When I help clients in the showroom with their kitchen and bath selections, I find some have some trouble making hard choices. How will this cabinet look with that floor, and which granite looks best if I use Stainless Steel appliances? What if I like green glass tiles? What color grout should I use in my shower?
My training is primarily in space planning, although I have seen plenty of beautiful kitchens, and am happy to share my opinion of a particular combination. I tell folks that it’ s a lot like getting dressed to impress. (The decorative hardware is the earrings.) I also urge them to buy lots of kitchen/bath magazines and put sticky notes on any page that catches their eye. Maybe it’ s a light fixture, or the bar stools they like. Make notes, as later you might not remember why you liked something. Eventually, you will start to see a pattern develop which should help you to know you will love your final choice and not get tired of it.
For those people who really need more assistance with these difficult decorating decisions, another professional is called for. If you simply need someone to look at your choices and bless them or edit them, or you actually need someone to go shopping with you to pick everything, I recommend you hire an experienced interior decorator. One such person is Debora Brehony at “ Ooh La La Decor” in Vienna. I have worked on new homes with her for many (how many?) many years. I always felt her influence was a big reason that those houses sold. She always made the kitchens and baths I supplied look wonderful, often by custom mixing incredible wall paint colors. She is currently also working with real estate agents to showcase older homes for sale that otherwise might not get a second look. She can rearrange your existing furniture, artwork, and accessories, or help you select all new. Even if you just need her to pick out some great paint colors, her experience will give you a big boost of confidence that your new kitchen or bath will look fabulous for years to come.
- Julie Hendrickson