Tag Archives: kitchen updates

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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Modest Home Updates to Wow Buyers and Boost Value

When selling a home in today’s market, it’s important to consider all the options to help make it stand out and appear move-in ready to selective buyers. Which improvements require the least time, effort and expense but will significantly boost your home’s perceived value? To help prioritize, we put together the following list of modest staging solutions/upgrades that will get your property noticed and cost less than the first price reduction that buyers would expect for dated kitchens and baths.

Dining room staged by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

Freshen Walls With Neutral Color

Our go-to instant fix to brighten and hide dated and damaged walls is neutral paint. It’s amazing to see how a dark red or purple room can be completely transformed with a coat of soft “greige” (a combination of taupe and grey) paint that increases the perceived size of the space, doesn’t distract from the room’s features and acts as the perfect backdrop to modern furnishings and décor.

Kitchen staged by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

Re-paint Kitchen and Bath Cabinets

To instantly boost a tired kitchen or bath without a costly investment, start by repainting dated and dark cabinets and vanities with bright white paint. Complete the look by pairing with modern hardware – handles, drawer pulls or knobs for added style.

Bathroom staged by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

Replace Kitchen & Bath Lighting and Countertops

Lighting is an important design element that can affect the mood of a room more than any other accessory. Adding updated lighting in modern designs and on-trend mixed finishes such as brushed nickel, chrome or soft gold tones will add warmth and sophisticated style. It can also be used to draw attention to certain features in the room such as a beautiful new marble or quartz countertop (as shown in photo above), appliances or high ceilings.

Highlight Key Features

For large windows with attractive molding, remove heavier window treatments or simply frame with floor to ceiling neutral drapes. Remove worn carpeting and expose and polish hardwood flooring. Re-stain stairway steps and railings by painting risers or updating spindles. Enhance a beautiful stone fireplace with molding, mantle or screen.

Living Room staged by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve invested in cosmetic fixes, be sure to remove dated furniture and accents and replace with more modern style that complement the room (as pictured in living room above). Minimal wall art, vignettes and throw pillows with subtle pops of color and pattern will add depth and warmth so that buyers can emotionally connect and envision living in the home.

Exterior & Curb Appeal

It’s just as important to update the outside of your home to welcome buyers inside. Remodeling magazine’s “Cost vs. Value” report continues to list replacing entry and garage doors, siding and windows as upgrades that provide the greatest return on investment. However, sprucing up the landscaping, making necessary basic repairs, a fresh coat of paint for the front door and some seasonal potted flowers will go a long way to make a great first impression.

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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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MARKETING YOUR HOME FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE

The saying “you can’t sell your house the way you live in it” is a great motto for sellers to live by if they want to sell quickly and for top dollar. This means stepping back and looking at your property as a product and showcasing it in the best light to target the specific needs of today’s buyers. The following are some key points to consider when marketing your home for success in a competitive market.

Family Room Staged by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating
This home sold within 36 hours of being listed for sale and had previously been on the
market for over one year.

1. Remove Distractions

  • After decluttering and depersonalizing, find the proper balance of modern furniture and accessories that will enhance a room so that buyers can focus on it’s unique features, size and flow.
  • Stage a room with just enough décor that isn’t distracting and helps buyers get an idea of what it would be like to live there with their own furniture in the space.

Kitchen Update and Staging by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

2. Boost Perceived Value With Basic Updates

  • An expensive overhaul is overkill as it won’t necessarily yield a high return on investment.
  • Basic updates and repairs such as bright white paint for kitchen or bathroom cabinets, new hardware, modern lighting, eco-friendly faucets and neutral wall color is all that is needed to suggest a home is in move-in ready condition.

Family Room Staged by PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating

3. Make It Memorable

  • A vacant home in particular doesn’t leave a lasting impression on buyers who can’t visualize beyond what they see.
  • Add key pieces of modern, clean-lined furniture, rugs, lighting and window treatments to fill the void with warmth and personality and make buyers that much more emotionally connected and more likely to make an offer.
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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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