Tag Archives: decorating

Fireplaces – Not Just for Fire

Posted on December 13, 2012 | Leave a comment

Winter and the holidays often evoke images of cozying up fireside with a mug of hot cocoa and reading material in hand. From November through February, however, on days when the Bay Area Air Quality Management District issues a winter Spare the Air alert for the Bay Area, the burning of wood, fire logs or any other solid fuels in a fireplace is illegal.

An empty fireplace just doesn’t have that same charm, does it?

But the lack of a crackling blaze doesn’t mean you can’t create an attractive fireplace scene. We’ve culled inspiration from four local interior designers, all of whom have addressed nonfunctioning fireplaces in their line of work. These ideas will help keep things merry and bright in your home, without releasing particulates and soot. (And Santa will appreciate not having to contend with flames!)

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Use High Gloss Paint to Create More Light In Room

Posted on August 12, 2012 | Leave a comment

DESIGN SAVVY: A great interview with architect and designer David Easton from Elle Decor

High gloss is the most reflective and “blingy” paint finish there is. Because it is the most durable and cleanable, it is a great choice for molding and trim. It is also mildew resistant, making it a good finish for kitchens and bathrooms. I am a big fan of using high gloss in dining rooms because the high sheen creates an elegant sense of depth and drama, reflecting light all around the room.

“In a design sense, high gloss walls are not for the uncertain or squeamish. They involve considerably more labor and skill than other paint finishes in order to get the paint streak free. Also the walls must be perfectly smooth, seamless and flawless, so wall repairs and resurfacing are likely to need to be done before painting. High gloss paint is unforgiving so it should be done by specialists. However, the result is well worth the extra expense and efforts- the glossy walls exude drama, boldness and confidence. I absolutely love high gloss, and treasure any client who is willing to go for it in a design scheme.”

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Virtual Staging – Interactive Tour Lets Potential Buyers Design Interior on Current Listings

Posted on June 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

BEFORE Michael Kenduck’s listing for a 10-year-old three-bedroom stucco colonial in Franklin Square officially went on the market, more than 40 potential buyers had already “walked” through. Their previews were embellished by virtual staging of their choice — by means of an interactive tour in which each visitor “painted” and “decorated” some rooms in the house (which is actually empty).

Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your listing questions.

The house cannot be listed until its corporate owner decides on an exact price, which Mr. Kenduck, the managing partner of Cruse Real Estate, estimates will be in the $500,000 range. But that did not keep him from sending an e-mail blast to the 3,500 names in his database with a link to the online tour.

It included a “style designer” tool that let recipients choose among traditional, transitional, contemporary, modern and something called “Classic Pierce” style to furnish the huge master bedroom suite, paint the walls and trim, and add carpeting. “They are salivating,” said Mr. Kenduck, whose firm, with offices in Seaford, Syosset and Queens, specializes in distressed and bank-owned properties.

Disclaimer: for information and entertainment purposes only

Tag Archives: decorating

Fireplaces – Not Just for Fire

Use High Gloss Paint to Create More Light In Room

Virtual Staging – Interactive Tour Lets Potential Buyers Design Interior on Current Listings

Follow Blog