Tag Archives: Home Selling

Design idea: Add wall-mounted cabinets.

Why: Add storage with slim cabinets without building into the wall. Unlike ceiling-height storage, wall-mounted cabinets allow room to hang artwork on the wall above and allow a bit more breathing space in a narrow passageway.

How: Off-the-shelf versions can be purchased from local home improvement stores or Ikea, for DIY or pro installation. For tricky spaces or to achieve a specific look, hire a cabinetmaker to design and install custom units.

Cost: Prefabricated cabinets for DIY installation can cost $200 to $500 and up. You can expect to hire a handyperson for two to four hours of work for a small to medium-size hall, at a rate of $30 to $125 per hour, depending on rates in your region and the person’s experience and qualifications. Custom cabinetry can cost $400 and up per linear foot, including installation.

DIY tip: Before purchasing cabinets, carefully measure your space, taking into account the door swing needed for the cabinets to open.

nARCHITECTS

Design idea: Make a hallway library.

Why: Siting a book collection in the hall makes for great storage possibilities and easy perusing. From simple ready-made shelves to a custom design solution, bookshelves are one of the most versatile yet straightforward hallway upgrades.

How: For a custom built-in like the one shown here, hire a carpenter or cabinetry professional to craft bookcases that fit your hall (and your book collection) exactly.

Cost: Custom bookcases for a hall can cost $2,000 to $4,000 and more, depending on the size of your hall, local rates and the choice of materials.

HBF plus Design

More custom options: If your hall has windows, consider using the space below for built-in window seats, with or without hidden storage. Slender bookcases between the windows can be outfitted with sconces to provide light, making the hall an inviting reading spot. Note that if you will be adding or moving electrical work, you will probably need a permit.

Lindsey Runyon Design

8 Beautiful Ideas for Floating Shelves

DIY solution: For a fast, budget-friendly hallway upgrade, add wall-mounted floating or bracket shelves. Shelves are available in different widths.

How: Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs and mark them with a pencil. Using a level and pencil, mark where you want each shelf to be before you begin. Try to attach at least one shelf support on each shelf to a stud— if you can’t get fasteners into a stud, get appropriate anchors for your wall type (ask at a hardware store).

Cost: Floating or bracket shelves can cost as little as $5 apiece and up to $100 or more, depending on the size and material. For a semi-DIY option, you can purchase the shelves and then hire a handyperson to install them, at a rate of $30 to $125 per hour. An experienced pro should be able to install a simple set of shelves in about an hour.

Rikki Snyder

Legacy Custom Homes, Inc.

Design idea: Platter storage and display.

Why: A wall-mounted plate rack can provide overflow storage for dishes and platters, and can take the place of wall art.

How: Plate racks can be purchased ready made or built from scratch by a carpenter or handyperson. If you’re installing plate racks yourself, locate a wall stud and attach the plate rack to a stud in at least one place if possible. If you cannot attach it to a stud, ask a staffer at a local hardware store to advise you about the best anchor for your walls.

Cost: Plate racks cost from $50 to $200 and up. Expect to pay a carpenter from $250 to $400 and up to design and construct a custom plate rack for your hall.

Anthony Wilder Design/Build, Inc.

Design idea: Add a recessed workspace.

How: You may not be able to add a recessed desk to a typical hall wall, unless the wall already contains a closet, in which case there could be some hidden space there. Have a contractor take a look to find out what your options are. If your hall is wide enough, you may still be able to add a built-in desk, even if it can’t be fully recessed.

Dijeau Poage Construction

Where this works: Entry halls and other passages that get a lot of traffic are not the best choice for a workspace, unless the hall is exceptionally wide. A better spot is a hall located off the kitchen, or in a rear area of the house with lower traffic. In this hall a small workstation is tucked beside a hall closet around the corner from the kitchen, providing a convenient workspace and storage above.

Cost: The cost of adding a hallway workspace is similar to that for custom bookcases — from $1,200 to $4,000 and up, depending on the size of your hall, local rates and the choice of materials.

aamodt / plumb architects

Design idea: Boost clothes storage.

Why: Whether you have limited bedroom closet space or have a large collection of clothes or shoes overflowing from your regular closets, customizing a hallway to accommodate wardrobe needs can be a big help.

How: Depending on the size of your hallway and your storage needs, the clothes storage zone can be as simple as a few valet rods or as complex as a fully custom storage system. If you will be outfitting the space yourself, look for components that look good on display.

Cost: Individual closet components for DIY installation can cost between $50 and $300 per piece. Custom storage varies in cost depending on the materials used and the pro’s experience and location, but can run $1,200 to $5,000 or more.

Design quandary: Open or closed storage?Open storage (as in the last photo) has the advantage of being easy to access and a boon for visual organizers. If your hall is in an area with lower traffic, open storage can be a good choice. For areas that get more foot traffic, consider closed storage because it has a neater, sleeker look. The hall shown here got a major storage boost with closed closets, while a full-length mirror provides a convenient outfit-checking spot.

Sigmar

Design idea: Wine storage niche.

How: Install a wine rack in an existing hall niche to house a growing collection of bottles, or have a new niche made specifically for the purpose. If you’re using an existing niche, measure carefully. Depending on the dimensions of your niche, you may be able to use ready-made wine racks; otherwise hire a carpenter or handyperson to craft a wine rack to fit your space.

Cost: Ready-made wine racks can be purchased for $20 to $100 and up per piece. If you need to have a new niche created, expect to pay a carpenter $300 to $500 and up.

Bathroom Designs that are Trending in 2015

“Beautiful Bathrooms are hot right now. Seems that everyone wants something more than just the builder grade basics. Here are some interesting ideas that are trending for 2015.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

If you’ve been thinking about giving your bathroom an overhaul but aren’t sure how, one way to start is to look to the latest design trends for inspiration. We’ve made it our mission to find out what design ideas are expected to make a splash in 2015 to help make planning your bathroom makeover project a little bit easier. To compile our list, we enlisted the help of four award-winning designers, who share here their predictions for the looks, finishes and features they think will be on everyone’s radar next year. They also reveal how they would work these ideas into their own projects.

Roselind Wilson Design

1. Feature floor tiles. Statement-making floor tiles proved popular in 2014, and this striking look doesn’t appear to be leaving in a hurry, says interior designer Jasmine McClelland. “I have done a couple of feature floor bathrooms this year. They are stunning and provide a great design opportunity when working with challenging bathrooms that have no clear walls for a feature wall,” she says.

“In smaller bathrooms a feature floor tile adds style without overwhelming the space, and when used in a larger bathroom, the effect is elegant,” McClelland says. “I love the space when the freestanding bath hits the feature tile … beautiful!”

Mark Brand Architecture

2. Natural beauty. Want a bathing area that’s welcoming and serene? Then drawing design inspiration from nature is a great way to warm a typically very hard room of the house and infuse the space with a calming vibe. It’s one of the key bathroom trends of 2015, according to designers Simona Castagna and Darren Genner of Minosa.

An easy way to incorporate this trend into a bathroom design, Castagna and Genner say, is to introduce earthy materials like natural stone or wood-look tiles. The luxe bath seen here features marble floors and an onyx countertop, as well as a walnut-plank feature wall.

Janet Paik

3. Plant life. “I know some of us have been scared off indoor plants … but it’s time to reclaim the idea of indoor plants with cascading creepers that can dress any bathroom,” McClelland says.

If you’re eager to try this trend in your bathroom but want a more sophisticated and design-savvy alternative to potted plants (hanging or not), a vertical garden may be the way to go, McClelland says.

“I love them for the interest and feel they bring to a bathroom and can’t wait to use them more in my designs for 2015,” the designer says. Another benefit of green or living walls is that they are good for the environment (as well as your health and well-being), she says.

MINOSA

4. The master suite retreat. Is your master bathroom cramped, not particularly inviting and tucked away out of sight? Then you may be more than happy to try this design trend when renovating your home.

Castagna and Genner say people want bigger bathrooms that are connected to the bedroom or closet, or even more open to the bedroom. People want to see their beautiful basins, custom vanities and freestanding baths from the bedroom, say the designers, who were the team behind the luxe, open-plan bedroom and en suite pictured here. They’re also using bigger sliding doors so people can open up or close off a space.

Jordan Smith

Jasmine McClelland Design

5. Clever water control. Say goodbye to basic shower and basin faucets, and hello to smart, user-friendly fixtures (such as thermostatic mixers; mixers that control multiple water sources, like the one used in this shower; and touchscreen-operated showers) that give users more control over the flow, mix and temperature of water, says Adelaide, Australia, interior designer Jordan Smith of Brilliant.

“Double showers would be a good place to use this, as multiple people can use the shower at the same time, with individual settings for their own shower,” Smith suggests when explaining how she’d incorporate this trend into one of her designs. “One mixer can control both multiple showers or a combination shower-bath.”

Austin Patterson Disston Architects

6. Freestanding bathtubs. According to McClelland, our love affair with freestanding baths isn’t over just yet, and not just because they make striking, sculptural design features, but because they help set the mood for rest and relaxation too. “The freestanding bath is more than aesthetic — it is emotive,” the designer says. “Clients connect with the possibility of a bathroom that symbolizes their own space or downtime, and a freestanding bath inspires this feeling of self-indulgence in the midst of a busy life.”

When choosing a freestanding bath, consider how the design of the tub will shape the look of your space. “The curve of a bath can bring softness to an angular bathroom, or an angular bath can offset soft colors or add to a highly structured bathroom,” says McClelland, who designed the Asian-inspired bathing area here.

Tub: Haven, Apaiser

If you want the look of a freestanding bath but the benefits of a built-in tub (such as a ledge for stowing bath essentials like soap and shampoo), consider incorporating a semi-inset stand-alone bath, says designer Owen Barnes of Bubbles Bathrooms in Melbourne, who predicts this setup will prove popular with homeowners in the year ahead.

According to Barnes, this crafty configuration also allows freestanding tubs to be used in compact bathing areas (as you can see here), which may otherwise be too small to fit a stand-alone bath. And you can pair them with a wider range of fixtures too.

Tub: Astonian Luxor in Periwinkle, Aston Matthews

MINOSA

Jasmine McClelland Design

7. Custom vanities. People now want custom vanities — made for them and their needs, rather than mass produced, say Castagna and Genner, who designed this bathing zone. The glam space features a floating vanity custom made to suit the aesthetics of the sleek, contemporary design scheme, provide plenty of storage and enhance the illusion of spaciousness.

“The good old shaving cupboard is also making a resurgence,” the designers add. “We’re also using a lot of drawers and smart technology, such as doors that lift up and move out of way, which make good use of storage.” As you can see here, these design elements have also been incorporated into the design of this elegant bath.

Double sink: Corian, Minosa; tile: Swarovski crystal/glass mosaic in White, Bisazza

8. Geometric tiles. Another major design trend for the bathroom is geometric tiles, according to McClelland. While the designer has already used geometric tiles in a few projects she’s worked on this year, she predicts the eye-catching look will become even more popular in 2015.

According to the designer, geometric tiles are a great design solution for those who wish to add depth and visual interest to a plain, neutral space, but without the use of bright, arresting tones. And for those who aren’t color shy?

“For clients who are prepared to venture out, there are no limits to color combinations or random color placement to really showcase and lift a bathroom,” says McClelland, who designed this attention-grabbing powder room. Take note of how the bold red geometric tiles infuse this room with a hearty dose of high-impact drama, energy and tactile appeal.

DeForest Architects

9. Bigger showers. Is bigger better? According to Castagna and Genner, that’s certainly the current school of thought when it comes to the shower, and they believe the trend will become even more popular in 2015. They’re seeing more walk-in showers with oversize panes of glass or solid walls that completely enclose the space, rather than bathrooms with tiny cubicles.

Why do they think there’s a move away from more compact showering areas to ones that are more generous in size? Larger showers are spaces for rejuvenation and wellness, they say.

Roth Architecture

If you’d prefer a shower that’s large but offers more privacy than a fully open walk-in shower or one with a partial glass screen, look to the fresh, fun bathroom here for design inspiration. Note how the lowered walls help create a private, intimate pocket where the homeowners can shower in peace, but don’t make the bath zone feel too closed in or take away from the room’s airy, spacious vibe.

Dane Cronin Photography

10. Sustainable style. Barnes is also seeing more recycled, reclaimed and upcycled materials and products being used in the bathroom, a design idea that he predicts will become even more popular in 2015. Why? “It follows the general trend in building globally, and it looks really good when done properly,” the designer says, adding that the growing awareness surrounding sustainable living is another reason this trend will continue to rise.

Interested in incorporating this trend into your new bathroom? Consider using reclaimed wood in your design (for example, this eclectic-meets-rustic bathing zone features a reclaimed-wood feature wall); recycling materials from your existing bathroom that still hold up in terms of functionality and style; or upcycling an antique dresser or cabinet by transforming it into a vanity.

James Dawson Interiors

11. Bathrooms that reflect the rest of the home. A design trend that Smith predicts will be big over the coming year and beyond is a move toward bathing zones that are designed in a way that makes them look and feel like an extension of the living room, rather than a traditional bathroom.

“The bathroom seems like it’s becoming more of a feature of the house,” Smith says. Integrating freestanding baths, unconventional fixtures and vanities that resemble furniture (such as a dresser, like the leggy, custom-designed vanity seen in this elegant bathroom) are just a few ways to work this trend into your bathroom design.

Snake River Interiors

Adding living room furniture and decor to your bathroom will also allow you to achieve this look and personalize your space. The welcoming bath area here shows how it’s done — the patterned floor runner, well-loved leather lounge, wall art, side table and elegant light fittings (including a chandelier and wall sconces) are key to this bathroom’s warm, calm and inviting living room–like vibe.

Bubbles Bathrooms

12. Gray tones. Gray has been a popular color choice for the bathroom in 2014, and it’s a trend that is sticking around, according to Barnes. If you’re worried a gray palette will make your bathroom feel flat and lifeless, introduce slicks of white to cut through the moody hue and create a sophisticated look. Or take design cues from this shower area and energize the design by adding a splash of bold, eye-popping color, which takes shape here in an earthy orange-bronze mosaic tile feature wall.

MINOSA

13. Engaging lighting. Castagna and Genner predict that the use of smart, intuitive and engaging lights in the bathroom will become a key trend for 2015. “Bathrooms and kitchens are fixed and fitted — once you screw something to a wall or tile a floor, they’ll be there for a very long time, so it’s important to be not too trendy,” the designers say. “Be smart about your decisions and layer things well — for example, with good lighting.”

What smart lighting solutions do Castagna and Genner recommend for the bathroom? “People want bathrooms that engage them, so they may want an accent light, a feature light or a sensor light that lights up their vanity or shaving cabinet once someone walks in,” they say.

Sink fixtures: Gessi Goccia, Retreat Design; wall covering and Antonio Lupi shower base system: Corian; flooring: engineered oak,Salvage

Brilliant SA

For a more dynamic look, consider introducing colored LED lighting. This contemporary bathroom features a color-changing backlit vanity that instantly lifts the look and mood of this space, as well as an LED rainfall showerhead.

Countertop: Concetto in Gray Agate, Caesarstone

Stacey Kouros Design

14. Grout as a design feature. “Grout is no longer purely a mundane, if essential, element of pulling a bathroom together,” says McClellend. “People are seeing the possibility of using grout creatively in their bathrooms to show off the pattern of how a tile is laid, highlight specific tile types and use contrasting grout as a great modern spin on the traditional subway tile.”

While McClelland loves the striking pairing of black grout and white tiles (as seen in this space), she predicts that colored grout alongside geometric shapes will become popular in 2015.

10 Tips to Help Your Bathroom Sell Your House

“Bathrooms are second only to Kitchens in catching a Buyers eye, but for some buyers, it’s #1. Last week, for example, we had people showing up for an Open House, just because the Bathrooms looked so nice online.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

Buyers love the allure of a fresh, beautiful bathroom that reminds them of luxury hotels or soothing spas they have enjoyed. And, most important, buyers want to envision themselves enjoying this luxury every day in their new home.

However, the reality is that most of us do not have the perfect bathroom. And we know that, in most instances, it is not a wise investment to do a full, costly renovation just for a home sale. It simply doesn’t translate into profit.

A better strategy is to maximize what you already have, on a budget. You want to transform your real-life, everyday bathroom into a five-star hotel experience that prospective buyers will love, without overcapitalizing. Here are simple ways to create havens with a wow factor.

Arent&Pyke

Anne Webster Designs Pty Ltd

1. Clear off the counters to create a blank canvas. Remove all of your everyday toiletries and bathroom supplies. This includes soaps, toothbrushes, cotton balls — everything. (And don’t forget the products in the shower.) Buyers do not want to see your personal hygiene products. In fact, this can make them feel as though they are intruding on your personal space, which can be distracting and a little awkward.

2. Get rid of cleaning products. Remove all items that imply housework and maintenance, such as toilet brushes, wastepaper baskets, sponges, cleaning products, bath mats — even spare toilet rolls. These are a necessary part of everyday living, but they do not create a beautiful spa-like experience for your buyers.

Tip: Remove the bathroom scale, too. Remember, your buyers want a luxurious bathroom experience, not a reminder of those extra pounds they are trying to lose.

Etica Studio

One Small Room – OSR Interiors & Building Design

3. Maximize your storage. Storage space sells. Your buyers will be looking inside your bathroom cupboards to see how much space they offer. Make sure they are only half to two-thirds full and well organized. Store the little things you use every day (hair elastics, lip gloss) in a pretty box or basket with a lid to avoid a tidal wave of trinkets on the shelves.

Tip: If you’re running out of space to store your toiletries, keep the overflow in simple wicker baskets. When buyers are coming to inspect your home, just grab the baskets and stash them somewhere else.

4. Make minor upgrades. Rather than spending many thousands completely renovating your bathroom, it’s much smarter to spend your money only where it will show and to make small, inexpensive upgrades that will create a large impact. As a general rule, improvements that can’t easily be seen don’t translate into a higher sale price.

The best bang-for-your-buck bathroom upgrades are: repainting the walls, replacing leaking and worn taps, updating the cabinet hardware, installing new light fittings and updating towel bars.

Note: In some bathrooms it’s also worth considering changing the tiles (large white tiles always make a bathroom feel more spacious and contemporary), replacing shower screens and investing in new cabinetry and countertops. This is often warranted in a higher-priced property, where buyers are looking for (and expecting) a higher level of bathroom luxury.

Alexander and Co

5. Clean thoroughly. Clean everything to within an inch of its life. No, it’s certainly not exciting, but it’s super important. Buyers will pay a premium for new, so your aim is to create a new feel. Everything must be immaculate, as this creates the impression that your home has been well maintained and well loved.

Mink Home Staging

6. Hang luxurious towels. Any bathroom can be instantly transformed by adding beautiful, soft towels. New is best (once towels have been washed, they never look quite the same). So it’s a great idea to keep your new towels just for display only. Pack them away between buyer inspections and reinstate them just before the prospective buyers arrive.

Tip: If there is a lot of extra counter space, you can also place a neatly folded pile of two or three matching towels on the vanity or side of the bath for extra luxury.

Capital Building

Thick, white, luxurious towels always work well, and there are some beautiful textured options. Funky, brightly colored towels are popular at the moment too; for a more dramatic effect, you could consider adding a splash of bold color.

Touch Interiors

D’Cruz Design Group Sydney Interior Designers

7. Stick with neutrals. If you are going to repaint your walls, upgrade your tiles or invest in new cabinetry, it’s always a good idea to keep to a neutral palette for these larger elements, as it will appeal to more buyers. If you want to add some fresh color, use towels and accessories.

8. Beautify with accessories. Now that you have cleared away your personal bathroom products, bring in a few well-chosen accessories to add a layer of warmth, elegance and luxury. Think about creating a spa-like experience with accessories in tranquil, soft colors. Include fragrant soaps, bath oils, natural loofahs and candles.

It’s important to display these products as groupings rather than scattering them around the room; scattered products can look like clutter. Less is better. Think simplicity. You may want to consider using a wooden tray as a base and group items together in odd numbers. Vary the height of candles and jars, too.

bg architecture

9. Use flowers for impact. Fresh flowers and plants make any space come alive, and the bathroom is no exception. They make a dramatic impact, adding instant color and texture. Orchids are always a favorite in bathrooms; however, here’s no need to always buy huge bouquets. In a smaller room, a single stem of your favorite bloom, a small planter or even a branch with beautiful leaves placed in a jar will look understated and elegant.

AKL Designer Kitchens

Marty Rhein, CKD, CBD – BAC Design Group

10. Add a stool or an ottoman. To create the ultimate private-hotel-suite look for your buyers, add a beautiful decor piece that is functional as well. Put a stool beside the bathtub and add neatly folded face and hand towels, soap, a candle, potted plants or even a good book. You could also use other beautiful occasional pieces of furniture, such as a marble side table, a long ottoman stacked with fresh towels or a bamboo ladder, to add extra style and take your room to another level.

By Deb Lindner, HOUZZ Contributer

9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Pantry

“It seems we are always looking for more storage these days. Here are some great ideas that can help in just about any pantry design that you may have.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – Dc Metro Realty Team

Some pantry design dilemmas don’t seem obvious at the time of planning but become apparent later. Doors that open inward onto shelving, badly arranged racks and compartments, small cubbies with no room for appliances, a lack of hooks for towels and aprons, and poorly positioned lighting are all mistakes that can be circumvented. Use this quick guide to address the most obvious blunders before they happen. The suggestions may also inspire you with some fresh design ideas.

1. Which way will the door open? A common mistake when planning a pantry is installing a door that gets in the way. When space is at a premium, the best options are sliding or folding doors. An outward-opening door gives more room for pantry shelves and is the next best option — but only if there is plenty of space to swing the door wide.

A door that opens inward can work, but be aware that it might make an already small space smaller. It can also compromise the space behind the door of your pantry, limiting the amount of stuff you can store there.

Von Fitz Design

2. Will there be enough light? Another typical mistake is to have either poor lighting in the pantry or none at all. Your pantry will more than likely be built without a window or with just a small one. One way to make sure that you have enough light in there is to install quality LED lighting. Or, if your home is a single-floor dwelling, put in a skylight. Also, the light switch should be reachable and in an accessible spot by the pantry door.

Murphy & Co. Design

Butler Armsden Architects

3. How can top shelves be accessed? There is no point in planning a pantry with floor-to-ceiling storage if you can’t access the items on the top shelf. If your pantry is large enough, park a ladder on a sliding rail to access the infrequently used items on the top shelves. Store things you regularly use farther down.

If your pantry is small, store a step ladder in a handy spot for easy access. Inexpensive plastic single steps also can be folded flat and hung on a hook.

One way to see what is on the upper shelves of your pantry without clambering up a step ladder is to install glass shelving or wire racks on the upper levels.

ArchiBlox

4. What budget materials can be used to get a designer look? A walk-in pantry doesn’t need to be fancy (it is, after all, behind a door and not in view). But the shelves and cabinets should be made of a sturdy material with a finish that complements the rest of the kitchen.

Solid polished wood shelves or powder-coated metal racks are attractive options. A cheaper alternative is engineered wood. Plywood is strong and looks contemporary, especially when left in its raw state or given a light stain.

ArchiBlox

See this plywood kitchen project

Plywood shelves look especially smart when the surfaces are laminated in black, white or a color and the ply edges are left exposed. This helps imbue the space with a Scandinavian or Japanese aesthetic.

Orana Custom Built Furniture & Designer Kitchens

5. Will the position of the pantry aid or hinder kitchen traffic and cooking? You not only need your pantry to be well illuminated, you also need to get in and out of your pantry quickly when cooking. If the pantry is positioned in such a way as to hinder the flow of kitchen traffic, you’ll have to walk too far to grab essential ingredients. For that reason, it’s important that your pantry is near where you are preparing food.

Also consider the process of stocking your pantry and where it will be in relation to counters and tables. A kitchen countertop that is just outside a pantry will prove convenient for setting down groceries. Its close proximity also makes using it as a sorting station from which to fill pantry shelves extremely handy.

Key Piece

6. How will the shelves be arranged so that common items are easy to see? Obviously put the items you use the most on the shelves that are in front of you when you walk into the pantry. Make sure the shelves are not too deep, and that you can see everything at once by placing smaller items at the front and larger items at the back. Heavy dishware and servingware can be stored on shelves that are wider and lower down.

Rosemount Kitchens

transFORM | The Art of Custom Storage

A common error is to line the pantry with shelves from top to bottom with no break. A small and wider shelf at counter height not only can accommodate larger, taller items and appliances, but also can provide an extra surface for food prep.

7. Does the pantry need any special features? It’s really only in the planning stage that you can incorporate special features that will become permanent but useful fixtures in your walk-in pantry. Special features could include pullout baskets for root vegetables, narrow cubbies for large platters, and spice or wine racks.

Liz Grimmett Design

8. How can free wall space be used effectively without overcrowding the pantry?Every bit of space can be used to solve a storage problem, and a pantry wall is no different. Whatever you decide to do with it, keep it simple and slim. Ideas include hooks for aprons and utensils, and a household calendar to note important family events. A chalkboard painted on a section of the wall could also serve this purpose.

9. What larger items will be stored, and where? Appliances and cookware dishes and pans often are kept in the pantry instead of in a kitchen drawer or cabinet, mostly because it’s easier to access them. To accommodate these bulky items, create some large but uniformed cubbies.

By Susan Redman, HOUZZ editorial staff

Fun Features for Family Rooms

“Family rooms are so important these days. They serve as the center of the home (after the kitchen) and need to be able to handle all the various needs that each family has.”

Ed Johnson & Denise Buck – DC Metro Realty Team

The Family Room is where you go to relax, watch movies, play games and hang out with friends — which makes it a great place in which to loosen up, decorating-wise. Create a fun, welcoming atmosphere in your family room by incorporating one or more of these 15 playful features, from photo murals to game tables.

Howden Homes

See the rest of this space

1. Custom photo mural. These creative homeowners had The Wall Sticker Company turn a photograph of their children into removable fabric wallpaper with an adhesive backing. Create a feature wall in your own family room using your favorite photo to personalize the space — and start conversations!

werkshop

2. Projection paint. If your family loves movie night, why not go with a projector instead of a giant TV? A blank wall here is coated with flat white projection paint, and a projector is built into the wall opposite to create a mini screening area. If you don’t want a built-in projector, you can buy a small projector that works with your smartphone or another device.

Masterpiece Design Group

3. Family travel map mural. A world map painted on the wall becomes an interactive feature when you use it to mark the places you have been. Use a coat of magnetic paint under the mural to create a magnetic surface, or have a large corkboard painted so you can pin flags directly on the map.

4. Fun accent furniture. Since the family room is often tucked away from the other, more formal spaces, it is a good place for getting a little more playful with furniture and decor. Try your hand at making DIY dice tables like the ones shown here (just paint dots on a plain cube), or scoop up a funky vintage piece at the flea market.

Contemporary Family Room Living at it's best

DiStefano Brothers Construction Inc.

5. Games table. If your crew loves to play cards and board games, consider adding a game table to your family room. A slender table with stools can be pushed against the wall when not in use, with the stools tucked underneath.

6. Bright rug. Bring neutral furniture and paint colors to life with a cheerful rug in bright, bold hues. Bonus: Bold patterns tend to hide spills and stains better than most solid-hued rugs. And if you don’t want to worry about spills at all, choose an indoor-outdoor rug that can be wiped clean with ease.

Dupuis Design

Get the recipe for making your own chalkboard paint

7. Chalkboard wall. Kids love chalkboard walls, it’s true … but they are not the only ones! Use yours to record inspiring quotes, snippets of poems and song lyrics, or draw doodles and write lists. If you’re concerned about dust, use chalk pens; if you’re concerned about the room’s looking too dark, use one of the new chalk paints that can be tinted in any hue.

Kelly Brown Interiors

See the Houzz guide to designing a family photo wall

8. Family photo wall. Create a contemporary family photo wall by lining up all of your frames within the boundaries of an imaginary rectangle drawn on the wall. Position simple, matching white frames close together, for a fresh look that seems hard but is surprisingly easy to achieve. For a gallery wall like this, it can be easier to choose the frames first (lay them on the floor of the store to be sure you’re picking the right sizes and number) and the photos later.

Bensonwood

9. Window seat with storage. If your family room is small, don’t let the space beneath a window go to waste — turn it into comfy seating and storage in one with a window seat. A thick cushion and throw pillows make it comfortable, and basket storage below is great for holding books and board games.

Sarah Greenman

Jill Wolff Interior Design

10. Revamped heirlooms. Update a family-favorite piece that has seen better days by having it reupholstered in a fresh, colorful fabric you love, and top it with coordinating pillows. The pairing of contemporary fabric with a traditional frame sets a playful mood that’s perfect for a heavily trafficked family room.

11. Slide-out puzzle desk. You could use a slide-out desk like this to hold a laptop, but where’s the fun in that? If you have puzzle fans in your house, they will appreciate this feature — work on a puzzle when you want, and slide it away for later without wrecking it.

12. Barn-door TV cover. Wish you could take the emphasis away from the big black box when you’re not using it? Hop on a new iteration of the barn-door bandwagon and rig up a set to slide over your flat-screen. The doors will look great open or closed.

P2 Design

Johnson Squared Architecture + Planning

13. House-rules wall decal. A fun wall decal or print with a message can be a heartfelt reminder of the things your family values most. Search for “house rules” online — the Houzz Shop is a good place to start your search — and lots of options should pop up, both ready made and custom.

14. Kids’ play area. If you have young children in the house, a train or Lego table and a few low pouf seats can provide wee ones with screen-free entertainment. Keep a set of storage bins on shelves nearby stocked with toys kids can help themselves to.

Sally Carson Interiors

Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design

15. Lively artwork. Adding a single piece of original artwork is always a great way to start (or complete) a room design, and can take a family room from basic to stunning in the time it takes you to hang a picture. To highlight a painting, keep other wall art to a minimum, and paint the walls white or another neutral hue to provide a backdrop for the art.

By Laura Gaskill, HOUZZ Contributor

6 Wildflowers that Aren’t Weeds at All

“As much as we love annuals for color impact, wildflowers can give you color in an easy casual way that is very relaxing. It’s a different look and feel altogether. Here are some suggestions that you might want to try.”

Ed Johnson & Denise Buck – DC Metro Realty Team

I don’t have many weeds in my garden anymore — there’s too much competition from mature and dense perennials. When I do see something out of place, its fate depends on my mood. Sometimes I yank it out immediately; sometimes I let it go to see what will happen. But “out of place” is a funny term, since many thriving plants are growing right where they want to be. Too often we walk by weeds in the wild with a bit of disdain, just like we maybe drive by wildflowers on the side of the road and assume they’re weeds — if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be growing in such an inhospitable, nonmanicured place, right?

What really is a weed, anyway? In our home gardens, weeds are plants we didn’t put there, things blown in on the wind or carried by wildlife. But sometimes a weed is a doorway into knowing what plants are local, what will thrive and what the insects seem to prefer. It’s unfortunate that many beneficial native plants have “weed” in their common name. Can we reprogram ourselves to see that moniker as an attribute and not a liability? As the winter garden catalogs start arriving and you make plans for next year, don’t let a weedy common name scare you off; here are six plants you can consider adding to your landscape.

Sneezeweed
(Helenium autumnale)
Native to almost every U.S. state

This lovely late-summer to early-fall bloomer gets its common name from the outdated practice of snorting its dried leaves and inducing a sneeze, which was said to drive out evil spirits. Sneezeweed pollen is actually heavy, not carried by wind but by insects (just like goldenrod’s), so it won’t make you sneeze.

Sneezeweed grows 2 to 4 feet tall in medium to moist soil and prefers full sun. The winter seed heads are food for birds and create a nice form en masse. Try this plant in a rain garden or a low-lying area that has consistent moisture.

Landscape Silphium integrifolium (Rosinweed)

Rosin Weed
(Silphium integrifolium)
Native to the central U.S., from Louisiana north to Minnesota and Kansas east to Tennessee

Rosin weed gets its common name from the sticky resin that was once used as chewing gum. It’s a lovely plant that blooms earlier than common sunflowers, so it is often mistaken for milkweed early in the season. It has a deep taproot, which makes it especially drought tolerant in slightly moist to dry soil. It will slowly spread by rhizomes, but at 2 to 4 feet tall, it is never that imposing. It’s a fantastic pollinator plant, and the seeds are attractive to mammals and birds.

Photo by F.D. Richards

Landscape Anemone virginiana (Thimbleweed)

Holm Design & Consulting LLC

Tall Thimbleweed
(Anemone virginiana)
Native almost everywhere in the eastern half of the U.S.

You can see how this native got its common name — once the petals fall off, the bloom head elongates into a thimble-like structure. You’ll find this summer-blooming, 3-foot-tall plant anywhere from a woodland to a meadow setting, attracting all sort of bees, flies and beneficial wasps. It prefers a rich soil with consistent moisture.

Photo by Joshua Mayer

Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Butterfly Weed and Milkweed
(Asclepias tuberosa and Asclepias spp)
Native from Minnesota southwest to Arizona and all points east to Maine and Florida

These plants were once the scourges of farmers and ranchers, and kids across the country grew up being told by their parents to yank out any milkweed they saw — most often common (A. syriaca) or showy milkweed (A. speciosa). Such thinking has led to a dearth of monarch butterflies and other pollinators, plus milkweed is a host plant to lots of bugs and beetles, not just the monarch. Common and showy milkweeds’ smaller sibling, orange butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) does great in dry, sunny areas; reaches no more than 2 feet tall; and has bright orange blooms.

See how to grow milkweed

Ironweed
(Vernonia spp)
Native to most of the eastern half of the U.S.

Its common name comes from the rusty color of its seed heads, not from its wind resistance — even though it is quite stout in a strong breeze. There are several species, but the most common might be tall ironweed (Vernonia altissima); it reaches 5 feet or taller in full sun and moist to medium soil and is a boon to late-season pollinators.

Other species include: common ironweed (V. fasciculata), Missouri ironweed (V. missurica), New York ironweed (V. noveboracensis) and western ironweed (V. baldwinii).

See how to grow ironweed

groundworks studio

Brett Mickan Interior Design

Joe Pye Weed
(Eupatorium purpureum)
Native from Minnesota south to Arkansas and east to the East Coast

Joe Pye Weed and butterfly milkweed (and their cultivars) are two of the most common “weeds” you’ll see for sale in nurseries. Joe Pye Weed reaches 5 to 7 feet tall and loves medium to moist soil in full sun to partial shade. Butterflies flock to it in mid to late summer while it’s in bloom, as do several bee species.

Other Joe Pye Weeds include: spotted Joe Pye Weed (E. maculatum), native to most of the northern U.S., and hollow Joe Pye Weed (E. fistulosum), native from Maine to Florida and west to Indiana and Louisiana.

By Benjamin Vogt, originally published on HOUZZ

What Color Should You Paint Your Trim?

“Guess what? Trim does not have to be white. Many times we get caught up in the normal and forget to experiment or do something different for a change. Here are some great ideas of how to decide what to do with your trim.”

Ed Johnson & Denise Buck – Dc Metro Realty Team

Whether simple or ornate, interior trim is a finishing touch that often doesn’t get much thought, frequently being left the color it’s always been without consideration of the multitude of beautiful alternatives. Whether you’re thinking fresh white, a bold hue or somewhere in between, here are ways to treat your trim to get the look you want.

White

Classic white works well for plain trim as well as more elaborate molding styles. It’s great with white walls or colored walls, so it really is the ultimate no-fail option, which is probably partly why it’s such a popular choice.

It can be an excellent way to tie various styles of molding together, and it won’t fight historic details like stained glass, so everything becomes harmonized.

Eoin Lyons Interiors

When paired with colorful walls and accents, white trim becomes a bold, fresh focal point, as well as a frame to highlight each room beyond, without clashing with the different colors of each space.

Laura U, Inc.

Hanson General Contracting, Inc.

White trim is also great for toning down a strong color by stealing surface area away from the walls. This lilac shade is actually very bold, but it doesn’t feel like it swallows the room paired with deep crown molding and window trim in all white.

Stephani Buchman Photography

Paired with a neutral wall color, white trim highlights the surrounding undertones so the walls don’t look colorless, while still bringing in a slight modern edge. It’s also a good choice in a space with lots of wood, because it keeps the look contemporary instead of rustic.

Choose white if:

You want to highlight the subtle undertone of neutral walls
You want to break up bold walls with a breath of fresh air
You have simple moldings you don’t want to highlight
You want to leave all the attention on dramatic furnishings
You aren’t sure which other color to pick. It’s hard to go wrong with white trim!

Dresser Homes

valerie pasquiou interiors + design, inc

Neutral

When trim is dressed in a midtone neutral shade, it immediately gives it a certain sophisticated, stately appeal. The trim becomes a feature, for sure, but in an understated way.

Although the look is somewhat traditional, you can use more modern furnishings to add warmth and character. This kitchen has sleek cabinets and modern appliances but still feels homey instead of ultramodern. That’s in large part due to the warm gray trim.

Catalyst Architects, LLC

Neutral trim works especially well with a colored ceiling, so consider using the same color overhead in a room where you want a more intimate feel, such as a sitting room or dining space.

Optimise Design

Rafe Churchill: Traditional Houses

Choose neutral if:

You love a transitional look (one that balances traditional and modern elements)
You want an authentic heritage feel in an older home
You want to highlight doors or windows for an architectural look without touching fresh white walls

Rafe Churchill: Traditional Houses

Bold Colors

Bold, colorful trim can be either part of a wild, eclectic look or actually a very livable element in a more sedate home. Because trim usually has a relatively small surface area, painting it a fun hue like lemon, pink or sky blue adds a pop of color (and definite personality) without adding as much drama as a full wall treatment.

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

Pastel trim doesn’t even feel edgy; rather, as in this case, it creates a romantic feeling that suits a humble cottage-style or dreamy bedroom.

Choose a bold color if:

You want to add a new hue without going all-in on the walls
You want a quirky, eclectic or unique look
You have colorful cabinets in a kitchen and want to tie the room together

Shirley Meisels

mark pinkerton – vi360 photography

Wood

Wood trim can be anything from rustic to modern, depending on the tone and finish of the wood. Either way, it adds a deeper sense of texture, which can make a room feel welcoming even without much else in the way of decorative elements.

Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC.

Wood trim is often stained to match the flooring, but it can vary in tone a bit and still coordinate beautifully, as woods naturally mix and match. Just don’t mix more than three wood tones if you want to stay out of rustic territory.

Rebekah Zaveloff | KitchenLab

Matching wood kitchen cabinets to wood trim creates the sense that this natural element is integrated in the whole space, creating a sense of consistency and some rustic charm.

MANDARINA STUDIO interior design

A little wood trim on a window is excellent for warming up a space that’s otherwise cold, such as a white kitchen or bathroom (especially if you don’t want to add window drapery). Choose a deep stain to suit a contemporary space, and leave other trim white.

Wood is also great with wall colors that already add warmth, such as a soft pink. Both have red undertones, so the lack of contrast makes both elements feel like they fit in peacefully.

Johnson Design Inc.

Neuhaus Design Architecture, P.C.

Choose wood if:

It’s already there. Most trim is MDF or the like, so celebrate real wood if you have it!
You want to add an element of warm wood but don’t want wood floors
Your space needs a little extra texture
You love a rustic look or need a masculine counterpoint to feminine details

McIntosh Poris Associates

Black

Black trim is definitely statement making, yet it’s timeless, so unlike with other bold colors, you don’t have to worry that this dramatic choice will grow dated quickly.

Even more so than white trim, black trim frames each doorway or window like a picture, for instant high-fashion appeal.

Black trim is at its most classic and livable when paired with simple finishes like a wood floor and pale walls. It will fight other elements for attention, so you might as well let it be the star.

stephane chamard

As stark as black may be, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Painting just your lower trim black (baseboards and door frames), with the crown molding white, anchors the room while letting the ceiling float away for an airy appeal.

Carson Poetzl, Inc.

Catherine Boardman Interiors

Alternately, painting just the crown molding black frames the ceiling, highlighting details like beautiful lighting, medallions and other features. This tactic works well with dark wood doors, as both have a deep richness, making the doors less stark to keep the look balanced instead of ultramodern.

Toronto Interior Design Group | Yanic Simard

Choose black if:

You want a dramatic look that’s classic and sophisticated
You want to contrast wood floors or cabinets
Your neutral scheme needs some edge to bring it to life
Your beautiful views demand to be framed like portraits
Read more reasons to paint your trim black

Gloss

Treating trim with a slight gloss finish is a great way to subtly highlight beautiful moldings while maintaining a clean palette for effortless-looking designer appeal. I often use a consistent paint color for walls, ceiling and trim, using a matte finish for walls and a satin finish for trim, so a hint of light bounces off the trim’s curves to subconsciously draw the eye.

Period Architecture Ltd.

You can also cheat the look further with a slight off-white that almost blends into the wall but stands out just enough to catch your eye when you look at the trim, without the trim’s fighting other more attention-grabbing features.

Trim is often more likely to be touched or leaned on than the walls themselves, so using an easy-to-clean paint finish is practical too.

By Yanic Simard, HOUZZ Contributor

Creating a Comfortable Multipurpose Space

“Trying to figure out how to better use a space in your home? Have a large space but not sure how to divide it up? Read on to get some ideas that can help add function and comfort.”

Ed Johnson & Denise Buck – Dc Metro Realty Team

Interior designer Elena Calabrese took one space and made it a family room, game room, media center and home office. In truth, it was never supposed to be more than a living room. “This was a spec house,” she says. “And this was supposed to be the formal living room — but these clients didn’t need a space like that. What they needed was a multipurpose room.”

Room at a Glance
Who hangs out here: A professional couple and their 8-year-old son
Interior designer: Elena Calabrese
Big idea: This is a living room that was rethought as a multipurpose space.
Location: Mill Valley, California
Size: 15 by 15 feet (4½ by 4½ meters)

“Before the remodel this was the room that no one went into,” Calabrese says. “But the family needed a spot to hang out together. The parents travel a lot, and when they are home, they like to spend time together with their son.”

One of the central design features is an area for an activity they all enjoy: board games. The designer created this banquette and table expressly for that purpose. “I found the base on the Internet; it’s a vintage Milo Baughman piece. I had a marble top made for it,” Calabrese says. She created the built-in seating with notched backs to break up its linear nature. “I didn’t think about it matching the pattern in the carpet,” she says. That it does may be a happy coincidence, but the choice of a banquette was intentional. “I didn’t want it to read as an eating space, and I feel like that’s how it would appear if I used a table surrounded by chairs,” she says. “This way it looks like an intimate gathering spot.”

Light fixture: Regina Andrew; side table: HD Buttercup

The large sectional was chosen with one eye toward the television and the other toward the game table. “Because it has a bumper on one end, someone can perch there and chat with people seated around the table or on the window seat,” Calabrese says. “I didn’t want it to be all about the television. I did want it to be cool, modern and lounge-y.”

The coffee table was chosen to work with the carpet. “I love how you can see the carpet pattern through it,” the designer says. “Another wood would have been too heavy.”

Sofa: Dellarobbia; carpet: Stark; coffee table: Z Gallerie

One of the owners likes to watch sports on television, and the dark gray built-in serves as a media center. “The opening you see in the wall on the right is [to] the dining room,” Calabrese says. “We made the built-in stepped down so that when you look out from the dining room, you see the artwork, not the top of a shelf.”

The art collection over the sofa is the start of a gallery wall. “The idea is that the owners will add to it over time,” Calabrese says. “One of them collects art on her travels.”

Between trips that owner can be found perched on the window seat working on her laptop. “When we started the project, the window seat wasn’t there,” the designer says. “When we designed it, we created storage in the bottom for her son’s Legos and toys.”

In Calabrese’s opinion, the room’s success is how it meets many needs. “It’s a multipurpose space, but we worked hard to make it cohesive,” she says. “That’s a design challenge, but in this case, I think it’s a win.”

By Mary Jo Bowling, HOUZZ Editorial Staff

The ABC’s of Arranging Vignettes

“Vignettes are usually small displays, but can have a big impact on a room or entryway. Here are several examples to give you some ideas of how to add just the right touch in your home.”

Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team

In the world of interior design, a vignette is a small, pleasing picture formed by grouping several objects — think of it as a pocket-size table arrangement that tells a story about you and your home. A vignette is a harmonious tableau made from a variety of items, rather than a large collection of similar articles (for example, clocks or toys), which would require a different display strategy.

Vignettes can easily be reinvented to suit your whims — a change of season, a new find, a gift and a special occasion are all good reasons to refashion your mini displays. There’s a knack to making these small scenes look effortlessly composed and eye catching. So take a look at how to build delightful vignette worlds with this easy lesson.

Digs Design Company

“A” Is for “Anchor”

Choose an item as the center of interest, the “hero” of your vignette. Pick something you love to see every day and that expresses your personality and that of your home. It will be the first point on which the viewer’s eye rests.

A very small hero would be swamped by other objects in the group, so choose a statement piece with visual weight and height, like this dramatic starburst mirror.

AS you see it!

The anchor may also be a minigroup of similar things. These three vivid orange vases instantly capture attention.

SR HOME

An “A” Formation

Assemble your pieces and then superimpose an imaginary “A” or triangle over them. Use this visual structure to prevent a long skyline effect, which would scatter focus, and to carry interest around the frame. Positioning the shortest objects toward the outer edges will help form your “A” shape.

A dear little “A” for a bedside table.

Salt Interiors

Despite breaking the “A” rule, linear arrangements can work beautifully if there is a strong relationship between the objects and some contrast.

The serpentine curves of the women in these photographs are duplicated in the central sculpture and contrast the precise angles of the frames, while the heights of the pieces differ and black and white has been carried throughout.

Highgate House

Asymmetry

Sorry, all you neatness nuts, you may have to loosen up. Pairs placed symmetrically give the impression of an altar and can look very stilted and formal. We want the opposite: an unstudied gathering (only you know you have been to ABC vignette class!) that moves the eye around the articles. Deconstruct a too-tight structure by moving the items of a pair closer together or taking one of them away.

This arrangement avoids the symmetry trap through the use of two paintings above the sideboard that, although similar in style, are still different. Underneath, smaller pieces have been placed at differing heights: three clear jars varying in size at one end and a lower stylish dish at the other.

Highgate House

“B” Is for “Background”

Your display’s backdrop is a vital part of it. Complicated wallpaper can cause visual chaos behind intricately patterned objects. And a vignette featuring, say, orange, may pick an argument with a red or green wall. Backgrounds act in a positive way when they unify the vignette.

Here a white wall and linear moldings echo colors in the collection and the credenza’s horizontal detail.

Martha O’Hara Interiors

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

Mirrors make an effective background and animate a vignette by creating depth and perspective while also magnifying color and light. In this corner the features of the reflected room enter the vignette.

The surface under your vignette is part of its background, too. Elaborate marquetry or grained timber can detract from a display with lots of detail. Try not to overload a distinctive surface; keep shapes and colors unfussy.

The gorgeous cabinet in this photo holds a simple yet elegant and clean-cut array of objects while showing off its stunning timberwork.

Ethos Interiors

Balance

Several objects of similar height or color placed at one end of a table or bench create an unbalanced look. A lopsided placement needs variety within it and visual connection to the rest of the surface. Balance it with a tall central object, such as a painting or sketch, and a secondary grouping opposite. This picture shows how.

AS you see it!

“C” Is for “Commonality”

Give the members of your vignette a reason to be together. Relate them by color, texture, theme, shape and/or pattern. When one or more of these elements is repeated, the eye travels enjoyably around the vignette.

This is one of my favorite vignettes — a picture in green, white and natural wood. I love how the floral theme is made intriguing by the scale of the close-up in the background. It makes me want to lean in for a closer look.

RoomService 360

Contrast

Play with contrasts. Think of fresh flowers highlighting the patina of an antique bronze bell, or a delicate woven basket beside a heavy glass bowl.

The unexpected bonsai, crystal lamp and sharp modern table offset this distressed Italianate wall finish with its bold flourishes.

Lavender Hill Interiors

A tiny burst of contrasting apple green enlivens an uncluttered blue and white bedside vignette.

Massimo Interiors

Coziness

Pieces spaced evenly over the whole surface lose their connection to one another and may end up looking as if they are set out for a garage sale. Snuggle them up to one another and let some of them touch.

If your vignette is on a central table, check it out from all angles and tweak anything that looks awkward.

Newhook Design

Keep articles visually linked. Hang a painting or mirror low enough so some of your objects encroach on it but don’t hide it. It will then be a cohesive part of the arrangement.

Jennie Hunt

I love this fine Oriental-style table and great wall texture, but I’d like to bring these charming objects closer together.

Tip: When you are happy with your vignette, take a photo, so if you have to rearrange it for cleaning, you can replace everything easily.

Sweet William

Cost

Vignettes are a wonderful way to give every room character, and they need not cost the earth. Collect flowers from your garden, a vintage shoe, pretty glass bottles or an attractive feather, or reframe old photographs or wallpaper offcuts. Hunt through your house and see what treasures you can find.

Studio 511