Most patterns have a clear identity. Not only do their design motifs place them into a specific category either as a floral, check or stripe and so on, but also closely ally them to a particular period or style of decorating. So, while a fine stripe is associated with the graceful elegance of a Regency living room, a jazzy stripe has a more here-and-now feel about it. Some familiar patterns, notably tartans, are seen to have a marked regional bias. You can turn these relationships to your advantage in your decorating by using patterns that reinforce the scene.

TEXTURED

In textured designs, a muted pattern is derived from subtle changes in shade, texture or weave, rather than worked out in a variety of colors. This device is widely used on wallpaper, fabric, tiles and carpets to add interest and detail to the surface. Many fabrics, like damasks for example, have intricate patterns which rely on a reversal of the weave in different areas. The resulting design catches the light in different ways, giving a beautiful subtle effect without strident color contrasts.

Some wallpapers feature a satiny stripe on a matte ground, others, like the old fashioned relief and flock papers, have a raised pattern. All these surfaces offer opportunities to add definition and life to a scheme without adding extra color. Traditionally, the intriguing subtly part in elegant, restrained situations such as a town house living room. Today they are also ideal for creating interest in the latest neutral schemes, where colors are kept to a minimum for a cool, natural look.

ABSTRACT

Abstract patterns tend to be much freer and less rigid that more formal naturalistic designs, giving an irregular, slightly quirky look to textiles and papers. Some are based on geometric shapes dispersed haphazardly across the background. Others feature free brush strokes and random splashes of color as part of the design.

New designs on fabrics, wall coverings and accessories are constantly evolving to reflect contemporary design trends, take advantage of the latest printing techniques or re-interpret traditional motifs in a modern style. Many are executed in vibrant colors which gives them a light-hearted, almost rebellious image. Combined with black and white, or blocks of strong plain colors, and metal furniture they make an up-to-the-minute design statement.

FLORALS

The appeal of flowers is universal. Through the centuries floral motifs have been interpreted and reworked many times in hundreds of different ways. Small floral designs have pretty, delicately colored blooms repeated every few centimeters or so. They are perfect for capturing a cottage look in a kitchen or bringing a fresh innocence to a bedroom layout.

Larger floral patterns can have a glorious, summer garden in full bloom impact on a room. But watch out for really big pattern repeats; it would be a shame to have to chop a full-blown rose in half along the top or bottom of a feature better to choose a smaller pattern.

These designs may be overpowering in large quantities, but smaller amounts can be worked in carefully with other small floral, stripes, checks and plains. This policy is widely adopted in many coordinated ranges. Halls, bedrooms, large sitting rooms and dining rooms are all suitable locations for bold treatments.

In the modern, stylized versions, impressions of flowers rather than realistic representations are drawn into strong patters circular motifs, for example, or continuous, undulating lines. There is a huge variety of interpretations; many of the designs, like lotus flowers and agapanthus used in brocades, date back to Greek and Roman times.

They can be used to add style and dignity to a traditional scheme, or blend in well with a more contemporary look. The popularity of floral motifs is such that they are often found combined with other patterns in a single design stripes interspersed with rows of rosebuds, for instance, or interwoven with swags of twisted ribbon.

STRIPES

With their adjacent bands of different colors or tones, stripes are among the most versatile of patterns. There is a stripe to suit all situations and decorating ambitions and, when used with panache, stripes can play the cleverest of visual tricks, making low ceilings look higher and narrow hall-ways broader.

Discreet self-patterns are the ones to turn to when you want a subtle, textured effect coupled with the orderliness of straight stripes. Perfectly straight stripes, whether self-colored or in sharp contrasts, have a classic, calm feel that brings a sense of formality to a room’s layout. They provide a structured background against which to arrange the rest of your furnishings.

When the need arises, bolder, multicolored stripes make a forceful impression. Used with a confident hand, they form the basis for cheerful and lively schemes which are particularly appropriate for children’s rooms. For a more controlled option, the simplest of stripes, bands of one color on a white or cream background, are perfectly suited to modern apartment style rooms, and make a fresh backdrop for informal furniture styles.

CHECKS

Always fresh and outstanding, woven checked designs are hugely popular, versatile and practical. As natural mixers, they are frequently blended in with other more flamboyant designs in coordinating ranges.

Gingham, Madras, dogtooth and windowpane checks all have a no-nonsense functional feel and disguise dirt and stains well. Such checked cottons have graduated from use as summer slip covers for protecting furniture in eighteenth century houses to play a prominent role in today’s interiors.

Light, Spartan Scandinavian interiors characteristically feature colorful checked cotton on chairs and at windows. On walls, an unobtrusive check can help to unify a motley scheme by fixing individual pieces in a frame.

As with any design, the colors of the checks have a significant bearing on the impression they create. Generally, strong, vivid colors are equated with a bold, jubilant modern approach, while softer, more muted shades translate more satisfactorily into traditional or country schemes.

TARTANS

Originally a woolen clothing textile, these patterns were the uniforms by which different Celtic clans recognized each other. Large blocks of color are broken up by marrow lines of contrasting tones, often in strong combinations like deep greens, red and black. Now produced on cotton, silky taffeta, wallpaper, bedlinen and even cups and saucers, these patterns are very effective in the home, either mixed together or with other designs.

Good for atmosphere in a study or a boy’s bedroom, they can also create a cozy, warm traditional dining room, highlighted with polished wood and pewter.

ETHNIC

The glorious colors and vigorous designs of exotic, faraway places bring an exuberant flavor to an interior. The sources of inspiration are varied and colorful, like their places or origin.

Textile houses draw from tie-dye cottons and vibrant weaves of Africa, batik from Indonesia, ikat weaves from Japan or the kelim rugs of the Middle East, so it is possible to find fabrics by the meter that capture closely the essence of the original cloth.

For an interesting mix, include lengths of authentic fabrics in a scheme. Indian dhurries, batik bedspreads or ikat weaves all blend well with the elements of a traditional or modern scheme and along side other patterns.

PROVENCAL AND PAISLEY

Both Provencal and Paisley patterns have developed over the centuries from patterns on Indian textiles. Their common origin is apparent from the shared teardrop or cone motif.

Provencal colors reflect the brilliant countryside of the South of France, sunshine yellow, rich earthy red and deep blue. The busy designs with their small, repeated motifs work very well closely intermingled with each other. Try using one small sprig repeated in reverse color ways on curtains, a bedspread, tablecloth or place mats. Set this medley of prints against lots of rich dark wood and terracotta flooring for an open air feel in a conservatory or garden room.

Paisleys are named after the Scottish town which became famous for weaving and printing imitation Kashmiri shawls in the eighteenth century. The curled teardrop motif is repeated over the design to give a dense swirling pattern. Each motif has a fine infill of flowers, leaves or birds. Colors were originally rich and exotic, but now Paisleys are often worked in soft mauves and blue to echo the Highland glens. Combine it with tartan for a Scottish feel, or give a dining room drama with deep red walls and glowing Paisley curtains.

Homeowners are leaving behind the once-preferred 70′s looks of wall-to-wall carpeting throughout the house, linoleum kitchen floors and vinyl tiles in the bathroom, and instead choosing natural stone, Versailles patterns, travertine, and limestone, with honed-matte finished surfaces. For countertops, homeowners are using two tones, finishing their kitchen island in maybe limestone and the surrounding kitchen countertops in granite materials for a unique style.

At one time granite and marble were only seen in office buildings, while rustic style stone only was used in vacation homes.

“People are trying to personalize their homes more than they did before. Before you used to go through the house and you’d do everything pretty much the same overall. Now people are bringing in different types of materials like glass tile, mosaics, different designs, different sizes, textures, into the same room. They tend to want to give each room more personality by adding different types of products,” said Giovanna Gomes, President of Stones Unlimited on Miramar Road.

What is completely losing a place in homes is the white tile countertops that was the staple in every home for decades. “White tile used to be typical when building or remodeling a house. Now we’re seeing all white ceramic tile is being replaced with solid surface countertops such as granite which has no grout lines and is easier to care for,” said Lilliana Bosforo, Director of Fabrication for Stones Unlimited.

There are many different choices, sizes, textures and styles of stone. Pricing varies depending on the type selected. Some very expensive flooring is even brought back from old chateaus and farmhouses in Europe that are scheduled for demolition. The 100 to 200-year-old stone material is brought to the US for cleaning, sanitizing, sizing and cataloging.

The chic look and durability of stone makes it appealing to homeowners. But experts caution that before it’s put in homeowners should understand the maintenance required and the issues that may come up. One of the most common problems is stains. Because stone is very porous, if you spill things on it, the stone can easily absorb the liquid. However, proper care such as sealing the stone can alleviate this problem.

Gomes also said that you should consider how much foot traffic you have in various areas of your home before putting in stone floors. “Honed surfaces are usually the best because they’re matte finishes so they don’t wear like a polished material would. A polished marble will scratch and if you drop something acidic it’ll etch which means the polish will be removed in that particular area. So there are more maintenance issues with polished surfaces,” said Gomes.

However, honed surfaces show less wear pattern. Gomes said you can also be more aggressive with your cleaning, “It’ll always look beautiful.”

For countertops, Bosforo recommends granite because it is dense and easy to maintain. “You’re going to have your least amount of problems with a granite over marbles or limestone which some people do put those in their kitchens, but we let them know that there will be more maintenance with a marble or a limestone and, of course, you’d want to do it honed,” Bosforo said.

Another reason granite is recommended over marble or limestone is because acids in some foods can etch the stone and cause it to leave marks or rings on the materials.

When deciding which stone to choose, keep in mind these handy tips from Stones Unlimited:

1. Granite is most suitable for kitchens and bar counters because it is the most dense. It also resists hot and cold. Acidic foods will not etch the polish.

2. Marble is not as dense as granite but is more so than travertine. Marble works well for bathroom flooring, on back splashes and fireplaces.

3. Travertine is not as dense as marble but is more so than limestone.

4. Limestone is the softest and most porous of the stones. It requires more frequent sealing.

5. Slate is an excellent choice for outdoors or indoors.

Written by Phoebe Chongchua as found in Craig Lilly’s newsletter at http://www.lillyteam.com

How do we do it?

We go over your home, room by room, noticing things you probably no longer see because you see them everyday. We find solutions for potential problem areas and enhance the features that increase your home’s value. By appealing to the largest segment of potential buyers, we create an environment that buyers want to make their own. Around every corner we prompt potential buyers to envision themselves: having a romantic evening with their partner, playing games with the family, preparing and enjoying an intimate dinner with friends or having a summer barbeque with the neighbors, etc… We appeal to the home buyer’s aspirations for their life – how they want to live. We create an emotional response that brings you top dollar offers.

Savvy real estate agents will be more inclined to show our homes because they know their buyers will easily envision living in them. A home staged by Chic gives a good impression throughout the process and is more likely to be seen as a well-cared-for property by estimators, inspectors, etc.

What is it, really?

Staging is an essential marketing technique in today’s competitive Real Estate market that enhances property presentation using lifestyle selling techniques to secure top dollar offers from buyers. We use proven techniques to review a property for ultimate impact on buyers. Showcasing your home’s best features takes more than de-cluttering, adding flowers and placing a bed on an angle! It is creating favorable impressions everywhere the eyes rest. Starting at curbside and moving throughout the house to the very back edge of the property, we review everything with an objective and creative eye.

Who do we work with?

* Home owners selling their homes who want to secure the most equity possible in the shortest timeframe

* Home builders and re-modelers who want to maximize the return on their investment

* Savvy real estate agents wanting to earn and keep a reputation for excellent service and exceptional performance

What does it cost?

The simple answer to that question is: “Less then it will cost you to not stage…” It is an investment, not overhead. That said, the fee for staging a house varies depending on the size of the house, how many rooms, the level of furnishings needed to support the value of the house, the size and condition of the rooms and if the house is vacant or occupied. You should expect a minimum fee of $300 for a simple consultation and that can go north of $10,000 for full staging of large, high-end homes. Remember, this is probably going to be less than that first price reduction you may be forced to make if you don’t stage, or the house payments you are forced to make while your un-staged home sits on the market and becomes stale. Your return on investment can be threefold or more. How often can you say that about other investments in such a short amount of time?

“Staging is not decorating. Decorating is optional, staging is mandatory in order to sell the house for the most possible money in the shortest amount of time,” says home staging instructor Joanne O’Donnell. O’Donnell has been teaching courses on how to stage a home to be sold for several years. The concept first became known in 1972 by then-Realtor, Barb Schwarz who realized that homes would sell for higher prices if they were prepared to sell first. Today, hundreds of thousands of real estate professionals, decorators and sellers have come to understand the once-little-known term staging that was coined by Schwarz.

O’Donnell recently taught a course in San Diego, Calif. In the course were two mother-daughter teams, Realtors and even a lawyer. “When we put your home on the market it is no longer your home; it is a product and we’re marketing it,” O’Donnell told the students. Home stagers start by viewing the seller’s home inside and out. O’Donnell encourages the students to walk through a home that they plan to stage with the seller, being sure to take notes of items that need to be moved and/or removed. While home staging may improve the looks of the home, O’Donnell is careful to point out it is not interior decorating. Instead she says it’s much simpler. “You can’t go out and buy new things for every problem that you have with a house,” says O’Donnell.

She tells the students to be problem solvers, reminding them that her clients are selling their homes and they don’t want to spend a lot to do it. Really home staging is about de-cluttering and making a home desirable to the masses. “Clutter eats up equity,” O’Donnell frequently reminds the students throughout the course. “The whole idea of staging is that you want to market to the largest number of people to get as many offers as possible,” says O’Donnell.

There are five key points that must be applied when staging a home. O’Donnell refers to them as the Five C’s of Staging: the home needs to be clean, clutter free, have color, be creatively staged, and finally stagers have to compromise with the sellers, because, of course, many sellers continue living in their homes while they’re being shown. “People don’t see that a lot of things that are in their houses are part of themselves and when you try to sell a house you want to make it as neutral as possible, not necessarily in the colors, but in the way it’s presented,” says Gerin Canin, a lawyer from New York who is transitioning into a home staging career. Canin believes home stagers play a vital role in real estate. “I think that when people sell their homes they don’t necessarily see their house as a potential buyer would see their house. They become attached to things. [The seller] doesn’t notice things that other people would notice. So I do think it’s important to have an opinion from someone else,” explains Canin.

Here are a few home staging tips from professionals.
For the Inside:
• Clear the clutter.
• Put away all electrical cords and extra appliances
• Put away family photos
• Think open space

For the Outside:
• Shutters improve the look
• Paint/Power wash
• Plants, high, medium, low — with lots of color
• Decks — even small ones can be a big improvement

Author: Phoebe Chongchua