Discussing Home Designs: Open Up Your Home Without Tearing Down the Walls

We invite you to eavesdrop on and participate in our conversation on design and home updating ideas.  Please leave us your comments and any questions you may have.  We’d love to hear from you! 

Laurie: Open floor plans are the thing, but not everyone has a home that’s been designed that way. So our topic is how to get that nice, open feel without tearing down walls? Is it even possible?

Kelli: It is possible. One way is to minimize or remove window treatments to brighten up the space. Go with simple side panels.

Laurie: You can still maintain your privacy by either using simple blinds or panels, but get rid of the frilly valance and all the swooping fabrics. My first house had those big poofy valances with coordinating pleated curtains and pillows all of the same material. It was a lot to take in.

Kelli: Exactly. You can still have the side panels be a patterned material if your walls are a neutral. If you’re in your family room or living room, think about eliminating some furniture. Less is more. Less knick-knacks. Reduce the clutter.

Laurie: What a perfect time do that. Spring is here and I know I get into that cleaning mode where you want to freshen everything up. As far as eliminating furniture, we almost always do this when we stage a home for exactly that purpose, to open things up. So once that’s done, let’s move on to the kitchen.   Same concept?

Kelli: Yes, same concept with the window treatment. Same concept with getting rid of the clutter on the countertops. You can even take it a step further and remove a cabinet and put in open shelving. That really opens up a space.

Laurie: Like always, we have a photo as an example. And keep the shelving uncluttered. It’s easy to start piling things on. And you don’t need to stick with a mono-chromatic theme on the shelves to keep it feeling open, although I personally like that look.

Kelli: Sometimes it’s fun to put up different colored bowls. Some bright colors.  You can even use plastic. Change them out without a big expense. Or if you have a nice piece that has some sentimental value, like it was your Grandmother’s, have that out with complimenting pieces.

Laurie: Great ideas. The shelving can be bought inexpensively at any of your big box home improvement stores, like Lowes. The open shelving, the simplicity of décor is a big draw right now in the housing market. This idea c.

Kelli: Right. The shelving can be painted, stainless steel, rough hewn wood.  Options seem endless. Like all of the tips we give, have some fun with it. These concepts of de-cluttering apply to the rest of the house. Get rid of all the little stuff, maybe remove pieces of furniture you’re not using. If it works, mirrors are great. They reflect space and light.

Laurie: All good things and so timely with the great weather we’ve been having and everyone starting their Spring projects early. And for more great ideas …

Kelli:  Nice segue. [laughs]

Laurie: Thanks. We want to talk about the evening we have planned to talk about home updating, design and staging.

Kelli: I’m very exciting about this. I can’t wait. We’ll be talking about the exterior and interior of your home, as well as easy DIY projects.

Laurie: We’re hosting the event at the Idea Pad in downtown Stillwater on Thursday evening, April 5. It’s going to be a lot of fun. You’re all invited. We’d love for you to bring your questions as well as photos of your home for Kelli and I. We’ll also have a representative from to help with any of those do-it-yourself projects you’re contemplating.

Kelli: It definitely will be informative. I’ll also be bringing innovative new products for the home and ideas on how to incorporate them without spending a lot of money. We’ll be discussing how to create a space that says “you” without going over the top.

Laurie: And I’ll be bringing wine! Just to get those creative juices flowing. So, mark the date. Tell your friends and join us for a great night of great ideas.

… til next time.

[Kelli and Laurie met at the hockey rink when their sons, who are college-age now, were squirts playing for the Stillwater Youth Hockey Association.  Besides becoming good friends, they have collaborated on a variety of design and business ventures.

Kelli Kaufer is an experienced designer and designs have been featured on HGTV and DIY networks for over 5 years.  You can contact Kelli at Kelli.Kaufer@gmail.com and at www.kellikaufer.com.

Laurie Dick is a Realtor here in Stillwater at Edina Realty. You can contact Laurie at LaurieDick@edinarealty.com and at www.lauriedick.edinarealty.com.