Learn all about what’s hot in design and decor for new homes with our Decor Pro, Kimberly Bianchi.
Kim’s helpful advice and assistance is one of the many OPUS Differences. With her personal attention and deep understanding of the construction process, she’s able to help homeowners envision their dream home!
One of the many advantages of buying a new home is that you can incorporate as many modern designer trends and technologies as you want to. Since your home is built from the ground up, it’s an ideal opportunity to have things done now that might cost a lot more to change later. Not only will your home show off your personal style, upgrades can help it sell for more and faster, down the road.
In the OPUS Homes Decor Studio, Decor Pros can help you in a number of ways:
• We can show you the most common upgrades that your neighbours are adding to their homes. This knowledge can help you better compete with your neighbours at resale time.
• By bundling together items, we work with trades and suppliers to get you competitive pricing on pre-wiring, electrical, appliances, cabinetry, plumbing, lighting and flooring upgrades.
• We can help you envision a home that is more elegant and functional than you ever imagined.
Go ‘Big’
Who doesn’t love the expansive feeling that extra height lends a home? This detail is often shown in upgraded builder model homes, but sadly forgotten at the time of upgrade. The larger windows add more natural light, and the expansive archways and doors have a luxurious feel. Try adding more height to make a future renovated basement a well-loved family space, or on the second floor for better light, and ‘roomier’ bedrooms.
According to OPUS Homes Construction Manager Alex Reid, in most cases extra height can be accommodated with ease. “Be sure to advise your Decor Pro early in the process, because once framing is done, it’s too late,” says Reid.
Your Home’s LBD
Your favourite LBD (or little black dress) goes with everything. It’s an investment piece that you can dress up or down and is perfect for any occasion. Your appliances should hold the same timeless appeal and go with everything. Many of us remember the popular 70’s ‘avocado’ fridge and stove combo!
While stainless steel is still really popular, many people are coming back around to black. It’s easy to keep clean and can look great, even as your tastes change over the years.
We’re looking forward to seeing new kitchen appliances ‘back in black’.
According to Eli Yerushalmi at the Brick, “Appliances are a long term investment, so it’s ideal to design your kitchen around them. At the Brick, we work with OPUS Homes’ Decor Pros to be sure that your new appliances fit into your new kitchen perfectly.”
Wired for Sound
Second in importance after changing your ceiling heights, stop to think what you might want to change later, and wire for it now. This can save big headaches down the road, as patching drywall is dirty business.
Think about whole home audio, smart touch controls, pre-wiring for alarms and much more. Your smart phone is not only a communications device. It’s also the perfect way for you to control temperature, lighting, alarms, and locks.
“With OPUS Homes Decor Studio, we will work directly with homeowners to be sure that they get ‘wired’ exactly how they want. Then, we’ll explore some of the new technologies with them to show them all the possibilities,” says Emilio Pacitto of Maxguard Alarms. “Clients love the smart home technology that allows them to control their homes from their phones,” he added.
More Space = More Fun!
Finishing your basement gives you endless possibilities for growing families, so it’s a good idea to talk to your builder about finishing yours. With this ‘bonus’ space, it’s time to get creative! Finished basements make ideal games rooms, home theatre spaces, fitness studios and wine rooms.
For those who like to entertain extended family or guests, a second kitchen in the basement means you can take meals to a whole new level.
And for those who opt for a finished basement, it’s worth a repeat: you can upgrade your ceiling heights in many cases. This will give you more natural light with bigger windows, and a more spacious feel.
Restore Sanity
Families wind up with a lot of stuff. Make spaces for dedicated places for things. Talk to our Decor Pro about storage solutions that go beyond cabinets. Built-in closet organizers and cubbies belong in the mudroom, foyer, laundry rooms and more.
Then, take it one step further: your garage!
“We take tremendous pride in your home, and we want it to be exactly the home you’ve always dreamed of,” says Reid. “A few changes early on can make move in day that much more incredible.”
