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5 Home Upgrades You Won’t Regret

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Below is a guest posting about upgrades you can do to your home to increase functionality, update the look and feel and increase your home value prior to selling. Notably the first upgrade the author cites is around smart home technology. It gives even a traditionalist, post 50 year old cause to think about implementing a few more in her home….lights that can change color with our moods? Definitely need to find out more about that one! Enjoy reading this post and more from S Interior Design.

There are many ways you can upgrade your home. From full scale remodels to small upgrades that will impact the way you live in your home daily. We’ve compiled five upgrades you can do in your home that will provide a refresh, and can even help you save money. 

Photo from Unsplash

1. Automating with smart home technology

We are constantly surrounded by technology, and we’re always finding new ways to make our devices smarter, faster, and better. Smart phones and watches, high-tech doorbells and hands-free devices, such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home, allow us to streamline our lives.

Some other smart home features include smart televisions, which are more streamlined than an entertainment center full of modems and they’re more stylish with an unobtrusive screen and beautiful screensavers.

You might also look to smart lighting by adding a lamp that can be turned on and off via an app. Smart light bulbs also exist with color-changing options that can coordinate with your mood.

There are even smart oven options now that allow you to monitor your cooking and food temperature while being away from the kitchen. Imagine, picking up children from school and extracurricular activities and still arriving home to a delicious, homemade meal.

Photo from Unsplash

2. Painting or redecorating

Take a look around your home and consider your current color palette. How long has it been since you painted your living room or kitchen? Determine if a fresh coat of paint will help refresh a stale space. Consider neutrals or the color of the year (“Living Coral”) to update a room in your house.

Other ways to refresh a space without a full remodel include utilizing some of the 2019 home design trends. Some examples you may consider include a full tile backsplash in the kitchen to refresh the space or repainting your cabinets with a white or cream to brighten the room without the expense of replacing cabinets. Also, in living spaces, consider a mix of fabrics to add depth and textures.

Photo from Unsplash

3. Replacing old appliances

Upgrading your 13-year-old washing machine or your finicky dishwasher to a new, high-tech appliance could save you money in the long run. Modern appliances are energy efficient and conserve more water than traditional models, so you’ll be saving on your utility bills in no time.

They’ll also boost the resale value of your home if you’re planning on moving in the next few years. If any of your appliances are on the fritz, you could be eligible for a brand new replacement through your home warranty, which is also considered to be a great marketing tool during a home sale.

4. Getting more out of a small space

We all have a small room in our home that isn’t being used to its greatest potential, and it’s often a bathroom. Fortunately, there are ways to make the most of the space you have.

First, consider the lighting of the bathroom. If it is possible, consider bringing in additional natural light by adding a skylight or solar tube. If that isn’t an option, add recessed lighting in addition to the vanity lighting. Clear clutter, go vertical with storage and consider adding a floating vanity. With a small footprint use all the space available by going up.

Photo from Unsplash

5. Preparing for resale

Selling your home is a stressful process. You want to show it in its best possible shape, but you also want to avoid putting too much money into the property you are selling.

Start with a home critique from a real estate agent or potential buyer. Getting a fresh set of eyes into your space can provide feedback on things you may not see, and may also show trouble points you weren’t aware of.

Once you have received feedback consider repainting and reflooring the interior. A fresh coat of neutral paint helps provide a neutral backdrop that potential buyers need in order to imagine themselves in your space.

Also, consider the condition of your flooring, especially carpet. Dirty and torn carpet may need to be replaced, or at minimum a professional carpet cleaning works wonders.

These are just a few tips and upgrades we know you won’t regret when considering changes and additions to your home. 

BY: Paige A. Mitchell

Color of the Year?

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Every year the ‘color of the year’ is announced by paint manufacturers.  Here are a few articles you can read to get a peek.

https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/colors/a21345163/color-trends-2019-sherwin-williams/

https://people.com/home/ppg-2019-color-of-the-year/

https://www.behr.com/consumer/inspiration/2019-color-trends/

2019 Paint Color Trends and Forecasts

 

Here is the reality; each manufacturer has a different color chosen, each with their own supporting reasons why.  When selecting colors to surround yourself with in your home, the trends or ‘color of the year’ is not important.  What is important is that the colors you chose make you feel the way you want, and your spaces look the way you like.

To help you figure that all out, read the guest post shown below which calls out the major primary and secondary colors and describes the impact they have on us psychologically and physically.

Of course you can call on an interior designer  to help you determine which colors to use in your homes and work place.  If you are located in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area S Interior Design would love to assist you.

Color Psychology and Decor

When you are repainting the interior of your home, the last thing you should be concerned about is a color trend. Trends in the world of colors will come and go, but the color you put on your wall will have an effect on your mood, thoughts, behavior, feelings, and emotions on a daily basis.

The impact that color has on our lives has been studied since the middle ages. Therefore, it has become a crucial factor when it comes to interior design and decor. When choosing a wall color that you like, it is best to keep color psychology in mind so that you can blend it into a pleasing combination that reflects your personality. The best way to go is to understand what kind of effect each color might have in your home.

Red

An excellent way to raise the energy level of your room is to implement the red color by painting walls in a red hue or adding accent through furniture and decor. Red is known for raising the blood pressure, speed respiration and heart rate. Therefore, it might be too stimulating for bedrooms during the day.

For a youthful feel, you can use light red, while dark red invokes power and durability. An accent of red in the dining room can help to stimulate conversation, and in the entryway, it will give a strong first impression.

Orange

Another color that increases energy is orange, which can make you feel energetic, adventurous and friendly. So if you want to evoke excitement and enthusiasm in a room, you can use orange in your decor or the walls. Rooms with a monochrome, neutral tone, or brown hues can get a nice lift from orange.

Yellow

Yellow is an excellent choice if you want to increase the feeling of happiness, joy, and brightness, but too much yellow can also cause the opposite effect. If the color yellow is not used correctly, it can over stimulate and evoke anger. For example, studies have found that babies cry more in yellow rooms.

Yellow used in a soft tone will work better to stimulate nerves and purify the body. Its uplifting effect can enhance kitchens, dining rooms, and bathrooms and it will make halls and entries feel more welcoming and spacious.

Blue

Blue gives a calming, relaxing and serene feeling because it is believed to bring down blood pressure and decrease heart rate. Soft shades of blue are perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms if balanced with furniture and fabrics that are in a warmer hue. Warmer blues can create a relaxing atmosphere in social areas. However, be careful of dark blue as it can bring up the feeling of sadness.

Green

Green paint and decor can be used in any room of the home because it is the color of nature which symbolizes abundance. It can also be combined with other colors to help increase the feeling of relaxation while relieving stress. In the bedroom in a light tone, it can improve your rest, and in the bathroom, it will give a sense of freshness, and in the living room, it will promote comfort.

Opt for accents of green if you don’t want to paint your walls in green tones, plants and herbs are another way to bring in the color green without overdoing it.

Purple

If you want a dramatic look and the feeling of luxury, elegance, and romance, then purple is an excellent choice that works well with other colors. It can be paired with different jewel tones like emerald-green for example. Lavender and lilac will make your bedroom feel restful without feeling chilly. Dark purple can be used through decor or an accent wall to improve the scheme depth and provide the feeling of sophistication.

Neutrals

Blacks, white, gray and brown are primary colors used in decor. By adding and subtracting these tones, you can control the amount of energy that goes into each room. Black is excellent for some depth in the room, and even a touch of black can ground the overall color scheme.

White is the most versatile color that can be used in all rooms and will give a refreshing, clean, airy and purifying feel. There are however many shades of white available. Bright white, for example, will feel livelier while you can add some warmth with an off-white tone.

Gray makes a great base color when used in a light tone.  Gray can add some elegance and formality to the room. Areas without much light might not be suited for gray as it can give the sense of gloominess.

Brown is mostly used in furniture and textiles which brings in a rustic and earthy feel. It is great to use in areas where you want to increase the sense of security and stability. Brown is a warm color which can be a great neutral base color for a room. It works well in studies.

Final Thoughts

If you are not sure where to start, then you can take a color match personality test to ensure that you are comfortable with your color options. A bold, passionate person might feel at ease in a red room, while a shy person might feel uncomfortable surrounded by an over a load of orange.

Choosing the right colors during your interior decorating can be a challenge. However, it is one of the most accessible home improvements that one can make, and if you do it right, you will create a unique atmosphere to live in.

Author: Mattea Jacobs

Short bio:

Mattea Jacobs is a freelance writer who mostly writes about both interior and exterior home design, and environmentally friendly ways to improve homes. She is also a green activist and a mother of two beautiful sons. You can reach her on Facebook and Instagram.

Smart Technology That is Revolutionizing Modern Homes

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Below is a guest posting on the subject of the technology options that are changing the way we live in our homes.
As an Interior Designer I need to be aware of the ever changing technology options that can have an impact on the overall design and functionality of a space.  With the rapid pace of change we are experiencing in this area it honestly can be a part-time job in and of itself to keep abreast of it all.  That is one of the reasons S Interior Design welcomed the opportunity to learn more and share it with you! Thank you Jackie Mason for writing the article and sharing it with us.

Make sure to click on the links imbeded in the article to get the full story.

The Smart Technology That is Revolutionizing Modern Homes

Over 40% of American households use smart technology, with an average of 3.5 smart devices used in each home. Smart technology often appeals because of the convenience and time saving it provides. A lot of smart technology also offers a way of updating your interior design easily without any major cost. The stylishness of many of today’s emerging gadgets makes it easy to see why so many people are incorporating them into the design of their homes. Here are just a few examples of the kind of smart technology that can give your interior design real style and added functionality.

 The stylish and unobtrusive television screen

When it comes to home living, you can ‘go smart’ anywhere in the house. However, one of the areas of smart technology that people are drawn to most is home entertainment. Television screens are becoming more and more streamlined and multi-functional. The transparent TV is particularly worth a mention. Still in the early stages of development, the TV shows high-definition images when switched on and can blend into the background as a transparent screen when turned off. This means that you can have the sought-after high quality as well as discretion; the television doesn’t have to dominate the room. LG takes this combination one step further with its roll up and down television screen. The TV screen can be wound down when you don’t want to watch it or would rather it was out of sight when not in use. The screen size and aspect ratios can be adjusted to suit different uses – whether that be for television, computing or photograph displays.

 A kitchen that aids cooking

Research shows that the kitchen is the most important room to homeowners when it comes to interior design. This has led to a rise in the number of smart kitchen gadgets entering the market – and potentially people’s homes. These include smart ovens: gone are the days where you have to slave away over a hot stove after a day’s work. Smart ovens can link up with your smartphone, registering the food that is in the oven and making recommendations on cooking methods. The technology involves means that you can monitor the cooking away from home if you want to, carrying on with other tasks in the meantime. The result is a tasty meal that was stress-free to make.

 Smart lighting for the home

Lighting design has evolved with an environmental focus, with many companies using efficient LED lights. This is not at the cost of style and functionality, however. Examples of smart lighting in the home include SmartLamp, which is controlled by its own app and allows you to change the color of the light, depending on your mood. You can also choose a color to accompany music you are listening to, making SmartLamp an effective tool for entertainment and creating ambiance.

 

3 Design Tips To Make the Most of a Small Bathroom

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3 Design Tips To Make the Most of a Small Bathroom

1.    LIGHT!  In a small bathroom you need to leverage both natural and artificial light sources.  If there is not ample natural light from an existing window you should consider installing
either a Solatube or a sky light.

You should have both ceiling mounted lighting (recessed 4″ LED can lights) and lighting at the vanity area preferably flanking the sides of your mirror if the space allows for it.

2.    The materials and the color/tones of the materials used should visually flow with one another. The number of different colors and materials and the geometry of those materials should be kept to a maximum of 3 different materials in the space.

For example, if you have white-painted cabinetry you should have lighter toned counter tops and accent tiles to coordinate. The floors can be a bit darker to add contrast.

Another tip is to use the same material in different size/geometry formats.  Marble (or marble look porcelain tile) can be used on the floor in a 12″ x 24″ format and then in a hexagon shaped smaller format for the shower wall accents and back splash at the vanity.

3.   To maximize storage space – GO VERTICAL! You can place a cabinet on the vanity counter top that is less deep (12″-14″),or place a tall floor cabinet at the end of the vanity or wherever
space allows.  You can carve out space on the walls between the studs to use as shallow storage opportunities too.

https://sinteriordesign.com

 

Top Home Improvement Tips for Living with Alzheimer’s-Universal Design

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Below is a guest post on a subject matter that touches so many of us.  My own father-in-law is a dementia sufferer and I have had a first row seat to witness the challenges living in a home that is not designed to accommodate the illness presents.  As a professional designer,  I have an interest in addressing the design of  living spaces for adults impacted by Alzheimers that will provide easier living conditions for all in the household.

Here is a recent remodel of a master bath that is universal design compliant so my clients can age in place without issue.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

 

You may think living with Alzheimer’s means living in a sterile, nursing home-style environment.  However, one of the hottest trends in home remodeling is “universal design,” which means creating an environment that allows homeowners to enjoy their homes at any age.  That includes living well into their golden years, and accommodating the mental and physical decline that can come with aging. Those same modifications can apply when making homes safer and more accessible to people living with Alzheimer’s disease.

More of us are caring for people with Alzheimer’s disease, and this means making appropriate home modifications to meet loved ones’ needs.  As pointed out by the experts at Redfin, “Alzheimer’s disease affects about 5.4 million Americans, about 5.2 million of which are 65 and older.  It can be your grandparent, your cousin, your sibling or even your parent who faces the diagnosis. Eventually, those with Alzheimer’s require round-the-clock care, and for many families, that means taking the loved one into their own home.”  Thankfully, with universal design options, you can meet those needs in ways that are not only safe, but livable and fashionable.

Studies show Alzheimer’s disease erodes judgment, balance, memory, general behavior, and basic senses like hearing and vision.  Because of the effects of the disease, some experts advise making important modifications to reduce risks while keeping your loved one independent, such as:

  • Eliminate steps.  At least one entryway to the home should be free of steps.
  • One-floor living.  The main floor of the house should include at least one bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen conveniences.
  • Doorways and hallways.  Doorways throughout the main living area should be free of thresholds and should be a minimum of forty-two inches wide.
  • Flooring.  Replace carpeting with slip-resistant flooring, such as hardwood floors or linoleum.
  • Floor space.  Open floor plans are a benefit to those with mobility issues.  Reducing clutter and broadening walkways helps reduce the risk of tripping or falling.
  • Easy-to-use handles.  Doorknobs and faucet handles should be replaced with lever handles.
  • Controls and switches.  Place thermostats at lower levels, add a remote control, or add devices or apps which allow for voice control.  Switches should be placed at heights accessible from a wheelchair, generally forty-two to forty-eight inches off the floor.  Similarly, install electrical outlets higher for easier accessibility.
  • Lighting.  Improving lighting throughout the home is a simple and important step toward safety.  Add light fixtures, install brighter bulbs, and add nightlights to enhance safety for those with failing vision or to help those suffering with disorientation.
  • Bathroom.  A taller, hands-free toilet and walk-in shower improve independence and safety.  Installing grab bars and a seat for the shower are also important selections.
  • Countertops and sinks.  Opt for shallower designs to keep things easier to reach.

The AARP notes that most of us want to remain at home as long as possible, and with that in mind, home styles are favoring designs that allow people of all ages and abilities to remain comfortable, mobile and safe in their living arrangements.  For those who are caregiving to Alzheimer’s patients, that means stylish options can accommodate your loved one on all fronts. As explained by some professionals, it’s an opportunity to choose aesthetically pleasing but also practical solutions for living independently as long as possible.

 

Here’s the most exciting part: thanks to modern trends, functional equipment is more fashion-friendly than you think.  Even grab bars offer a spa-style appeal coupled with safety and support. As The Wichita Eagle explains, “Many of today’s grab bars are cleverly disguised, looking instead like sleek soap dishes, functional shampoo trays, trendy towel racks and even toilet-paper holders.”

Safety marries fashion.  If you thought home modifications for the elderly meant giving in to an institutional, sterile environment, think again.  Homes can be safe, accessible and fashionable. Thanks to the trend of universal design, caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients can meet their loved one’s needs effectively and beautifully.