Photo by Jean van der Meulen via Pixabay
You are nearing the end of a building project when your general contractor reminds you that it will soon be time to finalize your lighting, fixtures and appliances. You have been looking and saving different ideas for months, so it seems it should be easy to make your final decisions right? Here are a few ways to solidify your new accessories.
What Is Your Style?
It’s not uncommon to find yourself liking a variety of styles; however, it’s usually best to find a style that is most appealing to you and carry that style/theme throughout your home.
Did your last home have gold fixtures and now the trend seems to be silver or brushed bronze? Don't let the past define your future style. Be open-minded as you explore what new styles you might find yourself drawn to, and solidify the one that speaks most to your tastes.
Online Ideas
Online research can be very helpful. Is your style Old World, Traditional, Contemporary or cottage charm? With many styles to consider, you might feel a little overwhelmed. But before you know it, you’ll discover a style that brings a smile to your face. If Traditional is your choice, all you need to do is search key terms such as "traditional style kitchens," "traditional bathrooms" or even "traditional style landscaping," and you’ll be shocked at all the options you have to choose from.
Budget
Before moving ahead too quickly, remember your overall budget. Do you have a particular refrigerator or stove you were hoping to have, but it does not fall into your budget? You may want to prioritize the appliances that you’ve been hoping for and scale back on a few stylistic choices.
Moving Ahead
Now that the research is complete and you know the style and appliances you are you want, it’ll be fairly simple to pick your various items. The general contractor will provide you with an online or local home improvement store in which to choose each item, along with sizing and itemized cost parameters.
Cherry on Top
Once all your necessary items are set in place, you can add the finishing touches as you incorporate color and texture. Furniture, pillows and other decor such as family photos and art will add the needed warmth and personality to turn your house into a home.
Not sure where to start? Ask your real estate agent for the names of reliable decorating and interior design professionals in your area.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
