Posts Tagged ‘sellers’

6 rules of timeless home decor

Friday, April 8, 2022
Debbi DiMaggio

6 Rules of Timeless Home Decor

 A living room with timeless home decor

Some home decor trends come and go, whereas others have a timeless appeal. This results from some design elements following the following 6 rules of timeless home decor. Fulfilling one or more of these principles allows your decor to be both versatile and tasteful enough to fit easily into your home regardless of its formal features. So, whether you want to make a large home feel cozy or expand a small space, these rules should help you achieve your goal and still make your home exude a timeless charm.

 

1. Symmetry is key

A library with symmetrical arm chairs and built in book shelves

Symmetry is timeless.

 

One way to make your home decor stand the test of time is to keep it symmetrical. This is because we like everything to be balanced and aligned. It makes no difference whether you want your bedroom or kitchen to look affluent or minimalistic. Regardless of the particular decorative style you implement, the key is to have everything symmetrical.  Symmetry helps create the feeling of order and cleanliness that people associate with good taste. In that sense, it helps to have an even number of chairs, two pillows of the same color, identical cups or plates, etc. Having two of each or an even number of decorative items or furniture will allow you to place them symmetrically.  However, you do not have to have a pair of everything inside your home. For instance, you can have a certain focal point like a sofa with two armchairs on each side. In this way, you can complete the seating arrangement so that it is symmetrical. The same goes for arranging your mantlepiece or shelves. You can have matching vases on the ends and a central piece such as a sculpture in the middle. The idea is to create a mirror that will balance out the halves of the room or the structure. You can also apply the principles of feng shui to make your living space even more balanced.

1. Have a focal point

Speaking of middles, it makes sense to have an item focusing the viewer’s gaze toward it. So, next to keeping things symmetrical, you also need something that will leave an impression and stand out from the rest of the furniture. As we already mentioned, some furniture pieces naturally create a focal point in the room. Windows, beds, tables, and sofas are great examples.

A golden table in the center of a living room

A centerpiece helps create a focal point for arranging the rest of the decor around it.

However, timeless home decor has to have something in addition to these elements. Your primary weapon should be artwork, flowers, or technology. Hence, an attractive big-format painting such as a modernist portrait or a landscape comes to mind. Or, you can have a stereo or a record player serving as a centerpiece element of your living room.

 

1. Make use of classic patterns

If you want your living space to appear fresh and attractive in the years to come, you can rely on classic patterns. Ornamental elements are great if you are aiming for an elevated, elegant look, while botanical motifs such as subtle florals add a bit of softness. Other examples of patterns with lasting value are stripes and plaids, as they can fit into a variety of styles. You can also go for a more impactful design such as royal damasks if you want it to break the monotony.
On the other hand, you should be careful with patterns that you might get tired of quickly. For instance, chevrons, strong geometrics, and animal prints might seem like a good idea now. However, if they are too bold or occupy a lot of space, they might seem too ‘in your face’ after the initial infatuation goes away. Be sure not to use more than three distinct patterns in a single room. Also, if you decide to have patterned tiles in your kitchen or bathroom, mix them with plain ones to achieve a sense of balance.

1. Trends fade quickly

The very word trend points to the fact they are meant to have expiry dates. Many structural elements, furniture pieces, and decorative items look fresh only for a season or two. After that, they make the room look weary and dated regardless of what the rest looks like. The same applies to structures that wear pretty quickly. For instance, carpeting can completely suffocate the room after a few years. The same goes for trendy colors such as turquoise, coral blue, millennial pink.

If you are really drawn to a certain home design trend, keep it small and simple. So, instead of buying a lilac couch, buy a pillow in that color instead. In this way, you will be able to freshen up the room without committing to the color entirely. This kind of thinking will also be more financially and spatially rewarding. If you ever decide to move, having fewer things to pack will be easier if you do not have too many outdated items. You can be smart about packing and avoid packing mistakes if you think about design prudently.

A living room with armchairs, a sofa, and overhead light fixture

Classic patterns paired with monochromatic pieces do wonders for your living space.

 

1. Do not accentuate the technology

This home design rule can be tricky to follow in this day and age. Appliances and devices get larger and larger by the day, but there are ways to make them less intrusive. Electric devices also collect a lot of dust, making your living space appear shabby and outdated. For instance, some homeowners go for integrated pieces that have shelving with covers that hide the stereos, speakers, and game consoles from plain sight.

 

1. Invest in quality items

It makes sense to avoid buying cheap furniture and decor. High-quality materials and fabrics will go a long way as they remain functional and less prone to wear and tear. Of course, this does not imply you need to spend your entire income on furniture. Buy within your budget, but do not settle for low quality if you do not have to. This is one of the rules of timeless home decor that will help your home shine with tasteful, high-quality vibes.

Downsizing — After Living A Lifetime in Your Home

Saturday, February 13, 2016
Debbi DiMaggio

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Every year homeowners consider selling their home but oftentimes just sweep that thought to the side. With the overwhelming task ahead – Where am I going to go?  How will I sort through a lifetime of treasures?  Where do I begin?  The seminar on January 13th addressed all of those questions and more.

Homeowners who have resided in their home for 20+ years attended the seminar to learn from the experts. Debbi DiMaggio, Realtor, Marketing Director and Partner at Highland Partners lead the Q and A after delivering her presentation – Demystifying the Downsizing Process. Experts included a lender, real estate attorney, CPA, 1031 Exchange Consultant and a financial planner. Read more about this event by clicking here.

Save the Date:

Debbi’s next event — Living In and Loving Your Home. Wednesday, March 2nd from 6-8PM at the Piedmont Center for the Arts just down the street from Highland Partners Piedmont.

Coming Soon:

Debbi’s new book is set to release this summer, “Real Estate Rules” – 52 ways to achieve success in real estate.

This book is a resource for Realtors seeking to improve their own business and is divided into quick and easy to read chapters with funny illustrations by animator and film director, Steve Hickner. Events will be updated on her Realtor Author Speaker Facebook Page.

If you have a question, don’t hesitate to call her. 510.414.6777 – she is always happy to assist.

QB

Debbi’s other books can be purchased on Amazon.com – Contained Beauty, Photographs, Reflections and Swimming Pools makes an ideal hostess gift, while The Art of Real Estate is targeted to buyers, sellers and Realtors alike.

San Francisco Views | Before and After | Piedmont Refresh

Thursday, October 23, 2014
Debbi DiMaggio

The Facts | Before and After images of one of our Piedmont Listings

The Property / The Project | 110 Maxwelton Road

Each home we list has its own set of issues we must address prior to market. Upon listing a home Adam and I walk through the entire home with our client detailing all the items we feel should be addressed. We do not ask the seller to commit to our long list of changes, repairs or updates at this time. However, our next step is to book inspections so we can gather information about the property and its condition; as well as to obtain bids on work we hope the seller will agree to implement. Here is a quick list of inspections we always obtain: Roof, Electrical, Furnace, Water Heater, Sewer Lateral, Termite, Foundation, Fireplace/Chimney as well as to obtain a complete Home Inspection. [Read More..]

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