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Home Decor
Have you ever watched one of those home makeover shows or flipped through the pages of Southern Living and immediately got the itch to make some changes, but were too nervous to take the plunge? Well, you’re not alone.
Decorating or redecorating your home can be quite an undertaking because there are so many things to consider, such as your budget, the sizes of your rooms, and the particular style that you’re shooting for.
If your budget won’t allow you to completely decorate or overhaul your home, it’s best to prioritize your projects. Those who entertain a lot may want to focus on the dining and living room areas. If creating a stress-free sanctuary is your goal, then you may want to focus on your bedroom.
The good news is that even the smallest changes can make the most dramatic differences in making your house truly a home. Here’s some fantastic advice from the local professionals who are ready to help you take that plunge.
Decorating tips
If your budget doesn’t allow for hiring an interior designer to do it for you, here are some tips to get you started.
“First, decorate your home to suit yourself,” said Grover. “Make your space reflect your unique personality, and it will feel comfortable to you and your friends. Second, small changes can make a big difference. Adding a different piece of artwork or changing the color of accent pillows can re-create the entire look of a space. Don’t be afraid to use color. Too much neutral is just that ... neutral. It doesn’t make an impression. Third, don’t think of paint as permanent. Try painting just one wall with an accent color. If you like it, spread it around. If you don’t, just cover it up again.
“Fourth, if you find something you like, buy it,” added Grover. “At Scallywag’s, we have a sign that says, ‘I should’a bought it when I saw it.’ Because we don’t purchase new goods, the items on our floor are the only ones we can get our hands on. Every week we have someone come back who was waiting for a 10-percent mark down that finds someone else was willing to pay the extra to get what they wanted.”
“Window treatments are your view to the mountains of western North Carolina,” said McCutchan. “You may have a beautiful view, we can make a beautiful window. Vertical window fashions add height, as well as top treatments mounted above casings. Horizontal treatments are more relaxed and informal. Fabric coverings soften the echo of vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors and soften harsh architectural lines of wood interiors. Bring in pictures, paint chips, wall paper cuttings, carpet, and upholstery swatches and the process can begin.”
Decorating trends
If you’ve never passed through Western North Carolina before, you may have pre-existing thoughts about what homes in the region will look like, such as rustic, log-cabin-type homes. Although that style comprises many of the homes in the region, the professionals are also noticing several other trends in the area.
“Many people just moving to the mountain area are enamored with the rustic/cabin look, and we sell lots of it when we can get our hands on it,” said Grover. “However, there are many more people in the western mountains who prefer to decorate in a more traditional fashion and who are generally looking to save money on fashionable quality furniture. Most generally, I can say there is a tendency to use bolder, darker colors in the mountains than in other areas.”
When it comes to window coverings, people are asking for simple elegance and functionality instead of the ornate and elaborate fabrics that were extremely popular in the 1980s.
“In the past, layers of fabric were applied to window openings,” said McCutchan. “Today, simple side panels are used, and the shades have become the operable element without foregoing the style and beauty.”
The exterior colors of homes in the region tend to follow rustic and earthy shades; however, more and more dwellings are spicing things up a little with a variety of colors.
“In Western North Carolina, you’ll find almost every type of house style depending on the neighborhood,” said Chambers. “This is pretty unique, considering that we have so many different kinds of houses, including brick, cedar stained, log homes, stucco homes, batten wood, hardy plank, vinyl, traditional grand ladies, and tudor. All of them have been painted in just about every color. We’re seeing a return to standard whites from off-cream colors, but deep rustic colors are still very popular.”
It may seem a little overwhelming because choices definitely abound, but rest assured that the professionals in the region are ready to help your home burst with personality and help you transition it from house to home.
For Home Decor links click here.