Design Tips & Blog

Because of the current home market sellers have decided instead of selling their homes to perform a redesign or update.  Here are 10 quick and easy tips for some of the items you might come across in your process.

1. Neutral paint colors were known in the past as white, beige or an egg shell shade.  Not anymore, some new neutrals are sage green, light shades of green, gold, light shades of yellow and light shades of blue.
2. The typical height of a chandelier over a dining table should be no more than 36 inches.
3. You can paint the fourth wall, your ceiling, the same color of your walls or a darker / lighter shade of the wall color.
4. If your ceilings are eight to 10 feet use two shades lighter than the wall color.  If your ceilings are 10 feet or greater use two shades darker than your wall color.
5. Polished brass fixtures are no longer in vogue.  But I admit we still have ours, just because we aren't willing to upgrade just yet.
6. The newer fixtures such as antiqued or rubbed bronze are very attractive, however, remember in 10 years they too will be passe.  Go with something that will be easier to match in color in case there is a problem with a fixture later and choose a brushed stainless or standard stainless.
7. Your couch is one of the largest and sometimes the most expensive piece you purchase for the family area.  So make it something you can live with for quite a long time.  If you plan to replace it choose a neutral color.  Choose something you can update with new pillows when your tastes change.
8. It's not necessary to purchase a complete set when purchasing side tables.  Be selective and purchase styles that will go together, but aren't exactly the same.
9. Use large accessories instead of lots of small pieces.  Larger accessories make a statement and don't cause a cluttered look.
10. Make sure you have a focal point in your room.  If you have a fireplace it is the natural focal point.  If there is a TV in the room, place it near the fireplace so that there are no competing focal points.  A set of large windows or doors with a view are also considered a focal point.  If there is no focal point create one by placing the couch in a prominent position and place a grouping of pictures / photographs over it or a large painting.  Then group a couple of side chairs around the couch to complete the look.  

Please browse our HOME STAGING page, or call us 7 days a week at (352) 238-1678 for a free in-home consultation.