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What a renovation really costs 

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What a north Texas renovation really costs 

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What’s new for ‘22? 

 

The decorations are put away, the cookies are out of the house, and now you look around and say, “Blah.” 

Been there 

Refreshing your home is important not just for the feel-good emotion of coming home to a space you love, but also for maintaining your North Texas home’s value for resaleA tired home whose colors and finishes hearken back to a previous era is not a good look for family and friends, either! 

The key is to be ahead of what you see in the Pottery Barn catalog, versus chasing itHere is a “cliff notes” on upcoming trends for Texas home trends and home furnishings: 

Textures and Finishes: 

Nubby, handwoven fabrics with plenty of imperfections are all the rageA global influence is felt in fabrics that look as if they were stamped by hand. I will be looking to incorporate these textures into my clients’ homes this year in pillows, and fabric accents for and updated look. Washed linen is popular with its imperfect, slightly rumply texture. 

Matte black (shout out to JoJo) is giving way to its younger sibling, shiny blackIf a black lantern fixture is desired as a pendant over an island, I might now choose one in shiny vs. matte black, as I did here. 

Warm metals such as aged bronze aka brushed gold aka antique gold have taken over from the cool shiny chrome and brushed nickel.

Matte or satin finished wood brings an organic, hand-crafted element to a spaceThe light finishes suggest a Scandinavian feel without being so spare.  

 

Colors and Shapes 

 

“Green is the next Blue.” 

  I first noticed green busting onto the scene in 2018 during the furniture fair in High Point, North CarolinaThen it felt a bit premature, a bit out of step with what my clients were wanting. But it was more of a premonition of what the marketplace would be craving four years later: a fresh look, natural, easy, different. Color trends tend to follow the mood of the country and aren’t we all desiring the more natural harmony? If your home is blue based, adding green in fabrics and art can be a place to start. 

For the bold, using dark paints is back They create drama and depth, 

combined with jewel tones, dark stone, and hammered finishes. A wine room, or theatre room can be a wonderful place to enjoy this trendIf that feels like too much to you, soft greens, warm grays, and a hint of blush can feel fresh and comfortable. 

 

And do not forget curves. Oh my goodness, curvesAfter years of eliminating curvy accents and furniture, the pendulum has begun its swing back.  

 

  • round neck roll pillows and other tubular shapes 

  • rounded overstuffed furniture reminiscent of the 70’s and 80’s. 

     

    Try incorporating one or more of these upcoming home trends into your Colleyville, Southlake, Keller or Westlake home for an instant update!

 

 

ann bridgman

It all began with an Ottoman... 

 

When a young couple purchase their first home in North Texas, they utilize their post college and early marriage furnishings to dress the house.  Between building a career and having children, decorating usually falls to a lower a priority in the family.  The desire for a beautiful and swoon worthy interior are there, but the time, funds, and knowledge to achieve it are usually not.   

 

But once the kids are headed to middle school and the fog of parenting young children begins to lift, the couple has time to take a breath and consider all the house could be...in the right hands.  They have been saving for this project and are concerned that they will not be able to create the lovely, cohesive, and “finished” look they crave. 

 

Enter an interior designer.  After an initial consultation full of ideas and brainstorming, they commit to lay their dreams in her hands.  At a time when products are slow in coming, and options are everywhere, this required trust, indeed.  But it was rewarded! 

 

The design with an ottoman they already had—barely used, and in a great color.  The decorator matched the custom fabrics chosen for the swivel chairs and the sofa to that bright pop of energy.  With a dog and 2 school age children, a deep sofa in a performance fabric was selected for frequent cuddling. The transitional rug is soft underfoot, but forgiving in its pattern to hide everyday drips; beautiful, but doesn’t break the bank. The raffia fronted media cabinet brings an organic element to the space and helps keep the vibe fresh and youthful.  The mid-century gold lamp and modern faux yucca plant anchor the space.  And no space would be complete without a centerpiece:  a gold tray with African beads of recycled sea glass and an orchid.  Looks great on the kitchen table, too, when feet need to go up on that ottoman! 

When decorating your Southlake, Colleyville, Keller, or Westlake home, consider investing in professional interior designer that will save you time, money and mistakes in your North Texas home. https://justthethingdecorating.com/

 

ann bridgman
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It all began with an Ottoman... 

 

When a young couple purchase their first home in North Texas, they utilize their post college and early marriage furnishings to dress the house.  Between building a career and having children, decorating usually falls to a lower a priority in the family.  The desire for a beautiful and swoon worthy interior are there, but the time, funds, and knowledge to achieve it are usually not.   

 

But once the kids are headed to middle school and the fog of parenting young children begins to lift, the couple has time to take a breath and consider all the house could be...in the right hands.  They have been saving for this project and are concerned that they will not be able to create the lovely, cohesive, and “finished” look they crave. 

 

Enter an interior designer.  After an initial consultation full of ideas and brainstorming, they commit to lay their dreams in her hands.  At a time when products are slow in coming, and options are everywhere, this required trust, indeed.  But it was rewarded! 

 

The design with an ottoman they already had—barely used, and in a great color.  The decorator matched the custom fabrics chosen for the swivel chairs and the sofa to that bright pop of energy.  With a dog and 2 school age children, a deep sofa in a performance fabric was selected for frequent cuddling. The transitional rug is soft underfoot, but forgiving in its pattern to hide everyday drips; beautiful, but doesn’t break the bank. The raffia fronted media cabinet brings an organic element to the space and helps keep the vibe fresh and youthful.  The mid-century gold lamp and modern faux yucca plant anchor the space.  And no space would be complete without a centerpiece:  a gold tray with African beads of recycled sea glass and an orchid.  Looks great on the kitchen table, too, when feet need to go up on that ottoman! 

When decorating your Southlake, Colleyville, Keller, or Westlake home, consider investing in professional interior designer that will save you time, money and mistakes in your North Texas home.

 

ann bridgman
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Colleyville Home Downsizing now may seem attractive, but it comes with issues!

Real Estate, furniture and paint...oh my! 

If you are like me, you are thinking, “even though I wasn’t planning to move, maybe I should sell and cash in on this hot market.”   

After all, houses are selling for well over list within days.  I worked with the buyer of\this one several years ago to update it and make it their own.  It was recently listed, and after I staged it, it was under contract with 10 offers for $110,000 over list in 3 days. 

 

But it’s not quite that simple. And it can be stressful. 

 Amber Weitzer of (embed this link here https://www.couturerealestatefirm.com/ )Couture Real Estate says, “Experience, proactive strategies and diligence are even more critical in this market. If the inventory isn’t available, it’s our job to find it for the market, for our clients. It’s a necessity to possess strong skills, professionalism and as always remain the calming force for all concerned.” 

If you do sell, where will you go?    

Many of my clients are empty nesters and wonder if this a great opportunity to downsize.  The challenge is finding a smaller home in the DFW area that has the finish quality level to which they are accustomed—if you can find one at all. But Susan Gilchrest of Ebby.com says, “Downsizing is possible, especially if people are looking into the surrounding communities. Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville and North Richland Hills offer many possible options and lifestyles to people looking to downsize their home.” 

If you find the right smaller home, you will likely need to renovate it to your tastes.  Normally, this is a terrific option:  adding value to a smaller home and remodeling it to suit your lifestyle.  But currently general contractors are very busy and their first available start dates are September or later.  One general contractor I work with frequently confided to me this week, “Ann, I don’t know if we will even be able to get wood after September.  I don’t know how we will be able to build cabinets, or do framing.”   

The supply chain has been wildly disrupted. 

 We’ve had a triple whammy: tariffs, COVID, and then the freeze. So much of what we use and consume in the home furnishings industry comes from Asia.  Even furniture “made in the USA” may have handles, metal parts or frames that come from (insert link here https://myhfa.org/the-impact-of-vietnam-trade-tariffs-on-the-furniture-industry/ )overseas.  When tariffs were applied to Chinese goods, many companies sought to move their sources from China to other Asian countries like Vietnam.  They anticipated a short term disruption in supply in order to secure a long term price advantage.  But then COVID came.  Shipping stopped.  Containers sat at both ends of the ocean waiting.  Transportation prices increased due to the low supply and high demand.  Many companies and contractors absorbed this first wave of price increases in order to stay competitive.   

When Texas and Louisiana experienced a historic freeze this year, “most of Texas' large, sophisticated refineries on the coast stopped normal operations at the request of the power utilities in order to conserve power for consumers struggling to stay warm.”  Unfortunately, you can’t flip a switch and restart refineries: it’s a bit more complicated! All the myriad products made with petroleum products are now in short supply.  This includes paint, caulk, primer, plastics and foam for furniture creation and reupholstery.  The largest residential painting company in DFW shared that they will have to pass on a 15 % pass increase to consumers starting in July to make up for the rapidly rising paint and fuel costs.  Fine furnishings manufacturer Bernhardt furniture, https://bernhardt.com/ has raised prices 15% over the last 6 months. 

So where does this leave you?  

At this point, I am advising clients to start major remodeling projects no earlier than January.  The delays in all products from wood floors to tile to refrigerators make a start date in September seem like asking for your home to be torn up for the holidays.  Hopefully the supply chain will sort itself out over the next 6- 12 months. Please be patient when purchasing home furnishings, and know that prices have gone up as much as 30%  and your budget may need to as well.  And what about that business of cashing in and selling your big home and downsizing?  Well, maybe be ready for apartment living for a couple of years!  

See more articles here https://justthethingdecorating.com/blog-fresh-ideas-for-your-home/

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After bath remodel After bathroom renovation by www.justhteingdecorating.com, Ann Bridgman

Planning a Bathroom Renovation in the DFW area 

Creating a spa-like bathroom retreat is all about selecting fixtures that provide the ideal combination of fashion and function.  Many of our North Texas homes were built 20 years ago or more and our bathrooms are sorely in need of an update.

The first step in any bathroom design is to focus on function and determine what you would like to change.   

  • What storage are you lacking? 

  • What materials are you tired of? 

  • What do you wish you had in there that you are lacking? 

The second step is to think about your dream look.  Peruse your favorite designer website, Instagram, Houzz, and Pinterest and save the images you like—even if their bathroom layouts are different than yours.   

  • What is common to all your pictures? 

  • What finishes are you drawn to? 

  • What is the overall style of most of your images? 

With these ideas in mind, hire an interior designer and contractor to help you price out your dreams. 

Choosing Bathroom Essentials 

Whether it is a small powder room or a grand master bathroom, your plumbing fixtures are the essence of function for your space, so choose them wisely. 

 

Showers 

A shower is one of the most-used elements in the bathroom. southlake area real estate professionals at Ebby-southlake tell me a luxury shower in a master bath Is more important than a tub these days. When renovating the shower, your contractor should install a waterproof system to prevent against future leaks, and use stain and mildew resistant grout to help things keep looking new. 

  • Consider adding a handheld sprayer for cleaning and flexibility 

  • Build in recessed niches to hold beauty products 

  • Remove bench to increase the visual size of the space 

 

 

Bathtubs  

Many people enjoy at least an occasional soak in a comfortable bathtub. Tubs come in a wide array of styles, including freestandingalcovedrop-in, and undermount varieties. In the 1990’s jetted tubs were in vogue, but now freestanding soaker tubs are favored for their cleanliness and simplicity.  If you have a luxury shower, maybe storage or a make up vanity would be a better use of that space. 

  • Do you take baths frequently? 

  • What features in a tub are important to you? 

  • Is there something else you can put in that space that would be more valuable for you? 

     

    Vanities 

    Getting ready for your day starts at the bathroom vanity. This is the largest piece of furniture in any bathroom and one of the primary sources of storage for the space. Custom building your vanity can allow you to customize it to your personal needs.  Building in pull outs to tame hair styling equipment is popular, as well as hiding everyday countertop clutter behind towers.  

    • What accumulates on your countertops and how could you build a better home for it? 

    • What would you like to store in the vanities? 

    • How can the style of the vanity add to the look of the room? 

     

 

Countertops 

 

Choosing your bathroom countertops requires a little thought as well.  Man made quartz countertops have different pros and cons from natural materials like marble, quartzite and granite.  Polished, satin or honed finish can add a decorative contrast to your flooring and wall décor. 

 

  • How tidy do you keep your countertops? 

  • Do you use hair color or other highly staining materials in your bathroom? 

  • Do you like a consistent pattern or a naturally varied look? 

 

Keeping our north Texas homes up to date includes updating bathrooms.  Hiring a professional who has walked clients through this process dozens of times can be a wise investment in saving you time and money. While the process of a bathroom renovation can seem daunting, it is so worth it in the end!  

 

Ann Bridgman 

 

www.justthethingdecorating.com 
 

 

 

 

 

 

ann bridgman
Comforting neutrals feel right in this crazy world

Comforting neutrals feel right in this crazy world

Comforting neutrals feel right in this crazy world

Raise your hand if you’ve been removing the brown from your home?  I know our Texas homes were full of brown just a few years ago.  The trend watchers tell us that a return to neutrals is in our future. But like all things in clothing and home fashion, a style never comes back quite the same.

Patty Carpenter analyzes global influences to forecast trends for manufacturers months ahead of their appearance.  She sees the following in our future:

BROWNS

Comforting neutrals feel right in this crazy world

“As we look for the comfort and connections being denied during COVID-19, we instinctively turn toward the warmer side of neutrals.”

DARK FLESH TONES

Comforting neutrals feel right in this crazy world dark flesh

“We blend our inherited cultures with the cultures of the places we land, evidenced by a beautiful spectrum of splendid skin tones that add life and comfort to products that embrace them.”

RED EARTH

Comforting neutrals feel right in this crazy world red earth

“The red-casted warmth of terracotta and clay touches us on a visceral level. As a human family, we have utilized this material for centuries to shelter and protect us, to carry our food and our water.”

MUSHROOM

Comforting neutrals feel right in this crazy world mushroom

“With their subtle shades of various warmed whites to teasingly taupe casts, their earthy colors engage us. They exude a halo of health. “

What does this mean for your home?
 

As I choose fabrics for furniture for clients, I will be leaning toward the warmer neutrals like mushroom, versus the colder grays of a few years ago.  Accessories will incorporate warmer tones as well, with red earth accents paired with existing accent colors. Even adding a pillow in a fleshy espresso color can make your room feel updated. 

Does this feel outside your comfort zone?  You are not alone.  As these trends appear on consumer sites over the next 2 years, they will begin to feel comfortable and familiar.  Knowing what’s on the horizon allows me as your designer, and you as the homeowner, to make wise choices that will help your home’s design feel fresh and current for years to come.

Want to hear more? https://justthethingdecorating.com/about-southlake-interior-designer/

 

 

Photos courtesy of  https://www.furniturelightingdecor.com

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just the thing decorating ann bridgman Southlake Home decorated by Ann Bridgman of Just the Thing Decorating

Home Interior items

Why is everything taking so long?

 

Have you ordered anything for your house lately?

EVERYTHING is backordered!  Here in North Texas we are spoiled with regular next day delivery on all kinds of items! But now, there is a significant supply chain problem in the home furnishings industry. From discount to luxury, brands are dealing with a trifecta of problems: explosive demand, reduced supply, and inadequate transportation.  And, once again, we can blame it on COVID (or at least most of it.)

 

When the national "2 weeks to slow the spread" happened, local stores cancelled their orders from their distributors thinking we were going into a recession.  So Asian factories, where lower end furniture and frames of higher end furniture come from, decreased production and reduced their already COVID depleted workforces.  

 

But while we all sat home and watched Netflix, we realized how tired our homes looked!  With travel and all fun being off limits, why not fix things up? The lockdown caused EXPLOSIVE demand for home furnishings and vendors sold all the inventory they had on hand.  But when they went to place orders from their manufacturers, production had been cut back and there was not enough items to send.  Then as manufacturers completed product to ship, so were all their competitors and suddenly overseas and overland container space was full.  Shipping rates began to increase, and delivery times reached a snails pace.  

 

To make matters worse, the foam used in upholstery is a petroleum product coming out of the refineries in Louisiana.  Remember those hurricanes?  They further slowed the supply chain of the raw products needed to create that sofa you've been eyeing.

 

Patience is the name of the game.  All will straighten out eventually, but in the meantime, keep dreaming of that completed room!

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Bright accessories against moody neutrals Ann Bridgman of just the Thing Decorating adds zingy yellow to a master bedroom in Southlake

Home Interiors Trends for Fall

 

Due to the chaos around us in the world at large, home trends have taken a turn toward the cozy.  Whether through the use of chunky knits for cocooning, or rich earth tones to ground us, the industry is responding to a felt need to be in the safety of home.  As always, we in North Texas are a bit slower to adopt these trends but I expect elements of these looks to requested by clients as soon as this fall. Adding a wall or rich paint or a vignette of accessories may bring this comfort to your home as well.

 

Colors and Patterns from the Earth to Ground us:  warm neutrals, rich browns, terra cotta, deep green.  Organic, imperfect patterns on fabrics and accessories

 

Simple, peaceful forms:  uncomplicated shapes for our furniture, tribal and cultural textiles and crafts.

 

Relief: Butter yellow and energetic brights juxtpositioned against those moody neutrals express our hope for the future and our weariness of isolation.

Contact Info

Just the Thing Decorating, Staging, Windows
32.9412363 -97.1341783
Ever wanted to transform your home just like on tv? Ann Bridgman has been transforming homes since 2002. Just the Thing Decorating, Staging, and Windows works with your goals and budget! Contact Ann Bridgman of Just the Thing Decorating today for all your decorating needs. Services are offered throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area. Call 630.709.5709 today! www.justthethingdecorating.com
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