Many houses today are bought with the anticipation of doing a little fix up to remodeling one or more rooms, But how do you accomplish that and stay on budget? My clients often ask where do I start, it is all so overwhelming. Whether it is a remodel or cosmetic change the goal is the same, the feeling of home.
But where do you start? This is where a designer is a great investment. A recent survey showed that the best place you can invest your money and get the biggest return is using a designer. They come with the knowledge of what to do and what will bring the most financial return when you want to sell. But where do you start? At the bottom and work your way up. The floors are the best place to begin. Flooring options are incredible: Hardwoods,cork, tile and laminate.
All come with great looks and features that make that type of floor unique. The big buzz in flooring right now is Bamboo flooring. It is the hardest hardwood floor available, giving the most in durability. And don’t get me started on colors, from light to dark all are available.
Next, appliances, then cabinets, onto counter tops.. Look at these items and determine if any can be re-purposed or if replacing is your only option. I often work with home owners to determine what are the best options to invest in now, bringing instant change.
A kitchen or master bath remodel is very difficult to do when you are living through it, so if you can do these before you move it, the difficulty is greatly reduced. Planning is the key to these type of projects. A team of people like a designer who works with a contractor who has the connections to the plumber, electrician and carpenter takes a complicated process to simple and care free.
Not ready to make that kind of investment? No problem! If you want to add instant personality, paint! Talk about instant gratification! There is no other product that brings that kind of change. But that change can be positive or negative if the wrong color is selected. Think about bringing in a designer to help with these selections. This is a favorite of mine.
I am currently working with a client who brought me in to pick the paint colors that will inspire their new home. We have accent walls that really play up the kitchen and living areas while creating unity and “Flow” throughout the house. A designer can help you play up the positives, and bring warmth throughout. Bring a pillow or a piece of fabric you love to the meeting. The fabric gives the designer a glimpse at what captures your eye and inspires you. These will be the colors you build your house around.
Lets move onto fixtures and lighting-
The fixtures in your kitchen and bath are like the jewelry on a simple black dress. It makes all the difference. You set the tone of the room by the fixtures you select. By changing the fixtures in your kitchen, you can go from a contemporary look to a cottage or fancy and fru fru to sleek and modern.
Talk about a small investment for a big change. I just did this in my own home. I went simple on my counter tops and bought a beautiful faucet that really took control of my style. All of this for less than $300. Light fixtures are another area that makes a big change with not a lot of effort. The styles are endless and affordable. Carlos from Butler lighting says “That lighting trends are changing! Finish colors are getting lighter. Oil rubbed bronze is not the champion, but softer whiter finishes with a french country feel are very popular. Current light fixtures are easy to install, add value and give your home a fresh current feel.”
When purchasing something is out of the question, spray paint can be your best friend. I often spray the old brass fixtures to a stunning brushed silver or a warm and wonderful oil rubbed bronze. This is an instant change for less than $10 and a little time.
Cabinet hardware is amazing but a maze as to your options. They do not have to be expensive, look to some of the salvage yards, like south side bargain center, or discount builder salvage in Winston Salem.
When you get ready to move and need to know how this will all fit, moving all your furniture is not always your best option. Take the time to lay out a floor plan of your old furniture and where it will go in your new house. If a piece was bought for a certain spot in your old house, odds are it will not fit in your new. Sell it with the house or on consignment. When you get to your new home, invest the money in pieces that fit your new space and gives you a fresh look. Consignment stores are all the rage right now.
Women will always decorate their homes and consignment is the best way to go. Finding those special pieces with your new found friends is fun and affordable. Bring in your designer to help you decide what you need and you won’t make a mistake. I am often called to stop in a consignment store to look at a treasure or stop by the home to approve something that is checked out on approval.
Faye Moehorn has a wonderful shop, “Maisons” filled with truly southern treasures and special finds. Another treasure trove is the Red Collection. These are special haunts of mine. But be prepared for some hunting and digging this place is not for the faint of heart. The Triad is blessed with many consignment shops, not only for buying but for selling as well. These are great liquidation options as well.
So what really pulls everything together? It is the accessories and how they are placed. But not just art and lamps, but your window treatments and furniture coverings too. Window treatments are where I got my start 12 years ago because of my passion for fabric and fashion on a window. They make or break a room. The right ones enhance a room and unify the colors and shapes of the windows.
The wrong ones look like a big mistake, that distract the eye and cause you to wonder what were they thinking. From custom to ready-made the options are endless and available for all budgets. The Triad is blessed with fabric stores and outlets that allow for affordable fabrics with great style. I personally love 1502 fabrics in High Point and Loomcraft in Burlington. Both offer great options and with a designer in tow, you cannot go wrong.
The placement of your art and accessories can create a whole new look by using a new pair of eyes. A designer can help you place your art and accessories so you do not have to buy everything all over again. My theme is Re-Inspiration. Using what you have to create what you want. That means keeping what works and replacing with pieces that can go the distance.
Pulling your house together is a process that can take time or be completed in a flash. From remodeling a kitchen or bath, to painting for instant personality, to re-inspiring your home so it says here I am, These are all things that bring big change depending on your budget. A warm and wonderful home is a requirement. People are spending more time in their homes and inviting friends and family over for food, fun and entertainment and not just for the holidays. Creating spaces that are multifunctional and organized are a requirement for modern living. Look to your designer as your best investment to pull everything together with a plan, direction and time line to accomplish your goals and in no time at all, you will be looking marvelous!
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