Category Archives: ~Decorating

Mastering the Walkthrough: Ensuring a Successful Home Renovation

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Getting ready to start a new home renovation project can be exciting, and you probably can’t wait to start putting together all of the details. However, before you start purchasing new furniture or appliances or going through color swatches, there is one critical element you should start with – the walkthrough.

A pre-renovation walkthrough gives you the ability to meet with various contractors and or designers to help lay the groundwork for ensuring a successful project. By applying the right strategies, you can make sure you’re getting the most value out of this process and setting your project up for success.

Why Are Walkthroughs Important Before Starting a Home Renovation Project?

While you may already be envisioning your finished project, it’s important to recognize all of the different steps it will take to get there. Although some home renovation projects may be relatively easy to perform, others will require specialized skills and careful planning to make sure they go smoothly.

Taking the time to do a walkthrough with any professionals involved in your renovation project is important for various reasons. Some of these include:

Establishing Clear Communication and Expectations

Not everyone may work the same way you would when starting and completing a project. This is why it’s important to set the right tone on how you want to communicate during a renovation and exactly what you’re looking for.

Preventing Costly Mistakes or Delays

All renovation projects can cost much more than initially expected. Many times, this is a result of running into unplanned setbacks like electrical or plumbing issues or needing to reschedule work due to supplier issues or conflicts in contractor availability.

Conducting a walkthrough ahead of time may not completely avoid these problems, but it definitely helps to reduce their likelihood.

Ensuring Everyone Stays on the Same Page

Before you start your project, you will want to make sure all of your ideas are reasonable when fitting into your budget and that you have the right people for the job.

By investing enough time ahead of time to prequalify contractors and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the process, you’ll experience a much smoother renovation experience.

Preparing For The Initial Walkthrough

Although you may not have all of the details ironed out for your project ahead of a walkthrough, the more prepared you are during this process, the more value you and anyone else attending will get out of the process.

Below are a few preparatory steps you can take when planning your walkthrough:

  • Gathering Inspiration and Ideas – You no doubt will have a ton of different ideas flowing through your head on what you’re trying to achieve, but sometimes, putting those ideas on paper will make them easier to explain. Consider creating a mood or Pinterest board with different images you’ve used to inspire your project. You could also collect magazine clippings or save pictures from other real estate guides to help better explain your vision.

  • Creating a List of Priorities and Must-Haves – Renovation projects will often come with a number of compromises you should be ready to make – unless you’re working with an unlimited budget. Before you need to make these types of decisions, decide ahead of time what the highest priority elements of your renovation are and which are “nice-to-haves.”

  • Designing a Workable Budget – Budgeting is a critical part of planning a new project, and you’ll want to make sure you have this clearly ironed out before doing your walkthrough. The budget you design will heavily dictate the type of work your contractors are able to perform, and knowing your financial boundaries will give them the ability to provide adequate quotes.

Effective Strategies for Getting The Most Out of Your Renovation Planning

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Once you’ve scheduled a walkthrough prior to starting a project, you’ll want to have a checklist of things to complete once you’re meeting with qualified professionals. Below are some important points you’ll want to include to make sure you’re getting the most out of your meeting:

Discussing Project Scope

Even before you start touring your home or the specific room(s) you’ll want to work on, it’s important to lay out the exact scope of your project. Take this time to explain any important goals you’re trying to achieve and list the rough budget you’re trying to stay within.

During this process, you’ll want to clearly identify the reasons behind your looking for home improvements, including any challenges you currently have with the space or how you’ll be using the renewed parts of your home.

Identifying Any Potential Challenges

You’ll want to be sure to keep an open mind when planning your project and be prepared for some potential roadblocks that can come up – both during walkthrough discussions and once work has already begun. Contractors may already identify certain challenges you might have when trying to achieve a specific vision and may guide you toward alternative thoughts or ideas.

Take this time to discuss the feasibility of your plans and consider other solutions as needed. Proactively identifying this ahead of time can help save you significant costs if a problem arises mid-project.

Establishing a Timeline and Project Milestones

Another important part of the walkthrough process is to agree on important project timelines or milestones that need to be met. This is a great opportunity for you to establish how much time you have to complete the project and for contractors and designers to validate if and how it’s possible to meet those goals.

Contractors will want to make sure you’ve factored in any potential delays that can arise with suppliers or inclement weather that can slow down work. Once you’ve ironed out those issues, you’ll be able to create a firm timeline that everyone can follow once work has begun.

Selecting Materials and Finishes

A renovation walkthrough is also a great time to review the different design choices you’ll have available to you. Once the space has been evaluated by renovation teams, they’ll often be able to shortlist different options that will help you maximize the value and aesthetics of the finished project.

Whether you’re doing a kitchen renovation, bathroom remodel, or repurposing a basement, be sure to go over all of your options for getting the space exactly as you want it.

Make Your Home Renovation Project a Success

Taking the time to plan for and execute a helpful walkthrough before starting your renovation project will help you set the groundwork for a much more successful experience.

By following the tips discussed when getting ready for your walkthrough and making sure you have the right questions thought out, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your vision will be able to be brought to life while staying within budget.

Author Information

Author Name: Rebecca Denis

Author Bio:

Rebecca Denis, Head of Design at Revive Real Estate, is an accomplished and highly creative interior designer with over ten years of experience in the industry. With a passion for transforming spaces and a keen eye for detail, she has successfully completed numerous projects ranging from commercial spaces to custom show homes.

How to Design a House That Boosts Your Well-Being?

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Your home isn’t just where you lie your head at night: It’s where you decompress after a hard day in the office, share butterfly kisses with your significant other, and embrace the cathartic process of making your favorite homemade pound cake.

It’s where you live life — and life to the fullest.

Research shows that the majority of individuals associate their homes with comfort, security, and safety. You may also view your home as an extension of your identity, as it’s an environment you can control, meaning you can express yourself freely there.

Given your home’s valuable role in your life, mastering how to create a welcoming, calming, and captivating space is paramount for your mental health and overall quality of life. Let’s explore how to design a house that boosts your well-being.

Make the Most of Natural Light

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Lighten up dark rooms by adding large windows to rooms you frequently use, like your living room and kitchen. Letting in daylight may help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm (internal clock), boosting your mood and sleep quality, while also adding a natural touch and warmth to your space. 

Embrace the Natural

Introduce a biophilic design to your home by incorporating natural materials. Connecting with the outdoors through modern rustic home decor may improve your well-being and decrease stress. The best natural materials include indoor plants, stone, and wood. Consider hanging wooden signs promoting lake and cabin life around your living room. 

For a more nautical touch, hang a metal anchor made of cast iron, and set up an aquarium filled with fake aquarium plants like green grasses to make you feel like you’re right in the water with your favorite aquatic creatures.

Choose Your Colors Correctly

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Pick textures and colors that promote relaxation and calmness. Neutral and soft textures and tones can help cultivate a tranquil home environment.

Add navy blue, light blue with a silvery undertone, or slate blue to your bathroom or bedroom for a relaxing, calming ambiance. Lavender is another excellent calming option for bedrooms due to its cool purple color. Choose a soft green, like mint or sage, for a grounding color that reflects nature in your home. Neutrals like creams and whites can also be soothing in any room and easily paired with other colors.

Soft fabrics, such as wool, linen, and cotton, are the best textures for creating a serene space. These fabrics can be used for cushions, upholstery, and curtains. Incorporate decorative pieces, countertops, and flooring made of marble or stone to make your home feel more elegant and placid. Woven rugs, wicker baskets, and rattan furniture also bring visual softness, making them peaceful additions to any space.

Minimize Noise

Improve your concentration and reduce stress by using materials that absorb sound to eliminate noise pollution. Cork wall coverings and floors effectively absorb sound, as do rugs and carpets, particularly in rooms featuring hard floors. Dense curtains may reduce echo and block external noise in rooms. Consider also filling bookcases in your living room or home office to absorb sound, especially when you place them along shared walls.

Keep the Air Fresh

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Excellent ventilation and air purifiers may help you breathe more easily by boosting your home’s air quality. Plants are natural air purifiers, so consider positioning them throughout your home to keep your air clean. Lady palm filters out ammonia, which might irritate your respiratory system and is present in the toilet, oven, floor, and glass cleaners. 

Dracaena removes hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde, a gas that may irritate the throat, nose, eyes, and skin and is often found in drapes and particleboard. Use aloe vera to remove benzene, a carcinogenic liquid that may harm the bone marrow and lead to disorders like leukemia. Benzene is present in household materials or products like furniture waxes and some detergents.

Create a Calm Space

Designate certain sections of your home for mindfulness and relaxation. Examples of these spaces include a balcony on the back side of your home, a reading nook, and a room designed specifically for meditation. Meditation may help lower your stress hormone, cortisol, boost your self-awareness, and help you view life more positively.

Elevate Your Home and Transform Your Life Today

Your home can be the ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life if you incorporate elements that minimize stress and promote emotional and physical health. Boosting your home’s natural light, adding a touch of nature, selecting neutral tones and soft textures, and developing a calm space can make your home look and feel more peaceful. Reducing noise and air pollution can also make your home healthier and more inviting. Consider all the above-listed design tips to create a house that will holistically enrich your life in the days, months, and years ahead.

How to Pick the Best Wallpaper for Your Bathroom

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Bathrooms are often the most neglected rooms in the house when it comes to interior design but they are the perfect opportunity to create a space that is functional and beautiful. One of the biggest transformations you can make in your bathroom is with wallpaper. With the right wallpaper you can add color, pattern and personality to a utilitarian space and turn it into a haven. This blog will walk you through how to pick the best wallpaper for your bathroom featuring high end designer brands like William Morris wallpaper and Cole & Son.

Why Wallpaper for the Bathroom?

Wallpaper is a design element that can totally transform a bathroom. Here are the reasons why you should:

  1. Aesthetic: Wallpaper adds visual interest and can be a feature in the bathroom. You can express yourself and create a mood.
  2. Versatile: There are thousands of patterns, colors and textures to choose from so it can fit any style from classic to modern.
  3. Easy to Update: Unlike tiles, wallpaper can be changed so it’s perfect for those who like to update their decor frequently.

Bathroom Wallpaper Essentials

  1. Moisture Resistance: Bathrooms are humid environments so it’s important to choose wallpaper that can withstand moisture. Look for vinyl or vinyl coated options which are designed to resist water and humidity.
  2. Durability: Choose durable wallpaper that can handle the wear and tear of a bathroom. High end designer wallpapers are often more durable.
  3. Style and Design: Think about the overall style of your bathroom. The wallpaper should match existing fixtures, tiles and paint colors.
  4. Scale and Pattern: The size of the bathroom and the pattern scale of the wallpaper should be in proportion. Large patterns can make a small bathroom feel claustrophobic, small patterns can get lost in a large space.
  5. Lighting: The amount of natural and artificial light in the bathroom will affect how the wallpaper looks. Test the samples in your bathroom’s lighting before you decide.

Designer Wallpaper Brands

William Morris

William Morris is famous for his detailed and nature inspired designs. His wallpapers have florals and foliage, adding elegance and history to any room. For bathrooms look at his vinyl coated options which offer beauty and durability.

Cole & Son

Cole & Son have a vast range of wallpapers from classic to modern. Their designs are often bold and colorful, perfect for a feature wall in the bathroom. The Fornasetti collection is particularly whimsical and imaginative and can add a touch of magic to your bathroom.

Other Brands:

  • Farrow & Ball: Timeless and sophisticated designs, Farrow & Ball wallpapers can add classic elegance to your bathroom.
  • Sanderson: Traditional and modern patterns, Sanderson wallpapers are perfect for a refined and stylish bathroom.
  • Scalamandré: Luxurious and exotic designs, Scalamandré wallpapers can add opulence to any bathroom.

Top Tips for Choosing Bathroom Wallpaper

1. Go Bold

Bathrooms are small spaces so they are the perfect place to try out bold patterns. A statement wallpaper can add drama and make the bathroom feel luxurious.

  • Example: Use a bold floral from William Morris on an accent wall or behind the vanity as a focal point. Pair it with neutral tiles and fixtures to balance it out.

2. Think Textured Wallpaper

Textured wallpaper can add dimension to your bathroom. Look for options that mimic natural materials like grasscloth or linen but are designed to be moisture resistant.

  • Example: Choose a textured wallpaper from Farrow & Ball to add understated elegance. Their textured finishes can create a beautiful backdrop for your bathroom fixtures.

3. Use Wallpaper to Create Zones

In larger bathrooms use wallpaper to define different areas. For example you can create a separate zone for the bathtub or shower with a different wallpaper pattern.

  • Example: Use a bright Cole & Son wallpaper around the bathtub area to create a spa-like retreat. Pair it with a coordinating but more subtle pattern in the rest of the bathroom.

4. Go Light in Small Bathrooms

If your bathroom is small, go light with the wallpaper to make the space feel larger and more open. Subtle patterns can achieve this too.

  • Example: Choose a light, nature inspired pattern from Sanderson to add elegance without overwhelming the space. Light colors will reflect more light and make the bathroom feel airy.

5. Mix and Match

Don’t be afraid to mix different wallpapers in the bathroom. This can add a dynamic and layered look. Just make sure the patterns and colors work together.

  • Example: Combine a bold patterned wallpaper from Scalamandré on one wall with a neutral textured wallpaper from William Morris on adjacent walls. This will create visual interest without looking chaotic.

Care and Maintenance

To keep your bathroom wallpaper looking great follow these tips:

  1. Ventilation: Make sure your bathroom is well ventilated to reduce humidity. Use an exhaust fan to prevent moisture build up.
  2. Cleaning: Wipe down the wallpaper with a damp cloth regularly to remove moisture and prevent mold and mildew growth.
  3. Repair: Keep extra rolls of wallpaper for quick repairs in case of damage or peeling.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wallpaper for your bathroom can transform the space, add personality, style and luxury. High end designer brands like William Morris, Cole & Son and others have a wide range of options to suit every style. By considering moisture resistance, durability, style and pattern scale you can choose a wallpaper that will enhance your bathroom’s aesthetic and withstand its functionality.

Balance is key. Try bold patterns and textures but make sure they work with the space. With the right wallpaper your bathroom can be a beautiful room in your house.

Latest Trends in High-End Wallpaper Designs for 2024: A Journey with Cole & Son

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In the ever-evolving world of interior design, wallpaper remains a timeless and versatile tool for transforming spaces. And what better way to adorn them than with luxurious wallpaper designs that exude elegance, sophistication, and personality? Among the elite players in the realm of high-end wallpaper, Cole & Son stands as a beacon of innovation and craftsmanship. Renowned for their rich heritage and contemporary flair, Cole & Son wallpaper continuously pushes the boundaries of design, setting trends that captivate and inspire. 

In 2024, the world of high-end wallpaper is witnessing a fascinating evolution, marked by innovative patterns, textures, and colors that redefine the boundaries of luxury living. Join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the latest trends in high-end wallpaper designs for 2024, guided by the illustrious brand, Cole & Son. 

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Embracing Nature: Botanical Bliss

In an age where reconnecting with nature is paramount, botanical prints have surged in popularity. Cole & Son’s botanical wallpaper collections pay homage to the natural world, featuring lush foliage, exotic blooms, and intricate botanical illustrations. From verdant junglescapes to delicate floral motifs, these designs breathe life into interior spaces, infusing them with a sense of serenity and vitality. Whether adorning a feature wall or enveloping an entire room, botanical wallpapers evoke a sense of escapism, inviting inhabitants to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors.

Modern Heritage: Reimagining Classic Patterns

Cole & Son’s heritage is steeped in tradition, yet they effortlessly marry the past with the present, reimagining classic patterns for the contemporary home. Time-honored motifs such as damasks, stripes, and geometrics undergo a modern reinterpretation, where bold colors and unexpected scale breathe new life into familiar designs. These reinvented classics add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any interior, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation with effortless grace.

Artistic Expression: Painterly Strokes and Abstract Forms

For those with a penchant for the avant-garde, Cole & Son’s artistic wallpaper collections offer a feast for the senses. Inspired by the world of fine art, these wallpapers showcase painterly strokes, abstract forms, and experimental textures. From abstract expressionism to surrealism, each design tells a story, inviting interpretation and igniting the imagination. With their bold colors and dynamic compositions, these wallpapers serve as statement pieces, transforming walls into works of art that command attention and spark conversation.

Opulent Opulence: Luxurious Finishes and Embellishments

In the realm of high-end wallpaper, opulence knows no bounds. Cole & Son’s luxury wallpaper collections exude glamor and sophistication, featuring sumptuous finishes and exquisite embellishments. Metallic accents, pearlized finishes, and intricate embossing elevate these wallpapers to new heights of decadence, adding depth, dimension, and drama to interior spaces. Whether evoking the grandeur of a bygone era or channeling the allure of Hollywood regency, these wallpapers exude an air of luxury that is both timeless and indulgent.

Whimsical Wonder: Playful Prints and Imaginative Designs

In a world where conformity reigns, Cole & Son dares to dream with their whimsical wallpaper collections. From playful animal prints to whimsical fairy tales, these designs capture the imagination and transport viewers to a world of fantasy and enchantment. Whether adorning a child’s bedroom or injecting a sense of whimsy into a grown-up space, these wallpapers inspire joy and evoke a sense of childlike wonder. With their charming characters and fantastical narratives, they remind us that sometimes, the best designs

About Cole & Son

Founded in 1875, Cole & Son has established itself as a premier destination for exquisite wallpaper creations, marrying timeless elegance with contemporary flair. With a rich heritage spanning over a century, the brand continues to push boundaries, reinventing classic motifs and introducing cutting-edge concepts to captivate the imagination of discerning homeowners and interior designers alike.

One of the most notable trends dominating the high-end wallpaper landscape in 2024 is the resurgence of botanical motifs. Inspired by nature’s splendor, Cole & Son’s latest collections feature an array of botanical prints that transport us to lush, verdant landscapes and exotic locales. From intricately detailed tropical foliage to delicate floral arrangements, these designs infuse spaces with a sense of vitality and tranquility, fostering a connection to the natural world within the confines of interior spaces. 

Furthermore, there’s a notable emphasis on sustainability in contemporary wallpaper design, and Cole & Son is at the forefront of this movement. The brand has embraced eco-friendly materials and production methods, ensuring that their creations not only enhance the beauty of spaces but also minimize environmental impact. With a commitment to responsible sourcing and manufacturing, Cole & Son sets a new standard for luxury wallpaper brands, proving that beauty and sustainability can seamlessly coexist.In conclusion: Texture plays a pivotal role in elevating the tactile experience of interior spaces, adding depth and dimension to flat surfaces. In 2024, Cole & Son explored the interplay of texture and pattern, introducing wallpapers that invite touch and stimulate the senses. From embossed finishes that mimic the tactile richness of fabric to metallic accents that catch the light with subtle shimmer, these textured wallpapers create a multi-dimensional effect that transforms walls into works of art. Whether it’s a sumptuous velvet damask or a raised floral motif reminiscent of haute couture embroidery, the tactile allure of these designs adds a luxurious touch to any room. How do you plan to incorporate designer wallpaper in your home?

Reviving Retro: How to Give Vintage Items New Life in Your Home

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Buying vintage has become one of the most popular trends of 2023, and not just among the climate-conscious. For those who crave antique collectibles that can’t be found anywhere and for those who want something that makes a statement, vintage is the way to go. But giving life to a vintage piece can be like inflating a deflated tire; it requires patience, perseverance, and the right arsenal. 

Reviving vintage items in your home is more than a design choice; it’s a celebration of history and a nod to sustainability. Being aware of how to transform vintage items for home purposes is essential. It might not require an extensive renovation, but little changes that aid significantly. It might be something as simple as DIY stain glass lamps or something as complicated as replacing hardware and refinishing old furniture. Here’s your simple guide on giving vintage items a new lease of life. 

Refurbish and Refinish

Thrift stores are a goldmine for those who know how to look, and when you’ve found the right items, from mid-century furniture to quirky accessories, there are many dated pieces you can revive with the right refurbishing. If you’ve found worn-out or damaged items, there is a chance that you can fix them through a bit of refurbishing. This can include reupholstering old sofas, armchairs, and even headboards. 

Use wood polish, wood paint, and clear sealants to revive wooden furniture. You can highlight the natural grain by refinishing it, and any chips or scratches on the wood can be fixed with wood glue or filler. 

Repurpose Items

While items and furniture are made for a specific purpose, there’s no reason that you have to use them the way they’re intended. For example, vintage record crates can be repurposed to be unique side tables or even shelving units for other items like books. Unplayable vinyl records can be repurposed to be decorative bowls with a bit of heat molding. Depending on the vintage item you have, there is a variety of choices when it comes to repurposing.

You can repurpose old lamps to be planters, especially if they are not functional. Other examples include repurposing wine corks to be a bed headboard, and vintage clothes can become a blanket or a throw. The easiest repurposing projects can be turning vintage items into decor. Changing a vintage bicycle to become outdoor decor doesn’t require much. Just paint it again, and you’re done!

You can also go on a hunt for vintage suitcases and upcycle them to be side tables (providing both aesthetic value and storage). Old suitcases can also make for ideal shelves for any home. You can also paint over them to ensure that they fit your home’s interior design. 

Invest in Quality Equipment

If you want to have functional vintage decor in your home, you need to purchase tools that can help revive them. It can include items like a vinyl record cleaner to ensure that any vinyl records you purchase end up being usable. It can guarantee that your vinyls are always in peak condition, and this is vital if you use them frequently or plan on selling them later on. 

Investing in basic items like cleaning supplies is essential when you’re planning to purchase vintage items. Rust cleaning solutions, abrasive scrubs, leather cleaners, cleaning gloves, and so on are vital for vintage items. All vintage items will require a good clean once they arrive in your home, and you need to have a good cleaning routine down to ensure that they look well taken care of once they’re in your home. For wooden items, you may need some type of sanding machine and experience in handling wood-cutting equipment.

Consider Layering

Creating a thoughtful and well-decorated home means guaranteeing that you have a good combination of vintage and modern elements. Combining these two elements will help you highlight the vintage items where needed and ensure your home still feels current and relevant. It could be something as easy as designating one vintage item per room to be the focal point, whether it’s a retro dining table or a vintage chandelier. Let that be the central piece for the room, and build the rest of the decor around it. 

Another way you can layer vintage items throughout your home is through the thoughtful use of textiles. Rugs, carpets, tapestries, throw pillows, and curtains make for great layering pieces in any room. Layer these textures alongside modern furniture to create an elegant and sophisticated place that remains functional. 

Making Your Home a Vintage Haven

Vintage items, whether they’re passed down in your family or have been found elsewhere, all contain their own stories. It could be in the craftsmanship of a bygone era or the sentimentality with which they were passed down. Knowing how to revive them and accommodate them in your home can take considerable thought and hard work. If you’re determined to make the most of vintage items in your home, it has to be through careful placement, refinishing, and upcycling. Once you have the basics down, there’s nothing stopping you from making your home a true vintage haven!