Aging in Place

A recent AARP survey showed that more than 90% of people 65 or over indicate that they would prefer to stay in their current residence as long as they live and 4 out of 5 persons in that age bracket believe that their current residence is where they will always live. If people intend to stay in their homes as long as possible, what are some things they should consider as plan for the future?

1.      Grab bars-the dreaded word. No, adding grab bars to your shower doesn’t mean you are old. How many young people have had to have foot surgery and their balance is compromised? I believe every person would benefit from having grab bars in their shower. Manufacturers make very attractive grab bars that match your other faucets and add to the aesthetic of the shower rather than taking away from it. Many manufacturers also make combo grab bar/toilet paper holders or grab bar/towel bars. Two functions in one without compromising on the look of the space.

2.      Better light-It’s no secret that we need more light as we age. Consider changing your light bulbs out with brighter LED bulbs, adding undercabinet lighting in your kitchen or even adding a motion sensor light to your toilet seat for those late night runs.

3.      A bench in the shower-whether it’s a tiled bench you can add, a fold down teak bench mounted to the wall or an attractive stand alone teak bench that you can bring in and out of the shower as needed, this can be very helpful.

These are the most common items we see clients needing and adding to their homes to facilitate them living there as long as possible. Is there anything you think needs to be added to the list? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Wallpaper-Stay or Go?

Many projects we walk into, there is wallpaper on the walls and most of the time client wants to paint the walls. The question is always-remove the wallpaper or paint over the wallpaper? Today we will explore the pros and cons of each decision.

How do you decide if the wallpaper needs to come down? The best telltale sign of if it should come down is if the seams are coming apart and peeling. Are there air pockets underneath the wallpaper or does the wallpaper have a texture? Those will only be magnified once it is painted. Below are our recommended steps if you decide to paint over the wallpaper.

1.      Prime over the wallpaper with a quality primer.

2.      Any imperfections will be visible once you have primed the walls.

3.      Skim with sheetrock mud all seams, holes and imperfections.

4.      Sand smooth

5.      Remud and sand as needed

6.      Prime

7.      Paint

If care and attention is given to these steps, you will not be able to tell you have just painted over wallpaper. The most common mistake I see is people not mudding over the seams but rather just painting over the wallpaper. The seams are only magnified once the paint is on the wall. Take the extra time and expense that this step requires. You won’t regret it.

If you decide the wallpaper is not in good enough shape and needs to come down, consult a local paint store on the type of wallpaper you have and what the best way is to remove it. Once the wallpaper is off the walls, you will likely need to skim the walls with sheetrock mud and sand before priming and painting the walls.

Have you tried painting over wallpaper? Did you have good success? I’d love to hear how your project went. Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

2017 Color Trends

It’s that time of year when the major paint manufacturers are releasing their “Color of the Year” selections. Today we will explore a couple of manufacturers and their choices.

Sherwin Williams: “Poised Taupe” SW 6039. They say this color brings together warm and cool tones for another great neutral. This color is described as a “weathered, woodsy neutral bringing a sense of coziness and harmony.” It is a warm, brown color with a hint of purple in the undertones. Sherwin Williams made this selection based on their research of trends where the trendy grays are transitioning into a warmer neutral, more taupes and browns.

Benjamin Moore: “Shadow” 2117-30. Described as a little bit rock and roll. It’s the color of the galaxy but also the color of a beautiful fig. It’s passion, it’s bravery, but it’s also silence. It can be electrified or softened. “Shadow” is a deep purple. Not a Barney purple, but a rich, royal amethyst that can fade into the soft lilac-grey of distant mountains or morph into lustrous coal.

Farrow & Ball: “Peignoir”. Created by giving the lightest pink color a big dose of gray, this dusty pink color can feel modern yet traditional at the same time. There is a trend of using blush as a neutral, and this color selection is further promoting that idea.

What do you think of these color selections? Do you already have some of these shades in your home or closet? If not, will you try to incorporate it somehow? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Send me an email at jessica@webbercoleman.com.