Realtors and Designers Teaming Up

I am truly grateful for the interview today by the Sherry & Maria Team, one of North Atlanta's top real estate teams. Recently, they asked me for feedback on current design trends.  You can read the article below, or click here to view their website.  (***I apologize to those who have already read this blog in it's entirety. I decided to edit out the non-p.c. parts)

Expert Advice From Interior Designer Lisa Gabrielson!

LISA GABRIELSON IS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER, ANTIQUE DEALER, BLOG WRITER AND OWNER OF LISA GABRIELSON DESIGN. 

Lisa has a BA in Art History, and studied design in Florence, Italy, where she resided for 17 years. Her style is influenced by her time spent in Europe, and can be defined as, comfortable, fresh, “ timeless interiors with a European accent”.  Her work has been featured in Atlanta Magazine, The Cottage Journal, and Consumer Reports Kitchen Magazine,  with Kitchen and Bath Makeovers hitting the stands soon. She is a participating designer for Room Service Atlanta. Her antiques and vintage finds can be found at the Queen of Hearts in Alpharetta (dealer code LAG). Lisa lives with her husband Lorenzo, two children and golden retriever in Johns Creek, but travels back to Italy as much as possible.  Visit her website at www.lisagabrielson.com for more information.

We recently had an opportunity to ask Lisa about the trends she sees for 2014.  We will look at her answers in two blogs.

SANDMT:  What are the current trends in decorating?
Lisa:  I am definitely seeing a shift to a more modern aesthetic in the home. Even if your taste is traditional, modern or transitional touches added in small doses will really update a space. In kitchens, white cabinets and open shelving are still going strong. The Urban Farmhouse look is hot right now and appeals to people of all generations, both in the city and in the suburbs. Also, wallpaper has made a massive comeback. Try using it in limited quantities: an accent wall in a dining room or bedroom, in a powder room, or on the ceiling in an unexpected spot!

SANDMT: Are there certain colors that are "in style”?
Lisa: Pretty neutrals are always in style, but to pull them off successfully, one needs lots of texture. Neutrals in the grey spectrum are in, while tones with a lot of yellow in them are out. Classic black and white is a striking combo, and happens to very trendy at the moment. Bright colors, vivid prints, indigo blues and lavender are all very hot right now.  Traditional dark reds and golds are a thing of the past.  I tend to use trendy colors in items such as pillows and drapes, that can be easily switched out as the fad passes. 

SANDMT: Do you have to do an overhaul or can you fine-tune an existing decor?Lisa: It really depends on the condition of the home, but I’d say most of my clients just want help updating a space. Usually, we can salvage some of the core furniture, and completely transform the look with paint, rugs and fabric.  Kitchens and baths are often in need of a more aggressive intervention.

SANDMT: What if you only have a small budget? 
Lisa: The most dramatic, least expensive update you can make is to change the paint color. Then I would suggest trying to repurpose as much furniture as possible. Tables, chairs and armoires can be painted for a fresh look, chairs can be slip covered, and throw pillows added for color and interest.  Lighting is also key. There are so many wonderful options out there for inexpensive, yet attractive lighting. A good decorator will work within your budget to map out a plan that fits your needs.

Stay Tuned For More.....

If you are a realtor, and would like help marketing your brand from a decorating point of view, please reach out. I am happy to help! The market is about to heat up around here, and homeowners are always interested in topics such as staging and styling, current trends, DIY decorating, and how to get the most bang for their buck. If you are a homeowner thinking about selling, I have a list of fabulous realtor friends in the area, and staging is one of my favorite things to do. Call me!

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