Freedom from the Real Estate Mentality
Finally!! Someone has written the design trend article of my dreams. As an interior designer specializing in exceptionally high end interiors and niche spaces, a question I must answer to time and time again is, "will I get my money back out of this project if I sell my home?" Most of the time my response is, "You will realize some of it." But the realization that the purpose of one's home is not simply resale, has been a belief I have tried to bestow in my clients for years.
Most everyone takes pride in their home and wants it to say something about who and what they are. In the higher end spectrum, most want something they aren't going to see in every other home. Most of my clients are looking for "something special designed just for them" with assurances that it won't be repeated in someone else's home. This is the niche market I cater to best.
Apparently, the mentality is finally coming around and clients are deciding that although they may not recover every nickel, they are going to live in the space at least for awhile and want to have that level of freedom in choice of design and finishes. For decades, and still in many locations in the country, we see builders "neutral-izing" a house. By that, I mean they go in with every white, off-white and beige tile, paint, and carpet they can find.
Homes need to make an architectural statement and the world isn't all white and white. I'm so happy to see the color getting bolder, more emblazoned, elegantly enriched and generally full of design possibilities. Tiles made not only of stone, ceramic and porcelain, but also glass, metal and cast into artistic relief from a flat surface.
Speaking of which, I've just come back from a market trip and a visit to the Ann Sacks showroom in Dallas. Wow! Just when I thought that the market had become trendy without thought, Ann Sacks tops it again. I am particularly thrilled to see design in tile representing textural qualities not before seen or accomplished with the medium. For instance, onyx has become an introduction which has absolutely gorgeous appeal. The honey onyx is especially gorgeous and the pillowed shape gives it a really great appeal for backsplash areas.
Leather has been around for awhile, but for floors? The leather tile called Cowden Bell was nothing short of fine, fine, fine.
And who could have ever imagined a woven look for stone? This limestone interior has one of the most unique feels to it in a honed finish.
Take a look around on their website; a full catalog is available through interior designers.
Be shocked, surprised and stupified at the materials that are out there, and dare to be different.
Most everyone takes pride in their home and wants it to say something about who and what they are. In the higher end spectrum, most want something they aren't going to see in every other home. Most of my clients are looking for "something special designed just for them" with assurances that it won't be repeated in someone else's home. This is the niche market I cater to best.
Apparently, the mentality is finally coming around and clients are deciding that although they may not recover every nickel, they are going to live in the space at least for awhile and want to have that level of freedom in choice of design and finishes. For decades, and still in many locations in the country, we see builders "neutral-izing" a house. By that, I mean they go in with every white, off-white and beige tile, paint, and carpet they can find.
Homes need to make an architectural statement and the world isn't all white and white. I'm so happy to see the color getting bolder, more emblazoned, elegantly enriched and generally full of design possibilities. Tiles made not only of stone, ceramic and porcelain, but also glass, metal and cast into artistic relief from a flat surface.
Speaking of which, I've just come back from a market trip and a visit to the Ann Sacks showroom in Dallas. Wow! Just when I thought that the market had become trendy without thought, Ann Sacks tops it again. I am particularly thrilled to see design in tile representing textural qualities not before seen or accomplished with the medium. For instance, onyx has become an introduction which has absolutely gorgeous appeal. The honey onyx is especially gorgeous and the pillowed shape gives it a really great appeal for backsplash areas.
Leather has been around for awhile, but for floors? The leather tile called Cowden Bell was nothing short of fine, fine, fine.
And who could have ever imagined a woven look for stone? This limestone interior has one of the most unique feels to it in a honed finish.
Take a look around on their website; a full catalog is available through interior designers.
Be shocked, surprised and stupified at the materials that are out there, and dare to be different.
posted by Alisha L. Gregg at 6:06 PM
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