"May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!" – Joey Adams
After the decorations are packed away, many homeowners are eager to make some changes, and the Design Team with The Elements is ready with some tips for any budget or project.
The timing is perfect. A new start to a new decade! Holiday schedules are freed up, and guests have headed home. After the decorations are down and packed away, many homeowners begin to think about a change, and that change can come in many ways for any budget. As 2020 heads out of the gate, Kathy Sorbe, lead designer and owner of The Elements in Storm Lake and at Prairie Trail in Ankeny, has some ideas how homeowners can refresh living spaces that might need an update.“So many people think that restyling a space for a new look comes with a hefty price tag,” says Sorbe. “That’s just not the case. Editing and repurposing accessories … the only cost you might have is a little time. Bigger projects can come with bigger price tags, but that just doesn’t mean you can’t give yourself a new look no matter what you’ve budgeted to spend.”
Sorbe says that when homeowners sweep up the needles, hunt down the last bits of glitter and store their decorations is a perfect time to step back and take a look at the accessories that finish the space. “Resist the pull to put everything back the way it was,” says Sorbe. “This is a great time to edit. All of us tend to display more than we need to and add, add, add. Look at what you have and plan to keep only what you love.”
Editing accessories and streamlining shelves will immediately update and smooth out a space.
Sorbe says that accessories can quickly date a space. What was a must-have a few years ago may show its age quickly. She encourages clients to ask themselves, even if they loved something ten years ago, do they still?
“Channel Marie Konda, and if it doesn’t make you happy, it might be time to let it go.”
A fresh coat of paint is probably the most affordable – and quickest – choice for a dramatic change.
“Paint is the least expensive way to make a big impact,” says Sorbe. “Your walls function a lot like a canvas where a painting unfolds, helping your furniture, art and accessories shine.”
Sorbe notes that many homeowners gravitate to lighter shades, but deep colors are still magical, create a dramatic and sophisticated space and, contrary to a common misconception, won’t make a room feel small.
“We still encourage homeowners to avoid the traditional accent wall,” says Sorbe. “There are many amazing, innovative and affordable wall covering options, from thin brick, textured panels, wallpaper, to reclaimed wood.”
Several products are available at their stores in Storm Lake and Ankeny, but Sorbe says that many can be found at Home Depot or Lowe’s, and most can be painted any color. Instead of painting a wall a different color, Sorbe and her Design Team frequently recommend one of these products for effect.
“We like to say we reinvented the accent wall using texture and pattern.”
“Window treatments can be an intimidating project, but it doesn’t have to be,” says Sorbe. “Valances, fringe, sheers … they can quickly become complicated and a big design element that can be challenging to work with.”
Sorbe and her team almost always recommend a simpler option. Leaning into natural fabrics, like cotton and linen, they avoid many of the add-ons homeowners think make them look upscale.
“There’s not a window covering made that can compete with the view it frames,” says Sorbe. “Mother Nature takes this one, and we’re not going to even try and compete. We like simple panels, hung from the ceiling to the floor. This can make windows impressive but quickly fade to the view.”
The Design Team encourages homeowners to explore blinds, roller shades and even plantation shutters.
“We really love roller shades that match the window trim,” says Sorbe. “When you want them, they’re ready to go, but when they’re up, they disappear, creating a smooth finish to the space.
The Elements’ Ankeny location sells, measures and installs Hunter Douglas shades and blinds, with a planned introduction of the service to the Storm Lake location later this year.
“Shades are a great option for privacy and light control, and some are even designed to aid in maintaining a preselected temperature in your home,” says Sorbe. “Many are motorized with remote controls that can integrate into smart home systems.”
Painting is the quickest and most affordable way to make a big change in a room. White paint, paired with matching cabinets, allows the gold accents to really shine.
Bedding in natural fabrics, like linen and cotton, are a simple palette that allow homeowners many options for coordinating pillows and throws.
From small windows to large-scale projects, Hunter Douglas is a premiere name in window coverings.
A survey completed by ten major interior design firms indicated a turn back to more custom furniture. Millennials, who frequently were bargain shoppers, are now gravitating to higher quality, large pieces instead of furniture that’s designed and priced for a very short life. Also, homeowners don’t have to adapt or settle; they can choose exactly what they want.
“Custom-made furniture tends to be more stylish, and it’s made just for you,” says Sorbe. “You won’t walk into a neighbor’s house and see the same sofa!”
Literally thousands of fabric choices and the introduction of designer performance fabrics mean shoppers can pick exactly what they want, and that the custom piece will hold up to use for many years to come.
“Instead of short-term costs, we like to remind clients of the long-term value,” says Sorbe. “Custom pieces tend to be more durable, and, if carefully selected, homeowners will enjoy these pieces for years and years.”
Sorbe cautions people not to assume custom pieces are outside of their budget. Shoppers are frequently surprised when they see prices on custom pieces less expensive than factory-produced pieces in big box furniture stores.
Homeowners looking to capitalize on space are looking for usable living areas outside.
Sometimes, homeowners want a big change. Additions, renovations and remodels can be daunting projects; however, they can move more smoothly working with a pro.
“Working with a designer from our Design Team isn’t too expensive for anyone,” says Sorbe. “Often, homeowners want to schedule a one-hour consultation just to get some ideas and suggestions. We love helping at any stage of the project.”
She suggests talking with the Design Team early in the process, which can help homeowners avoid costly mistakes that delay the project. The designers also have access to many different lines with varying price points. Homeowners would have to shop for weeks, maybe longer, to see the merchandise the Elements’ team can show them in an hour.
Silhouette shades are designed to see out, but when closed, provide privacy and light blocking. Retracted, the shade and hardware disappear for an unencumbered view outside.
Even though we’re not seeing any green grass outside doesn’t mean it’s too early to start thinking about an outdoor living space.
“It will be spring before you know it, and there’s nothing we like better than unveiling our outdoor furniture, which will be in the store soon,” says Sorbe. “It can be anywhere from a six- to eight-week lead time for custom pieces, so if your resolution to refresh is happening on your patio or deck, it’s not too soon to start planning.“
Sorbe suggests bringing in the shape and dimensions of your outdoor space so the Design Team can create scaled renderings. Furniture placement – even the location of pots, side tables and outdoor lamps – is decided before the snow melts, and the homeowner knows exactly how the outdoor space will come together.
“If we have the dimensions and details, like doors or window placement, we create scaled drawings of layout options and furniture placement, not just for outdoor spaces but for any room in a client’s home,” says Sorbe. “We’re all visual, so being able to see how the room will be arranged … touching and feeling the fabric … really helps our clients make the best choices.”
Performance fabrics, like Sunbrella, and specially designed cushions mean outdoor living furniture rivals the best indoor pieces in comfort, style and durability.
To “see” how your space can come together, schedule a consultation with the Design Team at The Elements in Storm Lake or at Prairie Trail in Ankeny.
