Is It Ever Okay to Paint a Room Stark White?

Home Staging and Redesign in Minneapolis, MN

You know us home stagers, one of our mottos is “Neutral Does Not Mean White”.

We are always telling our clients: “Paint the room a warm color, it’s okay to go a little darker, don’t worry.”

So, I ask again, is it ever okay to Paint a Room Stark White?

“Maybe”.

Ha, Don’t You Love That Answer.

But seriously, rooms can be all white, soft ivory, etc. It is all in how they are finished off and their purpose. When I say white I don’t mean builders white throughout the home. But a room in white or ivory is okay.

Let me show you an example. I designed a porch for myself off of my dining room. I designed a room that felt like it was floating in the trees, like you were outside but that you could enjoy even in the harshest blizzard.

The windows reach almost to the floor and almost to the ceiling. And guess what? I painted everything white!

I thought the contractor and his workers were going to kill me. They almost refused to do it. All the wood for the walls and ceiling is tongue-n-groove bead board and they insisted it needed to remain natural wood. They said it was a crime to paint it. (I think that is a guy thing, or a Midwest thing).

“Ya,…but I don’t want a brown wood room. I want an all white room and I’m the client!”

So here is the results:

The walls are white, the ceiling is white, the window casings and trim are white.

As you can see most of the furniture is white, even the TV is white!

I bought a big old ugly oak table second hand and painted it white, I added in antique and flea market dining chairs and side tables also painted white.

I added little pops of color for some fun and “Wallah”….a porch that is bright and cheery on a dismal winter day and part of the outdoors in the summer when the windows are open and the breeze is coming in.

Do you know why it works? It is grounded by the Douglas Fir wood floors below and the brown rattan ceiling fan above adds some interest. It’s all in the details.

So it’s okay, paint a room white…..just remember it is all in how you finish the room with the accessories. Don’t forget the details!

Not sure if you want to tackle it yourself? Rooms With Style Home Staging and Redesign would be happy to give you pointers or design it for you.

Are Your Kitchen Cabinets Dated but You Don’t Have Thousands of Dollars for New?

Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis, MN.

As a Designer and Home Stager I come across many kitchens that need updating. Many homeowners want to update their kitchens, either for gaining top dollar when selling or for their own enjoyment.

I can’t say it enough, “KITCHENS SELL HOMES”. Period.

A total kitchen update costs tens of thousands of dollars and if you are staying in your home it is okay, do that and spend the money. If you are selling you may be wondering the best place to spend your money to update the kitchen to receive the greatest return on your investment.  Or you may be staying in your home and want to update but have limited funds and are wondering what you can.

I have a suggestion. Paint those dated cabinets! Yes it is okay to paint wood……trust me.

It’s an easy update that will cost fractions of what new cabinets would cost and is especially the way to go if the insides of your cabinets are in good shape.

Take a look at this kitchen. Nothing has been updated for at least 20 years. The homeowner did not want to invest the money for new cabinets or counter tops but wanted an updated look.

My suggestion? Paint the cabinets, change the hardward and buy stainless steel appliances.

As you can see I suggested a two tone look for the cabinets. Dark on the bottom, light on top that is fresh and modern.

The wall color was also selected to enhance the color of the cabinets and counter top. Darker than the tops cabinets and lighter than the lower cabinets. A new faucet also added an instant update and the entire kitchen looks new and fresh.

So if you are asking my opinion “Is it okay to Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets?”

“ABSOLUTELY!!’

Rooms With Style is a full service Home Staging and Redesign Firm. If you need suggestions to update your home for selling or for your own enjoyment please give us a call.

 952-567-1124

www.roomswithstyle.com

This Ain’t Your Mother’s 1950′s Rambler! Home Staging and Redesign in Minneapolis, MN

I got the opportunity to work with a contractor who bought this 1950s Rambler in it’s original condition and totally updated it for today’s buyer.

Do you remember the Rambler’s from the 50′s. Small chopped up rooms? This developer took down walls, opened up the room, opened the staircase, and put in 21st Century Upgrades.

First of all check out this back-splash!

The biggest positive feedback the investor received was how open the home was.

So, staging this vacant home meant keeping the openness but defining the space so the buyer could see how the furniture would be layed out.

The rooms actually look bigger now.

Your eye now goes directly to the stunning fireplace instead of getting lost in the empty room.

Can’t you see  yourself cozing up to this fire with a book!

This home is located on a golf course in an incredible neighbor in St. Louis Park, MN and I don’t think it will be on the market long!

Rooms With Style Home Staging and Redesign in Minneapolis, MN can assist you with all your needs including both vacant and occupied homes. We can also recommend changes to your current home if you aren’t moving with a Redesign Consultation.