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A new coat of paint can refresh and revitalize any room in your house. Paint is also a very cost effective way to change the look of a room. The best part about interior painting is that almost anyone can do it all you need is the right material and a little bit of knowledge.

Painting Supplies
Your supply needs will vary depending upon the room that you are painting and the type of paint that you are using, but here is a basic list to get you started:

Paint
After you choose a color, you will also need to choose a finish. The finish determines how shiny the paint will be. Choices include flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Flat finish is hard to wipe clean and should only be used in low traffic areas that will not attract dirt. Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss finishes are easy to wipe clean and can be used almost anywhere. Gloss finish is very shiny and is best reserved for small areas such as trim or molding.

Paint Applicators
Paint rollers and brushes are necessities. A good paint roller can paint an entire room. Choose one that has a fair amount of nap to it-- the thicker the better. When it comes to brushes, everyone has their own individual preference. A small angle brush works well for trim and corners. A three inch flat brush or a paint pad will work well for the places that a paint roller can not reach. 

Miscellaneous Supplies
In addition to paint and paint applicators, you may also need drop cloths, cleaning rags, paint trays, spackle, sandpaper, and a putty knife (if your walls are damaged and need repair), and a ladder or stepladder. The ladder will need to be sturdy and stable to support your movements. Try choosing a ladder with a wide base or a flared bottom like on a Little Giant Ladder.

Painting Tips
When painting, the most important thing you can do is take your time. If you move too fast, things could get sloppy. Also important, is the prep work. Your painting project will go much smoother if you are properly prepared prior to painting. Here are some tips that can help:

1. Make sure that you have everything you need by organizing all of your supplies before you start painting.
2. Protect your furniture from paint splatters by moving it or covering it up.
3. Use low-tack masking tape to tape off baseboards and trim. Remove the tape before the paint dries.
4. Paint the walls before painting trim or woodwork.
5. Do not apply a second coat of paint until the first coat has dried.

This week I am excited to share a special guest post from one of our favorite contributors, Alice Robertson of Tidyhome.info  She shares some great tips on how to create an optimal home office!  

Do you work from home full- or part-time? If so, a place where you can work comfortably and productively is a must. Even if your workspace is just a go-to for your side gig, designing it properly will keep you going strong. The following tips and resources will help you create a home office with your personal and professional success in mind.


Places and Spaces


Choosing the right spot to work can make a big difference. For the best energy and focus, think about the following components:

• A spot that’s free of distractions is typically ideal.
• Consider converting your basement, dining room, or even your garage.
• If you still can’t find the right space, it might be time to upsize your home, so figure out what you can afford.

Solutions for Your Space


Sometimes the ideal workspace doesn’t present itself right away. You might need to do some additional tweaking to work things out.

• If noise is an issue, you can install soundproofing or wear noise-canceling headphones.
• For rooms doing double duty, there are plenty of ways to divide the space.
• If you want to add a little flair to your walls without having to commit to paint, check out the different replaceable (and stylish) wallpaper options on the market.
• Need help designing your workspace? Give the professionals at Toscano Interiors a call.

Creature Comforts


Physical discomfort will get in the way of your productivity, so ensure peak performance with a few ergonomic essentials:

• Determine your ideal desk height.
• A well-designed chair can alleviate back strain.
• Hours at a computer take a toll without the right mouse and keyboard.

Safe and Sound


The last thing you want is to put your household or livelihood at risk. There are plenty of great ways to resolve security issues for your home office and provide peace of mind.

• Install a home security system to help prevent break-ins.
• Keep cyber criminals at bay with well-thought-out digital security.

Whether you’re hitting the daily grind from home or just picking up a few hours here and there freelancing, your home office should be set up for success. Optimize your productivity and comfort with these simple tips and resources.

There's no doubt Colorado Springs real estate market is a HOTTT one, but that doesn't mean you should get lazy and skip one of the biggest factors in selling your home- home staging.  According to RESA, 85% of staged homes sold for 5-23% over list price in 2020*.  Just because our market is absolutely insane shouldn't mean leaving money on the table.  Which is why Karl Kennedy with Projectortop.com has come up with 4 home staging tips you can try yourself, or of course call us the professionals at Toscano Interiors- with over 300 homes staged, (we know what we are doing) and would love to help!

So once you have decided it is time to sell your home, you want the home to sell quickly and for the most money possible. The best way to help your realtor accomplish this is to stage your home so that it stands out from the crowd. When it comes to updates and staging, being strategic is critical. The whole purpose of good staging is to get potential buyers to imagine themselves living there. So, where to begin?


Why Staging Is Important
The numbers don’t lie. According to a National Association of Realtors (NAR) survey, 49% of buyers’ agents believe staging affects their buyers’ decision to buy and 77% say it is easier for buyers to visualize living in the home. The NAR also reports that staged homes sell for up to 5% more than unstaged homes, and they sell quicker.


Staging Tip 1: Empty and Clean
By removing personal items and clutter, your home will appear larger than it really is. So box these items up and get them out of the home entirely. Buyers aren’t interested in buying your personal family memories. Once you have boxed these items up, store them somewhere other than in the home. Stuffing the boxes in the garage or the basement will just make that area look cluttered.


Once the clutter is gone it’s time to make everything sparkle. That especially means countertops, bathroom fixtures, and any carpeting. Air the home out if possible, or burn a few scented candles. Another great positive odor enhancer is to bake a fruit pie shortly before any showings.


Staging Tip 2: Light and Bright
Dust lampshades and light bulbs, open blinds, clean the windows, and wipe down any mirrors. Consider replacing light bulbs with ones that are slightly brighter and of a whiter shade. Bright rooms always seem more inviting.


Staging Tip 3: Stage Important Rooms First
Many people think the kitchen should be the highest staging priority but the living room is the most important room to stage. Remove excess furniture to make the room seem larger. Next concentrate on the master bedroom, then the kitchen. If your home has a family room with a large screen TV or home theater projector, have a music video playing in the background as a mood setter.


If your furniture is not in perfect condition, or it has already been moved to a new home, rent a few pieces from a rental or staging company. Position furniture away from the walls, a technique known as “floating”. The look you are after is cozy and comfortable. A vase full of fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit is always a nice touch.


Staging Tip 4: Curb Appeal
Once the interior is set, it’s time to dress up the outside. It doesn’t take a lot of effort. A new welcome mat at the front door, maybe a potted plant also, clean flowerbeds with trimmed greenery, and a clean swept deck or patio with a few outdoors furniture pieces. It stands to reason to keep the lawn mowed if you are selling during warmer months. Also you should power-wash any sidewalks or pathways.


Staged Homes Stand Out
These staging tips will help you sell your home for more money and in a faster period of time. None of them require a significant outlay of cash and they can easily be completed in a weekend. Staging is one of the best things you can do to get your home ready for the market.

About the Author:
​Karl Kennedy is the author of Projectortop.com
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​#homestagingtips #realestatetips #interiordesign #homesforsalecolorado #homedesign #homestagingworks #coloradospringsstagers #coloradospringsdesigners

​Costco is known for selling bulk quantities of merchandise at discounted prices. Something many may not know is that this large retailer also offers a range of home-decor pieces and furniture.
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As an Interior Designer, I am here to recommend some must have pieces to include in your spaces throughout your home.
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Glenbrook Leather Sofa
The Glenbrook sofa is a beautiful piece of furniture. I love this sofa for the timeless and elegance style it can bring to a space. The tufting over the back and arms creates a modern touch to such a classic design. This piece can also be used to various design styles from industrial, modern, classic, even rustic. For comfort this couch passes. Each cushion is double-wrapped and is removable. They rest on a no-sag spring platform which helps ensure support and comfort! This is a nice feature as we want aesthetically pleasing pieces while being comfortable.

Tresanti 47" Adjustable Height Desk
With still a majority of people working from home, the Tresanti Adjustable Height Desk is a must have for any home office! The simplicity of it makes it work with any design style while staying functional. You have the power to find the exact height that works best for you, whether you are standing or sitting.
As most of us know by now, we should not be sitting in an office chair all the hours that we spend at work. For some standing will help alleviate back or neck pain, especially
after sitting for so long. I had recently bought this at my local Costco for my mother, who has back issues. Sitting at her desk, even with a nicer ergonomic chair, her back would still hurt. She found that standing helped a lot with her back pain and suffered less.

Chinchilla Faux Fur Pillow
These Faux Fur Pillows can be used to add warmth and texture to a couch. There are three different colors; ivory, chinchilla, or black. This allows you to use these pillows with almost every design style. While the chinchilla is perfect for any rustic, industrial, or contemporary spaces, the Ivory is perfect for modern, industrial, rustic, contemporary, and bohemian. The black is perfect for any of those as well.
I had bought a few of these for my couch currently in the basement to add some texture and to have the space feel cozy. These are perfect for that!

Element Hand Finished Wall Art
Beautiful paintings such as this wall art from Costco adds a beautiful focus and texture to a space. The painting itself is dimensional from the thickness of the paint and technique of painting which makes this perfect for a living room, bedroom, or dining room. Adding dimension and texture helps move the eye around the room and focus in on the details of the art.
This piece ties perfectly for any modern, rustic, contemporary, and industrial style rooms. While this is a statement piece, it is not overbearing and will flow nicely with any space.

Elements Metal Vase
These striking decorative metal vases bring a nice touch to any coffee table, sofa table, or dining room table. The weathered blue and grey rustic finish make these decor pieces a suitable accent for any farmhouse, rustic, or contemporary styled rooms.
The vases come in two sizes, paired together to add interest and scale variation. Perfect to display any faux or dried flowers, or simply just by themselves.


All these items I recommend from professional views as an Interior Designer, but as well as personal views. I have experience and knowledge of each item and have been pleased with them all. Costco has wonderful decor pieces for the price and quality. 

Wanting to know the best places to shop for your home, where you'll get the most bang for your buck?  Contact us today, and schedule a complimentary 30 minute phone consultation!  

-Lara Stover, Junior Designer at Toscano Interiors

It's November, and how fitting this next blog post is, which just so happens to be a guest article, from Jim Williams, with On-Site Property Management.  For the month of October, my design topic was 'Planning For The Holidays'.  Keeping along that theme, but incorporating November's topic, 'Christmas', Jim shares with all of you some great holiday decorating ideas...for renter's.  


The holiday season is the time of the year when people are able to spend the most time with their family and friends. That’s when neighbors are friendliest, there are lots of gifts, plenty of food to share, and time away from the daily stress of life. And the buildup to the season is just as enjoyable as the holidays themselves; half the fun is the excitement of decorating your home. Many people relish the chance to go back to being children for just a few days of the year.


But when you live in a rented home, your experience may be a little different from the experience of someone living in their property. You are somewhat limited in the options you have for decorating the house, condo, or apartment.


You have to think about how your decorations could damage the landlord's property or affect other people in the building. Landlords are usually wary of tenants hanging ornaments on their property and often include this in the lease agreement.


From the point of view of a tenant, this clause could put a damper on your decorating ideas and make the holiday season a little less enjoyable. But from an owner's perspective, there are good reasons to do this.


Allowing tenants to put nails in the walls of a rental will damage and devalue their property. But just because your landlord has placed limitations on what you can do when decorating the home, he or she has not barred you from decorating altogether.


There are things you can do to get your home into the holiday season without violating the property owner's restrictions. Here are some important considerations and tips for when you are putting up holiday decorations in a rented apartment.


Keep your neighbors in mind



This is particularly important when you live in a multi-family rental or a condo. You have to think about how your decorations will affect other people in the building. But even if the rental is a single-family dwelling, considering neighbors' well-being is still important.


As a general rule, it is best to avoid decorations that obstruct pathways, disturb the peace, or anything that could fall on people. Be careful of motion-detecting ornaments that play music when someone passes, putting decorations on your balcony railing (they could fall and hurt someone), as well as low-hanging decorations that block the way.


Avoid fire and injury hazards
Decorative lights use electricity and that makes them a risk. There is a huge chance that your lights could start a fire or shock somebody. There is also a possibility that lights that are not firmly secured can get dislodged and become a tripping hazard.


The first step to ensuring that your holiday lights are safe is to buy quality lights; the cheap stuff may not have passed quality control. If the lights are going to be hung outside, make sure they are rated for outdoor use. Before you hang the lights and switch them on, make sure to test them first.


Do not damage the walls and doors
Many tenants take issue with their landlord's refusal to let them hang things on the walls using nails. They feel they are left with no way of placing their pictures, ornaments, or decals on the walls of the rental. But this is only because people assume that the only way to hang stuff on walls is by using nails. There are lots of options for placing decorations on the walls, doors, and, windows which do not involve making holes in the property. Here are a few of them.

• Suction hooks and clips

Suction hooks and clips will stick to any surface that is smooth, flat and clean. They can be used on glass, wood, or other smooth surfaces, in place of screw hooks. They are strong enough to hold lightweight decorations in place.

• Adhesive hooks

Adhesive hooks work the same way as suction cups; they can be used on any clean, smooth, and flat surface. After the holidays, you can peel them away without leaving any marks. Use them to hold stockings, wreaths, and strands of light.

• Frames for hanging lights​

This is a plastic frame that you press in place between the windowsill and the top jamb. They can be customized to fit any window size. And there are clips on the plastic frame for holding mini lights (not LEDs) in place.

• Brick clips

Brick clips are designed to hold heavier decorations in homes where there is a brick wall or fireplace. The metal clips grab onto the top and bottom parts of the brick without damaging the façade. They have two small hooks for hanging things lights, stockings, or wreaths.

• Window clings

Window clings use static electricity to adhere themselves to your windows. They are a great way to decorate windows and mirrors. They can be peeled away after use without leaving any marks.


We hope these tips will give you some holiday decorating ideas to enjoy your holidays in your rental. Have fun!


#holidaydecoratingtips #decoratingtipsforrenters #homedecoratingtips #homedecor #renters #decor #interiordesigntips #designtipsforrenters #coloradospringsdesigners #homedesignerscolorado #Novemberdesigntopic 

Holy shit! I can’t believe it's only a month before Thanksgiving! Time is flying! Then Christmas will be here before we know it.  However, I think it is safe to say we are all excited to get 2020 over and behind us.

For me personally, it has been a crazy couple weeks with design appointments, interviews for my new designer position, homeschooling 4 kids, and I still have several more weeks of design appointments before I can get excited about taking a few days to relax and spend time with family and close friends.

I'm thinking about hosting holidays at our home this year, so I wanted to spend my day today making my home cozy and beautiful. It's snowing today, so there's no reason for me to go outside, nor do I want to.  You may be wondering why would I care about how my house looks and feels a month before the holiday season officially begins. If there is one thing I have learned from COVID, it is I DO have a little more time to plan things, where as before it would have been a very different scene….. most likely where I spend the whole day of, running around like a chicken with my head cut off, trying to find just the right napkins, plates, name tags, flowers, etc. for the perfect holiday dinner.  The day would then conclude with me frantically screeching into the driveway, unloading bags of “stuff” I don’t need, feeling incredibly stressed and probably picking a fight with my husband because he is sitting on the couch with his feet up doing exactly what the holidays are all about… relaxing and enjoying himself!

Over the years I have had to learn about the “art” of being not only a happy host, but also a happy guest at my own party.

Something else I've learned from COVID is how quickly the things we once took for granted were taken away...quickly. No more birthday parties, weddings were cancelled, vacations (not us) cancelled, dinner parties and date nights forbidden, the list goes on and on. Once we were "allowed" to have those moments back (with limitations), I realized a great occasion is really about presence.  Even if we’re surrounded by the very best and beautiful things, we can’t enjoy them if we don’t have the presence of mind to truly be in the moment.

Whether you are going to be the host or a guest the year (because WE WILL NOT LET THEM CANCEL OUR HOLIDAYS), the most important element for a Happy Holiday gathering is your presence, more so this year than any.

When we are present (instead of perfect), we have such a greater chance at enjoying everyone around us, dancing with unexpected twists ’n turns, and most importantly being grateful for what we have.
With all that being said though….

There are many tangible things we actually CAN do to help ourselves be more centered and grounded this holiday season.

Below are some of my favorite tips for being both a fabulous host and guest this holiday season!  I hope you find these helpful and be sure to share any other tips and tricks you may have of your own in the comments below!

Wishing you a beautiful, peaceful and fun holiday season with your family and friends!
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Holiday Planning Tips For Hosts

Look at lighting. 
Beautiful lighting can create a sense of warmth, connectedness, and flow. Adorn your home with candles, soften those overhead lights, and make it cozy!

Think about who’s coming, and what would make them most comfortable. 
Would your guests get squeamish if you asked them to take turns saying what they’re grateful for? Then don’t do it! Tailor your plans for your guests’ comfort: from the food to the activities to the seating arrangements.

Be a peaceful leader. 
As the host, your presence truly ripples out to everyone there. If you’re stressed about the turkey or anxious about Uncle Jack, your guests will pick up on this, and be stressed, too. However, if you’re calm (and not just pretending to be calm!), everyone else will relax. Plan for everything to be ready and settled 20-30 minutes before your guests arrive, so you can put up your feet, read a magazine, and enjoy the calm.

Ask for and receive support. 
(Disclosure- this is a struggle for me) Get creative with this! Can you have someone come clean your house the day before or after? Could you book a massage the day before? What about cooking the turkey in the morning, then watching a movie before everyone arrives? Accept support from others before, during, and after the event. (Often, tension as a host comes from a reluctance to receive support, believing we have to “do it all” ourselves. This is complete bullshit! When you ask for help (or receive it graciously when it’s offered), you’ll invite others to take care of themselves, too … which leads to more presence and peace … and that’s where the real magic of a gathering begins!

Shift your furniture to facilitate connection. 
Create little areas for different-sized conversations. That lone chair you read in? Pull up a companion for it, so two people can have an intimate conversation. Create larger and smaller arrangements so different sized groupings of people can talk easily.

Adorn your home with intentions. 
Every time I light a candle, I say a little intention (for joy, ease, love, etc). So when my guests arrive and there are lots of candles in my home, they’re actually walking into a meadow of meaning! This way, even if my guests aren’t the kind of people who’d love sharing appreciations or setting intentions out loud, I’ve already enjoyed this ritual, in my own way.  I also suggest smudging your home beforehand too.  Start at the front door of the home and light your smudge stick. Then, begin to move around the home. Move mindfully and with care, walking clockwise around the entire perimeter of the home. Be sure to allow the smoke to drift into even the hidden spaces, like inside closets, basements and dark corners.  When you arrive back at the front door, chant your final mantra or prayer. Visualize the entire home is filled with bright white sunlight. Then speak your intention one last time to close the smudging ceremony.

Play soft music. 
I think of music as the thread that weaves an event together. We want it to be soft enough so it doesn’t steal the show, but pleasant enough to set a beautiful mood.

Make time for your favorite parts. 
For the reasons I mentioned above, you can imagine that Vince (my husband) used to hate it when I hostessed parties. I ran around like a crazy person, attending to all the details — and it wasn’t fun for anyone. When I finally realized that in order to create an enjoyable experience for my guests, I needed to enjoy myself too, everything changed! For me, this meant identifying my favorite parts of hostessing, and making time for them. Back then, I would spend so much time cooking (which I didn’t love), that I’d run out of time to do my favorite: make things beautiful! Now, I’ve learned to get support for the cooking, so I can spend more time doing what I do best and love: creating a beautiful environment for the gathering. Take a moment to identify what you love most about hosting, and find creative ways to make more time for it.

Holiday Planning Tips For Guests

Be present. 
Even if you aren’t the host, you can show up as a leader: model presence, love, and calm for everyone around you. You’ll have a better time — and so will they! Take a few minutes before you leave the house to breathe, relax, and set the intentions to have a wonderful time.

Be helpful. 
Calmly offer to help your host, in small, creative ways — like setting the table, pouring drinks, or cleaning up. Be sensitive to the fact that your host may not want to receive help, though; if taking care of everything is a source of pride for them, don’t deprive them of it.  

Be responsible for your own comfort. 
If you need a break, take one. If you get cold, put on a sweater. If you’re allergic to nuts, make sure you don’t eat any.  If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, wear it. If you feel more comfortable and free without a mask, then don't.  It sounds simple, but taking responsibility for your own needs is actually one of the most helpful things you can do. Strive to care for yourself gracefully — and you just might inspire others to do the same. This will help everyone have a better time (including the host!).

Be open. 
Things probably won’t go exactly as you imagined. Go with the flow: embrace that new tradition, try that new recipe, have a talk with that new friend.

Be grateful. 
Hosting a big gathering takes a ton of work, so be sure to thank your host. Share specific things you enjoyed and appreciated. Let them know that you know how much work they put into things, and how grateful you are.

Whether you’re the host or the guest this holiday season (or staying solo!), take a few moments to set intentions for yourself, get grounded, and truly arrive.

Then let the magic and merriment begin! 
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#planningfortheholidays #octoberdesigntopic #interiorcoaching #lifecoaching #lifestylebydesign #interiorcoach #mindfullness #holisticdesign #holisticdesigner #coloradodesigner #livewithpurpose
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