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Reduce Clutter In Your Home By Creating A Drop Zone

You may have seen our recent blog on choosing a front door, but what happens once you walk through that carefully selected front door? Do you trip over your child’s shoes? Are you carrying multiple bags, keys, drinks, sunglasses, and mail? Where does everything go once you cross the threshold of your home? For many of us, it winds up scattered throughout multiple rooms.

Struggling to find your keys or an important bill that got tossed with the junk mail?

If you’re dealing with general disorganization, have you considered creating a drop zone in your home’s entryway or another location in your house? Maybe you’ve seen some of the new mudrooms that are popular. These spaces often contain a large wall of custom cabinetry, with individual cubbies for each family member to store shoes, coats, backpacks, or purses. Often there’s a padded bench for removing or putting on shoes. These spaces are convenient, ergonomic, and help a household stay organized. But even if you do not have a mudroom, a drop zone can help you stay organized.

Here are some solutions for your storage woes…

If you have an awkward coat closet, it can be opened up and made into a drop zone. Rather than a closed coat closet where it’s challenging to find what you’re looking for, imagine a shallow nook for a built-in bench with storage drawers. Hooks and containers installed into the back of the bench can hold bags, coats, keys, or mail. If you do not want all of these items stored in sight, consider installing a pocket door or other type of doorway.

In addition to coat closets, another underused space is the area beneath a stairway. There may be a deep closet that’s dark and annoying to access, or it may just be empty space. Why not have custom cabinetry installed? This attractive cabinetry by Wellborn conceals hats, scarves, and even unused throw pillows for the sofa. Not only will finding things get easier, but you can reduce clutter and close the doors of the cabinets, creating a tidy, streamlined look.  

Get Creative: Remember Customization is Key

A drop zone works well in an entryway or stairway, but it can really go wherever you have additional, unused, space, or where you naturally unload what you’re carrying. For families with a very hectic schedule, a dry erase calendar or black board can be a great way to keep track of activities or chores for the household. Cubbies or storage shelves can hold various activity bags; for example, a bag for a day at the beach or pool, or a scouting bag. When you’re rushing out the door you can see where you’re headed written on your board, and have what you need to take with you conveniently accessible.

Looking for Remodeling?

Whether you plan on having a drop zone created as part of a larger remodeling project, or you want to set a simple one up yourself, it’s not only a fantastic way to get and stay organized, it’s an opportunity to use your creativity by customizing a small space in your home. Not to mention, you can help establish good habits in kids or grandkids by teaching them to put away their things!

Are you looking for a remodeler? If you are interested in starting now contact us today to discuss your next home remodeling project.

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Which Countertop Material Best Fits Your New Kitchen?

Cahaba Heights kitchen remodeled with marble countertops

We used classic marble countertops in this modern farmhouse kitchen.

If you are in the process of planning for a kitchen remodel, you will have dozens of decisions to make about your remodeled space; from appliances to flooring, cabinetry, and other details. You should also consider your home’s design style. There is, however, one question that can be surprisingly overlooked: how do you pick the perfect countertops for your kitchen? It may seem like an easy choice based on budget, trends, and aesthetics, but careful thought should go into this feature of your new kitchen! Depending on your family’s habits, cooking style, and level of commitment to a recommended maintenance protocol, you want to be careful about what material you select. Durability, including stain, scratch, and water resistance, is an important factor to consider when deciding what type of countertop to choose. After all, your countertops are not replaced very often.

Natural, Composites, Sustainable, and High-Maintenance Options

Quartz countertops are made with a composite of quartz along with resins and polymers. Quartz is extremely popular, partly due to its durability. Quartz is more popular than granite but can be pricier. Even though quartz is scratch, chip, and bacteria-resistant, it may not hold up as well to heat as granite. Quartz is low maintenance and does not require any sealing. Sounds perfect, right? But Quartz has disadvantages too, like its high price point! Also, the sun can cause discoloration in the resins used in quartz countertops over time.

Granite is still coveted by many for countertops. Some sources say granite is beginning to look dated after dominating kitchens for 20 years, but many people still seem to love the look and durability of granite. Because it is a natural stone, there can be many variations. Unlike quartz, which is a composite, granite is natural stone and requires periodic sealing. While granite holds up well to heat and is quite durable, it is not impervious to damages, and it is pricier than many countertop materials.

Marble is a beautiful surface for a countertop, but it is highly porous, susceptible to scratches, and requires frequent sealing. Marble is fairly heat resistant but not heatproof. It is such a sensitive material that it is even susceptible to water staining. With its high cost, it may cause too much anxiety for homeowners with children or those who are rough on their countertops.

Soapstone is another, softer, natural stone countertop that some people prefer. While it requires no sealing, it does become patinaed over time (which some people appreciate). To maintain an even tone, it can be oiled. Soapstone is soft, so blemishes can be sanded out.  

Butcher block countertops appeal to some homeowners. Not only is the look of butcher block warm and earthy, but the utility of these countertops is desirable—Yes: you can use unsealed butcher’s block as a chopping block! The maintenance for butcher block can be quite high, but unlike quartz and granite, flaws can be sanded away prior to oiling.

Recycled glass countertops are a sustainable choice. Made from crushed recycled glass in either cement or acrylic, these surfaces are scratch, heat, stain, fade, and chip resistant, but they may break under heavy weight. The acrylic used in glass countertops is vulnerable to degradation from acids like citrus and vinegar as well. Glass has a similar, if not slightly higher, price point as granite or quartz.  

Paper composite countertops are another sustainable material made from post-consumer paper and resins. The surface is naturally resistant to mold and bacteria. Paper composite countertops have a look that resembles soapstone. The surface requires periodic sealing and is heat resistant up to 350 degrees.

Laminate and tile are both less expensive options for homeowners on a budget. Tile can result in uneven work surfaces, and also if the grout is not properly maintained it can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Laminate is a countertop that is sometimes not ideal for resale value, and it is not as long lasting as most countertops. But the material is available in a huge variety of colors. Laminate is not as heat, scratch, or crack resistant as natural stone or composites.

If you are feeling inspired about getting a brand-new kitchen, contact us today! We can answer your kitchen remodeling questions and arrange for a consultation for your remodeling project. View our kitchen remodeling portfolio and get a glimpse of our work.

Trussville AL kitchen remodel with light quartz countertops and grey cabinets

We used quartz countertops in this contemporary kitchen design.

Remodeled kitchen in Edgewood with large, eat-at island

We used dark granite in this Tuscan style kitchen remodel.

This black soapstone by Silestone looks like velvet.

Formica has beautiful laminate options.

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How To Bring The Outdoors Inside

Views, Materials, Objects, & Colors From Nature

In our 2019, Gold Award-winning, Parade Home, we made an effort to bring the outdoors inside with a glass wall from Western Window Systems.

One of the most popular design trends of 2019 is bringing the outdoors inside. This means an abundance of fresh air, greenery, natural textures, and colors. There are many ways to incorporate this trend into your next remodeling project. Creating an open concept helps make a space feel light and airy due to having mainly exterior-facing walls rather than interior, windowless, walls.

One of the best ways to bring the outdoors inside is maximizing your yard or outdoor space by having large windows, glass walls, or disappearing glass doors installed in your main living space. Depending on your view, you may have a breathtaking backdrop already, but even if all you have is a patio, you can place an array of plants, in attractive planters, outside near a glass wall or door.

Using the same materials in your indoor and outdoor spaces is another way the design of your space maintains a cohesive flow between the indoors and outside spaces. Use wooden beams, stone walls, and locally-sourced materials. Reflect similar colors and shapes indoors from the landscape, or home’s exterior, to effectively merge the indoors and outdoors together. Having high quality furnishings outside is one way to ease the transition from your home to your outdoor living space. Many patios and decks have elaborate heating systems or fireplaces so the space is useable year-round.

Houseplants are often a big part of achieving the look of bringing the outdoors in, but what if you have no aptitude for plant care? There are other ways to express love of nature and continuity with the flow from a room to the outdoors. You can opt for cut flowers, dried flowers, or other natural materials. Large minerals, seashells, or gemstones are wonderful natural objects that can be used in a number of decorative ways. You can use prints of plant life, wallpaper, or nature-themed artwork on the walls.       

We chose a soothing, neutral backdrop, and some indoor greenery for this relaxing space.

Wall color selection is important. Whether you select a lovely shade of green or brown occurring in nature, or bold yellows or oranges, these colors will make a space seem lively. You can pair earthy or bright colors with white or another neutral color as accent walls, or you can use colorful furnishings and accessories while opting for more neutral walls and furnishings. Furniture and accessories made of jute, wicker, rattan, and woven materials are currently trending. Choose textiles in natural fabrics, like cotton, linen, hemp, or raw silk. Or try small sections of animal print, leather, or fake furs in a room.

Whatever your style, from eclectic to traditional, any look will benefit from being paired with the trend of bringing the outdoors in. Mixing and layering various styles is also another popular interior design trend right now, and nature goes with everything. Even the most modern, streamlined room will look stunning with nature pulled in as a living element.

ELM Construction is here to make your remodeling dreams a reality. If you are ready to get started, contact us today.

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The Doorway To Style: Choosing The Perfect Front Door

The first thing people see when they come to your house is your front door. Don’t neglect this aspect of your home’s first impression! Think of how you feel coming home after a long day; does your front door make you feel welcomed? Having a damaged, improperly installed, or worn-out front door can also be a source of energy waste. Once the seal of a door is broken, air escapes both out of and into, cracks around the door. Do you really want to heat and cool the outdoors? Or invite insect pests into your home? How do you select a front door when there are so many styles, options, and materials to choose from?

First of all, consider your home’s architecture. Putting an industrial-style door onto a traditional-style house could create a disjointed feel. How much space do you have? If you want side windows, you'll need to confirm you have space to accommodate them and center your door. Symmetry in front entrances is appealing to the eye. A front doorway needs to look proportional both to the home and the porch if there is one. Is the door protected beneath an overhang or a porch or exposed to the elements? These questions should factor into your decision-making process. Once you decide the type of door there are a variety of materials to choose from.

Material Options for Your Front Door

Steel- Usually the most economical option, but it can be dented if you’re not careful (although it can be repaired in most cases). Also, may not be very energy efficient due to conducting heat and can be susceptible to rusting.

Fiberglass- Versatile looks, weather-resistant, and energy-efficient but more expensive than some options.

Wood- Customizable with windows, has a classic look but does not stand up as well to the elements as well as fiberglass or steel (can swell and buckle with moisture and needs more maintenance).

Glass- Lets in a lot of light but cuts down on privacy and efficiency.

Choose a Welcoming and Cohesive Paint Color 

When it comes to selecting a color for your front door, there are several details to consider. What color is your home and are you planning on keeping your house the same color, or a similar shade, in the near future? Consider the color on the siding or brick, shutters, trim, and roof of your home. Most people want to create a nice contrast. A bright pop of color at the front door tends to make people feel welcome. You may even want to consider the landscaping near the entrance of your home. If you have red flowering plants nearby, would it be too monotone to have a red front door as well? If you get a lot of sun exposure at your home’s entrance you may not want to choose a dark color for your front door. 

Hardware and Tech

The hardware you select for your front door needs to have aesthetic cohesiveness with the rest of the entryway. Also, keep the security features of your hardware in mind. Once more, your choice should accentuate your home’s style. There are many metal finishes to choose from, such as brass, oil rubbed bronze, nickel, stainless steel, bronze, or wrought iron.

Of course, the hardware and the door should be complementary to one another. Deadbolts are safe locks, but now you can choose electronic keypad locks. Keypad locks are perfect for allowing family members access to your home when you’re not there. The fear of losing your keys and getting locked out of your house will also be a thing of the past.

If you invest in the newest smart technology for your front entrance you can use Bluetooth recognition. Imagine walking up to your home and just opening your front door with no key required? There is even an option for programming codes to work during certain hours. You can even have your system email you when someone accesses your home.  

Whether you can’t wait to select your new front door, or you’re overwhelmed at choosing from so many options, ELM Construction is here for you! Contact us today for a free estimate on your next remodeling project: Contact Us

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Creative Storage Solutions: Minimalism Behind The Scenes

Base kitchen cabinet with a pull-out organizer that is hidden from site until needed

Do you love the minimalist look but struggle to achieve it in your own home? Kitchens, laundry rooms, and bathrooms are high-traffic parts of your home. The newest storage trends keep these well-used spaces streamlined. Perfection is not as effortless as it may appear; there’s a lot going on behind the scenes to achieve organization and clutter-free surfaces!

The Newest Kitchens Cater to Cleanliness

One of the latest kitchen design trends eschews upper cabinets in favor of below-counter storage. Floating shelves, stone sills, and cabinets without doors are popular but are often staged like displays. On the one hand, it can be a headache to keep open shelving looking picture-perfect and free of dust, but everything is in sight and within reach. Many homeowners install customized drawers and cabinets below their countertops. Under-counter storage is ideal for storing dishes, cookware, and food. Drawers with pegs keep plates and bowls stable in drawers to avoid breakage. Adjustable dividers, in deep drawers, allow you to customize compartments for individual items.

Of course, pull-out trash cans and recycling bins are still more popular than ever. Tall roll-out cabinets are perfect for storing utensils upright, or taller items, like canisters of flour or bottles of oil. Your countertops will stay clear because you have a space to store everything. You are also less likely to misplace perishables. Walk-in pantries are trending but if you don’t have the space, roll-out pantry cabinetry works. Roll-out cabinets allow you to see all the way to the back of the cabinet. Losing food items on a crowded pantry shelf is one wasteful occurrence that happens due to out-of-date storage options.

Kitchen base cabinet drawer for storing dishes and cookware
Roll-out trashcan storage for an organized kitchen

Up-to-date, Organized Laundry Rooms and Bathrooms

Some older homes only have washer/dryer connections in the kitchen, creating an eyesore. We thought an ingenious solution was installing a pair of custom cabinets, disguising a washer and dryer in our client’s kitchen. Remodeled laundry rooms boast custom storage options like fold-out ironing boards, tilt-out hampers, drying racks, or drying closets. Basic cabinetry for storing cleaning products has become elaborate and spacious. Linen closets or storage cubbies for individual family members are now widely available in the laundry room.

To keep bathrooms organized vanity drawers are becoming deeper and more plentiful. Many bathroom drawers also have dividers. Some bathrooms have specialized drawers with heat-resistant holders for hair tools! Separate, freestanding shelving is also popular. Built-in niches keep showers free of shelving units, which can rust and collect a layer of soap scum. Shower niches tucked out of sight from the bathroom’s entryway, or played up with elaborate tile, are attractive choices.

Because people are so busy these days, design trends must serve double duty. Not only are the newest designs beautiful, but they are almost guaranteed to make your life easier. Wiping down your countertops is much easier if you aren’t moving several gadgets with no dedicated home. Cleaning your shower is faster when you don’t have to remove a ton of products to scrub a metal shower shelf.

If you want to remodel your home and would like to discuss any of these trending options or others, contact ELM today. We have a creative solution for all your storage challenges!

Washer and dryer hidden in base cabinets behind doors in newly remodeled kitchen

ELM Kitchen Renovation including washer & dryer

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The Hottest, Cool To The Touch, Trend

Induction cooktops are one of the newest trends in cooktops and ranges; they have the same sleek, surface as most glass or ceramic electric cooktops, but they use an electromagnetic coil beneath a glass surface. Selecting a cooktop is a personal choice reflecting your individual preferences and cooking habits. You may not want to choose an induction cooktop solely because it is the newest technology but instead weigh whether it fits your cooking needs. If you enjoy cooking on gas and a gas connection is unavailable, induction cooking gives similar temperature control. Here are some of the biggest selling points and some of the idiosyncrasies of induction cooktops.

Clean and Efficient

The metal from the bottom of the pan interacts with a coil below the cooktop’s surface, heating only the pan, saving energy in the process. Because the pan alone is heated during cooking, energy is not wasted, your kitchen will not warm up, nor will the cooktop retain heat, potentially burning someone or causing any spills to scorch onto the glass. You can even place a piece of newspaper between the cookware and cooking surface to catch spatter, then just toss the paper out when you are done cooking.

Speed and Responsiveness

The speed of induction cooktops is a selling point for some cooks; however, even though water boils more quickly using induction, it is only by a few minutes, but every minute does count in our hectic day to day lives! 

Much like gas burners, induction burners cool down quickly when the temperature is lowered. Most cooks appreciate the ability to make immediate adjustments to their cooking temperature, and fine tuning is more difficult on an electric range. 

Details of this New Technology    

One noteworthy detail of using this new cooking technology, is that you will need cookware receptive to magnetization, such as cast iron and some stainless options. Nowadays, most cookware is induction compatible. You can test the bottom of your cookware using a magnet.   

Induction burners do not have a glow the way electric burners do. Some cooks find this lack of visual representation to be a slight hindrance; for this reason, some brands have made induction cooktops that use LED lights on the burners or on the stove’s knobs.   

One safety feature of induction cooktops is that they will not heat up when turned on unless there is an induction compatible pan on the burner. Although the surface of an induction cooktop does not heat up the way that electric cooktops do, some heat may be transferred to the cooktop’s surface from the bottom of the pan. While the cooktop may retain some heat passed from the pan, it will cool down quickly. 

The technology of induction cooking is not available in ovens, so if you purchase a range with an induction cooktop, it generally comes with a standard or convection oven.

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Silver Lining In A Dark Cloud: Remodeling After A Fire

At one moment everything's normal. A couple of hours later your life has been turned upside down. When a house fire occurs everything happens so quickly—and it's not until later that you begin to understand the full extent of how this event will affect your life. 

If you are fortunate to have the fire contained to one portion of the house, as it was with the residence pictured here, you may think that it's going to be a simple repair. It rarely is. Even though the actual fire damage may be contained, the heat and smoke from the fire have likely travelled further than you think and very possibly have caused damages that aren't readily apparent to an untrained eye. Then add to it water damage coming from efforts to put out the fire. Again, there is what you see—and what you don't see. Water coming from a fire hose soaks into walls where it collects and sits. Water trapped in the walls becomes an ideal breeding ground for mold and can pose a significant health hazard. 

The Fire Restoration Process

Before your life can return to normal, all of this needs to be taken care of by professionals who thoroughly understand what they are dealing with and how it can be remedied in a way that won't come back to haunt you later. It is likely to take longer than you would initially expect, and the process is much more complex than a normal remodel. 

  • First, the damage needs to be properly remediated. 

  • Second, insurance companies are involved. The needs of the insurance claims adjustor must be addressed appropriately, so that you get the full value of what your house was insured for. 

  • Third, when walls are ripped out because of the fire and water damage, the house then needs to be put back a little differently in order to satisfy current building codes. It's not everyone who can navigate these complexities.

Finding the Silver Lining: People and New Possibilities 

Along with these difficulties come a few bright spots. During the experience you are likely to meet some wonderful human beings—be it the first responders who come to the fire, or the various professionals who help and guide you through the process of restoration.  Also, if you have been thinking about remodeling your home anyway, now is a great time to add those elements to the restoration. While your house is already torn apart, and you may be living somewhere else, it's much easier and more cost-effective to go ahead and add on those upgrades you have always dreamed about adding. 

The homeowners in the situation pictured here took advantage of the tragedy and undertook a full house remodel along with the repair of the fire damage. The project included a new layout for the main floor and an updated modern style in the interior and exterior. 

The all white kitchen, a different stain to the hardwoods, and the metal railings of the staircase all contributed to a modern atmosphere. The large living room windows and the kitchen opening up to the new deck extended the room to the outside. The open floor plan wrapping around the chimney created a main floor with lots of space. The bedrooms kept their floor space, but were repainted and finished. The main bathroom was updated with new tile, and an updated shower. The basement was refinished to match the rest of the house, and will be used for storage and an entertainment area. The entire house now has the clean modern style the homeowners desired and a repaired version of its old self.

Design Solutions

In the end, the demolition and fire damage were not the most difficult part of the project: Figuring out where the staircase needed to go was the biggest challenge. We were able to provide a unique solution to this issue. The homeowners and the project manager decided that up against the back wall would be the best option for optimizing space, and for the safety of the staircase. The couches in the living room back up to the metal rails, complimenting the transition from the kitchen to the living room, and then to the basement. The stairs match the kitchen well, and the metal handrails catch your eye when you turn around the corner from the kitchen. 

We at ELM Construction were happy to help navigate with this family through the difficulties faced in the aftermath of their home’s fire. Helping get them into the home they had always dreamed about was an unexpected silver lining for the family. We hope you never face this situation. But if you do, realize that we are there to help you get through the difficulty and into a better place with your lives and with your home.

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Remodeling? Why Not Pamper Deserving Pets?

Are you planning to remodel your home? Why not include modifications for your four-legged family members? Adding pet built-ins into a kitchen remodel or another area of the home is easier than you think. After all, pets do a lot for their human families; they give comic relief with silly antics, convince us to exercise when we are feeling sluggish, and they always seem to know when we need quiet companionship. They deserve to have spaces enhancing the comfort and quality of their lives just like we do. 

Nooks for Privacy

If space is an issue in your home, consider the double-duty of a window seat with a built-in crate tucked beneath it for your pet, or a litter box nook that prevents litter tracking and masks odors. Most pets prefer to have spaces in the home where they can have privacy, especially if there are small children or younger pets that pester them. A perfect—often-unutilized—space is the area underneath your home’s staircase; this space can be modified to include a kennel, nook, litter room, or even a cat staircase!  

Hidden for Freshness: Feeding Stations

You can use custom cabinetry for food storage, which is classier than having a sack of pet food propped in a corner or stored in closet where it may be vulnerable to insects. Keep dog and cat food dishes in your pet’s customized nook, although not too close to your cat’s litter box! Food dishes can also be stowed away in custom designed drawers in a kitchen or laundry room or hidden in other parts of the home. 

Feeding stations are great options for pet owners who prepare their pet’s food fresh daily. The convenience of having food bowls tucked into a kitchen drawer makes choosing fresh feeding options far more appealing. It is also a perfect solution for owners of multiple pets who may exhibit aggression over food. Whether you have a dog that likes to eat the cat’s food, or dogs fighting over their food, separate feeding stations can be a wonderful option for keeping the peace. 

One detail to note is that fresh water should always be accessible for your pets!    

A Cozy Out of the Way Spot

Since your pet may get underfoot in the kitchen anyway, why not build them an under counter bed? You can either have it lifted off of the ground on a platform or placed directly onto the floor. A plush bed to fit the nook can be custom sewn. If you are experienced at sewing it can be a fun DIY project to complete at home. Foams and water-resistant battings are available at fabric shops. It can be enjoyable selecting the fabric patterns and textures you prefer. Just make sure fabric is stain resistant and washable and that you measure the space beforehand. You also want to include a zipper so that the bedcover can be removed for washing. 

If you are considering any home remodeling projects, take the time to consider every member of the family’s usability and comfort level of the new space, even your furry family members!

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Using Colors, Patterns, And Textures To Make Your Room Pop!

What makes a room pop? Is it the color on the walls or the patterns of the fabrics? Or is it a perceived texture in the space? If your room has all of the essentials and yet you still feel like it lacks interest, incorporating one or more of these options can add definition to a room. Utilizing colors and textures helps define parameters in a room and sets the overall tone for an individual space. 

Planning Flow with Color Schemes

Color schemes can be used throughout your home to tie rooms together, especially adjoining rooms like a kitchen and dining room. Varying color schemes can be used to separate specific spaces without walls, like a living room and office space. Some people find that choosing a color scheme can be overwhelming, but there is one simple method you can use to start the process: First, use the darker color values along the flooring, then graduate to medium colors for the walls, shifting to lighter color values for everything at eye-level and above. This is a basic formula for replicating the natural world inside your home, as we typically walk on darker colors, live in the middle to medium tones, and look up at the lighter sky! 

You can merge one space with another by carrying over a single coordinating color as an accent color that is used more dominantly in the first space, tying the two rooms together. You can also continue the same color scheme from one space into the next, but switch patterns, giving the rooms a subtle differentiation. You can use the classic color wheel as inspiration to find complimentary corresponding colors. Whether you lean more toward a warm or cool color palette, a color wheel is a great tool for selecting a color scheme for both casual and formal spaces. 

Modern Mix and Match

Patterns can bring a room alive! In the past, rooms usually consisted of one pattern. Living room curtain patterns matched the lampshades, which matched the couch, which matched the pillows, which matched whatever else had a pattern in the room. But now the goal of using a pattern is to complement and coordinate with the mood you want in your space. So take some time to consider what type of feeling you want your space to convey. Do you want a floral French countryside feeling? Or more of an earthy feel with rich jewel tones? Do you want a modern, cool aesthetic? Or are you picturing a preppy, Nantucket type of atmosphere? The options are endless when choosing what overall style is best for a room, and that gives you the choice of using multiple patterns in your room. Dissimilar patterns can complement one another if they consist of the same hues; just make sure to add an occasional solid piece to give your eyes a break from the continuity of patterns. 

Textures for Interest

Textures are also a great way to add depth and feeling into your home. Options range from architectural elements such as crown molding or chair rails, to furniture, décor items, or various floor and wall coverings. You may find an imperfection in your room that you want to mask, and by adding texture to that area you can conceal flaws, and no one will be the wiser. Textured walls in the kitchen, such as a backsplash, can give either a large or subtle pop to your space. While a patterned wall tapestry can draw attention as the focal point in your living room. 

So whether you want to add visual weight to your room, or provide a balance between your color palettes by adding a bit of texture or a pop of color, you can instantly transform an area, ultimately transforming a well-designed house into the perfect home. 

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