Articles Tagged "Interior Design"

Paint is one of the most powerful tools for transforming your home. Simply repainting a room can make that room look completely different when the job is done. Trust us – we do it all the time when staging our homes for sale in Raleigh, and it works!

That said, it's important to apply your paint carefully. Making mistakes while painting will always affect the final result. Here are a few of the most common ways we've seen paint projects go wrong and some things you can do to correct the problem. 

• Paint on the Windows or Window Frames
  It happens at least once during every painting project: no matter how hard you try to keep all of your paint on the walls, at least some of it will end up on the windows. 
  
  Most of the time, it's better to let spilled paint dry before you remove it. Wet paint can easily smear and become harder to scrape off. Dry paint, on the other hand, should come off relatively easily. Take a small metal scraper or a putty knife and gently pry the paint off the surface. 
  
  
• Running Paint
  If you apply too much paint in one go, you might end up with lines of running paint disrupting your smooth wall. If this paint isn't dry, you can just paint over it to soak up the drips of your brush or ruler. If it's already dry, though, the process is a little more involved. 
  
  Wait until it's dry, then sand down the parts with the most paint build-up. Wipe the wall down to remove any grit or dust, then carefully repaint the wall. Go as slowly as you can manage, taking care to cover each area with just enough paint to create a smooth, solid coat. Watch for drips, and if you spot any, correct them right away before they get the chance to dry. 
  
  
• Blistering Paint
  Paint that is exposed to excess moisture may develop bubbles or blisters under its surface. This problem can be quite subtle if the moisture is minimal, but it tends to get worse over time. Don't ignore it if you spot it!
  
  You'll need to identify the root cause of the blistering before you can fix it. Otherwise, any new paint you apply will just blister again. Look for any water leaks or ventilation problems happening in that area and repair any issues you find. Then, scrape the blistered paint off the wall using a scraper. As long as that part of the wall will not be exposed to any more moisture, you should have no problem repainting it. 
  
  
• Cracked Paint
  Paint that is applied too thinly might develop unsightly cracks when it dries. These cracks change the texture of the wall, so you can't just paint over them.
  
  To get rid of them, you'll need to sand off the rough parts with some sandpaper. Keep going until the surface is mostly smooth again, then lay down a coat of primer. This will seal off any remaining grit and give you a mostly smooth surface to work with when repainting. 
  
  
• Faded Paint
  Exterior paint can sometimes start to look faded over the years. This is because the pigment particles in paint can be damaged by exposure to the sun's UV rays.
  
  You'll need to repaint the affected surface to take care of this problem. Choose a high-quality paint that is formulated to stand up to sun damage to ensure your new paint job lasts longer than the last. According to our real estate agents, it's also a good idea to apply some UV-resistant primer before you get to work. 

A fresh coat of paint can completely change a home's look and feel, but if you're ready for a truly fresh start, it's time to think about moving. Contact us today. 

In and around the Triangle area, there are several beautiful luxury listings available for sale. What exactly differentiates these properties from the standard market? Is it the square footage, the features, or the technology? Some would say it is all of the above. Ultimately, luxury buyers are not looking at the price tag in their search for their next dream home but the amazing amenities that come with the property. Here are the top 6 must-have features in luxury homes!

1. Indoor / Outdoor living

Indoor/outdoor living seamlessly extends your home's great room or dining quarters. This trend tends to keep cohesion in design from the interior to the exterior of your home. Typically indoor/ outdoor living has always been a primal commodity when searching for a new home. With the new normal consisting of being at your humble abode more these days, the amenity has become a necessity. What makes an outdoor living space luxurious is the ability to provide comfort through all seasons while also allotting multiple entertainment options. High-end features include retracting screened porches, outdoor kitchens, cabanas, and sometimes a type of water feature. This CBHPW luxury listing checks off each box on the list! With its large covered porch and a wood fireplace, the immaculate outdoor kitchen has a top-of-the-line grill station, jacuzzi, and extensive acreage for sporting events or games. One thing for sure is that you may yearn to host any occasion with this property as your next home. To view more of this listing, click here.  

2. Theatre Room 

Entertainment becomes the next level when a luxury property contains an in-home theater. The ability to bring the ultimate cinematic experience to your fingertips is a sought amenity many buyers search for when hunting for their next home. What makes an in-home theater top-notch is its ability to incorporate features similar to an actual movie theater. This includes a top-of-the-line av-system, projector, large screens, recessed lighting, and comfortable loungers. The goal of the theater room is to immerse yourself in what's on the screen, whether that be the newest megahit movie or the exciting rival sports game. The cinema room pictured above is from none other than one of our CBHPW luxury listings. This glorious in-home theater offers stadium seating, a high-tech projector, and even mimics the groovy movie theater carpet. To view more of this property, click here. 

3. Large Garages

The standard two-car garage does not cut it for luxury properties. Buyers are looking for substantial space when envisioning the housing of their precious automobiles. Typically, luxury properties have at least a 3-car garage! To any car buff, the garage is not just a space for storing your vehicle. This part of the property could be turned into a luxurious showroom, man cave, or workshop. This beautiful CBHPW luxury property comes with a three-car garage with gorgeous rustic wood garage doors. To view more of this property, click here.  

4. Intricate Ceiling Designs

Raised ceilings and other intricate ceiling styles are quite the fanbase for luxury homes. A room turns from basic to compelling when there is a ceiling feature that adds depth, sophistication, and style. In most luxury dwellings, at least one space must contain a styled ceiling. One of these rooms can be the living room, sitting room, primary bedrooms, and or dining rooms. What exactly are some styles of these ceilings? They are cathedral, tray, beamed, suspended, and coffered. One would love to have any of these exquisite designs in their home!  For example, in this CBHPW luxury listing above. The sitting room contains a beautiful coffered ceiling. The coffered ceiling consists of sunken panels accented by molding, creating a waffle-like appearance. What works well in this room is the brilliant addition of recessed lighting. For more on this property click here. 

5. Massive Walk-In Closets

Typically an owner of a luxury home tends to live a complete life of luxury. Meaning everything about them is high-end, like their fashion sense. Closets in a luxury home are an extension of the main room and need to boast space and means of organization. Closets these days are not just for hanging clothes. They can be an area to lounge in after using the spa bathroom or a place to put on that fashion show after shopping in the streets of London. For sure, luxury home buyers are looking for closets that encompass organization and can show off their beautiful wardrobe. In this CBHPW luxury home, the primary closet is genuinely massive. This closet incorporates different levels of custom built-in shelving and an island dresser to accommodate all buyers' attire needs. To view more of this property, click here.

6. Relaxing Spa baths

When buyers search for their next home, kitchens and bathrooms are the most focused rooms, which is why main bathrooms in luxury homes are genuinely upping the ante in their need to give that spa-like aura. Features include a jacuzzi bathtub fit for a king, a large walk-in shower that doubles as a steam room, neutral colors, beautiful stone or tile, and lots of space for minimal clutter. In this CBHPW luxury listing, this bathroom truly exuberates comfort and relaxation. The large window allows natural light to encase the room, making the white pop against the darker grays. The unity in neutral colors creates a calming sensation. One can relax in the free-standing tub or use the shower with multi-shower heads in this bathroom. To view more, click here. 

When buying or selling in the luxury market, we are sure you have seen one or more of these features within the properties. To view, all of Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walstons' luxury homes for sale, visit our website at https://www.hpwluxury.com

Our real estate agents know that a beautifully decorated home is inviting to potential buyers. If you're searching for options to decorate your home's spaces, one trend that you'll encounter is known as cottagecore, which adds a woodsy and cozy feel to your home's interior. Consider this trend for your home with these interior design tips. 

Cottagecore Explained

Cottagecore is an increasingly popular style of home decor that focuses on creating a cozy environment with high-quality, environmentally focused materials. It's similar to hygge, a Danish decor trend that focuses on creating a comfortable space that utilizes multiple cozy elements. 

The look of cottagecore includes soft hues, gorgeous floral prints, string lights, and soft area lighting, and authentic vintage or vintage-inspired pieces. Your end result is a romantic space that incorporates elements from nature. While a room decorated in a cottagecore style may remind you of a rustic cabin or a lovely beachside cottage, this decor works well in any area, including homes in the city or suburbs. 

While minimalism isn't the sole focus of cottagecore, there are minimalistic elements. With cottagecore, less is more, especially since this decor movement values sustainability.

Instead of five cheap throw blankets, invest in one or two durable throws that you adore and are of superior quality. When buyers are searching for Raleigh homes for sale, homes that embrace cottagecore are less likely to be filled with distracting clutter. 

Adding Cottagecore Decor into Your Home 

If you're ready to use cottagecore design trends in your home, you don't have to invest a lot of time or money to get started. Start with fresh flowers. Since floral prints are one of the main tenets of cottagecore, an arrangement of flowers instantly adds a romantic, nature-inspired vibe. 

Then, add soft lighting to the space. A few strands of string lights are an affordable option, or you might opt to add candles. When using candles, stick with nature-inspired scents that will coordinate well with the decor. 

Check your cabinets for porcelain dishes, etched glasses, and mason jars. Display your favorite pieces on a floating shelf or bookcase.

The thrift store is an excellent spot to find vintage-inspired or even authentic vintage items for your decor. Look for paintings or prints that feature nature scenes. A glass vase or wood-framed mirror are other pieces that work well in almost any home. 

Perhaps you're ready to make more significant renovations to your home, so it adheres to the cottagecore look. Look for flooring that mimics the appearance of wood. While hardwood floors are one alternative, engineered wood floors are another durable, budget-friendly alternative that recreates the look of wood.

Or, if you're renovating a space where you prefer to use tile, check out ceramic tiles that maintain a wood appearance. Search for tiles with a low-gloss finish, and avoid intricate designs. The goal is to produce a simple, classic look. 

Ready to sell your current home and find a new one for you to decorate with the latest interior design trends? Contact us today to get started!

Whether you enjoy binge-watching your favorite shows or like to host at-home movie nights, a home theater system is an excellent addition to your home. Our real estate agents find that a home theater system is also appealing to potential homebuyers and helps define your home's unused spaces. Here are a few ways you can take your home theater to the next level.

1. Select the Right Space
   When deciding where to place your home theater, opt for a room that's removed from the hustle and bustle of your household. This should be a space that's used only for viewing media. Ideally, you should be able to close the room off from the rest of the household when it's time to catch a movie to minimize noise and light pollution. 

2. Place Your TV or Screen the Correct Distance from Your Seating
   For the best viewing experience, your TV or screen should be the proper distance from your home theater's seating. If your space has a TV, multiply the length of the screen's diagonal size by 1.5 to 2.5 to know where to place the seats. For example, assume you have a 60-inch TV. This means that you'll place your seats anywhere from 90 inches to 150 inches from the screen. However, if you have a projector in your home theater, multiply the width of the screen by 2 to 5 to figure out your seat placement. This makes it comfortable for you to see the whole screen. 

3. Paint Your Walls a Dark Hue
   Your home theater is the perfect place to embrace a dark color for your walls. Lighter colors can reflect light in the room and cause a glare. Dark hues will absorb light and help you better control the lighting conditions in the room. Raleigh homes for sale with a fresh coat of paint will also show better with prospective buyers. 

4. Invest in a Home Audio System
   Even top-notch TVs frequently have less than stellar sound quality. Add to your viewing experience by investing in a home audio system. This will ensure that the sound tones are crisp and clear. For a smaller space, a soundbar may be sufficient. You don't want to overwhelm the room with too much sound. If you have a larger home theater room, a surround sound system is an excellent choice for an immersive viewing experience.

5. Keep Decorative Items Away from Your Screen
   Movie posters and souvenirs are cool, but they can distract you or your guests when you're watching a movie. Instead, position them so that they're behind your seating. 

6. Opt for Tiered Seating
   Tiered seating is the gold standard for home theaters because it prevents someone from inadvertently obscuring the view of the person behind them. Fortunately, tiered seating doesn't have to be expensive. You can add platforms to your seats to raise them a few inches. Or, you might opt to add a few cozy floor seats; these are often popular with kids who like a little extra space to fidget during a movie. 

Want a home with more space for your home theater? Contact us today to explore your options!

With the holiday season in full swing, it's time to select a Christmas tree for your home. A real Christmas tree is a charming option that instantly lends a festive touch to your space. Our real estate agents know that a home with gorgeous decorations appeals to potential buyers. 

Not only does a real Christmas tree fill your home with the seasonal smell of pine, but it helps support the local businesses who grew, transported, and sold the tree. Here are some guidelines to follow to help you pick the best Christmas tree for your home. 

1. Know Your Options
   There are a few different varieties of trees commonly sold as Christmas trees. The Balsam Fir is a popular choice in many households; this variety is the most fragrant alternative, and it only sheds a small number of its needles. If you have lots of space and want a full Christmas tree, consider a Douglas Fir. The Douglas Fir boasts a lovely pyramid shape and soft needles. Make sure that you're ultra committed to watering your tree, as the Douglas Fir requires more water. Maybe you like to add a lot of ornaments to your tree. The Frasier Fir is preferred for it's stiff, strong branches capable of holding a tree full of decorations. If a green tree doesn't quite suit your aesthetics, check out the Colorado Blue Spruce. Its needles are a bluish-silvery hue and look fantastic in a room adorned with winter-themed decor. The Eastern White Pine is a great choice if you're sensitive to smells and prefer a tree with minimal fragrance. However, it also has soft needles that aren't capable of supporting many ornaments and decorations.

2. Measure the Space Where You Plan to Put the Tree
   Your next step is to measure the space where you plan to set up the tree. When choosing your tree's home, make sure that it's away from any heat sources (like a radiator or open window) or open flames (such as a fireplace or candle display). Once you've selected your spot, measure the height (leaving room at the bottom for the tree holder and at the top for the tree topper), width, and depth. Jot these measurements down and take them with you so you can ensure that any potential trees are a suitable size. If you're adding your home to the inventory of Raleigh homes for sale, make sure that you don't overcrowd the space. Having too much decor or furnishings in one area will actually make the room appear small. 

3. Understand What to Look for at the Tree Lot
   Besides meeting your preferences for size and variety, there are some other requirements your tree should meet. Look for a tree with bright, shiny needles; steer clear of trees that have brown, dull needles. Give the branches a shake. If a lot of needles fall off, move onto the next tree. Take a few of the needles in your hands and crush them. They should have a fragrant, fresh smell. 

4. Keep Your Tree Hydrated
   Regardless of which type of Christmas tree you choose, ample hydration will ensure that it looks amazing the entire season. Once you get your tree home, give it plenty of water, and check the water frequently. Most trees are a little dehydrated when you get them home and will initially use more water until they can stabilize their water levels. 

Want a home with more space for holiday decorations? Contact us today to explore your options!

A spare bedroom can come in handy for overnight guests, but if this is a rare occurrence in your home, the space is often better utilized for everyday use. The extra room can be transformed in many different ways to suit your family's needs.

Our real estate agents suggest the following 7 ways to put a spare bedroom to use and to make it your favorite space in your home:

1. Mudroom
   A spare bedroom that's near the front door can be utilized as a mudroom-like storage space. You'll need shelving and cubbies to store shoes, kids' backpacks, and other items. Hooks for coats and jackets will also be needed, and you can finish off the space with bench topped with a padded cushion so you can sit on it to take your shoes on or off.
   
   
2. Reading Area
   A quiet room where you can get away from it all and curl up with a good book may be just the thing if you like to read. Add some shelving, a few comfortable chairs, some artwork, and cozy accessories like throw pillows or blankets, and you'll have the basics taken care of. You can also choose appropriate artwork if you'd like to spruce up the room, and good lighting is a must so you can see to read without any difficulty.
   
   
3. Dressing Room
   Converting a spare bedroom into a dressing room gives you the space to store your clothing, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories neatly, as well as giving you a roomy space to get dressed. Best of all, you can emphasize the type of storage you need the most. So if you're into shoes, for example, pull out shoe racks may be a priority for you. Also include features like shelving, seating, a mirror that reflects you from head to toe, and closet accessories to store belts, scarves, and more.
   
   
4. Yoga Room
   If you're into yoga but usually end up pulling your mat out into a family living area, a spare bedroom can be converted into a quiet, soothing space to practice some moves. Decorate it in soothing tones with warm lighting and create your own yoga studio with just a mat or add some extras like yoga straps or bolsters. And to practice moves safely, make sure the room is large enough to keep you safely away from any walls or furniture.
   
   
5. Study Room
   If you have school-age kids, why not provide them with a quiet space to work in? This also frees up space in their bedrooms and keeps the kitchen table cleared off. Good lighting is key when you're creating a study room, as are plenty of desk space and all the tools and supplies they'll need.
   
   
6. Home Theater
   Home theaters are popular spots to gather and spend time with your family at home while watching a movie. Invest in comfortable seating and a projector or large TV, and if you'd like, add some touches like a popcorn machine or framed movie posters.
   
   
7. Sewing or Craft Room
   Sewing and crafts can take up a lot of space and leave you struggling to take your supplies out and put them away each time you want to use them. A dedicated sewing or craft studio lets you have storage units and boxes or baskets that suit your individual needs and large tables, bolts of fabric, or other supplies ready to use when you need them.

Contact us to look at Raleigh homes for sale. We'll help you find a home that has extra features you'd love to have, such as a spare bedroom. 

One of the best parts of moving into a new place is adding the touches that make it a home. Homebuyers look at houses imagining that the south-facing window will be perfect for their favorite houseplants and trying to decide which cozy spot is the right one for a pair of armchairs. The process of selling your home requires that you leave room in buyers' imaginations for their aspirations, and there are some interior design trends that can crowd other ideas out. Our estate agents love seeing the personality a home can show, but we also love seeing a home ready for its next act. When getting your home ready to list, here are some interior design trends you should consider avoiding. 

1. Bold Wallpaper
   Bold patterns in wallpaper are a perennial trend; they've cycled through interior design trends since the Victorian era. But whether you have classic cabbage roses or geometric figures, bold wallpaper can overpower a home buyer's attempt to see the potential in a place. If said wallpaper is new, it can prompt concerns about what lay behind the bright colors and bold designs. Removing wallpaper and applying paint can be a great DIY job for a long weekend, but if your wallpaper dates from before 1970, ask a pro about what may lay under the surface. 
   
   
2. Fixing Your Fixtures 
   Brass fixtures have been on trend recently, but like many quirky retro looks, their moment is brief. Oil-rubbed bronze and brushed nickel are coming into vogue. Chrome finishes are a practical option for high-contact surfaces, as chrome is easy to clean. You can swap out most fixtures in an afternoon with a few basic tools. Your fixture finishes don't have to be uniform throughout your home but try to keep to no more than three finishes. 
   
   
3. Tired of Tile 
   Tiled countertops are no longer as popular as they used to be, as they can be tough to clean and make for less than ideal work surfaces. Tile flooring for kitchens and bathrooms is a classic and practical choice, but if you're installing new tile, keep to solid neutrals. Bold patterns in tile flooring can look great, but leave home buyers wondering where to look. 
   
   
4. Overly Cold White Interiors 
   Rooms awash in white can look impressive in photos. But for someone seeking warmth and comfort, all-white interiors can look cold and clinical. White interiors also show scuffs and stains readily. If you're not ready to paint or change the flooring, break up an expanse of white with wall hangings, plants, or pillows to add texture and color. 

Homebuyers deserve the chance to make their own artistic statement once they choose one of the Raleigh homes for sale to make their own. You can help them visualize themselves calling your place home when you stage your home as a canvas for them to embrace their favorite interior design trends. If you have any questions about staging and preparing your home for sale, please contact us. 

Ready to pick out paint to make your new home your own? Perhaps you're toying with the idea of changing a wall color to refresh a room before you sell? Maybe the front door needs a facelift to boost your curb appeal? No matter what painting project you want to take on, you may soon find that selecting the perfect paint color isn't as easy as it seems.

There are thousands of colors to choose from in varying finishes making it hard to narrow down the best hue for you. Not to mention, that studies have proven that a home's paint colors may have the power to impact its sale both positively and negatively. 

Zillow's 2017 Paint Color Analysis discovered that "walls painted in cool neutrals like blue or gray have broad appeal, and may be signals that the home is well cared for or has other desirable features." Even more interesting, especially to soon-to-be sellers, the study revealed that homes with blue bathrooms, specifically hues of powder blue or pale periwinkle, sold for $5,440 more than anticipated. Zillow's Chief Economist Svenja Gudell added:

"Color can be a powerful tool for attracting buyers to a home, especially in listing photos and videos. Painting walls in fresh, natural-looking colors, particularly in shades of blue and pale gray not only make a home feel larger, but also are neutral enough to help future buyers envision themselves living in the space. Incorporating light blue in kitchens and bathrooms may pay off especially well as the color complements white countertops and cabinets, a growing trend in both rooms."

What paint colors are best?

Fortunately, the pros have weighed in and made some excellent recommendations for the perfect paint colors to choose for your home. Plan to bookmark these paint chip picks. 

Picking a White Paint

It may surprise you, but white is among the hardest paint colors to pick. Just like other hues on the color wheel, white comes in varying shades that appear warm or cool depending on the mix and the colors with which the paint is paired (think trim work and walls).

Elle Décor recently shared its interior design team's favorite white paints including:

• All White by Farrow & Ball
• Great White by Farrow & Ball
• Honeymilk by Valspar
• Lily of the Valley by Benjamin Moore
• Simply White by Benjamin Moore
• White Diamond by Benjamin Moore
• White Dove by Benjamin Moore

Picking a Neutral Paint 

On the hunt for something neutral? Get ready; there are a lot of paints that apply in a variety of colors.

A paint-picking article published by the Washington Post keys this task up honestly with input from an in-the-know designer; "Neutrals are difficult to select because thought needs to be given to whether a warm or cool tone best suits the project," says Josh Hildreth, a Reston designer. "Natural light and lighting conditions need to be considered."

If beige is what you are after, Curbed, a popular website about all-things home, offers up some paint suggestions from its designer contributors:

• Cumulus Cloud by Benjamin Moore
• Jute by Benjamin Moore
• Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore
• Rockport Gray by Benjamin Moore (don't let the "gray" in the title dissuade, you may prefer a beige that is cool opposed to warm)
• Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball

Picking a Gray Paint

Gray continues to be the color of choice among home décor designers. If it's also your preference, you should know that the new neutral comes in blue-, green- and taupe-based hues that may change color under different light sources.

Your best bet will be to consider some paints picked by the professionals and test them out in your own home before you commit to a final color. Here are some gray paints recommended by the design team at House Beautiful:

• Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball
• Graytint by Benjamin Moore
• Magnetic Gray by Sherwin-Williams
• Mindful Gray by Sherwin- Williams
• November Rain by Benjamin Moore
• Shaded White by Farrow & Ball
• Stone Harbor by Benjamin Moore
• Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore

Picking a Blue Paint 

The most popular color across the board, blue is a hue that you'll see in all styles of home décor. The cool color evokes a serene, soothing feeling making it a great option for a kitchen, bathroom or bedroom.

Designers are also a fan of using the color to create a statement against complementary shades of white, gray and beige.

Some soft, watery blue paints to consider include:

• Blue Veil by Benjamin Moore
• Light Blue by Farrow & Ball
• Early Frost by Benjamin Moore
• Tidewater by Sherwin-Williams

Seeking a shade that will make more of a statement? These blues may be just what you desire:

• Caribbean Azure by Benjamin Moore
• Searching Blue by Sherwin-Williams
• Pitch Blue by Farrow & Ball
• Santa Monica Blue by Benjamin Moore
• Polo Blue by Benjamin Moore 

Picking a Green Paint

Much like blue, green is a color that is often used in home décor designs to set the stage for calming and relaxing rooms.

Well displayed in nature, the hue styles well with many colors and is a good pick for a fresh, clean look. Designer-approved shades include:

• Aganthus Green by Benjamin Moore
• Stone White by Farrow & Ball
• Vert De Terre by Benjamin Moore
• Hancock Green by Benjamin Moore
• Creekside Green by Benjamin Moore

Picking a Red Paint

Do you want to add a pop of red in your home? The bold hue is a homeowner favorite, but may not always be the best choice if you are prepping for a sale.

Think strategic paint placements—a statement wall, a friendly front door or a backdrop to your built-ins—over total saturation. Some red paint chips to pick up and test out include:

• Chili Pepper by Benjamin Moore
• Dressage Red by Ralph Lauren Paint
• Million Dollar Red by Benjamin Moore
• Moroccan Red by Benjamin Moore
• Redstone by Benjamin Moore
• Relay Red by Ralph Lauren Paint