Showing posts with label tips. Show all posts

4 FALL Re-Style Tips for HOME

Posted by Julea September 03, 2016

Fall Decorating Ideas, Re-Style ideas for your Home

Mornings are a bit cooler, the kids are back to school, and you look at your calendar and there are only 113 days till Christmas! Summer takes its toll on your home interiors. Perhaps you have piles of papers in the dining room, a spooky dust covered living room, and the family room’s pillows have been over loved by both the kids and your dog.

A fall home decorating refresher is the perfect remedy for your home’s style malaise. It’s time to add a new furniture arrangement, an accessory shake-up, and some strategic power shopping to put a bit of zing into your home spaces.

So where to start? I offer 4 tips in this post to remedy your home’s neglected look.

#1 Assess your Stuff. Take a hard look at your stuff. Move room to room and look at your furnishings, lamps, accessories and art. Could some of these pieces be swapped to another room, be reinvented, repurposed or removed?

In our example, a large painting from the living room was swapped. The scale, colors and style looked great over the couch.

#2 A New Position. As the seasons change, so should your room's arrangements. Fireplaces in the summer - who cares; but as the cooler weather creeps in, you'll want to soon be curled up next to your fireplace with a cup of hot coffee and a cozy throw. A mantle refresher will give new life to your fireplace and a new furniture arrangement will give you a fresh perspective and a new view whether your room's emphasis is a fireplace, TV or just to create a new seating for conversation.

In our example, a new position for the chair, and an added ottoman from another room creates a new arrangement for the space. The brown ottoman pulls the color down from the paneled ceiling and provides a place to put up your feet.

#3 Tactile Textiles. Nothing give a space a new style than textiles. A pop of a new color in new drapery panels, pillows, or a throw will instantly up a room's WOW rating.

In our example, we did some strategic power shopping at Tuesday Morning and added colorful drapery panels and just in for fall, seasonal hued pillows to give the space an update.

#4 Accent with Accessories. Whether you shop your own home, or pick up something new, accessories will refine and finish a space.

In our example we added a new rug to add that cozy layer for cooler days. The fun ombre indoor/outdoor rug from RugStudio was selected on-line. The vintage vases, tray and books were shopped from other areas of the home, and finish the room's new look.

Julea

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Color Interior Design kitchen tips

3 Steps to Reviving your Kitchen!

Posted by Julea April 14, 2016

So many people want to reinvent their kitchens. We imagine our kitchens looking fresh and fabulous - injected with a dose of decorating Botox. We’ve all done it - scoured Pinterest boards for hours, endlessly Googled, ‘Easy Cabinet Painting Techniques’ and priced out dreamy new appliances. So when the appliance company Big Chill, presented their challenge to create a style board about designing a kitchen around their stove line - I was all over the idea because I too am the gal Googling. Did Big Chill know that I have coveted their appliance line for years, loving their Retro inspired products in trend forward colors? Why? My Mom’s turquoise stove! I grew up in a household that sported a turquoise stove and that stove moved to 3 homes, helping make endless meals, right through my college years. My Mom loved that stove, so this kitchen challenge post will be inspired selfishly and collectively with Mom in mind.

Rather than creating a new kitchen, my vision was reviving an existing kitchen, because after all that is my interior design philosophy for my design business REINVENTING SPACE .My motto is "Let’s use what you have 1st by reinventing, changing and updating, then spend it where you need to with something you really love, followed by filling in the blanks with cost effective solutions and finds in your personal style."

STEP 1 - USE WHAT YOU HAVE 1ST: So let’s start with what can be reinvented, rather than buying new - Cabinets. We can easily and effectively repaint our kitchen cabinets today using the proper primer and paint. Take the reinvention a step further and remove a few upper cabinet doors and paint the interior a fun accent color. My SHERWIN WILLIAM’s rep. and friend, Annmarie Fabbi has 2 great water based Sherwin Williams products to use. Here's her suggestion on repainting your cabinets. Spend a bit of time sanding the original top coat of your cabinets to remove the varnish of your current finish. Then using Sherwin William's EXTREME BOND primer, one or two coats of primer to seal in any left behind varnish. Make sure to take a ultra fine sanding paper and sand any bubbles between coats. Then use the PRO CLASSIC paint in the color of your choice, and repeat the process.

STEP 2 - ADD SOMETHING NEW THAT YOU LOVE:You will love Big Chill’s ‘Retro’ stove in 'Turquoise'- a kitchen statement maker and a cook’s stove. It's not only the on-trend in the most popular current decorating color, but a work horse appliance as well. Just like a great room layout, you want a focal point in your kitchen too - This range is the decorating emphasis and the jumping off point for the kitchen's design inspiration.

STEP 3 - FILL IN THE BLANKS: New counters in cost effective laminate. Yes, laminate. If you haven’t looked at laminate, you need to. 21st century technology has make this old school kitchen mainstay, a smart alternative to expensive stones. You can get your coveted Carrara marble look, even an undermount sink with designer counter edges at a fraction of the cost. In my Retro revival, the counters have WILSONART 'Betty', a hip, vintage pattern with turquoise, gray and orange. The lighting choice, a nod to my hometown of Chicago by BARN LIGHT ELECTRIC’S - 'Chicago Vintage' industrial chain hung pendant in gray. Further filling in the blanks with cost effective solutions, from bar stools to art - one-of-a-kind finds bought from CHARISH - a cool on-line source for upscale resale.

So there you have it - a simple three step process to revive your kitchen!

Julea

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#pierone 2014 Decorating trends accessorizing blue and orange Bob Vila# home decorating ideas navy tips

Home Decorating Ideas - Blue & Orange

Posted by Julea July 13, 2014

A great color pairing - Blue & Orange. Sophisticated, cool and grounded, BLUE mixes with a spicy, lively and warm ORANGE. During a quick trip to order a few chairs at Pier One today - I paused at an entry display that caught my eye. As I waited for the sales person to check on stock, I browsed the store combining the hues.

Coral Chambray Napkin

Indigo Floral Dinnerware

Carmilla Dining Chair - Blue Damask

Temple Jar - Orange

Faux Croc Persimmon Tray

Lexford Chest - Navy

Aster Quatrefoil Tile Pillow

Petals Lumbar Pillow - Orange

Aster Jacobean Pillow

Julea

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Bob Vila# Chicago Home Staging Tips interior styling spring 2014 home decorating ideas tips

Spring 2014 Home Decorating Ideas

Posted by Julea March 25, 2014

Here in Chicago, we are waiting patiently for spring to arrive after a very long, cold and snowy winter. I woke up this morning to a wash of white again! Just a dusting of snow, but I’m so ready to see the green of my lawn. I'll take any green!!

I know its coming - the migrating birds are back, there are buds on my trees and I can see the chartreuse green tips of my daffodils pushing their way up in my garden beds. With spring outside on pause, if you're wishing for spring like me, why not give your home interiors a bit of a spring redecorating. I have been rearranging and styling mine, storing away items that remind me of winter – heavy throws, pinecones, dark colored accessories and of course a few rogue Christmas items.

In my quest for spring, I made a few visits to my favorite hidden haunts, read at least a dozen magazines and publications, went to a trade show for inspiration, color cues and came up with some ideas for spring decorating for your home.

interior stylist, chicago, tips, decor, accessories

1. BIG Colorful Art. Swap out a few and insert just ONE.

2. Agate. From mirrors to book ends, try this fancy sliced stone for an edgy, natural look.

3. Terrariums. Bring that green inside, create a tiny garden and adorn your desk, table or buffet.

4. Nests & Eggs. Whether a frame piece or tucked under a glass dome - Nothing says spring more!

5. Preppy. Get your Monogram on a new set of plates to add to your existing collection.

6. Gold is Back. Mix up your metals with a little bit of gold/brass.

7. Chunky Knits. From pillows to poufs.

8. Water Color. Pillows, art or upholstery - Mellow and serene.

9. Sheer Window Panels. Lighten the window load with a pair.

10. Spring Fabrics. Chintz (it's back!), geometric prints and stripes can redecorate any space.

Julea

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1st Bob Vila# Chicago Home Staging First Impressions Home Selling Home Staging ideas stylist tips

You Had Me at Hello – Making That 1st Impression When Selling a Home

Posted by Julea February 28, 2014

I've been helping people prepare and package their home now for 15 years as a home stager and stylist. Your home is the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought, so if you are selling – wouldn’t you want it to look its very best?

The adage that you get one chance to make a 1^st impression rings very loud and very clear when it comes to selling a home. There are simple, fundamental home staging guidelines to create a great impression that need to be applied. This sage advice is not revolutionary. It will cost you either a bit of elbow grease or maybe some cash, but if you choose not to follow this advice, your competition gets the edge.

But here’s the catch, it’s just not one chance – It’s four that you need to pull off to get them to start falling in love with your home.

#1. The Virtual Invitation: Today’s buyers are not driving around looking for FOR SALE signs, they’re looking on-line and if the MLS photos don’t cut the mustard, they’re not picking up the phone to book an appointment.

(Source - Reinventing Space)

#2. Drive-Up Curb Appeal: If the outside looks great, they’ll want to see the inside. Well marked house numbers, nicely lit in the evening, a maintained home with groomed landscaping, walkways and added annuals makes for a great introduction.

(Source TOH)

#3. Time on the Stoop: As your Realtor is retrieving the key, your potential buyers are inspecting the stoop. A front door in its prime, a new, substantial door mat, cleaned or replaced porch lighting, a working door bell and a nice container garden or potted plant sets the stoop stage.

Chicagoland, Chicago Home Staging Tips, Ideas

(Source BHG)

#4. A Stellar Entry: Your foyer or entry is your home’s hostess. Create a warm welcome with an entry table set with a vase of fresh flowers, two bowls – one for Realtor cards, the other wrapped candies and your agent's listing information so that the potential buyers can pick it up and have it at the beginning of the tour. A stool or chair for easy shoe removal and a boot tray or rug for placement reminds guests that your well maintained home is viewed in socks.

(Source LUSH)

These are just a few home staging tips we offer at Reinventing Space. First impressions make a lasting impact on potential buyers and set the stage for the rest of the home. Make sure you have them at Hello.

Julea

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Bob Vila# Home Staging ideas Selling tips winter

5 Home Staging Tips When Selling in the Winter

Posted by Julea December 22, 2013

If your home is on the market during the winter months, here are a few extra staging tips and ideas to ensure your home will show well during the chilly and sometimes weather challenging season.

#1. A Clear Path. Make sure from curbside to front porch your potential buyers have easy access to your home. Keep walkways clear of snow and ice. Purchase a non-salt based de-icer that will not leave white residue tracks.

#2. A Shoe Removal Friendly Foyer. Make it easy for people to remove their footwear with seating and a stylish boot tray in the foyer. You don't want the 1st impression to get off on the wrong foot.

#3. Light it up. During the winter months, evening comes early and days may be overcast. Keep your exterior and interior lights on timers so that your home is well lit for showings. Replace light bulbs with a higher wattage and choose a bulb that casts a warm tone.

#4. Bring on the Greens. With nature on siesta, have a evergreen container garden to greet guests, showcase your porch and to liven up the entry to your home. Inside, pack away the fake floral and replace with potted flowering plants in pretty containers and a few vases of fresh floral. Fresh always adds a bit of hospitality and creates a cheerful display.

#5. Set a Warm Mood. Give home lookers a sense of cozy by making sure the temperature is at a comfortable setting, rooms look inviting with an added decorative touch of a warm throw, a few extra pillows and the flicker of a few candles. Use battery operated candles which are safe while you are gone for showings.

Julea

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accent wall Bob Vila# head board powder room tips wallpaper decorating ideas wallpaper hiding paneling

Wallpaper Decorating Ideas

Posted by Julea October 17, 2012

Wallpaper can create a room's personality.

Wallpaper is back and I am hopping on the band wagon! What a wonderful way to add texture, depth, personality or ambiance to a space. No longer to be abhorred and painted over - This little wall flower has come a long way and with technology and innovation is very easy to remove, can duplicate anything and is on the forefront of interior chic.

If you are a Pinterest member, visit my Wallpaper board: http://pinterest.com/juleajane/wallpaper/

With all the wallpaper buzz, the Interior Stylist Network had an educational field trip to a wallpaper store. From beautiful patterns, to paper that removes if you are a renter, to elegant papers that have glass beads embedded on them.

Here are a few tips on working with wallpaper.

1) Wallpaper can hide hideous paneling. If the panel grooves aren’t too deep or wide, a simple liner can be applied first, followed by your wallpaper of choice.

2) If you are planning on redecorating a room – Pick the paper 1^st, then choose a paint color.

As a headboard

3) Always prime your walls before you paper . Painted walls are not an option! Shieldz® UniversalWallcovering Primer-Sealer. (Make sure you wait 1 day before papering.)

4) If you are working with freshly painted walls, wait 7 days before you prime.

5) Paper is no different than fabric. Check the repeat to see how much you need.

6) And just like fabric, there are commercial grade papers that have a higher durability factor as well as fire code protection.

7) Never paste a pre-pasted paper.

Re-fresh a China hutch with wallpaper

8) Consider papering a single focal wall, a niche, powder room or foyer if you have wallpaper fear.
9.) Wallpaper can be used to update a piece of furniture, line drawers, inside a China cabinet or as art