Decorating Tips

Many people come into our store looking for decorating tips.  But it’s very difficult to visualize someone’s home and give advice.   If you’ve been on a Seminole Heights Homes Tour you’ve probably enjoyed visiting some of the Arts & Crafts style bungalows in the area.  The best houses are definitely the ones that have retained their original features, but unfortunately many interiors are bland and boring and totally at odds with the original design of the house. There are some scary ones out there!

We all know the housing market has been awful for the past few years and many folks are choosing to stay in their present homes and spend their money on improvements. So here are a few decorating tips that we think may help.

Wood Flooring

The majority of Seminole Heights bungalows have wooden floors. The homeowners who take the trouble to rip up old vinyl flooring and carpeting and have the floors replaced end up with the most easy-to-maintain and attractive rooms.  It’s messy and depending on the condition of the flooring can be expensive, so always use a licensed contractor and ask to see an example of his previous work – not just photos. People will be proud to show off their beautiful wood floors if asked, especially in Seminole Heights!

What you’ll end up with is an incredible new look for the room and if you’re one of the many pet owners in Seminole Heights your new wood floors will be very easy to maintain and keep clean.

Lighting

One of the biggest mistakes that was made by homeowners in the 60s and 70s was replacing lighting.  There are some horrendous fixtures hanging in some houses even today.  Correct lighting in a room can add comfort and ambience, whether it’s a dining room or a home office.  If you have original fixtures but they look awful, think about taking them down, cleaning and refurbishing them. Often the addition of different shades or globes and some of today’s efficient bulbs can make all the difference.

Check with us to see if we have any suitable lighting for sale. Keith is always on the lookout for attractive and good quality lighting you might be able to use. Come in today and see what we have.

Attractive table lamps can also make a big difference to the way a room “feels”.  We have a big selection of lamps, from retro 50’s back to the 1920s. They’re all wired and ready to go.

Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchens and bathrooms are always the most difficult rooms to deal with. We want modern convenience but we may also want to retain a home’s original charm.  Cabinetry, when made from scratch can be horribly expensive but if the cabinets are sound, think about stripping or painting them, having them refaced or just replacing the doors. Older cabinetry was generally made from better quality hardwoods that is more durable than you can buy today (without spending a fortune).  Like the cabinets but hate the worktops? That’s an easy fix, just replace the tops.

As a quick word of warning, if you do live in a wood framed home heavy granite tops may not work. They can compress the lower cabinets so the doors won’t open easily.  A lot of granite can add too much weight to the frame of a house and eventually cause floors to slope.  Ask a qualified contractor (or two or three) for their opinions first.

Bath tubs & Bathroom Fixtures

Another good decorating tip is replacing a ho-hum modern bath with a claw foot bathtub which can make a bathroom look incredible.  Cast iron retains heat, unlike PVC, so you’ll be able to lounge around longer in the bubbles. They are often deeper, shorter and more comfortable.  If you have one, but it looks like hell, you can get it refinished.  Again, make sure you use a competent contractor who knows what he’s doing. Get references and testimonials from other customers first.

If you’re adding a cast iron tub, bear in mind what it will weigh when it’s full of water – and you.  Make sure your floors can stand the weight!

If there is a free-standing porcelain sink, keep it. Change the faucets and other hardware – they are virtually indestructible.

Painting

There are modern paints on the market that do not have noxious chemicals in them. They are safe for people who suffer from allergies and small children.  Old lead paint will be a problem; it must be removed by licensed experts.

One decorating tip on choosing colors: light colors will make a room look larger, so if you have small rooms don’t paint them in dark dreary colors, you’ll probably soon get tired of it anyway and painting over dark colors may mean two or three coats and a lot of extra work. Mirrors hung strategically can also reflect light and make a room look larger.

Whatever you decide to do to your home, you’ll find a large selection of furniture, accessories, designer items, rugs and paintings to enhance your newly decorated home.

So drop by and say hello soon or call to see if we have what you’re looking for 813.237-5850.

PS: Need some inspiration or help? Visit My Bungalow Interiors, Lisa’s full of great ideas and designs!