3 Small Design Strategies That Make a Big Impact
If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s interior design, it may surprise you to know that it doesn’t necessarily require investing in new furniture or installing new flooring. In fact, according to the home design editors at Real Simple, focusing on a few key details is often all it takes to upgrade your home’s overall design. Here are three easy and relatively inexpensive steps you can take to instantly elevate your home decor. 1. Restain wooden furniture. A new coat of stain can make a piece of furniture go from old and shabby to brand new and dazzling. The key to success, however, is selecting the right shade, as the stain you choose will either enhance the existing undertones of the wood, or make the wood tones appear warmer or cooler. This is why the editors say it’s critical to test any stain before you proceed with your project. You’ll also need to take opacity into consideration—some stains allow more of the wood grain to shine through, while others provide a denser coverage. Do your research and test! 2. Replacing light-switch covers. You probably don’t give your white plastic switch plates a second thought. But once you upgrade them, you won’t believe the difference it makes in your home’s overall look and feel. There’s a plethora of options to choose from, too, in a variety of shapes, colors and patterns. The editors advise that just switching from standard builder’s grade to chrome or brass covers will instantly add some luxe to your home. 3. Getting serious about lighting. No matter the quality or design factor of an existing room, when it’s strategically lit, everything looks more stylish. Editors recommend taking a layered approach to lighting, providing a variety of options within a room, from small task lighting to tabletop lamps to overhead lights. Editors also advise taking your lighting a step further by adding a few statement pieces to a room, such as a vintage table lamp or stylish wall sconces. The bottom line? There’s no need to wait until you’ve saved enough money for that statement couch. Focus on a few, key details and start enjoying an elevated interior decor.
How to Enhance Your Foyer With Luxury Touches
Though an entryway is usually seen as a mostly functional space, it’s also the first impression guests (or potential homebuyers) have of your home. And in a luxury home, you want that first impression to be unbeatable. Try these tips for a luxury makeover that makes your entryway shine. Opt for oversized art... Your best art isn’t just for the main spaces. Make a splash immediately with a dramatic, oversized piece in your entryway and some soft lighting that sets the mood. Your guests (or open house viewers) will be wowed. Add luxury seating. Give home residents and guests a place to take a load off as soon as they come in the door, and show off your home’s luxurious style. An attractive storage bench with comfortable seating or a tufted ottoman with a lid that opens to store smaller items are great options for this. Mix your textures. For a compelling and stylish vibe, mix textures in your entryway so it encompasses both plush and coarse materials. For example, a beautiful entrance rug paired with attractive cushions on a bench, or a glass console table and a seagrass-woven basket. Make sure you have a mirror nearby. Do double duty. Give guests an opportunity to see themselves as they arrive, while taking advantage of mirror’s ability to bounce light around. Full-length mirrors are a must when you have room in a luxury entryway, while smaller ones can hang above dressers or consoles for a last look before heading out the door.
Should Your Custom House Have a Primary Suite?
Building a custom house gives you the freedom to design a space that’s tailored to your family’s lifestyle. As you plan the layout of your new home, think about how your needs will change in the coming years. A primary suite can benefit your family both now and in the future. A Primary Suite Can Make Life Easier for EveryoneHaving a bathroom right off your bedroom can be convenient for your entire family. You and your partner can have your own space, and your kids can have theirs. That can give everyone privacy, minimize clutter and help prevent arguments about whose turn it is to use the bathroom. A primary suite doesn’t necessarily have to be used as a bedroom for a family member. You might prefer to keep the space available for overnight guests or use it as a home office. Including a Primary Suite Can Pay off LaterIf you plan to age in place, you can design your custom home in a way that will suit your future needs. For older adults, falls are common, and they often result in serious injuries. A primary suite on the first floor can let you avoid using the stairs. Maybe your aging parent increasingly needs help around the house. If your mother or father eventually becomes unable to live independently, you might want to have them in with you. With a primary suite, your parent will be able to spend quality time with relatives and maintain a degree of privacy and independence. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is nearby and that other family members can provide help if necessary. Many buyers prefer houses with primary suites. Some won’t even consider a house that doesn’t have one. If your custom house includes a primary suite, you’ll reap the benefits while you live there, and you most likely won’t have any trouble selling the property in the future, should you choose to do so. Where to Put a Primary SuitePrimary suites are commonly found on the ground floor, but they can be located upstairs or in the basement. The beauty of designing your own house is that you get to decide. If safety for older adults is your top concern, you can include a primary suite on the ground floor so you or your parents won’t have to use the stairs. If privacy and quiet are your top priorities, you might prefer to put a primary suite upstairs or in the basement, away from the main living area. Figure Out What Will Work Best for Your FamilyYou have an opportunity to create a home that will suit your family’s needs now and for years to come. Think about how your lives will change and talk to your architect about whether you should include a primary suite in the plans for your custom home.
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