Why Can't I Sell My House?!

You have cleaned, painted, moved furniture around and still your home is not sold. You are certainly familiar with the buzzword…staging, or how to prepare your home to gain maximum appeal at minimal cost. However, do you understand the psychology behind the concept? Your goal must be to tap into a buyers positive emotions using their senses and perceptions.

Builders and Interior Designers spend much time researching their prospective buyers of model homes. Realtors also look objectively at the space. If you follow the same principles, you can set your home apart from the others. The basic idea is to have a prospective buyer “feel right at home” – their new home – not your old one!

Over the years, we have worked with builders to merchandise their models. This is not about decorating. Begin to think of your home as a model. As builders and interior designers do…you must appeal to prospective buyers’ senses.

Visual: If the house is shown during the day, allow as much natural light in as possible. At night, use just enough light to give rooms a warm feeling, avoid glaring light.

• Auditory: Play soft, relaxing background music, which provides a sense of life.
• Touch: Perhaps a soft throw on a comfy chair or sofa so a prospective can feel themselves relaxing in ‘their’ room.
• Olfactory: Think soft, not overpowering. Display fresh flowers, mild candles and in season light the fireplace. How about the aroma of oatmeal raisin cookies!

Look at your home objectively – dissociate yourself for a moment. You want to appeal to the buyers’ emotions. The buyers want to see themselves in the space. Can’t be objective? Hire an impartial professional. An interior designer can provide the objectivity needed to achieve this goal. Listen to your realtor as they have a pulse on which properties are selling and why.

Remember back to the time when you were buying your present home. What attracted you? What didn’t you like? What cinched it for you?

Take a really long hard look around.

Remove, repair or replace anything broken – what does that project? If what a buyer sees is in well-maintained order, then the perception is that what they cannot see is also in good order.

• Clean everything, think white glove. This gives this impression of low maintenance. .
• Empty rooms appear devoid of life. A potential buyer may not be able to imagine the function of such a space. Create a simple room with minimal furniture perhaps an office, reading area or a guest room.
• Remove clutter. If a buyer sees overstuffed closets, cabinets and counter tops, his perception will be that there is not enough storage space. Store away “extra” items neatly in the attic or garage or if there are many items you may wish to invest in a remote storage locker.
• Neutralize colors. People tend to feel strongly about specific colors – do not provide an opportunity for a prospective to lose their focus on a negative note. Blues, greens, purples or any color may not be those a prospective can live with.
• Depersonalize. Pack up family photos, knickknacks, religious items, anything that reflects you. Remember, buyers need to see and feel themselves in the space – not you!
• Make sure at least two, preferably three people can enter and comfortably stand in each room. Not only does this give the feeling of spaciousness it also keeps the realtor and client(s) at ease in the space.

Buying a house is one of life’s major purchases – a major financial undertaking. The same is true for selling a home. Professional realtors are experts in buying and selling homes. Pay attention to their advice. Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers and the reasoning behind it. Rely on your realtor to guide you. A certified interior designer cannot only determine what should be done by performing a walk-thru but also has the ability to complete the tasks in a timely manner. With access to contractors and trades persons, a full service interior design firm can facilitate repairs and upgrades in a timely manner. Think like a businessperson and use your team professionals! Listen, objectively, their advice can be priceless.

Feel free to call 732-308-4423 or email us at designmatters@verizon.net for more information or our free brochure.

The Artistry of Mosaics

Mosaics as an Art Form - A Beautiful Expression of ones self.

Some of the most spectacular works of art aren't on canvas, but on floors, ceilings, walls and counter tops. By combining the durability of tile with the creativity of an artist, the ancient art of mosaic has seen resurgence in America.

With the revival of classics and antiques, this ancient art is back using modern technology. One can choose patterns, colors and locations to suit their individual tastes, while working with very durable and beautiful tile. Making mosaics the perfect addition to any home or business.

The modern-day mosaic designers can take virtually any material and arrange it it into a beautiful presentation; from ceramic, glass, porcelain and stone to plaster, stucco, wood and metal, the possibilities are now seemingly endless. The tile shown above from http://www.artistictile.com/ is a combination of Calacatta Gold marble and white natural rivershell inserts.

Consider using mosaics in your next project to create a truly custom look. Let us help you design a dining room table, a 'wall hanging', a unique ceiling in your powder room, a focal point in your foyer. You are limited only by your imagination.

COLOR TRENDS for 2012

What the experts are saying:

• Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Paint Quality Institute “ Paint Hues Drawn from the American Landscape”

Blue, the Jewel of the Sea: Blues gained popularity in 2011 and continue to be hot in 2012. “ From sparkling sea glass blue to colonial blue-grey, blue are suitable for all living spaces, being a naturally soothing color that is loved - in one iteration or another - by almost everyone,” says Zimmer.

Green, from Farm to Forest: Greens, ranging from celery and asparagus to fir and fern, allow homeowners to bring the comforting feelings of the world out side into the world within. According to Zimmer, dining rooms and kitchens are the “natural” spots for in vogue greens, but the hue is also at home in family rooms and bedrooms.

Violet, Majestic Purple Mountains: “ A harmonious combination of patriotic blue and red hues, violet can add ‘punch’ to any room when uses as an accent color, or service as the dominant color in a bedroom,” says Zimmer.

• Benjamin Moore states: Live Colorfully
  "Color awakens the senses and elevates your point of view. We've searched the world, exploring the latest trends, to bring you a collection of inspired palettes that offer a fresh perspective on your personal style. These four select color groups will bring life to any home and transform the ordinary into the sublime."
  

Earth & Sky: Nature's hues unite for a style-savvy palette that transcends organic roots - sharkskin(2139-30), fresh olive(2149-30), battenberg(AF-70), storm cloud gray(2140-40), wythe blue(HC-143)

Eclectic Elegance: This diverse palette offers a clean, tailored look that works well with any decor - stardust(2108-40), gypsy love(2085-30), white dove(OC-17), nimbus gray(2131-50), nimbus gray(2131-50)

Spiced Life: A palette of well-seasoned hues that offer a refined perspective - french press(AF-170), revere pewter(HC-172), persimmon(2088-40), refined(AF-75), amethyst shadow(1441)

Sense & Sensibility: Timeless colors that make an established home feel contemporary and a new one a little more worldly - ballet white(OC-9), masada(AF-220), dunmore cream(HC-29), pashmina(AF-100), montpelier(AF-555)

• Dulux Colour: "Explore these six new palettes to reinvigorate your home and create your own stylish schemes."

Immerse: Blues are dominant in fashion and are now evolving into the home.Play with these tonal colours to achieve your perfect domain and create some ocean-inspired colour schemes. Mix darker and lighter blues with translucent and textured accessories to transform your room into a fresh and energising space.

Re-Set: 'Re-set' realigns our current outlook and desires on less, not more.Simplicity is the new backdrop using classic whites, beiges, silver greys and charcoals.For the quintessential elegant scheme these whites will accentuate natural light and provide a sense of space.

Carnivale: Let's have some fun with bold colour!Colour can intensify our lives and add drama and excitement to any room. It's time to be adventurous!A heightened focus on colour can create an impression of opulence and luxury. Balance these bolder hues with white, beige or natural stone.

Nuture: We embrace the combination of yellow and green as we observe them in nature. Therefore, we see these citrus colours easily translating into fashion and interiors. Introducing green or yellow-greens into your home can create a feeling of calmness and tranquillity.

Time-Honored: Antique and vintage goods have enjoyed a revival in the past year signifying our return to things which endure. These warm hues can create a feeling of nostalgia and are reminiscent of times past.

Raw: Natural beauty is a style we're starting to celebrate much more. 'Raw' symbolises colours inspired by untreated woods and rusted earthy tones. Create neutral schemes using stone or taupe, soft greys, organic rust and brushed hues.

• My thoughts on color trends in Interior Design?

Color is far too powerful of a tool to allow a trend to make your decision! Exposure to new palettes is always exciting and can help define your color likes as well as dislikes.

Look for future blogs on the many aspects of color use in Interior Design.

Check out this smart phone app: http://www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/paint_colors/paint_color_palette/colorsnap/

Colorsnap by Sherwin Williams is one of the most popular interior design apps, not only can you capture a color using your camera phone and match it to one of 1,500 Sherwin Williams paint colors, you can also fine tune color selections using lightness, brightness and saturation options, search for complementary colors, create a custom palette, and save and share palettes.

The Adaptable Kitchen—Kitchen Design for the Boomers

1. Side by side refrigerator/freezer makes portions of both available to standing & seated users.
2. Install integral or undermount sink to aid in cleanup & allow sliding of heavy objects.
3. Mount ovens so that the bottom rack is close in height to adjacent transfer surface.
4. Install adaptable and adjustable lighting, such as glare free task lighting.
5. Built-in pullout cutting boards near sink & pullout hot pads near the oven.
6. Open area with fold-away doors at sink for seated users.
7. Use appliance garages to put heavy objects at countertop height.
8. Lever style sink faucets & pull style cabinet hardware.
9. Consider touch latch cabinet doors instead of cabinet knobs and pulls.
10. Use pull out pantries and lazy susans for maximum accessibility.

The role of the interior designer is to assure that design solutions anticipate the clients short term and long term needs so the value of any design adaptation is money well spent.

Step lightly when choosing Floor Covering

It simultaneously adds color, texture & variety to a room. It accounts for about 25% of a room’s surface and can represent one of the largest investments you will make in your home design. We are talking about your floor covering decision. Despite its importance, many homeowners mistakenly separate the floor covering decision from other interior design considerations.

“Going it alone”, has two major concerns. First, the dizzying array of textures, colors and designs gives you ample opportunity to use floor covering as a major part of your interior design selection. Second, with so many options, it can be an extremely confusing and stressful decision process.

A successful floor covering project can involve three major players. The carpet retailer is the link between you and the carpet mills. The dealer will be able to recommend the right type of covering and appropriate fiber or fiber blends based on your budget, use, lifestyle and tastes. The next major player is the installer. Most reputable dealers have their own in-house installers or a team of contract installers. As these are the people who actually install your carpet, it’s important to have qualified, experienced installers.

The third ’player’ is your interior designer. As a frequent purchaser of carpet, your interior designer has a good sense of who the quality carpet retailers and installers are. Also an interior designer can add a few simple touches that will make a major improvement in a room’s appearance. These touches can include beveling, custom installations, special cuts, or even a blending of two different types of carpeting. Another dramatic effect is achieved by blending hardwood floors with carpeting. Custom flooring doesn’t necessarily mean expensive. A collaborative approach with your ’team players’ can enhance your home. Make your choice carefully and you’ll enjoy the dividends for a long time.

The Orchestration of Lighting

Lighting is the most elusive part of interior design. It is difficult to explain even from a technical standpoint. We need to see and understand the various levels of lighting that enhance a space in every way.

There are three spheres of lighting: Ambient light illuminates the interior and makes one aware of the shape and dimensions of the space. Task lighting is the light by which you read or sew and allows you to see the controls on your audio equipment. Accent lighting is the third type. It can be directional lighting in the ceiling that bathes a painting or an up-light hidden behind a plant to cast a wonderfully lacy shadow on the ceilings and walls.

John Saladino a national renown interior designer states, "What I seek in the design of ambient lighting is ethereal, if not spiritual quality. Lighting should never confront you, it should be hidden and beautifully orchestrated." "If you think of light not as the buying of lamps, but rather as the complex orchestration of levels and kinds of light, you will become the conductor who gives direction to the theater that is your home"

Lighting when properly executed will enhance a space in every way.

Decorating Tips for the New Homeowner

With closing costs, financing terms and down payments to worry about, most new home buyers have very little time to consider the colors of the bathroom or kitchen or whether or not to move the wall between the family and living rooms. But long after the house is yours, and the stresses of closing are forgotten, you’re still living with a bathroom you don’t like or a family room that is not quite the right size. These tips can help you avoid costly remodeling jobs in the future and help you start a workable design plan that will truly give you the home of your dreams.
These tips are taken from a seminar given by Norma Pofsky.

General Considerations

Look At The Total Picture: Come up with a home design that works for you. Don’t allow nit picky details to cloud your vision. They can be easily corrected later on. Consider room layout, size, and general affordability. If the house seems to fit your lifestyle, you’re off on the right foot!

Come Up With A Workable Plan: Every home needs a “flow” to it to be comfortable. A workable plan takes the stress and confusion out of designing your new home. A professional designer can help blend your lifestyle, budget and tastes into something you can live with and afford.

Consider Permanent Items: Tubs, walls, doors, windows, kitchens and baths are expensive to change later on. Although carpeting and wall colors are more noticeable, they can be easily (and less expensively) changed.

Go Over The Floor Plans: Doorways, walls, closets and configurations of windows should be considered prior to construction. They’re permanent.

Specifics Mean A Lot

Pick A Color Scheme You Like: Build around this scheme. Let it “flow” throughout the rooms as the main or complementary color.

The Designer’s Secret - Proper Lighting! Behind every great room is carefully considered lighting. It is the finishing touch! Don’t install recessed lighting unless you know your furniture layout.

Delay Wall Covering And Mirrors: All new homes tend to settle during the first year.

Scheduling: Coordinating deliveries and the schedules of plumbers, electricians and carpenters can be complicated, time-consuming and costly. It is best left to the professionals.

MONEY SAVING TIPS

Make An Inventory Of Existing Furniture: New design does not necessarily mean all new furniture. You can change the face of old furniture, giving them a whole new look at a fraction of the cost.

Go Lightly On The Window Treatments: Consider light control and privacy. Custom treatments can come later on when you’re ready to design the room.

Go With The Builder’s Standards: Unless you have your plan in place, don’t spend big bucks on upgrading flooring or fixtures if you’re not sure which direction you are heading.

Consider Durability Of Materials As Well As Attractiveness: Good designers consider the practically of materials as well as visual appeal and comfort.

The Most Important Tip Of All

Set A Budget and Time Table: Unless you’re independently wealthy, take your time, slowly build your home. We work with our clients toward a total look that evolves throughout the house. We also work out a natural order of what should be done and when.