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Interior Design Trends and Home Decor Inspiration
Now that spring is officially here, it’s a great time to shake off the winter grays. Infuse your place with new accessories that reflect fun trends and fresh seasonal vibes. Depending on your go-to sources for interior design trends and home decor inspiration, you may discover conflicting information for recommended colors, styles, and overall looks. But never fear: we’ve pulled together the top trends everyone seems to agree on.
Go Blue
While some design experts are touting earth tones and others bold colors, everyone agrees that blue is in. Whether it’s muted blues or eye-popping ultramarine blue, bringing more blue into your home is a good thing. From painting guest bathrooms to full-on living spaces, blue is the way to go. And having more blue in your life has surprising benefits, such as relaxing your mind and improving creativity.
Artistic Lighting
Elevate any room with artistic lighting. Think of your lighting as art, something that has a practical function and also a beautiful form. Good Housekeeping lists statement lamps as a top interior design trend, while Vogue mentions statement glass, such as Murano glass chandeliers. Obviously, this includes a wide range of lighting choices with everything from bold lamps to exquisite internationally renowned light pieces. But the takeaway is that in 2023, it’s time to up your glow game. Add artistic lighting that elicits oohs and ahs for much more than its standard illumination function.
Floor Art
Similar to lighting, rugs can really impact a room. While neutral rugs aren’t going away, bold rugs are brightening the interior design scene. This includes rugs with vibrant saturated colors, daring designs, and fun patterns. To make a bold rug work, you have to examine a space carefully and take into consideration other aspects of the room. Think about what other fabrics in the room will go well with a bold rug. We suggest shopping locally at stores here on Bainbridge Island. Check out Company C rugs at Danger or these Dash and Albert bestsellers at Furnish Bainbridge.
Sustainable and Conversational
A common thread throughout new interior design trends are items that are sustainable and/or conversational. Oftentimes, these two things overlap. When it comes to sustainability, people are looking for new furniture and decor made from sustainable materials. This is becoming a bigger part of the purchasing conversation. Others are buying furniture that’s made to last by avoiding big box stores and investing in antiques.
This is where the conversational piece comes into play. Home decor that has a story is always more interesting, whether it’s a beautiful piece of art you purchased on a trip or a stunning dresser you found at your local antique store. Items you invest in with stories are more likely to last and be passed down to other members of your family who also love and feel a connection to that piece. So in 2023, think about what is sustainable and memorable. These carefully curated pieces will add beauty and personality to your home.
As you look at new interior design trends and home decor inspiration, you may also want to consider your home’s outdoor ambiance, especially as summer approaches. Check out these outdoor dining ideas as you prepare to entertain guests and enjoy warmer weather.
Winter Home Maintenance Checklist
Fall is flying by and now’s the time to prepare your home for winter weather. The last thing you want is to have your holiday fun interrupted by a disastrous leak or an emergency repair. To enjoy your cozy home with true peace of mind, complete a winter home maintenance checklist.
Weatherproof Windows & Doors
One of the easiest ways cold weather seeps into your home is through windows and doors. These leaks significantly reduce your home’s energy efficiency and bring an unwelcome chill. By fixing these gaps, you can increase your energy savings anywhere from 5% to 30%.
To keep the cold at bay, seal any leaks with weatherstripping or caulking both from the inside and outside. Home Depot provides some great tips on how to go about this and what materials to use. (Watch the video below.) Adding a door sweep is another great way to keep drafts out and warm air inside. If you live in an older home with extra drafty windows and doors, it may be time for a few upgrades and replacements. Consider investing in double-pane windows and new insulated doors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXb2api6ZqM
Clean Chimneys and Fireplaces
Gathering around your fireplace or wood-burning stove may be enjoyable for warmth and ambiance. But make sure they are safe and ready for use this winter. Most importantly, to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned. This must be a high-priority task on your winter home maintenance checklist. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends having your chimney inspected once a year to ensure critters haven’t turned it into a condo, and to clear away any debris or blockages. If you have a gas fireplace, a professional can also inspect gas lines and vents and make needed repairs. Investing in a chimney sweep is best for your health and safety in the long run. And remember to close the fireplace damper when it’s not in use to keep out drafts and save energy.
Check Your Furnace
Your furnace is the heart of your home’s heating system and you want to make sure it’s running smoothly throughout the winter. Take time to check the furnace filter and install a new one if it’s dirty. ENERGY STAR recommends changing the filter every three months. So if you can’t remember the last time you replaced it, now is a great time. ENERGY STAR also suggests having your furnace checked by a professional each year. Fall is the perfect time to do this before heating experts are swamped with cold weather-related emergencies. Also, you’ll feel better knowing everything is in working order.
Inspect Your Gutters and Roof
Once the trees have shed all their leaves, it’s time to clear your gutters. Your home’s gutters play a key role in draining water away from your house. November can be a pretty rainy month on Bainbridge Island and throughout our region, so you may want to move this task to the top of your list. To avoid basement leaks and flooding, make sure your downspouts point away from the foundation.
While you’re up there investigating your gutters, it’s good to take a look at the roof as well, but only if you can do so safely. If not, hire a professional to help because the last thing you need is a ladder-related accident. Inspecting the roof is especially important for homeowners who will be away from their property for a significant amount of time. It’s best to find any damage that could cause leaks before you go, otherwise, an unwelcome and expensive surprise might be awaiting you upon your return.
Protect Your Pipes
Cold weather is hard on pipes, especially pipes that aren’t insulated within the walls of your home. For extra cold winter days and nights, make sure all interior pipes are wrapped and insulated to prevent freezing. Burst or cracked pipes often cause serious water damage, it’s best to be proactive to prevent a water damage emergency.
If you have a waterfront home that serves as a getaway, then it’s important to take even more precautions. Disconnect all hoses from outside pipes and drain the hoses to prevent them from freezing and breaking. If you turn off the heat while you’re away, then proceed with similar steps indoors. As you turn off the heat, also turn off the main water supply and open all faucets. Next drain all hoses connected to your dishwasher, washer, and any other appliances. Another option is to keep your heat on at a minimum of 55 degrees to keep your pipes in good working order.
Prime Your Sump Pump
The sump pump is crucial to keeping your home dry during extremely wet weather by pumping excess groundwater away from your home. Make sure yours is ready to do its job to prevent water damage. There are two easy ways to test if your sump pump is working. One way is to pour water in until the float raises and see if it kicks into action and starts removing water. If it doesn’t, then it’s best to call in an expert. Another way is to do the classic on-and-off method by simply unplugging and plugging the pump back in. If the sump pump doesn’t turn back on, it most likely needs to be replaced or repaired.
Prepare for a Winter Storm
Lastly, make sure you’re ready for the unexpected. You never know what winter might throw your way. We may be in for a winter storm with power outages or another Snowmaggedon. Regardless, it’s good to have extra supplies on hand including flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and firewood. Take time to assemble an emergency kit and prepare a family evacuation plan. The Weather Channel created a great winter storm preparation list, which includes checking fire and carbon monoxide alarms. It’s always best to be prepared. That way, if something does happen, you’ll be covered.
After you’ve completed your winter home maintenance checklist, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the holiday season.
Buying a Home? Avoid These 6 Home Buying Mistakes
Whether this is your first time buying a home or your fifth, there are certain home buying mistakes you want to avoid to make the process easier. The best strategy to avoid these missteps in working with a great real estate agent. Together, you can plan accordingly and work as a team. They’ll help you steer clear of mistakes that could lead to higher costs, more stress, and lost opportunities. Here are six common home buying mistakes to avoid.
1. Skipping pre-approval
To ensure you have the best chance of purchasing your dream home, getting pre-approved is a must. Going through the pre-approval process helps determine the loan size you qualify for, what size of a house fits your budget, and your estimated monthly mortgage payment. More importantly, pre-approval paperwork shows sellers you are serious, your offer is financially secure, and that there will be no delays in closing.
2. Not working with a local lender
Overall, local lenders can help empower you throughout the home buying process. Both sellers and real estate agents generally prefer working with local lenders because they have a better reputation for closing on time compared to national banks and online lenders. Additionally, having a local lender can help set you apart when a seller receives multiple offers. If a seller is considering several different offers, but your offer is the only one with a local lender, it could be the one factor that tips the scales in your favor.
3. Forgetting to research the neighborhood
While the house you are considering may meet all your criteria, what about the neighborhood? Is it important for you to be within walking distance of local schools, have access to parks, be close to town, have a convenient commute, and/or be near other community amenities? These are all important factors to think about as you’re house hunting to make sure the neighborhood suits your needs. North, Central, and South Bainbridge Island feature a variety of perks. A local real estate agent will know each neighborhood well and can help identify the best match for you, your family, and your lifestyle.
4. Buying a home without an inspection
Typically, in today’s market, sellers do a pre-listing inspection to help streamline the process for prospective buyers. If for some reason this isn’t the case with a home you’re considering, then it’s important to have a professional home inspection done. An expert can alert you to potentially expensive repairs and time-consuming projects before you place an offer. It’s best to know all the pros and cons of buying a home before you move in and it’s too late.
5. Not purchasing sufficient homeowner’s insurance
Your home is one of your most valuable assets, yet many homeowners are underinsured. A comprehensive homeowner’s insurance policy covers not only your home but also all your belongings, living expenses, and injury or damage to others that occurs on the property during an unexpected disaster. Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common throughout the world. Make sure you work closely with an insurance broker to make sure you’re protected from potential local risks for your peace of mind.
6. Not working with a buyer’s agent
A buyer’s agent is a local expert who helps identify the best home that meets your needs, works with you on developing a competitive offer, and effectively negotiates on your behalf. Buyer’s agents also make your life easier by handling the paperwork when it comes time to close the deal. Buying a home is a complex transaction with many moving parts. Having an experienced professional to help navigate the process is essential to reducing your stress and helping you achieve success. A good buyer’s agent also has strong relationships in the community they serve. They can connect you with great lenders, inspectors, insurance agents, repair services, and other local experts.
Make sure you avoid home buying mistakes to give yourself every possible advantage throughout the process. Contact a local Windermere real estate agent today.
5 Outdoor Dining Design and Decor Ideas
Summer is in full swing, which means it’s the perfect time to elevate your outdoor dining experience. Create an inviting space for friends and family to relax on a summer afternoon or evening and enjoy the season. And, if you are considering selling your home in the near future, a stylish and charming outdoor dining area can help increase the overall appeal with potential buyers.
Pergola Peace
Design the ultimate outdoor dining experience by adding a pergola to your backyard. Not only do pergolas provide additional shade, privacy, and protection, they play a key role in creating atmosphere, style, and comfort. A pergola will help your guests feel the escapism of summer vacation while enjoying the intimacy of your home.
There are a variety of pergola designs to choose from to match the look and feel of your home whether attached or free-standing. Typically made of wood, pergolas often feature an open roof of beams or latticework that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Hanging plants, ivy, or curtains are all great decorative options. Add electricity to accommodate decorative lighting as desired.
Dining Furniture
Choosing outdoor dining furniture that’s right for your space is important. For larger spaces, consider how many people you envision hosting, and invest in a set of tables and chairs that reflect that vision. Most outdoor dining sets accommodate six to eight people, but Williams Sonoma Home offers table options for eight to ten people. Additionally, they offer extendable tables to help you shift from a cozier to a more expansive atmosphere as needed.
For smaller spaces, you may want to consider a table and benches instead of chairs. Benches offer great seating flexibility with “the more the merrier” in mind. Plus, benches can easily be stored under the table. This allows for more space and helps keep the cushions protected and clean. Also, as you’re looking at outdoor dining furniture, think about what vibe you prefer. If you prefer a relaxed, beachy vibe, then a wicker or wood set might be right for you. If you prefer a more formal, sophisticated vibe, then a slate, metal set could be the better choice.
Outdoor Decor
Once you’ve chosen your furniture, dress it up with fun outdoor decor. When it comes to throw pillows, you can never have too many. This is especially true when decorating tougher outdoor furniture made to withstand the elements. Add color to your space and create softer, more comfortable seating with a variety of pillows. Mix and match pillow types and sizes to support backs and allow for greater relaxation. Have a few cozy and luxurious throws on hand for good measure in case guests get chilled as dinner winds down and evening cools.
Festive Lighting
Set the mood of your outdoor dining experience with the right lighting. Pottery Barn sells a variety of outdoor lighting to create the ambiance you want. String lights are both elegant and festive and come in a variety of styles, colors, and designs. Paper lanterns bring a celebratory feel to dinner and are great for birthday parties, anniversaries, and other special occasions. Or, you can add a touch of classic sophistication and warmth with candles. There are lovely flameless candles available that are both safe and inviting.
Table Setting
The final touch to every dining experience is the table setting. Your guests will be gathered around the table throughout the afternoon or evening. This Vogue article shares expert advice on creating the dream summer table. Make sure you consider all the elements including a beautiful centerpiece (possibly bright flower arrangements for summer), classy dishware, and colorful placemats and napkins. A festive tablecloth can always dress up and help customize the occasion as well.
If you’d like to do more to turn your home into a retreat, consider these remodel ideas. Whether you’re inside or outside, there’s always a way to create a private oasis.
Remodel to Recharge: 7 Ideas to Turn Your Home into a Retreat
If you’re wanting to remodel part of your home, we have some upscale ideas to help you create your own personal paradise. A remodeling or renovation project is a chance to add a bit of luxury to your home. And, some of these remodeling suggestions can even increase your home’s worth.
1. Sauna Remodel ($3,000 – $6,000)
A sauna can be the perfect place to relax and recharge. There are a host of benefits that come with regularly using a sauna. Specifically, studies have shown that saunas can help improve blood circulation and mental health. It’s nice to enjoy a sauna while visiting a relaxing retreat, but imagine coming home to one after a hard day. In minutes, you’ll be able to really let go, get centered, and then enjoy the rest of your evening.
2. Soaking Tub or Whirlpool Tub Installation ($500 – $10,000)
In addition to the sauna mentioned above, a new tub can be a fantastic part of a bathroom remodel. There are many options with interesting features, styles, and finishes. So, you can really customize it and ensure it fits your bathroom’s overall look and feel. Consider installing a soaking tub, which can be freestanding or clawfoot. They often have a high back to rest comfortably as well as a headrest. Alternatively, Whirlpool tubs include water jets to massage tense muscles. There are standalone and drop-in units. For more inspiration, check out Architectural Digest’s bathroom design ideas.
3. Private Bar ($5,000 – $20,000)
Entertain in style by installing a private bar in your home. Whether you install pre-made bar furniture and tabletops or have them custom-made, this can become quite a unique space. Once you’ve stocked your bar with the essentials, you’ll be one step away from being your neighborhood’s favorite at-home bartender.
4. Underfloor Heating Remodel ($1,687 – $6,032)
Never worry about shivering when you step onto cold tile at night again. Underfloor heating can be a life-saver during the colder winter months. This small feature can make a big difference in your home. Imagine walking on heated floors on an icy night with a cup of hot cocoa in your hand. Underfloor heating can be a lavish addition to your home.
5. Outdoor Kitchen and Pizza Oven ($10,000-$100,000)
Want the perfect way to entertain guests? Install an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven. You’ll be able to spend more time outside with family and friends, getting the most out of your role as host and chef. And, who doesn’t love homemade pizza straight out of the oven? While this remodel project is costly, it’s sure to be appreciated for many years.
6. Home Gym ($300 – $15,000)
Cut the commute time to the gym and work out within the comfort of your own home. Possibly the most affordable on our list, you can either build a whole new room or utilize space in your house to furnish a home gym. Having a gym at home can encourage you to exercise more consistently and it can even become a fun way to spend time with your partner.
7. Home Theater Remodel ($10,000 – $50,000)
A home theater will upgrade your movie game to unbelievable levels. And, you can customize your home theater to your liking. There are endless features to add to your home theater – perhaps a voice-activated setup, a private popcorn machine, and reclining chairs. You also have the choice between installing a large flat-screen TV or a projector.
Eco-Friendly Ideas to Improve Your Home and the Planet
Want to make your home more eco-friendly but aren’t sure where to start? Here are five great ways to reduce your energy costs, waste, and your home’s carbon footprint.
Reduce Your Use of One-Use Plastic Items
While plastic is incredibly useful in many forms, we often aren’t aware of the prevalence and impact of one-use plastic items. Each year, 500 billion disposable cups are consumed and only about 23% of all plastic bottles get recycled. You can easily purchase reusable water bottles and drink containers to do your part. Additionally, 32% of plastic packaging produced annually ends up in our oceans. That’s equal to pouring a garbage truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute. Another way to reduce your use of plastic: say no to straws or purchase reusable straws. Swap your standard plastic sandwich bags and trash bags for compostable BioBags. They’re just as handy and help the environment.
Start Composting
Unfortunately, our food doesn’t just decompose in landfills. When decomposing food is packed under layers of trash, it produces methane gas. Methane is at least 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide. You can avoid the hassle and the odor by simply putting a bin inside your freezer. Throw produce scraps into it and when it’s full, take it out to your compost bin or to a corner of your yard. Composting is also great for your garden, producing nutrient-rich soil. For additional information, here’s a helpful composting guide.
Switch to LED Light Bulbs
Another easy way to make your home more eco-friendly is to make the switch to LED light bulbs. You’ll save on your electricity bill and you’ll have a more energy-efficient home. LED light bulbs come in different color temperatures so you can choose between warm and cool lights to brighten your home. While incandescent light bulbs only convert 10% of energy into light and the rest is wasted as heat, LED light bulbs convert 95% energy into light.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is a bit of an investment, but it pays off in the long run. By learning our temperature preferences, smart thermostats cut down on fossil fuel energy sources. The thermostat can lower your house’s demand for electricity produced by power plants, reducing carbon emissions.
Invest in Solar Panels
Solar panels have become increasingly popular since they reduce utility bills and really help our planet. Over 25 years, a standard solar panel installation can be equated to 135 tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided, 440,000 miles not driven, and 2.3 acres of trees planted. In addition, houses with solar panels can sell for up to 4.1% more than those without solar panels.
Design Tips To Brighten Your Home
Gray skies and rain sum up wintertime here in the Pacific Northwest, but you can easily brighten your home to help you stay upbeat and alert. A little update can go a long way, especially for those of us still working from home. Here are some fun design tips to give your home a boost.
Let In As Much Sunlight As Possible
Nothing says bright and cheery like natural sunlight. There are various ways to optimize your home for maximum sun exposure. Closed rooms or bulky furniture are often culprits that shut out vital sources of light. Take a look around your space to see if you can move any furniture away from the windows so the light can spread more evenly throughout your home. Try leaving rooms open that face the east, west, or south so that the light can stream into other areas of the house.
Embrace Light Colors
Light-colored furniture, curtains, and rugs are excellent ways to add more light to your home. The colors can complement the natural sunlight that is already illuminating the room. Just make sure not to overdo it with soft colors. Otherwise, you’ll end up washing out that room. Consider adding a pop of color with a beautiful new wall hanging or with some throw pillows from a wonderful local shop like Conservatory Coastal Home. This will balance out the colors in the space and give that room a fresh new look.
Purchase Daylight Lightbulbs
Natural sunlight is cool compared to the usual warm-colored light bulbs that we have in our houses. Replacing some of the lightbulbs, perhaps where your workspaces is, can provide a refreshing touch. Most lightbulb packaging will state if it mimics daylight. If not, anything between 3,500K – 5,000K light bulbs are a safe bet.
Use Ambient Light
We all have corners in our house that just aren’t at the right angle to be lit up with anything. Pay attention to those dark spots and find ways to add a little bit of light. This can make a room feel more spacious and welcoming. Even a strategically placed lamp can open up an otherwise dusky corner. If you’re looking for a few new light fixtures, Furnish Bainbridge has some great options.
Add Greenery
Picking up some plants at your nearest nursery will add dimension and provide a vibrant, natural feeling to your living and work spaces. Not everyone has a green thumb, so some beginner-friendly plants to look into buying are Golden Pothos Vines, Spider plants, and Snake plants. If you are still unsure, the lovely staff at Bainbridge Gardens and Bay Hay and Feed can help you find the best plants to suit your needs.
