your door or inbox. The best part is I will work with what you have, your personal style and most importantly your budget. 

Start your custom Decorator in a Box today! click here

​With Annie Pauza's guidance, you can affordably transform your space into a place that reflects your style and personality. As an online interior decorating service, Decorator in a Box lets you maintain control through the do-some-of-it-for-me process, and gives you everything that you need to bring an expert aesthetic to your home.

Happy weekend all! I hope your relaxing or tackling a weekend home project. We are painting and installing wood floors in our kitchen remodel. By we I mean my husband is painting and installing wood floors. I'm already on to thinking of the details like hardware, furniture and my favorite the art. An easy fun and quick way to add high style to your space is by incorporating a vintage portrait somewhere. This can be added to a gallery wall, layered on a shelf and really anywhere. I know what your thinking an old portrait can be a bit creepy with a haunting vibe. Just have fun with it. You can even have a little fun by adding googly eyes to these portraits come Halloween. I'm thinking of adding something like this to my powder bath gallery wall so stay tuned for that. Search for these on Etsy, 1stdibs or your local thrift store. Below are some great ways to incorporate a vintage portrait in your home. 
Do you need help with more than just quick tips? Tell me about your home project. I will create a custom flat rate design that meets your specific needs, style and budget. It's so easy and fun you can begin the process from the comfort or your computer at home or work. Let's start your custom Decorator in a Box today!

Xo,
Annie

Need more tips and inspiration? Follow me on instagram @decoratorinabox

image via 1stdibs

image via emily henderson blog

image via new darlings

image via shop super marche instagram

The best part of my job is getting the after photos. I’m always impressed how the client executes the design I created. They get to bring it to life and pull it off the page.

​Even though it’s closing season for this West Hampton beach house it’s still fun to look back on Summer. My favorite part of this design is the retro cane chair, campaign dresser and beachy art prints. All selections were very affordable and fitting for a secondary vacation home. How about that view?! I wouldn’t mind waking up to the sound of ocean waves.

Tell me about your home project. I’ll create a custom Decorator in a Box they meets your personal style and budget. The best part is it can all be done from the comfort of your computer. Lets start your custom design today!

​Xo, Annie

Being an interior designer I notice everything. This is a blessing and also a curse. Shoe piles and clutter can really throw me off. When my kids get home from school and dump back packs, shoes, papers, lunch bags and craft projects in the entry it doesn't "spark joy" with me. Let's just say it sparks something less cheery. That's why in our mud room update I incorporated a small locker with hooks and shoe cubbies. There will eventually be a place for my girls to easily put things away on their own. Eliminating the entry pile up.
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Soon I will be sharing our affordable laundry solution with you when the room is complete. I was so inspired by this Nordic modern locker design. Details like the natural wood back and leather drawer pulls make all the difference. I decided to create a design that has this feel in a look for less version.

Here is the vision board for our future Laundry Room. Everything all together on the vision board is just a little over $500 dollars. The washer and dryer that came with our 1980's home have not died yet. We decided to wait on replacing this appliance and come up with an affordable solution that works for now. We are also under going a kitchen remodel, so we need to prioritized projects and budget. Eventually we will go to  more of a space saving stack-able washer and dryer. Right now I think this will work great! Hey it's better then the honey oak I have yet to miss. Shopping details listed below.

Shelves//Locker//Hooks//Sink// Print//Drying Rack//Laundry Cart//Wallpaper

Do you need help with a design? I want to hear about it. Let's start your custom online affordable interior design today. Decorator in a Box is so fun and easy you will find it's the only way to hire an interior designer. Click here to begin your custom design.

Xo,
Annie