Window Treatments are here to stay

The days of elaborate window treatments with tassels, fringe and expensive trims are long gone, but window treatments are not going anywhere. The look now is much more simple and paired down. The fabrics are less about florals and stripes and more about geometrics and or texture. Swags and jabots and fussy treatments are replaced my simple shapes. Stationary drapery panels, relaxed roman shades and simple valances are still very popular. The roller shade has returned, now with lots of colors, textures and lengths. Solar shades are really popular as well. Keep in mind window need to be as functional as beautiful.  Blinds and plantation shutters will always be around to control light.  People will always want black out shades in their bedrooms. If you are in the market for new window coverings, just remember to keep them classic but simple. For more information on this topic watch Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio on Facebook. We are live from 2-3 pm e.s.t. you can call into the Show @ 908-237-0410 and tell us your stories on this topic.

Spring Greens

Even though this week began with snow, spring is here. One of the ways I bring the look of spring into both my design stores is through the use of the color green. I was always amazed how beautiful new growth would look on existing plants or shrubs. The new lime green was so fresh an new. The same holds true for spring peas and asparagus. Green is the color of spring. Change your guest towels to a great shade of lime. Buy a bag of limes and put them on a bowl on your kitchen table. Go get some beautiful succulents and display them around your home. Spring green pairs well with grays, blacks, blues and many other colors. Start this week adding this palate to your home, You will me glad you did.

Powder Rooms ???

I constantly use the term powder room when talking about home renovations. The other day a client asked what is a powder room. I thought about it for a moment and then realized it probably sounds like an old fashioned term for a place where a woman would powder her nose or put on makeup. It is however mush different then a full bathroom. A powder room is your guest bathroom that does not contain a shower or bathtub. It is often on the first floor and in new homes directly off the foyer in the front of the home. The reason I like to work in powder rooms is that every guest in your home will eventually see this space. It is important than that we care for this space and keep it functional and updated. Also, powder rooms are often very small. We can use more expensive materials in these spaces because we don't need much to make a drastic transformation. One of the thing I like to recommend to clients is to keep your sink and toilet always white. It stands the test of time. I am not a fan of pedestal sinks because you always need storage. Tile or wood are both good choices for flooring as long as they coordinate with the other floors in the home.  The thing many clients fight me on is adding a little wallpaper in powder rooms. It is for practical reasons. Powder rooms are small spaces with heavy traffic. Vinyl papers now are so rich and beautiful that you cant even tell they are vinyl. If you just paint you will eventually have water spots, stains and smudges on an area in constant use. Try some paper in this room, you will thanks me.

Mid Century Madness

Have you noticed that mid century style is continuing to grow. The new trend of down sizing is making the smaller, more efficient 1950's home more appealing again. These houses are usually in more established neighborhoods. They are also often in train towns which is how people are starting to live again. Mid Century Modern style is very practical and efficient. The lines are often straight and simple. For more information on this or any of the blog topics watch Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio. Got to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com and then click on Modern Design. We are live every Wednesday from 2-3 pm or you can listen to any of the hundreds of podcasts.

Spring Cleanup

Believe it or not we are almost in March. It is not to early to start getting ready for spring. If you notice in the stores spring bulbs are here. Things like primrose, hyacinths, tulips in forcing bulbs are all here. It is going to be 72 degrees on Wednesday this week. It is a great time to get all the fall leaves all the lawn and out of the planting beds. If you want to start vegetables or herbs from seed, now is the time to do so. On this week's Modern Design my guest will be John Leahy of Weichert Realtors in Oldwick New Jersey. He will talk about Spring market and great ideas to get your home ready for Spring. Watch Modern Design of Facebook Live. Go to Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio on Facebook. Our program is live from 2-3 pm est. You can even call into the show @ 908-237-0410.

Staging is Everything

These days if you want to sell your home you need to stage it. No longer are the masses looking for fixer uppers. There is an understanding now that weather a home is brand new, 5 years old or 125 years old, it will look like a model home. People go to the internet now to start their search for a home, so pictures are everything. If you have a powder blue toilet, you probably will turn off potential buyers. There are a couple things you should do when you want to sell a house. First get a market analysis from 3 different realtors in your area. Look to see what you need to spend money on. You should then do the changes before the property goes on the market. Please remember pictures are everything now. Also you can do things that don't cost anything. Remove all clutter and get rid of personal items including pictures. Take out extra furniture and accessories, even if you have to get a storage unit temporarily. For more information on this or any of the blog topics watch Modern Design on Facebook live. Go to Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio. We are live each Wednesday from 2- 3 pm est. You can even call in with your comments @ 908-237-0410.

Portrait Art

How many of us like having your picture taken. I would say not that many. Photography is funny. People who are very attractive can look less attractive on film, while other excel in photos even look better than they do in person. I believe the key to looking good in a photo is confidence and of course a photography who is truly an artist. Stephan Taylor is just that a portrait artist. Many of us have children or pets who we cherish. Keep in mind life is ever changing. Wouldn't it be great to capture the innocence of your young children or our parents and grandparents to be with us forever. The best way to do that is portrait art. I don't think you can make a better investment than portrait. It is not just a picture, over time it will become an heirloom. Join me this Wednesday from 2-3 pm est. Stephan will be with me and I will ask all the questions on what portrait art is and are we remised for not having one done. Watch On Facebook live. Go to Modern Design on Hunterdon Chamber Radio. You can watch it live or in the podcast. You can also call into the show @ 908-237-0410.