Designing Ways for Stay Safer at Home Times We Are Living In

Over the past several weeks, many clients and friends have reached out with questions about using the Covid-19 shut down to complete at-home design projects that they didn’t previously have time to do. Now really is the perfect time to be creative and productive before returning to our new normal. Here are some of the most frequent questions I have received and, with great brainstorming with my friends at Hawaii Island Staging & Design the answers we came up with.

What are some simple steps to create a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing entry to my home?

The interior look of your front entryway is just as significant as the exterior impression, as it’s the first place guests get a glimpse inside your home. Creating a space that is welcoming, calming, and comfortable is key to the entry – a mood you want to set for your home. Add a bench or table with accessories such as candles, oil diffusers or fresh flowers to create a pleasing scent.

We’re feeling the need to de-clutter but don’t know where to start! Would love your advice, especially since we are considering listing our home soon.

Kona Vista – 76-6400 Kilohana Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

First step is shifting your thinking from home to house. Let go of emotions that attach you to the space. Start by removing personal items and remove any items that currently are not being used beginning at the entryway, moving on to the main living rooms and then bedrooms. It’s also important to keep comfortable, open spaces to make moving through your home easy and unobstructed.

Without tearing down walls or other extreme makeover measures, what are some easy design ideas for refreshing interior living spaces?

Holua Kai – 78-106 Holuakai Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Empty walls are filled with possibilities. A fresh coat of paint or wall coverings can make a huge impact with design. We also recommend mirrors to provide a larger feel for the space. The addition of stylish centerpieces and updated lighting fixtures can transform a room. A focal point with the use of an art piece will set the desired mood, style and tone you want to create.

What’s trending now with color, custom touches, and textures – everything from wall coverings to area rug/floor coverings?

Artisan Light Fixtures with a hand-crafted feel will personalize your home

Natural Materials such as stone, copper, concrete, and granite. These elements bring an organic and serene ambiance to any space

Velvet is a multi-dimensional fabric which is gaining lots of attention

Floral & Geometric Patterns that have been thoroughly refreshed and modernized

Brass Hardware is a surprisingly warm and subtle alternative to the expected stainless steel accents, adding elegance to even the simplest of spaces

Black and White color schemes create visual contrast providing balance and boldness to your home

Burnt Yellow, whether used in accents or statement pieces, is sure to make your home feel joyous in 2020

Unexpected materials woven into rugs such as zippers and metallic yarns, also have fun with the new shapes rugs are available in now – they’re like artwork for your floor.

What’s new and fun for outdoor living/recreation areas – lanai furnishings, poolside lounging?

Kona Vista – 76-6400 Kilohana Street, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740

Innovations in design for these spaces include modular furniture that moves and molds into any design style Outdoor kitchens that include pizza ovens, and dual purpose pools that combine mixed uses such as plunge and/or exercise.

More Information

For information about Hawaii Island real estate opportunities, please contact Carrie Nicholson, R (B), BIC, Director of HL1-Big Island, (808) 896-9749 or carrie@hawaiilife.com.