#designconsiderations

Design Considerations: Built-In Nooks

A well-designed and well-placed built-in nook is a creative way to turn a small space into the most coveted spot in the house. Whether it is the mirrored buffet in your 1920’s bungalow or the office nook in your remodeled kitchen, there are many ways that carving out a nook can put square-footage to use in a creative and welcoming way!

1. Window Seat Nooks - A built-in seat below a kitchen, bedroom or bay window creates a pleasant spot to sit and daydream as well as hidden storage below. Add cushions and shallow shelving for a few books or mug of herbal tea. Staring out the window at the rain never felt more cozy!

2. Office Nooks - This is the modern-day must-have for a busy household! An otherwise unused corner of the kitchen or family room (or even a large hallway!) can transform into a high-demand office nook or homework station. A few shelves and cabinets hide unsightly office clutter, and a well-lit surface can keep you efficient.

3. Mudroom Nooks - There is probably one entrance in your house that gets the heaviest traffic - perhaps the front door, or even the door leading in from the garage. Space allowing, a built-in mudroom or entry area can organize clutter in a charming way. Essentials: hooks for jackets and backpacks, a bench to take off shoes, bins to store said shoes, and some drawers or baskets for mail, umbrellas, and other miscellany.

4. Sleeping Nooks - Either in the form of a day bed or bunks, a built-in sleeping nook seems to embrace the weary and encourage comfort. If you can spare a bedroom closet, you might gain much more from the freedom of moving the bed off the bedroom floor.

5. Book Nooks - I mention this last because it seems so obvious. But, perhaps not so obvious are the creative spaces you can build a book shelf. Empty space under the stairs not really used? Try tiered bookshelves. Have a large corner or landing that feels bare but hard to furnish? Try a bookshelf. Unused space over a doorway? Bookshelf!

Nancy Palmer, CRS   Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com

Design Considerations: Hallways

I have heard comments from friends that their houses are feeling “lightened up” this week as seasonal decorations are returned to storage. What a perfect opportunity to design with a clean slate - why not start in a small space that is often a dark second thought. There are many fun design tricks that you can easily put to use for a more lively hallway that welcomes visitors into the different rooms of the house.

Here are a few of my best tips:

1. Color - Take chances with paint that you would shy away from in a larger room where furniture and window treatments must all coordinate. Brighten the hall with uplifting color combinations - pale pink and silver grey, for example, is bright, sophisticated, and a little retro!

2. Lighting - Don’t save all the best fixtures for the dining room! Some fabulous lights or sconces along the walkway can brighten in a stylish way. Add a mirror and the reflected light will amplify the space! Or try this - the addition of skylights can be a big help in letting natural light in.

3. Art - A hallway is perfect for showcasing family pictures or favorite pieces of art. Install accent lighting to highlight each display. For a narrow hallway, hang art on one side only to keep it from feeling too narrow. Or try this - add shallow shelves to hold picture frames and tchotchkes. Voila - your private gallery!

4. Furniture - A shallow bookshelf, semi-circle table, or long bench can help fill a narrow space while providing some practical storage. Throw a few patterned pillows on the bench or a flower vase on the table and you’ve also infused color into the scheme.

5. Floor - Hallways are often high-traffic areas, and a runner or small area rug can protect floors while adding warmth to the space. If the paint is bright, the lights are dazzling, and the art spectacular, let a floor covering ground it all and create balance.

I hope these tips are helpful - I have many more that I would love to share. Whether you are prepping to sell or thinking of buying in 2020, you are always welcome to give me a call.

Nancy Palmer, CRS Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com

Design Considerations: Pantries

If I were to make a list of house features that may not make it to a buyer’s “must have list” but quickly become something they can’t live without, the kitchen pantry would be near the top. The storage possibilities of an organized pantry can bring calm and order to an otherwise busy kitchen. I have seen many examples of well-planned pantries in the houses I have viewed, and here are a few insights for designing a new or existing one.

* Variety - Varied shelf height can minimize unused space as well as provide room for smaller items like soup cans that could get lost behind large cereal boxes.

* Function - Increase the function of each shelf by adding some pull-out drawers/bins, wire baskets, hooks, bottle racks, and corner shelves that rotate.

* Workspace - A small counter space in addition to storage is helpful for organizing or prepping.

* Floor Space - Leave room for heavy items like a case of water to slide under a shelf and out of the walkway.

* Light it Up - Overhead and/or task lighting is essential to finding and accessing items that could otherwise end up lost in the dark. A welcoming pantry is more likely to be used and valued. At the same time, include some outlets for appliances or tech.

* Need a Pantry? You can get creative with a free-standing unit which is like a wardrobe for your kitchen. Find space in a nearby coat closet or under a staircase. Convert a corner of an attached garage which often enters into or near the kitchen with deep cubbies and storage bins.

I can show you some great examples in the many houses I view each week along the SF Peninsula.

Nancy Palmer, CRS  Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com

Design Considerations: Holiday Centerpieces

A holiday centerpiece can be the crown jewel of a festive table setting. Many hosts enjoy preparing something lovely or dramatic. Others are looking for ways to keep their guests entertained. Try setting out some supplies and letting them create something truly original. Here are a few items to get started with.

* Paper-loop garlands made by the smallest hands. * Candles of different shapes or a string of battery-operated LED lights. * Pomegranates, apples, walnuts, cranberries… you get the picture. * Ornaments on their way to adorn a tree (they don’t mind the detour!). * Fresh cuttings from the garden - designer’s choice! * Sheets of white paper and pens for leaving notes. * Scrabble tiles to fashion festive words. * Vases, trays, cloches, and stands to give some structure. * Printed pictures, old and new, which can go home with guests. * Jingle bells in different sizes and colors. * Miniature boxes and some wrapping paper and ribbon to decorate them. * A gingerbread house - with all the fixings to really keep guests busy.

Nancy Palmer, CRS Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com

Design Considerations: Balconies

Never underestimate the beauty of a balcony. At their worst they are small, confined spaces put to uncreative uses. But a balcony designed to maximize its potential welcomes you to sit a spell, get comfortable, and enjoy the view. And since real estate along the Mid-Peninsula is often located on the side of a hill, I’ve stood on hundreds of balconies in the houses I’ve viewed. Let me share a little bit of what I’ve learned about what makes a great balcony.

* Color - Whether vibrant or monotone, adding color brings warmth to the space. Opportunities to add color include seating cushions, pottery, and flooring. * Greenery - A balcony beacons for a few well-placed plants (with proper drainage). A spot for outdoor living, after all, should welcome some natural elements. * Lighting - A string of lights or outdoor chandelier remind you that a balcony is also a quiet place to reflect at the end of the day. * Seating - And of course the best way to enjoy your balcony is by being able to take a seat and relax. Depending on size, you might enjoy a bistro table or outdoor sofa.

I see fantastic and functional balconies all the time in houses for sale along the SF Peninsula. I’d love to take you to see some examples!

Nancy Palmer, CRS Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com

Design Considerations: Kitchen Islands

Under the vast umbrella of a kitchen island resides structures of all sizes, shapes, functions, and permanence. A kitchen island can provide work space, add extra storage, house a major appliance, or create an eat-in kitchen. It is a design element that can be created during a remodel or added during a refresh. Here are design considerations for adding or updating a kitchen island in your home.

Prep Station - If your kitchen island will create a cook’s prep space, look for features such as a small sink, easy-to-clean surface, and access to the cooktop and refrigerator.

Counter Service - If your kitchen island will create an eat-in kitchen, look for higher counters with bar stools, leg room under the counter, and access to utensils and the dishwasher.

Storage - If your kitchen island will create storage, look for vertical options such as hanging baskets or pot hooks, multi-functional cabinetry (deep drawers, tall shelves, pull-out bins), and access to garage or pantry.

Appliances - If your kitchen island will be used to house major appliances, look for features such as venting over a cooktop, refrigerated drawers/cabinets, and easy-to-hide appliances such as a microwave or dishwasher.

I see fantastic and innovative kitchen islands all the time in houses for sale along the SF Peninsula. I’d love to take you to see some examples!

Nancy Palmer, CRS Broker Associate REALTOR® DRE #00525350 Compass | Woodside D 650.492.0200  |  O 650.529.1111 www.NancyPalmer.com