Selling or Remodeling?
Aug, 2008
In This Issue
Remodeling or Selling?
3 Solutions for Your Master Bedroom
Blinds, Shades & Shutters on Sale through 8/31!
Quick Links

Embellishments Masthead
Dear Jane-Marie,
decorator
Have you been having trouble figuring out what home projects to tackle?  Do you need to worry about the resale value of your home or should you do projects that YOU want to do?  Who do you consult when questions arise?  These are questions I have been struggling with.  Read below for some answers.
 
Sincerely,

Jane-Marie
Are You Staying or Going?

Are you considering moving in the next 5 years? 

A few years ago, the housing market was good and people were putting a lot of money into their houses to fix it up for resale.  Now that the housing market has changed, before tackling any major work, it would be best to consult with a home stager and a Realtor first in order to determine the highest priority projects, establish a budget and set up a timeline for completion.  Things to consider completing now:
  • Switch all dated overhead lighting out for new, simple, oil-rubbed bronze or nickel lighting.
  • All walls should be newly painted with calming, neutral colors.
  • Consider removing any wallpaper older than 3 years.
  • Consider updating bathroom/kitchen fixtures to oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel if there is any corrosion whatsoever.  Tile that is neutral can be left if in good condition.  Call me if you want to learn about an inexpensive way to cover up ugly tile.
  • Declutter, declutter, declutter - all personal memorabilia and photos should be removed.
  • Kitchen counter tops do NOT have to be granite, updated Formica or Corian are definitely viable and budget-friendly options.
  • Think of your favorite hotel - this is what your home should feel like to any prospective buyer.

Are you planning to stay for more than 5 years?

Consider hiring an architect and/or general contractor on an hourly basis to be your "Remodeling Coach".  Due to their expertise, they can help you decide if the work you are desiring is within your budget, what timeframe would work best, what projects should be bundled for cost savings and what can or can't be done by you as the homeowner.  Remember to consult with an interior decorator before any project begins so that furniture placement, complementary materials and colors, and the use of your space are all taken into consideration ahead of time.

Contact me for a list of reputable Realtors, architects and contractors who would be interested in helping you determine your next steps.
Quick Decorating Tip - Master Bedroom Furniture Options
master bedroom
With the inclusion of master closets in many new homes today, the need for a dresser has started to become obsolete.  So, what to put in that corner?  Consider the following options:
  • A small writing desk (big enough to fit a laptop if needed) - I know some people say to keep computers and anything work related out of the bedroom, but who are we kidding here?  Work needs to happen at all hours of the day in this fast paced world.
  • A lounge chair for your clothes (truly!) or to cuddle with the kids for storytime (for this second option, consider a chair-and-a-half, a chaise lounge or a settee).
  • A bookcase - with lots of reading happening before bed, what better place to house your books but in the bedroom?  Just make sure you keep the bookcase well organized and mix the books with ample accessories so that it doesn't look cluttered.
Above, my master bedroom corner is filled with a clearanced Pier 1 console table, an antique caned dining chair, accessories from antique shops and home stores and a gilded mirror from the sample sale at IMS.  Custom silk/linen stationary panels complete the look.  Although I don't use the console as a writing desk, I like the way the chair adds dimension to the grouping.
Save on Hunter Douglas Blinds and Shades now through 8/31!
hunter douglas duette architellaReceive $25 - $200 in rebates for select purchases of Hunter Douglas Duette Architella Collection, Palm Beach Shutters, NewStyle Hybrid Shutters, Vignette Roman Shades, Silhouettes, Heritance Hardwood Shutters, Luminette Privacy Sheers, Duette Honeycomb Shades with Vertiglide or Duolite and Skyline Skylight Window Panels. 

Rebates are available through 8/31.  Contact me today for more details.
Embellishments Design Studio provides interior decorating, space planning and color consultations, as well as custom window treatment designs and staging services so that you can transform the house you live in into the home you love!
Sincerely,
Jane-Marie Bloomberg
Embellishments Design Studio