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The Case of the Poorly Picked Paint Color
Join me as I solve the case of the Poorly Picked Paint Color
Today’s post is about a home seller that consulted a fellow Home Stager to prepare their home for sale. The stager recommended they paint their home a popular shade of white by Sherwin Williams.(Shoji White)
Shoji White -
Sherwin Williams Shoji White.
Instead of heading to a Sherwin Williams store, they headed to a big box home improvement store, thinking they’d save a few bucks and had the paint person pick the paint color instead. The result was a yellow which they then promptly painted their home in.
Whether a homeowner is preparing their place to sell, or updating your home paint is the least expensive, but most effective improvement you can make. Today, we’ll be taking the mystery of picking paint color.
Listen to my latest POCAST to solve the mystery of why it’s hard to try to match a paint color, why Whites are so popular when staging, insider tips and advice about choosing paints for your home and favorite new colors you need to try in your space. I’m joined by Sherwin WIlliams’ Janet Miller.
Why whites are so popular with selling your home.
Neutral: White is a neutral color that can make a house look inviting and spacious. It can also help buyers envision their own furniture and accessories in the space instead of the seller's.
Appealing: White is universally appealing and doesn't look dated. It can also be dressed up or down with accent colors with furniture, décor and accessories, like wall art.
Open: White is highly reflective, which can make a room feel brighter and more open, especially in small or dark spaces. It can also make ceilings appear higher and wider.
Whether getting ready to sell, in need of a paint refresher to update your home, or are embarking in a bigger project - (inside or out) that requires color and paint choices My 25 years of expertise will help you make those decisions. Call or text today for your in-person or remote consultation: 708.543.8597
Summer Home Styling
INDOOR SPACE
Summer is here, and it's time to think about decorating your home for the season. Light and bright colors are perfect for summer, and they'll make your home feel airy and inviting. On the home styling side, think relaxing hues, and less. Here are some tips to restyle your spaces for the summer months.
Swap heavy curtains for light ones to let natural light in.
Add plants or flowers for a fresh feel.
Use soothing colors like blues and greens for a relaxing vibe.
Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
Declutter and go for a minimalist look for a spacious and airy summer retreat.
SHOP WITH ME FOR THESE SUMMER FINDS ON AMAZON: I curated a shopping list on my Amazon page for summer 2024 Enjoy your Summer List
OUTDOOR SPACES
For a welcoming outdoor space, get stylish furniture that's also practical. Choose a strong dining set with comfy chairs and a big table for guests. Relax with weather-proof sofas or chairs. Add coffee tables, ottomans, and side tables for drinks. Use umbrellas or a pergola for shade. Get outdoor poufs or benches for extra seating.
When it comes to accessorizing outside living areas, there are a few key tips to keep in mind:
Outdoor Rug: Define your space and add comfort with an outdoor rug that complements your furniture and overall design.
Throw Pillows: Incorporate outdoor throw pillows in various colors and patterns to add style and comfort to your seating areas.
Lighting: Enhance the ambiance of your outdoor space with strategic lighting such as string lights, lanterns, or floor lamps.
Planters: Utilize planters to bring greenery and life to your outdoor living area. Choose a variety of plants to add texture and visual interest.
Keep the pests away : Outdoor living is wonderful, but not when uninvited pests buzz and bite. Make sure to include repellents (natural of course).
Cozy Throws: Keep warm on cool evenings by adding cozy throws to your patio furniture for both style and function.
Outdoor Tableware: Elevate your outdoor dining experience with durable and stylish outdoor tableware such as melamine plates, acrylic glasses, and outdoor-friendly serving ware.
By paying attention to these details and incorporating these accessories, you can transform your outside living area into a welcoming and stylish oasis for relaxing and entertaining.
SUMMER ENTERTAINNG
Great Summer Recipes for quick and easy entertaining for family and friends.
Fresh and Simple Caprese Skewers Thread cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and mini mozzarella balls onto skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil before serving.
Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers Marinate chunks of chicken breast in a mixture of pineapple juice, soy sauce, and garlic. Skewer the chicken with pineapple chunks and grill until cooked through.
Watermelon Feta Salad Toss cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze in a bowl.
Mango Salsa with Tortilla Chips Combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Serve with crispy tortilla chips.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Sautee shrimp with minced garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and parsley until the shrimp turns pink. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Enjoy these flavorful and effortless recipes to wow your guests this summer season!
JUNE SUMMER CALENDAR
My calendar teaching/workshops are clear for the summer, but here are a few things around town that I’ll be sure to attend.
Georgia O’Keefe - Art Institute of Chicago My New York Famed for her images of flowers and Southwestern landscapes, Georgia O’Keeffe spent several years exploring the built environment of New York City with brush in hand. June 2–September 22, 2024
Darvin Furniture - Pallister Furniture Event Head over to Darvin Furniture, June 14th @ 6:30pm for a fun and interactive evening. Light refreshments and live music. Win Tim McGraw or Justin Timberlake tickets and Hailstorm Brewery giveaways.
Granny’s Castoffs - One’s discards become another’s treasure
Downsizing? This post is about the good goods you may have that will be embraced by someone else, and what things no one wants.
GRANNY’S CASTOFFS
This post is about the good goods you may have that will be embraced by someone else, and what things no one wants.
Whether it’s you, your parents or another relative, when you have to downsize, what do you do with all your stuff, and does anyone want it if you resell it? This post is about the good goods you may have that will be embraced by someone else, and what things no one wants.
My interior design business philosophy is all about celebrating what you already have and creating a special space that is uniquely you. Being in business for 25 years has me working with clients full circle. From buying, selling, upsizing or downsizing, I’ve worked with clients, many on multiple chapters of homes. And downsizing is one of my clients chapters of home.
Cast offs have never been more popular. From Grandpa and Granny Chic to ultra personalized curated spaces - vintage, antique, quirky finds, old world craftsmanship which once was seen as throw away is now being fully embraced. Using a mix of old and new creates a distinctive décor and brings warmth and individuality to a home. A personalized, collected home allows these pieces to be the main thread or an inspiration that gives a room individual character and personality.
Adding pieces or furniture with a past, offers a story on its heritage or by how you found it! This post is all about the purge, and then the find. With the embracing of this more personalized, curated trend (also known as mix and match or heritage style), creating a home with a unique personality, showcasing collections and quirky individualism, thrifting is having a moment. These found pieces or inherited pieces offer the homeowner a past memory, a chance to delve into an era and this eclectic blend of mix and match creates a special haven and warmth within a home.
Influencers are a huge part of these past cast offs being rediscovered. Younger people who in the past wanted nothing to do with their parents' cast offs, now embrace them. Here are some cast offs that seem to be a popular pick.
What are the good goods when downsizing?
Rediscovery of vintage barware, bar cart, cocktail shakers and other cocktail party accessories.
Record players and albums.
Vintage art, blue and white porcelain anything, funky lamps
Crochet or knitted afghans, throws and pillows.
Books, brass pieces that creates a collections
Vintage textiles, vintage wallpaper.
Wicker/rattan.
Head figures and vases with faces.
Anything animal from figurines to art.
Grandma’s bedroom furniture.
On the other hand, us tail-end Baby Boomers seem to have collected, inherited or somehow acquired a whole household of things and when it’s time to downsize, have to discard them. Here are castoffs that NO one wants:
Collector figurines.
Non practical past entertaining items - fancy linens, delicate China and crystal stemware.
Things that need to be taken care off - Sterling that needs to be polish, China or dishes that hand be hand washed, fussy, very delicate accessories that dust collectors - figurines.
Pianos, Grandfather Clocks, furs
Ready for more? Listen to my Podcast on the subject and my interview with a consignment store expert on what’s selling and what isn’t of your castoffs. ONLY STAGER IN THE BUILDING PODCAST
Some of Granny’s cast offs are someone new curated home finds to be re-loved and cherished, and others unfortunately are heading to the landfill. Thinking of downsizing? I can help you decide what is heading to your new home, make hard decisions on what needs to go, stage, and then help curate and decorate your new chapter of home. - Julea.
The Case of the Crooked Painting 5 Tricks + Tips to Make Hanging Art not a Mystery
Let’s take the mystery out of hanging art. In today’s POST I’ll reveal my 5 favorite tools and tips to hang art properly.
The Case of the Crooked Painting.
I recently read on-line a fellow home stager in dismay over her home staging artwork not hanging properly - it seems the nail she used was dragging down the drywall and causing the piece to end up crooked.
Let's discuss this case starting with some insight.
If your recently hung artwork is dragging down the wall - then you are using the wrong nail on the wall. A key ingredient to hanging art is to make sure you have the right hanger for the weight of art.
Let’s take the mystery out of hanging art. In today’s POST I’ll reveal my 5 favorite tools and tips to hang art properly.
Along with tool bag basics, there are a plethora of amazing new and improved gadgets, tools and picture hanging nails, hooks and products available to you. If you haven’t been to your local home improvement store’s picture hanging section to see them, I’ve made my own favorite list in my Amazon Affiliate Store for you to peruse.
Here are 5 of my favorites from the list:
The Monkey Hook: This “As seen on TV” invention makes hanging any, especially, heavy art a breeze. These picture hanging gadgets look like giant fishing hooks - with a small hook on one end to hang the art, and a curved base that goes into the drywall. You don't need any tools, just poke the sharp end through drywall, turn, and then push the hook until the bottom hook part clicks into place. The curve of the hook distributes the weight behind the wall - They come in multiple sizes up to 50lbs. Perfect for heavy art and hanging mirrors. Best part, they leave only a small hole - perfect for home staging.
Monkey Hooks
A picture hanging tool. My very favorite tool in my tool bag. I have had mine for 24 years. Best used for wired art - The tool is basically a stick-like device with a hook on one end to hold the art - the hook also has a nail on the reverse side of the hook - to mark the spot to add your nail. And on the other end a handle to hang the art for its best position. Super easy to use, extends your arm for a perfect placement for wired, or saw tooth hanger art. Some, even have a built-in level, making it a complete package for art hanging.
A Picture Hanging Gadget (Tool)
Tape Measurer with Fractions. When hanging art, it is key to find its best placement. This requires measuring. To make it easy, and take some of the math out of your calculations - a tape measurer with fractions. No need to count those pesky lines, the tape had those fractions right on them.
Art Bumpers - These plastic rubber sticker discs are perfect to adhere to any art back corner to keep it from becoming unlevel. Daily movement in a home, walking, doors closing create vibration - these bumpers will both protect the wall and also absorb the vibrations to keep your art from moving.
A roll of painters blue tape: Blue tape can be used as a template to mark 2 hangers on a picture back.. Simply cut a long piece of tape, align it on the back, mark the 2 supports, then place the tape on the wall, level and you’re ready to go. The tape too can mark a nail spot, and also in a pinch stand in for those art bumpers to keep a painting secure to a wall.
A few simple tips of good picture hanging.
-Investigating the art/object that will be hung. The 1st step to good art hanging is to investigate the object being hung - Estimate its weight, that will help you determine which type of hook/nail to use. Turn it around to see if it is wired, has nail rings, has a saw tooth hanger, etc. this too will help determine the product you’ll use.
-Take a look at the wall you’d like to hang it on. The golden rule of hanging a picture is to have the center of the picture be at 57 inches This reflects the standard eye-height of the average person, and is used as a standard in most art galleries and museums.
-Next, Investigate the wall it is being hung on. Drywall is easy, but what if you are hanging on old, plaster walls or brick? For plaster walls (which chip easily) a trick is to find your mark, add a square of blue tape, then either use a small drill bit to create a starter hole, or use picture hooks that have nails that go in on an angle. You can all use Velcro type adhesive picture hangers. For brick walls, there are brick clips - some have adjustable clips that adjust to the size of the brick.
In regard to the dismayed fellow home stager with her crooked picture - because of the weight of the picture, she most likely used a single, plain nail to hang it - causing the weight of the picture to drag the nail on the drywall. There may have been two ring hangers on the back to support the load - then she could have easily implemented my blue tape trick to hang the piece, or, if wired, used a weight appropriate Monkey Hook to distribute the weight. Added art bumpers to the corners on the art, and she would of had a properly hung picture that would of held up till the home was sold.
With proper tools, a bit on investigation and good hanging technique anyone can solve the mystery of the Case of the Crooked Picture.
I offer One Day Room Makeover services, which includes a fresh new look for your art. This service is perfect right after the holidays when you are ready for a fresh new look for the new year. This too makes the perfect gift option.
Here’s a link to my Amazon Store for my Art Hanging Essentials. (Please note that I do receive a small % as an affiliate)
To Listen to my Podcast ONLY STAGERS IN THE BUILDING and this episode The Case of the Crooked Painting
Hungry for more tips, ideas and insight - Here’s my calendar of upcoming in-person events: https://www.julea.com/calendar-events or follow me on FB
Julea
2 of the New 2024 Paint Colors of the Year
It’s that time of year again - falling acorns, changing leaves and paint companies releasing their Color of the Year and paint palettes for the upcoming year. Let’s take a look at two of the many Colors of the Year, Sherwin Williams and Home Depot’s Behr.
It’s that time of year again - falling acorns, changing leaves and paint companies releasing their Color of the Year and paint palettes for the upcoming year. Let’s take a look at two of the many Colors of the Year, Sherwin Williams and Home Depot’s Behr.
Sherwin Williams’ cool coastal color Upward SW-6239
Sherwin Williams Upward is a breezy, peaceful, calm blue hue. According to Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin Williams "Upward SW 6239 represents the gentle forward momentum in all of our lives. It brings to life that carefree, sunny day energy that elicits a notion of contentment and peace. With this color, we invite our consumers to take a pause and infuse a new sense of ease and possibility into their spaces – one that doesn't overwhelm, but rather establishes meditation and tranquility."
Sherwin Williams Color of the Year 2023 Upwards
This nice, mid to lighter denimy blue has just a smidge of gray and the same smidge of violet in it, reminiscing for me my periwinkle toned pale blue wedding dress I sported for my nuptials many moons ago. For the rest of you, you’ll think of your most washed, comfy jeans, a clouded blue sky, or channeling the Coastal or Nordic style vibe.
How can you incorporate this color into your home?
Color psychology says that blue is a color often found in nature, such as the pale blue of a daytime sky or the rich dark blue of a deep pool of water. It is for this reason, perhaps, that people often describe the color blue as calm and serene making it a perfect color for places you want to feel calm and serene in - Bedrooms, living rooms, offices.
Too, this color with its touch of violet will pair nicely with natural and oak woodtones, which is a bonus for older homes.
A survey spanning 10 countries found that blue is the most popular "favorite color" for people globally, with men preferring the color blue more often than women (40% versus 24%, respectively, among subjects from the United States) making it a good choice color when staging a home. A pale blue bathroom will add 1.3% to the value of your home according to the Zillow Paint Colors Analysis.
Sherwin Williams recommends pairing the hue with blues and greens, deeps and darks and delicate tints like Sherwin Williams Snowbound SW 7004, Drift of Mist SW 9166, Gale Force SW 7605, Tricorn Black SW 6528, Honeydew SW 6428, Palm Leaf SW 7735 and Antiquarian Brown SW 0045.
Sherwin Williams Upwards Collage
Behr’s moody, sophisticated Cracked Pepper PPU 18-1
The Behr 2024 Color of the Year is Cracked Pepper, a soft black that exudes confidence and instantly elevates any indoor and outdoor space. It is a versatile and sophisticated color that can be paired with various styles, finishes, and accents.
"As we look into 2024, creating a sense of comfort and belonging will continue to drive design decisions—but now, as life returns to its more familiar rhythms, it's time to allow our senses to come alive," says Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr Paint Company. "We recognize the growing desire for using darker colors throughout spaces," says Jodi Allen, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Behr Paint Company. "Adding a soft black like Cracked Pepper evokes a sense of confidence and individuality that we want all of our customers to feel after completing a project."
This edgy, deep gray black with blue undertones reminds channels for me the whole Dark Academia vibe we have seen the past few years. I’m itching to paint my living room TV/media wall back wall this color. For the rest of you, you’ll think pencil graphite, the perfect color winter cashmere sweater, or channeling anything Ralph Lauren home to minimalistic Contemporary style vibe.
How can you incorporate this color into your home?
According to Behr, more than half of Americans (54%) say black tones in a home create a new energy and vibe, so anywhere.
When selling Buyers are saying goodbye to bland and bidding more on homes with dusky, dramatic walls. A new Zillow® 2023 study finds recent and prospective home buyers would offer more money for a home with interiors painted dark gray. Charcoal walls are associated with higher offer prices than white in every room studied: kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom.
Quiet Luxury, a term borrowed from the fashion world, refers to the understated elegance of classic cuts and quality fabrics over the brashness of logo-mania. Thanks to its dramatic and moody feel, Cracked Pepper is the perfect way to bring this aesthetic to your home. For polished results, Behr recommends pairing it with warm neutrals, such as Chic Taupe N230-4 , a hue that’s the perfect balance of brown and gray.
Thanks to its earthy, organic undertones, Cracked Pepper is also a great exterior paint. It’s a decidedly modern hue when splashed across the whole house, but paired with red brick, it leans more traditional. For a small project with a big payoff, try painting your front door and shutters.
Behr’s 2024 Cracked Pepper Collage
Want to find out more about who and how these paint colors are picked each year, more details on how to use new color trends whether selling or dwelling?
Tune in tomorrow (Wednesday 10/11/23) for the launch of my new Home Staging Podcast ONLY STAGERS IN THE BUILDING. I’ll be joined with Mary Hoffman paint and color expert from Benjamin Moore.
House to Home - Ideas for Your New Place
Whether you are moving into something new, or just want a fresh look for your existing place - here are some great tips, ideas and sage advice on making a house a home.
The keys are yours! You’ve gone through the process... the searching, deciding, inspection, stress, closing and finally, the elation of buying a new home. Now, you have to make it your own. Here’s how. Whether you are moving into something new, or just want a fresh look for your existing place - here are some great tips, ideas and sage advice on making a house a home.
“Pick one room and make it yours. Go slowly through the house. Be polite, introduce yourself so it can introduce itself to you.”
Color - Paint is the least expensive, easiest way to update a space. It can individualize a room and put your personal stamp on your home. Pick your color style - From calming nature-inspired neutrals, clean, fresh whites, to bold and fun retro colors, whatever you have in mind for your style, color can showcase it. And color doesn’t have to be just on the walls - If you want to keep the wall color simple, infuse color with your furniture, art or accessory choices. Get your craft on by painting a piece of furniture, or recover your dining chairs seats with new fabric. Try trending wallpaper on a single accent wall or power room. Create a signature look with a statement making - front door color. With color, the change is quick, easy and is all you.
Benjamin Moore Aegean Teal Blue Door (Photo: Benjamin Moore)
BOLD WALLPAPER
CREATE A STATEMENT WITH SOME FUN AND FUNKY WALLPAPER. PEEL AND STICK MAKES IT EASY
ORGANIZE YOUR PAINT
WITH THIS GREAT PAINT COLOR ORGANIZER
Your Favorite Things - This is your chance to create a space that reflects your unique style. Home should hold your beautiful art, furniture, passed down family treasures and loved flowers in your garden beds. Simple daily rituals with favorite things, cozy slippers slipped on at the end of day, or tossing your keys into that old bowl, will infuse you into the home. It could be something new that defines your new chapter of home - that perfect comfy sofa you spied, a fresh new style that you’ve wanted to try out, fun new pillows to add a splash to a patio set. By incorporating these favorite things - you’ll become instantly grounded in your new space.
KEY BOWL
PERFECT FOR YOUR FOYER OR COUNTER TOP TO TOSS YOUR KEYS AND MAIL IN
Make Your Bed! A bed is your personal haven and cocoon. Dressing your bed makes your home environment feel luxurious. Even if the bedroom still has boxes, you can sleep well with a beautifully made bed. It can boost your mood. Making your bed is a simple task that can have a big impact on your mood. Studies have shown that people who make their beds are more likely to feel happy and positive. Make your bed so that every time you see it, you want to jump into it. I like to mix old with new. New, fresh, very fancy (the best you can afford) sheets, a stylish linen duvet set slipped over your old favorite down comforter and pillows. Pair the bedding with Grandma’s quilt or your favorite throw at the end of the bed and you'll be ready for a great night's sleep.
LINEN DUVET SET
SOFT, BEAUTIFUL AND EASY TO CREATE A GREAT SPACE
Room to Room - This is where you channel Frances Mayer, the character from the book/movie "Under the Tuscan Sun" - by going room to room to make it yours. When you first move in, take some time to spend in each room. This will help you get a feel for the space and start to envision how you want to use it. Don’t try to tackle the entire home’s decorating and styling needs, instead, try to work on the spaces you spend the most time in first.
5 Senses - Nothing says home more than seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting, and feeling your favorite things at home. Put out those family photos, beloved books, play music, light some candles in your favorite scent, open your favorite wine and curl up on that fluffy sofa and celebrate home!
Your home should be a place where you can relax and escape from the stresses of everyday life. Make sure it's a space that you love spending time in. With a little effort, you can easily make your new house feel like home. So take some time to get settled in, add your personal touch, and start creating memories in your new space. - Julea
Need HELP? From move-in services to one day room makeovers, I’m a call away 708.448.7500 Julea@Julea.com
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