John Elliott Interiors Blog

Interior Design by Room

7/15/2021

If you could only design one room in your home, which room would it be? Would you design a living room that truly wowed the guests you love entertaining? Would you renovate your kitchen to a clean, open space to support your love of baking? Or would you renovate your spare bedroom into a home office? No matter what room you choose to start with, John Elliott Interiors is the best interior design company at the Lake of the Ozarks and we have the expertise and inspiration to make your design come to life. Keep reading to learn our expert tips!

Living Room

Whether you have several "living" spaces or just one, this is often the heart of the home and where you, your family, and your friends will spend the most time. For this reason, it's important to focus on the flow of the space. Make sure you arrange the furniture and accent pieces in a way that promotes conversation and allows people to connect with one another. If you have a TV in the space and plan on entertaining with sports games or movie nights, make sure the TV can be easily viewed from every seat in the room.

Kitchen

This is one of the most popular spaces that homeowners choose to renovate. Kitchen styles have changed a lot over the years, and tastes vary widely. If you have dark cherry wood cabinets and want a brighter, more modern feel, then this could be the perfect room to redesign first in order to make the biggest impact on your home. Living rooms may be the heart of the home, but kitchens are often the soul. This is where you'll make daily meals, bake cookies together, brew your morning coffee. This is a space where you want to feel comfortable and organized. And it doesn't hurt if it's beautiful too!

Spare Room

The spare bedroom has a lot of potential! It can also be quite the black hole in your design if you're not careful. Spare rooms can easily become a catchall for the decorative items and furniture pieces you can't place anywhere else. Don't let that happen to you! Instead of relinquishing your space to a hodge-podge of mismatched items, design a space with beauty and purpose. The first step is determining the role that particular space should have in your home. Will it be your home office - dedicated to productivity and focus? Will it be a workout space - a sanctuary dedicated to health and wellness? Or will it be a guest room - welcoming your friends and family with warmth during their visits? Once you choose the purpose, you can run with a beautiful design that supports your dream for the space!

Interior Design at the Lake

Whatever the room, whatever your style... John Elliott Interiors is here to help you realize your dream home with professional design, high-end furniture, and beautiful home décor pieces. Give us a call or visit our home interior store in Lake Ozark to find inspiration and meet with a designer!

Let us help you create an interior for your life.

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd.

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

573.365.7057

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does staging really make a difference

Staging Tips for a BIG Return!

7/06/2021

If you are thinking about selling your home due to the current real estate market, you are not alone. You're also not alone if you're wondering how - of if - you should stage your home before listing it. Some people think that their home doesn't need to be staged. After all, won't the people moving in have a specific ides of what they want the house to look like? How big of a difference can staging really make in the sale of a home? John Elliott Interiors is the best interior design company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we have the answers for you! Keep reading to learn about the big impact that staging can have, and some tips for staging that will bring you the biggest return!

The Difference Staging Makes

According to a professional stager, Betsy Wilbur, interviewed by Forbes: "A staged home will sell for 17% more on average than a non-staged home, and 95% of staged homes sell in 11 days or less. That is statistically 87% faster than non-staged homes."

When you professionally stage a home, you are showing the potential buyers the true value of the house and giving them an idea of what life could be like. It's all about demonstrating potential and getting a greater return for you! In fact, some say that you could get back four times what you invested if you choose the right places to upgrade/stage.

So... Where should you start?

Mass Appeal

Any time you are staging a home, you need to think about how most people will use each space. For example, don't turn the spare bedroom into a fully-furnished weight room. It will likely appeal to more people if it is designed as a guest bedroom or a home office space (especially post-2020).

When choosing colors, think in terms of what will work as a great backdrop to several different style choices. Neutral and airy colors are excellent picks to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. Red may be your favorite color, but a soft grey could be a better choice so your potential buyer doesn't have to try and overcome any overpowering colors to envision what they want.

As you decide where to place your furniture, think about the flow of the space and make sure it’s easy to walk from room to room. You can also group pieces together for a more cohesive space. Rather than backing everything up to the wall, “float” the furniture at least a few inches away from the walls. This gives the space a more polished look and can actually make the space feel bigger.

Decorations in each space should be simple and appealing to a broad audience as well. Fresh flowers are always a great choice as they brighten up a room and make the space feel welcoming. Replace family photos with framed art to draw your buyer’s eye around the room. (We have excellent curated artwork at John Elliott Interiors, by the way!) If arranging items on a coffee or end table, keep in mind that items in threes are most appealing to the eye.

Little Updates - BIG Impact

You don’t need to remodel your entire house to make a big impact.

If your wood floors look scratched and dull, get a quote on what it would take to refinish them. This will give your rooms a wow factor – buyers love to see clean, pristine flooring. If you can’t refinish the floors, use rugs in strategic places to cover the most worn areas in your home. Buyers’ eyes will be drawn to the design and other aspects of the room instead of the flaws in the floor.

In your kitchens and bathrooms, you can switch out the cabinet handles for a cost-effective update. New, shiny hardware is striking and can enhance the look of the whole room.

Buyers love storage! Walk through your house and make sure there are several locations where new homeowners would be able to store their belongings. Each room should have at least one place for storage. For bedrooms, this is typically a dresser. For bathrooms, make sure there is shelving for various toiletries, towels, etc. that buyers will undoubtedly need to store in that space.

Another way to make a big impact without spending a lot of cash is to update the front door. Everyone loves a beautiful entryway, and a great door is the most important element. Replace your old one with a sturdy, eye-catching door. If you have an old wooden door that's still in good shape, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint or stain to make it stand out and look new.

MUST Be Clean!

Most importantly, make sure your home is clean. A clean home will feel fresh and inviting. Dusting, vacuuming, and sweeping are all important, but they are not the only things you should do...

Windows make a big impact on a buyer. If your windows are smudged with dog nose prints and cluttered with cobwebs, a buyer may be turned off as soon as they walk through the door. (Or even as soon as they start walking up to the house!) Bright, shining windows make your house feel fresh and open.

Outdoor space is something that often gets neglected by sellers. Make sure your lawn is well manicured – use the mower and the weed eater. Check all flower beds and gardens to make sure they aren’t overgrown with weeds. An out-of-control garden will look less like a perk and more like a burdensome project to potential buyers.

If possible, use a power washer on your driveway and the siding of your house. Dirt and grime accumulate on siding and make houses look dingy. You wouldn’t believe what a big difference a clean slate will make!

Before you show the house, always do a smell test. You may not be able to recognize a smell you’re used to, so pay attention next time you walk in from outside. If an unpleasant or stale odor hits your prospective home buyers as soon as they walk in the door, they likely won’t have a good impression. If there is a problem, air out the house with open windows and fans, and use light air fresheners with natural scents (NOT heavy room sprays).

Your Interior Designer at the Lake

As much as you might want to show off your personal style and taste, it's important to remember that staging a home is not about you. When it's time to sell your house, you should start to think of it like a product rather than your own beloved home. Present it in a way that appeals to lots of buyers, makes sense in how someone will use the space, and is clean and polished for a great first impression. If you need great staging pieces - or even new furniture for the home you're moving to - be sure to visit John Elliott Interiors! Our high-end home store in Lake Ozark has the best fine art, home décor, and beautiful furniture to make any house look outstanding!

Let us help you create an interior for your life.

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd.

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

573.365.7057

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best interior design Lake of the Ozarks

Quick Tips for the 4th - It's Not Too Late!

7/02/2021

The holiday weekend is upon us! If you've been busy working and haven't been able to prepare for the guests that will be arriving soon, don't worry! John Elliott Interiors has the Fourth of July party tips to help make your weekend a success. Keep reading to learn more!

Easy Recipes

For a creative flair that looks great and is easy to make, try putting together a fruit and cheese tray in the shape of an American flag. Grab a watermelon, a block of white cheese, and a container of blueberries. Cube the watermelon and cheese and arrange it all on the plate in a flag pattern. Voila!

Want to make it a little extra special? Use a star cookie cutter and cut the shape into your watermelon slices for a fun, festive treat!

When thinking about your main dish, remember that one of the great things about celebrating a summer holiday is that the food can be simple and still taste delicious! There's something nostalgic about a traditional hamburger or hot dog. These are super easy to throw on the grill and set out with an array of everyone's favorite condiments.

Quick Decorations

Decorations can really make your event stand out from your everyday weekend barbeque. But that doesn't mean they have to be complicated!

One of the quickest and easiest ways to add some flair to your party is by using plates, napkins, and silverware in the theme of the day. These can be picked up quickly and easily at just about any party or general store.

Don't have time to shop for a bunch of banners and centerpieces? Buy one pack each of red, white, and blue streamers then drape these over your deck railing in scallops to give a sweeping, patriotic appearance.

While you're at the general store, buy packs of Kool-Aid in blue and red. Mix the Kool-Aid into your best clear drink dispensers with the third one full of ice water for your "white" element. These can add to your décor while also helping keep everyone hydrated!

Fun Activities

Lawn games are a really fun way to pass the time on a great sunny day! If you didn't have time to buy or rent lawn games this year, there are still a lot of fun things you can do with simple items you may already have at home. Here are a few quick examples...

DIY Checkers

Make a large checkers set by painting squares on an old board and spray painting mason jar lids in team colors.

Hook & Ring

Secure a hook to a post with the open end facing up. Tie a small metal ring (like a key ring) to a piece of string and secure that string to a place within reach of the hook. The object of the game is to swing the ring until you land it on the hook. So simple, and so fun!

Tic-Tac-Toe

Use rope to make the board and paint rocks to signify the X's and O's. Make it more fun by painting animals or characters on the rocks instead!

Limbo

Hold a rope or pool noodle and see How Low Can You Go!

Lake of the Ozarks Interior Design

We hope some of these quick tips and ideas help inspire you to have a great holiday weekend and enjoy your celebration with friends and family. If you are looking to make your get togethers even more stylish, comfortable, and enjoyable, John Elliott Interiors would love to help you create the design of your dreams for your home. Come visit us or give us a call to get started!

Let us help you create an interior for your life.

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd.

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

573.365.7057

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best design company lake of the ozarks

How Could an Interior Designer Help YOU?

6/24/2021

Thinking about re-designing your home interior? You could try to do it on your own, but there are a lot of obstacles and difficult situations you'll have to navigate. The design may not end up the way you envisioned, you could end up overspending in the long-run, and you could end up with ineffective contractors. John Elliott Interiors is here to help you enjoy the home of your dreams! Check out the rest of today's blog to learn what a difference a professional designer can make on your home interior.

Magazine-Worthy Design

When you hire a professional designer to create a beautiful space in your home, they truly deliver. Especially at John Elliott Interiors! As soon as your friends, family, and guests walk into the space, they will marvel at how wonderfully designed, organized, and decorated your spaces are. If you have ever wanted your home to look like it was taken directly from a magazine, John Elliott Interiors is the team for you.

Savings in the Long-Run

While you might be thinking that doing it yourself will save you money, it likely will actually end up costing you more in the end. If you are not experienced in design and contract work, you could easily order the wrong amount of tile, ending up with too much you can't return or too little that you can no longer match. Measurements could be slightly off making things look uneven or even not fit at all. Working with a team of professionals in much better because we can make sure everything is done right the first time so your home is exactly the paradise you were hoping for.

Your Own Design Advocate

If your renovation and design requires a technical hand in addition to an artistic one, then you will likely be hiring several different contractors to complete jobs around the home to make it happen. For example, renovating your bathroom may require a plumber and an electrician to make sure everything is hooked up correctly in the new configuration. Do you know the best plumbers and electricians in the area? Because we do!

John Elliott Interiors has more than 15 partners that we know and trust to work alongside us on home projects. These professionals include granite custom cabinets, audio-visual, high-end appliances, flooring, window treatments, painting, and more! Don't feel stuck trying to wrangle the best contractors in the area without knowing where to start. John Elliott Interiors can make sure you get the best of the best working on your home.

Best Design at the Lake

Thinking about a redesign of your home interior or exterior? John Elliott Interiors is the best interior design company at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are here to help you create a beautiful design, reduce your stress, advocate for you, and make sure you end up with the design of your dreams. Give us a call, we'd love to set up a consultation with you!

Let us help you create an interior for your life.

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd.

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

573.365.7057

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best design company lake of the ozarks

Design the Perfect She Shed / Man Cave!

6/18/2021

Have you built yourself a Man Cave or She Shed yet? If not, now could be the perfect time! Expand your space and create an oasis without having to travel... Create a great recreation area to enjoy whenever you want! John Elliott Interiors is the best interior designer at the Lake of the Ozarks, and our professional experience and high-end home store are the perfect resources for you to take advantage of. Keep reading to learn more and create the space of your dreams.

Man Caves & She Sheds

A man cave or she shed should reflect you and the things you love to do most. It's where you will keep your hobbies and favorite things so they are ready and there for you when you have the time to enjoy them.

If you want to get completely away from the house, you can build a nice shed in the backyard. (These have been greatly upgraded from tool sheds of the past.) Your private space can also be a room inside the house, or possibly an entire floor if you have a basement or loft that isn't being used for another purpose. If you don't have a vehicle to park in the garage, you can also convert the garage into the perfect game room, art studio, or other great space to enjoy.

How Much Space Can You Work With?

If space is limited, you may have to share your man cave or she shed with your spouse as a split space, or it may be a spare room that needs to be used for overnight guests occasionally. This can be done, even if you don't expect to use it for the same purpose.

In this case, make sure there are plenty of storage options so that your hobby items can be kept separately and also out of the way when the other person is using the room. Multi-functional pieces will go a long way in making sure you both have what you need in the room to accomplish your goals.

How Will the Space Be Used?

What activity do you wish you had more time and space to do? This room could be a quiet place where you can escape into a good book or even your own private, Zen space for yoga. You may want a space where you can work on art or craft projects and leave your work out without worry of it being disturbed. This could be where you set up a great sound system for watching movies or sporting events, or it could be where you enjoy playing games of your own like pool or poker.

Deciding exactly how you want to use this space will help you decide which pieces you will need from our luxury furniture store at the Lake of the Ozarks to decorate it with. Function is key, but comfort is a priority too! If you will be installing a large item, such as a pool table, use that as a focal point and work the rest of the interior design in around that.

How Many People Will You Entertain?

Decide if this is an area that you want to use as your private getaway, all by yourself, or if you will use it to entertain friends. This will make a big difference in the amount of seating needed, as well as other items you will want to have on hand.

If you are the only person allowed, a giant comfy chair or a cozy chaise lounge or loveseat that you can spread out in can be perfect. For rooms where you'll be inviting others to join you, in addition to extra seating you may also want to have a bar area set up or maybe even a table you can all sit around.

Lake of the Ozarks Interior Design

You don't have to take a flight to find your own personal oasis - you can create it at home! Renovated the shed into a personal space where you can get away and relax. Turn the basement into a den of fun and entertainment for nights with friends. There are so many options, and John Elliott Interiors is here to help you find exactly what you need to enjoy your home even more. Come visit our high-end home store in Lake Ozark or give us a call for inspiration and a consultation!

Let us help you create an interior for your life.

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd.

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

573.365.7057

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best interior design Lake of the Ozarks

Incorporate Wellness in Your Style

6/11/2021

Wellness is so important, it should be something that we incorporate into our homes and our daily lives. Instead of just leaving wellness at the spa or the gym, consider wellness when choosing every element of your interior design. After all, we spend a lot of time in our homes and it would do us some good to make sure our living spaces support our health and wellness. John Elliott Interiors can help you design the perfect space - check out our tips in today's blog and give us a call to schedule a consultation for your home.

What does "Wellness" Really Mean Today?

Wellness isn't a new concept. People have been practicing wellness by maintaining their health with fitness routines, cleanses, and relaxing spa days to recharge and refresh. What has gained more recent popularity, however, is the concept of wellness as a lifestyle. Instead of having certain days of the year marked off for wellness retreats, people are looking for ways to incorporate wellness into their everyday life. One great way to make this happen is by taking wellness into consideration when designing your home. We spend a majority of our lives indoors, so what better way to bring about total wellness than to create space for it in your home?

Clutter vs. Simplicity

It can be hard to feel relaxed and happy if you are surrounded by clutter and disorganization. One of the first things you can do to change up the interior design in your home is to get rid of the unnecessary items laying around the house. Your home may not appear cluttered to the eye of a visitor, but it may be possible that there is significant clutter in your cabinets, drawers, and closets. Even though this may be out of sight, it usually isn't out of mind. It can be frustrating to know that you have a lot of clutter just below the surface. If the house is consistently a cluttered mess with a difficult flow between furniture pieces and rooms, then how can you expect to feel at peace? An interior designer can help create a beautiful space that flows naturally, rather than cluttering the space with mismatched items that don't work well together.

Feel Like New

If your home is starting to feel bland and stale, or if you are noticing that your creativity has recently taken a nose dive, it might be time to switch it up! Getting stuck in a rut can start to feel like you're trapped. We have some great tips to help make cost-effective changes that can refresh your whole outlook.

Rearrange the furniture into a new, fresh pattern
Redecorate the furniture with new pillows and throw blankets
Swap the wall décor from one room into another
Paint or decorate an accent wall
Bring in new smells with a diffuser

Making small changes to the way your home is organized can make a big impact during the times you need a change, but don't necessarily want to replace everything at once. Changing little things here and there can help keep your brain engaged with its surroundings, instead of getting used to the same-old, same-old.

Nature

There is something about nature that helps people feel grounded and at peace more so than other design aesthetics. This does not mean pasting floral wall paper throughout the house. Instead, think about replacing artificial, plastic-like items in the home with more natural materials. Instead of carpet, think hardwood flooring or wood-like laminate. Instead of plywood constructed side tables, use something solid and inspired by nature. Instead of stark tiles in the shower, think of river rock, slate, or stone. Instead of artificial light, try making the most of natural light sources. Perhaps even create a living wall with plants as part of your décor. Plants have been shown to actually help boost mood, lower blood pressure, and promote good vibes just by being present. There have been studies that show environments with plants have a calming effect. There are numerous ways to bring nature into your home for a gorgeous design that helps improve your wellness. As expert interior designers, John Elliott Interiors can help!

Let There Be Light!

First thing in the morning, open all the curtains and let the sun shine in! Sunlight has been shown to help boost your mood and feel happier by increasing the levels of serotonin in your brain. Letting the sunshine into your home can instantly help improve the overall look and feel of the house. If you need to have the curtains shut for privacy, then use a lighter, thinner curtain that still blocks peering eyes, but also lets in some of the natural light. Don't forget to keep your windows clean as well! Dusty, dingy windows may be blocking sunlight from coming into your house.

For the lights inside your home, order light bulbs that imitate natural light. Harsh lighting can have a negative effect on your mood. And, if the lighting is too low, then it could put a strain on your eyes and even cause feelings of sadness and depression.

Your Interior Design at the Lake

Living at the Lake of the Ozarks is a great step to wellness. We are surrounded by beautiful nature, opportunities for pursuing an active lifestyle with hiking and kayaking, and a relaxed atmosphere. Take your wellness to the next level by incorporating it into your home design, using professional interior design from John Elliott Interiors! We can't wait to help you create the home of your dreams.

Let us help you create an interior for your life.

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd.

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

573.365.7057

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best interior design Lake of the Ozarks

Interior Design Services You'll LOVE!

6/04/2021

At John Elliott Interiors, we believe that everyone deserves to have an interior design that looks gorgeous and also fits their lifestyle. Not only are we experts in creating beautiful spaces inside your home or business, we are also skilled in making your outdoor space an oasis you'll love enjoying with friends and family. Keep reading to learn all about our professional design services and our high end home store in Lake Ozark!

Living Room Design

At John Elliott Interiors, we know that the living room is often the heart of the home. We believe that this space should be comfortable so your guests will feel welcome in the space. We also know that this can still be a beautifully-designed room that will make people Ohh and Ahh when they walk in. We can help you strike the perfect balance.

Kitchen & Dining

These spaces in your home are host to a lot of activity! Whether you are hosting an intimate dinner party or having the whole family over for the holidays, it's important to think about the flow of your design and how it's going to be used. We can help you conceptualize a design that will allow the fun to continue while making the best use of beautiful design elements.

Designs for Bed & Bath

The bedrooms and bathrooms in your home are intimate spaces where you want to be able to feel relaxed and comfortable. But, that doesn't mean the space can't be pretty or that the doors need to stay closed when guests are visiting. Make your bedrooms and bathrooms an oasis with professional interior design in the Lake of the Ozarks!

Office Space

Your office says a lot about you and the business you run. If the walls are a blank, stark white with no design to be found anywhere, you may be giving the impression that you aren't going to be around for very long. On the other hand, if there's too much going on, your lobby could come across cluttered and leave your potential client wondering if you're someone they can trust with their business.

Outdoor Design

We know that a lot of your time in the summer is probably spent outside enjoying the sunshine and fresh air - especially if you're on the Lake! John Elliott Interiors can help design a space that is welcoming, comfortable, and perfectly suited for the outdoor activities you most enjoy.

Fine Art

John Elliott Interiors is a big believer in complete and cohesive design. When you are looking for the perfect finishing touch, come to our high end home store in Lake Ozark! We have specially-curated fine art in multiple different styles to perfectly accentuate your home or office design. We would love to help you choose your next piece.

Best Interior Design at the Lake

As the best interior design company at the Lake of the Ozarks, John Elliott Interiors is here for you! We can help you take a space from "blah" to "WOW" with our professional design experience, high end furniture, and custom attention to your specific style. Come out and see us sometime, we’d love to talk about your design plans, and help you choose the perfect pieces for your interior design at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Let us help you create an interior for your life.

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd.

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

573.365.7057

Like us on Facebook

Connect with us on LinkedIn

Living Room

Kitchen

Spare Room

The Difference Staging Makes

Mass Appeal

Little Updates - BIG Impact

MUST Be Clean!

Your Interior Designer at the Lake

Easy Recipes

Quick Decorations

Fun Activities

Lake of the Ozarks Interior Design

Magazine-Worthy Design

Savings in the Long-Run

Your Own Design Advocate

Man Caves & She Sheds

How Much Space Can You Work With?

How Will the Space Be Used?

How Many People Will You Entertain?

What does "Wellness" Really Mean Today?

Clutter vs. Simplicity

Feel Like New

Nature

Let There Be Light!

Your Interior Design at the Lake

Living Room Design

Kitchen & Dining

Designs for Bed & Bath

Office Space

Outdoor Design

Fine Art

Best Interior Design at the Lake

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