According to Houzz, a site dedicated to everything home, with 3 million residential construction and design professionals in its community. The focus will be on how to reinvent the space you are in. Here are six trends that can improve your wellbeing, productivity, and overall home aesthetic in the new year.

1. Black for the Dramatic Effect: If you want to create an intimate environment a darker colorway is a sure bet. Whether the selection is a dark grey, midnight blue or a soft black these color options are ideal for creating an environment that is moody yet, sophisticated. According to com contrary to many beliefs people feel safe and comfortable surrounded by dark colors, creating the ideal environment for peace, solitude and restful sleep.

2. Soft Neutrals: There will be a shift from stark white and cool grey which have been trending for a few years now, moving towards warmer neutrals such as soft beige and creamy off-whites. Previously used first only in kitchens, neutrals are now migrating throughout the home to offer a calmer, more welcoming monochromatic environment.

3. Wellness in Showers: The removal of tubs and the addition of a large spa-inspired performance shower allows for relaxation and rejuvenation after a long day. With the incorporation of the larger shower there is ample space for three zones—one for each person sharing the space and a shared zone. Also, an enhanced shower offers features such as steam, body sprays, and multiple additional water features such as rain and handheld showerhead experiences all within the comforts of home.

4. Nature-Inspired Interiors: Adding biophilia within your home is not only a trend, but also a way to bring the outdoors in. Nature-inspired elements including potted plants, trees or living walls not only improve personal well-being, but purifies air and provides a sense of peace. The major goal of biophilic design is to increase connectivity to natural elements through the direct and indirect use of nature.

5. Permanent Home Office: With flexible schedules and remote work options here to stay, the home office is becoming a permanent fixture within most home designs. The standard size for a dedicated home office is between 70-150sqft. and a must have to handle business around the clock. Furniture and décor for this space will continue to expand and will have a residential yet functional flare. In 2024 you can look forward to bespoke lighting, cooler affordable office chairs, desks scaled for smaller spaces, more integrated power in furniture for use of multiple electronics to make interiors stand out and fit every need for work and play.

6. Curvilinear Seating: As we progress into 2024 you will see Designers choosing curvilinearfurnishings vs. straight-lined  Whether it’s a table, mirror, or a sofa curvaceous furniture offers a bit of drama and is ideal for spaces designed for relaxation and lounging. Curved elements are found in nature and just feel right aesthetically and holistically- offering comfort, visual appeal and timeless style.

It’s time to bid farewell to 2023 and usher in the New Year. Your home is your sanctuary and take some risks, but regardless of trends always stay true to your design preferences when it comes to how you approach your space. Proceed slowly with the understanding that most decisions can be undone. Happy holidays and home transformation in 2024!

The post Design Trends to Keep An Eye On In 2024 appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

Seven tips on how to decorate for the Holidays like an Interior Designer

1. Start early but decorate slowly. If your plan is to host Thanksgiving, there is nothing better than having some festive ambiance to kick off the holidays the right way! Decorating in November will also help you pace yourself, so you get the most out of your decorations for the entire season. If you have an artificial tree, put it on display but only with white twinkling lights then layer in décor that inspires the seasonality of fall, such as pinecones, branches, etc. This will keep your space neutral, but once Thanksgiving dinner is over and recuperation is under way- then start to layer in color, with ornaments, garland, accents pillows, and all the extras throughout your home!
2. Pick a holiday color scheme and/or theme and be consistent with it. A less is more approach is important here for a few reasons. By streamlining your color scheme, such as red, white and green then nail down a theme, you can stretch your décor throughout your home in several different spaces small and large for a cohesive unified decorative aesthetic. This also allows you to grow with your theme, family and friends will even gift you items around your theme and you can continually reuse your décor each year when and where you choose. If you love Dr. Suess and the Grinch character go in that direction and really exaggerate the look based on your budget. Use grinch stuffed animals, print quirky quotes from the movie to make ornaments and banners. Take the theme as far as you can to really make it impactful.

   

3. Create Vignettes throughout your home. A vignette is a small evocative illustration or special moment in time and space. A little can go a long way if you use what you have and are creative with the space you have. If you choose not to deck out your entire home, curate small moments in locations that will provide the most impact. For example, a collection of decorative colorful and sparkly Christmas ornaments in a large clear decorative bowl on a table or consider decorating a credenza at bottom of a stairway by covering the top with festive pillowy artificial snow and then nestling photos of friends and family in inexpensive frames in the same finish/color and style, add a few well-placed battery-operated candles for ambiance and voile you have a festive moment!

   

4. Use the Architectural features in your home to guide your decisions. If you have a two-story foyer, breathtaking staircase, beautiful archways, long exaggerated hallway, or large window these are picture perfect areas which are already beautiful year-round and when you add holiday flare now you have the perfect backdrop for any holiday décor that can be highlighted with white holiday lights, candles, ornaments, garland and poinsettias, etc.

   

5. Go BIG where it counts! Small decorative holiday vignettes are perfect on fireplace mantles and coffee tables, etc. but one large impactful moment is needed as an exclamation point within your home. In most instances this could be a Christmas tree located in an entry foyer, a large-scale nutcracker figurine in front of a picturesque window or consider a winter wonderland theme with a grouping of holiday trees of different sizes. Whatever your decision, make certain there is one large WOW moment and allow all the other décor to compliment it.

   

6. Let there be light! Putting the debate over white lights vs. colorful lights aside- regardless of your personal preference – be consistent as holiday lights are an inexpensive way to decorate almost any space for the holidays. Holiday lights create instant ambiance and add that magic twinkle needed for the holidays. Use bright or neon-colored lights to set the mood for any room in your home. LED lights with timers that slowly change color are also a great addition to locations such as trees and garlands, but also consider unpredictable locations such as an intentional tangled grouping of lights in an oversized clear glass vase on a dining table, your options are endless!

   

7. Seasonal objects can play double duty for the holidays. Pinecones and branches can take you from October to January and they are free, it just depends on how and where you place them. A little bit of time and sone creativity can take you a long way here. Consider spray painting pinecones in a light frost blue or any color of your choosing and string them up high along the perimeter of your living room walls for a contemporary rustic garland border. Repeat this in a few areas for consistency and intentionality.

   

Hopefully some of these tips will continue to inspire you all. Five stores I frequent when shopping for holiday décor include Home Goods, Frontgate, Big Lots, Dillards and Target. Don’t overthink things and decorate in a way that is suitable for your lifestyle. Remember the holidays are about abundance, abundance of friends, family, fun, good food and don’t forget great décor!

The post Home For The Holidays appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

• Boost moods, productivity, concentration, and creativity.
• Reduce stress and fatigue.
• Clean indoor air by absorbing toxins.
• Adds life to sterile spaces.
• Offer privacy/screening and reduce noise levels.
• Adds volume in larger spaces
• Provides vibrancy and texture

There is a plethora of reasons to add indoor plants and many options to choose from. When considering indoor plants for your home, here are three things to consider 1) your personal schedule for maintenance 2) the decorative container and 3) location, location, location.

The top five houseplants according to plant enthusiasts are:

1. Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree (Ficus Lyrata)

This shrub has long, elegant stem and branches with broad, leathery leaves.  To care of this plant, it requires direct sunlight. As the plant grows prune the top branches when it grows above the window frame. Water once a week, or more if it’s winter and the air in your home is dry.

2. Split-Leaf Philodendron (Monstera Deliciosa)

This plant has a distinctive leaf with a waxy shiny coat. Easily multipliable by clipping a leaf with the roots attached—and replant it, if you’d like. To care of this plant water once a week.

3. Meyer Lemon Tree (Citrus X Meyeri)

This tree is believed to be a hybrid of lemons and mandarin oranges and when they bloom you have a beautiful fragrance of citrus flowers. Meyer lemon trees do well indoors as long as they have lots of sun. To care for this tree water weekly.

4. Kentia Palm (Howea Forsteriana)

This plant can grow up to 10 feet, so it requires space. The fronds have a lot of texture and broad reach creating interesting shadows and a lot of shade beneath. Palms require medium to bright light and should be watered weekly.

5. Castiron Plant (Aspidistra Elatior)

This plant has a lot of foliage and adds a lush texture and dark green color to any space. It does well in medium to low light and is tolerant of neglect, so if you have a busy schedule, it’s fine if you forget to water it occasionally. To care for this plant water once every seven to ten days.

Now that I have provided some indoor plant options, hopefully you will consider adding a few botanicals in your home. Wondering where can you purchase houseplants- there are a variety of locations to consider, take a look at Yelo Aple an online place for “plant people”, there are of course big box stores such as Home Depot, Ikea and Lowes but for a more boutique experience that specializes in plant consulting, plant maintenance and styling consider a store that specifically sells household plants and accessories such as A Pot to Plant In, located in Smyrna. I was curious, so I stopped by, toured the store and met one of the Owners, Shana Sanders and asked a few questions.

What led to your decision to open a plant store?

Plants have always been a part of my past, my Mom is a Gardner and I was into flowers. When my Husband and I purchased a home, I used Instagram for furniture and plant inspiration for my decor- but found more of a connection with plants. In 2020, while at home during the Pandemic I did a lot of research and started connecting with other plant lovers and began consulting virtually on how to maintain, replant/repot plants. Though I enjoyed the virtual aspect, I saw a void in this space and my husband inspired me to move forward with a brick-and-mortar location and almost three years later the business has been constantly growing and is doing very well.

I have noticed indoor plants being integrated into so many interior spaces. Why do you think there has been a resurgence?

In 2020, people were home and wanted something to nurture, they were experiencing uncertainty, loss, and they were lonely and upset. This brought on stress in many- plants are nostalgic and provide a sense of calm. Also, people had the time and the money to spend. Plants really do make people happy.

What advice would you give to someone purchasing their first houseplant?

You must know what plants can survive in your environment. Do you have ample lighting, do you travel often, is your space humid or dry, do you have pets? These are important questions that we can help you with or you can do your own research online. There are plants that require a lot of attention and water and others that are low maintenance, but there is a plant for everyone.

Still in decision mode? Indoor plants can cost anywhere from approximately $24.00 for smaller tabletop options and upwards to $600 (not including the decorative container) for larger indoor plants or trees. Decorating with plants is an easy way to elevate, provide balance, harmony, texture and rhythm within your home that can last for years to come. If you’re still not convinced, consider giving a plant as a gift, for a baby shower, or instead of a housewarming have a plantwarming party to get you started on your journey of plant parenthood!

The post Integrating Flora and Fauna In Your Home Decor appeared first on The Bold Maven™️.

Whether it’s called a guest bathroom, half-bath or powder room, this functional space may be one of the most highly used spaces in any home by family, friends and visitors. And while it’s the most highly used space, the power room is also one of the smallest spaces in a home ranging from an average size 20 square feet, while older homes have some as small as 11 square feet.

Since the powder room is a smaller space, the amount of money budgeted to transform this room should not break the bank. Consider all or some of these design revisions:

• Paint a bold color for maximum impact
• Install decorative wallpaper
• Update floors with accent tile or LVT
• Replace lighting
• Add a new framed mirror vs. builder grade mirror
• Provide new vanity to increase storage while adding interest

Most powder rooms are the least customized space within a home, in many instances they have  basic builder’s grade fixtures and finishes installed because builder’s focus on kitchens – because kitchens sell homes. So, if you are on a budget start with this smaller space and infuse personality, while also coordinating your design ideas with the home’s overall architectural aesthetic. Modern homes should have a bathroom with modern undertones, but in more traditional designed homes, there can be more flexibility with the design ideas.

Wallpaper vs. Paint

Wallpaper, though a more permanent decision than paint is having a resurgence. Wallpaper is priced by square foot and prices vary based on manufacturer and requires installation.  Whether you select a whimsical floral scene, vertical stripes, a graphic print, or grass cloth for texture, wallpaper is a game changer and provides a lot of bang for your buck- elevating a boring bathroom space to an Instagram-able moment. If paint is the direction you choose, have fun with your color selection and be daring. For example, if you like red but would never use that color in your living or bedroom room use your powder room as an opportunity to showcase to use red. Also, when painting in any bathroom it is strongly suggested to use an eggshell finish, which is wipeable and cleanable.

Finish Selections

In bathrooms, finishes are used on faucets, drawer pulls, towel bars, light fixtures and mirror frames, etc. Finishes can vary from polished chrome, oil rubbed bronze to matte black and many variations in between. The most common used finishes are polished chrome and brushed nickel, which are perfectly fine and safe choices.  But if you decide to expand your choices, consider brushed bronze, or matte black. Finish selections can be used throughout the bathroom space and consider mixing finishes based on preference and design.

Final Touches

 Flooring, lighting, vanities and mirrors…every bathroom requires them, but what does yours say about your home and personality. In a powder room – space will always be an issue, but storage and style does not have to be compromised. Select vanity styles that provide drawers or shelves vs. pedestal style sinks. Make a reasonable investment here, a vanity should be considered as a long-term furniture selection. With flooring consider ceramic, porcelain or LVT (luxury vinyl tile) with interesting patterns and finally lighting should not only be functional but impactful with sconces, backlit mirror or recessed lighting as architecture and conditions permit.

A powder room is an opportunity to really infuse some whit & whimsy and inspire your guests visiting your home. Take chances, use unexpected color, add texture and personality without breaking the bank, this could be the start of something very beautiful!

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If you are considering buying or selling a home this year, the market activity has slowed down since last year and this should be no surprise to anyone with the current inflation fears and statistics. According to Freddie Mac a housing research and market leader, 18% say they are likely to buy a home in the next six months, while 16% say they are likely to sell their home in the next six months in comparison to 2021 and 2022 where the percentages of buyers and sellers was significantly higher. Due to this decline in the housing market, there will continue to be some hesitance with buyers and sellers. Homes spent an average 54 days on the market this year – which is an increase from 30 days in 2022. So, what can one do to stand out in an unsteady, uncertain market if you want or need to sell your home? Stage your home or hire someone to stage your home. Staging is about showcasing and engaging a “move-in ready” home that creates an emotional connection with the buyer to give you, the seller, that much needed advantage.

As a designer with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I have worked with Hyatt Hotels, Crowne Plaza and Hotel Indigo. Though I enjoy what I do, my other love is interior design consulting, which involves helping my clients make their spaces beautiful, no matter what their budget may be. I’m not here to tell you when to buy or sell your property, but I will tell you that no matter when you decide to make this important decision, it is imperative that you invest funds to stage your home. If not, you will leave potential earnings on the table!

What is home staging? As defined by Google, the goal of staging is to make a home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers, thereby selling a property more swiftly and for more money. While there are many books available titled the Secrets to Home Staging, Home Staging for Dummies and, of course, design shows dedicated to this specific niche such as, The Stagers, Designed to Sell and Unsellable Houses. While they are all great, who has time to read a ‘how to’ book or watch a series of shows when your realtor can give you 3 to 4 weeks to get your home showroom ready to sell? Not many, so don’t panic!

Here’s how an Interior Designer can help You. 

Hiring a home designer, whether the project is a major gut renovation, single room transformation, or in this instance, home staging – a designer can be a good investment. A designer’s biggest asset is taking a specific budget, large or small, and bringing a clients’ design vision to life. Rates can vary depending on the scope of the project but typically a flat fee or hourly rate per space or the entire project can be negotiated; excluding costs for any materials, finishes and furniture. Another bonus is that your designer will bring their own resources, such as a contractor, electrician, painters, etc., so you do not have to do the vetting while they manage the project, handle the scheduling and budget which allows you to focus on more important aspects of your life. When assisting you with getting your home ready to go on the market, your designer should create a design plan. In the hospitality industry, we call this a property improvement plan, also known as a PIP.

Ready, Set, Go!

A property improvement plan is a combination of three guiding directives. The first, should be absolute requirements, such as a wobbly deck in need of repair or missing handles on your kitchen cabinets. These items must be listed within this plan as they fall under safety and aesthetics. Second, are items requiring replacement or repair due to extreme wear and tear, which most of us have and are usually the biggest deterrent in a buyer making an offer. For example, a broken or missing window shutter, a fresh paint scheme on stained walls in high traffic areas, and soiled carpet. The third, and final, element of an ideal PIP is the transformative layer – or the wish list items, which can include anything from adding a new entry door for a stunning first impression, new floor tile to freshen up a boring bathroom, a decorative light fixture in a foyer to draw attention to a two story entryway, or just adding some accessories or appropriately scaled furniture to show the true functionality of a room. Remember, every potential buyer is visually taking inventory and silently deducting money from your asking price before they make it to the elevator or down your driveway. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) states that the longer a property sits on the market, the less it ultimately sells for. The same research shows that staging a stagnant home currently listed makes it sell up to 73% faster. Your designer will help you genuinely assess your home as any potential buyer will be doing and write and execute a plan to ensure you yield the highest return on your investment!

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