5 2019 Home Design Trends to Inspire

January 24, 2019 dempseyphelps Leave a comment

Here we are, fully in 2019 and ready for the year to get started. The beginning of the year is a fun time to envision what kinds of changes and adjustments you’d like to make to your space. So, we’re here to share some of this year’s design trends to get you inspired.

1. Sustainability

It’s becoming increasingly more important to consider the environmental and social impact our buying decisions make. Before making any big purchases (or even small purchases, for that matter), do some research about the company you’re buying from. Do you align with their values?

2. Biophilia

Biophilia is bringing the relationship between nature and humankind together. “Natural, organic materials–such as wood floors, stone, and daylight and plant life–remind us of the exterior and brings the outside and nature, in,” says Angie Lee of FXCollaborative.

3. Floral Fabrics and Wallpapers

The time has come for florals to come back to the scene. Big beautiful flowers taking over the fabrics and walls of your house will bring lightness and beauty to the atmosphere.

Photo from Elle Design

4. Feminine Tones

2019 color themes include blush, dusty pink and bronze. “Warm colors and feminine tones for on the walls and dashes of soft pinks to break up expanses of taupe or neutrals will instantly update a tired room.” – Katharine Pooley of Katharine Pooley London

5. Handmade Pieces

Getting funky with handmade art and accents in your home will bring a unique spin to your decorating. Check out The Workhouse here in Bend to start digging around for your new favorite addition.

Article inspired by Elle Decor

Remodeling for Fall

September 13, 2018 dempseyphelps Leave a comment

If we haven’t said it enough, we’re nearing a new season. A season of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, sweaters, falling leaves and shorter days.

As the temperature starts to cool, it’s a great time to think about your home and how to make it as comfortable on the colder days as it has been this summer. It’s always fun to move into a new season and have new projects and mix things up a little bit. Especially during fall, a season of change and transition. But try not to let the excitement take over too much and proper planning fall to the wayside. Rushing a home project can lead to unnecessary spending and stress down the line. It’s worth it to take the time to define what you’re wanting to do before moving forward.

1. Decide on your budget and schedule.

Set yourself a budget so you know exactly how much money you have for your new remodel. Additionally, how much time do you want to spend and when do you want it to be done? Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring someone, these are important factors to keep in mind to make sure the process runs smoothly.

2. Make a list of needs.

Oh, list-making. One of our favorite things. A great and successful project always starts with a thorough and well-thought-out list. Start with the things that need to be done and then add what would be nice to have done. Your budget and schedule might only cover half your needs or all your needs and some of your wants. Prioritize to make things easier and less devastating if you find out you can’t do something.

3. Don’t let the internet fool you.

Whether it’s Pinterest or Google image searching or other home style websites, what might look amazing in a photo might not work for your space. Keep in mind what is realistic about your home and what will fit/what can be achieved. This is also a time to refer to your budget as well. Use the internet as a way to get inspiration, not exact ideas. Like colors, patterns, styles, etc. You might find it tempting to take on a D-I-Y approach, but keep your skills in mind. The cost of hiring an expert will save you some anxiety.

What are you doing with your home this fall? Share with us!

Bend Homes, Interior Design

8 Ways to Decorate Your House to Reduce Anxiety

May 23, 2018 dempseyphelps Leave a comment

May is Mental Health Awareness month. It’s a time to acknowledge some of the challenges we, or our loved ones, are facing on a day-to-day basis. It’s a time to recognize that we all have our challenges and that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with us.

In honor of this month, we’d like to give you a few ways to decorate your home to help with anxiety. The way you set up your space impacts how your brain thinks and functions. Here are a few ways you can give yourself some peace and calm in your home.

Plants, Plants, Plants

According to the Journal of Environmental Psychology, plants around your home decrease stress levels. Not only will having plants in your rooms calm your nerves, but they’ll look and smell nice as well.

Paint Your Walls Blue

Bright colors can ramp up your anxiety when you’re at home, whereas blue has been proven to reduce blood pressure and make you feel at peace. This can be especially great in the bedroom, as sleepiness and relaxation is also a benefit of blue.

Half-Empty Bookshelves

Filling up your home with books and knick-knacks creates clutter and clutter in the home causes clutter in the brain and an increased level of cortisol, according to the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. Embrace the empty space and allow yourself to feel the difference.

Limit Patterns

Mix-matched patterns can create the same kind of chaos that clutter can. It overwhelms the brain and causes increased cortisol as well. Limit stripes and polka dots and instead incorporate solids that won’t get your anxiety going.

Be Wise About Your Bed Placement

The practice of Feng shui is aimed at creating harmony with your spiritual self and physical environment. According to this practice, it’s good to position your bed on the opposite side of the room from your door, but not directly opposite of it, to create that relaxing flow in your room.

Open Up Your Windows

Natural light improves your mood. According to a University of Pittsburgh study, hospital patients who were exposed to natural light experienced less pain and stress. Instead of covering up the sunshine, remove the curtains and allow the light to shine.

Lavender

A study from the University of Miami School of Medicine proved that smelling lavender “had a significant transient effect of improving mood, making people feel more relaxed and performing math computations faster.” Stash bundles of this pretty flower in your bedroom and laundry room to ease your anxiety.

Give Yourself a Mirror Limit

Mirrors in your bathroom are okay, but maybe rethink mirrors throughout the house. Research shows that looking in the mirror can cause extra body-related stress and avoiding them is healthier for the mind in general.

Now that spring has sprung and summer is on its way, it’s a great time to take a look at your home and your space and think about some of these changes that could be made. Head into the busy and active summer with a peaceful and relaxing space waiting for you every evening.