Stage Your Home for Sale

For the first time since the recession hit, the housing market is making gains. That's music to the ears of home owners who need or want to sell their home. With home prices on the rise, it may be that you need take only a few more steps to get the best possible price for your house. One of the number one techniques in real estate is home staging.

All over the country home owners are paying top dollar to have home staging experts give their homes a per-sale makeover. Realtors will tell you staging is worth the money. But, wait, we just said we're coming out of a recession. Maybe putting funds towards hiring an expert isn't an option for you. That doesn't mean you can't give your house an interior design look to boost your home's selling price.

Staging is what you do after you've cleaned, uncluttered, painted, made minor repairs; it's all about dressing the house for sale. Here are a few of the industry's secrets.

• Work room by room starting at the front door. Your home should feel open and welcoming. Focus on simple accessories. Consider a big, lovely mirror over the console table. Maybe a deep rattan basket for collecting shoes.

• Liven up the living room. Celebrate a great focal point - a view of the backyard garden, lake, or the fireplace. Adjust your furniture to sit toward the focal point. Rather than against the walls, float furniture on an area rug to give the room a spacious feel. No focal point in your room? Use stylish art or a dramatic piece of furniture to create one.

• Kitchens are the heart of the home. Toss or store anything that would be considered kitschy. Clear the counters of small appliances, cooking utensils, canisters. Place a single display of seasonal fruit such as polished apples, bright oranges, or pineapples on the counter or island. The more you put away, the better the kitchen will look. Counter space is a real selling point. Bonus tip: rub orange oil on the cabinets to restore their original luster.

• Dress up the bedroom. Ditch the patterned comforter in the bedroom. Keep it simple with a fresh white duvet or cotton blanket. Trade bold bedroom walls for light grey or putty neutrals. Aim for a light and airy feel by removing heavy curtains and nightstand clutter. Matching lamps and a few art books lend a sense of sophistication. Use a simple lidded box to hide the remote control, tissues, and worn paperback.

• Master the master bath. Replace spec home sink, shower, and light fixtures with something a step up. Use a silver tray to anchor odds and ends that collect on counters. Use artful containers to hide away frequently used items. Small glass jars for swabs and cotton balls make an attractive and practical display.

• Bring the outdoors inside. Live plants like orchids or succulents make a huge difference in a room. Cut branches or large tropical leaves in large vases are very chic. Silk plants and flowers should be avoided unless they appear so real that even touching them leaves doubt.

• Want to stay. Your for-sale home do-over should be so compelling it makes you second think selling.

Fall 2012 Interior Design Trends

Add a punch of color with the citrus
hues trending for this fall.

With oppressive record heat temperatures, it's a good thing that cooler temperatures are just around the corner. They can't come soon enough, right? 

Along with cooler temps also comes new interior design trends and there are some great ones to look forward to this Fall.

In case you haven't noticed, (don't know how you couldn't!) the spirited neon colors from the 1980s are unabashedly back in a big way. This holds true in both the fashion and Dallas interior design worlds, as the two smartly go hand in hand.

At this year's fashion shows, designers were eager to strut sassy hues such as citron, yellow, hot pink and turquoise — yet the sensible colors like black, white, cream and navy were still standing. Appropriately, this year’s color palette for home design complements what has been seen on the runways.


Looking at New Jersey-based Pantone Color Institute's preview of colors for fall, it is more than apparent the retro vibe reverberates throughout the color reports. The trending colors of this fall include Pink Flambe, Ultramarine Green and Bright Chartreuse.

Here are some other key trends we have discovered while trendspotting:

1. 2012 marks the return of sectional sofas.  Sectional seating creates a warm, inviting space for your family and friends to gather and to be more communal. Remember the so-called pit seating from the 1970s and 1980s? It’s back, only with a deeper sit. It’s all about relaxing and lounging in your space.

2. Fabrics are soft, soft, soft. Trending textures are simply luxurious — from the lightly woven velours and velvets to ultra suede. Ultra-soft fabrics, for instance, appear on overstuffed sofas to create a cozy yet chic seating combination. The style is lounge comfort. You don’t sit on the sofas, you sit in them.

3. Cocooning is still the buzz word. Interior Design experts agree people are entertaining more in their homes, and they are ready to invest in high-quality furnishings. People are eager to create luxury getaway environments in their own homes — whether through high-end home theater systems or spa-inspired bathrooms.

4. Everything old is new again when it comes to pattern. Traditional patterns such as chain link and Ikat are on the return with a present-day color palette. These patterns add a punch of excitement to classic and contemporary room settings.

5. Soft furnishings, including pillows, throws and bedding, and accessories are important — and provide easy ways to inject a dash of the color du jour. Many designers are mixing pillows for a fresh new look: patterns — layered on top of or next to other patterns — are definitely the current trend for home accessories.

6. Vintage is still new. Reproductions of classic pieces and remakes of vintage signs are all the rage.

7. Lastly, never underestimate the elegant durability of leather. It's a major force in the industry for its performance and luxuriance — and the way it can accommodate any lifestyle. A leather sofa, for instance, works perfectly for a family with small children since it's easy to clean. Another perk: leather lasts four times longer than any other fabric.

Want some expert assistance applying these trends? Visit us at our Dallas furniture showroom.

Trend Alert: Ikat

Ikat (pronounced ee-kat) is a dyeing technique used to pattern textiles that employs a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye. The defining characteristic of ikat is the dyeing of patterns, by means of bindings, into the threads before cloth construction, the weaving of the fabric, takes place. Herein lies the difference between ikat and tie-dye. In tie-dye the fabric is woven first and the resist bindings are then applied to the fabric which is dyed.

Ikat fabrics are the oldest known patterned textiles in the world. They appear in cultures as diverse as Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Guatemala, Turkey, and India. Because textiles rarely survive more than a few thousand years, it is unknown how far back Ikat patterns date.

Today’s interior designers are reinventing the Ikat, using the ancient techniques and creating fresh designs. Reproduction Ikat designs allow us to use these exciting patterns in ways that we could never use antique fabrics - upholstery, drapery, area rugs and fashion.

 
 

What Color Where?

Are you seeing red in the bedroom, or feeling blue about your bathroom? Maybe it’s got something to do with your interior design. It’s long been recognized that colors are connected with emotions in the brain, and it’s also been proven that the colors of rooms you’re frequently in can affect your frame of mind, concentration and even digestion. 

Getting a hint of the right tint could lead to a healthier, happier, more productive home - so why not dig out your paint brushes and take a look at our rainbow of mood-enhancing possibilities? 

Green: A color that’s often used in hospitals, as it’s associated with health and efficiency. Depending on what shade you settle on, it can create very different effects: bright greens improve vision and create a refreshing atmosphere, while softer, more natural greens are calming. Mint green or heather green are welcoming shades, relaxing colors for hallways - fantastic for patterned wallpaper that’s not overwhelming. Mellower tones are also excellent for children’s bedrooms - pale turquoises and sea greens will settle them but won’t leave them feeling lethargic. As an added bonus, green doesn’t carry any gendered connotations, as do pink and blue. 

Yellow: It’s said that babies cry more in yellow rooms - a very stimulating color, it enhances concentration and speeds the metabolism. It’s often used in schools because it keeps the brain ‘switched on’ – in the home it’s great for studies and kitchens but bad for bedrooms and wind-down rooms. Pale yellow brightens an area where activities happen, giving a happy, positive atmosphere. 

Orange: Orange can make a room look smaller, so if used in excess will make a space feel claustrophobic and stressful: not so good for bedrooms and studies because you might find it hard to sleep or concentrate. However, it aids digestion and increases appetite, as well as engaging the brain. Therefore, it’s great for kitchens, eating and play areas, as well as being good when applied to a single wall in a neutral color scheme – it adds a pop of liveliness and fun. 

Red: Dark red can be a passionate color for bedrooms; rather than going all out with the same shade, it’s best to just have a ruby or maroon feature wall– too much can be unnerving rather than arousing. It’s also an appetite stimulant, so deck out your dining room with red details. 

Purple: Lavender shades are a sedative: use wisely, as they can make a living room or dining room seem drowsy. Dark, dramatic shades are fantastic in moderation but can have a bit of a depressing effect if used too much. 

Blue: Though many people’s favorite color, blue can look cold and unwelcoming. According to a study by Pantone, office workers complained that an office was too cold when it was painted blue – but when it was painted a peachy shade they warmed up even though the temperature had not changed. Blue suppresses the appetite and stimulates thought, so it’s bad for bedrooms and dining rooms; however, it’s an excellent color for studies and exercise areas.

Game on: Four Easy Game Room Design Tips

Whether your game room is a place to entertain, display media or 'play games' and just relax - we've got some do-it-yourself tips to optimizing a space for this purpose. Interior design is about creating comfortable, beautiful and functional spaces.

First, make it relaxing:  Pay attention to color, specifically - and try to keep it warm and light. If it's just a media room, of course you'll want it dark. But we're not talking about just a media room. We're talking about a place where your family meets and relaxes together. Keep it light and friendly.

Have functional furnishings: The furniture in this space should be very usable - seating, games (like pool tables or darts), wet or dry bars, coffee tables and places to sit, relax, drink and engage one another. Keep furniture to proper scale for the room. Guests and occupants will need ample space to move around the room.

Where to put.... your family pictures and memorabilia? In the game room of course! Adding family photos and memorabilia as parts of the decor add a sense of nostalgia and warm family tradition.

Keep it neutral: Accessorize with things the family might use: a throw blanket, comfy soft pillows, a nice big-screen TV and refreshment/bar area.

Backyard Love Affair - Top Five Tips For Designing An Outdoor Space

More Americans are showing their love for the great outdoors with their homes according to the American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey.  AIA surveyed architects nationwide to discover home preferences. 

“In the last few years, outdoor living spaces have become the new ‘great room’ in terms of must-have items for home owners,” says Kermit Baker, AIA’s chief economist. Nearly two-thirds of the architects surveyed said that outdoor living space, covered outdoor space, and outdoor rooms are increasing in popularity. Architects also reported higher demand for exterior and security lighting.

Creating a brilliant outdoor living space can be done on a budget. By using what you already have, limiting purchases to the basics, and creating a focal point, you can easily and inexpensively create a welcoming outdoor living space in your backyard.

Ask yourself how you and your family currently use the space, and how you would like to use the space. The answers will help you determine what you need to take away or add to your current outdoor space.

Focal Point
Similar to creating an inviting indoor living space, the backyard living space needs a focal point. The focal point may already exist, in the home's architecture, in the landscaping, or in a backyard structure including a gazebo. Or, add your own focal point.

Fire Pit Table
One of the most popular and easy additions to the backyard outdoor living space is a fire pit table. The fire pit table can be low to the ground, with a wide perimeter where guests and family members can place cups or glasses. The fire pit adds instant warmth to any backyard.

Water Element
If you already have fire, add water. A water element creates a soothing and pleasant addition to the backyard outdoor living space. It could be a small waterfall as part of the landscaping, or an artificial pond for real fish. Small stand-alone water fountains or bird baths offer inexpensive ways to add a water element to the space.

Mix and Max Outdoor Seating
Invest in an outdoor furniture set with a love seat, chairs and table. Mix and match pieces by shopping at local consignment, used furniture, close out stores and yard sales. The styles and materials do not have to match. You can spray paint all of the pieces the same color to make them appear as a cohesive set. Add outdoor cushions to the pieces to make them more comfortable.

One of the best investments you can make in your outdoor space is a table with an umbrella. With four to six chairs, the table becomes an instant gathering place for your family and friends. Use the table to eat meals, play board games, or just relax, comfortably, while sitting outdoors.

Pick a table and chair set that is easy to clean, is durable and can be folded or easily stored if you live in a seasonal climate.

Lighting
Lighting is not something home owners would overlook in their indoor spaces, and it should also be considered for outdoor spaces. Invest in solar lawn lights to mark or make pathways to outdoor living spaces which are not adjacent to the house.

Festive string lights add a touch of whimsy to outdoor spaces and can be found in many styles; boxy Asian-inspired lanterns are always fun. Tiki torches, citronella torches, and floating candles in your water element also add soft lighting to backyard outdoor spaces at night.

With some inspiration and a little thought, you can turn your ho-hum yard into a extravagant outdoor entertaining space. 

Photo: Home Channel TV

La Barge Furnishings: Elegance, Style, Craftsmanship

This week, we’re stepping back in time to highlight the beauty of the Baroque era.  In the 17th century, European design leaned toward exaggeration, and over-emphasized brilliance.  We, as interior designers - love over-emphasized brilliance. Who doesn't? The spreading Renaissance carried this free manner everywhere, and for two centuries, most European art was Baroque. 

Motion is the essence of Baroque - large curves, fantastic and irregular - twisted columns, broken pediments, and oversized moldings.  Everything was calculated to strike the eye.  Baroque is a masculine style, while its feminine counterpart, Rococo, came in the 18th century substituting prettiness and charm for Baroque magnificence. 

Beautiful mirrors with curves and carved ornamentation are always in style. For example, an over scaled Baroque mirror from La Barge dominates and makes a grand statement in a dining room over a sideboard or in a large entry way. A Grecian crackled gold finish and rub-through set this mirror apart. A mirror such as this can add eclectic interest to a room that is modern and sleek where a statement piece is needed to shake things up a bit.  
If you’re considering the addition of a Baroque piece to your home, look for classic pieces that stand the test of time. And know - that you can’t go wrong with La Barge, a featured line here at J. Douglas Design.