Posts Tagged ‘designer’
It’s The ‘Why’ That Makes Each Project Special
2021 Interior Design Trends
2021 Trends
Trends… they inspire us to find design styles we love and want to surround ourselves with. And, after a challengingyear that forced most of us to stay at home, it could not be a better time to bring more comfort into your home. With a new year comes new trends! Here is what we are seeing come to light for the year 2021.
Mixing Wood Tones
Mixing wood tones can be daunting, but if done right, can make a beautiful accent in your home. If all wood tones are the same, nothing stands out and the room can fall flat. Try contrasting floor with furniture. For example, if you have a dark wood floor, try pairing a piece of furniture with more of a light wood color. Also, wood doesn’t have to be brown. There are some beautiful grey stain colors out there if grey is more your style!
Modern Rustic
We are seeing more and more rustic homes, adding a touch of modern! The two can create a beautiful blend of old and new. Let’s go back to mixing woods. Try adding some modern touches in with your wood tones and wa-la! You get the best of both worlds, a beautiful blend of modern and rustic.
White is Back
Remember when we were all painting our walls beige, or grey? While these are still gorgeous, we are seeing more and more white walls coming back into the picture! This is a classic trend that gives you more accent color options. White walls just give you that fresh and airy feeling that we all love.
At the end of the day a trend is just that, a trend. While they are fun, it is most important to decorate your home how you like! Call Another Opinion at 314-623-4594 and we can help you get your project done! What 2021 trends will you be trying?
Moving Forward Through Clutter
We are all guilty of telling ourselves “Ill get to that next week” or “I will deal with that later.” Well eventually is NOW. These 5 steps are going to help you move forward in your life and home while also giving you tips for keeping it that way in the future.
Step 1: Stop Beating Yourself Up
You are busy, raising kids, working, taking care of loved ones, etc.. You are only able to give so much of your mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. The important thing to remember is this is normal, and to not beat yourself up about it.
Step 2: Accept That You Are a Different Person Now, and That’s Okay
Let’s talk about the items in your house, taking up space and just making you feel bad. If you are hanging on to things because you “used to love it”, then that is when you know it is time for it to go. It is time to get rid of the things that make you feel bad every time you see it in your house. If you desire it later, you could always get it again. An important rule for a clutter free home is to only surround yourself with things active in your life and make you feel good.
Step 3: Reset Your Boundaries
If you ask yourself “is it worthy to me?” and the answer is yes, then deem it acceptable to be near you. You are the Queen/King of your home so if it doesn’t make you happy, then it just simply has to go! If it is taking up space physically, it is also taking up space mentally.
Step 4: It Hurts…But Only For a Little Bit
You know the term “it’s going to hurt before it gets better”, it is sad, but true! Dealing with clutter and moving forward is hard work but there is relief on the other side that will feel so much better. You just have to do the work and deal with it. It will help if you do it on your terms, set a date and time frame. And find a way to make it fun whether that means with music, a favorite movie in the background, or wine!
Step 5: It Is Okay to Be Disorganized, in Moments
What?? Yup, you read that right! When you are living life, life happens… all over your house. That is when it is okay to allow yourself to be disorganized. However you must regain control and take the time to reset Put it back where you found it and only pull out what you NEED. This means everything needs to have a place for this to work. You will reset your life when you reset your home.
Do you need help moving forward? Another Opinion can give you just the push you need to take control of your life and home again. Call Staci today at 314-623-4594.
All About Paint Finishes: In the Eye of a Professional Painter
All About Paint Finishes: In the Eye of a Professional Painter
Another Opinion recently sat down with professional painter, Adam Cook with AMC Coatings to learn all about paint finishes in the eyes of a painter. The options are endless, and the terminology can be confusing, so let’s hear what he had to say!
Types of Paint
Let’s start with FLAT paint! Flat is a versatile paint type, usually used on walls or ceilings. There are many finishes; dead-flat matte, matte, a water-based eggshell and silk. Flat can also be used on the exterior since it helps the material when it comes to moisture. If you are in the market for some new paint and aren’t sure what type is for you; flat is the way to go if you love the matte look!
Now on to EGGSHELL. Adam typically uses eggshell for walls. This type of paint has a slight sheen, so if the matte look isn’t your style, eggshell may be the type for you! Eggshell is also more durable, so it is the ideal type of paint to use when there are kiddos around! Because let’s be real, we all know kids love to showcase their art skills on the walls from time to time…
The last 2 types of paint Adam told us about are GLOSS and SATIN. Adam recommends gloss anytime he is painting trim, since this type is typically used on wood surfaces. Satin is used the same way as gloss but is just a bit less shiny. The good news about gloss is usually only one coat is needed over a coat of primer.
Ready to Paint?
Adam was extremely helpful in gaining our knowledge when it comes to paint and when and where to use it. So, whether you are picking up that paintbrush yourself or want someone else to take the work off your hands; ask Another Opinion! We can get you in touch with the perfect painter or steer you in the right direction if you want to do it yourself! Call Another Opinion to get started on your project today at 314-623-4594.
Give Your Home A Wow Moment – Tips For Adding A Design Feature
Give Your Home A Wow Moment – Tips For Adding A Design Feature
Is your home’s interior design feeling a little flat and boring? Are you missing a WOW moment? If so, it’s time to add a design feature to punch up your space! You can easily create a design feature in any room of your home, you just need an idea and a step outside your comfort zone. Here are a few tips to get you started with adding some WOWZA in your home!
First of all, what is a design feature?
It’s that something that catches your eye in a room, and you say, ‘oh, that’s cool’. A design feature can be the focal point of the room, such as a fireplace, that commands your attention. Or, it can be a conversation piece that adds a bit of whimsy, like a unique piece of furniture or a dynamic light fixture. Usually a design feature is an unexpected design element, so you might need a ‘no fear’ attitude to realize your vision. I say, think big!
Reinvent something to make a big impact
You can make a big impact by changing the face of something that already exist in your room. Your fireplace is a perfect opportunity to create a new design feature in your home. Paint the brick! Or, add a stone veneer and take it all the way up to the ceiling! You’ll be surprised by how one change will give your room a whole new feeling. Have you ever thought about changing your baseboards and trim to a dark paint color instead of white? How about hearing a visitor ‘oh and ah’ when they see how you’ve wrapped your kitchen island with a new fascia material too. Consider the many ways you can reinvent what you already own!
Create a design feature with special materials
Choose from natural stone, wood, metal, wallpaper, paint techniques, the list is endless of the types of material options you can use for a design feature. A bold special material can add warmth with texture and have a modern vibe with a glossy finish. How do you want the room to feel? The answer will help you choose the perfect material for your design. Now to decide ‘how’ and ‘where’ to use it.
Make your feature a surprise
It’s so fun when a design feature is a surprise, so try to catch us off guard. Wallpaper makes an excellent surprise when it’s tucked in the back of a bookcase. But, on the ceiling in your dining room… oh my! And strategically placing some whimsy in your design will add some humor. Try artwork or an accessory that we’d never expect, it can be exaggerated or even silly. Anything goes when you’re creating a wow moment!
Go for it! It’s time to make a change if your home is feeling boring. A new design feature is just what you need and the ideas are endless. Call Staci at Another Opinion for help adding some WOWZA in your home today! 314-623-4594
Cultivate a Happy Home with Compromise
When it comes to keeping your home organized and running smoothly, you have to stay on your toes to manage the circus or it quickly turns to chaos. Add your family members in the mix and it takes all that you’ve got to keep the peace. You love them, but sometimes you might want to strangle them when they leave their stuff all over the place. With a little compromise and a new perspective, your home can be more organized and be easier to manage. Here’s how you do it.
Having ‘homes’ is your foundation to organization
An organized home starts with everything having a ‘home’. I repeat, you must have a home for everything. This is the hardest part, but it is critical to set yourself, and your home, up for success. Creating homes for your things allows you to set new rules in your home life with your family. There are no questions about where something goes if you make ‘giving your things a home’ a family affair.
Add drop zones
What is a ‘drop zone’ you ask? Well, this is the part that takes a bit of compromise. You let them be messy. But you get to tell them where to be messy. Deep breath. Create a few intentional spaces where everyone, including you, can drop your things without getting in trouble. Of course, everyone will still have be pick up after themselves, but it will be faster and easier to get done. When all the chaos is isolated in a specific zone, there will be less distraction when putting things away. And the bonus is when you realize there is a ‘home’ to put it!
Now you can let life happen
Here’s the best part. You’ve done the hard work and you have made it easier on yourself. Everything has a home now, and you can drop your things when you walk in the door. The new rules you created help everyone be more accountable to a happy home life. Now enjoy a new perspective for keeping your home organized and running smoothly…. Begin cultivating instead of managing. Managing is just maintaining. But, when you cultivate your home the intention is to make your surroundings better. You’ll be cultivating a happy home.
Get a little help if you need it
Another Opinion specializes in helping homeowners create positive relationships with their surroundings. If you want a little help getting started or finding compromise for your happy home give us a call. 314-623-4594
The Emotion Quotient: What Home Buyers Need From You To Say ‘Yes’
If you’re selling your home, you’re likely working hard on updates, cleaning and repairing. And, you’re hoping that all of your hard work will be your worth it. Well, it’s not just your home’s condition, price and location that buyers are looking for. It’s the emotional connection that seals the deal, and ultimately gets them to say yes, faster and potentially make a higher offer. You need to help them discover what is truly unique about your home. How do you do it?
Getting Them To Your Door, Then What
No pressure, but your photos are critical. Don’t take preparing for the photographer lightly. Potential buyers need to be intrigued enough with what they see to ask for a showing. If your home is empty or virtually staged, you might get buyers to the curb, but will leave them feeling empty as well when they walk through the door. Vacant spaces make many people feel uncomfortable. But when a home is staged with furnishings it allows buyers to connect with the home, see its potential and feel at ease.
Give Them Moments
It’s when they sigh and say, ‘ah I think I could live here’ moment. Give buyers intentional moments to emotionally connect with your home. Areas such as inside the front door, kitchen, family room, master bedroom and bathroom are fantastic to feature because they are spaces that invoke our emotions during daily living in our homes. When preparing to sell, you should consider how you want buyers to feel as they experience your home, from the curb all the way through to the back yard.
Eliminate Questions and Worry
The way you live in your home and how well you maintained it are a top concern for potential buyers.
They have high expectations, such as wishing for everything to be brand new and never been used. But in reality, you have to give them piece of mind. Your time, energy and some money for repairs and updates will show you’ve given the home some TLC. But a neglected home, with sights that are displeasing will give buyers increasing worries about its true condition.
As If The Home is Waiting For Them
They really do want to move in today. A buyer would, if they could. So, build on that excitement by showing the home as if it’s waiting for them. Pack up your belongings and remove the stamp of ‘your home’ to appeal to as many buyers as possible. You want them to consider their daily life in this home, so you must free up space to allow buyers to dream.
Selling your home is a time to be empowered. So be a seller that gives buyers every opportunity to find what they are looking for. What truly makes your home unique to a buyer is not it’s condition, price or location. It’s the emotional connection they hope to make after viewing your photos.
You and your family can do a lot on your own to prepare for buyers, but you may need a professional eye to identify the flaws that could turn them off and the qualities that will draw them in. To get started, contact Staci for a ‘Get Your Real Estate Ready’ consultation today!
How to Find Inspiration for Your Home Remodel Project
Have you ever looked around your home and just thought, “Bleh!” Whether your décor is out of date, or you just can’t stand to look at that wall color anymore, there are a variety of ways you can find inspiration to create a new and fresh design for your next project.
Color Palettes Give You The Big Picture
Selecting a new color palette is the easiest way to give a space a whole new look. Consider color selections for everything from the walls to the furnishings, to the floor when making your color selections. Take home color palette booklets from your local paint store to show you a collection of colors that work together. You can look at each shade in your own light and coordinate them so the space feels complete.
Décor Can Take The Lead
Sometimes a simple piece of décor will just speak to you. Has a throw pillow ever jumped off the shelf at you, artwork or the pattern on an area rug catch your eye? This is inspiration! You can build an entire room design around a single item that moves you. Use complimentary colors and patterns to balance the inspiration with the rest of the décor.
Natural Materials
Only nature can provide truly unique and one of a kind inspirations. Materials such as wood, stone, metal, leather and even greenery, add a layer of color and texture in a space that cannot be achieved by anything man-made. It’s easy to be inspired by natural elements simply by admiring the way it was created by nature.
Do You Want Another Opinion?
It might be difficult to imagine anything different in your space if it’s been around for a while. Once you find your inspiration however, the design decisions will become easier. Call Staci at Another Opinion if you could use a fresh perspective on the design of your next project. Her clients fall in love with their spaces again by discovering what they admire and moves them, then creating a complete design.
Let’s get started, contact or call Staci today at (314) 623-4594.
Design What YOUR Heart Wants
We’re often told to follow our hearts, and I firmly believe that is good advice that works as well for interior design as anything else. At the same time, we’re often told what we should love based on what’s in style at that particular moment. Whether it’s Pantone’s Color of the Year, or a certain style of furniture, it can be tempting to try to convince yourself that you love what everyone else loves … but do you, really?
Love Your Space
Since you’re the one who has to live in your space, you should make sure you absolutely love it. If the color of the year makes you want to puke, then you should absolutely not splash it all over your walls and furniture.
Your home is your space and it should be your sanctuary. If you don’t feel comfortable with everything in it, what’s the point?
Rules Were Meant to Be Broken
You can follow the rules, or you can choose to stand out. There’s nothing wrong with painting the living room your favorite color, even if the “experts” try to tell you that color is too bold or oppressive. If that color makes you feel great, you should use it. Designing your space is all about creating a space you’ll love, and if that means having your favorite color on display everywhere, then go for it.
It’s OK to Be Trendy
At the same time, it’s OK to go with the trend of the moment. If painting your kitchen the same color everyone else is painting their kitchen that year is going to date it, that’s OK. There’s nothing wrong with everyone being able to tell when you painted your kitchen as long as you love spending time in there while it’s your kitchen.
Be Strategic
If you like keeping up with the current trends, here’s a trick I like to use: select main pieces that work with everything and then choose trendy accent pieces. This makes updating your space to keep up with changing trends much easier and more affordable than redesigning the entire room (or house).
Ask for Help
Despite what some people have come to believe, professional designers and organizers are not here to tell you what to do with your space. We’re here to use our knowledge of space, color, and light to help you create a home you’ll love. We’re aware of the current trends, and while we might guide you to certain styles that are popular if we know they align with your particular sense of taste, we would never tell you to create a space you don’t absolutely love just because it’s trendy. If you love it, then it will always be in style.
If you’ve been thinking of redesigning your space, but you’re not sure where to begin, call me at (314) 623-4594 to get started today. We can go over trends, your likes and dislikes, and your goals for your space to help you create a home that is truly yours.
Choose Peace Of Mind By Not Saying ‘I’ll Deal With It Later’
We all do it, me included. When we’re busy living life, we procrastinate with putting stuff away. It seems so simple that, yes, I WILL deal with that later. But when we don’t, that’s when our home starts getting out of control and becoming a toxic environment. Good news! We all get a fresh start this new year! So, don’t drag a bad habit into 2019. Here are few helpful tips on how to make a positive change and create a happier and peaceful home.
Recognize your ‘I’ll deal with it later’ habit
This is a bad habit most of us struggle with daily. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Just start to recognize when you’re pushing stuff off for later and why you’re doing it. Knowing your behavior will help you set a course for positive change.
Fact: You really won’t do it later
Procrastination is contagious. Each time we delay becomes a reason to do it again later. However, once you commit to ‘settling’ the chaos you find a more peaceful home. If you can’t do it daily, then weekly is a must. The more often you pick up, the easier and faster it will be next time. Committing to a quick sweep around your home can be contagious too!
Don’t just tuck it away either
That’s not dealing with it. Tucking things away in a bag, basket or drawer so they’re out of sight in that moment is only going to make your chaos worse. Out of site is out of mind because now things get lost. When you see your visual chaos, you can own up to it and will commit to dealing with it. Again, don’t beat yourself up, recognize and change course.
Choose peace of mind
Choosing to deal with something later, doesn’t get it if off your mind. Frankly, it becomes another spinning plate in the back, wreaking havoc on your state of mind, in addition to your home. You deserve a peaceful home, so choose to give yourself peace of mind. Choose now.
Ask for help
Do you want help making changes that will create a happier and peaceful home? Call Staci at Another Opinion today (314) 623-4594.