ELLE Decor: What's Trending for Fall 2017

What we're seeing a lot of for fall design trends consists of organic decor, eclectic old timey products, and vibrant color schemes. 2016's gray palettes are starting to fade away (no pun intended) as more saturated colors are being seen on the forefront.  According to ELLE Decor, warmer color palettes are becoming very popular.

Beautiful bright green and blue color schemes are making their comeback, and we're seeing boldly painted furnishings, wall colors and decor that really make a statement coming to fruition on the design front. One timeless way into which you can implement a timeless look is through collecting old novels and stacking them under your favorite decor pieces to create height and weight.

A fun way to jump into fall trends is by implementing old fashioned pieces into your space. We love scouring antique stores and rummage sales to find the perfect piece for a focal point. This old wall sconce is a gorgeous piece that would look beautiful in any room in the home. 

Warmer colored metallic pieces are all the rage in the design world this year. Bronzes, brass and golds are being seen in both designer commercial and residential spaces. You can implement this look through the use of throw pillows, accessories, and lighting. 

Why Handmade Designs Are the Bee's Knees

There's nothing quite like having company over and receiving compliments on a unique decor item you have in your home. Owning a piece of handmade craftsmanship is like owning someone's true passion and skill. Being the only one in the world with their unique design has its specialness, too. 

It's all the rage at Highpoint this year to own live edge tables and other furnishings reminiscent of their prior organic state, and we can see why. These beautiful unique pieces are not only a conversation piece, they are elegant, timeless, and well, natural.  Finding a local artisan who can design these beautiful products isn't always easy; you can however, find unique pieces that aren't custom made for your space all over online. Gotta thank technology!

There are unique pieces like the ones pictured above that are both elegant and timeless and won't break the bank . You can find crafts like these at your local art fairs and farmers markets. Etsy is a great place to find unique artisan pieces as well.

Living in the Pacific Northwest allows us to find pieces of artisan work reminiscent of our natural surroundings. Driftwood frames like the one pictured above are a beautiful beachy way to bring the outdoors in.

Having a unique piece of handmade craftsmanship is not only a special way to add a focal point to your space, it helps support your local craftsmen as well!

Brass is Back! Where We're Seeing It in the Design World

Remember when brass was considered dated, old and 80's-90's? Well, this is no longer the case. We thought we would never see this shiny metallic make its comeback, we were wrong, and it's made its comeback stronger than ever! We're seeing it applied to all surfaces, large and small in some of the most elegant ways.

Accessorizing with brass and gold colors truly makes an elegant statement against the current color palettes that are trending. While we remember seeing brass hardware against forest green and burgundy backdrops in the 90's, we are now seeing it paired in conjunction with beautiful blues, grays, and even orange hues.

It's not just shiny, polished metallics we are seeing on the forefront. Rustic metals reminiscent of earlier years. Beautiful lighting fixtures, photo frames and accessories with aged finishes make for an elegant timeless look and will never date themselves as time progresses.

Plumbing and cabinet hardware are definitely leaning towards the warmer metallic tones and we can see why. This gorgeous bathroom fixture truly makes a statement that is classic, sophisticated, and elegant.

Simple, Elegant Flower Arrangements

There is something about having fresh flowers within our space that makes us feel happy. Psychological studies have shown that having bright foliage within your space reduces stress and brings forth a sense of peace in our minds. Here are some simple flower arrangements that you can create for your space!

Compact and Neutral

Light green and peach hues adorn this arrangement giving the perfect, beautiful cohesiveness to it.

Simple & Timeless

In floral arrangements, we are seeing a theme of less is more. There is something so timeless and elegant about a simple stemmed flower in a tiny vase.

Classic Daffodils

Bring in freshness and cheer with this classic look. A gorgeous mason jar mug gives it a shabby chic appeal.

Rustic Garden

Give off the look of clipping in the garden with an old bucket and just a couple of flowers. So simple, yet so chic.

Hydrangeas Forever

Hydrangeas for forever be seen as one of the most classic flowers in design. There is something so timeless about their appeal and they dry beautifully!

Color Trends of 2017- What's Haute

Vibrant blues and warm colors are what's trending in the design world, according to ELLE Decor and we can see why. The more saturated a paint color is with white trim or details, the more it seems to pop and the more intense of a focal point it creates.

As you can see in the above interior, a vibrant complementary color scheme really makes a statement that is both elegant, sophisticated and timeless.  We're seeing brass and gold as accessories make their return to the design front, and they pair beautifully with the color schemes that are trending.

Warmer color palettes consisting of reds, browns and oranges are making their comeback as well. While the common gray interior is still very popular, we are seeing the design world take a turn into warmer schematics and colors.

Vibrant blues and greens reminiscent of color palettes in the 1930s are debuting on the design front. Peacock color schemes are trending and make a gorgeous statement in all types of interiors. 

Medina Manor Gets An Entire Refresh!

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The Psychology Behind Color!

The color of something really never registers to us far beyond the fact we recognize the color, at least not on a surface level. Did you know subconsciously the colors you are exposed to on a daily basis play an important role in your mood and emotions? There are certain colors that are said to invoke certain moods or make you feel certain ways. You wouldn’t believe how powerful color can be, which is why when you are considering painting your home’s interior you want colors that will promote happiness, calmness, and comfort. So, then now that we understand the role colors play in our moods let’s take a look at some colors that could benefit you when you use them.

Color Psychology:

·         Red – said to stimulate your body and mind and helps increase circulation

·         Yellow – said to stimulate your nerves and even help purify the body

·         Orange – has been used to heal the lungs and help boost energy levels

·         Blue – helps soothe illnesses and even help alleviate pain

·         Indigo – has been known to help alleviate skin issues

Now, let’s take a look at a few examples of which colors would be best where in your home. As with anything you have the choice to pain your home however you like, please simply know this can be used as a guide.

The color Green at times can signify money or finances which is why the color itself helps you become more productive. Green also produces the least amount of eyestrain which makes this color a wonderful choice for a computer desk. Give your eyes a break from the computer screen ever so often and gaze upon the lovely green shade of your desk.

The work out room could benefit you more if it was painted orange. Orange is said to help increase stimulation as well as enthusiasm. Orange is also said to help increase oxygen supply to the brain and stimulate the brain activity. If you can’t paint a whole room orange then try opting for orange work out attire instead.

Avoid overusing the color grey if you can or if you prefer grey, pair it with a more upbeat color because grey by itself can inspire people to be more passive, have a lack of energy and become uninvolved, but if you pair it with a bolder, brighter more upbeat color you can counteract the psychological effects make a gorgeous statement!

Colors may seem like such a small aspect when you are thinking about your home and how aspects of your home effect you but truth be told color is one of the largest influences on us and when we spent so much time in our home don’t we owe it to ourselves to used colors that will promote health and happiness rather than dulling and sad colors?

Decorating with Fresh Florals!

Florals!

Interior Design is one way of making the house look amazing by any standards, so it is important that we understand  how best to incorporate floral additions in the house and there are various strategies for doing so in an elegant and beautiful way! Spring is one season when the addition of flowers can easily freshen your space and bring the outdoors in.

Here Are Some of Our Favorite Uses of Flowers in Design:

Simple Daisies. Placing a variety of colored daisies in an understated vase will bring you joy!

Green Hydrangeas. There is no more elegant a look than fresh green hydrangeas placed in an organic vase like the one pictured here. 

Shabby Chic. By placing your favorite flowers in a rustic vase like this one, you are sure to make a statement reminiscent of old farm houses.

Tailored Elegance. One trick to getting the perfect floral arrangement is to consider the shape of it as a whole. I like to trim the stems down and full the vase fully. Place in a silver plated vase, and viola!

Bright and Off Centered. A look that is trending in floral arrangements today is the off-centered look- placing the flowers in a non symmetrical way.

We've Got the Blues! Our Favorite Blue Interiors

Is it accurate to say that you are searching for another design for your home, and you truly adore the blue color? Fortunately we live in a world with endless options, but here are our favorites! You can integrate Blues into any interior, but the use of blue paint is another story!

If your desire is to have your living room to feel welcoming and full of life, then a highly saturated, vibrant blue would be a great choice for you. It will bring a sense of calmness to your space, while being intense enough to be a conversation piece.

If blue is your absolute favorite, you should go all out.  This type of blue cabinetry gives off a happy, light-hearted vibe. We are seeing a lot of split colored cabinetry in design now- a key piece of advice: keep the darker color on the bottom. This will make your kitchen feel larger!

Here’s another cutting edge kitchen- this one featuring all blue cabinetry.  The use of a warm wood like shown, balances the coolness of the blue, giving this kitchen a welcoming, warm vibe.

This charming restroom is by all accounts intended for a person of sophistication. The clawfoot tub, with its blue color and white legs recreates something reminiscent of the past with a hint of bohemian charm.

Navy blue is as classic as it gets. This rich, sophisticated color will bring a sense of intrigue while evoking a sense of peace and richness. The use of a high gloss paint creates a reflective surface that also makes the room appear larger.

If you are looking to add a blue hue to your space, always consider your environment. Rooms in climates that don’t receive a lot of sunlight can look depressed and unwelcoming if there is too much blue. Stick with blue colors that aren’t too warm, however; these can be over-stimulating and create a sense of anxiety.

It's in the Little Things: Tiny Houses!

The tiny house movement has taken the world by storm in the past couple of years, and there’s a reason for it. The architects and builders of the modern day tiny house have figured out ways in which to implement all of the bells and whistles of today’s designs while maintaining the charm and efficiency of living small. We have done our research, and here are our favorite tiny houses– both old and new.

It’s in the Little Things: Our Favorite Tiny Houses

1. This gorgeous Southern style tiny house was designed and built by Palm Harbor Homes. Since the beginning of the recent tiny house movement, builders have taken the simple streamlined “boxes,” and turned them into elegant, charming floor plans with upscale and quality features.

2. Who says you can’t have a gorgeous tudor home in a beautiful garden setting? This home has all of the bells and whistles, while maintaining the classic look and feel of a tudor style home. This would make the perfect back yard stay-cation or mother-in-law casita.

3. You are never too old to have a tree house. This beautiful home features an open floor plan, bright and airy color scheme and a beautiful park like setting. The lower patio area is perfect for barbecues, reading a book, and enjoying the fresh air of the outdoors. The interior features a small kitchenette, a living room and a lofted bedroom.

4. Contemporary chic describes this one. This house has the perfect combination of functionality and fun. The main living areas and master bedroom breath in plenty of light with this open space concept. Each and every room and closet is efficient enough to allow for an open, airy, spacious feel.

Metallics- Reflecting Sophistication

There is something so rich and sophisticated about mixing and matching metallics in your Interior. Beautiful metallic decor has been making its debuts at High Point Market- it’s not only trending, but it truly is a timeless way to bring beauty and sparkle into your space.

Images Source: Pexels

Metallic Decor- Our Favorite Designs

1. Gold Accents.  Mixing and matching various gold accent pieces can really give a sense of cohesivity and eclectic vibes to your space. Creating a photo collage with unique frames, all in gold hues give a rich, smart feel to the wall space. To really emphasize the metallic theme in your decor, implement a metallic pouf, or throw pillows to make the smaller accents really “pop.”

2. Rustic Meets Organic. Combining natural elements with rustic pieces brings forth a level of nostalgia and eclecticism like no other. Scour your local flea market or antique mall for original, one-of-a-kind rustic metal decor, and pair it with unfinished woods and other organic elements.

3. Reflective Surfaces and Finishes. There is no such thing as too many metallics in a space. Well, maybe– but we have yet to see it. Beautiful mirrored furniture pieces paired with gold and bronze accents will surely bring glamour and sophistication to any space. Geometric patterned metallic throw pillows, and simple metallic poufs can really bring forth a level of beauty to a space.

4.  A Fun Project for You! Put on your boots and get some fresh air. Some of the best decor out there is the kind you find in nature. Have a vase sitting around? Go outside, find some beautiful branches or twigs, and paint away! A metallic centerpiece will give your space a rich, classic, and warm accent.

It’s Finally Spring!

 Images Source: Pexels

I love this time of year when there is a freshness in the air, flowers are blooming and the birds are singing.  Spring has that way to bring a smile to your face and a lightness to our every step. 

I especially love the ritual of spring cleaning. Whether it is your home or your spirit, it is a perfect time of year to start a new.  Growing up on the east coast it was always in March when I would change out my closests from the dark, heavy clothes to the light and bright spring and summer ones.  It is a ritual that I still do living on the west coast. 

I also encourage clients and friends to lighten up their homes. 

Is it time to bring color to your window coverings?  I love the use of multiple fabrics in various colors that definitely set the tone for this living room.

Or is it time to “get out of the box” and reupholester your sofa in a soft pink color?  Pink is hot color this year and it is the color a compassion and love. So if that is what you are feeling, go for it!!

Whether it is new window coverings, upholestery in a bold new colored fabric or just fresh new sofa pillows in a coral, pink color or crisp green,  a hint of springtime in your home will brighten up any room.

And of course to really bring a touch of spring into your home, why not paint. Paint is an instant color gratification that will transform your room and your life! I love the crsip fresh look of a bathroom that is painted in a cool blue tone such as Authentic Home COLOR Paint in Sky and set off by the white color of all of the fixtures.  The black and white floor brings the traditional feel into a more modern look just by adding the blue paint color to the walls and updating the fixtures.

Are you tired of your old “beige” outdoor cushions? Consider reupholestering them this season in a fresh spring green color.  It is an easy and inexpensive way to update your outdoor look this season!  There are a tremendous amount of outdoor fabrics whether you want a fun contemporary or elegant transistional fabric and color.  Sunbrella is the leading outdoor fabric manufacterer and nowadays many fabric manufacturers have their own line of indoor/outdoor fabrics suitable for upholestery and even outdoor drapery use.  

May you enjoy all that spring has to offer you!

Trend: Open Glass Shower

 

Showers in the past used to be comprised of just a shower head inside of an existing bath tub enclosure and that was it. Today, showers have come a long way, and they are separated from the bathtub to give more space, versatility and visual aesthetics for your bathroom.

Open showers are becoming more popular in bathrooms that need to be accessible for all and they open up a small space to appear larger.
The no barrier appeal of open showers opens up your bathroom and can give visual views of expansive vistas and views outside of a window beyond. This modern touch gives the feel of a luxury spa or high end hotel that home owners enjoy.

Are you ready for a an updated bathroom? Call Kathy at Authentic Home to set up  your appointment today!

2016 Design Trends!

 Images Source: Pexels

As our lives become fast paced with hectic schedules, at the end of the day, we would like to relax at home in a serene and calming atmosphere akin to a sanctuary. In the year 2016, interior design experts have concluded that interior design trends are likely to be characterized by warm room colors, stylish house fixtures and furniture and use of texture here and there.

Some of the 2016 current trends in Interior Design include the following:

 Heated house entry floors
Bathrooms are the first thing that comes to mind when heated floors is the subject. By applying this technology onto the floor of entryways, it becomes even more suitable especially during the winter where an inviting warm indoors will provide a solace away from the freezing outdoors.

Marble touches
Marble has become one of the most popular materials that are used in interior design. Marble is increasingly being used to add some luxurious feel on household’s objects like candleholders, planters, coasters and clocks.

Stylish bathroom mirrors
Bathroom mirrors need not to be in that traditional and ever boring rectangular shape. Different shapes and styles have been adopted to transform these pieces into design statements that can add some oomph to an often overlooked space like the bathroom.

 Kitchens mixed materials
Our beloved kitchens are also moving away from the often traditional polished look to a more eclectic vibe. Instead of using one or two materials, homeowners are incorporating different design styles to create more personalized spaces in the kitchen.

Warm metals
Brass, copper and gold have continued to dominate inside kitchens and bathrooms. Such metals when paired with natural and raw materials like wood and marble create a good combination when they are used in interior spaces.

Black stainless steel
Instead of the commonplace shiny silver electrical house appliances, the trend of the moment is the use of black stainless steel to make these gadgets.

Rough touches
The adding of some rough texture on an otherwise conservative object has the potential to bring out an unexpected intrigue and touch to the senses. The use of wallpapers that bring out a rustic and aging look has also been popular this year.

Floral prints
Interior designers have predicted an even growing popularity with floral fabrics used on furniture like sofas and on curtains.
With the aforementioned designing styles and many others that have been used with a lot of great results, it remains to be seen what more will be in the offing as far as interior designing is concerned.

White Christmas: Our Favorite Holiday Destinations

 

There is nothing more nostalgic and heart warming than seeing a beautiful white panorama out your window during the holidays. The way in which the snow lights up the sky will remind you that you’re  safe and put you in the holiday spirit like nothing else. This is why at Authentic Home, we have scoured the globe for:

Our Five Favorite North American Holiday Destinations

1. Quebec, Canada.

This beautiful and historical city features intricate architecture, an amazing dining scene, and beautiful winter landscapes. To really enjoy a winter wonderland, check out their Ice Hotel, where you can rent a room and sleep on a hand-sculpted ice bed, with plush linens. Enjoy a scratch cocktail or a glass of wine in their ice bar. You can definitely check that one off your bucket list!

Quebec’s quaint alleyways and buildings truly embrace the beauty of the winter cold.

The Ice Hotel is an unforgettable attraction for people all over the world.

2. Leavenworth, Washington.

This picturesque Bavarian-inspired town is the perfect getaway for anyone looking to dine, relax, ski, and enjoy the many festivals during the winter months. Enjoy their annual Christmas lighting festival, taste local wines, or dine in a cozy cafe overlooking the beautiful snowy mountains while enjoying a local band. You will feel as if you are so far away, yet so at home.

Leavenworth’s Downtown district is so picturesque, you feel as though you are in an impressionistic painting of an old Bavarian village.

The Pine River Bed and Breakfast truly captures the coziness of being snowed in, with rustic cabin-like features and beautiful snowy views. Looking for cabin-like Interior inspiration? Check out our Pinterest Board.

3. Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods New Hampshire.

Bretton Woods was built in 1772 by Royal Governor John Wentworth. This grand, elegant palace features excellent cuisine, Alpine skiing, and snow swept carriage rides. Cozy up in your elegant room by the fire, or partake in one of their many seasonal events.

Ever wondered what a “one-horse open sleigh” looks like? At Omni, not only can you see one, but you can experience one in all of it’s glory.

Take a ride behind a team of sled dogs through the snow! This is one of Omni Mount Washington’s most famous attractions. You can see the sheer size of the resort in the backdrop of the above image.

4. Whistler, British Columbia.

This beautiful mountain ski village has everything you could possibly need to experience a winter vacation at its best. Located in the heart of the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains of Canada, Whistler has one of the longest running ski seasons in North America.

The beauty of Whistler, B.C., is that the restaurants, shopping, and entertainment are all within walking distance of your hotel or resort when you stay within the village. Bundle up after a long day on the mountain and take in the glistening holiday lights, excellent cuisine, and beautiful scenery.

5. Berkshires, Massachussettes

With open roads, quaint towns, and classic red barns, the Berkshires deliver all the dreamlike wintry romance of New England. Snowshoe through open trails, explore  the Norman Rockwell- esque town of Stockbridge, and enjoy candle lit dinners in one of  the many cozy restaurants, while taking in the beautiful snowy surroundings.

Beautiful historic buildings, like the Wayside Inn Grist Mill pictured above, truly capture the beauty of a New England winter.

The Red Lion Inn, in Stockbridge, MA is a beautiful old colonial hotel perfect for truly capturing the historic elegance of winter in the Berkshires.

Are you getting into the Holiday spirit? Looking for some inspiration? Authentic Home’s Kathy Banak has shared her family cookie recipes, here. Looking to switch up your decor? Bronze holiday interiors are making their debut for 2014- see our inspirations, here.

‘Tis the Season! Beautiful Metallic Holiday Interiors

 Images Source: Pexels

This time of year is always cathartic and cozy. It’s when we spend more time indoors, relishing in the coziness of our homes, getting crafty, and making extra time for friends and family. Each year, we think about our holiday decor and which theme best fits our present vibe.

At Authentic Home, our favorite style of festive design is through the use of various metallic finishes and bright, clean palettes. We are sharing our favorite tips and tricks to achieve a beautiful metallic holiday decor theme!

‘Tis the Season! Beautiful Metallic Holiday Interiors- Our Inspiration!

When decorating your home for the holidays, the easiest way to bring a festive sparkle into your space is through the use of reflective decor and accents. Beautiful metallic ornaments in many different colors works wonderfully together. Don’t over-think it. All silvers, golds, and coppers are complements of each other in the design world!

Remember, it’s all in the small things! Starting a collection of beautiful metallic pieces is easy. Scour your favorite home goods store, local antique market, and boxes in the attic. Pull in elements of non-traditional holiday items such as rustic woods and candles. This beautiful shelf display showcases the perfect arrangement of metallics, whites, and organic elements. The beauty of metallic holiday decorating is that it has a timeless aesthetic- it will never date itself! You can use your decor for years to come, adding pops of color that may be trending at that time. To learn how to make an ornament wreath, see a tutorial, here.

Implement all holiday decor into your tablescape! Take extra tree-toppers, ornaments, ribbon, and candles to give your table a glimmering, glowing, warm design. The beauty of metallic finishes is their reflective quality. Your decor is sure to sparkle with beautiful ambiance. A simple addition to your holiday tablescape is through the use of organic elements such as jute runners (which you can find already metallicised, or do yourself), crystal stemware, mirrored place mats and antiqued silver utensils. If you have extra tree clippings lying around, place a sprig of fresh pine into your napkin rings for an added festive touch (to see inspiration, click here.)

For  beautiful holiday decor and  tablescape ideas, visit Authentic Home’s Pinterest board, here.

Reminiscent of past trends, frosted trees are back in style. And they go beautifully with a metallic design theme! Use of a pale color palette in combination with metallic accents creates an elegant, sophisticated, warm, and welcoming touch. Through the use of silver, gold, and bronze ribbon you can replace tired garland, and white lights are always a classic look.One of our favorite crafty design ideas is the creation of Rudoulf! Bundle up and enjoy the crisp air while finding the perfect twigs to create your beautiful table piece. Paint in metallic shades, and viola- a conversation piece sure to delight!

 Seeking a Design Consultation? Contact Kathy Banak at Authentic Home, here.

Beachy Keen: 6 Beautiful Coastal Interiors

 

This time of year is the best, isn’t it? There is something so refreshing about the sunshine coming into our windows early in the morning, and  still having sunsets until late in the evening. This time of year inspires us to seek out surroundings reminiscent of days at the beach, family vacations, and true serene calmness. Which is why we are posting our design theme nostalgic to these times.

Beachy Keen: Our Six Favorite Coastal Interiors

1. Tailored, Bright and Airy. This beautiful living room brings a touch of the outdoors inside with gorgeous wicker accents, coral decor and coastal inspired paint. Authentic Home’s Powder Greenpaint color from the Fresh Paint Palette is the perfect choice to get this look.

2. Elegant, Calming. The perfect first impression! It’s all in the details when it comes to implementing a coastal look in your interior. The straw hat and woven beach bag are the perfect added touch. Authentic Home’s London Fog Paint Color from the Elegant Paint Palette brings a rich, saturated feel to any space while inspiring the perfect beach look.

3. Cape Cod Comfort. The use of a woven natural fiber flooring paired with a bright, sunny color palette and palm leaves bring the beach inside. The comfortable chairs and extra upholstered accents make it feel like home.

Image Source: Pexels

4. Colorful Eclectic. Mixing and matching patterns and bright colors works best in climates with more sunlight. This beautiful room is a mix of fun and colorful paired with sophistication and comfort. 

5. Sophisticated Chic. This beautiful room is as chic as it gets. The subtle beach accents and cool color palette are softened by the natural fiber rug and upholstered chairs. The use of decorative coffee table candles always adds extra class.

6. Martha’s Vineyard Nautical. The use of navy blue and white is as nautical as it gets. This beautiful vignette shows us how it’s in the small things when it comes to beachy decor. The beautiful coral artwork and calm color palette make you feel like you’re truly on vacation.

Curb Appeal- Get Summer Ready!

 

You have probably been preparing for the summer since January. Summer brings a lot of goodness. Things change when summers approach and the change should be incorporated in your home too!

If you are looking to change things up in summer, here are some ideas that can help:

Add A Touch of Color

Summer means bright, sunny days, which means your house can appear dull in contrast.  To revamp your home’s curb appeal, plant seasonal plants in colorful pots, or line your entryway with fresh flowers. Adding a touch of color really can make a difference!

Spruce Up the Front Door
Try to probe the summer by sprucing up the front door. Chalk out any post winter gaps if there are and let things loose. Focus on the front door and keep the temperatures in check before the summer approaches. A unique color always makes a statement!

Re-Do The Driveway
On the other hand, you should also try to re-do the drive away. Try to get rid of the debris or any patch cracks. Try to use a squeegee in order to apply to a decent sealer. You can try many different products in order to re-do the driveway.  Generally, the idea is to clean the drive way and this can be done with different options in mind.

Fill The Grass
Another common summer preparation is to fill the grass. Try to get rid of the leaves and twigs and de-thatch the dead grass using a metal rake. Try to ask for help if you want the right seed. You should try to hire a gardener if you want some extra work to be done. Moreover, you can even apply bald patches on your lawn to fill grass. Grass looks beautiful in the summer and should be taken care of if you want to improve the look of your home. The idea is to improve the look of your home and the first step towards doing this is to fill the grass. It also keeps your house green which is another huge benefit.

Fix  Your Sprinklers
It seems almost yearly that your sprinkler may not have lasted through the winter chill! Check for any winter damage if there is any including cracked pipes and broken heads. You should try to run the sprinkler one zone at a time. Moreover, if anything needs repair, get it repaired.

Unclutter Your Patio or Deck
Lastly, you should try to clean and clear the deck & patio areas. Use a deck brush or a decent deck cleaning solution to remove the dirt or mold. Reseal it if you need some smoothness on there.

There are many other things you can do to prepare your house in the summer, but these are just a few of our favorites!

Kathy Banak Talks About the Personality of Color on Brashenomics

 

Kathy Banak was back in the Brashenomics studio to chat with host Ben Brashen about the meanings and personality of color, both of which can be important factors in decorating your home.

Eclectic Decor- Get the Look!

 Images Source: Pexels

We’re seeing it everywhere- eclectic design is the bee’s knees in 2016! A mix-match of randomness that somehow seems to all pull together. Ever wondered how designers can take a variety of seemingly unrelated items and make them work together in a beautiful yet cohesive way? Well, here’s how!

Eclectic Decor- Get the Look!

1. Stick with a color palette. It’s true! If you have a variety of decor that is completely unrelated, you can get a designer look by keeping them within the same general color palette. Color is one of the easiest ways to pull an otherwise mismatched space together.

2. Group like items together.  It’s a “psychological thing.” Our minds desire to see like things placed together. When several similar items are placed in a grouping like the sconces, books and pillows in this room, our minds categorize them, making it appear less busy. If you have a lot of something, display it together! This will surprisingly make your space feel less cluttered, and well, eclectic.

3. Be Selective. When purchasing decor for your space, choose items that are unique- this will truly give you that eclectic look.

4. Let the architecture do the work. Whether you live in a rustic old or streamlined modern building, the key is to let the beauty of the architecture stand out. Bring in key pieces that mean something to you. Keep a neutral palette. Mix old and new, and let the sunlight in! This will naturally highlight the beauty of your space.

Looking for a design consultation? Contact Kathy Banak today!