When the temperatures drop this low, it's very easy for your water pipes to freeze. When that happens, it can cause cracks and even major breaks in the pipes. To help prevent this from happening in your home, it could be a good idea to "drip" the faucets. This means to turn the faucets on and allow a slight drip - at least 5 drips per minute. This keeps water flowing through the pipes and allows for the expansion that can happen when water freezes and rethaws. It's also a good idea to open the cabinets so that the heat from the house can get to the pipes under the sinks and keep them warmer. If they start to freeze, you may choose to point a portable space heater to the underside of the sink's piping. Just make sure to remove any chemicals and cleaning products that are heat sensitive first. 

Windows

HVAC Units

Life at the Lake of the Ozarks

Colors' Meanings

White 

White can either be used to convey the absence of color or to portray feelings of purity, cleanness, and brilliance depending on how it is used. Too much white space can feel empty and void. Like black, it should be used intentionally and with care. 

Black

Black speaks of power, stability, and strength. It should be used with care and to make important statements. If marketing is overwhelmed by black, it can be hard on the eyes.

 

Adopt a Minimalist Design Style

This design style has been growing a lot of popularity over the last few years. It's no surprise, with Marie Kondo inspiring people to get rid of things that no longer bring them joy, and a societal movement to get away from waste to things that really matter. Minimalism used to be seen as a cold, uncomfortable design where everything was bland and unwelcoming. But that is not the case anymore! Minimalism simply designs on the premise that there shouldn't be any clutter or items that don't have a beauty or purpose to you. Its purpose is to remove clutter and "noise" from your home so that you can feel clear, focused, and more at peace.

If you get stressed out by spaces that have a lot going on... Several different colors, patterns, and prints... Trinkets covering the shelves and walls... Furniture packed into a room with no flow... Then minimalism might be right for you. If minimalism is what you crave, restyling your home in that aesthetic could help bring you more peace and focus in your daily life.

Optimize the Space with Lighting and Color Scheme

Light, soft colors help make a space feel bigger by reflecting light throughout the room. Use a light color on the walls, and anchor the space with a darker hue from the same color family. Going dark to light from floor to ceiling can give the impression that a room is taller and larger than it actually is.

When choosing décor pieces, keep them in scale with the rest of the room, and choose one to two accent colors to incorporate in little ways to add interest without overwhelming the small space. For example, choose couch pillows and throws with accent stitching instead of a solid bright color. Items with textures are also a great way to add visual interest without too the distraction of too-bright colors.

Be Thoughtful About Storage

Maximizing the storage space in your home can help prevent clutter from accumulating and making it feel smaller. Look for areas in your home where space is currently being wasted. Does your hallway have a dead end? Add shelving with simple baskets and crates to store linen items and other odds and ends out of eyesight. Put your bed on risers to allow for even more storage underneath. Keep in mind that if you install risers, you will need to order a non-standard bed skirt to reach the floor.

Choose the Right Furniture

Furniture can have a big effect on the look, flow, and functionality of a space. A small living room can appear even more cramped if occupied by a large couch. Before going shopping for your new home’s furniture, measure out the space where you would like to stage each piece. Go the extra mile by taping off the area on the floor to help visualize how the room will flow once the new pieces are in place.

For small open concept spaces, use furniture to separate rooms. This allows you to define unique spaces, making the area feel bigger than it is. When empty, an area can feel like one large room. But with the proper staging, it can feel more like a cozy, comfortably-designed interior.

Keep space free in the living room by mounting your television and sound equipment on the wall rather than installing them in an entertainment center. The more floor space that remains free, the larger the room will feel.

Interior Design at the Lake

If you are still struggling to maximize your space, contact John Elliott Interiors! As the best interior design company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we have the knowledge and expertise to help create your dream home. Visit our home interior store to find great pieces and find even more inspiration. We're sure you're going to love it! 

Whatever you decide to do for Valentine's Day this year, you can always enjoy romance at the Lake of the Ozarks right in the comfort and beauty of your own home. Contact John Elliott Interiors to design the space of your dreams, right in your own home.

Yellow has often been associated with cheer, hope, and brightness. What a perfect color for design in 2021! Illuminating is a very strong shade of yellow, so it may be hard to incorporate it into your home design in a balanced way by yourself. If you aren't sure how it will look in your home, you can start with small elements like throw pillows, artwork, etc. Or, if you're looking for a big change with a lot of impact, paint a focal wall in this color. It's hard to feel down in such a bright and happy space! 

If you're considering redesigning your home in 2021, it's a good idea to talk to a professional interior designer in your area. When dealing with such a strong color like "Illuminating", you may want the experience and knowledge from a company like John Elliott Interiors. We can help create the space of your dreams to help welcome the new year with optimism and beauty! Give us a call to get started! 

Flowers and greenery add texture, brightness, and life into an interior design. If you don't like swapping live floral arrangements out regularly, then you could utilize paper or fabric flowers instead. These kinds of flowers have come a long way - it can be hard to tell the difference in some cases! 

There are some kinds of books that are specifically designed for coffee tables. Over-sized books with large photos are a staple of coffee tables. This gives added interest to your space and gives guests an opportunity to look through the books and inspire interesting conversation.

Pottery & Figurines 

Choose Décor That Appeals to the Masses

When getting down to placing furniture in your home, think about the way most people would like to use each space. You may like having a fully furnished weight room in your second bedroom, but it may appeal more to buyers set it up as a guestroom or an office.

Neutral and light, airy colors are excellent picks to appeal to as many potential buyers as possible. Red may be your favorite color, but a grey couch could be a better choice to go with any palette the buyer has in mind.

As you choose where to place your furniture, think about the flow of the space and make sure it’s easy to walk from room to room. Group pieces together for a cohesive space. Rather than backing everything up to the wall, “float” the furniture at least a few inches away from the walls.

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 great art 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.

Most importantly, make sure your home is clean. A clean home will feel fresh and inviting. Dusting, vacuuming, and sweeping are all important, but 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. 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 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 for 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 (not heavy room sprays).

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.

Updated Hardware
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.

Storage
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, making sure there is shelving for various toiletries, towels, etc. that buyers will want to store here.

The Entrance
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.

As you stage your home to get ready to sell, keep in mind what the average person will be attracted to and make sure to keep the space clean and beautiful for upcoming showings. If you need help with design ideas, furniture pieces, or fine art selection, then be sure to contact John Elliott Interiors! Our home design store is large, spacious, and is full of incredible pieces you're sure to fall in love with. Come check it out!