Susan Corvo Redesign

Is getting your home holiday-ready a treasured task, filled with nostalgia and charm, or a tough chore? Whether you start counting down to beloved holiday traditions months in advance or have a case of the “bah humbugs”, having a plan for organizing and decorating make the whole process so much easier, time effective and enjoyable! As one who embraces everything about the December cheer (except, perhaps, the New England cold temps), I am happy to share some (sparkly) nuggets of wisdom to transform your pumpkin spice interiors into happy holiday havens. Highlight, Don’t Compete Your decorations should complement your home’s layout and function. Avoid overcrowding and ensure there’s enough room for people to move comfortably during festive gatherings and everyday life. Make sure to Choose a tree that fits your space. A towering fir in a small living room might turn into an obstacle course. Opt for one that’s proportionate and place it where it can shine without hindering foot traffic. Wreath Wrestling Wreaths are timeless: real or artificial, traditional or eclectic. Where you hang them matters. Best Spots: Solid doors, small walls, or above fireplaces. For fireplaces, ensure they’re not too close to flames for safety. Avoid Glass Doors: Wreaths on glass often show their less attractive reverse side. Instead, hang them where they can be fully appreciated. Reuse and Repurpose It’s tempting to purchase just one more knickknack, centerpiece or decoration. (I mean, who can resist more sparkly greenery, felt pompom garland, or awesome candle?) But the best designs, memories and experiences often start with what you already have and love! Classic Ornaments: Display vintage baubles in a modern glass bowl or jar for a stylish centerpiece. Let it Stand Out: Elevate your nativity scene on a footed cake stand for an elegant touch. Cornucopia of Light: Combine menorahs of different sizes in a group for a striking display and switch up candle colors each day for variety. Repurposing isn’t just sustainable—it’s also a great way to connect with meaningful items and lifelong sentiments. Au Naturel...or Not! There’s something magical about natural holiday elements, but they’re not always practical. Live Decor: Fresh greens, floral arrangements, and beeswax candles create the ultimate warm holiday vibe, especially with a crackling fire. Artificial Options: For apartments, families with pets, young kids, or allergic types, artificial greens and flameless candles can mimic the charm without the risks. Conserve Energy and Money Decorating doesn’t have to drain your wallet or deplete the planet. Eco-Friendly Lights: Use warm-white LED lights for a flattering glow. Get the Lead Out: String lights should not have any frayed cords and should not contain lead for a toxic free, no risk glow. Timers: Put your displays on timers to save energy and avoid forgetting to turn them off. This leaves more room in the budget for holiday fun and gifts! Creative Color Variations Traditional red and green are classic, but you can tweak them to suit your interior style. Rich Reds: Mix shades like brick, cranberry, and cherry for depth. Greens: Experiment with kelly, pine, or even sage for a fresh twist. Neutral Tones: Add taupe or velvet accents Final words of advice: There is no wrong answer when it comes to holiday decorating. Get creative or stick to what’s always made your December joyful. That said, I always go “full Christmas” around my home and then…. take a few things away from each space or room to add balance, ensure everything gets its full due, and to complete a coordinated finished look. Happy holidays!

Great design stands the test of time. When all the elements of architecture and interior styling are harmonious, a home, office or retail space can look beautiful and function effectively for the long term. Naturally, there are elements that will be updated based on technological advancements, wear and tear and popular tastes. But with well-designed spaces, a foundational core aesthetic will guide these updates. How do you arrive at design that lasts? Build your spaces and select your furnishings around solid principles. Seek out experienced design professionals who can integrate your needs and tastes today into plans that are flexible enough for future occupants to make their own. Avoid relying solely on what’s super trendy to drive your decision-making. Let’s review some examples of when design could go askew and how I have addressed similar challenges. Don’t Ignore the Basics There is nothing wrong with pushing boundaries in your design if basic principles adhered to: The design is functionally strong with well-designed zones and good flow The scale and proportion are right between ceiling height, room size, furniture heft, as well as the people who will occupy the spaces The amount of natural light, connection to the outdoors and window views are optimized The spaces are livable and comfortable to live, work and entertain in The architecture and engineering are structurally sound; layout and materials are sustainable and durable Sometimes there is a tension between these principles and the homeowner’s vision. For instance, consider the clients who want full open concept and airiness in older, traditional homes. I love opening and connecting spaces — bringing modernity, flow and freshness to contrast into disjointed rooms — but removing too many interior boundaries (both visually and practically) is not advisable. I’ve seen open concept design that was executed without regard for basic principles and the outcome was an aimless hodgepodge. The resulting home was stripped of its historical features and context (and probably some of its intrinsic value), lacked a logical flow and activity zones, needed more cabinetry and wall space for furniture placement and art, and forgot to factor in any need for privacy. This underlines the importance of clients doing the upfront work with an experienced interior designer and other professionals to produce the look and feel they want balanced with the structure, layout and furnishings that will endure. Stay Uniquely Desirable Another role of the designer is to steer clients toward evergreen choices, spaces and furnishings that work today, tomorrow and even for future buyers of the home. Highly personal choices may not translate well into the future or when the home is for sale to homeowners with different tastes. For example, a room with an overly themed design (such as a space theme for a child’s bedroom or a very distinctive music collection-inspired living room) may not work as tastes change, children grow or appeal to future buyers, who might prefer something more neutral or adaptable. Pulling down built ins, repainting or redesigning these rooms can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if wallpaper or unique finishes are difficult to remove. Again, this is not to suggest that a client shouldn’t add their own flair, select distinctive favorite colors, or use a space for a specific, albeit unusual, function. Everyone’s homes and workspaces should elicit joy! Rather, designers should help clients consider the long-term viability of their spaces and the future costs of updating or renovating as needs change. Weigh Your Trend Options Designers innovate, popular styles evolve, social norms change… and “everything old is new again” certainly describes the ongoing mid-century modern craze. As a homeowner, you should freely embrace trends when they meet functional needs, match with your vision, and when they deliver good quality for the price points. However, in recent years I’ve found some trendy choices, in both broad design and specific items that I think need to be deeply considered or further researched/improved before committing. Open shelving , especially in kitchens, has been a popular trend for a while now. Pros: Great for displaying favorite dishes, glassware or decorative items. Cons: Takes a commitment to dusting and tidying if items are in use. Can become cluttered and, over time, items can look dated. The ultra-minimalist, all-neutral vibe is ubiquitous. Pros: Sophisticated, minimalist interiors and neutrals can be really beautiful, dramatic, rich and/or calming. Cons: Minimalism can feel too impersonal or sterile if it’s devoid of personal touches, pops of color or lacks layered textures. There needs to be a balance of warm neutrals to avoid the museum feeling and make it approachable for the next potential owner. Smart homes, appliances and devices are no longer a futuristic vision or only for the rich and famous. Pros: The ability to optimize your home cooling and heating, adjust your music volume, or turn off your oven via your smart phone is great for convenience, safety, economics and the environment. Cons: Avoid buyer's remorse. Think about whether the “smart” factors are actually overengineering a simple task and creating costs that might not be worthwhile for you. (How important is it for you to see inside your refrigerator or program the heat on your toilet seat?) Also, interfaces and sensors can be glitchy, so do your research on items like automatic faucets before purchasing. Finally, consider how new the technology is and how often it changes before determining what you’re going to build into your home. Open-concept bathrooms , with minimal or no walls separating the shower from the rest of the bathroom or bedroom, are a trend in luxury homes and modern apartments. Pros: Creates a sleek, spa-like feeling. There are no shower curtains, doors or small water closets to break up the open, luxurious space. Cons: Impractical for a family or future homeowners who value privacy. Many people may not want to shower in full view of the rest of the bedroom or the living space. Additionally, it can be tough to keep such spaces clean, as splashing water and steam can affect the rest of the room. Designing spaces that you and future owners will love for generations should be a creative and collaborative process, driven both by what you love and need. Optimizing the function and value of the home requires a balance of vision, budget and experience. This ensures the proper consideration of fundamentals, accounting for functionality and injection of creativity.

Throughout the course of any of my design projects, the bulk of my energy is spent on the big, fundamental aspects of the home or office. Designing room layouts, moving walls, configuring cabinets, selecting flooring, lighting, appliances and fixtures — these are the building blocks of every client engagement. However, creating living and working spaces that fulfill functional needs, align with clients’ tastes, and offer a good return on investment is not all that differentiates each design. It’s the highly personal touches that truly make each job unique and raise each client’s “joy quotient.” These don’t have to be expensive purchases or customizations, just details that feel special every time they are seen or used. Let me share some of the examples that our clients totally love. Kitchen Organization Nirvana A kitchen is the nexus of home activity whether a client is a master chef or a take-out king. Based on how the kitchen is used, by whom, plus the personal style and habits of the homeowner(s), the meaningful extras could be: Drawer inserts for knives (to keep them out of sight, in size order and sharp) or customized to a specific array of utensils and serving pieces. Cabinet dividers that keep clunky cutting boards and baking sheets easy to see and access. Spice organizers that slide out so every jar is quickly found — especially if the more compulsive among us keep them alphabetized. A separate hot beverage station with designated storage or display for coffee beans, tea bags, mugs and, maybe, a minifridge for milk. Coffee machines can look sleek and attractive no matter the price point but some of the high-end espresso makers are works of art. One or two glass front cabinets to display favorite barware, art objects, bowls, cookbooks or knickknacks. A brightly colored standing mixer that is the center of a baker’s world! A refrigerator drawer for juice pouches and kids snacks. Bathroom Spa-aaah What elevates a basic bathroom experience? The possibilities are endless and it’s so much fun collaborating with clients to create a heavenly atmosphere for each time they bathe, shower, get dressed or, um, “ascend the throne.” A few of my favorite ideas: Heated floors which are easy to install and are completely programmable. Heated towel racks for a warm post-shower embrace. Give your routines a bright boost with a quality adjustable makeup mirror and a lighted medicine cabinet. Installing an adjustable shower head and maybe some extra jets to get squeaky clean and enjoy a relaxing water massage. Even a tiny bathroom gets a boost from some very ornate or modern statement hardware. You can go super luxe if you only need a few knobs or pulls. Enhance the glam by building in a dressing or makeup table with great lighting, a statement bench or stool, and storage for all your cosmetics and hair products. Having hand soap and other products in pretty bottles can add just that minute attention to detail that makes a bathroom look complete. Don’t Sleep on These Bedroom Enhancements With the bed being the central room element, I’ve shared my love of linens in previous musings, so you know how many options there are for upping the bed ante like: Buying the best quality sheets that make sense for your budget. Look for good cotton, eco-friendly bamboo, soft jersey flannel or crisp linen. Adding one or two fabulously different decorative pillows to draw in the eye. Vary patterns, tones, colors or textures. Beyond the bed, how cool are… Built-in televisions that angle down from the ceiling or emerge up from a piece of furniture? Unique “statement” bedside lamps or sconces for style and comfortable reading? Awesome night table finds that are anything but ho-hum or matchy-matchy? Remote control blinds so you can check out the morning weather without leaving the comfort of your bed? Happily Working, or Working Out Making basement, attic, extra bedroom or other spaces into offices, gyms, and game or craft rooms is all about the special extras. Think about integrating these features harmoniously into the overall design of your home: Built-in cabinets that securely hold hand weights and store workout extras like bands and balls. Springy flooring. A sewing cabinet or fold up craft table. Surround sound Bluetooth speakers, either built-in or plug-in, high-tech or basic. Treadmill and variable height desks let you do your 10,000 steps while working on documents or presenting on Zoom. Our collaboration and needs exploration with clients helps uncover their design and lifestyle dreams. The relationships we build inspire me to find the unique extras that differentiate their home from any other, delivering quality design that’s a step above — and LOVE — to their spaces!

I recently relocated my home and office a few towns over. The process of packing/unpacking, organizing, moving, and renovating has certainly forced me to practice what I preach to my clients! It’s reinforced many of my core values about customizing design around individual taste and function, while balancing some tried and true principles, practicality and an eye for resale. So, before you move to a new home or office, let’s review the basics. Start with what you love Before you begin wrapping up and labeling breakables and setting aside valuables, walk around your current home. Reflect on what gives you a smile, a sentimental boost, a sense of calm or helps truly define your taste. Then ask yourself: Can I imagine my new home without these items? Take the “must haves” with you and we’ll incorporate them into your new spaces. Am I attached but I feel like it’s time to start fresh and style anew? Don’t let guilt or “what if” hold you back. Sell, donate or gift your item to be loved by someone else. Do I have cool items that are underutilized or hidden among my current décor? Whether decorative or functional, let’s think about giving them new life in your new home! Tackle a little organizing every day Even the most minimalist of us have lots of “stuff” that can be daunting to organize and move. (In my assessment you truly only regularly use 20 percent of what you have.) My approach is to start early, break up the home into manageable chunks and begin with the rooms and items you use least frequently. Throughout the process always have boxes handy for donations and or items to sell. Be tough and objective. Less is more. Honestly! My first-in-moving-boxes focus has generally been: Dining room – formal dinnerware, flatware, glasses, serving pieces, etc. Living room/library/den – fragile decorative items/tchotchkes, objets d’art, books Bar – glassware, infrequently used alcohol, shakers and trays Kitchen – serving platters, obscure (but occasionally needed) small appliances, extra sets of dishes Unused bathrooms and guest rooms including linens and towels Closets – out-of-season coats, shoes and boots, sweaters, sports equipment, holiday décor, etc. In my experience, if you’re doing it all yourself, remember the 80/20 rule. The first 80 percent of your possessions, only uses up 20 percent of your decision-making power and packing energy because it’s very clear what needs to be done. It’s the final 20 percent that can be disproportionately stressful — it’s more time sensitive, it’s composed of smaller uncategorized items, it’s things you need to use up until the last minute. So, the more you can clear out early, the more space you’ll have to work with in those final, inevitably chaotic days. On another note, painter’s tape and Sharpies can be your best friends. Be clear about what is in your boxes and their destination. Same is true for furniture, lamps, and rugs. Prioritize your new home’s projects If your new living spaces are in 100 percent move-in condition, congratulations! If not, embarking on what needs to be done to make it YOUR home is a matter of budget, timing and lifestyle. Only you know what you can live with and what you can afford in the short- and longer-terms. Some thoughts to get started: Are you a large family that’s all about eating together and your new home’s kitchen is kind of tired? Here are some options: Make a plan for a renovation so you can budget for the future work and also redesign with the future changes in mind. Consider replacing one or all of the cabinets, countertops and/or the backsplash without changing the footprint. Paint cabinets for a simple refresh. Can you tell the home was well-loved by pets and kids? Start life in your new home with a freshening. Paint, paint, paint to make the look and feel your own Refinish wood flooring Replace worn-out carpeting Do the bathrooms feel more-than-lived-in? Think about updating with some never-used bathroom furnishings and fixtures. Upgrade to sparkling new vanities and countertops; available at all price points and levels of customization Exchange the hardware for a low-budget makeover Install one high-end item like a towel warmer or beautiful light fixture to up the luxe factor It’s hard work but hopefully your move, like mine, lands you in spaces that give you joy, security and optimal functionality! I’m here to help refer the best movers who can handle any items and assist you in readying your new home for an efficient and happy transition.

If you’re like us, making the bed is never a chore. Smoothing the sheets, fluffing the pillows, assembling the shams and folding the comforter or coverlet “just so” gets our designer hearts pumping! Likewise, it is always a delight helping clients envision, source and assemble the perfect bedding to anchor each of their sleep spaces. Select the eye-catching, comfortable, quality bedding for you best night’s sleep by considering these factors: Spa Ah, Va-va-voom or Multipurpose Room Before building your bed design, focus on the vibe you are trying to achieve and your usage of the space. Also, think about the overall home style, your flooring and your wall paint to narrow down your options. How do you want to feel when you enter the room, when you go to sleep and when you awaken? The desire for a restful, calming neutrals-based sanctuary versus a room that feels energetic and vibrant will lead you in vastly different directions. Are you sharing the bedroom? Ensure both members of a couple have a voice and/or each child sharing a room will feel happy and function well with your choices. Is the room just for sleeping and dressing or does it serve other purposes such as an office or reading nook? If the latter, watch out for scale. You don’t want your bed and bedding to overcrowd the space — visually or literally. Talking Sheet New sheets are our easiest and most cost-effective bedroom makeover secret weapons. While you can never go wrong with basic white or cream, that may not be your thing and, again, the options for colors and patterns are infinite. With your goals in mind, we start by talking about sleep “feel” to narrow them down. In other words, is your sleep nirvana fabricated on a bed that is: Tightly made with crispier, stiffer sheets? Go with cotton percale or linen sheets. Soft and cloudlike? Purchase the highest thread count you can afford. Egyptian cotton is wonderfully luxurious. However, if you’re a hot sleeper, keep in mind that higher the thread counts may mean a less breathable fabric. Sensuously silky? Shop sateen cotton, bamboo or silk blends. You can find high-quality sheets at every price point from Costco and Target to newer online companies such as Boll and Branch and Brooklinen to luxury brands like Schweitzer Linen and Frette . Rotate between solids, patterns, stipes or mix and match between sets! Topping it Off Shopping for the perfect top layer is the fun part! Your quilt is the element that can sets the overall tone of the room, pulling it all together. Duvet covers are classic and washable. Additionally, you can change the inner comforter weight based on the season...though some folks struggle a bit to keep duvets from getting twisted if the insert isn’t exactly the same size. We adore a simple, solid or tone on tone duvet for a sophisticated look and feel. If monochromatic isn’t for you, add some pillows of differing shapes, patterns and complementary colors for movement, fun and depth. Comforters make bed-making easy and your bed inviting. Based on your preference, choose poly- or down-filled, puffy, tufted, pleated or flat. A classic stripe, geometric or fun nature-based pattern sets the mood. Quilts and coverlets are summer staples or bottom-of-the-bed winter accents. Depending on the edging, shape, sheen and texture, they can be uber formal or cottage casual. Whimsical designs are wonderful for youth and guest bedrooms, beach and ski houses, or to throw over a bedroom reading chair! We opt for the softest of cottons. Skirting the Issue If you don’t have a platform bed, bed skirts can hide an unsightly metal frame and give you a finished look. (You may also see them referred to as dust ruffles.) Bed skirts can be loose and flouncy, straight and tailored with neat pleats, or quilted with some dimension. A Susan Corvo Redesign favorite is the Standard Textile Circa bedwrap. It’s sturdy, easy-to-install, comes in many colors and truly mimics the look of a platform base. Send us your feedback on your favorite bedding products! Visit our website , post on our social pages or email susan@susancorvo.com with your comments and ideas! If your bedroom is feeling less than inspiring and you need help getting started on a refresh, contact us for a complimentary phone consultation.

In searching for unique solutions to clients’ goals and spatial, lifestyle and budgetary challenges, we have come across incredible products and services to integrate into our “go to” portfolio. So, in celebration of the season of fireworks, splashing in the waves and a thunderstorm or two, we’re making some noise this month and showcasing some of these cool things. Consider them for your next project — be it a one room redesign, an addition, a whole house renovation or a new build.* GE Advantium Technology Whether you’re a master chef, reheating take out or somewhere in between, an Advantium oven offers a multitude of awesome features. • It can function as a microwave, convection oven, toaster, broiler and speed oven • Over-the-range or wall oven styles available • Sleek design • Intuitive menus so you don’t have to refer to the user guide • Easy-to-clean cooking trays • While can be more expensive than a basic microwave, the additional functionality makes the Advantium a good value Our favorite thing: The speed cook is like magic! Using a combination of halogen heat and microwave, speed cook produces perfectly finished (and fast) meals. It crisps and browns fish, poultry and meat without overcooking the inside. Keeps food juicy without any of that weird microwave texture. Baked potatoes are soft and fluffy in minutes. And even the stickiest marinades clean in seconds. Macy’s Radley Sofas and Sectionals It’s not showy or highbrow, but what makes this sectional cool is its versatility, durability, affordability and neutral design. I recommend the Radley for clients redoing a family room, den, playroom or vacation home. • Clean lines work with a variety of interior design tastes and styles • Comes in a range of colors and the fabric is easily spot cleaned • Gets great reviews, including from households with young kids and pets • Configurable for large spaces or cozy nooks • Super comfy and deep cushions • Available with a chaise or sleep sofa to accommodate an extra guest or two (if you want to let the secret out 😊) • Some popular colors and sizes are in stock and ready to ship Our favorite thing: The sofa’s clean lines work with a variety of interior design tastes and styles. You can dress it up with more formal pillows, rugs and complementary furniture or keep it the fun and casual sofa you want to plop into, put up your feet and not worry about. served Vacuum-Insulated 2L Pitcher This pitcher is a bit of a splurge but worth it. It does double duty while looking adorable! Available online from the manufacturer or other major sites, the company also offers serving bowls. • The copper-lined interior keeps drinks at whatever temperature they start at — ice cold or steaming hot! • Stainless steel construction makes it great for indoor or outdoor gatherings • Tightly sealed lid and no condensation means you can travel with it full and not worry about spills Our favorite thing: Pick a color! The pitchers (and equally fabulous serving bowls) come in every color of the rainbow, plus metallics and neutrals. Buy them as housewarming or holiday gifts that deliver great style and utility! FLOR Carpet Tiles The creative design possibilities are endless with carpet tiles, so you can really think beyond the typical area rug. Whether solid or patterned, simple or dynamic, FLOR provides options and features that work in any space, even the most actively trafficked parts of the home or office. • Select from different piles and textures • Totally custom or pre-designed configurations and sizes available • Eco-friendly production, materials and policies • Cost effective and easy to clean because you can always replace just one tile Our favorite thing: FLOR allows you to build your own rug with their Design Studio tool. Enter your dimensions and start from a blank canvas, pattern template or pre-designed rug and customize from there. The tool calculates the price on the spot, so you can play around with different options. At Susan Corvo Redesign, we love to help our clients create these most unique floor coverings that really express their style! Vertical Spice Cabinet Organizers If you’re like us, constantly bringing home the latest intriguing new Trader Joe’s concoction, your spice cabinet may be getting really crowded and turning into a precarious pyramid of little bottles. With these organizers from Vertical Spice, you don’t have hunt around, taking things out and putting them back in, every time you need an ingredient. • The spice racks come in a variety of depths, heights and widths to optimize your cabinet space and fit a variety of bottle sizes • Racks slide out and the ends are acrylic for to easy label viewing • Comes fully assembled and is easy to install – all you need is a Phillips screwdriver • Self Help Product Selector guides you to the right size units for your space Our favorite thing: The bottles are held in place with flexible elastic bands, to accommodate a range of bottle shapes or sizes. Kind of like mini bungee cords! Replacement parts are readily available if needed. We welcome your user feedback on any of these or other cool stuff! Visit our website, post on our social pages or email Susan@susancorvo.com with your comments and ideas! *These are objective reviews. We do not have affiliate links or referral commissions on any of these products.

The past decade of home design has been dominated by gray. Gray paint, gray furnishings, gray stone, gray cabinets. Prevailing trends centered gray as the foundation of a clean, calm, neutral, universally attractive environment. In 2024, however, all the ubiquitous social media ins and outs lists are suddenly shunning this reliance on gray. What is the replacement color?...Whatever you, the homeowner, like! While silver, slate, charcoal and all mixes of gray-beige can create stunning interiors, we’re excited that the emphasis for color these days is on personal choice and individuality instead of mundane trends. Across the color wheel, any color can be successfully incorporated into your spaces. Explore colors that resonate with your style! Just consider some of these guidelines below to successfully incorporate your colors into your cohesive home design. Color Selection and Inspiration Experiment with samples: Always test paint samples on your walls before committing. Bring home fabric swatches. Colors can look very different under various lighting conditions, at different times of day and against different contrasts. Seek inspiration: Look at design magazines, online galleries and social media. Draw inspiration from items you love such as a vase, a piece of artwork, flowering plant, or even a favorite piece of clothing. Consult professionals: If you’re unsure, an interior designer can help guide your choices based on your tastes and lifestyle. Understanding Tone Colors have a profound impact on our emotions and moods. For instance, blues and greens are calming, while reds and oranges can energize a space. Certain yellows might be too stimulating for a bedroom but perfect for a kitchen or living area where you want to feel energized. Think about how you use a space and how you want to feel when you’re in it. Remember that you can always intensify or mute a color by mixing in primary colors, white or black until you find that just-perfect shade. Additionally, colors will look different based on the application and size. For example, fuchsia or lime green might delight in a velvet pillow, silk dining room chair seat fabric, or coffee table tray. Apply the same colors to a primary suite duvet or family room wall, and you might not get the same joyful effect. Balance and Flow To create a cohesive look, ensure there are elements of continuity between rooms. This doesn’t mean every room needs to be the same color, but there should be a harmonious transition from one space to the next. Some ideas: If a bold color dominates one room, consider bringing an accent of the same color into the next room or using the bold color in a complementary shade elsewhere in your home. Build a palette: Choose 3-5 colors that complement each other and use them consistently throughout your home. Balance bold and neutral: Pair bold colors with neutrals to avoid overwhelming the senses. Layer textures and patterns: Adding different textures and patterns can help balance colors and create a more dynamic space. Think Ahead When choosing colors, it’s important to consider your long-term plans. Are you planning to stay in your home for many years or is a move on the horizon? Bright, bold colors can be incredibly personal and might not appeal to everyone. That high gloss peacock blue fireplace, though super cool, might just be too personal and seem daunting to a future buyer. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, neutral colors can make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves in the space. For color that's not limiting, consider: Feature walls: Use bold colors on a single wall or in a small room that can be easily repainted, if necessary. Accessories: Incorporate bold colors through accessories like cushions, rugs and artwork that can be changed without too much hassle. Timeless choices: Opt for timeless color choices for larger, more permanent elements like cabinetry and shower tile. This doesn’t only mean white, beige or gray. Navy, black and earthy greens can also fit a broad aesthetic in cabinetry and accessible tile options are endless. Personalizing your home with color yields satisfying results when implemented strategically and with heart. If you need help navigating your route to color, talk to us! We can ask the right questions, truly listen and understand your point of view. With our understanding of the impact of color, we’ll create balanced spaces that flow and are welcoming, attractive and timeless!

Who says you must live within the confines of your home’s original layout, traffic flow and usage? Increasingly, homeowners are rethinking spaces to meet evolving needs for themselves, work and a multi-faceted family life. Whether an apartment, a center hall colonial, a midcentury ranch, split level, or any form of new build, you can decide the best use of the square footage! Here are some ideas for turning tradition upside-down for happy living. Dining Room Revision The years of reserving your formal dining room for “fancy” meals and holidays are past. Many households are eschewing the domain of grandma’s china and crystal for a more casual feel, refocused purpose, and a great connection to the kitchen and living spaces. And you don’t always have to move walls. Consider my clients who never used their dining room, except as a homework center and repository of day-to-day “stuff.” For them, we doubled down and turned it into a room-size pantry and kid center filled with organized cabinets and purposeful workspaces. It complements the big open kitchen but functions as a totally separate space. Likewise, other clients may opt for a totally open concept by opening up a wall to incorporate the dining room space into the kitchen. This can make room for a huge island, chef’s appliances, a large pantry and a ton of storage throughout. No Plastic Covers on the Sofa Remember Aunt Helen’s pristine living room with the “fancy” furnishings? The one you weren’t allowed to enter for fear of breaking something? What a waste of great space! While it’s wonderful to showcase treasured items, it’s even better to highlight them in a room that gets used. My clients are typically opting to make a living room live up to its name by using more family- and pet-friendly furniture, sticking to more casual fabrics and patterns, and adding a function beyond entertaining guests with canapes. Living rooms afford great spaces for home office nooks, TV corners, wet bars, libraries and game centers. Bygone Bedroom With all the options for hideaway bedding and convertible furniture, don’t hesitate to redesign an extra bedroom or guest suite around something other than hospitality. As we’ve discussed in past blogs, homeowners should have dedicated spaces for activities they are passionate about! Whether its crafts, music, writing or fitness, a refocused bedroom can create a sense of importance and joy. Even more dramatic, steal that space for a dream primary suite closet or bathroom if that fulfills your dreams! At Susan Corvo Redesign, we are only bound by the goals and budgets of our clients. If you are stumped by your current space, call Susan for truly innovative ideas. She thinks beyond the existing blueprint and historic use to create rooms that rock, homes that hum!