Louisville Interior Design

How soon should your Christmas tree exit center stage?

By MIKE HALL

It may be hot in Louisville, but it’s time to think cozy for your indoor space

by Mike Hall

Warmly lit room with comfy throw inspires all the vibes.

August temperatures may soar, but our Louisvillian hearts start pining for brisk evenings and autumn afternoons.

No need to wait for Mother Nature. After all, we know she takes her sweet time in the Ohio Valley. Especially September through October.

While you may be sweating in the humidity of Kentuckiana, get a jump start on feeling “fall” inside your home with these design accents:

1. Throw pillows: handknit and faux fur pillows are always inviting
2. Rustic vases: Textured vases in organic shapes add movement to your space and are perfect for what’s next …
3. Statement branches: From a bleached wheat bundle to a faux olive branch, these glorious pieces can add autumn drama to any room.
4. Throws: Chunky knits and velour just beg for snuggles, naps and afternoons of college football.
5. Candles: Hurricane candleholders make a candle flame safer and add a decorative flare to any home. Choose scents that elicit memories of flannel, hayrides, and apple-picking.

By the way, if you find yourself as a home seller this fall, these tips can also double as staging advice. You’re welcome!

You are My Sunshine Flowers

By Mike Hall, Broker/Agent/Owner

Which sun-loving blooms will beautify your home?

With the sun finally showing up more consistently, many homeowners are turning their thoughts to blooms and blossoms. Whether adding that special touch to sell your home or getting cozy in the house of your dreams, color and foliage can brighten any home.

Of course, you must find the right bud for the location. Some flowers need shade part or most of the day, but there are many beautiful full-sun options that might just be the perfect creation for your curb appeal. Many of these flowers look beautiful while also attracting a variety of butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and admiring neighbors and potential buyers! Here are some of the most beautiful and eye-catching full-sun flowers:

• Zahara Zinnias
• Diamond Frost Euphorbia
• Supertunia Petunia
• Bolivian Begonia
• Summer Snapdragon
• Lantana
• Calibrachoa
• SunPatiens
• Sweet Alyssum
• Sunflowers
• Geranium
• Pentas
• Marigolds

[Source: HGTV.com]

Ideas for Shaping Your Space

By Mike Hall, Broker/Agent/Owner

Use these trends as inspiration for your house!

Whether you just found the home of your dreams and now you’re decorating it to match your life, you’re looking to refresh your house before you put it on the market, or you’re just ready for a change, these summer trends are sure to inspire your décor!

• Singin’ the Blues – Nothing is as summery as blue skies and teal beaches. Use your favorite shades of blue as strong accents or bold statements.
• Less is More – Minimalism is making yet another comeback. Sometimes the key to creating space to breathe, imagine, and rest is to choose less.
• Feeling Neutral – There’s nothing blah about the appeal of neutrals like white, gray, beige, and ivory. These classic colors create a perfect foundation for whatever colors you want to bring in and out going forward.
• Something to Talk About – Use bold colors, furniture, or art to create a statement that the rest of the room can submit to. Using a neutral or minimalist foundation sets the stage for something more eye-catching and conversational.
• Stayin’ Alive! — More and more people are embracing indoor plants. There’s just something refreshing and comfortable about a house decorated with vibrant, living plants of different varieties.
• Light and Airy — Nothing says summer like a good breeze. Using airy and light fabrics in your curtains and bedding will capture that classic summer feel.
• Au’ Natural — Natural woods like rattan, cane, wicker, and other light woods look especially fresh and fun with a minimalist setting. Pulling in natural wood elements can keep the room feeling light and inviting.

[Source: SpaceJoy.com]

Are you ready for some quick changes with big impact?

By Mike Hall, Broker/Agent/Owner

Easy DIY projects can transform your Louisville space!

Whether you’re looking to make your Louisville house more marketable, sprucing up your dream home, or looking for ideas to personalize your new house, some quick-and-easy DIY projects can make a huge impact, even on a budget. If you’re hoping to give your house an edge in Louisville’s tight market or you’re still looking for the home of your dreams, we’d love to talk with you today about how one of our Red Edge agents can help you!

In the meantime, check out some of these fun and easy ideas for adding some DIY pizazz!

• Refresh your walls with a new color of paint
• Add low-maintenance crown molding
• Install a low-cost stair runner
• Add some paint to old floors
• Bring fresh color to your kitchen cabinets
• Install a water filter on your sink
• Refinish old wooden doors
• Replace aging caulk with a new application
• Revive your weary deck or porch
• Protect kitchen or bathroom walls with a resilient backsplash
• Add a bathroom vent to prevent mold growth
• Install attractive ceiling fans
• Replace your thermostat with a programable model

[Source: ThisOldHouse.com]

Time for Outdoor Projects!

By Mike Hall, Broker/Agent/Owner

Make your outdoor spaces sparkle this spring.

Now that spring is arriving, and the sun is shyly reintroducing itself to the Louisville area – it’s time once again to tackle some outdoor projects. Whether you’re sprucing up the outside to give your house that competitive edge before you list, or you’re making your forever home even more fabulous, here are some trends to consider for your garden, yard and other green spaces.

• Secluded spaces: Find ways to use a piece of your yard to create an intimate space to read, think or drink a hot cup of coffee as you unwind.
• Plants native to Louisville: Rather than just picking a favorite flower or plant, many people are finding great joy in planting native grasses, flowers, and other flora. Those plants are more likely to thrive in the Louisville and soil.
• Organic gardens: The benefits of planting an organic garden are endless and well-documented, from soil health to clean living.
• Symmetrical plant placement: Adding balance and symmetry with flowers, shrubs, and greenery is an easy way to add beauty and make your space seem like a professional was involved.
• Exotic plants: Capture the essence of your favorite vacation location! With a little bit of research, you can find the exotic plants that will still thrive in colder climates. A staycation in Louisville never sounded so good.
• Wildlife environments: You can use plants and landscaping to create a natural haven for some of the environment’s most helpful creatures, from honeybees to butterflies and more. Simple research will equip you with the best plants and care.
• High quality outdoor furniture: Don’t skimp on the outdoor tables and chairs you want to finish off your space. Cheaper materials and finishes won’t weather the changing temperatures and climates in the Louisville area.

[Source: Gilmour.com]

Looking for some decorating inspiration this winter?

By Mike Hall, Broker/Agent/Owner

Redecorate with some of the season’s best trends!

There are many reasons to redecorate your house this winter. Maybe you just found your dream house and are ready to make it shine, you’re ready to refresh the look of your beloved home, or you’re looking to sell your house and want to appeal to potential buyers. Here are some of the predicted trends and popular ideas for home design this winter!

1. Create a woodland retreat: As it gets colder, we’re naturally drawn to warm, comfortable spaces. Think dark berry colors, chunky blankets, and cozy spaces for curling up and waiting out the winter.
2. New Nordic: The idea is to create simple designs that say a lot. Use dark wall colors paired with light woods, and bring in subtle texture and layers to create a warm depth.
3. Global Nomad: This style is all about the textures, pigments, and pottery inspired by exotic lands and locations. Use pillows, tapestries, fabrics, and art from around the world to create a comfortable, interesting space.
4. Luxe Revival: You can bring a touch of luxury and decadence into your rooms with a simple combination of brass, marble, and velvet in deep, rich colors. Introduce your home to a touch of cocktail-hour class and nostalgia.

[Source: IdealHome.Com]

Go ahead – hang that autumn wreath!

By Mike Hall, Broker/Agent/Owner

It’s time to decorate your home for fall!

Are you itching to decorate your house for fall, but needing a few new ideas to get you started? Whether you’re preparing your home to put on the market, looking to decorate your new house, or just wanting to try something fun and different, here are several ideas for your autumn-hued home!

• A dried-wheat wreath – Switch up your normal fall leaves for a more rustic grain.
• String light centerpiece – A bowl or clear vase of pinecones or mini pumpkins with a small string of lights makes an instantly charming centerpiece. Bonus if the lights are fall-themed!
• All the plaid accents – Add a cozy touch of fall to your rooms with a casual, soft plaid throw blanket.
• Outdoor leaf mobile – Grab the prettiest fall leaves you can find and string them together for a darling fall mobile for your porch or deck space.
• Acorns a’plenty – Paint the bottom parts of acorns in a variety of your house’s theme colors and put them in a clear vase. So clever and easy!
• Leaf place cards – Gather some dark and colorful fall leaves and use a gold marker pen or Sharpie to create autumn-chic place cards, sure to delight any dinner guest!
• Apple wreath – You can use faux apples, bark, and leaves for another twist on the fabulous fall wreath.

[Source: Good Housekeeping]

Give your home the spring freshness buyers are looking for.

By Mike Hall, Broker/Agent/Owner

Welcome future buyers with a spring-themed front porch.

Spring brings out more buyers who are hoping to use the mild weather and a fresh start to inspire their search for a dream home. Here are some tips from the experts on how to stage your home with spring in mind. 

1. Give your home the ol’ spring cleaning. The best way to present your home is with a fresh sparkle and shine.
2. Give the floors and walls a little boost. Buff out the worn areas of the floors and give the walls a fresh wash, and you’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes.
3. Bring in fresh, light colors. Put away the heavy blankets and swap them out for throws, pillows, candles, and other simple accessories in all of your favorite Easter basket hues.
4. Let the sun warm the room – and the buyer! Pull open your currents and blinds and let fresh sunlight fill the room.
5. Let spring scents accent each room. Use lightly scented candles or diffusers to create a subtle reminder of spring in the home.
6. Use simple botanical accents to give the home a fresh feel. A few framed flower prints, especially in greens and light yellows, can help the home feel peaceful and tranquil.
7. Clear the counters in the kitchen of all your useful appliances and tools, and replace them during showings with a bowl or plate of in-season fruits or veggies.
8. Spring-up the front door. Remove wreaths and invite buyers in with a cheerful welcome mat, flower planter, or spring-theme sign.
9. Remember the back door, too. Buyers are tired of fallen leaves and empty branches. Add a touch of spring to your back door with some flowering bulbs or succulents.
10. Consider investing in a landscaper who will keep the yard looking pristine throughout the spring and summer seasons.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a house this spring, contact an agent today.

[Source: HGTV]

Study finds that being surrounded by plants might make you smarter.

by MIKE HALL, Owner/Broker/Agent

I read in a study that houseplants may help improve attention span and concentration. Due to the clean air that houseplants provide, fresh oxygen is absorbed by your brain, thus improving the length of your cognitive thought. They do more than just look nice; they literally freshen your space and mind.

If you don’t want plants all over the house for some reason, at least add a few to your home and work office. Most are low maintenance needing only a small drink of water once a week, and indirect sunlight. If you happen to have an office with a view of nature from your window, know you’re scoring a few intellectual points from being surrounded by the nature outside as well.