Refinish Hardwood Flooring

Cost: $300-$500 (DIY)
Value added: Up to $2000

Sanding and varnishing a hardwood floor that has been subject to wear or hidden under carpet (in an older home) can add a couple of thousand dollars to a property depending on how large an area.

Add Crown Molding

Cost: $600-$2000
Value added: several thousand dollars

The visual aesthetic of a home translates to perceived value and details like molding can add a significant dollar amount to a home’s worth.

Creative Storage

Cost: $50- $1000
Value added: Up to $2000

Storage is always something a home can use more of… so finding spaces to convert to clever usage is a big plus. It does not require a big remodel but finding those tucked away areas that could become easy to use. Maximizing the Laundry Room or a space underneath a stairway.

Update Kitchen Hardware and faucet

Cost: $150-$300
Value added: $1000 or more

Something as small as changing the cabinet hardware and faucet to a more contemporary style can make a visually appealing difference to a kitchen. It can be a DIY project or part of an overall redo where a professional is hired.

Replace countertops with Quartz

Cost: $1200- $2000
Value Added: Up to $5000

Quartz is now the current countertop of choice and is a great way to modernize a kitchen. If the cabinets are dark, a light counter can be just the thing to lighten up the space. The return on that investment can be double and make the kitchen show that much better.

Add a new backsplash

Cost: $200- $300
Value added: Up to $1000

Adding a simple subway tile backsplash is a great way to create a design statement without investing a lot of money. Stores like Home Depot sell it for $2 – $3 a square foot and it is always a crowd pleaser. Materials should only be about $300 and it can be a DIY or done by a professional.

Upgrade your Bathroom vanity

Cost: $300-$800
Value Added: Up to $1800

A new vanity is a great way to update a bathroom. There are affordable contemporary vanities that include a stone top and sink as an all in one piece.The plumbing installation by a professional should only be a few hundred dollars more and you can easily triple your investment.

Reglaze your Bathtub and Shower

Cost: $1000
Value added: Up to $3000

One of the best investments is to have the bathtubs and showers reglazed to a nice, bright white and remove any cruddy shower doors. The whole upgrade costs about a $1000 and will make the bathroom look as if you spent triple.

Clean and Update Your Entry and Landscape

Cost: $100 to $2000
Value added: Up to $3000

Painting the front door or replacing it is key. A new front door, potted plants and a nice doormat can run up to $2000 but will make all the difference as first impressions are so important. Add landscaping that is well done, and you can get a return on investment of 150%.

The post 9 Ways to increase the value of your home by $20,000 appeared first on Andrea Sherman Design.

Whether it is a new home or a remodel, finishes are the details that will make it unique and special. So, don’t be intimidated…here are some the tips that will inspire you.

Tip # 1 Start an idea file

Look through design magazines and cut out photos of whatever it is that catches your eye. It can be the whole room or as simple as a texture and color. Pinterest and Houzz are also great sources. Gather as much info as you can as this is invaluable for collaborating with your architect, builder and designer.

Tip #2 This is Your home and style

Trends are fine but don’t get too caught up. It has to work for the look that you like and make you happy. At the end of the day, the finishes should reflect your style and be functional for your lifestyle. That soaking tub might look great in a photo, but will it really be practical for you?

Tip #3 Focus on what matters to you

There are hundreds of individual finishes in a home. From the biggest items like floors and countertops to the smallest like door handles. There are countless decisions to be made and it might be important to decide if you want to make every last one of them. You might decide to only focus on the elements that really matter to you and leave the rest to a professional.

Tip # 4 Be aware of what items cost

You may have a budget or not, but either way it is good to know whether you are overstepping it. Your builder has given you a budget and keeping to your allowance for an item can be important. Let’s say you like a flooring that costs $7.00 per square foot and another that is $10.00 that you really like more. There are other factors involved like installation costs that must be factored in. Upgrading to the $10 flooring will affect the final total.

Keeping track of your budget will help you end up with more of the items that you really want. You might save in one area so that you can have that special item that costs more in another. By creating a tradeoff, you will achieve the look you want.

Tip# 5 Try not to overwhelm yourself with too many options

More choices are not always better if they come from every website or showroom you can find. In fact, having too many choices often makes it harder to make decisions. If you can, limit yourself to just a few. It will make the process easier and less stressful.

Tip # 6 Set a timeframe

Decision making is tough. By limiting the amount of time you spend making your choices, you will stay on the same wavelength for that period of time and not lose track of your vision. The design will be more cohesive, and the theme will carry through your home.

Tip # 7 Create the home YOU want

Trying to predict if white kitchens or grey walls will still be in style several years from now is exhausting. If you plan to live in your home for some time, pick out finishes that you love and forget what the next person will want. Create a home that you will enjoy NOW!! If it is a short- term investment, think more conservatively with neutrals and simple items.

Tip # 8 The Pros know

Wondering whether it is worth it to hire a professional designer? A designer can help you sort through the choices to create that unified design. It will make the process a lot less stressful. A designer will know where to shop and eliminate the exhaustion of searching where to go for just the right item. A good designer will offer to either go shopping with you or do the legwork for you. Whatever is more comfortable. Another advantage is that a designer can help you save money by balancing out your more expensive choices with less expensive ones.

Try to relax and enjoy the process!!

The post 8 Tips for Choosing Interior Finishes appeared first on Andrea Sherman Design.

Here are some ways to modernize your home…

Declutter:

Less is more in contemporary design. Keep your accessories simple and fewer. They should be well-chosen for their statement and wow factor.

Simplicity in decor in a Master Bedroom

Paint Color:

Keep the color palette light and neutral. If there is crown and base molding, make it white. The same goes for the doors and casings. There are beautiful shades of grey, taupe and white (yes, shades of white!) That would make a beautiful backdrop.

Soft neutral palette in a Tuscan Living Room

Lighting:

Utilize the recessed lighting if your home has it, as opposed to too many lamps. A combination of the two will give you general and ambient illumination. Mix and match furnishings and light fixtures… if the furniture is more traditional, use contemporary lamps and if you have a fancy chandelier, combine it with a contemporary table and chairs.

Window coverings:

Swap out the heavy draperies and cornices for light airy fabrics on a rod. Shutters and solar shades are another great option.

Furniture, art and area rugs:

Reupholster older pieces with more contemporary fabrics and keep it all very neutral. Save the big pop of color for pillows and accessories. You might take a lead on the latest color trends by checking the Pantone Color of the Year. Add a new cocktail table and end table. You will make your home more interesting if you mix the old with the new. Art and area rugs are another way to introduce a current modern look.

Contemporary and Mediterranean mix well in this Great Room

Cabinetry:

Paint or refinish dark cabinetry to a lighter tone or very dark (expresso) and replace the hardware with a sleeker style. Think of changing out the raised panel doors and drawers for a flat slab style.

Tuscan Dark Cabinetry brightened up with light paint

Technology:

One of the easiest ways to modernize your home is with technology. Whether you go fully automated or specific, a first step is WiFi and Audio/visual. Simple changes like light switches and receptacles with USB ports are small but will make a difference.

Flooring:

Replace carpet with porcelain tile, engineered or hardwood flooring or stained concrete. Maintaining a consistency of flooring throughout will make the house flow and appear larger.

The post From Tuscan to Contemporary…the “How To’s” appeared first on Andrea Sherman Design.

Here are some common home design challenges and how they can be solved…

1. The Tiny Room

Envelope the whole room in one great dramatic color including the ceiling. Your eye will never stop hence making it appear larger and very cozy. Better yet, painting it in a high gloss finish will reflect light creating the illusion of space

2. The Narrow Space

Visually expand the room by painting or wallpapering horizontal stripes. Make sure they are wide so that it makes a clear statement of direction. It will get your eye to go left and right, not up and down.

Headboard Wall with horizontal Stripes

3. Using White

Using all white is always open and airy… and it can cover up all kinds of flaws as once again your eye doesn’t settle on any one thing. It will open up a space and soften it. Add lots of natural light if possible and don’t forget texture. Play different textures against one another to give the area interest.

White Interior with texture

4. Mirrors

Make a massive mirror part of the design.. such as on closet doors or on a wall which will double the size of a room. Lean an oversized framed mirror against a wall…just make sure that what it reflects is pleasing.

5. Furnishing a small space

Make your furniture choices multi-functional so you get the most use of the room. A sofa table might be a drop leaf table that will convert into a dining table. A sectional can have storage in it or a chest as a cocktail table. In this case “Less is definitely More”. A few larger pieces look much better than many smaller ones.

Small Space with sectional, desk, media center and ceiling height storage

6. Update Kitchen on a budget

Paint the cabinets. There are paints made just for that… even to go over laminate. Change out the hardware and put in a new faucet. Little changes can make a difference

7. Low Ceiling

Stripes once again can make a big difference… but this time vertically and bold. Also hang the window treatments from the ceiling. Paint the ceiling a shade or two lighter than the walls.

8. Place for a desk

Consider using a desk as a nightstand or convert a closet into a perfect work area with shelves built in and concealed with barn doors when not in use.

9. Bookcases

Built in bookcases are a great answer to filling lots of spaces; creating storage, accessories/art display and architectural interest. Think about on either side of a bed, fireplace or sofa in a den. Whether they are custom made by a cabinet maker or a carpenter, it will be a good investment.

Living Room with built-in Bookcases

The post 9 Design Dilemmas Solved appeared first on Andrea Sherman Design.

But what do we mean by texture?

In design speak, it is defined as “ the sensations caused by the external surface of objects received through the sense of touch.” Simply, how things feel! Your toes on soft, plush carpet, the sensation of sitting in a leather chair, the cool, slick feeling of polished stone. Contrast is essential in design because it creates balance and visual interest. Think about it.. if everything is too similar we can’t focus, and our eyes can’t rest on any one element.

Texture adds visual depth…

Meaning that the object has the capability to draw responsiveness to itself. Just like color affects the feel of a room so does texture. It sets the mood; rough textures make a space feel more intimate and cozy and smooth textures create a sleek, cool tone.

Another key consideration is the placement of the textures. When you place a rough texture next to a smooth one, the rough object comes into focus, giving it a weightier look. So, balance becomes necessary also.

One important note: texture vs. pattern are two very different factors but both are necessary. Don’t confuse them. Pattern is a visual print and texture is tactile. Use both instead of one or the other.

Incorporating Texture…

Current Project Underway – 3D Rendering Optional as visual aid for client   Andrea Sherman Design Associates

In this contemporary monochromatic black and white interior that I designed, I employed a multitude of textures to create appeal. The white glass porcelain tile floor is covered in the sitting area by a thick, wool patterned woven area rug. Sitting atop it, is an exotic wood coffee table flanked by two polished brass frame chairs in white leather. The sofa and loveseat are an off-white linen with nail head detail and heavily textured mud cloth pillows. The buffet behind the sitting area is white lacquer. For the dining table I chose a sculptural base in matte black metal with a glass top and acrylic dining chairs.

The key in interior design is balance and it’s all about finding the balance that you like..

The post Texture.. An Essential element in Interior Design appeared first on Andrea Sherman Design.

The quickest, easiest and budget friendly design change is a coat of paint. How simple!! It can change the overall mood of the room, making it dark and moody or vibrant and cheerful. Be brave.. you can always paint over it.

  2.Accents

  Add some color with throw pillows, throws or chair seat cushions. Choose items with texture and pattern to add interest. Just make sure that it all compliments your color scheme and design.

 3.Wallpaper

Wallpaper is back!!! It is always perfect in a powder room or entry. Try a great texture like grass cloth or a metallic finish. Pattern can add a big boost of personality to drab or boring walls.

4.Unique Furniture

Consignment and thrift shops are terrific places to find unique pieces or consider repurposing your sofa or chair by reupholstering it. If the bones of it are still in good condition, you not only saving money but saving the planet.

5.Plants

Welcome nature into your home with flowers in a pretty vase. Plants are wonderful accessories as they add natural greenery, help freshen the indoor air and are an interesting design element.

6.Travel Souvenirs

Share all the memories of your travels by displaying them on a bookshelf or in a collage.  A collection of artifacts from other cultures gives an eclectic personality to your home.

7.Artwork

Make use of your walls to hang art that reflects your personal style. It can be photos, fine art, objects and wall sculpture. Create groupings of similar art or objects. Art is so personal so what better way to create your very own design and decor statement.

8.Accessories

 Accessories like art are the finishing touches on a home’s interior and infuse it with personality. So go for items that will make your space unique to you. Art fairs are perfect places to find that special bowl or sculpture.

The post 8 Ways to Add Design Pizazz to Your Home appeared first on Andrea Sherman Design.

Delray Beach, Florida, the “Village by the Sea”,  is one of those towns. It has all the charm one could want in its historic neighborhoods and downtown. Our community has a prolific and varied architectural history beginning from the late 19th Century to the present that includes a varied array of architectural designs and influences. The following are some of the charming styles to be found:

Frame Vernacular refers to a simple wood frame building often built by the owner with no formal construction experience who used local building materials and simple craftsman techniques. Horizontal weatherboard or wood shingles are the most common exterior wall materials. The roofs are either gabled or hipped with one story front porches. The ornamentation is limited to corner boards, porch columns, brackets and rafter tails.

Frame Vernacular with weather board siding and gable roof

Mission Revival began in California and fit into our warm climate in Florida. It originally was influenced by the mission chapels that had thick, white stucco walls, red clay roofs and bell towers. The facades were very simple, devoid of ornamental detail. The wide overhanging eaves, decorative brackets. arched doorways and stepped parapets were usually the only decoration.

Mission Revival with white stucco walls and stepped parapet

Mediterranean Revival,peaking in popularity in the 1920’s and 1930’s, is a design style that evokes an Old World image.  Decorative columns, clay barrel tile roofs, arched windows and rough stucco walls are distinctive of this style.  It is a whimsical combination of Spanish Renaissance, Spanish Colonial and Italian Renaissance often characterized by dramatic entry ways with large, heavy doors and intricate stone carved surrounds.

Mediterranean Revival featuring decorative columns and clay barrel tile roof

Minimal Traditional is a style of architecture that evolved in the 1930’s as a descendent of the bungalow and cottages of previous eras. It represents a much simpler version, smaller in scale that could be mass produced. It often gets overlooked as a non- style because it lacks detailing and ornament but it a historic reminder of the homes built during the Great Depression and after the war. Typical features include a hipped or gabled roof, small porches and often the front door set off center. The exterior could be stucco, stone wood or brick.

Minimal Traditional showing an offset front entry

Monterey Colonial is a delightful mix of Spanish, English and French all at once. You have probably seen it and wondered what it is. The most familiar type was built in the 1930’s to 1950’s. Originally, they were built with stucco exteriors but have grown to include brick, board and batten or clapboard siding. The distinctive characteristic of this style is the second -floor balcony. The signature balcony is often small over the front door with French doors. Variations of the balcony changed over time to include large covered balconies on the second floor often with wrought iron rails and supported by brackets or columns.

Monterey Colonial showing the classic second floor balcony

The post The Historic Architecture and Charm of Delray Beach Florida appeared first on Andrea Sherman Design.

Benjamin Moore announced that the color for 2016 is Simply White. What comes to mind when you think of White? It is tranquil, fresh, clean and soothing.  White is a boundless tool for design. No matter the style, contemporary, traditional, rustic, vintage or modern, it has its place.

Shades of Whites

But there are many shades of white and each paint company has their own selection. Ralph Lauren and Benjamin Moore have a separate paint deck for white. But how do you go about picking the right white?

There are bright whites, warm whites and cool whites. Bright whites are good for both walls and trim.. think how a rich color on the walls and white trim makes the room pop. Warm whites are more creamy ..more toward an ivory… look great with more traditional interiors where there is more wood. Cool whites have a grey and blue tone..and work well in a contemporary interior because of the clean and crisp feel.

These are some of the whites that are my favorites..

Bright Whites:

Benjamin Moore:
Decorator’s White    INT.RM    (I find this color very versatile)
Snowfall White        OC-118

Sherwin Williams:
Pure White                 SW-7005

Warm Whites:

Benjamin Moore
Cotton Balls               OC-122
White Dove                INT-RM

Sherwin Williams
Dover White              SW 6385
Creamy                       SW 7012

Cool Whites:

Sherwin Williams
Extra White              SW 700

Benjamin Moore
Super White             INT.RM
Snow White              OC-66

You can mix whites.. they don’t all have to be in the same tone (the color the shade is mixed with) Brighter whites are wonderful on trim with a creamier wall  fabric and furniture can be a different white than the walls. If there are other elements in the room that are white i.e. cabinets , tile or furniture, find a shade that works well next to them. Mix white with vibrant colors, neutrals or earthy colors.

Now for the Decision..

Test the paint on the wall… you can get small samples from the paint store or on line.

It is important to see the color at different times of the day because light affects it.  Also remember that color suggestions that you see on websites or magazines are great as a beginning but you still must see them in your own space.

Remember to pick the correct paint product and finish for the application. If in doubt ask the paint supplier.

Benjamin Moore
Simply White

Benjamin Moore
White Dove

Benjamin Moore
Cotton Balls

The post Finding the Perfect Color White appeared first on Andrea Sherman Design.

Just what is it?

Transitional style combines traditional and contemporary furniture creating a warm and timeless look. It exudes a feeling of calmness and elegance. The finishes and the fabrics are simple. The look is often monochromatic which makes it a perfect backdrop for art. Furniture lines are streamlined yet sophisticated.

An elegant but comfortable Living Room and Dining Room (click on image)

How to achieve this beautiful look..

Keep it simple!

Transitional furnishings have clean lines that can be straight or curved..nothing is overdone. It is a contemporary version of a wing chair or a linen drapery.. The furniture has crisp profiles with contemporary hardware. And most importantly, the sofas and chairs look and feel comfortable.. your guests will feel welcome to just sink into the inviting cushions.

The Palette

It is known to be beiges, greys, creams and other neutrals but that does not mean that everything is the same. Texture.. nubby or smooth, finishes matte or glossy.. all these elements play against and with one another. Whether you have a great art collection or just a few favorite pieces it is the perfect backdrop. There are no multicolored patterns and fussy trimmings. The fabric patterns are subtle and geometric.

A serene Master Bedroom (click on image)

The Window Treatments

The window treatments are tailored.. but soft. Drapery panels and simple roman shades often add the patterns in the room . A popular trend are solar shades in addition to the draperies. Solar shades are extremely versatile as they can block strong sun while still providing a view.

The Flooring

There are a couple of choices.. one is a rich dark wood floor that plays off the neutrals or a subtle cream tone in a stone. The darker wood tones of the furniture look well with either.Porcelain tiles are also a good choice. Just stay away from the more dressy polished marble.

The Transitional Style is easy to live with, as it is calming and almost zen in its approach to simplicity.. it is timeless.

The post Transitional… A Timeless Style appeared first on Andrea Sherman Design.