Discussing Home Designs: The Classic-Vintage-Traditional-Modernist

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: Wow! We’ve had ! Thanks everyone for sending us emails. The one that seemed to pop up a lot and recently asked by Lisa is mixing styles – which I personally love the idea of different styles in a home. So Kelli, what’s the scoop?

Kelli: Lucky for us we’re no longer limited to just one style in our homes. Bring out your personality and mix your styles. It’s not only okay, it’s fun!

Laurie: This could be a little intimidating for some people. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about fun, but sometimes people can be unsure of how these styles mix. Give us an example.

Kelli: OK. Let’s say you have a traditional home, bring some modern elements into it with accessories. Think of your rugs, pillows, draperies, lamps.

Laurie: Is it ever too much? Let’s say I have a traditional home, and I add some modern accessories, can I go crazy and add other styles as well? Or should I play it safe and stick with two styles?

Kelli: No, don’t limit yourself. Go for it! You can have three or four styles mixed.  It’s a great way to create your own space. It’s your home, make it yours and enjoy!

Laurie:  OK, I’m going to put my Realtor hat on for a minute. Sometimes you walk into a home and all the styles and colors are overwhelming. It’s hard to appreciate the structure and space when all the color and different styles are making your eyes dart from here to there and everywhere.

Kelli: Like I mentioned before, keep it simple with your accessories. You don’t need a lot to bring your personality out. You want a future owner to still be able to see themselves, their furniture in the space.

Laurie: So are you saying less is more?

Kelli: Yes. Think less variation of color and style on larger scale items – walls, permanent flooring, big pieces of furniture. Think more variation on smaller scale items – pillows, rugs, lamps, artwork.

Laurie: Sounds like you should experiment and see what works for you and your home – what makes you happy.

Kelli: Right. Because the things we’ve talked about are easily changed. Don’t be afraid to take a chance!

Laurie: As always, we’ve included pictures to help clarify our suggestions. Thanks Lisa for your question. I’m excited to see what we talk about next!

Kelli: I am too. We already have some great questions to pick from, but we’re always looking for more. I’ll also be addressing some design topics at the on March 24^th at . Maybe I’ll see some of you there!

… 'til next time.

[Kelli Kaufer and Laurie Dick 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 is a 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.]