REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE IN DESIGN

Key Associates

By: Allison Taylor

www.keyassociates.biz
 

Monday was Earth Day, and since I have a BA degree in Environmental Studies, I couldn't pass up incorporating my eco-friendly principles into a post.  In the design world, there are many unique and exciting approaches to repurposing various items.  I love the character that comes from the creativity of altering a salvaged object.  I especially love anything that keeps stuff out of our landfills.  I have been somewhat obsessed with the very cool designs that have been surfacing from the re-use of shipping pallets.  Since pallets are often available for free, they are a great option for exploring creative design.  A few things to keep in mind - pallets come in different grades, and with different chemical treatments.  Some of the chemical treatments are not advised for indoor use, so please do a little research before implementing a pallet design into the interior of your home.  Here is a fun "Ideabook" from the folks at Houzz.com with some suggestions on how to incorporate pallet designs into the inside or outside of your home.  Although the ideas in the Houzz article may not suit all tastes, they are merely examples of responsible and practical ways to incorporate environmentally sound practices into design projects.  Even the most high-end design projects have eco-friendly options.
Happy Earth Day!
  

Salvage Style: Reinvent Shipping Pallets

Houzz- Kitchen Designs, Bathroom Designs and More »

Interior Design and Decor- For Example:

Home Office Remodels · Staircase Remodels · Gym Remodels · Bedroom Remodels · Basement Remodels · Entry Remodels · Landscaping Remodels ·

HOME STAGING

Key Associates

By: Lue Kirchner

www.keyassociates.biz

 

Key Associates was recently called in to stage a home that had been on the market for three years.  The owners decided to take the home off the market for 90 days during the slow winter real estate market (January through March) to allow time for our staff to make recommendations and implement updates.  After we determined what needed to be done, we enlisted the help of our painting contractor, Paul Jones of Down Home Painting, for the bulk of the work.  All of the wallpaper and borders were removed, and then the entire main floor was prepped and painted in appropriate neutral colors that were selected to complement the existing tile, carpeting, and stonework. 
 

The dated "pickled oak" finish on the kitchen cabinets was sanded down and re-painted in a beautiful, updated neutral color and new hardware was installed.
 

 

At our recommendation, the owner removed some oversized furnishings that they had left when they relocated.

 

 

We also removed or modified/simplified existing window treatments and updated a couple of light fixtures in the foyer. 
 

Just as we were preparing to bring in our "staging" furnishings prior to the home going back on the market, the Realtor arranged to bring a potential buyer through.  That's all it took - we never even got to what we (Key Associates staff members) feel is the really fun part of actually placing the furniture and accessorizing a home to show it off to its best advantage.  After three years on the market, the very first showing produced a contract, and the closing is set for the coming weeks.  All it took was a little "staging expertise", and a lot less wallpaper, to show off this home's potential and prompt a sale. 

Photo Credits: 

©2013 Barbara Donithan Poole,InSight Photography; all rights reserved