Wall Paint – For easy maintenance, use a minimum level of eggshell gloss (never flat) for light colors. The darker the color, the higher the gloss. For a tone like hunter green or burgundy use a semigloss, it adds a richness and depth while preventing chalking (those marks from anything against the wall.) Either neutral or tried and true classic colors are often ideal for resale.
Trim Paint – To maximize the architectural features of a room and frame it most effectively, use high gloss decorator white on your trim and moulding.
Ceilings – It can be marvelously effective with ceilings over 8’ to use graduated tints of your wall color instead of ceiling white. In tray ceilings
especially, this promotes the architectural feature.
Moulding – If your rooms lack interest and polish, adding crown and base moulding can be a cost effective solution. Be aware of proportion, an 8’ ceiling calls for about a 6” crown, whereas a 12’ ceiling can support a 8” crown. Don’t forget the base too, the deeper the better.
Carpet – Least maintenance and most durable is level loop (often called “Berber”). Keep your carpet neutral and consistent throughout for greatest flexibility and resale.
Rugs – Rugs are appropriate for every room and over wall to wall, not just hardwood. They will anchor a furniture grouping and add interest and softness. For size, the rule of thumb is that it should have all your furniture on it (such as a 9×12 in a family room) or all your furniture off it, (such as a 6×9 in the same room) the obvious exception being a coffee table or ottoman. Try to avoid the furniture resting half on/half off. Most dining rooms require at least an 8×10 rug to avoid the chairs “falling off.” The smaller rugs make great accents and you aren’t paying to cover it up with furniture! Rugs can also make a significant impact on acoustics in rooms with lots of windows and vaulted ceilings. They can even be changed seasonally for mood shift!
Lamps – An essential element in almost every room, lamps provide warmth and invitation. For best height, the bottom of the lamp shade should be at about eyelevel when you are seated. Maximize your flexibility with 3-way bulbs use pink tint, compliments are guaranteed.
