McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors group recently completed this master bedroom for a very busy professional couple. Buttery soft colors fabricated into casement and sheer drapery treatments were our starting inspiration for this large Master Suite. Luxurious fabrics upholstered on an oversized tufted custom headboard with a matching pair of chaise lounges highlighted with coordinating pillows, comforter, and coverlet sets the stage for a smoothing retreat from a busy day. 
Florida is just starting the nicest part of the year, our fabulous early winter and spring weather. Dressing the outside of our homes is as important as our interiors. Several years ago I put together an South Florida easy reference landscape planner for our Home Owners Association. Today I am sharing my twelve page planner with our readers.
The planner includes quick reference pictures of flowering plants; the best times to plant broken down by month during their prime season; the best time to remove and/or replace at the end of their growing cycle.
It may take a moment to open the 12 page planning guide but I promise for the flower enthusiasts it is worth the wait.
Click to expand Planting Guide PDF: South Florida Flowering Guide .
How to use the guide:
The best months to plant and enjoy are highlighted in blue. None planting times are shown as white. Some plants have specific removal months. Otherwise change your planting beds when they start to look haggard.
Please feel free to print out the pages of the plants you are considering planting and take them with you to the nursery or home improvement store when you shop. Share the guide with your friends or link to this page to reference as needed.
We love plants and hope you enjoy the planting guide as you garden this year.
“It’s All About The Details!”
All our best, the Design Team!
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group is proud to announce Hunter Douglas Custom Shutter Collection
has joined us as one of
the newest members of fine home furnishing manufacturers represented by our firm. Plantation Shutters
add value to your home and can be used in an variety of situations including an wet environment.
Price points vary depending on the materials and application.
Shutters are a wonderful addition to your home; for more information
or to request a personal assessment of your home…
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
As always, McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group love to share all the latest trends in color. Prior to setting off to the Highpoint Furniture Market we read Pantone’s report on the latest colors we can expect to see for new home furnishings releases in Spring 2012.
Patone has just published their new colors for Spring 2012. As the authority on color and color matching technology, we can expect to see their color trends show up in fashion, home furnishings, print, plastics and automobiles. Read the latest from Pantone report for Spring 2012:
“The global authority on color recently unveiled the Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2012 to coincide with the start of New York Fashion Week.
The report features the top 10 colors for next year’s spring season, and the colors are as follows:
The top colors for women’s fashion for spring 2012 are as follows:
Pantone 17-1463 Tangerine Tango
Pantone 13-0759 Solar Power
Pantone 18-3628 Bellflower
Pantone 18-2140 Cabaret
Pantone 19-3953 Sodalite Blue
Pantone 14-0116 Margarita
Pantone 14-2808 Sweet Lilac
Pantone 14-5420 Cockatoo
Pantone 18-1210 Driftwood
Pantone 16-1120 Starfish
“Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “They have learned how color can help them alter a mood, while providing the vitality and enthusiasm that enables them to experiment with new looks and color combinations.”
Provocative Tangerine Tango, an enticing juicy orange, is a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone’s outlook this spring. Providing a jolt of energy, Solar Power radiates warmth and cheer.
Fanciful Bellflower, a distinct ornamental purple, exudes uniqueness and creativity. Scintillating and sexy, Cabaret is a sensual and intense rosy-red – an excellent choice for summer clothing and cosmetics.
Sodalite Blue, a classic maritime hue, brings order and calmness to mind. Like an anchor to a ship, this dependable shade works with every color in the palette. Cockatoo, a tactile blue-green, is sure to make spirits soar. This unusual hue adds a whimsical touch to the palette and will make a statement this spring.
Margarita, a piquant yellow-green, lifts spirits with its refreshing and stimulating glow. Reminiscent of a blossoming garden on an early spring morning, fragrant Sweet Lilac evokes the fresh scents of summer. This delicate pinkish lilac adds a touch of romance to any wardrobe.
Natural, versatile neutrals add practicality to this season’s brights. Driftwood, an adaptable blend of beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel, and Starfish, a perfect warm summer neutral, complement all of the colors in this season’s top 10.
The colors featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report are pulled from the most widely used and recognized color standards systems in the world, the PANTONE FASHION + HOME Color System, which now includes 175 new colors.”
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
At McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group we truly enjoy working with trade personnel. In my view, it is critical to any design/built project to have a key general-contractor on site implementing my design plan and design intent on behalf of our clients. (Design intent is the oversight and installation of design elements that impact the final look of your project. It does not include supervising contractors on the methods of construction for their particular trade.)
When you are interviewing a designer, ask them if they have a reliable team of contractors and vendors to carry out and complete your vision. There are many members of the design team necessary to have a successful project outcome. I am sometimes heard to say, “It only takes a village” and then I laugh because I work with the best contractors.
A few tips to consider when renovating your home:
Make your home bright, airy and open- Let in as much daylight as possible to make your home bright and airy.
- Open up your home’s floor plan for a larger feel.
- Remember: the psychology of newness and spacious living areas will translate into the highest resale value.
Do not over improve your home
- Remodel your home to the existing standards in your neighborhood.
- Just because you put more money into your home than anyone else in the neighborhood, does not always mean that you will receive a higher sales price.
Always hire a licensed professional
- When you hire a professional remodeler, you are buying a service rather than a product. The quality of the service provided by a professional remodeler will result in a greatly improved quality of finish product preformed in a timely manner.
- Check with state and/or local building licensing offices to confirm the contractor you are hiring has complied with all state and/or local contractor licensing requirements.
- Also confirm the contractor has liability insurance and workman’s compensation for the workers that will be on your project unless exempt by state law.
- Did you know that is someone is hurt on your job you may be responsible as the homeowner if your contractors do not have workman’s compensation or liability insurance.
Make sure our contractor always pulls a permit
- Building permits are required by law and crucial for public health and safety.
- If you skip building permits during the construction process it may impact selling your home at a later date.
For more information…
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
Disclaimer: This is not an endorsement of a specific contractor by McGaw & Company,Inc. – Residential Interiors Group as we work with a number of fine contractors, vendors and suppliers. Your project may necessitate trade personnel with varying degrees of expertise.

McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group is constantly updating the color palettes we love and use in our client’s home décor. Color is impacted by evolving national and global influences. Appreciating color and its underlining psychological and physical impact in our environment is very important especially when designing homes.
Influences of Color
Color families have certain attributes ascribed to them. Is there a specific color that instinctively speaks to you when you purchase items for your home or clothing? Are you using color in an intuition manner that you may not be aware?
Blue
Relaxing and serene blue is calming, relaxing, tranquil and versatile. Blue is associated with patience, water, sky and introverts. Its effects include creating an environment that is cleansing, refreshing and promotes introspection. Blue also encourages deep breathing. Relaxes our muscles and minds. Medicinally blue helps insomnia; slows heartbeat, drops blood pressure and decreases appetite. In your interiors, avoid using blue with cream as the color cream may take on a gray cast. The color blue can ran from pale to intense and dramatic.
Red
Red is denoted as dramatic, is energetic, exciting and daring. Red has the effect of facilitating judgment, enhances activity, encourages achievement, promotes alertness, and nurtures passion. Red is associated with vitality and strength. Its medicinal purposes include reducing fatigue, helps colds and depression; smoothes muscular aches and stimulates appetite. The most powerful color in the designer’s palette is red. Use red carefully as can easily overwhelm a space if not used with artistry.
Yellow
How do you feel about the color yellow? It is associated with cheerful, happy, joyful and uplifting spaces. It reminds us of sunshine, optimism, imagination, creativity and encourages spontaneity. It raises our spirits, helps govern the digestive system, attracts attention and is beneficial for mental activity. Yellow illuminates, is luminous, bright and reflective. Calm yellow with cream and accent colors to create a charming environment.
Green
As a color green creates calm; is restful, fresh and promotes the feeling of security. It reminds us of spring, nature, ecology, balance, money, envy, jealousy and simplified living. The effect of green is to promote balance; careful judgment; harmonizing and is smoothing to the soul. The color green enhances concentration and nurtures relaxation. It is also now considered a new neutral and is a mainstay color of design. For interiors, add yellow to warm the color palette and blue to cool green.
Purple
Is purple, violet or lavender one of your favorite colors? It is associated with royalty, spirituality, creativity, and artistic endeavors. The color balances mind and thoughts, nurtures sense of balance and purpose, calms the body, is thought provoking and inspiring. Soften purples with graying accents to create an elegant and sophisticated space. Combine colors of the purple family with yellow for a sense of harmony.
Orange
The color orange is lively, vibrant, warm, friendly, happy and social. It is associated with adventure, celebration, romance, enthusiasm, uniqueness and ethnicity. The effects of orange can be to energize a space, increases appetite, stimulating as it promotes movement and excitement. It raises our spirits. Use orange with wood tones and neutral earth colors to soften and balance your environment.
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group love color with all its’ ever evolving shades and tones. Our lives are enriched and expanded by the use of color and made more enjoyable because of it.
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
Copyright © 2010-11 McGaw Company. All rights reserved
Welcome to McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group’s blog, a luxury interior design blog posts for www.mcgawcompany.com. My experience as a 20 plus years in interior design allows me to to share my project notes and interior design philosophy with like minded design enthusiasts. Our design projects have included model homes, high-end luxury ocean front apartments, intra-coastal townhouses, renovated private residents, hotels and public spaces. My projects range from a minimum of $25,000 to over $1 million dollars.
Interior design is an ever changing art form which takes on the creative and practical side of life. We all enjoy feeling special in a wonderfully thought-out environment. The places we occupy enhance our memories of wonderful times and bring us special meaning and inspiration to our daily lives. We remember special times in special spaces. The environment brings yet another dimension to our memories. Well thought-out interior design creates energy, fabulous memories and psychological comfort within our space and adds value to our lifestyle.
Join me as I share my recent inspirations, wonderful ideas and explore new design trends using the luxury interior design practices I use daily for my luxury clientele and their projects. My goal is to always provide the very best of design principals while creating exciting new and innovative interiors. The term luxury can mean a variety of things to a variety of people. Budget is just the outline in which I plan interiors for my clients. Each client has special requirements and each project is different as is each budget. You may adapt the design philosophy I share for a variety design budgets and styles to best meet your lifestyle.
Visit www.mcgawcompany.com Design Inspirations and Recent Design Projects pages for photos of exceptional interior design. If you have specific questions you would like answered, please send me your design questions and I will add review them to answer in my Luxury Interior Design and Decorating blog.
Enjoy!
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
Copyright © 2010-11 McGaw Company. All rights reserved
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group is often asked, ”What is the definition ”Designer Ready” really mean?” The term “designer ready” is basically a white box with good architectural “bones” ready for all the details to make it special.
Typically high rise condos only the kitchens and baths installed. All other upgrades are added after the homeowner purchases their home including floors. The term may also apply to homes during the remodeling stage when all the floors have been removed and extensive remodeling is underway.
High rise condominium buildings with post-tensioned construction must be properly addressed which require special expertise during the design and construction process to protect the integrity of the building. Additionally, fire sprinkler head location must be taken into consideration as crown and other architectural details are added.
Nevertheless whether your home is located in a high rise or is a private single family residence each home is a blank slate waiting to reflect its’ owners personality. Our client’s lifestyle is an essential consideration as we deliberate during the design process making our selections for products and materials to be installed.
We work with our list of fine certified contractors and architects during the construction phase implementing the design plan on behalf of our clients.
Over the years, McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group has designed many designer ready condos and private residences in South Florida. It is exciting to take a “white box”; add all the elements of a fine home, and create a intimate surrounding that reflections our client’s greatest desires.
Our ecstatic clients routinely tell us how beautiful and happy they are with their new homes.
It is our greatest reward.
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of Mc Gaw& Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
Copyright © 2010-11 McGaw Company. All rights reserved

McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group was contacted by an journalist regarding the federal ban on incandescent light bulbs. My first impression was why is the lowly light bulb under this kind of scrutiny? Energy savings is important but have all the facts been considered?
Psychologically our mood can also be impacted negatively or positively by the color of light. Additionally, surfaces are impacted by the color spectrum of lighting that is cast by light bulbs. (For example) the color of fabrics, paint, and finishes can be greatly altered by using a warm or cool tone light bulb in an interior space. Color is changed and affected by other color influences that surround it.
Historically, LED or fluorescent lighting which tends to go to the cool side of the color wheel and impacts the space in which it is used by cooling the colors and over feeling of the room.
Incandescent light bulbs and fixtures are available in a number of different color spectrums. A highly priced offering is the “neutral rendition” color spectrum. This is a lighting source that is without additional warm or cool tones. A neutral rendition light source is perfect any application that must maintain “color correctness” and the ability for the user to see an object in its “true light”.
Lighting and color is a powerful tool for interior designers and decorators. The concern is that by limiting our access to our “tools” also limits our ability to create the most desirable spaces for our clients.
Adjustability is also important when considering the output of light. There is an LED light which can be used with dimmers but is very expensive. Many consumers own 3-way lights that allow for additional lighting control. Adjusting the light output of incandescent lighting reduces the amount consumers spend on their overall energy costs.
The disposal procedures of the new light bulb (when broken) are not environmentally friendly. Whereas the incandescent light bulbs are not a problem.
As a consumer I am concerned about the additional concern is the cost per bulb which is approximately 3 times more expensive than the incandescent light bulb.
The federally mandated phase-out of incandescent light bulbs seems short sighted. While I applaud the goal of reducing energy costs and introducing new lighting sources would it not be more beneficial to allow citizens to find the best solution to their needs and applications. Overtime additional product developments will be developed to improve our light sources and with improvement will come increased energy savings.
Just my thoughts…
For a private consultation, please feel free to
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
Copyright © 2010-11 McGaw Company. All rights reserved.
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group is a proud member of IDS – Interior Design Society. Our clients want an inviting home where they can relax in comfort and entertain in style…a place that reflects their own personal tastes and lifestyle.
As an IDS professional we have dedicated our entire careers to creating a special look for each customer. Each new space plan; home furnishings, lighting and accessory specification; floor coverings choice; window treatments and lighting design; color coordination, texture and finish adds a level of unique signature and personality within a space.
We can transform an undefined palette into the vision you are dreaming of owning. As an IDS interior member we specialize in residential interior design. Each IDS designer uses his or her own education and experience in their specialized field to provide a finished look that reflects a professional touch. McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group has 20 plus years of interior design experience orchestrating projects from $25,000 to $1 Million dollars.
Why is an IDS Designer Affiliate Important ?
We are one-third artist, one-third business professional and one-third circus ringmaster, designers specializing in the business of residential interiors is more than just a pretty face with an eye for beauty. From sketching, designing and arranging beautiful spaces to shopping for furniture, draperies and household accessories to coordinating with architects, electricians, plumbers, installers and delivery men, the demands for each job require a wide spectrum of
ability to complete a wide range of tasks on time, and on budget.
Professional recognition through a combination of education and experience insure that each designer meets the high standards established by IDS. The IDS designation indicates increasing levels of knowledge, training and ability to provide a safe, functional and beautifully designed home.
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group skillfully combines artistry, project management and knowledge of residential interiors into one profession. Our dedication to on-going access to current trends, resources and techniques enhances a room, a loft, or an entire house. Turn your individual dream and turn it into a reality.
Can You Afford a Professional Designer?
Since your home is the highest-valued purchase that you make in your lifetime, can you afford not to hire a professional and creative interior designer? Most homeowners find that they save money by hiring an IDS designer since they have an extensive network of resources to handle every aspect of the design project.
The Value We Bring to Each Project
We work within our network to provide the level of quality you desire for your home,
within your budget. Frequently, we can offer money-saving advice and cost-saving techniques. Additional savings are seen due to us being on hand for deliveries, installations and construction projects. No more costly mistakes! This level of customer service also reduces demands on your own busy schedule. You save time and money! And in the end the home of your dreams that you will be proud to call home over many years.
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
Copyright © 2010-11 McGaw Company. All rights reserved.
Recently published design projects and articles:
Palm Beach Post “Ask the Designer” Articles
Excerpts from Article: Build Trust with Your Designer and the Magic will begin…
Excerpts from Article: Distinctive focal points create Memorable Focal Points…
Excerpts from Article: Change your room into a Masterpiece…

On the Cover, John and Marilyn McGaw, Location – 2700 Singer Island, FL.
Other Publications
Affluent Lifestyle Magazine
Boca Magazine
Sun Sentinel
WPBF Channel 25
On Design Magazine
Enjoy,
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
It is my pleasure to introduce my readers to a truly fine artist Mike Weber. In my quest to find artists to add depth and visual interest to the rooms I design for my client’s home, I’ve had the privilege of discovering an extraordinary artist, Michael Weber.
I was first drawn to Michael’s work, Identify – Ernst, Mixed Media on Canvas and Panel, Resin Coated. The composite, movement and texture are fused so delightfully; I was immediately drawn to this artist’s spirit.
Excerpts from Michael Weber’s Artist Statement – WITHIN THESE WALLS:
“My childhood days were often spent exploring rural farmland outside St. Louis, Missouri.” Michael continues, “I remember the unique dry, yet musty scent of the house, a scent that took centuries to create. I remember the wind eerily whistling through the windows, blowing the remains of fragmented draperies through glassless windowpanes. I remember the stillness of the decaying materials, making visible the spirit of the past.
Here, I have given these memories new meaning: They have become symbols of our past and long forgotten bloodlines – that holds an umbilical connectivity that spans time.
Each piece in Within These Walls explores themes that connect a global audience with the use of historic images with a strong instinct. Using tremendously enriched materials and surfaces, I create a combination of things that look perfect and ruined at the same time, juxtaposed to create rhythm, harmony and coherence. My themes explore psychology, paranormals, spirituality, genealogy and the passage of time in order to create a connection between memory and a primitive association that has been sculpted into a modern context.”
I reached out to tell Michael how much I enjoyed his work. Little did I know of his involvement with the National Endowment for the Arts “Spotlight Feature”. Michael was so kind as to share his video:
Michael Weber can be contacted at his website: www.mike-weber.com Facebook or at his Venice, California studio.
Marilyn McGaw
Interior Designer, IDS Associate Member
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group
340 Royal Poinciana Way, Suite 317/399
Palm Beach, FL. 33480
Phone: (561) 676-3681
Fax: (561) 965-2351
website: www.mcgawcompany.com

website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group uses Computer Aided Design (CAD) to layout and convey our design vision to our clients. To help further our communications, we find it helpful to give examples of a variety of design terminology for our clients to reference during the design process.
Down View Floor Plan – Explanation of Design Terminology
A down view plan or space plan is a view of a floor plan which may or may not include furniture. This drawing is the first drawing completed when starting a project. Without an accurate floor plan a full proof project outcome is not possible.
Additionally CAD drawings (Computer Aided Design) allows the designer to work in levels which simply means the flooring details can be separated from the electrical outlet details from the furniture details. The floor plan is used to show traffic patterns and the relationship of furniture and open spaces. Floor plans are drawn to scale using blue prints with actual room dimensions verified by the designer responsible prior to proceeding with the project.
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
Copyright © 2010-11 McGaw Company. All rights reserved.
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group uses Computer Aided Design (CAD) to layout and conveys our design vision to our clients. To help further our communications, we find it helpful to give examples of a variety of design terminology for our clients to reference during the design process.
Elevations – Explanation of Design Terminology
An elevation is a view of an interior or exterior wall. You are standing back, looking directly at the wall. This is a flat, two-dimensional view. Only the height and width are obvious. This view of the wall shows items that cannot be clearly shown in plan. This could be wall moldings, cabinetry, built-ins, signs, graphics, window sizes, or a finish pattern that is applied on the wall.
Interior elevations will show the inside walls of a space. Exterior elevations will show the outside walls of a building.
Elevations are drawn to scale. This means that the wall is measured down proportionately to a size that will fit on a sheet. Each elevation will be titled with the scale noted below the drawing. The drawings are used to communicate the details to both the client and trades.
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interior Group uses Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP) when creating interior design projects for clients. The following is an explanation of this design terminology:
A reflected ceiling plan is a drawing of a room or building, looking down at the interior ceiling. It is a view of the ceiling from above. It is as if you were floating above the ceiling and looking down at it.
This view will show the location of light fixtures, drywall or t-bar ceiling patterns and any items that may be suspended from the ceiling.
A reflected ceiling plan is drawn to scale. This means that the plan is measured down proportionately to a size that will fit on a drawing sheet. A reflected ceiling plan will most often be at the same scale as the floor plan. A common scale is one quarter of an inch is equal to one foot (scale: ¼” = 1’-0”). The reflected ceiling plan will be titled with the scale noted below.
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group uses design details and cross sections when drawing for client’s projects. Below is an explanation of a CAD design cross section drawing and how it is used during a design project.
Detail drawings provide information about specific parts of the construction. A detail is both graphic and written information. An area of construction is drawn at a larger scale in order to clearly show the materials, dimensions, method of building, desired joint or attachment, and so on.
Details are most commonly drawn as sections which are a cross sectioned slice through a specific area and the inner components are visible. The purpose of cross section details is to convey design intent by the designer to the contractor/vendor. It is the responsibility of the contractor to convert the plans and complete the build-out as drawn.
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
When McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group has a preliminary meeting with a new client many times we are asked “How Does the Design Process Start?”
New Client Question: My wife and I just purchased our dream vacation and future retirement home. Now it is time to decorate and she would like some professional input. We have amassed too much “stuff” over the years and really don’t know what to move to our new home (if anything). What tips could you give us to start the process?
Answer: First, congratulations on your new home. I work with many new retirees and multi-home owners in South Florida.
The most important tip I can give to anyone considering updating their home: put together a comprehensive design plan. Developing a design plan may take a little longer, but in the long run the extra planning is a more direct process and will prevent purchasing mistakes.
This is a perfect time to explore the new exciting decorating options available. This gives us the option to go in a completely different direction or inventory your treasures to determine how they can be added to the design of your new home.
I start the design planning process by talking to my clients about what I call “the scope of work”. You may be downsizing or considering guest quarters for your family when they come to visit. I want to know as much about your desires for your new home as possible. I find listening is the most important part of the design process when starting a new project and throughout each phase of the design.
Go through decorating and interior design magazines to pull pictures you like. This takes a little time… it is fun… and you will be surprised how quickly your eye will be drawn to the same shapes, colors and style over and over. This will give you and your wife a good starting point for conversation of how you would like your new home to look and feel.
If you have seen a project McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group has completed, we will discuss the specific elements and style that will work in your home.
Consider how Florida and Palm Beach County specifically is different from where you are currently living. It is not just the sunshine but how light reflects within our homes due to the difference in the climate. Light effects color. There is a reason different regions of the United States use particular colors and designs based on air temperature, brightness, humidity and lifestyle.
And my final and most important tip: ENJOY! Design should be fun and allows us to explore new parts of our personality as we grow and change.
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
Copyright © 2010-11 McGaw Company. All rights reserved
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group is often called upon to do “Designer Ready” high rise homes. What is a “Designer Ready” condominium or explanation of design terminology? The term “designer ready” is basically a white box with good architectural “bones” ready for all the details to make it special.
These new homes have only the kitchens and baths installed. Some units include the flooring in the bath rooms and others do not. All other upgrades are added after the homeowner purchases their condominium.
Flooring in post-tensioned buildings must be addressed properly and ceilings take special expertise due to the nature of the buildings in which the designer ready unit occupies. Sounding proofing is dictated by the buildings architectural code to protect all homeowners and insure their quiet enjoyment on the floors directly above and below the unit purchased.
Many design possibilities and upgrades must be considered by the new homeowner. Creating a dream vision and implementation of the remaining design elements can seem daunting. Homeowners must deliberate on the selection of flooring, base and crown moldings, paint and a seemingly endless list of interior modifications required to make a white box a home.
Lifestyle is an essential consideration that must be addressed when completing a successful interior design project. Client involvement is developed and expanded throughout the design process. Cultivation and inclusion of design aspirations and lifestyle is necessary to create a comfortable and enjoyable home in which to live. The joy of designer ready allows the homeowner to control their budget and final design outcome.
Over the years, we have designed many designer ready condos in South Florida. This aspect of design is probably one of our favorite due to our level of involvement with our client and the team-work from our resource list of professional contractors and artisan trades people. It is so rewarding to take a “white box”; add all the elements of a fine home, creating the reflection of my client’s lifestyle and greatest desires. We love the flurry and activities as we complete each phase of the process and beauty that comes from careful planning and application of interior design principals.
Please feel free to contact us regarding your new home…
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group 
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
Vist our portofolio project pictures for the types of products we use in our projects
Custom designed home furnishings from Fine Home Collections are specified in our award winning McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group interior design projects.
For additional information, please visit our
Interior Design Resources and Design Services
links at McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
Palm Beach is home to many historical homes built in during the 1920’s. Occasionally, I have a few hours available from my action packed schedule. Recently my husband and I took the opportunity to visit some an open house in Palm Beach, Florida.
We visited a home built in 1926 just one block off of Worth Avenue which is Palm Beaches’ famous shopping mecca. The home is exceptionally charming with the original woodwork and pecky cypress ceilings. This was the original home of Marjorie Merriweather Post in Palm Beach, Florida. She lived in the home and added the guest house while Mar-A-Lago was under construction. The house is nearly authentic to the period which adds to its’ charm. The home is situated next to the golf course and overlooks the lake and grounds.
I loved the original details and the turret with a view of downtown Palm Beach. The third floor staircase accesses a narrow and slightly scary staircase to anyone in high heels (me!) traversing to the fourth floor which housed an office, bath and one additional small twisting stairway to the two outside terraces on the fifth floor. It was definitely worth the effort to see the view of the Breakers Hotel and downtown Palm Beach.
Hogarcito was featured as one of the homes on the March 2009 Palm Beach walking tour which featured 7 homes. The architect was Marion Sims Wyeth; builder Harry R. Corwin; construction stated in 1921. The style is considered Mediterranean Revival and was land-marked on May 13th, 1997. Palm Beach offers walking tours on a regular basis. If you happen to be in town, check out the architecture walking tours available.
Enjoy,
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group takes the care of fine upholstery seriously. We have put together a quick care guide for our clients to use for their new furniture and carpeting. Please feel free to use this as a guide although the care and cleaning tags on each fabric should be referred to for specific fabric blends and optimal care.
How to Vacuum Furniture
For upholstered furniture use the upholstery tool from your vacuum cleaner attachments. The crevice tool will also help vacuum corners and edges. The dust brush tool works well when vacuuming leather upholstered furniture. For really delicate fabrics, use caution. For bookshelves and other non-upholstered furniture, use the dust brush tool or crevice tool.
How Often to Vacuum Furniture
Even though it hides it well, furniture picks up a lot of the dirt and dust that gets tracked into our homes. For best results, furniture should be vacuumed weekly.
Fabric Cleaning Codes
- The “W” code refers to fabrics that are man-made. Examples of this category would include nylon, herculon, acetate, olefin and polyester.
Cleaning recommended for these types of fabrics would be to spot clean using the foam from a water- based cleaning agent. This could be a mild soap or detergent or a non-solvent upholstery cleaner. You should always use a clean, dry white cloth or sponge and, as I mentioned before, test an area that is less noticeable first. Blot the area dry and use the cool setting on a dryer to dry once the stain is removed. A fan also may be used. Procedures may vary for upholstery versus window treatments. For example, when spot cleaning a chair cushion, clean the entire surface of the cushion. Follow the directions carefully. If the fabrics have a soil protection treatment or flame retardancy, the procedure may change.
- Fabrics with the code “S” would include those from an organic nature such as cellulosic fibers (from plants) like cotton, rayon and linen as well as materials manufactured from protein fibers (animal origin) like wool or silk. Additional code “S” fabrics would be denim, velour, brocade, tapestry, damask, acrylic and plaid (cotton/olefin blend).
The cleaning procedure for these types of fabrics also would be spot cleaning using a mild, water-free solvent or dry cleaning product. Again, pre-test the product in a less visible area before use and, as before, be sure to not over- saturate, allow the area to dry completely and use a clean, white cloth. Blot out the solution. If the stain persists, rub lightly in a circular motion using a clean part of the cloth. Reverse the circular motion using a clean part of the cloth each time. You also may use the cool setting of a dryer or fan the area dry once the stain is removed. For cleaning a cushion, again, you would clean the entire surface.
- Fabrics with the “W/S” code may be spot cleaned with a mild solvent, shampoo for upholstery or the foam from a mild soap or detergent solution. Techniques mentioned for “W” or “S” coded fabrics should be followed.
- Fabrics with the code “X” should only be cleaned by vacuuming or light brushing. Water- or solvent-based cleaning agents should not be used.
Manufacturers and suppliers are always willing to assist you in defining these codes for their particular products. If you are ever unsure, do not hesitate to contact your sales representative. It is better to be safe when assisting a client with fabric care.
Remember also that aftermarket fabric protectors may change the procedure and results for each category of fabric. For more information on this topic, you also can contact the fabric manufacturer or supplier or the manufacturer of the soil prevention treatment.
The guidelines mentioned here should be verified with each manufacturer as each type of fabric varies in response to cleaning.
Proper care of your new furniture and fabrics will give you years of enjoyment. Please contact us at McGaw & Company, Inc. - Residential Interiors Group if you have additional questions.
Enjoy!
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
CAD Drawing
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group
Model Home Space Plan
Computer Aided Design also know as CAD is very cost effective in determining the scale, color and specific features of the design changes you may be considering making to your home or business prior to purchasing materials. Budgetary, material and square foot costs can be calculated for a project of any scale or scope.
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group personalizes your CAD drawing by applying your selected wood finishes, granite, flooring, fabrics and paint colors to the drawing. This is an excellent method (and fun I might add) to determine how the room will look when completed.
We routinely provide elevations of your new or refurbished room including measures and design options. This will give you a 2-D visual for items such as draperies, art, furniture style vs. cabinet details, architectural trim moldings, etc. Drawings will give you a perspective of how the relative heights, functionality and scale will impact your finished room.
CAD is an excellent tool to visualize your finished and confirm the direction of your inspirations.
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiumsfor multi-home clientele.
At McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group we find all good interior decoration starts with a design direction, fabric selections and color inspiration. We love to pair Sherman Williams paints with a collection of wonderful new designer fabrics such as these from Robert Allen Fabrics. This collection would work great with Sherman Williams colors: Chamoise SW6131, Black Bean SW6006, Quiver Tan SW6151 or Nacre SW6154.
Paint is the simplest way to add color to a room. If you tire of it overtime, or make a mistake in your color selection, a little labor is all that is needed to make your necessary change.
Design Tip: Do brush-outs of all the paint selections you may be considering because the color sample may not reflect the true color. The light and other colors in your room will impact your final color choices. I paint a sample and hold it up to the wall at different times of the day to see how the color will be affected by sunlight and shadows. Be sure to balance your color through the room to create harmony.
Most importantly, just enjoy color. It is one of the most important elements in the design process.
The fabrics shown are available for use in your home. Please leave a comment below if you would like more information.
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
Copyright © 2010-11 McGaw Company. All rights reserved
Long walls without a focal point can be particularly difficult to decorate around unless you add visual interest by breaking the wall up using light and art. Originally this was a long wall without visual interest directly across from one of the main seating areas in this home.
During the remodel, McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group removed the two original outdated sconces and replaced them with three recessed receptacles behind the art.
The art lights were rewired to accommodate a straight plug to use with the recessed art light receptacles. The recessed receptacles were wired to a dimmer switch to control the flow of light and were considered as a part of the overall lighting plan.
Art lighting is also available on batteries or hard wired to your electrical source. Picture light cord covers are also available in a variety of finishes when re-wiring is not an option.
The art work was framed in the same style as used in the seating area opposite from the art wall. The art was from the same artists to create a drama and cohesive flow of color and style.
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
Art lighting creates a layer of atmosphere to any space. Lighting manufacturers are offering picture and art lights with remote control features. This is a perfect addition to create drama within a space with the ease of using a remote control. This fixture has the added benefit of plugging into existing receptacle outlets. Battery powered art lights can be added in areas of your home without tying into electrical outlets or when an exposed cord would be unsightly.
Scaling lighting can be critically important to get the most impact from your art and lighting plan. Most professionals advise to purchase picture lighting that is one-half the dimension of your art. This is a good starting point. You may want to adjust the lighting fixture width dimension depending on the outside frame dimension, mat selection and scale of the art relative to its overall size.
Marilyn McGaw, Interior Designer
McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group
340 Royal Poinciana Way, Suite 317/399
Palm Beach, FL. 33480
Phone: (561) 676-3681
Fax: (561) 965-2351
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
Custom Drapery Styles created by McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group
addressed the client’s eight foot ceilings and wide expansion of sliding doors. We designed three different styles of drapery using computer aided design (CAD) in a multi-layering application to make the most of the low ceilings and to tie the Living Room and Dining Room together with a harmonious design.
Elevations of drapery styles and fabric choices helps focus the design process
Draperies define the view; the design direction of the room; scale and function of each option
Installed Drapery
This homes’ eight foot ceiling height appears much taller due to the drapery design. Installing the drapery side panels over the cornice board adds height to the low ceiling. The use of low profile furniture further accentuates the difference in height between the ceiling and the top of the upholstered pieces making the room feel taller and more modern.
Scaled working drawings provide information to my drapery workrooms as well help my client visualize the draperies prior to manufacturing and installation.
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.
Copyright © 2010-11 McGaw Company. All rights reserved




























































































Interior Design is Melody to our Lives
As owner and principal of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group I educate our clients as to why we are selecting or directing our projects in a certain manner. Cohesive design is virtual to the happily successful outcomes for our client’s homes.
Design principals can be confusing to the layperson. In the simplest terms, think of design like a song writer creating a melody for a song. The art of arranging using pitch, duration, rhythm and the tone of musical notes create the desired effect of the sound writer.
Inteior Design is Like a Melody!
A lyric expresses mood, lightness, feelings, drama or calm. Repetition creates expectation of what is to come next. Harmony is a string of notes sung or played together providing momentum and richness to the melody.
The same principals can be said for great interior design. Each element of our selections (function, style, colors, finishes, lifestyle, architectural details, furniture, art and accessories) work together to create harmony to our surroundings and a level of expectation as we move from one room to another. Careful selections make our homes feel complete as we add design detail upon design detail.
Evaluate spaces you love. See what harmony has been created and inspired by the song writer of your favorite interior design melody.
All our best, the Design Team!
Contact Us
website: www.mcgawcompany.com
Facebook: Residential Interiors Group
About the Author: Marilyn McGaw is the principal designer and owner of McGaw & Company, Inc. – Residential Interiors Group located in Palm Beach, FL. Her design specialty is award winning ”high rise, designer ready” luxury condominiums for multi-home clientele.