From Fixtures to Appliances - Designing Your New Home

by Ann Hayward 01/19/2020

Photo by Jean van der Meulen via Pixabay

You are nearing the end of a building project when your general contractor reminds you that it will soon be time to finalize your lighting, fixtures and appliances. You have been looking and saving different ideas for months, so it seems it should be easy to make your final decisions right? Here are a few ways to solidify your new accessories.

What Is Your Style?

It’s not uncommon to find yourself liking a variety of styles; however, it’s usually best to find a style that is most appealing to you and carry that style/theme throughout your home.

Did your last home have gold fixtures and now the trend seems to be silver or brushed bronze? Don't let the past define your future style. Be open-minded as you explore what new styles you might find yourself drawn to, and solidify the one that speaks most to your tastes.

Online Ideas

Online research can be very helpful. Is your style Old World, Traditional, Contemporary or cottage charm? With many styles to consider, you might feel a little overwhelmed. But before you know it, you’ll discover a style that brings a smile to your face. If Traditional is your choice, all you need to do is search key terms such as "traditional style kitchens," "traditional bathrooms" or even "traditional style landscaping," and you’ll be shocked at all the options you have to choose from.

Budget

Before moving ahead too quickly, remember your overall budget. Do you have a particular refrigerator or stove you were hoping to have, but it does not fall into your budget? You may want to prioritize the appliances that you’ve been hoping for and scale back on a few stylistic choices.

Moving Ahead

Now that the research is complete and you know the style and appliances you are you want, it’ll be fairly simple to pick your various items. The general contractor will provide you with an online or local home improvement store in which to choose each item, along with sizing and itemized cost parameters.

Cherry on Top

Once all your necessary items are set in place, you can add the finishing touches as you incorporate color and texture. Furniture, pillows and other decor such as family photos and art will add the needed warmth and personality to turn your house into a home.

Not sure where to start? Ask your real estate agent for the names of reliable decorating and interior design professionals in your area.

About the Author

Ann Hayward

Born in Philadelphia and raised in the suburbs, Ann Hayward got her Pennsylvania real estate license at age 18 even before going to college. This second-generation real estate professional followed in the footsteps of her father and two uncles, inheriting their passion for the business. Licensed in DC, Maryland and Virginia, Ann is accomplished in her career, with numerous designations including SFR, SRES, PSA, WHC, and multiunit Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP) from the National Development Council. She specializes in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, all jurisdictions where Ann has lived and knows very well. In addition to her professional expertise, she owns and manages personal investment property, understands and has been involved in the renovation/remodeling process, and has great resources which she shares with clients. When you hire Ann to represent you, she will make your buying or selling experience an enjoyable, rewarding one. Her compassion, sensitivity to her clients’ needs, eye for detail, and ability to see the big picture when guiding you through a purchase or sale are unique assets that will ensure your success. A diverse and relevant background also gives Ann a distinct edge. For 30 years, she worked in fast-paced, high-pressure television and theatrical production, attaining the highest achievement – DGA membership as a Director, and as an award-winning staff and freelance writer. Her keen audio visual skills and design sense benefit sellers in marketing their properties, and are invaluable in helping buyers see the potential of space. A true renaissance woman, Ann was also an income tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, so she thoroughly understands the tax and financial implications of acquiring and selling real estate. Her superior organizational skills are further evidenced as owner of a downsizing/professional organizing business, Managed For You, which allows her to connect with everyone from millennials to boomers and seniors, whether for small space planning or assisting with major decluttering and transitioning. Ann holds an AB in American History from Simmons College, Boston, plus attended Robert Wagner Graduate School of Public Administration where she was a candidate for Doctorate. She additionally studied Film Direction at the American Film Institute in LA, and was a Stanford University post-graduate Professional Journalism Fellow. Personally, Ann is an avid if not very good golfer, and the co-founder of a nonprofit 501c3 organization offering educational guidance, tutoring and counseling for youngsters from elementary school through college admission. She sits on the board of trustees of a nonprofit educational film production corporation as well. (202) 494-6252 [email protected]