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.

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…

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.

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!

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?)

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…

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.

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.