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What's new for Spring?

These warm days have given North Texans spring fever!  While we may get a few more cold snaps before spring really comes to stay, we can incorporate the freshness it brings into our homes today.  Here are a few trends to you can use to freshen your home:

Coral and Gray: The freshness of softened pink gets a hint of sophistication from its pairing with gray. Add a few coral pillows agains a soft gray throw.

 

Refined Industrial: Factory metals are warmed by the addition of woods and gold. Replace a stodgy end table with a sculptural metal one.

 

In the Navy: Blues are everywhere, but this season they are warmed up with browns and pops of bright yellow. Recover an ottoman in your favorite shade of indigo.

 

Floral Arrangements: Simple, single variety blooming branches set in clear glass give life to your spaces. Giveaway your formal arrangements and replace with this young alternative. 

 

www.justthethingdecorating.com

ann bridgman
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Southlake Home www.justthethingdecorating.com

Many times in decorating it is all about editing:  remove the extraneous items to have more impact.  But not at Christmas!  Not in Texas! For trees, garlands, and mantles, the general rule is more is more!  Layers, textures, shapes and sparkle all enhance the Christmas mood and give you that "designer" look.  If all your decorations are one size, add larger balls.  If all of them are a matte finish, add glittered, sequined and shiny items.  You get the idea.  This is your chance to get your Texas bling on.  Have fun!

www.justthethingdecorating.com

ann bridgman

When you hear “Tarzan”, what do you think of?

The Disney movie? The loincloth? The yell?  Whether it’s the shiny cartoon that pops into your mind, or the black and white film of old, that yell is always at the center.  For Carroll Senior High’s Nov 6-9 production, the role of Tarzan is giving Drew Brown lots of challenges. “This is by far the most physically demanding show I have ever been in…a constant squat, to stage combat, to gymnastic moves and flying…{but} the Tarzan yell may be the single hardest thing I’ve had to do in this show…it’s a full on yodel!” He has prepared for this yell by watching around 100 different YouTube videos and working with the musical director. So it’s definitely in the show? Drew answered, “You’ll just have to come and see the show to find out!” www.dragondrama.net

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“My dream would just be to pursue the career I love.”

Ben Singel, Porter in the upcoming Carroll Senior High production of Tarzan, has big plans for a lifetime in theatre, “be it acting, directing, stage management or script writing.” But he has a challenge in Tarzan.  “This production is unique in that it is so physical, whether it’s a gorilla…or an Englishman.” For the character of Jane’s father, Ben has had to adjust his energy to match the slower, more limited movement of the elderly. “Figuring out how an old person walks has proven as challenging as being a gorilla.”  For tickets www.dragondrama.net.  Nov 6-9.

ann bridgman

Watch out! There’s some scary stuff out there in the jungle…

While Carroll Senior High School’s production of Tarzan is family friendly, there’s more to fear in their jungle than leopards!  6’5” Gareth Forsberg is playing the role of Clayton, the villainous hunter.  But despite a history of bad guy roles, Gareth is described, by the cast, as one of the happiest guys around. “I try to become that {evil} character by detaching myself from being what is socially acceptable”, Gareth says. “ I am so thrilled to show how savage Clayton is!”  Show runs November 6-9.  Tickets www.dragondrama.net

ann bridgman

Ever wonder what swinging through the jungle held tightly by Tarzan might feel like?  One local Senior High Schooler knows!  McKenzie Bridgman, Carroll senior, is thrilled to be playing the role of Jane in the upcoming performances of Tarzan November 6-9 at Carroll Senior High School, Southlake.   “It’s so amazing to have the opportunity to 'fly' for this show”, McKenzie shares. “I’ve never done that before, but I’ve always wanted to.”  Theatre veterans, she and Drew Brown, playing the title role of Tarzan, have the opportunity to soar through the jungle using a complex system of harnesses and riggings, making theatre magic.  Tickets available online at www.dragondrama.net.

ann bridgman

1. Hire a real estate agent.  

Sure, you’ll pay commission.  But the exposure and expertise an agent brings to the process will give you a shorter time on market, and a higher selling price.  Even with the accessibility to sites like Zillow for homeowners, the time and cost of doing it yourself is significant.  Why not just hire a professional and do it right the first time?

 2. Clean out your closets.

And your shelves, and your garage, and your storage space.  Be brutal.  If you haven’t touched it in a year, give it away or sell it.  Nothing turns off a buyer quicker than personal clutter in an online picture they are viewing, or a home they are visiting.

 3 Bring in a stager.

Consider a stager as “that friend” who tells you the truth about your haircut.  She is a fresh set of eyes who can help you position your belongings to show off your home in its best light to buyers. 

4.Trust your experts.

If your agent or stager tells you to invest $3000 in your home to get $10,000 more in selling price, believe them.  No one likes to invest money in a home they are selling, but if a little chaos results in less days on the market and more money in your pocket, grit your teeth and write that check.  Your experts know what they are talking about. 

5.  Don’t delay. 

Late spring is conventionally the best time to get your home on the market, but now isn’t bad either.  Many buyers would like to be in their new homes before school starts, so selling now may mean a higher price and shorter contract to close time. 

Ann Bridgman is a decorating, staging and window treatment professional in Southlake, Tx. Ann.bridgman@me.com

www.justthethingdecorating.com

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Soothing blues paired with calming neutrals
Two trends I am watching for spring: Big blues, and petal power! 

Big Blues:
Navy, royal, midnight..nautical blues are rich and elegant and can be striking against white, or soothing against neutrals. They are everywhere!! 

Petal Power:
bold, graphic flowers are springing up everywhere, adding charm and detail to rooms. Try adding a large print floral pillow or rug to a space for spring!
ann bridgman
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Ever wonder who "they" are? "They" pick the color trends for each season. "They" are the ones retailers like Pottery Barn take their cues from. "They" are Pantone, and they influence wearable fashion as well as home fashion. I love Greenhouse Fabrics for their fashion forward prints and affordable pricing. Here is how Greenhouse interprets Pantone's spring looks. Enjoy!
http://www.pinterest.com/ghfabrics/pantone-spring-color-trends/

 

ann bridgman
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Sometimes you know when the next move will be--and sometimes you don't!  Therefore it is always wise to consider the impact of your design choice on future resale.  If you plan to be in your home 7-10 years more, you can relax as the choices you make now will probably need to be redone again before you sell anyway!  But if you might be moving sooner, consider making these buyer-friendly renovations:

1. Except for the bathroom, no tile.  Homeowners universally prefer hardwood throughout a home, but certainly on the first floor.  If you have tile in your main living area, consider tearing it out now and laying down hardwood.  Yes, it may be messy and expensive, but if you do it now YOU get to enjoy it.  If you do it right before your home goes on the market, it will be a gift you give the next owner.

2.Renovate the kitchens and baths.  Styles change and so must these spaces.  Most bathrooms are outdated after 8-12 years, and most kitchens after 12-15.  Do it now, or wish you had.  It is an investment whose return is paid in home value.

3. Go light on the walls, dark on the floors.  The current trend is subtle, soft shades of paint for walls, and rich warm colors for hardwoods. Clean white trim, and smooth walls are always classic.

4. Add lighting.  You can never "overlight" a room--that's what dimmers are for!  Adding recesses ceiling lighting, chandeliers, or sconces will always make a home feel more appealing.  "Light and bright "are what buyers are looking for!