Tag Archives: kitchen remodeling

Common Myths about Hiring an Interior Decorator

Why are people sometimes hesitant about hiring decorators? In a world where “surprise” remodeling shows on television dominate the visibility of interior decorating, it’s understandable that a few misconceptions about interior decorators have formed. But in reality, whether you’re moving into a new home or updating the house you’ve lived in for the past 20 years, hiring a decorator has many advantages from saving time and money to eliminating unnecessary stress.

The following is a list of common misconceptions about working with a decorator.

Myth: Interior decorators are too expensive.

This is one of the most common assumptions people have about interior decorators– and it keeps many from seeking out the help of a designer in the first place.

Truth: Decorating doesn’t have to break the bank.

Our decorators are committed to finding and creating options that maximize our clients’ resources, style, and budget. As one of our decorating clients, Abbi, stated, “PJ & Company knew I was on a tight budget but was open and very creative at working with me to find things that met my taste and fit into my budget.”

In the long run, hiring a designer can be more budget-friendly than taking on the project yourself. An expert can help you avoid costly mistakes and can suggest design options that will ultimately increase your home’s value for when it comes time to sell.

Myth: The decorator’s style differs from my own, so the design won’t reflect my taste.

People often equate hiring an interior decorator with the loss of creative control. In fact, it’s just the opposite.

Truth: The design process is collaborative.

Instead of infusing his or her own style into a client’s space, a decorator listens to what the client wants and then transforms that vision into a design that is cohesive, forward-thinking, and functional for the client.

We believe communication is essential, which is why we make sure to establish a partnership with our clients every step of the way. The most important part of the process is understanding our clients’ needs, lifestyle, and budget so we can provide them with a decor that they will love.

Myth: I don’t need an interior decorator because I can do everything myself.

While this is an option, there are benefits to hiring an interior decorator.

Truth: Interior decorators can make the decorating process cheaper and stress-free.

A professional can maximize your budget and schedule by utilizing resources only available to interior decorators. For example, our designers have access to showrooms not open to the public and receive discounts that can then be passed on to the client. Our company provides access to reliable vendors and contractors, and manages the project from design to construction so that the decor update or renovation can be a stress-free process for our clients.

While there are many misconceptions surrounding designers, their skills and expertise debunk the myths. At PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating, we pride ourselves on making the decorating process pleasant and easy for our clients. Whether it’s a consultation to select the right paint color or fabric for a room, complete decorating renovations, kitchen and bath cabinet and countertop selections, choosing the best coordinating backsplash, lighting, flooring, or furniture and accessory selections/arrangements, we collaborate with you to fulfill your personal goals and make you happy every step of the way.

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A Thank You Gift For Our 12th Anniversary

To celebrate our 12th Anniversary we are offering $50 off a home decorating consultation with one of our designers. No matter what your style, schedule or budget, we can help refresh any space in your home for the new year.

Contact us to schedule and mention “The Style Report” through January 31, 2018.

 

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New Trends That Define Kitchen Decor

Whether a homeowner is selling now or wants to enjoy updates for a few years, smart on-trend solutions will add value and make a home more attractive to future buyers. The collage below features elements from several kitchens we decorated/remodeled along with a list of some of the latest trends in kitchen design for 2016 that we hope will help inspire you to get started planning your dream kitchen.

Kitchen Trends Collage grayKitchens decorated by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

Open Kitchens
Kitchens are fading into the backdrop as open layouts infuse more seamlessly into the living room or dining room. The result is a unified, multi-functional space that is perfect for a relaxed lifestyle as well as entertaining.

Metal Range Hoods
While stainless steel finishes continue to be popular in accents such as faucets, pendant lights and cabinet hardware, this trend takes it one step further by using metal range hoods as a focal point either over the stove or a central island. They also provide a beautiful contrast to surrounding materials.

Multi-Purpose Islands
This trend is about more than just adding workspace in the kitchen – its a perfect solution for more storage, charging stations for gadgets, prep sinks, as well as another casual dining area.

Soft, Muted Color Palettes
Although white motifs continue to dominate, designers are adding touches of soft, pastel color in tiles, shelving and other accents. Also using variations of gray, muted blue and green and tinted whites for walls and cabinets are new alternatives to standard white.

Well-Lit Cabinetry
The more options for layering kitchen lighting the better. LED and low voltage light strips placed above, below and inside cabinets pair well with ceiling fixtures to provide more ways to set the right mood.

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Kitchen Updates That Will Attract Buyers

Kitchens are more important than ever when it comes to influencing buyers’ perceptions of a home as well as the perceived value. There are many ways homeowners can update key kitchen features depending on your budget. Painting, updating appliances, lighting, and cabinet hardware are just a few examples of simple fixes that are worth every penny to engage buyers.

The following photos include some of PJ & Company’s kitchen staging and renovation projects featuring some of these great ideas.

SheltonKitchen2B&AKitchen Staging: PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

The Kitchen Cabinet Transformation
Our favorite fix for dated cabinets is paint. Using bright white paint to cover outdated, dark wood cabinets gives this kitchen (pictured above) a modern facelift. Other cosmetic fixes to enhance the look include replacing cabinet hardware with sleek, brushed nickel knobs and handles. Adding a few modern accessories like the small sisal rug provides a relaxed and inviting Pottery Barn look.

PJ&CoKitchensKitchen Staging: PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

Remove Outdated Wallpaper
An easy way to add modern style is to say goodbye to dated wallpaper with busy patterns. Painting walls a neutral color will enhance the kitchen’s best features. Then add texture and pattern in accents such as seat cushions, rugs, window treatments and wall art.

LevadametalCollageKitchen Remodel: PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

Update Fixtures and Appliances
The right lighting is a critical part of any space but is most important in the kitchen for functionality. These industrial style pendant lights are a perfect example of a simple update that adds a twist of contemporary style with sophisticated appeal.

The single lever faucet which compliments the stainless steel stove and floating hood is another example of an upgrade which completes the state of the art look of the room. There are a range of options available to choose from which will give a high-end look that will be attractive to buyers.

levadakitchencounterKitchen Remodel: PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

Invest in Countertops
Repair or replace counters that are cracked, stained or dated. If replacing, consider one of our favorite materials, Quartz which is a popular alternative to granite and marble (used for island in above photo). It comes in a variety of colors and styles that provide both a custom appeal along with durability.

Update Flooring
Nothing says dated more than worn carpeting, scuffed hardwood floors, and cracked tile. If your kitchen floor is dull and has lost its lustre, first try to wax or polish surfaces, re-grout or repair tiles. Otherwise consider replacing with a variety of affordable and durable synthetic options that are widely available and mimic the look of hardwood, stone or marble flooring.

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PJ & Company’s Favorite Transformations of 2014

Best of Home Renovations and Staging Projects 
 

Best Renovations

The kitchen featured below was our favorite renovation of 2014. We love the classic white kitchen cabinets combined with modern elements including industrial style pendants, a floating hood and natural stone backsplash, and most of all the Quartz island and countertops.

Photo Credit: PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

This South Salem, NY bathroom was transformed once we decided to give it a modern facelift by painting the dated vanity a dark espresso and adding stylish cabinet hardware. The transformation offers buyers a move-in ready master retreat.

 Photo Credit: PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

Patti’s 1969 master bath was cramped and outdated so she decided to demolish the space to provide a blank canvas for a new layout and design. The new and improved room features a modern, spa-like style with an earthy color scheme including a rich espresso vanity, glass tiles, a stone shower floor, frameless shower door, and jeweled light sconces affixed to the wall-to-wall mirror.


Photo Credit: PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

 Best Staging Before and Afters 

This vacant 1930s mansion in the historic district of Hartford, CT was transformed into a property designed to engage buyers. Using modern elements and warm colors our staging team created a modern decor that showcased the wonderful architectural detail of this unique home.

Photo Credit: PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating 

The decor in this multi-million dollar, 5,700 square foot colonial in Westchester, NY living room was outdated and the furniture layout was uninviting. After we rearranged the furniture, refreshed with a modern wall color, and updated the room’s accessories including a more modern rug, this room appealed to buyers both online and in person.

Photo Credit: PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

For more information and to view more photos of our interior decorating and staging projects, please visit our portfolio page at www.pjstagingdecorating.com.

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