Archive for October, 2011

Monday, October 31, 2011

Meet our Media Room

So, selling of the house is going well. We expect 7 offers by tonight. We plan to have a final decision by Wednesday night. Then, we’ll be under contract and will begin planning the logistics of getting to Austin.

We grew up in TX and both went to UT, so Austin is familiar territory, though we have not lived there since 1999.

We are truly in awe of how quickly our house sold and how much activity there was. And, yes, it is well over asking price. Praise God! We feel very blessed. And, I’ve had the honor of giving out quite a few business cards – people asked for them. That’s always humbling and fun.

I thought I’d show you an additional room since we are leaving soon!

In our house plan, it can be a game room or media room. It’s about 15×20. Since it’s in the MLS listing and we may not live here for a lot longer, I thought I’d introduce you all!

This is probably the room we hang out in the most!

I know, the pillows aren’t exactly arranged awesomely. I didn’t have time for more shots.

Here is how the room looked just before we moved in.

Have a great Halloween! Our neighbor has added more since the last photos were taken! I’m so curious to see if the little kids are scared or love it. I love Halloween in our neighborhood. All the neighbors sit outside and hoards of kids come through!

Posted by Kristy at 1:46 AM 18 Comments

Tags: media room

Friday, October 28, 2011

We did it…

We put our house on the market today (Friday).

So far, so good. We had 8 showings and 5 are scheduled for tomorrow already. What a whirlwind of a day, especially since we thought it wouldn’t be listed until this evening at the earliest and planned to get some last minute things done today. Yet, the phone started ringing for showings at 9am! Panic! We did the fastest cleaning ever and had no time to do any more all day due to more showings.

There is talk of at least four offers so far, but nothing is in writing yet.

Why? Well, my husband got a job offer in Austin (from contract to perm which requires a move). We are waiting on the final paperwork, but wanted to get the house stuff rolling in the meantime. We didn’t expect this much movement this fast, but we are grateful. We will be losing money on the house, as it’s priced at our rock bottom, but perhaps buyer’s will offer over the asking price and helps us lose a little less.

They want us there as soon as possible, but there is no set date yet. So, we’ll see how all of this pans out! We have to wait for the job offer to be in writing before accepting an offer, of course. We hope that will come in the next few days and will be what we expect…

There are mixed feelings. Our family is in TX, yet Austin housing is more expensive than Phoenix housing. We LOVE our house, so we hate to leave it. We had planned to be here for a very long time. But, I guess things come up, like job offers. We feel it’s the right move, should everything work out. But, I still find myself a little uncharacteristically nervous as it was something that we hadn’t planned for or searched out. It just happened. We love so much about Phoenix – like the amazing winters that hover around 70 degrees and the reliable sunshine.

Well, here’s to something new! If you know of anyone looking in north Phoenix, send them out!

Here are a few shots that are on the mls listing.

Description reads:

Gorgeous home. Priced to sell!! Well maintained. Saltwater pool (new chlorinator), 18 inch tile flooring, fireplace, 4 bedrooms and an office, .38 acres, sprinkler system in yard, water softener, built ins in office, huge extended laundry room, gourmet kitchen, private backyard, backs to wash, whole house hvac filtration system, surround sound in family room, 4 ft extended garage, rv gate, backyard is east facing for shade, granite counters, separate thermostat for downstairs guest bedroom, large bedrooms… Not a short sale or foreclosure.

We will miss the beautiful sun rises and sets.

Wish us luck and let me know if you know of anyone who may be interested! And, please forgive me if I am a little preoccupied for a bit…

Posted by Kristy at 8:33 PM 20 Comments

Tags: news

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Need Your Input!

I occasionally post spaces from friends and ask my readers for input.

Jessica wrote:
I am trying to update our formal living room. I need your input. I have had this huge art piece of pottery vases above the couch and I needed to update it to something fresh…I went to Pier 1 and TJ Maxx yesterday and everything I am drawn towards looks exactly the same as that art so I wanted to know your idea….here is an art piece I found at Pier 1….but its kind of the same?

Below is her formal living room.

A photo she sent later on of the whole room from her phone.

She knows she wants to change out the art. She’s also open to changing the color scheme and a general update.

Below are three pieces of art that she saw recently and liked. However, she is concerned that they are too much like what she has.

Note that she has a thermostat over the sofa, so that cannot be covered.

When choosing art, be careful of the scale. You don’t want it too large or too small. So, first figure out what optimum measurements are for your space.

What are your thoughts?

A few of my thoughts on the art and space are –

- Though it’s not a bad room, I would consider lightening the space up some. There a lot of dark colors, especially since the sofas are so dark. That can make the space feel heavy.
- Art-wise, I did like the blues and greens from Kirklands the best, but it’s not the right size for the space. So, I’d shop around for something that is the right scale. Due to the thermostat on the wall, I like a gallery wall over the sofa.
- I’d also add lighter and brighter pillows that contrast with the sofa and that have a contemporary pattern.
- In addition, I would consider changing out the rug to maybe a shag rug for some texture. I love the rug, but lightening it up may be good.
- The chandelier adds some glam.
- The curtains can be hung higher to make the room look taller.

A VERY VERY quick sketch of a possible after (I didn’t have measurements or anything):

I am so in love with those etsy pillows!

And, with more reds instead, as the home owner seems drawn towards reds.

Those are super quick and really basic thoughts. I’m sure you guys have much better ideas!

What would you do? Would you keep the rug? What would you do by keeping the red and going with oranges and greens (what she is drawn toward most)? What art would you use in the room?

Posted by Kristy at 1:16 AM 11 Comments

Tags: reader question

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Reader’s Painted Chair – White and Purple

One of my readers sent me this fabulous chair redo! She painted it all, fabric and wood using my tutorial.

Before and after.

Before.

The white paint is a high gloss white paint and primer in one that she had on hand. For the fabric, she just used a $5 sample of a purple latex paint. She used three coats.

She said the hardest part was where the fabric touched the wood. She taped it off and did a great job!

Thanks for sharing, Andrea. Have you painted upholstery?

Posted by Kristy at 1:04 AM 4 Comments

Tags: chair, painted, upholstery

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Quick and Easy Halloween Costumes!

We rsvp’d to a kid’s birthday party that took place this past weekend. However, I didn’t take the time to really read the invitation fully until the last minute. It’s a costume party?! Adults and children. So, we had to think of something quick! Here are some of the ideas I pinned on Pinterest (click there to see them up close).

I always prefer homemade costumes!

A few of my favorite easy to make costumes?

So, we made these easy to make costumes that were kid friendly.

Are you making a costume this year? What are you making?

Posted by Kristy at 1:39 AM 5 Comments

Tags: halloween

Monday, October 24, 2011

Update on Client Design – Entry

I showed you the family room that we worked on recently. Now to pan out and show you the rest of the space that we are putting together. We are now working on the entry.

All furniture is just represented here. Real pieces would be on a story board. Not all accessories are included in this drawing.

And, just the entry. Though we are debating topiaries or lamps.

Lamps.

Below are the story boards where we show the actual items to be purchased.

On the left is the story board for the entry area (the dresser is from Craigslist and is sold now, so we are looking for one in PA if you have suggestions).

On the right is the story board for the family room. The painted chest of drawers (it won’t be a dresser), green lamps, and subway art will all be DIY projects. The dresser and chest of drawers will be Craigslist purchases.

We added a touch of blue to the family room as well.

With the lamps:

From this came her shopping lists.

Here are actual photos of how the space was before. A view of the kitchen/dining from the family room.

From the opposite direction of the drawing.

Living room before.

Our plan.

And, with a few more accessories.

Progress. The chair and lamp are just place holders.

And, in the future, she has options to freshen up the space – painting the red, adding curtains, changing the furniture arrangement, adding a chandelier…

To read more about the process, rugs we looked at using, and what the client wanted to keep and change, go here. It’s definitely starting to come to life!

If you are looking for design help (consult, floor plan, drawings, story boards), email me at kristy@hypheninteriors.com.

Posted by Kristy at 1:26 AM 3 Comments

Tags: client, entry, family room

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Halloween Ideas

It’s not too late to get a few things for a party or to start thinking about shopping for next year as things go on sale.

Here are some hand picked items on Etsy. If you are not familiar with Etsy, check it out! It’s where homemade items are sold by individuals.

How about some other Halloween ideas? These can all be found on my Pinterest folder, Holidays.

I love the idea of monogramming pumpkins.

This was done with melted crayons!

Posted by Kristy at 1:03 AM 2 Comments

Tags: halloween

Friday, October 21, 2011

Design Tip – 6 Ways to Add Texture

When designing a space, layering is key. You should consider color, pattern, finishes, and texture. Texture is an important layer that can do wonders for a space!

It’s can provide depth, warmth and comfort. This is something I’ve really tried to improve on and not overlook. You don’t want all smooth textures in a room, for instance, or it will begin to feel a little like a furniture store rather than an interesting lived in space.

Though layering pattern and color are important, adding texture is just as important. Without texture, designs can feel a little “flat.”

There are many ways to add texture.

Here are three ways to add a little bit of texture to your home.

1. Add texture to a wall.

Adding textured gypsum wall board to a wall creates a lot of interest. (And, aren’t those colors awesome. Great job, Stephanie!)

How about the texture on this wall. It definitely transforms an otherwise flat space to something awesome.

Exposed brick walls give this elegant space an a bit of warmth. I love the juxtapositoin of the feminine chandelier against the masculine wall. (Another technique for adding interest to a room.)