Design Tip

Colors taken from spring bouquets can create perfect interior color palettes. For example, the different purple tones seen in hydrangeas work well with the buttery tones of the daffodil. Remember, purples and yellows always pair nicely since they're complementary hues on the color wheel.  Decorate using inspiration from your favorite spring flowers and enjoy the look all year!

 

Thinking About Remodeling?

Are you considering a big remodeling project?  We all want to update and improve our home, but where do we start?  How do we get from talking about it to the finished project?  Here are a few tips:

First- What is your goal? Have you lived in your home a few years and just lived with things that either really weren't your style or just didn't work for your lifestyle and needs, so now is the time to right some wrongs? Make the place your own: colors, textures, new appliances, floor coverings and walls, because your comfort and that of your family has value.

OR- are you planning to sell in the next couple of years and need to spruce up and make it appealing to potential buyers? If so, keep it neutral and budget friendly.  In either case, don't overspend for the neighborhood and respect your home's style.

Make a wish list, and organize it by priority.  The probability is that not everything will make it into your final plan, either because it just won't work within the framework that exists, or for financial reasons. So know ahead which are the most important, and which are not.

Which rooms are you going to remodel? Sounds like a simple question, but remember that the Master Bath adjoins the Master Bedroom, and the Living Room frequently is connected to the Dining Room. So take into account how remodeling one room will affect the next. Also consider what is on either side of a wall. The washing machine backing up to the baby's bedroom wall or your husband's at-home office is not such a good idea.

Know what your style is: contemporary, traditional, minimalist, light and airy, or cozy and plush?  There are lots of websites where you can get an idea of what you like, and what you don't like. Colors? Warm and comfy, or cool and subdued?  How will the room be used? Family friendly, or "guests only?" TV addicts, or quiet readers? Will you need lots of storage?

What floor do you envisage in your new room? Window treatments? Lighting?  And if it's a kitchen, gas or electric, granite or quartz? So much to think about!

Have a budget, make it realistic, and stick to it. Include all the details.  An experienced professional can help here by making sure nothing is overlooked and suggesting more budget friendly alternatives when needed.

Work with a company that comes recommended by people you trust. A reputable contractor will be able to explain why there are expenses for things that can't be seen, but are necessary nonetheless. Everything will cost more than you expect, so be prepared for sticker shock.  Research and understand your options.  And sometimes the cheapest route may turn out to be the most expensive, for example, when you have to pay to redo a mistake.

Some other considerations and things you need to think about before you begin the process:

~~expect dust! Remodeling involves demolition and generates a lot of dust, and it gets on everything. Be sure that all non-work rooms are sealed off thoroughly.

~~don't allow the project to begin until all the materials are here and ready. One late component can delay a project for weeks.

~~include as part of your budget an allowance for eating out if you are remodeling the kitchen. It will be unavailable for a while, and eating out every meal can add up.

~~always build in some extra money for the unexpected!