Five Design Investments to Enhance Your Home For the Long Haul
How often have you thought about doing something different with your home’s décor, but you stop yourself as you worry about the impact down the road if you go to sell? So, you carry on with the interior as it was the day you bought it, but feel a little let down that it is not a true reflection of you and your family. We are all inundated with inspiring and beautiful images daily through social media — images that spark joy or inspiration for a different way to live.
This week, I will be joining the talented and energetic Britt Patterson of The Patterson Group, Sotheby’s International Realty at Red Barn Mercantile to answer your burning questions on how to make wise investments at home that also can bring you more joy! Britt and her amazing team represented us as sellers of our first home, a small Del Ray townhouse. And she was also our agent in buying our current home – one we have big plans for in the future, but are enjoying right now.
Many of our clients reach out after they’ve made a big investment in purchasing their dream home, but then become worried about making design mistakes. Or making it too personal. And we’re so grateful you reach out at this point to help! Home is our most personal space, and we enjoy helping you create one that inspires while also protecting one of your largest investments.
Focusing on a few key areas can capture your home’s full potential and create an environment where you want to spend all your time. You’ll also feel more confident in your design investments. On Wednesday, I’ll share one of my favorite design tricks that has me jumping out of bed in the morning! It’s an easy one for you to implement, too. Here’s a teaser.
Five Design Investments to Enhance Your Home For the Long Haul (while having your personality shine within the design):
Add Quality Architectural Elements
In this category I’d put new windows, detailed millwork like wainscotting, custom built-ins or an updated kitchen and bathrooms. Don’t replace with just any materials — use quality materials with exceptional craftsmanship. You’ll notice the difference and so will others. If you don’t know where to start, reach out to us!
Focus on Intentional Lighting
I absolutely love putting together lighting plans for a home to include intentional and beautiful decorative lighting throughout. Questions to ask: How does the light complement the other elements in the space? Does it draw your attention to the details you want it to? Should the lighting be the star of the show or a backup dancer? You can find timeless, affordable lighting options at Visual Comfort and a couple of my favorites when looking for that superstar include: The Urban Electric Company and Hwang Bishop. I love their quality, craftsmanship and beauty.
Fresh Paint
A new coat of paint makes a space feel clean, fresh and gives it new life. If you are a color lover like me then I highly recommend implementing it for dramatic change/feel without feeling too overwhelmed by the investment. Finding the right color can be tricky for so many people. We recommend reaching out to a designer to select your paint colors because whether you are ready to DIY or hire a professional. It’s both a significant time and financial investment that you don’t want to redo again soon. Pro tips: A good painter is worth the investment and don’t be afraid to paint trim, walls, and ceiling all one color.
Investment/Heirloom Furniture
If you read Amy’s piece last week on investing in the right sofa, you have a good idea why investing in your furniture matters. Not only will you immediately be more comfortable, but your interior will be enhanced. We often start our major design and renovation projects with clients that have invested $2-4M or more in their dream homes, and yet are still working with furniture from their first homes or apartments. It’s time to upgrade!
There are so many ways to pull together a space worthy of your dream home from purchasing quality furniture one room at a time to finding antique or vintage pieces that are exceptionally made, unique, and sustainable. Today’s options for amazing performance fabrics make it a no-brainer to go for something beautiful and durable that stands the test of time (with kiddos and pets, too). This brings piece of mind and something you can truly live in! As a textile fanatic, I can’t tell you how much I love a beautiful performance fabric like those we source from Sien and Co. or Sister Parish.
ORIGINAL Art
As an artist, this is one of my favorite elements to include in your home. You can take it with you to your next home, or move it to another room. I love when clients have art that they’ve collected to include in their homes. I don’t believe it should match a space, be of the same style, or be mass produced. I’d rather have you hang your children’s art or a favorite textile instead to add something meaningful and one-of-a-kind.
Collecting art gives you a chance to find pieces that speak to you and will inspire you every time you walk by. I love it when you know the artist or the story behind the painting, and can help you find the perfect artist through our vast network locally and beyond. Often, we start our design projects with the art collection in mind and enjoy introducing you to artists that can commission a work just for you. It is time to put good art on the walls and be inspired. For many of our clients I’ve also been able to incorporate one of my own paintings as well and that truly is the perfect way to cap off a project!
See you on Wednesday at Red Barn Mercantile and please bring all your burning design and real estate questions! I know we are excited to meet you and find ways to bring you more joy at home!
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