HOT INTERIOR DESIGN TREND: BE GREEN IN ’13

A great new year’s resolution that also happens to be a popular interior design trend early this 2013 is to incorporate sustainable designs and BE GREEN when decorating. Being green in general has become more popular over the years, whether it’s recycling or using solar panels, but it has extended its sustainable green arm into the decorating trends.

 An easy way to follow this Green interior design trend is to use natural materials. Popular choices for natural materials when decorating include wood and stone. Although both of these materials are already natural, both have absolute sustainable design options. Wood, which is natural, to begin with, can be made entirely sustainable by using raw reclaimed wood instead of pressed/processed wood in its designs. Sustainable reclaimed wood pieces are generally custom made which means they are hand-hewed which also means they are unique. Reclaimed wood pieces offer more character than processed/pressed wood because of the pieces display and embrace the wood’s natural distress and imperfections. These blemishes actually add character and beauty to the piece and ultimately the room.

Scott hand-hewing reclaimed wood into a table

Stone architectural elements and pieces are made into sustainable designs by using recycled items such as Glass and Fly Ash (such as Realm of Design’s GreenStone) in architectural accents. These beautiful pieces are not only good for the earth because they reduce waste in landfills, but they are strong and durable. Sustainable building and design materials can be used to replace standard concrete in any piece—these include fireplace surrounds, mantels, kitchen hoods, countertops, tables, etc…

custom stone table

It’s easy to see why decorating with Sustainable Designs is popular and trending. It’s because it’s not only green—it’s gorgeous.

WHAT ARE YOUR NEW YEAR’S REMODELING RESOLUTIONS?

The New Year is approaching which is the time of year when everyone considers making New Year’s resolutions (lose weight, read more books, take a class, etc…) But did you know it’s also a popular times to ponder what your home remodeling resolutions should be for the upcoming year? Have you been longing to update your fireplace surround, add a fireplace mantel or rip out your carpet in exchange for a concrete floor? Maybe you prefer to replace that old Formica kitchen counter for a stylish new concrete one? Whatever your New year’s remodeling renovation is…Realm of Design is here to help with a few basic tips.
When preparing for your home’s New Year’s remodeling resolutions, remember to give yourself plenty of time to prepare and plan for your upcoming projects. An experienced reputable contractor should be able to give an accurate time-frame and budget estimate for your project– Realm of Design is happy to recommend one if needed. But most importantly, plan to be Green and use Sustainable Green Materials (like GreenStone ) whenever and wherever possible.
Let us know what your New Year‘s remodeling resolution is by leaving it in the comments below. We would love to hear from you.

HAVE YOU CAUGHT THE HOME REMODELING BUG?

It’s contagious and it’s tough to overcome. The home remodeling bug seems to be affecting all sorts of homeowners these days! Maybe because it’s a great time of the year to start planning a remodeling project. Winter—which is normally considered off-season– is the perfect time of year to start planning a remodel or renovation. Why? Because successful remodeling projects should be planned at least 2 months in advance and be quite detailed. And Winter is the ideal time to start planning those project details because you will then be ready to start construction in Spring when the weather is warm and the daylight is longer. Winter is also the perfect time of year to secure contract workers because their rates are typically more cost effective and they have more time to spend with you and personally answer your questions. Products can be ordered and/or purchased in the winter to save money as well. Especially if Architectural Accent pieces (Fireplace Surrounds, Mantels, Kitchen Range Hoods, columns, etc..) are being custom made. Realm of Design suggests a lead time of at least a month for measuring, designing, manufacturing and delivery.

In this sluggish economy, many homeowners have understandably been putting off remodeling their homes. But with home values going up, Remodeling Magazine has reported that a homeowner can expect to get the cost/value ratio back on a small to mid-range project. In fact, many homeowners that have been trying to sell their property and have been unsuccessful, have opted to remodel and give the property a more competitive edge in the marketplace. Consequently, even after minimal property remodeling, homeowners have found success in unloading their property.

So whether you are looking to “fix and flip” your property or transform your house it into your dream home, you too may catch the remodeling bug. But remember, the home remodeling bug is no different than the common cold —there is no cure. However, Realm of Design suggests that you take in at least two of our picture galleries and call us in the morning!

IT’S TIME TO RIP OUT THAT CARPETING

So many people are opting to rip the carpeting out of their homes because of health reasons and because there are just too many other (better) options. One of the most popular flooring options homeowners preferred when remodeling has been the installation of flooring. Homeowners have realized that concrete floors offer benefits that other flooring materials do not. And Realm of Design offers Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) flooring which is basically a Concrete Tile.  These have even more benefits than regular concrete slab floors.
Flooring Design
Here are the top benefits of concrete floors overall:
Durable – It holds up to heavy foot traffic. And unlike tiles, concrete floors rarely require replacement. In fact, sometimes the imperfections add character to the floor. Also, if you have pets..this is the way to go because their claws won’t blemish the concrete like they would a wood floor.
Versatile – Goes with any room style.
Maintenance — It’s easy to clean. Use mild soap and water with a mop for basic cleaning. You can always wax it to give it a shine. And once again, if you have pets, concrete floors are much easier to clean than carpets.
Environmentally friendly – no trees get cut down for concrete flooring.
Wooden floor
And here are some additional benefits of installing Realm of Design’s Concrete (GFRC) Tile floors:
Installation – Fairly simple.  Pieces can be cut with a tile cutter and can be placed directly over old ceramic tile or concrete floors when installing.
Customize– The Cement Tiles have texture, depth, and designs that can all be customized. GRFC tiles can be made to look like wood, tile or cement.
Sustainable— Can be made with Realm of Design’s GreenStone which is made with recycled glass.
Realm of Design’s GFRC (Concrete) Tiles come in a variety of carpeting styles and designs. We are happy to create a unique customized design for you. Browse more concrete floor designs in the galleries section of the website.
Exterior flooringNatural wood flooring

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR FIREPLACE MANTELS

The Holidays are a magical time of the year and the Mantels have become an important traditional staple when it comes to Holiday decorating. It’s where the Christmas stockings get hung and where lights, candles, garlands, and ornaments get placed.  The decor is the perfect mixture of cheer and warmth making it a scenic backdrop for great Holiday photos. (Think about it…what are most families sitting in front of on their Holiday card picture?)
Seasonal fireplace mantels
That’s why the fireplace has become synonymous with the holidays. The well-designed fireplace represents an inviting cozy place where friend and family gather while sipping hot chocolate and creating memories.  The crackling sound of the yule logs burning while decorating the fireplace mantels with festive trimmings can definitely get people into the holiday spirit. Decorating the Fireplace Mantel with Holiday Flair will become a family tradition that you will look forward to year after year…
Christmas fireplace mantel

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Realm of Design wishes everyone and their families a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Due to the holiday, our office will be closed Thursday Nov 22 – Sun Nov 25, 2012.   Gobble Gobble!

CURB APPEAL: THE DIFFERENCE IS IN THE DETAILS

When it comes to selling your home, you will hear the words “Curb Appeal” tossed out a lot by your real estate agent. So what is “Curb Appeal” and why is it important? Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s simply getting your house to stand out in your neighborhood and draw the attention of viewers at the curb. If you are selling your home, the idea is to create a “Wow Factor” that appeals to potential buyers which attract them to your house more than your neighbor’s.

Curb appeal is a big selling factor in real estate because it’s ultimately what gives potential buyers their first impression of the home. Enticing homes lure buyers and get them excited to purchase.  So how does a house get curb appeal? The most effective way is to decorate your home’s exterior with Architectural Accents and details (often referred to as Architectural Elements.)

Realm of Design’s Exterior Architectural Accents/ details/ elements can really make a home “pop”.  Decorative Molding Trim beautifies doors and entryways, Shutters enhance and frame windows, Pavers define a walkway, etc… These details are all items that not only compliment the exterior of a home but give it individuality. Realm of Design’s customized architectural details such as ornate balustrades and dramatic columns make a home even more unique and stylish, therefore, making it more aesthetically appealing and ultimately giving it greater Curb Appeal.

 Subsequently, adding Exterior Architectural Accents pay off. Not only will the appealing pieces distinguish your home and help sell it faster (if you are looking to sell) but Exterior Architectural Accents are one of the best home investments. At a relatively low cost, they add value to a property and offer the best return on investment. Essentially, the distinctive pieces pay for themselves and then some. So if you are looking to sell your home…sometimes small details make the biggest difference.

Check out the Front Entryways in our Galleries section to see how Realm of Design Architectural Accents have added value and beauty to the homes and gave them curb appeal.

GIVE YOUR KITCHEN THE ROYAL TREATMENT

Most people will tell you that the Kitchens are the most important rooms of the house. It’s unique because it provides form and function in that it’s where meals are prepared and serves as an entertainment space where friends and family gather. It’s also the room that can make or break the sale of your home. So this room is entitled to some special attention when remodeling or redecorating.

 Kitchens stone hood

The most popular element to decorate and reinvent your kitchen space is a Kitchen Range Hood. It is often referred to as the crown jewel of a home because it gives a majestic feel and royal touch to a kitchen space. Its Royal Highness and elevated design instantly adds height to a kitchen filling it with grandeur. This is where Realm of Design comes in. Custom Kitchen Hoods are one of our specialties.

 A Lofty design customized Kitchen Hood by Realm of Design will be a showpiece that will add beauty and become the focal point of your kitchen space with its illustrious hand-sculpted detail. Our Kitchen hood designs come in standard sizes or can be customized. They also come in a variety of stone colors and styles and are fully adjustable in size.

kitchen stone hood

 A Kitchen Hood will be a treasure of your home. The more attractive a Kitchen Hood is, the more value it adds to a room—and ultimately a home. Remember–Great kitchens sell homes.

Check out more Kitchen Hoods in the Galleries section of our website.

The Forecast calls for FAUX!

Now that Fall is upon us, not only can a crackling fire within a beautiful Fireplace Surround warm a room—but so can some Wood Beams. Nothing makes a room feel cozy and warm like the rustic look of wood—Faux Wood. A room decorated with Wood Beams can instantly make a living space feel inviting and comfortable. Faux beams can be used in virtually any interior design setting, but the style utilizing the beams in abundance this season is the trendy Modern Vintage combo style. The rustic chic appeal that the Faux Woods lend to this popular style is enticing because it presents a natural yet fashionable look.
Faux Beams accentuate the ceiling in addition to exuding beauty and warmth to a room setting. But the aesthetic allure is not the only advantage when decorating with Faux Beams, they are also eco-friendly. Although the Realm of Design Faux Wood Beams gives the illusion of solid genuine wood, they are made of Euro-Lite High-Density Foam (HDF) which consist of the highest quality lightweight polyurethane material. Faux wood beams are durable and will last much longer than real wood beams because they are impervious to splitting, moisture, and insects. Also, the beams are virtually maintenance free–this makes them attractive to use when decorating exteriors as well as interiors. Faux Woods is simple to install and can be easily stained favorite wood color.
So choose to be Glamorous and Green this season—Go, Faux! Realm of Design offers a wide selection of Faux Beams, Planks, Shutters, and more.  For more information on Faux  Wood products, download the Euro-Lite Wood Product catalog or call 702-566-1188.

TOP THREE MUST HAVE HOME ACCESSORY PIECES

Home Furniture accessories come in so many different forms and elements, it was hard to narrow the selection down to just three when deciding the must-haves. But with Fall right on our heels, these pieces contain a classic beauty that added warmth and elegance to any space. Therefore, they are the top must-haves!

 1. Hand Carved Wooden Table–such as Realm of Design’s Brazilian Jatoba Cherry wood table, are true works of art.  A Hand Carved Wooden Table is a bold statement piece that can reinvent a room.  It’s fashionable and functional—it is a table after all.  The table can furnish and decorate living spaces that are modern to classic (and everything in between.) The workmanship and artistry that goes into hand hewing and carving a table out of wood are extensive which is just one of many elements that make the table quite special. The wood utilized in The Brazilian Jatoba Wood table is reclaimed, therefore it is a sustainable piece that will add beauty and be eco-friendly. A hand-carved table will become your home’s signature piece. When selecting a decorative carved wooden table, the table size should be appropriate to the room size.  If you have a large space—Go Big.  A Hand Carved Wooden Table purchase will be an investment that will leave you and your guests asking the question “Is it Art or are it Furniture?”

2. Antique Iron Candle Stick Holders— these can be the perfect finishing piece. The natural rustic wrought iron can add a touch of romance and historical French influence to any room setting. Antique Iron Candle Stick Holders are a favorite of collectors because of the artistic hand forged detail put into each piece. These distinct candlestick holders are also useful and durable. When purchasing Antique Iron Candlestick holders, make sure they are genuine and authentic antiques.  Typically, they should be more than 100 years old.  Antique Iron Candle Stick Holders will be the perfect antique piece that you will treasure and want to keep in your family and hand down for generations to come.

antique iron candlestick holder

  3. Wall Embellishment – This is the most important decorating piece to have if you are looking to add depth and dimension to a room. A Wall embellishment does more than just take up wall space, it creates a statement which sets the mood of the room. The decorative element can be bold even though the color of your embellishment may be neutral. This is beneficial because the piece can typically go with any wall color. And Wall Embellishments not only make your room look unique, but it also makes it look expensive. Realm of Design offers a variety of Wall Embellishments in their online store or feel free to design your own customized piece.  When selecting your Wall embellishment, keep in mind the size of your wall. Pieces can vary is size, shape, depth, and weight. The idea is to decorate the room, not overtake it!

 Fleur de lis

Large Fleur de Lis Shield Wall Embellishment