October 18, 2018

5 Ways to Personalize your New Construction Home

October 18, 2018/ Sabine Hayes

A new construction home has a polished look and feel to it when you are touring around the newly drywalled rooms for the first time. Everything is brand-new, clean and fresh like a blank canvas. Often times, unless you are working on a custom built, new construction homes are in a development, community or street with other similar models. Though the exterior core of your new construction may have to look similar to your neighbors, the details and the design of the interior can be unique to you.

1. Paint or Upgrade your Front Door. As guests walk up to your house your front door is the first impression they have of your home. It should be welcoming, inviting…overall it should reflect YOU! Unfortunately, most new construction homes have standard fiberglass exterior doors in neutral colors. If your development allows, I suggest painting or changing your front door to a color and style that not only elevates your curb appeal and compliments the architecture of the house but also brings out your personality.

upgrade your front door. this single fiberglass door was changed to a custom wrought iron double door for a grand welcome.

2. Upgrade your Fixtures. Unless you are building a custom home where you can specify all the fixtures and finishes, I suggest upgrading your builder grade fixtures (such as your light fixtures, door hardware, etc.) to your personal style. This can be overwhelming but doesn’t have to be done all at once. My advice is to focus on one room at a time, this will make each room feel complete.

upgrade your fixtures. designed by sharina liverman

3. Add Architectural Features. Architectural features such as fireplaces, molding, ceiling finishes, wall applications can all take your simple blank canvas and transform it to your personal oasis. The key is to know what features to add and where.

4. Paint your Walls. Painting your walls is the least expensive way to transform a new construction home. If you are purchasing your home while it is under construction some builders are willing to paint using your specified colors instead of the standard flat off-white or beige throughout. This will allow you to move into a freshly painted house that you don’t have to worry about.

5. Add Wallpaper. Add texture, pattern, color, and design to your space by incorporating a wallpaper that compliments the overall decor of your home. Wallpaper is a great way to add your personal style to your new construction. Depending on your design you can use it on an accent wall, in the hallway, on the ceiling, or in a small room. The possibilities are endless.

Do you live in a new construction home? What are some personal changes you made or would like to make to your blank canvas? Share in the comments below!

À la prochaine,

June 10, 2016

Top 7 Responses from Dads About Their Dream Man Cave

June 10, 2016/ Sabine Hayes

So last month was Mother's Day and I had the pleasure of writing about how grateful I am for having a mother that made me into the woman I am today. This month however, is Father's Day and instead of suggesting cool gift ideas I wanted to ask a group of some of the best dads I know what they would want in their dream man cave. This group of dads range from all backgrounds, ages and occupations. Some of them are brand new dads entering the new world of parenting and some are empty nesters who have become grandfathers.

"Anyone can be a FATHER, but it takes someone special to be a DAD..." - Wade Boggs

Dads are awesome and need an area in the home where they can pause and relax a.k.a the Man Cave. I asked these group of dads to dream a little and share what their top must haves would include if they had their dream man cave (just in case you wanted to add any to your gift list for Father's Day). Moms-here are their top responses starting from the most popular. Of course I added my design tips to their responses. So Enjoy!

1. Big Flat Screen TV/Projector. I would usually not recommend the tv as the focal point but in the case of a man cave this can be an attractive focal point if displayed properly. Tip: Try mounting your flat screen on the wall with a mural wallpaper of your favorite theme as the background (e.i. a sport's field, outdoor landscape, etc.). This is one way to make your tv part of the design and it adds visual interest when the tv isn't on.

2. Bar with Beer Taps. This was a popular answer. One dad even included a root beer tap for the kids-I thought was awesome! The perfect bar is always stocked with dad's favorite adult drinks, a small sink, mini fridge and a microwave. Tip: If you are handy, build your own bar and add a couple leather or metal stools for an inviting, unique look. Please avoid purchasing a bar set with matching stools-this is the chance to be eclectic and different.

3. Pool Table/Game Area/Card Table. Depending on dad's preferred hobbies he might want a specific area in the man cave for a pool table, a card/poker table or an area for video games. It's all based on the preferences of the dad since it's his space.

4. Jersey Display/Sports Memorabilia. This is the area that is the most personal. If dad is a big sports fan or was an athlete in his younger days than this is an important component to his cave. The best way to showcase his favorite team or to cherish his old sports jersey is to have them framed. The frames don't have to match but should be similar in style if you have more than one. Tip: To display any personal awards or autographed items use 2 or 3 floating shelves hung at eye level for a modern and sleek look.

5. Leather Recliner. You can't have a great man cave without a comfortable seat for the man of the house, right? What is more comfortable than a soft, leather recliner? This can range from an individual reclining chair, a sectional with connected recliners or reclining theater seating. From someone who has worked in the furniture industry, I can personally tell you that when it comes to recliners buy quality if you want it to last. Tip: There are so many options with recliners (e.i. power reclining, massage options, etc) so be sure to ask your sales associate for details.

6. Workout Equipment. If staying fit is important and part of dad's lifestyle than this is absolutely a must. The equipment doesn't have to take a large portion space but can be easily incorporated into a corner OR it can be the dominant factor of the man cave whichever dad prefers. Tip: If you want to add a workout area and have an open floor plan, paint an accent wall to visually separate this area from the rest of the cave.

7. Studio Space. Is dad an artist, musician or any other form of creator? Being a creative person myself I understand loving your craft. Having a separate area to create or be inspired (outside of work and home life) can be the perfect excuse for a man cave. Dad can combine his studio space with a recliner, large tv and surround sound...what more can you ask for! Tip: Storage and organization will be key here. Add freestanding cabinets, shelving units, a large work table and tool chests to maximize the use of the space.

creating a studio space as part of your man cave is a great option for musicians, artists, designers, etc.

Overall, I was really impressed by how detailed these responses were. That made me realize how most dads CRAVE a space of their own. Let's appreciate the dad's in our lives not only this Father's Day but everyday because of the important role they play in our children's lives, the role they've played in our lives and others around them.

If you want to SURPRISE dad this Father's Day by creating his dream man cave or even add to his existing man cave email me TODAY at sabine@georgettemarise.com or call me at 610.924.2780 to get started! Disclaimer: If you are planning to "surprise" dad with a man cave, it's wise to consult a professional for assistance.

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful dads out there!

P.S. For more Man Cave ideas check out my favorite designs and room concepts on Pinterest.

April 07, 2016

3 Reasons to Use Wallpaper

April 07, 2016/ Sabine Hayes

Wallpaper has been popular since the time of the Renaissance as a way to add color to walls and brightness to a room. Today, wallpaper is used to do the same thing to spaces. There is no need to fear wallpaper, an updated wallpaper can enhance a space even as an accent wall. Here are 3 reasons to use wallpaper in your home.

1. Adds Dimension and Print

I USED A GEOMETRIC WALLPAPER TO ADD PATTERN AND VISUAL INTEREST TO THIS LONG STAIRCASE/HALLWAY WALL.

Adding a print wallpaper to any wall or ceiling adds dimension and pattern that you would not be able to achieve with paint. Yes, I said ceiling! I highly recommend you use a professional if you are considering covering your ceiling.

2. Adds Luxury

Paint is a great option to add color to any space. However, wallpaper takes it a step further and has the ability to add elegance, texture, and a classic touch to a wall surface in order to enhance the space.

3. Adds a Custom Look

The easiest way to create a creative, custom look that you would not see anywhere else is to add wallpaper. Whether you add it to an architectural feature like a column, an accent wall, a ceiling, under a chair rail or your entire room, you are guaranteed to have a space that will be uniquely yours.

I USED GRASSCLOTH WALLPAPER TO ADD A UNIQUE TEXTURE AND CONTRAST IN THIS POWDER ROOM.

The biggest mistake people make is choose a wallpaper that doesn't compliment the design of the space and they end up removing the wallpaper in 5 years because they are tired of the look. Make sure you hire an interior designer who works with a professional installer to assist you in selecting and installing the perfect wallpaper print/texture for your space.

Are you considering using wallpaper but afraid of making a mistake? Let me assist you in elevating your space with my Builder Finish Selections service.

Here's to Stunning Walls!