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Drink to That: Beautiful Home Bars

Live every hour like it’s happy hour in these inspiring spaces made for relaxing and socializing at home. At a time when there’s still uncertainty about nights out on the town, many households are interested in creating dedicated spaces for unwinding at home. The home bar is making a comeback, much to the delight of cocktail lovers and wine enthusiasts. But homebuyers don’t have to be connoisseurs or aficionados to enjoy this trend — a little evening escape is a wonderful way for anyone to enjoy their new home.

Plus, bar spaces are versatile and can be created almost anywhere! Set the scene in an alcove, loft or den with open shelving or glass-front cabinets to show off wares. A simple under-counter bar cooler keeps all the best beverages chilled for the family. With the addition of a wine fridge, either in the kitchen or in the living room, all the prized bottles can be kept at the perfect temperature. Take the good times outside with a space-saving bar cart for a refreshing drink alfresco. But beware — these inviting spaces will make you want to end the workday a little early, which is fine by us. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?

Enchanting Entryways

We’ve crossed the threshold into the new year. While there’s lots of chatter about the colors of the year, we thought we’d dive into the importance of setting the tone for a home’s style in 2022. January is the first month of the year and, like an entryway, a kind of first impression that sets the expectation of what’s to come. A well-styled entryway should make people curious about what other design delights they’ll find moving into the rest of the home. And because it’s an area of the home that sees a lot of use, incorporating practical elements is key. We like to think of an entryway as a functional space with flair, as a place to hang the proverbial hat (and coats) and to keep shoes stowed — all while showing off the unique character of the home and its owners. Entryways are typically smaller than the average room, so every design feature is important due to the limited footprint. Maximize the space by adding bench seating with storage, and of course, some wall hooks and a few baskets for personal items. Style a console table with greenery, a candle or two and a display bowl for keys. Let the walls do the talking with painted paneling, shiplap, or bold wallpaper. Mirrors also work wonders because they reflect light and provide a quick pit stop to check hair and makeup on the way out the door. To make a dramatic impression, opt for gallery white walls layered with a piece of large-scale art. As the saying goes, you only have one chance to make a first impression, and a smart model home entryway will always entice home buyers to want to see more.

Lovely layers

Much like we add layers of clothing to stay warm during fall and winter (and add a touch of the unexpected), layering in the home brings rooms to life. Just like you would throw on a scarf, wrap, or earrings to style an outfit, layering in interiors is an expression of character and personality. Without them, a room can look dull and flat, so it’s time to say goodbye to rooms that don’t inspire! Layering sounds more complicated than it really is, but the idea is simple. Think of a room’s major visual elements — flooring, walls, furniture, and artwork are some examples of layers that should all work together. It’s about thoughtfully selecting individual pieces that make a statement on their own while forming a cohesive look. For instance, color can be its own impactful layer and a jumping-off point for other elements that complement or contrast. Layering prints work well when the same color scheme is used in various scales. Adding in artwork infuses a space with dimension and personality. A gallery wall of abstract pieces or large-scale photography is a great way to achieve this. To further catch the eye, group décor pieces of varying heights and sizes together. Or simply throw a textural area rug on the floor for a pop of color or contrast. Layering is a cornerstone of well-styled interiors, and we love using this technique to create unique and distinctive spaces for our clients!

Off the Wall Paint

It may seem like we’re getting down to design basics when talking about paint, but hear us out. It’s no secret that paint’s a low-cost way to enliven and freshen up a space, but it also has the power to be truly transformative. When you think about it, our homes’ walls are a kind of a blank canvas on which to express our style and personality through color. So much potential! Think beyond accent walls and wallpaper (though both are wonderful, too) and use paint to create shape, pattern, and texture. Paint techniques like stenciling, adding geometric shapes, creating stripes, and rag rolling (it’s a thing!) let your walls do some of the design talking and tell a story. Combining paint color and technique creates a one-of-kind space that’s uniquely yours. And don’t let the walls have all the fun. Nearly any architectural feature in your home is a candidate for some paint color. Imagine colorful doorways, railings, archways, and mantles. Painted stairs are having a moment and add some unexpected intrigue — definitely a ‘step’ in the right direction when experimenting with playful paint.

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design