Planning for Your Luxury Home Remodel

At May 08, 2020
By catherineschager
In Kitchen and Bath Design, Tips and Advice
0

As many of you are now considering areas in your home that need some changes, we thought we’d re-issue these tips for the planning phase of your project.

For some of us, there may be the extra excitement of planning for a remodel in the new year. Congratulations! In our blog Tackle Home Design with a Star Lineup, we brought you some guidelines on building your team: the architect, the contractor, and the designer. Planning a luxury home build is a huge endeavor with spectacular results. Planning is essential.

Where do you turn to get information about budgeting for your remodel or new home? Take a look at the Home Trust International’s guidelines. They are leaders in the luxury home industry and a great resource to help you figure out your luxury home investment. Here’s a brief summary of their article:

1. Budget up to 35% of the value of the finished home for interior design services, project management and furnishings.
2. Interior design firms generally earn one third of the total investment.
3. Variables include renovations, art or furniture you may be bringing from another home.

Catherine Schager, AKBA, ASID Allied Member

A good designer can guide you through this process to help you figure out where to splurge and where to save. I offer a great outline of my process on my FAQs page and you can quickly schedule an initial phone meeting with me from my Contact Us page if you are ready to explore further.

The most important goal is to end the process with a gorgeous new home that feels like HOME SWEET HOME to you and your family. You can best reach that goal with good planning and realistic budgeting guided by a team of professionals who want to help you with your achieve your dream. Happy new home dreaming!

2019 Colors of the Year: Nature Meets Technology

The 2019 Color of the Year picks span the spectrum but there are two main themes: encapsulating nature and harnessing high tech.

Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral
Pantone is seeking to do both this year with it’s top color pick called Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral, a playful yet nurturing shade plucked from the coral reefs.

above: tile, Home Depot; shoes and clutch, Sole Divas; natural coral necklace, Betteridge; Wellingtons, The Hunt; Spring 2019 RTW Elisibetta Franchi, Vogue; nail polish, Ulta Beauty; bowls, Anthropologie; Fabric, Kravet; Living Coral, Pantone; gerber daisy, Fifty Flowers; penny round tiles, Wits End Mosaic; ribbon trim, Kravet; Lace Heels, Selfridges; cutting board, Bed Bath & Beyond

A smidgen too vivid to be pastel and a bit too soft to be classified with the brights, Living Coral finds a unique home for itself somewhere between the two just as it does nestled in the watery depths of soft blue waters and bright marine life. Referencing our emersion in social media and our need to find relief from the stress of the same, The Pantone Color Institute says Living Coral is “an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge. …Representing the fusion of modern life, Pantone Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.”

This is a perfect shade for pops of color in neutral interiors, mixing particularly well with grays. It’s a bold choice as wall color but brave souls can enjoy a cheerful room with neutral furnishings inside coral walls. We especially love the Kravet fabrics designed around Pantone’s COTY for gorgeous chairs, throw pillows and curtains. Check out our pinterest board for more ways to incorporate Living Coral into your everyday life.

Benjamin Moore Metropolitan AF-690
Benjamin Moore, one of America’s leaders in paint and stains, picked a sophisticated, versatile silvery-gray called Metropolitan AF-690 as their 2019 Color of the Year.

above: chair, West Elm; throws, Target; paint, Benjamin Moore; tile, Tile Bar; Michael Kors purse, Rachel Ray cookware, and round pillow, Macy’s; mosaic tile, All Modern; Michael Kors bootie, Macy’s; Fitbit and Uggs, Nordstrom

This shade is comfortable and soothing with just enough pop to look glamorous in contemporary and modern designs. According to an interview with Architectural Digest, the color guru’s at Benjamin Moore take the yearly pulse of the globe to decide on their COTY. This year the theme they discovered time and again was “pause,” reflecting a longing for stepping back from the hurry-scurry to immerse in needed moments of quiet. The slight hint of silver seems to evoke a heartbeat of high-tech just behind calm in this nuanced gray.

Gray has been popular in both interior design and fashion for several years now and is highly adaptable to many color schemes and styles. Check out our pinterest board for ways to use Metropolitan AF-690 in your new year.

The Go-To Blues
If blues are your go-to color choice, several of the top brands are singing your tune.

above: towels, Nordstrom; tile, Tile Bar; pillow sham, JCPenney; dishes, Crate and Barrel; knit throw, Macy’s; high back arm chair, Article; peacock pillow, Pier1; wallpaper, Graham & Brown; round chair, Jonathan Adler;

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, selected a pretty, light blue called Reflecting Pool they describe as a versatile color that is fun and elegant.

Behr, another industry leader, chose a muted, medium blue they named Blueprint S470-5. An “honest, approachable color” inspired by architectural blueprints, Behr says Blueprint “creates a space where you can build your own reimagined life” and is a calls to action. It evokes honest labor and industrial and metropolitan themes. A versatile interior design color choice, muted blues are popular cabinet colors, especially in kitchens. See ways to use Blueprint on our pinterest board.

Diamond Vogel chose a nearly navy shade called DaySpa. Inspired by nature, mind and body, Diamond Vogel calls this a “deep, introspective” blue. This is a fabulous color for exterior doors and shutters. Navy is gaining popularity in home design in recent years. Most cabinet manufacturers have painted cabinets in gorgeous navy shades.

If you prefer a more dramatic blue, Kelly-Moore Paints named the vibrant Peacock Blue as their top pick. Graham & Brown chose a knockout teal called Tiru taken from the backdrop of the Tori wallpaper and inspired by the Kabuki trend, a classical Japanese drama-dance with a bold color palette.

Going Green
The color of nature and balance, green will always resonate as a soothing, restorative color. A few of the paint brands are going green in 2019.

above: dark green tile, Tile Bar; chair, Anthropologie; dishes, Pottery Barn; green penny round tile, Tile Bar; blanket, Hayneedle; geometric pillow, Society6

PPG Paints chose a dark, nearly black green called Nightwatch PPG1145-7 that they describe as lush and luxurious inspired by the healing power of nature. Just a couple shades lighter, Annie Sloan Paint selected a deep green called Amsterdam Green inspired by the painted shutters and doors of Amsterdam. Both of these deep greens work well as accent colors. Check out more ways to use PPG Nightwatch on our pinterest board.

Dutch Boy Paints selected a botanical green called Garden Patch 326-5DB to offer “rejuvenation and peace” in our homes. We’ve found lots of ways for you to use Garden Patch on our pinterest board.

Saddle Up with the Naturals
Several of the paint brands selected top picks that evoke the desert, terracotta and clay, natural caverns, rich spices and sunsets. Saddle up for a trail ride to the more rugged side of nature.

above: throw, West Elm; tile, Pratt and Larson; multi pillow, Pottery Barn; copper pillow, West Elm; terracotta bowl, One Kings Lane; pink waffle throw, West Elm; round pillow and faux fur throw, Macy’s; natural fiber pillow and pink pillow, Pottery Barn; hexagon tile, Fire Clay Tile

Dunn-Edwards top pick, Spice of Life DET439, was inspired by the adventurous, exciting, flavorful aspects of an authentic life. Things like spice-markets, the American West, and even exploring the red planet, Mars. It’s exotic, yet folksy. It’s a desire to be rooted deep in the earth instead of lost in technology. Check out ways to use Spice of Life on our pinterest board.

Sherwin-Williams chose a warm terracotta called Cavern Clay SW 7701 they describe as midcentury modern meets the American Southwest. This earthy color, inspired by beaches, canyons and deserts, can be refined or casual. See ways to incorporated this color into your life on our pinterest board.

Pratt & Lambert chose a soft pinky terracotta called Earthen Trail 4-26 from their Preserve palette inspired by the softer side of plains, deserts, and sunsets.

The color experts at Dulux wanted a color to “reflect the new positive mood of the moment” that was versatile enough to be either soothing or vibrant. They chose Spiced Honey based on the color of natural honey for a cozy yet sophisticated neutral. It also blends beautifully with our desert naturals.

Ace Hardware did something fun with it’s Clark + Kensington paint line – they held a contest for customers to mix their own shades and submit them for 2019 Color of the Year. The winning color, Pineapple Cream Granita, was created by a New Jersey native Francine C. at her local Ace Hardware store. It’s a creamy neutral that pairs well with our naturals. Good job Francine!

Tackle Home Design with a Star Lineup

You’re ready to tackle your new home build or remodel your existing home and your trying to decide if you want to be the team manager, coach, and quarterback. Do you have the time and know-how for planning the strategy, writing the playbook, calling the plays, motivating the team players, hiring and overseeing all the players, and pulling all the details together for the win. More likely, you have an idea about what you want the team uniforms to look like, an excitement to watch the games from the sidelines, and vision of a glorious win at the end of the season. If that sounds more like you, you’ll want to recruit pros for the top team positions – in this case an interior designer, a contractor, and likely an architect. Let’s look at who these pros are and why you want them on your home project:

The Interior Designer
My personal favorite team position. Often, choosing an interior designer is the first hire on your roster. Your designer can assist in putting the team together. A good interior designer can help you express your inner vision, asking questions to discover your dreams, needs, and goals, then help you convey your vision to the architect and contractor, acting as your on-the-field guide and go-between. The designer is a mix of detail oriented and artistic, keeping the endless details of your project in play and the overall vision in sight as well. Your designer coordinates with the contractor and often recommends specific professionals in the various trades to see your home design come together perfectly.

You’ll get the benefit of a trained designer’s eye. Your designer can help you see possibilities you might not have envisioned and steer you away from poor design choices. A designer will also keep you realistic about your budget. Often, your designer knows where to find the best prices and has access to resources only available to design professionals.

Your interior designer can suggest color combinations you might not have imagined on your own, as well as textures and lighting effects. Designers can develop 3D renderings to help you see the design and help you shop for the perfect furnishings and accessories at the best prices. Designers stay on top of design trends and have the training, insight, knowledge and artistic vision to bring that WOW factor to your home design.

If you are only looking to redecorate your home, the designer will be the only pro needed for your project (or will be able to bring in pros from various trades to do installations). But if your undertaking a larger remodel or new build, you’ll need to expand the team to include a contractor and possibly an architect.

The Contractor
The contractor guides you in filling your team with star players, they learn the playbook know how to follow it, they can troubleshoot on the field, and they keep the players in line. Your contractor will bring the architect’s vision to life. They are familiar with all the different trades from plumbers to electricians to carpenters to tile experts and beyond. They know which players to call off the bench at what time, who to overlap and who must go in a specific order, and they have a network of working relationships with professionals in all the trades. They are good troubleshooters and can often head off trouble quickly if they see someone veering away from the playbook. They can also help you with specific goals like going green or being energy efficient. They know what works and what doesn’t through experience and who does it best. This can also save your time, money and stress throughout your project and make sure you achieve the home of your dreams.

The Architect
Architects know the league rulebook forward and backward and they write the team playbook. The architect does more than just draw home plans. Architects are well-versed in building codes and zoning laws. They work effectively with contractors to make sure the design is realized. They are creative problem-solvers, often finding ways to help homeowners get most of their wish-list items included in the budget. They guide homeowners away from awkward functional layouts by visualizing what it would be like to live inside the design. They think of all the details from the placement of electrical outlets and molding to energy-efficient heating and cooling to green building options. They also see the big picture, designing total environments rather than walls, floors and roofs. All this expertise can actually save you money in the long run!

Bringing this team together will undoubtedly save you time and stress. You’ll have trained professionals to help you make decisions and keep your project on time and budget. You’ll have others to track the details, make the phone calls, keep the checklists and monitor the work in process. Sweet relief!

Touchdown!
These kitchen transformations represent a culmination of professional knowledge along with thousands of decisions and details that came together in beautiful final designs. Go team!

The “No Furniture” Trend

I recently read a post by a young woman who wanted to experiment with the latest trend of going “furniture-free” to encourage a healthier lifestyle. She gave up most of her furniture for a week to see if she indeed would be healthier for it. You can read the post here: apartmenttherapy.com/furniture-free-living-262281

Kudos to Brentnie! It takes a great deal of courage to go without the daily “comforts of home” that we all take for granted. I couldn’t resist a humorous look at how those of us who are more “mature” might modify the trend (*ahem* those who might not be able to make it all the way down to the floor).

Modification #1

A few chairs, but only ones that promote correct posture as the only way to tolerate them. Let’s face it, you can fall off a yoga ball and break a hip. While you’d have the added benefit of physical therapy to get you moving around, I don’t recommend it as a way to exercise.

Additional added benefit: Not only will you not want to sit a lot, but none of your guests will either. Those kids will be out the door in about 30 minutes tops.

Modification # 2
No table or chairs in the kitchen. Stand and eat at the counter.
Benefits: You’ll eat less, and wash fewer dishes as you’ll be eating from pots, pans and containers! You’ll feel more youthful- like being in college!

Modification # 3
Get rid of the TV! (Brentnie didn’t say she made this sacrifice, and with a toddler, I completely understand why she wouldn’t) Hang some TRX bands in the living room if you want to “hang out”. Pretend you’re in the dungeon in the “Count of Monte Cristo”. Come on, we need to exercise our imaginations to keep our minds healthy!

Ok, so maybe this trend isn’t going to be around for long. I agree that we should all challenge ourselves to get out of the house and move more, but ultimately people want a place they can come to at the end of the day that welcomes them, comforts them, and shelters them. That’s a trend that will never go out of style.

Innovative Cabinet Storage and Organizing Trends

Last week we showed you some of the exciting cabinet trends in 2018 that are making our kitchens and bathrooms a feast for the eyes. But what about when you open those lovely doors and drawers to the storage spaces within? One of the biggest trends in 2018 cabinetry is organization. The options are simply fabulous! Scroll through the images below for a look at some of the innovative storage and organizing solutions available to turn our cabinets into functional, orderly spaces:

Pullouts and Deep Drawers

: Greenfield Dinnerware Drawer

: Greenfield Rollout Storage

: Greenfield Pot and Lid Drawers

: Greenfield Adjustable Organizer

: Greenfield Peg Drawer

: Greenfield Canister Pullout

: Dura Supreme Vertical Tray Storage

: Dura Supreme Spice Pullout

: Greenfield Baking Drawer

Appliances and Cleaning

: Greenfield Sink Pullout Drawer

: Dura Supreme Sink Pullout

: Wood-Mode Trash Pullout

Drawer Storage

: Dura Supreme Spice Drawer

: Greenfield Tech Drawer

: Greenfield K Cup Drawer Insert

Corner Storage

: Greenfield Corner Pullout

: Dura Supreme Corner Pullout

: Greenfield Corner Organizer

Bathroom Storage

: Rev-A-Shelf Vanity Drawer

: Rev-A-Shelf Hamper Pullout

: Dura Supreme Bathroom Pullout

Check even out more kitchen and bath organizing options in our pinterest board.

Exciting 2018 Cabinet Trends

How would we function without kitchens and bathrooms? We couldn’t! Cabinets are integral to the comfort, function and design of these vital rooms. So just what do homeowners desire most in new cabinetry today? Beautiful and functional options abound. Here are some of the trends exciting homeowners most in 2018:

Transitional and contemporary styles are growing in leaps and bounds. Shaker cabinets continue to be highly popular as well as timeless white, both of which work well for transitional style kitchens. Homeowners who seek sleek contemporary or modern styles are often opting for flat panel and slab door cabinets. Homeowners are frequently mixing in glass door cabinets with interior lighting and open shelving is increasing in popularity.

Left: Northbrook White Kitchen; Right: Lincoln Park Condo Kitchen both by Catherine Schager Designs

Two-tone cabinets are on trend with any style, often with light perimeter cabinets and contrasting dark island cabinetry. Dark wood stains are most popular for the contrasting color but personalized color choices are making a comeback too with homeowners often opting for shades of blue and green. Chameleon neutrals are gaining interest – colors that look slightly different from various angles and in different lighting. Modern cottage and modern farmhouse styles are growing in popularity too. The “X” motif is becoming a common sight, either in cabinet doors, chair backs, or on the ends of island cabinetry.

Greenfield Cabinetry by fma Interior Design

Another huge trend is mixing an opaque and a stain or a stain and a glaze to create an array of flexible and personalized color choices.

Heavy wood grain finishes are popular even in sleek, contemporary cabinets. Laminates are becoming more popular, especially with new technology that allows realistic wood looks. Tailored shiplap is also on trend.

Left: Dura Supreme Laminate Skyline Walnut by Kitchen Design Partners (photo by Dennis Jourdan); Dura Supreme Bria Sterling Ash textured laminate from 1st Choice Cabinetry (photo by Greg Scott Photography)

Left: Dura Supreme Laminate Skyline Walnut by Kitchen Design Partners (photo by Dennis Jourdan); Right: Dura Supreme Bria Sterling Ash textured laminate from 1st Choice Cabinetry (photo by Greg Scott Photography)

Pale wood and raw wood looks are on the rise as finish choices, as is accepting wood imperfections. Oak had fallen off in use for a while but it is once again a popular choice, including cerused oak finishes. Weathered and distressed finishes are popular and not just for traditional or farmhouse styles. Adding a splash of rustic to transitional styles is a currently popular trend too.

Left: Greenfield Qtr Sawn White Oak; Right: Greenfield Knotty Alder with Heavy Distressing

All these gorgeous cabinet options are a treat for the eye, but don’t you want to open these doors and see orderly, functional storage spaces? That essential cabinet function is top of the list for homeowners. Stay tuned for latest in cabinet inserts that make storage a breeze.

Left: Spa Retreat Master Bath; Right: Delightful Contemporary Update both by Catherine Schager Designs

Check out our pinterest board for more cabinet styles and finishes. What is your favorite?

Furniture Trends: Bursting with Shapely, Touchable Style

Whether your home is a stately lady, a modern sophisticate, or a trendy fashionista, the occasional update to her wardrobe can be just the thing to keep turning heads (including your own). Furniture is a keystone of your home’s apparel. Refurnishing an entire room? Adding one new statement piece? Here’s a look at the 2018 furniture trends igniting current home fashion with excitement:

Jewel Tones and Metallics
Jewel tones are very popular, including “Ultra Violet” Pantone’s dramatic Color of the Year. If you want a furniture piece that pops out in your design, 2018 is a good year to browse. Also popular are earth tones and neutrals. Metallic accents and mixed metals abound as well. They sparkle with the jewel tones or add the perfect touch of contrast to the lighter colors.

Lagerfield Seating from Christopher Guy

Bennetti Leather Metal Frame Chair from Crate and Barrel, Annecy Lamp from Christopher Guy, Jonathan Adler Rider Bench from Neiman Marcus

Embrace Those Curves (and every other shape)
Shapely furniture is all the rage with every shape imaginable (and some you might not have imagined).

Soft Curves and Rounded Edges
The strongest trend is toward soft curves and rounded edges that seems to embrace you and wrap around to bring you in more intimate closeness with your seatmates.

Courbe Settee from Christopher Guy, Lola Sofa from West Elm, Infiniti Curve Back Sofa from Crate and Barrel, Jumelle Seating from Christopher Guy

Sculptural Silhouettes
Sculptural furniture is another strong trend this year. Not as soft as the shapes above, but still graceful lines and curves in these distinct beauties.

Vigne, Lucia Gauche Fan-Back and Josephine from Christopher Guy, Bugatti Home Bu Cobra Chair from Luxury Living Group, Niels Wing Glider from West Elm

Geometric Designs
You’ll also find geometric designs galore, both in the shape of the furniture piece and in designs applied to or carved in the surface. Hexagons (also called honeycomb) are especially popular this year.

Hexagon Garden Seat and Caracole Chair-ish Chair from Neiman Marcus, Trussardi Casa Tosco Table from Luxury Living Group

Touchable Textures
Textures from oh-so-touchable soft to coarse and nubby are popular too.

Velvet
Velvet is most popular texture, often with a sheen, especially in the soft, round shapes. (Naturally! If you’re being hugged by your chair it should be as cuddly as possible.) Admit it, you kind of want to pet the top one don’t you? Adding throw pillows and throws with additional textures is on trend too.

Haute House Varianne Curved Sectional Sofa and Harper Tufted Cuddle Chair from Neiman Marcus, Robey Charcoal Velvet Curved Sofa from CB2
Mixed Feelings
The first couch in this grouping is a mix of textures – smooth, supple leather seat, slightly nubby upholstery fabric with metal nail head trim, and pillows in a mix of textures that come with the set and all meant to appeal to your sense of touch. The Coronado Seagrass chair mixes rough natural fibers with smooth white teak. Mixed textures add depth and makes your room design pop as well as being a treat to your senses.

Massoud Ivy Leather Seat Sofa, Spruce Swivel Chair and Old Hickory Tannery Sherwod Sheepskin Settee from Neiman Marcus, Coronado Seagrass Chair from Crate and Barrel

Au Naturel
Hand in hand with mixed textures, adding natural elements to your furniture is highly popular. Stone, wood, leather, fibers – all add more of that touchable depth we just discussed. They also blend with the popular Wabi Sabi trend, embracing the art of imperfection and respecting natural objects as they are, including asymmetry and roughness. If you go au naturel in 2018 you’ll be right on trend.

Marmo Table from Christopher Guy, Driftwood End Table from Crate and Barrel, Carlton Tufted Leather Ottoman from Neiman Marcus

The Party’s Back Here!
Surprise detailed chair backs are quite popular too. Blogger and staging expert ‘The Decorologist’ creatively termed the trend “party-in-the-back” and you can see why.

Heritage Collection Annabelle Armchair from Luxury Living, Haute House Peacock Chair and Massoud Tahoe Accent Chair from Neiman Marcus, Roar + Rabbit Leather Swivel Chair from West Elm

A Touch of Glam
Whatever shape and texture your furniture, glam lighting is the “IN” accent. And just look at the geometric shapes, metallic accents, and natural accents to choose from! If you’re looking to add just a bit of the latest trends, you can likely find a lamp to fit your current room design.

Table Lamp Collection from West Elm, Ritz Paris Home Collection Bubbles Table Lamp from Luxury Living Group

A Smidgen of Spice
Let your inner eccentric play a little with a quirky accent or two and you’ll be right on trend.

Friendly Cats Salt and Pepper Shaker from West Elm, Filigree Lucanus Wall Lamp from Boco Do Lobo, Papier-Mâché Teardrop Sculpture from West Elm

Just remember the most important rule in furniture selection – comfort! Make sure you and your family will enjoy using the pieces you select above all style considerations. Check out our pinterest board for more examples of the current trends in furniture.

Technology Meets Beauty in Motorized Window Treatments

At May 29, 2018
By catherineschager
In Design Trends, Great Interior Design Products
2

What could be better than a gorgeous window treatment that works at the touch of a button? Or even integrates with your home assistant? In the early days of motorized window treatments, the options and styles were somewhat limited but today the limits are few. You can choose from many types of window treatments and the style choices are really blossoming as well!

They are so lovely and the technology so convenient that we asked Jarmila Singer of Sound Living to share her expertise in the field with us.

Can any window treatments be motorized?

Mostly, the category is roller shades, roman shades, tensioned shades (skylight) and draperies. There are also motorized wooden blinds and horizontal sheer shades.

Is there a weight maximum?

This varies depending upon the category. For draperies, it’s about 185 pounds. For shades, the restriction is not only weight but also roll diameter due to the thickness of the fabric. So, height is a restriction that is part of this equation.

How are they powered and how do they operate?

Power can be low voltage or line voltage. Sound Living only provides low voltage shades. The third category for power is actually battery-operated shades and they are quite popular!

: Serena by Lutron battery housing

: Lutron Wall Station

: Lutron remote control

Do they integrate with smart phones and tablets?

Yes

Are they noisy?

No! That’s the best feature of low voltage motors.

Are there other special features we should know about?

Yes, the Lutron shade motor provides IHA which is Intelligent Hembar Alignment. Basically this means that Lutron shades in the same room will move in perfect unison. Lutron is the only manufacturer that offers this important feature.

Why should clients be interested in motorized windows treatments?

Motorized window treatments provide convenience, luxury, solar protection, and privacy.

Convenience – control a large group of windows with one button, control all the shades in the home with one button, control hard to reach shades
Solar protection – art, furnishings, flooring
Room temperature control – especially for south and west exposures
Privacy – dressing, sleeping, TV viewing

What makes Sound Living the best company to install motorized window treatments?

Sound Living provides the technical shade solution, the aesthetic shade solution, and complete installation and training of the client. All three aspects are critical to a successful project. Our hands-on process of working with the interior designer and home owner is what sets us apart. We view the aesthetic shade solution (fabric selection) as the most important part of the process.

How long has Sound Living been in business and what qualifications/certifications do you have?

Sound Living has been in business for 16 years and we are certified Lutron dealers for 12 years. We are also a certified dealer of motorized window treatments with Hartmann & Forbes and Conrad, utilizing Lutron motors.

Do the motors and other hardware come with a warranty or customer support?

Sound Living provides a 1-year warranty on labor and Lutron provides an 8-year warranty on its materials.

How would clients contact your company?

Please call us in our Highland Park office at 847.926.7034.

Sound Living is a boutique consultancy in Highland Park specializing in high-end residential technology. They carry Lutron motorized shades as well as lighting control systems and other home automation solutions. Jarmila Singer is the Vice President and co-owner with Gary Singer. She has worked with motorized window treatments for 12 of her 14 years with the company. She and the rest of the staff at Sound Living have invaluable experience in the field.

Thanks Jarmila! If you want to see more options in motorized window treatments, check out our pinterest board. Click on the youtube videos embedded below to see an overview of the Serena and Sivoia lines by Lutron.

Serena by Lutron

Sivoia by Lutron

Get Your Home Ready for Its Close-Up Part 2: The Details

So much to do to stage a home for sale! Last week we shared tips on The Big Stuff which covered topics such as curb appeal, cleaning, decluttering and depersonalizing. Now let’s dig into the details.

After you’ve finished cleaning and storing, Theresa “Terry” Anderson of KoenigRubloff offers this advice: “There are some easy tricks to refresh a house, such as putting in new light fixtures, new faucets, paint a few rooms, and take down all wallpaper. I suggest a very minimal amount of furnishings and décor.” (You can email Terry at [email protected] or find her on Facebook by clicking here.)

Remember to check the latest Zillow report for paint colors that are currently selling for significantly higher (or lower) than average in each room and see our pinterest board for examples. Discuss the report with your realtor to determine what is best in your particular area.

Here are some other room-by-room expert tips we’ve collected for you:

Bedrooms
The key in the master bedroom is to stay gender neutral. You want the decor to appeal to everyone. Keep décor minimal but try to create a relaxing atmosphere where people can imagine unwinding. Create a bed people would want to crawl into, all soft and comfortable looking, and a small sitting area for reading or watching TV.

Catherine Schager Designs, Lake Forest Master Bedroom

Bathrooms
Try to restore bathrooms to an unused look. (Nothing says “yuck” like a strangers mystery bathroom mess.) Fix all leaky toilets and dripping faucets. Replace old toilet seats with new ones. Do your best to remove hard water stains that will make potential buyers think of leaks. (Try vinegar.) Deodorize the drains too. Keep counters clear except for a pretty soap dispenser and neutral colored shower curtain and bath mat.

Catherine Schager Designs, Glenview Renovations (left) and Northbrook Master Bath (right)

“Master” Touches
Remember those closets we discussed in Part 1? Storage space sells, especially in the master bedroom. One trick is to clear the master closet out completely, then hang a set of classy wooden hangers. Entice potential buyers to love the master bath by arranging a set of new fluffy white towels in ready-to-use fashion and topped with something pretty. Set the “spa” stage to help them imagine luxuriating in a hot bath or shower.

Family Living Areas
Keep only beautiful furniture on display and keep it neutral. You want potential buyers to imagine their own furniture in the room, not get stuck on your style. You don’t want them feeling like an intruder in YOUR space. Let them imagine it as THEIR space.

Create symmetrical but inviting arrangements that suggest conversations and family time. Arrange a board game or a tea service on the coffee table. Place a book or magazine next to a comfortable chair with a soft throw. Once again, keep it gender neutral and tailored, but oh-so-comfy looking. You don’t want the realtor to have to say “Imagine this…” while describing a scene. Instead, set the room to create those visions wordlessly.

Catherine Schager Designs, Glenview Renovations (left) and Winnetka Lower Level (right)

Kitchen and Dining
You won’t want to invest in major upgrades, but it’s worth it to fix leaky faucets, replace dated ones, and remove hard water stains. Consider painting dated cabinets and updating the hardware. Brighten up a poorly lit kitchen with new light fixtures. Choose the highest wattage bulbs for the fixtures and open up all the curtains and blinds. A light, bright kitchen sells better than a dark, dreary one. Lighter colors on the walls can help reflect the light. Keep countertops clear except two or three carefully chosen decorative items. Keep lots of empty space in the cabinets and drawers, and keep them well organized. Kitchen organization is big lately. Consider a few specialty foods in pretty packaging arranged just so in the pantry. Set the dining room table with carefully chosen, lovely yet neutral items (like a pretty tea set). Leave out a delicious looking and smelling pastry or cake on a pretty tray in the kitchen and have the realtor suggest they sit and have a treat in the space.

Catherine Schager Designs, Northbrook Kitchen

Catherine Schager Designs, Glenview Renovations

Defined Purpose
Make sure you don’t have any confusing “extra” rooms and absolutely no junk rooms. If you have an undefined space, give it a purpose. An office is usually a good bet but keep it neutral and classy. Bookshelves should be mostly empty with only a few neutral items on display. Storage space should invite them peek inside and see it empty, evoking thoughts of their own things they could store in that spot. A private, cozy reading spot nook near a set of beautiful bookshelves is always inviting.

Catherine Schager Designs, Northbrook Office

Good luck! Overall, remember to keep it gender neutral, style neutral, as empty as possible, spotlessly clean, and create carefully chosen scenes to evoke images in each space.

Get Your Home Ready for Its Close-Up Part I: The Big Stuff

If you have a home to sell, you’re likely anxious to get a good offer in a quick timeframe. We’ve collected some expert staging tips to help present a home that buyers will fall in love with at first sight.

Scott Rose of Baird & Warner, tells sellers to shine the apple! Scott says, “We are in a price war and a beauty contest. Declutter and make it look like a model. Remember that in most cases a home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it and what a bank is willing to loan (unless it’s all cash!).” (You can email Scott at [email protected], visit his website at ScottRoseHomes.com, or @ScottRoseHomes on Facebook.)

The beauty contest starts with curb appeal. First impressions are CRUCIAL. Many buyers will opt out of doing a walk-through on a house based simply on a poor outside presentation, so start your staging process at the curb. Replace your old mailbox with a pretty new one. Cut the grass, trim the bushes, weed flower beds, and add fresh mulch. Power wash your decks, walks, and patios. Repaint your front door (according to this 2017 Zillow report, homes with navy blue, dark gray, or charcoal front doors sell for more money) and add large, attractive house numbers that can be clearly seen from the street and look welcoming. If you need to paint the siding, consider gray, brown, or greige, as suggested by Zillow. If paint isn’t necessary, wash the siding and the windows until they sparkle. Clean your front porch and add welcoming touches like seasonal flowers in planters and hanging baskets, a pretty doormat, and a new doorbell with attractive sound.

The first step to staging the interior of your home for sale is to clean, clean, clean. Spit shine every single surface, corner, wall, ceiling, and floor. Clean cabinets and drawers, inside and out. Clean the grout, the faucets, and the globes on light fixtures. Clean furniture even though it won’t stay with the home, and clean underneath it too. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service to handle this time-consuming, exhausting chore for you.

Next, de-clutter, de-personalize, and paint. Experts suggest that you rent a storage unit and pack and move a good deal of your belongings before your first showing. Now is the time to get serious about removing every trace of clutter, and absolutely DO NOT shove that clutter into cabinets and closets. Potential buyers will be looking in there! Remove ALL personal photographs, diplomas, memorabilia, and collectibles. Choose only a few, neutral decorative elements. Remember, you want potential buyers to visualize themselves in your home. If they can’t see past your style and your décor, they won’t be able to see themselves in the space. Aim for lived-in but neutral. Have your realtor help you pick a few key pieces of furniture and store the rest. Give all the walls and trim a fresh coat of paint at minimum (and perhaps cabinets too if needed). Refer to the Zillow report and our pinterest board Colors That Sell for suggestions on paint colors for specific rooms.

Next, tackle every closet, cabinet, pantry, bookcase and storage area. Any items you don’t need to store for your next home can be picked up by a junk hauling specialists. There are several. One I like and use is Junk King. Storage is a big selling point so you want to be sure you show your home’s storage to best advantage. Keep a few, carefully chosen items in each storage area in an organized, attractive arrangement. Leave lots of “white space” between items. Consider items like fancy jams and other upscale condiments in pretty packaging to display on shelves.

Even if they are tiny, your pets definitely qualify under “the big stuff” in home prep. You need to remove any hint of any animal from your home. You don’t want potential buyers thinking about all the hidden damage your adorable fur babies might have caused to your home. Remove all furniture and rugs with pet damage, and all trace of pet odors and pet fur (or feathers or scales). When you leave before a viewing, take your pets and all their gear with you. Don’t leave pet dishes, pet beds, or pet toys behind to make potential buyers think of potential problems.

Stay tuned next week for Part 2: The Details, where we will talk about what works (and doesn’t) for each room.