Bright & LightThis traditional, New Orleans inspired home, had a kitchen that was drab and lacked cohesive style. To deliver the client's desire for a brighter look and modern design, white cabinets, painted brick and the use of bold contrasts between dark countertops and light walls brought the space to life. BEFORE Exposed cabinetry can make a space look larger than it is. It is also a great way to incorporate color by displaying decorative dishes, platters and cookbooks. AFTER Floor to CeilingOutdated, small and awkwardly placed this coastal kitchen was in desperate need for a remodel. The easy solution would be new appliances, cabinetry and paint, but the bold choice was a floor to ceiling remodel. BEFORE Dark wood floors, and a tongue and groove, bright white ceiling was just the beginning. Another way to double the size of this space was to extend the cabinetry to the ceiling and all the way to the hallway entrance as well as building a nine foot island to house appliances and cabinetry on both sides. AFTER Removing the existing wall allowed for a coffee bar, a mini refrigerator and an additional sink to be installed. Hidden behind the closet is not a pantry but a washer and dryer which for this client was the best use of space. In both kitchen remodels the most important element of design was lighting. No matter the color scheme chosen or style, if there is a lack of lighting your design will not shine through. Kitchens tend to need more light than other spaces so keep this in mind when you build or remodel your home.
"Bright & Light" Staging Tips The concept of "Bright & Light" sells homes. Here are 6 ways to make your home appeal to buyers and sell for the right price. 1. Light up every room
Perspective buyers want to have the feeling that you are not hiding anything when it comes to your home. Turn on every light in every room before each showing. You are not trying to create ambience, you are trying to sell someone the biggest investment they may ever make. 2. Strip the windows Take down the drapes. "Light and Bright" sells; and although your window treatments may be beautiful, they date and darken your home. You can opt to keep the sheers if you would like. Blinds? Pull them all the way up. Leaving blinds down, even if partially open, reduces light up to 50%. Most importantly, make sure your windows are sparkling clean. 3. Update your fixtures Updating your light fixtures can instantly bring your space from drab to fab. If you are not wanting to paint, an updated light fixture in your dining room, kitchen or master bedroom will give your room a refreshed look at a fraction of the cost. 4. Accessorize with white in the bathrooms The color white communicates cleanliness and gives a space the feeling of being fresh and new. If you do not want to paint the entire room or replace countertops, use accessories like white towels, a white shower curtain, white frames, or a white soap dish to stage this area and give it the appeal it needs. As a side note, if you have bath mats, be sure they are white and new. If your floors are a selling point, then ditch the bath mats all together. 5. Switch out personal photos or art with mirrors Mirrors maximize light and make any space look larger, and brighter. Replace art with mirrors on a couple of key walls. For example, if you have a beautiful view, place a mirror opposite of it to display that view from a different angle. Some mirrors can serve a dual purpose maximizing light while acting as art. 6. Add metallics in main living areas Metallic objects can give a modern, luxurious feel to any space. They are glamorous neutrals and do not commit to a specific color scheme. Adding a metallic pillow, a bronze coffee table, a copper garden stool, or a silver tray in a main living area adds interest and reflects light. In the flooring world, carpet is getting softer; wood is getting more rustic, and vinyl more luxurious. As the materials change, the options for flooring are endless. Here are some of my favorites.
Now this is a unique list featured in The Huffington Post that I wanted to pass along to all of you.
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