In honor of the annual Cache Valley Parade of Homes which begins today (Sept. 4-6, and 11-13) we will be taking a look at a Parade worthy home. It is certainly the most prestigious home featured on this blog as of yet and has some stunning features. As we explore this home I want to focus on two points...One: how can those of us with smaller homes make upgrades and design decisions that will help our homes be Parade worthy? and Two: what lessons can be learned from a Parade type home for those who are hoping to sell?
Elegant and timeless are some adjectives we will see aptly describe this home inside and out. Consider making choices when decorating that will fall under those headings. Let's talk about some of them.
From the crown molding to the box newel to the hardwood floors this home has good bones; meaning the architectural structure itself is interesting. It takes intention to add these elements to new construction, as they are not typically standard. As we go through the home you will notice that the architecture is the main element that delivers the elegant feel.
Ahh...the kitchen. Isn't it glorious? What do you notice is the standout feature of this room? Hard to come up with a solid answer? That's why it works so well...it's cohesive. The island is a different color cabinetry, which is ideal in this setting to give some variety but notice it is still a classic material choice. Right now there is a trend toward mixing up cabinetry colors and styles. Use caution when choosing cabinetry, it can quickly date your kitchen which is the most valuable (as in cost per square foot) room in your home.
Notice the main pop of color in this kitchen is the pottery which can be changed out easily and inexpensively. Think of the choices in finish work in your home as your little black dress, and the light fixtures and accessories are the jewelry and shoes. You can get creative with these and change them up fairly easily unless you get wild with your LBD and forgo the black and go for robin's egg blue knotty alder. Not that that wouldn't be pretty...just that eventually it becomes the equivalent of a brown corduroy suit. So in terms of timelessness and elegance, stick to using trendy colors and materials only in accessories and light fixtures and maybe the hardware.
If you are building or thinking about selling consider spending a little bit and adding some molding around doorways, windows, and even on the walls. It adds an element of interest and depth. This white on white trim is beautiful and defines the space. Imagine that we took out the transom windows, lowered the mantle and eliminated the molding underneath it as well as the molding on the walls. Can you see the difference those few items make? I know the cost of these items can add up, but if you are handy you can save a ton of money by doing it yourself. I have used a miter saw to create some molding and found it pretty exhilarating and not all that difficult. Forgo buying furniture for a while in favor of investing in the structure of your home first.
Another example of the use of muted paint and finish work to create a serene backdrop ready for ornamentation through colorful pillows, rugs and artwork. Alternatively, imagine this room strict drywall...painted turquoise. No don't...it hurts.
So is wallpaper okay? Yes, in classic designs and colors. This wallpaper adds texture yet remains unobtrusive and soothing. The exception is a wallpaper border. It's never a good choice unless you personally LOVE it and plan on never selling. If it is already in your home and you want to sell, take it down before you list the home or risk the stigma of having the house with the bad decor. Even if it is only in one room that is what will be remembered and it brings down the value in the mind of the buyer because of the time and effort the buyer imagines he will have to invest to remove it.
This room illustrates how the use of decorative molding on only a portion of the wall elevates the room from so-so to special. A little really does go a long way. Remember, if you want elegance and timeless to be adjectives used to describe your home steer clear of bright colors on the walls. It is very hard to make a jolly rancher green colored room look polished without employing the artistic talents of a professional designer. I have walked through many nice homes that have paint color choices that literally reduce the home's value. When getting ready to sell; be willing to invest $150 to paint a neutral color like this one and your return will be many times the money spent.
Go ahead and make choices in your home that inspire you, that encourage you to be at peace and to relax. And when it comes time to move on, be flexible and willing to make changes if needed to neutralize and harmonize what is happening in your decor. Timeless and elegant will ensure a good return on your investment.
A big thank you to Paul and Kezia for the peek into their gorgeous home! If you are taking advantage of the opportunity to view this years Parade of Homes, watch for ideas that you can use to elevate your home to elegant status!
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