The Ultimate Curb Appeal

Whether you're selling your home, giving it a new look, or simply maintaining its longevity, exterior house paint holds a great amount of power in terms of both aesthetics and protection. Here are a few ways painting your home can increase its value.

A fresh, well-maintained exterior says a lot about the care and attention you've given to your home. Going beyond aesthetics alone, a good quality exterior paint can not only give your home a protective barrier, but also enhance your energy efficiency. Energy is not always our first thought when it comes to reasons to paint your home, however the way sunlight and heat reflects off light off of a home can benefit homes in warmer climates as darker colored paint absorbs heat which is best for colder climates. Additionally, by adding a layer of protection, you’re preserving the structural integrity of your home, which in turn can save you money on repairs and maintenance down the road.

One of the greatest advantages of exterior house paint is its ability to help you express your unique personality and make your home feel like your own. The above photo is a before and after of a home that updated the paint of its exterior trim, siding, shutters and front door. The homeowner did not like the pink-toned brick in the top photo, and rather than changing the color of the brick, you can opt for some new paint on the wood features to draw out the red tones and give the home a brand new look that suites your personal aesthetic.

The transformative effect a fresh coat of paint can have on your home is undeniable—both in terms of appearance and protection. So, whether you're looking to upgrade your current home or prepare it for sale, don’t underestimate the power of exterior paint. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance your home’s value and curb appeal while ensuring its longevity for years to come.

Contact us at info@lddesignco.com if you are interested in an exterior paint color consultation.

Our Favorite Kitchen Decor Items

When adding decorative elements to your kitchen, you have to consider both style preference and functionality. Here are a few of our favorite things to add to a kitchen counter and why.

Island centerpieces create a beautiful focal point to any kitchen. A tray anchors the decor and keeps it in one place. Vases with greenery and candles are great options for a light and airy arrangement.

Small vignettes of spices, oils, utensils, etc near the stove are both practical and functional ways to decorate. Choosing containers and dispensers that are visually appealing are where your style and personality comes to life.

Cocktail and coffee bars are some of our favorites to style! Utilize fun glassware, cocktail tools atop beverage recipe books, and colorful decanters make for a fun and sophisticated corner.

Contact us at info@lddesignco.com to help you find the perfect pieces for your kitchen!

Designing a Kids Bedroom

Designing a kids' bedroom involves balancing functionality, safety, and fun. Here are some key steps to consider.

Theme and Colors: Choose a theme that reflects the child's interests. Use bright, cheerful colors but balance them with neutral tones for a calming effect. Themes can include; sports, animals, botanical, or simply their favorite color.

Furniture Selection: Select furniture and decor that can grow with the child, making it easy to update as their tastes change.

Personalization: Add touches like wall decor, photos, or decals that reflect the child's personality.

Incorporate Play: Leave space for play, whether it's a small play area, a reading nook, or room for toys

Flexible Space: Create spaces for sleeping, playing, and studying. Use rugs to define areas, and consider movable furniture for adaptability over time.

By blending creativity with functionality, you can create a space that is enjoyable and practical for a child

How to Decorate a Console Table

Decorating a console table can enhance the style of your entryway, living room, or any other space. Here are some tips to create a balanced and inviting display!

  1. Create a focal point by using a mirror or wall art centered above the table.

  2. Find items with varying heights to create visual interest. You can utilize candles, vases, stacking books, etc.

  3. For a formal look, arrange items symmetrically. For a more casual vibe, opt for an asymmetrical layout, keeping balance in mind

4. Adding low maintenance greenery like faux stems to a large vase brings an easy pop of color to your table.

5. A stylish lamp can provide soft lighting and create a warm atmosphere.

6. Use a decorative tray or bowl to corral smaller items like keys, coasters, or decorative stones. This keeps the table organized, functional, and clutter free.

By combining these elements thoughtfully, you can create a beautiful and personalized console table display!

Styling with Coffee Table Books

Coffee table books are both a fun and functional way to decorate your space that is unique to you! Here are our 3 favorite ways to use them when styling.

1. Stack decor on a set of 3 books to add height on your entry table.

2. Layer books with the largest on bottom to add dimension to your coffee table.

3. Collect books from your favorite destinations or related to your family hobbies to add a meaningful pop of personality to your space.

Our favorite coffee table books on Amazon:

Decorate with Natural Elements

The interior design world has increasingly embraced the beauty and serenity of nature. Decorating with natural elements brings a refreshing, organic touch to any space, transforming it into a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here's how you can effortlessly integrate nature into your home decor to create a tranquil and inviting environment.

Utilizing natural materials like wood, stone, metals can bring earthy and timeless quality to your space with unexpected textures and warmth. Indoor plants, nature-inspired art, textiles and even natural light are all great ways to bring the outside in and create your interior oasis. Contact lynley@lddesignco.com to help bring your natural decor dreams come to life.

Design with a Monochromatic Scheme

A monochromatic color scheme is a stylish way to make a statement. This approach uses one color to give your space a stunning design. As seen here in the this home office all walls, trim, and built ins are painted the same deep, rich shade for dramatic effect.

Interested in using a monochromatic scheme in your home but don’t know where to start? Contact us for a redesign consultation at Danielle@lddesignco.com

How to Design Around a Corner Fireplace

One of the questions we get a lot is, how do you arrange furniture based on a diagonal fireplace? It can be a daunting design element for some but we try to keep the following three things in mind.

  • Think of your corner fireplace as an accent piece rather than the main focal point of the room.

  • Don't arrange seating to the fireplace, but off to the side to allow for balance and flow.

  • Choose a rug that allows for the most coverage as possible, while still leaving a 2 ft. border and not touching the fireplace.

3 Tips to Mixing Metals

We get this question a lot- is it ok to mix metals? Absolutely! Mixing metals is a great way to add character and update your space without breaking the bank and changing every detail. Just be sure you are mixing metals thoughtfully and with balance in mind. Here are 3 ideas to keep in mind when implementing mixed metals.

  • PRIMARY METAL - Choose one metal as the primary finish. A room where finishes are split 50/50 can feel confusing. Start with the most obvious or dominant selection when you enter the room (ex: cabinet hardware) for your primary metal.

  • ACCENT METALS - Next, choose a complimentary metal and distribute it around the room. Accent metals should account for 20-30% of the finishes in the room (ex: sink faucet). Sprinkle them about so they are not all in one place.

  • COHESIVENESS - To ensure a cohesive effect, consider adding a mixed-metal light fixture or a piece of furniture that combines both of your chosen finishes to tie it all together.

Shop the Look Bundles

We have been asked time and time again, “where did you get that?” when we are staging a home for sale. For some, hiring us for staging or interior design might not be in the budget but you may want to do a refresh on your own home or collect a few pieces as you stage your home before it hits the market. We have compiled our favorite Amazon items and created bundles for you to be able to shop!

Click on your favorite bundle so you can shop the look

3 Ways to Utilize Lines When Decorating

Did you know lines matter? They can help draw the eye where it needs to go, make spaces feel more open, and actually evoke different feelings.

The vertical lines of the accent wall allow your eyes to look up and make the ceilings feel taller!

  • VERTICAL LINES

    Vertical lines can make a room appear larger or ceilings to appear higher. They create a sense of strength and dignity, drawing the eye up. Great for formal spaces.

The horizontal shiplap lines allow your eyes to travel from one side of the room to the other and showcase the highlighted features of the room.

  • HORIZONTAL LINES

    Horizontal lines widen narrow spaces and bring the eye-level down. They create a sense of stability and grounding, and are utilized to draw attention to a focal point.

The curved lines of the ottomans, basket wall, circular coffee table and rounded arm chairs allow your eyes to travel nicely around the room and bring in a softness to this modern space.

  • CURVED LINES

    Curved lines offer a softer and more organic shape. They can encourage homeowners/buyers to relax and unwind, offering an inviting and playful atmosphere.

Inspiring Indigo Interior Decor Bundle

Naturally Neutral Interior Decor Bundle

Are you drawn to subtle, neutral decor with light wood tones is combined with soft textures? This bundle is for you! We have pulled our favorite neutral Amazon links for you to refresh your interior or add to your staging inventory to help sell you or your clients home.

Simply Sage Interior Decor Bundle

If you are drawn to hues of green in your interior space and want to give it an update without spending a fortune - this bundle is for you! We have pulled together our favorite Amazon links to help you refresh your space or utilize it to prep your home for the market.

3 Quick Tips for Decluttering Your Closet

The best way to declutter your closet is first to set aside a day or some time to do it. Finding time for tasks like these can be so hard but it’s amazing what it will do for our stress levels when everything is neat and orderly. Use these three tips to help you as you declutter!

  • Thin it out - prepack any seasonal items you will not be needing in the next 30 days. Box up those bulky items like winter coats, boots. bags.

  • Matchy-Matchy - matching hangers and coordinating bins go a long way when it comes to appearing clutter-free. Hangers should all face the direction, color code clothing, and wicker bins hide the clutter.

  • Bookend It - when you’re short on time, prioritize the top and bottom. That means clear out items on the top shelves and on the floor. You should be able to see as much flooring and open shelving as possible.

Choosing the Right Size Dining Room Rug

The right rug can bring a dining room from boring to beautiful. As one of the largest decor items in the room, a rug can have a dramatic effect to the look and feel of the room. For this to be the case, it’s vital to ensure the rug is the right size for the space. Utilize these three tips to help choose the right size dining room rug.

  • Rug should extend at least 2’ on each side of your table, so there’s room to pull out chairs.

  • Most tables need a rug that’s at least 8’ wide. There are exceptions to this in breakfast nook areas, but in any main dining space we suggest to use a rug that is 8’ rug.

  • Choose a rug that will still fit beneath the table when it’s extended.

Thinking about hiring a designer to help give your dining room a refresh? Contact Danielle at danielle@lddesignco.com

Staging Place Settings - Yay or Nay?

Staging trends change from year to year. At one time it was popular and appealing to place a tray with books, coffee mugs, etc. on primary beds. However, that trend has passed and now the cleaner, minimalistic aesthetic is more appealing to buyers.

Currently, place settings remain a staging favorite! Why? Almost every seller usually has them on hand, they photograph well and suggest a place to gather around the table.

When creating place settings for staging, remember these tips —

  • Utilize white or cream dishes

  • Layers of three are key (charger, plate, bowl)

  • Add a cloth napkin for a pop of color 4. Don't overcrowd with glasses or silverware

Decorating on a Budget

Decorating a home can add up quickly, consider these 3 easy tips to make the biggest impact in your space while staying within budget.

  • 80/20 Rule
    You don’t have to start from scratch to have an updated look! Use 80% of things you already have that are working, and update your style with 20% of a newer, fresher look.

  • Lighting
    Light fixtures instantly change the personality of any space, so they are the best bang for your buck! Choose a statement piece to achieve that wow factor.

  • Go Big!
    Thoughtful, oversized items can give your space that designer look. Larger rugs make your living areas feel more spacious and bigger centerpieces make more of a statement.