Red. the color that makes people do things.

It's Valentines Day and all, so why not explain the power of this intriguing color that we see plastered around right now. 

So what's the deal with red? It is the color of blood, fire and there has to be a reason we put it on stop signs. Red is a power color. It means courage, danger and strength all at the same time. How does red work in our world? Well, we design environments to get people want to make decisions.

Red can be a valuable tool when designing for multi-family housing. We can use the power of red to our advantage. Everything in moderation of course, so let's break down when and where we can use red and how it can help our prospective renters make decisions. 

1. Signage is a great way to add some force of color. Red makes you stop and take notice. Adding red to your exterior or marketing signage in a clean and neat fashion can really get your property noticed. 

2. Sales Areas. Red is know to elevate peoples blood pressure. It is an energy color. In a sales environment, it is important to keep peoples attention and really up the energy in a space. 

3. Offices. This is not a boring snooze color. It radiates power and determination, both traits we want our management team to be reminded of on those boring Thursday afternoons. 

4. Outside. The great thing about exterior living spaces is they get to be fun. Adding red planters or pops of red in our pool areas can really turn up volume on some tired outdoor spaces. Consider refreshing this spring with a bold red pop. 

5. Model Home. Red is definitely a memory color. Any prospective tenant that tours a model home that is laced with shades of red, will remember it. Red is an intense color and evokes emotion. Isn't that the whole reason we furnish models? We want people to get an emotional connection to a space. 

Red can be loud and obnoxious if not used in a defined and balanced way. Let us all remember the value of such a vibrant color on such an energetic day. Happy Valentines Everyone. 

Model Home Design "Extreme Theme-ing"

I called this post extreme theme-ing cause this is a very important topic in model home design that needs some serious intervention. It all starts with a good idea, perhaps a nautical theme or sports concept, but somewhere along the path a model home designer can veer way off track and land in the world of extreme theme-ing.

Evidence of this unfortunate staging problem can be seen in over sized wall murals, an insane amount of props that have no reason of being in the room (IE fishing net on bed) & lots of 3 dimensional accessories that should probably never have been considered for room decor (IE rope, light saber or Lego's).

Let's just say any reference to a motion picture, cartoon character or toy is off limits in home decor. 

So how do you sale a kids room when staging a model home? Well, here our a few basic ideas to keep us on track and not over theme the potential buyer/renter to death.

1. Inspire imagination. A kids room should be fun and make kids say "I want to live here". You can incorporate a creative focal point without a dramatic mural. Kids love function (they spend most of their waking time moving & playing) so appeal to this desire to play/pretend/chill with an interesting piece that gets them excited.

2. Pick a color and find all the tones. Kid's rooms do not need to be rainbow filled messes. A kids room is in a constant stage of chaos with playing, toys, homework & friends. Parents know this and when they tour a home they want tranquil, calm, soothing & organized. A great way to create a great kids space without tapping into a crayola box is to pick one color and furnish the room in shades of that same color. 

3.  Show function. Parents want to know that this room can be multi talented when it comes to the needs of their adorable offspring. Can they do their homework here? What about a sleepover? Is there enough storage? Can they grow up in this room, will it adapt to the different seasons of their life?A kid model home room should answer these questions. 

4. Accent theme. Kids do have things they are into and you can show this in a design theme, but accent with it. When setting out to showcase a kids bedroom use props sparingly. Create visual interest without turning the entire room into a section at the toy aisle.

Overall a themed room is not a bad idea. Just be cautious to not over theme. Kids are an important part of the home buying/renting decision. Most people move because they are having children or need more space for their existing children. Play to parents good side by creating spaces that are charming, creative and gets them thinking, "this could be (insert kids name here) room".

Sunny Inspired Design

Find some sunny inspiration with these yellow & black lifestyle shots. Add some gray to give the look some sophistication. Be sure and only accent in yellow, keep the main colors black & white.

Apartment Space Saving Ideas

When designing apartment sized spaces you have to overcome a few challenges to make the space not feel so cramped. Here are a few creative ideas on how to make the best use of every inch.

 Notice the two ottomans tucked neatly under the side table that becomes a cocktail table & dining table. Now that's truly multi-function design.

 When renovating it is best to not move water lines. This is a great way to keep water lines in one spot with a laundry/bathroom design.

A little quirky but totally original.

I love this cut out. Women are always trying to find the perfect space to apply make up. Good lighting & good storage are two key things any girls looks for when finding the perfect getting ready station.