Refresh for Fall: Lean vs. Lavish

Fall is here. We look forward to crisp mornings and temperate days. It is also a time when we look at our home design and think about incorporating new and seasonal items to refresh areas.
Refresh for Fall: Lean vs. Lavish shares some tips for where it is best to be lavish and where it makes more sense to save or to be lean when purchasing new items. This approach will keep you on budget and give you balance in your home design.

Lavish

Let’s start with the kitchen.  Quality kitchen cabinetry is a must when considering an update. This means that the price will be a bit more but worth every penny for reasons of durability to resale…take the plunge and buy from a well-known, reputable company. Quality cabinets have an added benefit in that they can be refinished or repainted. We recommend Wellborn Cabinets for cabinets that perform the test of time.

Lean

Stylish backsplashes.  Great time to Refresh for Fall! There are so many good porcelain choices in backsplash material these days. For example, porcelain can give you a marble look without the expense. Or use a subway tile with the perfect grout color and be amazed at what you can achieve. Another option is to take your quartz countertop all the way up for the backsplash. Finally, washable wallpaper for kitchen backsplashes can be very economical.  “Splash-proof” vinyl wallpaper from specialized wallpaper companies offer a variety of wallpapers designed for kitchens and baths. Splash-proof wallpaper resists moisture and humidity and stands up to scrubbing.

Lavish

Delightful dining.  A solid dining table that can withstand daily use by family members, young and old, is a must. Investing in a solid wood or stone dining table that is timeless pays for itself repeatedly.

Lean

Easy-to-clean dining chairs.  Solid surface chairs like wood can be an economical choice as well as a practical one…spills and dropped food are a breeze to clean up.  Too much hard surface for you? Soften the wood look by adding upholstered chairs at either end of the dining table.

Lavish

Custom window treatments.  Window treatments complete the overall look and feel of a space. Therefore, it is important to ensure the draperies are tailored correctly. For example, floor-to-ceiling draperies make a room look polished, but this effect goes away if the fabric is excessively pooled on the floor or hanging several inches above it. Lavish here as you Refresh for Fall, you will be glad you did when you see the results.   

Lean

Coordinated accessories.  Accessories can be very affordable. Watch for discounts on items like blankets and throw pillows. Find unique pieces that may not match perfectly but have the same color tones when accessorizing an area. Collections in different shapes and sizes but constructed out of one material such as wood, glass or iron can be very affordable and look stunning grouped together. The best part is that you can move these accessories to different parts of the home or pack them away until needed again.

Lavish

Quality sofas, sectionals, and accent chairs.  Lavishing on primary seating is an area that will give you peace-of-mind.  Comfort, durability, and beauty come together for lasting use. Choose a performance grade fabric for even stronger resistance to daily use. Do your homework and buy only from reputable manufacturers, like Four Seasons Casual Custom Furniture.

Lean

Bright and inviting occasional tables.  You have a stunning new sectional so make sure it remains the focal point by adding an occasional table that leaves the space bright and open.  You do not have to spend a fortune on the occasional table…just make it functional enough to set drinks, books and magazines on it while not taking up too much visual space.

Lavish

Impressive chandeliers and pendant lights.  These lights, by their nature, are focal points.  Take the time to find what speaks to you. This is truly an area to splurge. Stunning lighting sets the mood for the space and commands attention.  

Lean

Light with lamps.  Typically, lamps are used for function. You need a reading light? Buy a lamp. Need to fill a corner with light? Buy a floor lamp. In either case, you most likely have other elements in the space that are more central to the design. Yes, there are gorgeous (and pricey) table and floor lamps on the market. However, if you already have other points of interest in the room, a basic lamp will do the trick. Find ones with classic shades so you can blend them seamlessly into any design.

Lavish

Ahh…the bed.  The bed is a key component when it comes to a good night’s sleep.  It is here that you should lavish on a bed that has proper support for the mattress, a headboard that can help you sit up if needed and add a focal point to the room. After all, we spend about 33% of our time in bed so go ahead and make the bed cozy, comfortable and captivating. Having the bed in place makes it easier to add elements like paint, wallpaper, nightstands or chests, and lighting to complete the look.

Lean

Complimentary nightstands.  Now that you have the beautiful bed in place, you can find suitable nightstands.  Here is an area that you can save a bit by finding nightstands with simpler box or rectangle shapes that allow the bed to be the star. Overdone nightstands compete for attention, so save money by adding practical storage space next to your bed.

Refresh for Fall and enjoy your new look for the autumn days ahead and into the holiday season. Take your time, lavish on key pieces, and fill in with items that do not break the bank.

Our Showroom is available to Shop, 24/7.  Or, come in and find that perfect piece.  Need a little design help?  Choose from one of our Design Services  that will have you well on your way to a beautifully designed space.