Pt. 1: Living Space
It’s a new year! Which means the tree has been taken down, the cookies and candy have mysteriously vanished, and you’re eager for a little change. While we probably can’t help with some of your resolutions, we have some suggestions on how to freshen up your living space for 2021.
Our clients often ask if they should do an accent wall. While an accent wall can undoubtedly introduce a bold pop of color, we think there are more effective ways of creating interest.
One way we suggest achieving this is with art and accessories. We all have differing taste when it comes to art, and we usually have specific pieces that are personal and important to us. We think those pieces should be the focal points of the living space, with everything else coordinating around it. When selecting accessories, we tend to pull from colors in the art, selecting items that exhibit similar colors to match or contrasting colors that will help to compliment and highlight the art.
Another simple and effective way to change the look of your space is by adding plants and fresh flowers. We are big on botanicals! It’s amazing how different a space can look and feel when you add a little greenery. Not only do plants offer color, they also quite literally breathe new life into the space! Succulents, orchids, palms – experiment and find which plants work best with the natural light in your space. Or, if you need a little expert advice, visit our friends at Pigment in North Park. They have lots of great options!
Pt. 2: Kitchen
The second segment in our four part series is all about the kitchen. When talking with new clients about a possible remodel, we always recommend dedicating a substantial portion of their budget to remodeling the kitchen. It is, without a doubt, the most important room in any house! Why? A kitchen remodel is not only a great way to add aesthetic value, it also immediately increases the actual value of your home.
In the San Diego real estate market, homeowners could see a return on investment of 150% or more for just a minor kitchen remodel. It’s money well spent if you’re looking to make a bold statement in your home this year! So, where do you start? If you’re like most people, you have a million ideas (thanks pinterest), and a few front-runners in your head for “Dream Kitchen.” Now, it’s just down to choosing a layout and selecting finishes, right? Well, not exactly..
We HIGHLY recommend hiring a designer to help you with this important and surprisingly complicated task. There are lots of moving parts to a kitchen remodel, and clients who go it alone are often devastated when their brand new custom cabinetry can’t be installed, because their measurements were off by an inch. It happens a lot more than you’d think! And while hiring a designer may not be cheap, it can save you thousands in avoidable mistakes.
Once you and your designer have agreed on a layout for your new kitchen, it’s time to start selecting cabinetry and finishes. We tend to favor a more modern minimalist look in the kitchen, using European style cabinets with very little moulding or trim. No ornate scrolly, rolley legs or faux panels here! A natural wood species, such as Walnut, or a bold lacquered paint look stunning in a modern kitchen! We often recommend selecting different materials for upper and lower cabinets. It helps to curb any feelings of monotony, especially in a larger space with more cabinetry.
We like to contrast with lighter tones on the counter tops and backsplash. It just makes the kitchen feel clean and spacious. Speaking of counter tops, we are crazy about Quartz! If you haven’t already, please read our previous blog post Kitchen Trend: 10 Reasons to Choose Quartz over Granite for the complete scoop on Quartz. Granite is over.. trust us!
Lastly, we recommend updating your appliances. All of the big brands have incorporated the newest technology into their kitchen appliances. Which means, in a few years, having the newest smart fridge will be as posh as having the most recent model iPhone. Do you really want to be the one house on the block without a WiFi-enabled touchscreen on your fridge? What will the neighbors think?
PT. 3: bedroom
Voulez-vous coucher avec moi? Continuing on in our blog series, 4 Ways to Update Your Home in 2021, we focus on the bedroom. The bedroom is arguably the most personal room in your home. It’s where you dream, it’s where you recharge, and, of course, it’s where the magic happens! So, we think it’s important for the bedroom to be comfy and chic.
We love soft, luxurious bedding – there’s no better feeling than snuggling up with your special someone in thousand thread count cotton sheets! And changing out your bedding periodically is actually one of the easiest ways to freshen up the look of your bedroom. A new set of sheets, a duvet in an alternate color, or even just some throw pillows in a bold print can often make a huge difference in the space. Our friends at West Elm have a ton of great new arrivals in store for the new year. We personally love their line of Belgian Linen sheets and duvet covers. Remember to keep it casual and loose – lucky for you, the messy look is sooooo 2021!
Thinking beyond just aesthetics, there’s another way to make your boudoir feel fresh and new this year. Are you smelling what we’re selling here? That’s right – a new scent for the new year! A nice aroma can totally change the feeling of a room. Oil diffusers, candles, and incense are all great options! Click Here for a list of some of our favorite scent makers.
Already have new bedding and a great scent in your room, but still not feeling well-rested? It may be time to change the color in your room. Studies have shown that certain colors actually have a psychological impact on mood. Reds, Oranges, and Yellows tend to be more suitable for high energy spaces, where you’d like to generate productivity. Whereas blue, green, and gray tones are more likely to promote tranquility and calm. Dunn-Edwards 2018 color of the year, The Green Hour (pictured above) has hues of green, blue, and gray, making it a great choice for a restful bedroom.
For more expert advice throughout the year, please remember to subscribe to our email list. Happy New Year to the lovers and the dreamers in 2021!
