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Using Texture in Interior Design

Using Texture in Interior Design

by | Feb 13, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects

Photo by Sarah Jane from Pexels

Texture is an important, and often underrated element to consider in Interior Design. The versatility of this element can enable you to still use a neutral colour palette without it seeming too dull as the materials help to create interest and variety within the space.

Some frequently-used textures include:

  1. Timber – Provides the space with warmth, contrast, and an earthy/rustic feel. 

 

Source: pixabay.com

 

The grains of the timber are so varied that different types of wood can create completely different settings to the space. E.g. Oak is often used in Scandinavian designs, whereas the warmer-toned Walnut brings about more of an industrial feel to the space.

 

2. Fabrics such as wool, cotton and linen provide a space with comfort and relaxation.

 

Photo by Isabelle Taylor from Pexels

 

These can be swapped around depending on the season. E.g. Wool for keeping warm in winter and linen for keeping cool in summer.

 

3. Metal – Brass, steel, copper, etc. provide elegance and cooling qualities

 

Photo by Jean van der Meulen from Pexels

If you are designing a space that feels quite warm (due to either the timber, sunlight getting in and/or paint colour) you can use different metals to contrast these tones and make the space feel a lot cooler.

4. Artwork provides colour, interest, patterns and movement.

 

Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

 

When selecting artwork, it is important to think about the rest of the space and how it can complement the other pieces in the room. Using texture through artwork can be very effective as it is often the focal point of the space and the first thing people see when entering a room.

 

Visit https://consulting.letsrevamp.com.au/gallery/ to see how we’ve played around with texture in some of our recent projects!

 

 

To Paint Or Not To Paint Before Moving In

To Paint Or Not To Paint Before Moving In

by | Feb 7, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects

Photo: Unsplash/Yoann Siloine

You have the keys to your new home.

You may be contemplating whether to paint or not to paint before moving in.

STOP! Don’t Paint – Yet

Though it may seem to be the perfect time to do so, it is not ideal.

Let’s find out why?

Same Colours Vary

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

There are literally thousands of paint colours, tints, tones and shades.

Colours remain the same. Yet, they will vary, from house to house and room to room, according to the light source of the room or area.

You may have seen a colour that you absolutely love; but will it work in your new home?

Moving In

Let’s assume you have painted the walls, while your new home was empty.

By this time you would pretty much have a good idea what is to go where once the movers arrive.

At last the big day arrives.

….and you move in.

This could well be the moment you realise that the colour of your lounge suite does not go well with the favoured (new) colour on the wall.

The rug in the bedroom somehow does not look quite right. It now makes the room seem darker, even smaller. At your previous home, it had quite the opposite effect.

You did measure the entrance area. All items will and do fit in with room to spare, and yet it looks small, overcrowded and uninviting.

So what went wrong?

STOP! Before You Paint

Snap / 27598 images

Your previous home was styled and decorated according to the features, colours, ambient light and designs present.

In your new home, with its fresh coat of paint, you could have assumed all will be amazing, good and new.

Now that you have moved in, it does not quite have the look or appeal you had in mind.

Why?

The answer is found on the newly painted walls.

Moved In – Now Paint Those Walls

Photo by Loewe Technologies on Unsplash

Only once you have moved into your new home, will you be able to ascertain what colour/s on the walls would actually work best to complement your artworks, rugs, lounge suites, dining room suites, accessories etc.

Picking the wall colour/s once all your things are inside your home, though you may feel is not ideal, would be the best course of action to take.

4 Super Size Tricks for Small Living Spaces

4 Super Size Tricks for Small Living Spaces

by | Jan 31, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects
Photo by Luke Stackpoole on Unsplash

Why do we assume that everything in your small living space has to be tiny too?

Let us think outside the small space and step away from the norm to bold, daring and inspiring.

Photo 6376502 © Alexandr Jolobov – Dreamstime.com

#1 Let’s Add a Room-Sized Rug

  • Adding a room-sized rug to a room will actually define how much floor space there really is.
  • You could go for darker colours, but neutrals and softer lighter colours will make the room feel more spacious.
  • Yes, you can choose a rug with patterns. But preferably choose a rug with subtle patterns. Overwhelming patterns will create “busy” and you do not want that.
  • Stay away from rugs with borders. It will make the floor seem smaller, and hinder visual transition from rug to floor and vice versa.
  • Stripes would be good:
    • Horizontal stripes make the room look bigger.
    • Vertical stripes make the room look longer.
Photo by Vecislavas Popa from Pexels

#2 Let’s Add a Super-Size Mirror

“Mirror, mirror on the wall” you are the smartest illusionist of them all.” Mirrors create the illusion of “more”.
  • They give the impression of infinity and space.
  • They give the impression of more furniture and accessories.
  • Mirrors reflect light.
  • Add a mirror as the backsplash in a kitchen.
  • Use mirrors against a bathroom wall.
  • When decorating with mirrors ensure what is reflected is great to look at.
  • Mirrors can be installed in the back of built-ins, to create depth.
  • Mirrors can be put onto cupboard sliding doors.
  • Do not just put a mirror up for the sake of putting up a mirror. Give it careful thought as to why you are putting it up and what you want to achieve.
Photo by Steve Johnson from Pexels

#3 Let’s Add Oversized Wall Art

 No more “hundred and one” small framed pictures on the wall.
  • Go for oversized statement-making art pieces.
  • Go for funky modern even abstract prints. Not too “busy” though.
  • Try your hand at DIY artwork.
  • Oversized wall art will make a space seem bigger.
Photo by Lina Kivaka from Pexels

#4 Let’s Go Big on the Lights 

  • Lights hang above your living area and do not take up floor space.
  • Given this fact it is the perfect reason to add extraordinary expressiveness to lights.
  • Change current shades to exotic ones.
  • Pendants lights give height to a room.
  • Lights are focal points and catch the eye when walking into the room.
7 Steps to Depersonalise Your Home Before Selling

7 Steps to Depersonalise Your Home Before Selling

by | Jan 27, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects

7 Steps to Depersonalise Your Home Before Selling
Image by Paula Schmidt
Depersonalising your home before selling is an important step in preparing your house for sale. All personal and memorabilia items are to be packed or stored away. Potential buyers will now be able to visualize themselves and their personal effects living in your house and so be encouraged to make an offer. This will also give the property stylist a “canvas” to work with, preparing your home for those important online listing photos and a sale.

Tip #1 – Prepare yourself emotionally

Image from Geralt: Pixabay.com

Letting go of your home is not easy. Putting away your photos and memorabilia can be an emotional experience. To help you through this remember the goal – you want to show your home well and prepare it to appeal to the home buyers’ market. You want to sell fast and get the best offer.

Tip # 2 Ask for help.
Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash
Go through room by room. Ask yourself this question – “would other people want this in their home?” Ask for advice and help. Your Real Estate Agent, friend and Property Stylist will be able to give objective input.

Tip #3 Remove personal photos and family portraits.
Photo by Lasse Møller on Unsplash
Take down all family photos, portraits and pictures hanging on the walls. This includes those on countertops, shelves and cupboards doors. Oh and do remember the refrigerator too. A favourite spot for all those travel magnets, children’s art and reminder notes. Remove all reminder or to do list boards.

Tip #4 Start packing
Image freepik.com
Go through each room thoroughly. Decide what you really want to take with you to your new home. Depersonalising is an opportunity to declutter. Unwanted items can be donated or discarded. Pack away ornaments, showcase items, trophies and framed certificates. Label the boxes according to rooms and contents. You will glad you did. It will help you when unpacking at your new home.

Tip #5 Declutter shelves.
Image freepik.com
Shelves become focal points. Use them stylishly to attract interest. Not as a storage facility. All shelves are to be cleared, dusted and wiped clean. Thereafter choose only a few decorative items to create an appealing organised display. Add a few room appropriate books. i.e children books belong in the children’s bedroom. Recipe books in the kitchen. Ensure book covers are not damaged. Remove covers from the hardcover books, or cover them with white paper to add interesting appeal. Pack away all family portraits, trophies, certificates and other items.

Tip #6 Toys, sporting and exercise equipment
Image MIH83 Pixabay
Store away as many of these items as possible. The garage or off-site storage container. Toys should not be lying around. Put them in a toy box. Ensure the lid shuts and does not remain partly ajar because of an overload of toys. Go through each room analytically. Are the items in the room, room-specific?

Tip # 7 Remove items that may offend

Image: paulbr75: pixabay.com
You need your house to attract and interest as many buyers as possible. Remember, potential buyers can range from a variety of ages, backgrounds, cultures, races and religions. Try to remove any items that may offend parents of young children, or certain cultures or religious groups. If you are unsure about a certain item, rather remove it…..
5 Steps Making Your House Sell In 2019

5 Steps Making Your House Sell In 2019

by | Jan 22, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects

Image by freeimages.com

 

Thinking of selling your house in 2019?

House prices are declining and homes take longer to sell. This is the predicament homeowners will be facing in 2019. Prediction has it that it may even spill over into 2020.

The question now is: “how to make your house sell in 2019?”

 

1. Compare and Price Realistically

Image – House for Sale

How to do your own “comparing”.

  • Search online (Google) for properties in the market in your area.
  • Doing your own comparing will give you an idea of the possible sale price you can expect for your home and how long it may remain on the market before being sold.
  • Compare your property with at least three other properties up for sale or sold in your area. These properties are to have the same attributes as your home i.e. having the same number of bedrooms, bathrooms and square meters. Ideally compared property sizes should not vary more or less than +- 10%.

2. Be Proactive and Have Your Home Inspected.

Image

  • Sometimes real estate agents may advise against this. The reason being the buyers will get this done anyway.
  • However, investing in the costs of a basic inspection before even contacting a real estate agent means you are able to get things fixed beforehand. The advantage of this is:

– By the time your house is ready to go onto the market, all repairs and preparation are done.
– Your house is sale ready.

3. Avoid Unnecessary Upgrades

Image

• Before going down this avenue consult a good real estate agent or property stylist. They know what potential buyers expect from property in your area.
• Without breaking the bank a few upgrades that can be done.

– A good clean. This would include windows, the gardens, floor, carpets and chrome taps etc.
– Replace grouting where necessary.
– A new coat of paint will give that “new house” appeal.
– Should you decide to repaint, use neutral colours.

• Updating the kitchen and bathrooms yield the highest return on investment. Old cabinetry can be made to look appealing by simply replacing the doors and handles.

 4. Contact a Property Styling Company

Let’s Revamp Property Styling

  • The Property Stylist is recognised as a critical component of the sales team.
  • The Stylist adds the inspirational appealing WOW factor to your home, using a mix of furniture, artwork and accessories to maximise appeal and space.
  • The Property Stylist can be consulted right from the start even before you start preparing your home for sale, for advice and input.
  • A component of property styling would include depersonalizing your property i.e. removing all your personal paraphernalia. This will make it easy for potential buyers to visualize themselves and their personality in your house.

5. Contact a Real Estate Agent

• Find an estate agent that knows the market.
– They can help you price your home competitively for the area you are in.
• Find a reputable agent – word of mouth is often the best recommendation.
• A busy agent may not necessarily mean a good agent.
– Find out how much time they can devote to your property.
• Ask the estate agent about their listings.
– Has the agent sold properties – how many?
– How long were the properties on the market?
– Has the agent got listings but few sales?
• Google search, Compare Agents
• Good real estate agents will recommend professionally styling your property to make it presentable for sale.
• A real estate agent will also ensure that professional photos of your property be taken and posted online.

New Year, New Home

New Year, New Home

by | Jan 11, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects

The new year brings about the desire for changes all around! A fresh start doesn’t necessarily have to mean moving house either, so here are some simple tips and tricks you can use for your existing home that can help revamp your space and give it that ‘new home’ feeling!

1. Paint a Wall – Adding some fresh colour to your space can transform it completely! A whole-house repaint can be quite daunting, so even just adding a pop of colour on a feature wall can completely change the feel of the space without spending too much time or money!

2. Change your Theme – Grab some new accent pillows for your couch or a new artwork piece! Simple changes like these are not only cost-effective but can completely rejuvenate a space as you’re adding fresh highlights and focal points to the room.

3. Declutter – Clear out the old to make room for the new! As a new year is approaching, take note of the things you no longer have a need for and try to clear out as much of it as possible. This can instantly give your space a much lighter energy and can actually help to improve your general mood and wellbeing!

4. Rearrange – Move your furniture around for a completely different feel! This could even be a simple change like moving your couch to a different wall, or positioning it in a way that opens up the area more or closes the area off more for a cosier vibe. It’s all about personal preference so have a play around with it and see what works best for you.

5. Change Textures – As the warmer months are approaching, swapping textures, eg. from wool to linen or from timber to metal, can make a world of difference! This can apply with anything from your furniture pieces, to bedding, rugs, cushions and/or throws!

Happy New Year and happy styling!