2012 Holiday Home Tour Design

This Residence is reminiscent of Spanish Colonial design with its soft aqua and antiqued red hues. Many of the homeowner’s pieces portray authentic style from carved throne chairs to elaborate iron works and vintage fabrics. With such collectables as the restored sconces and the classical interests in music, the cultural beauty inspires a plethora of long conversations and entertainment. Many of these treasured items bring peace and comfort to a hectic life of a professional. The walls are plastered in a pristine glow of off white accented in pale clay tones and intricate colorful tiles, setting off the rich hues and tapestry features; inviting one to come, relax in comfort and style. Iron and dark tone woods douse the home in Spanish Flavor.

Choosing a Color Palette

Choosing a color palette is easy if the homeowner looks at the colors they already use in their home, focuses on what they love, and organizes a plan.

When choosing a decor palette for the house, the homeowner should look through their home for items that he or she love and will keep once they have planned a color scheme. The homeowner may have a beautiful art piece with bright or earthy hues or maybe an heirloom such as a rug or furniture piece that could have a desirable scheme. Some may even choose to copy a color scheme from a china collection that has a pastel theme or style.

This can be a perfect starting point for a palette that will accentuate the homeowner’s personal treasures and style. Once he or she has picked the theme, the homeowner should study the theme piece for colors that are acceptable for the home. Looking through a paint fan deck or using colors that coordinate at the paint store, the homeowner should have a collection of paint samples that they should bring back to the natural lighting of the home for final decisions on paint.

Choosing Proper Color Tones

Once the homeowner has chosen colors to compare to his or her themes, the homeowner should try a variation of the color in different tones to highlight their selection. It doesn’t always work to match everything perfectly; the homeowner could run into an unpleasing situation if they do not explore other variations of color. Hues can be more pleasing by adding brighter or darker complementary accents.

The homeowner may discover a hidden color as they are using art work or a favorite painting or photograph. As he or she selects a color to accompany the art work, the homeowner should make sure that the color enhances the art so it will pop out of the frame. This does not mean the brightest color in the art piece but not a white, either. The homeowner should try a happy medium that will take on a soft hue from a complexion of a character to the intensity of a sunset on a prairie. If the homeowner is using a monochromatic theme of black and white, he or she should try a Smokey gray-beige to a straw gold. It will take guest’s breath away every time they enter the room.

Using Color as an Accent

The homeowner will always want to have guests focus on the accents of the home. By having several shades of the color, the homeowner may direct the attention to a particular area of the room. Yes, the “accent wall” will always come back to design, and if the homeowner remembers to make one wall an accent, it will not become tiring for the homeowner to live in as well.

The whole purpose is to have a homeowner look at the most dramatic aspect of the room, usually it is the first wall they see as he or she enters. For an example, if a guest walks into a bedroom and the bed is against the back wall, that wall should be a darker shade in accent for a deeper or bolder statement than the remaining walls. If the bed has been accentuated with bedding to accompany the rooms shade, the homeowner will have a beautiful accent people will speak of for years.

When accenting a work area or office, the homeowner should make the wall an inspiring shade they love. The homeowner should not put it on the wall directly in front of them, but behind or to the side for a brief pick-me-up. He or she will enjoy this more as it will be subtle and not a huge deterrent as they try to focus on their work and not the walls. Homeowners should save the bold and more playful colors for a non-public area such as the hallways or private zones.

The entrance is also a perfect place for a bold statement. Homeowners will have fun with a splash of brilliance in a hall or closet, sometimes it can increase the interest in cupboards as it is a non-public area. This can add some added surprise as the homeowner walks through the hall or opens a door to a closet.

Creating a Color Theme

Homeowners should pick a palette for the entire home that they can feel comfortable with and not become tired of quickly. Homeowners should avoid using the newest trends, and focus on his or her most precious interests. The homeowner could take this new palette and make a scrapbook or color-board so he or she can see the direction they are trying to place throughout the home. Homeowners should want the palette aesthetically to fit as well as project peacefulness to the eye.

This is not hard to do even if the homeowners are remodeling or starting over fresh. Observe how all the swatches of fabric, all of the color chips, and various surface samples tie into each other, and the homeowner should try to keep it all in the same palette. This will assist him or her in any future endeavors to move onto another project in the home if they can’t do it all at once.

Finally, the homeowner should always carry a color-board or scrapbook with them wherever they go, and if the homeowner finds something that may work with the current scheme, he or she can compare samples on the spot. The homeowner should not forget to enjoy themselves, and always return to look at their choices in the natural light, before they make the final decision.

How to Home Stage

Staging successfully is a process of using a detailed checklist on ways that the homeowner can prepare their home before placing it on the market to sell.

When home staging is being done by the homeowner or a professional stager, there are 10 steps that can yield a timely and profitable sale. Dividing the steps into four stages: making a good first impression, presenting each room well, removing clutter and cleaning, and attending to details during the home is being shown. These steps are the key issues that real estate agents have observed from various buyers as they look for their new home.

How to Make a Good First Impression with Home Staging

First: declutter, declutter, declutter!

• Create a good first impression by cleaning the entry and making sure the front of the home is appealing to the eye. The homeowner should change or brighten the address numbers, manage any unwanted webs or debris, pay close attention to the front door's appearance, and make sure to mow and trim the front yard to enhance the curb appeal.
• The homeowner should make the entry and living room welcoming by removing any shoes and toys strewn on the floor. The homeowner should add a nice bouquet of flowers and make sure the lights are on to welcome the guests. Vacuum the floors and sweep. Fluff up any pillows and make sure the area is clean and clutter-free.

Presenting Rooms When Selling a Home

• Kitchen: Create a spotless kitchen by clearing off any appliances and making sure the counters are clean; washing the dishes and making sure they are put away. The homeowner can wipe off fingerprints and water spots from stainless steel and have a nice bowl of citrus to accent the room.
• The master bedroom and bathroom: Turn the master suite into a sanctuary or a place of peace and tranquility. The homeowner should make sure it is clutter-free, painted if need be, and with a nice set of bedding and pillows to show off the bed, which is usually the focal point of the room. By making the bedroom shine, the seller makes the buyer feel more comfortable about the potential space. Because the master bath is an attachment to the master bedroom, by adding a nice set of towels in the master bath along with some specialty salts, with this the homeowner can impress the buyer. The homeowner may want to clean up the closet and reduce the contents to show the storage space better.
• Present an exceptionally clean and fresh bathroom, by washing everything with a nice disinfectant cleaner, check and repair the shower stall for spots or mold. Clean the areas well and again change the towels, repair or replace the towel rods, replace the bar of soap or fill the soap bottle and have all of the toiletries put away and out of sight.

Maintain The Home During Home Staging.

• Tidy all closets by clearing out the closet and pack away excess belongings. The homeowner can enlarge the closet by leaving 10% of the contents in the space. The homeowner should allow the closet floor to be empty as well as clean, and they should consider freshly painted walls and scuff marks repaired. This way the buyer or client remembers a large and clean closet space.
• Brighten the walls if need be, add a nice neutral color to the walls and make sure that any wild colors are minimal. The homeowner must make sure any unsightly areas are clean and freshly painted to show off the home in a pristine manner. The homeowner ought to use the appropriate sheens for every space, and try to eliminate any outdated and worn-out wallpaper.
• Reduce clutter to a minimum, the most important aspect of staging the home is by reducing any clutter that may be unsightly. The homeowner should make sure to pack everything up not being used and store it cleanly in the garage. Buyers want to envision their own items in the home. This is the key to a faster sell.

Attend to Details During the Market

• Thoroughly prepare the garage, backyard and pet kennel by making sure that if the garage is full, pack up the belongings in boxes and make sure the space is organized. The homeowner is moving, after all, and they want to look as if they are ready to vacate the space. The homeowner should clean up the backyard, and hose it down to make the area fresh and clean. Mow the lawn and add some flowers to various areas to show character. The homeowner must make sure the kennel is clean and the animals are secure. The homeowner can leave a note for the real-estate agent and buyer if there are special instructions for felines or little dogs that like to wander off.
• Create an attractive environment. Many home buyers have very personal tastes; when a homeowner shows their home; they should remove any personal aspects of the family, and any religious or collecting habits. If the buyer has a clean slate to look at, they can perceive themselves in the home and not feel that they are taking something away from the homeowner.

Home stagers apply this 10-step staging strategy, and understand by experience that their clients can effectively prepare their homes and promote a quick and successful sale. In today's tough market, the homeowner can use this process to partner with home stagers and real-estate agents to prepare the home and guarantee the sale of the home for the best price.

The Nine Moods of Color

Colors can enhance the reader's mood by stimulating the yin and yang of his or her passions of life and behavior.

Some believe that the nine colors serve as powerful influences in a person’s psychological or mental processes. It's theorized that these nine colors affect the thought process without developing a physical basis of persuasion. In other words, the process of creating a mood is brought about by the feeling that a color creates on a subconscious level; this will influence the mental energy as a reader absorbs the various colors. It's said that these energies are the yin and yang or the chi in a person’s awareness of his or her surroundings.

The yin, or "gentle mood" of colors, will create a more passive flow of energy producing a more calm and relaxing atmosphere for an informal setting. According to Simon Brown, author of "Practical Feng Shui," this ambient setting is suitable for an easy-going event like family-time, evening meals, or a relaxing walk.

The yang, or "exciting hard mood" of colors, will create a more stimulating or formal setting. The correct touches of a yang setting are stark and influenced with crisp lines, and hard tones of strong colors. This setting of electrifying energy is suitable for a spontaneous action; dating, an atmosphere of passion, or that first driving test.

The Yin Moods of Color

One can create a feeling of relaxation by using a buttery yellow in the home; this can be beneficial when used in a more permanent decorating scheme. This light shade of yellow is great for decorating because there is a vast selection of hues to choose from.

Yellow can have a yin or a yang balance and people are apt to either love it or hate it. This lighter tone of yellow should not be in the same category as lemon or sun yellow, as they can produce eye strain and aggravation.

Color stimulation by using a pure color like white can produce an atmosphere or innocence or peace. This monochromatic neutral color can create a feeling of cleanliness or purity in virtually any design. Though white is simple and unadventurous, it can produce a faith or surrender to a more ethereal refinement of beauty. White encourages an activity or process that begins, develops, or increases a crisp interest in décor.

Formality tends to be associated with gray, which is commonly used as an executive color. This temper or frame of mind tends to create a sense of formal behavior. Gray is an unobtrusive neutral shade that can enhance any number of color combinations. Since this color is low profile and melancholy, gray will not detract from one's creativity in an office setting.

Warmth created by a golden orange color can be a comforting hue that's great for decorating the home. Orange is warm and welcoming, as the color adds warmth with tones of tangerine, mango, and a bright sunset glow. Golden orange is cheerful and should be used in a kitchen to create a warm and comfortable setting.

Blue is associated with communication, an exchange of ideas and the act of conveying a clear message. Blues are associated with good company and productivity. Different shades of blue can relax, soothe, and inspire productivity, particularly in youth. The color blue aides in helping children communicate, while creating an atmosphere that's conducive with good study skills and confidence. Blue in a child’s room is said to be an intuitive choice for clear communication.

The Yang Moods of Color

Create an atmosphere of security by using black or darker shades of strong colors, as these are representative of protection and thought. Dark tones will give the illusion of a reduced space within the room, which gives a sense of self-assurance and security, like an embrace. Black is regarded as a timeless color that can create an atmosphere of class and sophistication in the space. This sophistication is best brought on as an accent to the room’s neutral color. An example of this is a soft off-white or tan room, with black trim, accessories or furniture.

Romance is linked to increased blood pressure and the color red has been found to induce the same effect. It's believed that red increases the appetite, while inspiring intense emotions, particularly those that are related to the power of love.

Red is a powerful color, so in most cases, this dramatic hue best serves as an accent color. Certain shades of red with a mellowed shade of orange or brown can also add a comfortable yet cozy effect to the home.

Vitality is linked to a natural blend of growth and vibrancy; the color green is often associated with these concepts, as the color has a natural vibrancy. Bright leafy plants are associated with fertility and nature. The envy of green will spring hope and luck in life to create strength. Chartreuse delivers a large dose of vibrancy, so this color is best used as a splash of color in a harmonious design.

Passion, like romance, uses red tones to increase the flow of chi in a fervor of emotions. A mauve or purple color can increase the passion in various styles of design and fashion. In history, purple was the color of royalty and importance. Today, purple suggests an additional emotion that is part of a particular behavior like spirituality and mystery.

Together yin and yang energy has balance as both are believed to have an influence on mood and behavior. Colors nourish the psyche through sight and emotion. These guidelines can aid readers, as they plan to use color to create a particular feeling or atmosphere.

Sources:

Brown, Simon, Practical Feng Shui; Cassell & Co., London, England. 1997. Pages 90-91.

Estimating for Exterior Paint Quantity

When estimating for basic paint quantity, the homeowner will need to use this simple formula to calculate how much paint they will need to complete the job.

When the homeowner plans on painting a home as a weekend project, these hints are effective whether they choose to paint the home themselves or hire a professional to expedite the task for them. When determining how much paint the homeowner will need, whether previously purchased or newly constructed, the initial goal is making sure they have enough material to complete the work. Painting is the initial design statement and the ideal way to revitalize the exterior of the home. Painting the exterior of a home adds warmth in style, creates a well maintained appearance, and ensures a cost-effective method for increasing the value of the Home.

Estimate the Right Amount of Paint

The homeowner decides when he or she needs a new exterior paint job, but the only problem is that the majority of homeowners do not know how to estimate how much paint they will need to complete the task. Here are the answers they should know to ensure that they estimate the correct amount of paint. This process is important before putting on a painter’s hat.

When measuring the home, measure the total width of the walls. This includes the entire front, the back, and both or all of the remaining sides of the home. When this is complete, measure the height of the walls and estimate for any angled walls or peaks. Many painters will take an average height, but it is always better to have exact measurements.

Multiply the total width amount by the total height amount. This calculation is the total wall coverage the painter will use to calculate how much paint he or she will need.

One point to remember is that if the home has an awkward area such as a peak or gable, the painter will want to determine the space. A gable is the triangular top section of a side wall. A building with a pitched roof fills the space beneath the roof in which the slopes meet. This is an easy calculation by multiplying the gable's base width by half of the gable’s height. The painter will take this total calculation and make sure to add it to the wall space total.

The painter should never adjust for door and window areas. When an opening space is one-hundred square feet or larger, then the painter makes an adjustment in paint quantity. Other than that, the painter should never make an adjustment. In painting, there are always unforeseen elements, and it is better to have too much paint than not enough.

At this point, the painter will determine what type of paint covering he or she will want to use for the job. A good tip is to read the label of the paint to determine the coverage in square feet per gallon. Because the exterior of a home is unpredictable in dryness and substrate condition, it is best to use paint with a coverage of 250 square feet.

The painter will then divide the total square footage of wall space to cover; by the square feet coverage of the gallon of paint. Painters will always round up to the highest number. Once the painter estimates the highest number, then he or she will know the amount of gallons the painter will need to complete the project.

Other Special Areas for Calculating Paint Quantity

The following areas have special calculations to determine paint quantities. These calculations are guidelines for estimating the amount of paint the homeowner will need to account for when dealing with more difficult areas.

• The first area is the stairs, and the painter will need to include the risers and multiply them by two. Then the painter will multiply this amount by the number of stairs in the staircase to determine paint quantity.
• In regard to downspouts and gutters, the painter will find the front area and multiply it by two. The painter will then multiply that number by the linear footage to obtain the total space.
• When painting a balustrade, which is a decorative railing with its supporting upright posts, the painter will find the front area and multiply that number by four.
• The painter will want to paint the eaves of the home, to do this the painter will measure to find the area of the eaves and multiply the number by two. If the painter decides to paint the eaves and the rafters, he or she will measure to find the area and then multiply that number by three.

This process of measuring for special areas will still need the painter to divide the total areas by the square footage of the paint coverage. The amount of primer used for these areas will vary as the entire home will not require the same coverage as the finishing coat. With these guidelines, a homeowner can sufficiently estimate the correct amount of materials they will need to estimate successfully for exterior paint quantities.

How to Faux Finish a Positive Technique

A positive faux finish is an application of adding paint and color to walls or the substrate of an item. This effect is popular in decorating and art.

The reader should keep in mind that 98% of all painting failures occur because of poor surface preparation. Whether the painter decides to do a positive or negative technique the surface needs cleaning and preparation before beginning to paint. Cleaning the substrate thoroughly with soap or Tri Sodium Phosphate (TSP) and water will create a grease and dust free surface.

When the surface is clean the painter should make sure all holes, scrapes, and blemishes have a patch and sealed with primer. By priming the walls, the basecoat on the wall is ready for a faux finish technique. A painter’s tip is to tint the primer to eliminate adding too many coats of paint to the wall surface.

Anything the painter does not want painted; he or she should mask off and cover with drop cloths. The painter may want to use tape or strips of masking paper to frame out the ceiling line. This process will eliminate paint on the ceiling as the painter begins the faux finish.

Walls with existing texture will work for most faux finishes except for strie, a French form of streaking, dragging or wood-graining. Painters can smooth out the walls if he or she decides to use one of these three finishes and would like to eliminate the bumps in the finish.

A Positive Sponge Painting

After the primer coat or basecoat color is dry, the painter can begin the positive finish process. This effect is applied by using an organic sea sponge. This tool adds the most natural effect on the wall and it can be applied lightly by using a translucent glaze. Glaze is made by using one part color to five parts glazing liquid. For durability, use a polypropylene to the finishing glaze to protect the finish from marks. Faux finishes are very difficult to repair so it is important to use a protective finish coat for the faux finish.

The steps to faux finishing are easy to follow. The painter should pour the glaze into a flat painter’s tray or a pie tin. Rinse out the sea sponge before painting to remove any remaining salt water in the sea sponge. Moisten the sea sponge with enough glazing liquid to begin faux finishing. If the sea sponge has too much glaze in it, the painter should squeeze out the excess liquid until he or she has the desired amount to work with on the wall.

One way to test the effect of the sea sponge is by blotting the sponge on a piece of old newspaper or plastic drop cloth. The sea sponge should leave little blobs or spots of paint everywhere, and the painter can use it on the wall to give a positive effect for a faux finish.

When the painter has his or her wall prepared, the glaze ready in a flat tray, and the sea sponge full of glazing liquid; the painter can begin to apply the faux finish. With the sea sponge, the painter should blot, twist, and turn the sponge in different directions to create an irregular pattern. The painter should attempt to keep the amount of glaze consistent as the appearance of the faux finish should look uniform. If the finish becomes too thin, the painter should add more glaze to the sea sponge to make sure the finish is even in shade.

After a short time, the painter should step back and review the pattern. This frequent inspection will make sure that the pattern is even. If there are any missed spots, the painter can lightly blot in that area without changing the consistency of the finish.

Once the painter has finished the first coat of color, he or she should rinse out the sea sponge and repeat the process for the next color. Most of the time the painter does not have to wait for the paint to dry between coats, but if the painter wants to have the colors not blend, he or she should wait for the glaze to dry before starting the next coat.

Corner and Ceiling Tips for Faux Finishing

• When the painter comes to a corner in the wall or the ceiling line, he or she should take a brush and blot lightly in those areas to keep the regularity in glaze finish.
• Another process is using the back side of the sea sponge cut with a clean edge, like a wedge, to fit as close to the opposite wall as possible.
• The painter can place a large piece of thick matting board against the ceiling line as he or she blots the wall with the brush or sea sponge. Any of these techniques will aid in making sure the evenness of the faux finish is accomplished.

Patterns vary from painter to painter and day-to-day so the person painting should try to stop at the end of the wall and not in the middle. If possible, the painter should try to finish the wall in one process per glaze coat. This will guarantee a consistent finish every time until the entire faux finish is complete. The painter can use this same process if using other applicators like rags or plastic. The painter should remember to have fun and relax; this will always create a positive effect.

A Monochromatic View

With many color combinations, it is color theory that makes a design stand out. This view demonstrates the monochromatic appeal to interior design.

Interior Decorating Tips with Conplementary Colors

With so many color schemes, it is the opposite of colors that make a bold design. This relationship of opposites appeal to the interior design professional.

Designing in Today's Market

In design, mixing styles can be fun and cost effective. No longer just Eclectic, it applies to the design in blending various styles from origin to era.

A mixed style should present pieces with shared aims to generate unity within the design. Eclecticism is definitely not a jumble or mish mashed collection of arbitrary pieces but an intended and considered design. When a shared component or idea ties the home together, the home can take on a character of personal preference and unique style.

When furnishings communicate to each other in scale, shape, pattern, texture, color, or finish, a mixed style of interior design can enhance the room and bring it together. Contrast is an important element for a mixed style. As a general rule, a color scheme can be universal by using neutral colors as a backdrop or for large furnishings. Furniture no longer has to match perfectly but a mixture of related furnishings can embellish a design nicely.

In various design schemes such as rustic living, Asian traditional or Country French, mixing furnishings will complement the appeal to the homeowner. The homeowner looks for appealing design styles. One of the most beneficial resources is consignment or vintage shops. The consignment shop holds treasures of quality or name brand merchandise at a discounted price. These furnishings are unique in design as it gives new life to many styles and themes many people look for in decorating. Obtaining quality at a lower price is a valued perk for the do-it-yourselfer or the professional designer.

Rustic living is a relaxed, lived-in style and there is no reason to fear sitting in a rustic living room or stopping by for a chat in a rustic style environment. A rustic design style is informal with a complement of well made, sensible furniture, colorful material, and functional rather than trendy accents. With rustic styles, adding multiple textiles and countrified furnishings can be obtained by visiting these treasure troves of recycled design and style.

If the homeowner is looking for something more traditional, he or she could find Asian inspired furnishings that display bold colors along with ornate furniture and accessories. Asian furnishings are ornately carved designs with craftsman painted details or lacquered finishes. When looking through consignments ask the salesperson for assistance. The shop may have everything the homeowner is looking for; they just need to look around as everything is transitional in the store. Another nice benefit is the shop owner displays mixed styles within the shop to aid in complementing the various pieces on display.

Some various pieces can enhance this dramatic style by featuring animal prints and astrological signs, such as tigers and fire-breathing dragons. Creative ginger jars, large vessels, and beverage pots painted with exaggerated design in varied colors or in the traditional blue and white glazes are also fashionable in Asian interiors. The most prominent color in Asian style is red because it represents good luck. The most traditional items are wall murals and shoji tri-fold screens depicting characters of historical and legendary folklore. These are often painted in striking or vibrant colors. The majority of these items are sporadically on display throughout the shop.

Country French is an epitome by a palette of bright colors. This south of France design is reminiscent of colors that include deep aubergine (dark purple) and vibrant lavenders. Other provocative colors used for porcelain are bright cadmium yellow, and cerulean blue. Furnishings usually with a small floral or animal pattern are typical fabric motifs for Country French design.

Not unlike rustic styles, basic Country French furniture is pine or maple in structure with a sturdy functionality. An ample plank-style dining table is traditional Country French furniture. Caned chairs, not to be confused with wicker, usually accompany this elegant piece.

Other telling furniture pieces are armoires or four-poster beds with massive carvings and embellishments. Lavender wreaths with wheat shafts and wrought-iron gates surrounded by roosters, lamps, and sprigs are perfect accents and accessories for this style.

With today's market, budgets are reduced by half. Knowing that the homeowner has the option to find high-end or brand materials at a discounted price is a plus when he or she looks for that perfect piece or style furnishings. By frequenting a consignment or vintage shop the homeowner or designer will always find that special treasure that will complete a design. When finding just the right piece one can usually expect to find just that—one item—so it is important to understand the art of mixing styles. Mixing styles can aid in making sure the means of the budget are met while bringing fun and excitement to the adventurous homeowner.