We all want the finer things in life, but some of us work on a tight budget. Just because the purse strings are a little tight does not mean you can not work on a little interior decorating. There are ways around the high priced full scale decorating options. Never thought you could change a room for under $100? Well, let me tell you how.
A room is about what you put in it, how the color scheme meshes, and what style you want. So here are some ideas for taking the current room that you simply are not pleased with and magically turning it into a new world.
The first area is furniture. While, maybe you cannot afford new furniture, you can invest in sofa covers, give that coffee table a good sanding and refinish it, or hit the thrift stores. It may be secondhand but it is new for you!
The accent items in the rooms can also be changed for little to nothing. By simply adding maybe some new artwork, picture frames, or one of the favorites is candles. Candles can set an aromatic scene as well as a more warm and comfy feel with a touch of elegance.
These are a few tips to get you started redecorating on a tight budget. There are many more to come.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Guide to that Perfect Home
When it comes to redecorating that new home, it can often be overwhelming. Where do you begin? What are the areas that I need to address? There are so many elements to each room of a home, so we are going to help point out the primary areas that can quickly transform the look of a home or room quickly and efficiently.
The first area to tackle is flooring. Whether you are a huge fan of hard wood floors, tiling, or carpet, this is definitely on the top of the remodeling list. This alone can make the dullest or mismatched room come together with a new clean look.
Once you got the flooring in place, it is time to address the walls. There is more to wall redecorating than simply a coat of paint. It is includes the trim options, possibilities for adding molding, and the of course artwork. This can be a large task as it sets the mood for the rest of the decorating.
Finally, you want to hit the stores with new furniture options or refinishing current furniture. Change out some lighting, add some accessories, and remember that plants are always refreshing and beautiful.
These simple areas will put you on the path for a successful remodeling of your home. There are many more things you can do to spice up that old living room, or old fashioned home, but this will but you on the right path.
The first area to tackle is flooring. Whether you are a huge fan of hard wood floors, tiling, or carpet, this is definitely on the top of the remodeling list. This alone can make the dullest or mismatched room come together with a new clean look.
Once you got the flooring in place, it is time to address the walls. There is more to wall redecorating than simply a coat of paint. It is includes the trim options, possibilities for adding molding, and the of course artwork. This can be a large task as it sets the mood for the rest of the decorating.
Finally, you want to hit the stores with new furniture options or refinishing current furniture. Change out some lighting, add some accessories, and remember that plants are always refreshing and beautiful.
These simple areas will put you on the path for a successful remodeling of your home. There are many more things you can do to spice up that old living room, or old fashioned home, but this will but you on the right path.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Interior Decorating Great For Presaling Homes
Why would you bother hiring an interior decorator to work on your home when you are just putting it up for sale? The reason why is, because by putting a little money in on your end can increase the value of the home or make it more appealing at a slightly higher price in which you can get most if not all of your decorating investment back.
It is always good to get a consult from an interior decorator that specializes in "home staging". That is simply the investment of putting money in the house to get more money out of the sell. Get a consult and see what they suggest. It could be something as simple as a new coat of paint, change of color scheme or possibly working with the furniture to make the aesthetics of the room showw more value.
There are a lot of elements that can help make your house not just another house on the market. Instead, it can become the house that has offers rolling in and you find that that simple investment has made you even more profit on that glorious home of yours.
It is always good to get a consult from an interior decorator that specializes in "home staging". That is simply the investment of putting money in the house to get more money out of the sell. Get a consult and see what they suggest. It could be something as simple as a new coat of paint, change of color scheme or possibly working with the furniture to make the aesthetics of the room showw more value.
There are a lot of elements that can help make your house not just another house on the market. Instead, it can become the house that has offers rolling in and you find that that simple investment has made you even more profit on that glorious home of yours.
Friday, October 2, 2009
How much do interior decorators charge?
When it comes to the cost of an interior decorator, you could be swimming in the money or working on a tight budget. That is why it is important to know what you are getting into before you start that new decorating project. Every decorator has their own rates and items they charge for, but the breakdown of typical charges will give you the information you need to know, so you can ask the right questions and get the true cost.
There is typically a consultation fee, where you and the designer talk about your ideas, and try to picture what will be needed to get the final look you are after. After the consultation the fees vary greatly from designer to designer.
Typical fee options:
Retainer: This is an amount of money in which the designer thinks will handle the labor costs and will most likely request this payment prior to actually beginning to work on your dream home.
"Per Square Foot", "By the Hour", and "Fee Based" are the safer options as these are set prices that will be negotiated. You will know the total price of that new living room, bedroom, or whole home before the work begins.
Options such as "Cost Plus", "Hourly and Cost Plus", and "Retail and Commission", are a little more risky for you the buyer. The issues that arise with these choices are the cost plus and hourly cost plus options do not offer a set price and it would be easy for the total cost of your project to grow rapidly. The retail and commission option could lead to trouble in regards to product selection as they will be using as much of the product in which they gain commission on as possible.
While each of these options poses their own risk, it is important to understand the terms of the agreement between you and your designer, so make sure to ask questions and understand the fee terms before the project begins.
There is typically a consultation fee, where you and the designer talk about your ideas, and try to picture what will be needed to get the final look you are after. After the consultation the fees vary greatly from designer to designer.
Typical fee options:
Retainer: This is an amount of money in which the designer thinks will handle the labor costs and will most likely request this payment prior to actually beginning to work on your dream home.
"Per Square Foot", "By the Hour", and "Fee Based" are the safer options as these are set prices that will be negotiated. You will know the total price of that new living room, bedroom, or whole home before the work begins.
Options such as "Cost Plus", "Hourly and Cost Plus", and "Retail and Commission", are a little more risky for you the buyer. The issues that arise with these choices are the cost plus and hourly cost plus options do not offer a set price and it would be easy for the total cost of your project to grow rapidly. The retail and commission option could lead to trouble in regards to product selection as they will be using as much of the product in which they gain commission on as possible.
While each of these options poses their own risk, it is important to understand the terms of the agreement between you and your designer, so make sure to ask questions and understand the fee terms before the project begins.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
A Quick Look at Decorating Styles
It is time to talk about those different decorating styles. The three to be discussed today are contemporary, modern, and antique. Modern and contemporary are often confused when it comes to the ideas in our head and those specialties of a designer.
Contemporary simply means that your designs are current and up-to-date. These layouts are typically simple with neutral colors or traditional color schemes. This style is all about structure, placement, and using your furniture, paintings, or other accessories to make a statement. It is a clean, organized, yet elegant look without all the bells and whistles of those eclectic addons.
Modern styles focus on structured layouts that are often accomplished by using geometric shapes. It is often referred to as sleek, smooth, and sheik. One of the huge differences in modern and contemporary styles is the artwork selection. You find that the artwork in a modern style decorated home will still carry its geometric shape but mainly make a statement or be an irresistible room completing shape. Every item in the room will not only have a place but a purpose to complete the overall modern look. The color schemes are typically simply involving blacks, grays, whites, and silvers.
Finally we come to the antique look which is fairly easily distinguished as you will note the rustic look, and typically darker colors. While, everything appears to be older many of the items could be brand new. It is all about presenting an image of the golden days yet a good clean, solid look. These schemes are often accomplished with more intricate pieces found within the molding, lamps, tables, and simple light fixtures. Accessories are the in abundance as it takes a lot to create that antique look in the current times.
Now that we all have a better understanding of these three common decorating styles, it is time to start decorating. None of these styles really offer what you are looking for? No worries. We will be discussing more styles in the near future.
Contemporary simply means that your designs are current and up-to-date. These layouts are typically simple with neutral colors or traditional color schemes. This style is all about structure, placement, and using your furniture, paintings, or other accessories to make a statement. It is a clean, organized, yet elegant look without all the bells and whistles of those eclectic addons.
Modern styles focus on structured layouts that are often accomplished by using geometric shapes. It is often referred to as sleek, smooth, and sheik. One of the huge differences in modern and contemporary styles is the artwork selection. You find that the artwork in a modern style decorated home will still carry its geometric shape but mainly make a statement or be an irresistible room completing shape. Every item in the room will not only have a place but a purpose to complete the overall modern look. The color schemes are typically simply involving blacks, grays, whites, and silvers.
Finally we come to the antique look which is fairly easily distinguished as you will note the rustic look, and typically darker colors. While, everything appears to be older many of the items could be brand new. It is all about presenting an image of the golden days yet a good clean, solid look. These schemes are often accomplished with more intricate pieces found within the molding, lamps, tables, and simple light fixtures. Accessories are the in abundance as it takes a lot to create that antique look in the current times.
Now that we all have a better understanding of these three common decorating styles, it is time to start decorating. None of these styles really offer what you are looking for? No worries. We will be discussing more styles in the near future.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
How to Choose the Right Designer for you.
When it comes to choosing a designer there are a lot of elements that you want to consider. The first is have you really decided what you want. You should be able to picture it in your mind and be willing to present your idea vivid enough for someone to take your mental image and turn it into reality. You can never expect someone to give you what you want in regards to interior decorating if you cannot supply them with exactly what it is that you want.
It is also important to find an interior decorator that can work within the style you are wanting your "new look" to fit in. You would not want a decorator that typically works within a retro field to be handling your contemporary look. It is always a good idea to talk with them about their experience and qualifications. When it comes to designs, most veteran designers will have a portfolio of previous work. It is worth taking the time to look at a portfolio of a few decorators rather than jump on board with promises that could prove to be unfulfilled.
A quick recap of what you need to look for in your potential designer. Ask for a portfolio, look at credentials, look at their style of work, and of course make sure your attitudes and ideas are all on the same page. These simple steps will help guarantee that your new decor is what you wanted.
It is also important to find an interior decorator that can work within the style you are wanting your "new look" to fit in. You would not want a decorator that typically works within a retro field to be handling your contemporary look. It is always a good idea to talk with them about their experience and qualifications. When it comes to designs, most veteran designers will have a portfolio of previous work. It is worth taking the time to look at a portfolio of a few decorators rather than jump on board with promises that could prove to be unfulfilled.
A quick recap of what you need to look for in your potential designer. Ask for a portfolio, look at credentials, look at their style of work, and of course make sure your attitudes and ideas are all on the same page. These simple steps will help guarantee that your new decor is what you wanted.
What colors are turn ons and turn offs to home buyers?
When it comes to home buyers, while they may like modern looks or exciting styles, they are not necessarily looking for loud, overbearing houses in which the color selection itself causes one to second guess even going further to look at the inside of the house. Loud and boisterous color schemes can be an immediate turn off. It is okay to be colorful just not "wild and free".
Most people will choose to go for a more neutral and soft touch in selection for external home color choices. Safe bets are whites and ivory while bringing in color with the trimmings which can be a wider variety such as blues, reds, and greens. A buyer will contemplate the level of difficulty it will be to change the current color scheme if they prefer a different one. So in your color selection, you will definitely want to go with complementary colors and lighter ones as they are the easiest to repaint.
Loudly painted homes can scare away even the most adventurous home buyer looking for the perfect home to fix up, as they are tallying the cost to flip the house at first glance. Once entering the home it is suggested you continue the simple color schemes of beige , ivory, and white unless the colors are well thought out, complementary to one another, and offer a complete scheme not only in a particular room but with any adjoining rooms within eye sight.
These simply but important color choices can make a real difference when it comes to selling a home or designing a contemporary look for the home. While it may be contemporary it does not have to be boring. You just have to know where to add the color and focus on the big picture.
Most people will choose to go for a more neutral and soft touch in selection for external home color choices. Safe bets are whites and ivory while bringing in color with the trimmings which can be a wider variety such as blues, reds, and greens. A buyer will contemplate the level of difficulty it will be to change the current color scheme if they prefer a different one. So in your color selection, you will definitely want to go with complementary colors and lighter ones as they are the easiest to repaint.
Loudly painted homes can scare away even the most adventurous home buyer looking for the perfect home to fix up, as they are tallying the cost to flip the house at first glance. Once entering the home it is suggested you continue the simple color schemes of beige , ivory, and white unless the colors are well thought out, complementary to one another, and offer a complete scheme not only in a particular room but with any adjoining rooms within eye sight.
These simply but important color choices can make a real difference when it comes to selling a home or designing a contemporary look for the home. While it may be contemporary it does not have to be boring. You just have to know where to add the color and focus on the big picture.
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