What's Outside is Important too!!
As a design firm hired mostly for inside projects, we cannot forget that guests' first impression of your home is more
than
just interior design. The condition and look of your front lawn sets the tone for the look of the house. Curb appeal is an important component of selling a house, but should always be a priority for home owners welcoming guests.
Does your front door
serve as a warm, inviting area for guests or an abandoned space adorned with cobwebs and dirt? The front door area is a place to expose guests to not just the quality of your decor, but the level of care you provide the house. Be sure to clean your front entrance, update pots with seasonal plants, stain or paint the front door a color that reflects your personality. Stained glass doors with stained glass sidelights are a thing of the past, (sorry, I know this may touch a few nerves...but you want truth, right?), and we are now using the sidelight space to install double doors. Does your door mat need replacing? I love playful mats, but serious and pretty may be a
little more a
ppropriate for your style. Finally, examine your
outdoor lighting. Is it still builder grade scroll lighting? There are so many beautiful cleaned lined lanterns available for a fresh new look.
A bit of maintenance and care goes a long way. Clean the gutters, pressure wash the house, sidewalk and driveway. Fresh p
inestraw tells guests that your home is loved and cared for.
Let's talk shutters. Typically, they no longer serve a function and are just decorative. Are yours crooked or dull? Try a
fresh coat of paint to enhance the look.
Do they need to be upgraded to wood (or high end composite) vs vinyl or style changed to board and batten? Shutters can be a huge area of improvement to the exterior of your house.
Is your home's trim still painted builder white? There are so many shades of white available to you, but often times there is very little thought when it comes to choosing white paint. If your home is brick, looking at the grout is a good starting point. For those who have always wanted a
white house, there are several options to paint brick white. Investigate wisely. This is a big commitment but pays off well if done correctly.
Hiring an experienced design firm to help with selecting paint colors is a wise investment. Designers are always aware of the latest trends and are constantly evolving their ideas.
The
days of painting your trim dark are long gone and unless you're in a lake or mountain house, it is probably time to lighten up.
We are so passionate about using your time to extend your living to the outdoors. Whether it's a low country boil on the back patio (see last newsletter), a romantic dinner al fresco with a loved one, or a cup of coffee on a screened porch, outside living expands the living spaces of your home and allows you to enjoy nature while remaining cozy and comfortable. Kat Nelson Designs is here to assist you with all your home needs and is not
just
limited to the indoors.