2014 Athens Home and Garden Show

If you missed the Athens Home and Garden Show last weekend at the Classic Center, you really missed out. Catch the highlights below.

 

• The interior design students from Athens Technical College and the University of Georgia competed in the White Room Challenge. The White Room Challenge was to transform a 12’ x 14’ space into a room for the home. Students had a “virtual” budget of $1500.00. Students were to shop at the two Athens Habitat for Humanity Restores for furniture and accessories and then transform them. Dalton Carpet One provided the flooring choices. It was a lot of fun to watch the students work on their project over the course of the weekend and truly transform the space. Congratulations to Athens Technical College on their win!!!
   
• Garden South and College Pro Landscaping outdid themselves with their booths. The landscaping ideas, cool plants and water features were incredible!

 

• Cupcake Wars! Culinary students from Athens Technical College competed and baked some delicious cupcakes! I sure hope they do this again next year. It was a hit!

 

• Several booths had fun ways to win prizes, photo booths, popcorn and fun games.

 

• Kids crafts: woodworking and pottery. There truly was something for everyone!

 

• Girl Scout cookies. I mean, who can resist?!

 

This year’s event was wonderful! Many thanks to Susan Bogardus for heading up such a large event and the Athens Area Home Builders Association for sponsoring this event each year. If you missed it this year, make a point to come next year. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Did you attend the show this year? I’d love to hear what your favorite part was. Shoot me an email at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Light or Dark Countertops?

One question I am often asked is, should my countertops be light or dark? Today we will dive into this subject and hopefully answer your question. Kitchen countertops are normally one of the largest surfaces in the kitchen along with the cabinetry and flooring. It's important to decide what role you want the countertops to play. They can speak loudly or softly. They can lead the design impression of the kitchen or follow and support the others elements.

 

As with every project, it is important to look at the kitchen as the entire finished space from the start, to have a vision of how the major elements will relate and connect with one another an decide for what reasons you want them to connect. The countertops can speak to the kitchen space whether light or dark, soft or bold color, textured, polished or honed. What do you want your countertops to say about your kitchen? And why? When imagining your countertop and the finished kitchen space, remember the accessories that will be sitting on top of the countertop. Will those useful items and accessories tell a story with their color or will they simply be supporting characters?

 

There is certainly no wrong or right approach per se. What is important is that you visualize the "big picture" of the kitchen design, the role you wish your countertop to play, and the answer will reveal itself to you. Countertops with a strong color or pattern can be the "art" and centerpiece of your kitchen. It can be a reflection of your personal style. A neutral countertop enables color, whether in your wall color, countertop accessories, island color or other artwork in the room, to stand out and be an important design element. Contrast is always a winner. Providing a breaking point between the other colors of your cabinetry and allowing the beauty of a backsplash or cabinet to truly shine. A monochromatic countertop appears understated and helps provide a unified look to the other larger elements in the room.

 

Still uncertain? Take a trip over to www.houzz.com and look at some pictures. You will begin to see a pattern emerge in the pictures that you like. If you have any questions you would like addressed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Color Trends of 2014

By now we probably have all heard about the 2014 Pantone Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid. While this may be the star of 2014, there are many other supporting actors that deserve some recognition.

 

As you have probably heard for the past couple of years, gray is the new black. With undertones of beige, green, blue or white, light and fresh, we are seeing gray in things from cabinetry, flooring, wall colors, furniture and clothing. It’s perfect for the homeowner who wants to dabble with color a little outside of their comfort zone. It’s so popular that some reports show that up to 30 percent of kitchens and bathrooms are currently using some shade of gray.

 

While gray is certainly hot, we are also seeing a trend of more white based colors like pastels. Pale blues like Benjamin Moore’s 2014 Color of the Year, Breath of Fresh Air, soft whites like Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, pale greens, yellows and even pinks contrast nicely with darker furniture and floors while still keeping a space nice and light.

 

Even with all of the pale colors being used, homeowners and designers still love using bold color splashes to make a statement. Found in backsplashes, small countertop appliance, art, lamps, pillows and accessories, these punches of color add a depth and richness to an otherwise neutral space.

 

In the end, it’s all about mixing the colors, textures and cultural influences that speak to you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with something new and make your space truly reflect who you are!

 

If you have any questions you would like addressed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

2014 Color of the Year

Pantone recently announced that the 2014 Color of the Year is “Radiant Orchid.” Touted as expressive and exotic and blooming with confidence and warmth, Radiant Orchid is a captivating, magical and enigmatic purple.

 

Pantone chose Emerald for the 2013 Color of the Year which served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity. Radiant Orchid “reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark imagination,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “An invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality, which is increasingly valued in today’s society. An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

 

Spruce up interior spaces by incorporating this eye-catching hue in paint, accent pieces and accessories. As adaptable as it is beautiful, Radiant Orchid complements olive and deeper hunter greens, and offers a gorgeous combination when paired with turquoise, teal and even light yellows. Likewise, the vibrant color is sure to liven up neutrals including gray, beige and taupe. Uplifting and bold without being overpowering, Radiant Orchid reenergizes almost any color palette and provides a unifying element for diverse spaces.

 

I’ve always wondered who gets the interesting job of choosing names for paint colors and who actually has the authority to choose the Color of the Year for the world. The entire world of fashion, automobiles and interiors takes their cue from this company. They don’t take their job lightly. Thousands of hours of research and filtering are done to determine what the color of the year will be. Pantone has been the world's color authority for nearly 50 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers paint and designer-inspired products and services for consumers.

 

Try incorporating this great color as a statement piece, a small pop of color or all over.

Let’s keep our eyes peeled for color trends we see in fashion, interiors and automobiles to see if we can guess what the 2015 Color of the Year will be.

5 Things to Hire Out

Last time we talked through some items that could be tackled by the average homeowner. This week will will discuss five things that you should hire a professional for.

 

1.    Installing a gas range. One thing you don't want to be responsible for is blowing up your house or poisoning your family. Hire the plumber or appliance installer to take care of this for you.

 

2.   Tile work. The amount of tools, knowledge, back strength. You'll thank me later...When the shower doesn't leak or floor tile crack.

 

3.   Installing flooring. Again, the back strength. It's not just the floor to consider, there's trim, transition to other floor types, the underpayment. Hire the professional.

 

4.   Refinishing cabinets. Have you ever attempted this? Then you know. If you haven't, don't. Just not worth it. Hire the professional who will get it right in half the time and mess.

 

5.   Reglazing a tub. You really don't want to mess this up or do it twice.

 

Can you tell I am a huge proponent of hiring a professional to do the job right the first time? And it's not just because I am such a professional. I've tried it the other way and it just isn't worth the time, materials and frustration you go through. And you won't have your family members nagging you about an incomplete project or something that you did incorrectly. As always, hire someone with a good reputation, insurance and the necessary licenses. If you have any questions you would like addressed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

5 Things To Do Yourself

It's that time of year that people begin to get the itch to be productive. We are cooped up inside and we see and have time to tackle those nagging little home projects on our to do list. Before you begin, let's assess what you can do and what really needs to be hired out.

 

First, take a pad of paper or your smartphone and go room by room. Take a fresh look at the space. Is something in need of repair? Would a good cleaning solve your problem? Are you tired of looking at that old ceiling fan? Is that picture still leaning against the wall waiting to be hung? Once you have a master list of what needs to be done, you can assess what you want and can do and what you need to hire someone else to do. Depending on your skill and confidence level, this may vary by person. Here is my list of 5 things most anyone could tackle.

 

1.    Replace shower faucet head. Minimal tools are needed for this and can really upgrade your showering experience and make you wonder why it took you so long. Two that I have enjoyed trying out recently are the Grohe Rainshower hand shower and the Kohler Moxie shower head. It has a Bluetooth speaker built into it!

 

2.   Replace a light fixture or ceiling fan. A little electrical knowledge is needed or the ability to read instructions. Few tools are needed, but patience and possibly a third hand are a must. Make sure you turn off the breaker before you begin.

 

3.   New cabinet hardware. A very simple change, make sure you find a pull that matches the current hole pattern you have drilled in your cabinet doors and drawers or select a backplate that will cover up the old holes. You can either purchase online or through a local hardware company.

 

4.   Paint. More tools are needed for this project and it's important to make sure you prep and tape off the space well before you begin. (While I have painted many a space, I have found it less frustrating and more economical, time wise, for me to hire this out. If you ever see me purchasing a paint brush, feel free to tell me to put it down and call the painter!)

 

5.   Minor sheetrock repairs. Patience and a few tools are needed. This skill is important before you tackle some of the painting projects above.

 

6.   Window treatments & blinds. A drill, a hammer, screws, a tape measure and a pencil. Measure twice and drill once. So simple and very rewarding!

 

Need a little help? Someone in your local hardware store is a great wealth of knowledge. That little thing called the internet. Yeah, it's helpful too. And YouTube has a wealth of knowledge in video tutorials that can help you through your projects. If all else fails, call The Man. AKA the painter, electrician, plumber. You won't be sorry. If you have any questions you would like addressed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Kitchen Myth's: Part 6

Myth: “Yes, it will fit.”

 Fact: You can’t deny the reality of a square foot, but it’s amazing how many people try to do just that. One client insisted on putting an island in her new townhouse kitchen, although there was clearly not enough room for it. She tried to do what’s popular without any thought to whether it would work in the space. Now, there’s barely room to stand behind it to use the counter and you can’t put anything on the adjacent wall except for a painting.

 

Human nature is tricky. We can unwittingly grow attached to our old appliances and end up with new refrigerators that are too small  or too large or with ovens that are short on burners. Or, we forget our physical limitations and opt for a sink bay window that’s too deep or an island that’s too huge to clean. It's important to pay particular attention to aisle width, which should be between 42” and 48”. If there’s too little space, you’re stuck if someone lowers the door of the oven, dishwasher or microwave. Always try to maintain your objectivity, and remember that, in the end, utility trumps every other consideration.

 

Myth: You can decide on the design as you go

 

Fact: Designing on the fly is likely to lead to a big mess. For a successful design plan, it's important to start with a clear picture of what you want, and it's even better to have it down on paper with each detail selected. You can successfully mix styles and pieces, but even if you're a seasoned pro, this requires considerably more strategy than just picking up decor that you like on a whim. There's nothing worse than getting to the middle or end of a project to find out that sink you really wanted is back ordered for 3 months.

 

The end of the year is drawing near and we will begin focusing on new ideas. If you have any you would like added to the list or questions regarding some we have already discussed, don't hesitate to contact me at jessica@webbercoleman.com