Wellness Wednesday- The positive Impact of Pets

Every Wednesday, we focus on tips for wellness, and this week, we’re taking a closer look at the positive impact of pets. Recent studies have shown that owning pets can decrease stress levels by up to 69%.  Do you find this true in your own life?

When we purchased our land and decided to move to the cabin, our children were promised goats if they helped build the fence and pay for it.  Four years ago, we made that promise a reality, and with lots of hard work and planning, Jon and Ava finished the fence and welcomed five new "friends" to the farm – two Anatolian Shepherd puppies and three Nigerian Dwarf goats.

Caring for these animals has taught us about responsibility, love, and the inevitable ups and downs of life.  Although animals are not immune to life's challenges, they bring so much joy and purpose to our lives.  Our children love showing them off to their friends, and there's nothing quite like playing with a baby goat.

As we focus on wellness, we're grateful for the animals we have and the vast space for them to roam and grow.  Taking our dog Oak for a walk or watching the goats run and jump is an excellent way to unwind and appreciate nature's simple pleasures.  While owning pets does come with responsibility, it also brings a sense of purpose to our lives.

If you're considering a home renovation and want to ensure that your pets are included in the design process, we take all pets and people into consideration when delivering our designs and plans.

  Book your Discovery Call today

Inviting Interiors, Home Renovation, and Interior Design in North Carolina

Located in Graham, NC and proudly serving Greensboro, Burlington, Mebane, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro.

Unlocking the Value Within: Why Home Equity Matters

Turning homes into havens is our passion.  Creating spaces where our clients can feel represented, refreshed and at peace is the goal.  While taking the leap towards updates and renovations also has significant monetary implications. Your home is a valuable asset that can profoundly impact your financial well-being.  We understand that home equity is more than just a buzzword; it's a financial tool that can shape your future. In this blog, we'll explore home equity and why it matters.

Home Equity

Home equity is the difference between the current market value of your home and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. Put simply, it's the portion of your home that you truly own. As you make mortgage payments over time, your home equity grows. Additionally, any increase in your home's market value contributes to the growth of your equity.

Financial Security

One of the most significant advantages of home equity is its financial security. Your home represents a substantial portion of your net worth, and the equity you've built can serve as a safety net during unexpected financial challenges. In times of need, you can tap into your home equity through options like home equity loans or lines of credit.

Funding Major Expenses

Home equity can also be a funding source for significant life events or investments. Whether you're planning a home renovation project with the help of Inviting Interiors, sending your children to college or consolidating high-interest debt, your home equity can be a cost-effective way to access the funds you need.

Wealth Building

Over time, as your home equity grows, it becomes a powerful tool for building wealth. As property values appreciate, your equity increases as well. This can be pivotal in your long-term financial goals, such as retirement planning or passing down wealth to the next generation.

Improved Financial Flexibility

Having substantial home equity can enhance your financial flexibility. It provides opportunities to reinvest in your home, make improvements and increase its value. Moreover, it can serve as collateral for various financial products, often offering more favorable terms and lower interest rates.

In conclusion, home equity is not just a static number on a piece of paper; it's a dynamic financial asset that can profoundly impact your life. Whether you're looking to secure your financial future, fund important milestones or build wealth over time, home equity plays a crucial role. At Inviting Interiors, we understand the significance of your home as an investment, and we're here to help you create a living space that not only enhances your quality of life but also adds value to your most significant asset – your home.

Designing Success: The Benefits of Attending High Point Market In North Carolina.

In the world of home furnishings, there's a singular event that stands as the epicenter of innovation and design evolution – High Point Market. And it just so happens, we live less than an hour away!  Renowned for introducing the latest styles, trends, and products, this event serves as a dynamic hub where the heartbeat of the industry can be felt. In this blog post, we delve into the unparalleled benefits of attending High Point Market and how they contribute to the success of our business and aid our clients.

Trendsetting Showcase:

High Point Market is the launchpad for the latest ideas and trends in home furnishings. Twice a year we get a firsthand look at cutting-edge designs, materials, and styles. It's an immersive experience that keeps us on our toes and allows us to bring our clients the freshest concepts.  This year, we are seeing so much velvet!  

Networking Opportunities:

At the heart of High Point Market is the opportunity to connect with the most influential individuals in the home furnishings industry. We have the chance to meet designers, manufacturers, retailers, our fabulous reps and fellow enthusiasts.  

Exclusive Insights:

Being part of High Point Market means gaining exclusive insights into how home furnishings are designed, created, made, sold, and shipped. We have the chance to learn about the latest industry innovations, market trends, and consumer preferences. This knowledge becomes a powerful asset in staying competitive and adaptable in a rapidly evolving market.

Inspiration and Creativity:

High Point Market is a haven for inspiration. The immersive atmosphere fosters creativity and encourages us to push the boundaries a bit.  It's a source of motivation that can breathe new life into our projects and designs.  Not to mention if a client is looking for THAT special piece to take their project to the next level, we will find it in High Point. 

We love being able to attend Market twice a year.  Click here for an exclusive look at some of our favorite images from past and present Market trips!   

Looking for a unique piece or top of the line furniture collection?  We’d love to schedule a discovery call with you!

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The Importance of Lighting in Your North Carolina Home

As an interior designer, I can't stress enough the importance of lighting in every space of your home. Lighting is not just about illuminating a room. It's an essential tool in creating the right atmosphere and enhancing the overall aesthetic of your space. In this post, I want to focus on chandeliers, lamps and accent lighting and share with you some of the benefits of lighting in various spaces of your home.

Chandeliers are a great way to add elegance and sophistication to any room.   They can be used as a focal point in a dining room or living room and can set the tone for the entire space. They come in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern, and can be customized to fit any decor.  In this space we added a semi-flush mount light over the sink area that coordinates with the breakfast nook chandelier.  Additionally, can you tell we were inspired by the chandelier's design when we created this custom accent railing? 

Lamps are another essential lighting fixture that every space should have. They provide a soft, warm glow that can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Table lamps are perfect for reading nooks or as a bedside table accessory, while floor lamps are ideal for illuminating dark corners and creating a focal point in a room.  This is still one of my favorite bedrooms to date!  So cozy yet sophisticated. 

Finally, let's talk about accent lighting. Accent lighting is the perfect way to highlight architectural features or artwork in your home. It can create drama and depth in a space by casting shadows and adding texture. It's a great way to showcase your personal style and add a unique touch to your space. Our client loved highlighting her favorite pup! 

We love creating custom lighting plans for our clients.

The right lighting adds beauty to any space and our talented trade team will make it happen.  

Don't underestimate the power of lighting; consider hiring an interior designer to help you create the perfect lighting plan for your space. Tell us in the comments your favorite lighting from the pictures we’ve shared. 

Whether you are in Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Burlington, Mebane, Hillsborough, or Pittsboro, lighting is always essential!

How does it work anyway?

Never hired an Interior Designer or General Contractor before? 

Curious how it all works?  Click here to find out!

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When to Refinish or Replace Your Kitchen Cabinets in North Carolina

This article will discuss various factors that can help determine when it’s worth refinishing or replacing your kitchen cabinets.  We’ll look at how age, aesthetics, functionality, convenience and investment amount all play a role.  Let's start with age.

If made with durable material, such as hardwood, the age of your cabinets may not matter.  A fresh coat of paint and new pulls may be all that’s needed to bring your cabinets up to date.  Age may be more of a factor if your cabinets are worn out.  It’s not to say that a good craftsman may not have some tricks up his/her sleeve that could adequately address your concerns, but often the investment of such renovations can outweigh the benefits of purchasing new cabinets.  

Aesthetics is an easy one!  Just ask yourself the following questions: Do I like looking at it?  How does it make me feel (also impacted by functionality, discussed below)? Is it something I’m proud to bring guests into?  Is it even my style? Simply put, aesthetics equate to your preferred look.  So when determining the best option, refinishing or replacing your cabinets, consider which is more or less likely to bring about that WOW factor!

Now that we’ve considered age and aesthetics let's talk about functionality.  Maybe this is your chance to finally make it your own, including colors, style and functionality.  In this case, cabinet organizers could help.  But what if you are ready to make it YOURS?  Kitchens are a place to “make it happen,” whatever it is!  There’s nothing more annoying than having a poor layout, broken drawers and doors and barriers to organization.  Comfort and time are valuable.  Smooth transitions and operational features = functionality.  So, replacing your cabinets may be your only viable option to get the functionality you need.  

Convenience, time and disruption to the home environment should also be considered when choosing between refinishing or replacing kitchen cabinets. Which approach would take less time? But you may be surprised to learn that it’s a tossup!  Due to the prep work and possible repairs mentioned above (including multiple coats of primer and paint - which take time to dry), refinishing cabinets could take several weeks.  On the other hand, tearing out and replacing cabinets (should rerouting plumbing or electrical be necessary) could take the same amount of time.  Replacing cabinets is often a part of a full kitchen remodel, which usually requires more time than a refinish.  

Age, aesthetics, functionality, convenience and investment amount are all factors to consider when refinishing or replacing kitchen cabinets.  After reading this article, if you are still having difficulty deciding between a cabinet refinish or replacement, or if you are ready to move forward in designing or building your dream kitchen.

We are located in Graham, North Carolina, but we also serve in Greensboro, Burlington, Mebane, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill and Pittsboro.

Please click here to schedule a Discovery Call.  

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Major Renovations and Home Investments in the North Carolina area

Major renovations can be daunting and overwhelming. I've experienced this firsthand, as have many of my clients. It's easy to feel a sense of regret when considering the investment of money, the mess that comes with renovations, and the disruption of daily life, especially if you're living in the space being renovated. It's a lot to manage mentally and emotionally, especially if you are attempting to take on a large project by yourself.  

Part of our approach as an Interior Design + General Contractor team is to step into our client’s shoes and find solutions that work best for them. 

At the end of the day we are Real People, designing for Real Life. 

As professionals in the industry, we offer design and management expertise to help ease your mind during the renovation process. We have the tools to help you envision the "big picture" and provide clear communication to alleviate any pain points along the way. With our assistance, you can feel confident in the final outcome of your renovation.

Every project has its imperfections. However, it's essential to trust the process, the big picture, the investment, and the time and energy you put into it. Even though "after" may come at a cost, the memories you'll create as a result of completing your project will make you grateful to have been part of the process. 

Have you ever regretted a design decision or wall color?  See mine in the comments below…it happens to the best of us!  

Here is your chance to trust the process!  

Schedule a call with us now, and let’s make your dream kitchen a reality. 

Artwork made by: https://www.davidnanceart.com/

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Turn Your North Carolina Home into a Haven

Congratulations on your new home or upcoming renovation! You're probably looking forward to making your home more beautiful and welcoming. But where do you start? That's where we come in. Our team of experts can help you transform your space into a comfortable and inspiring space that meets your needs and personal style.

We know the decision-making process can be overwhelming, which is why we work hard from the beginning during our initial consult and through the use of our custom client questionnaire likes/dislikes and true needs of each space. Communication is key and something we value from the beginning.

Here are additional benefits you'll enjoy when working with us:

• We're a family business and understand the importance of creating a welcoming home that can withstand kids and pets. Our finishes are selected, keeping durability and real life in mind.

• With Jon as our GC and client advocate, his eyes are always on both structural challenges and possibilities. Ensuring the best (and safest) designs.

• We pay close attention to details from beginning to end. After completing each project you’ll receive valuable details for your records.

Curious about all the services we offer? Schedule a free discovery call to learn more about your project! And be sure to follow us on social to stay updated on the latest projects we have in the works.

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Sentimental Storage for people in North Carolina

Spring is HERE and if you are like me, you find yourself cleaning out closets and trying to get things organized around your home.

Inevitably, sentimental items pop up when you are sifting through all the things. A few years ago I hosted a decluttering group in which we focused on storing our sentimental items.

These storage bags are perfect for holding special clothing, shoes, and other small sentimental items from my babies. Each child has their own labeled bag and inside the bag is a handwritten letter from me. A little story or memory from each item, another form of intentional connection between us.

What I loved about this process was giving myself permission to keep the things I really cherished, with the purpose of sharing those special items with my kids. Everything else seemed less special and was easy to let go of. Donating gently used items to women’s shelters is a great way to pass along items that can be used again.

Oh goodness! We love our Baby Jae!

Special Note. I have cedar shavings in a little sachet for each bag. Something like THIS would work well to keep items in great (smelling) condition.

Schedule a call with us to learn more!

Upholstery Refresh for my house in Graham, North Carolina

Spring is upon us and I am in the MOOD to CLEAN! I started with the sofa…here are a few things to help you get started too! See links in text.

First things first, I removed all the cushions and vacuumed with THIS So far I love it! Light weight, perfect for small jobs and I know I will use it for the car as well. Rechargeable, has USB plug and easy to clean out the filter…plus 40% off coupon when you add it to your cart!

Next I began working on stains. Pretty sure someone spilled something here and never cleaned it up :( THIS stuff works so well! Spray it on, little bit of elbow grease and it looks tons better. I use these on my tennis shoes as well.

A fabric shaver like THIS can help get rid of any piling on your upholstery. I hope you get some helpful inspiration to tackle an upholstered piece in your home!

Schedule a call with us to learn more!

Taking Shape

Slowly, ever so slowly things keep happening. Tradesmen show up and another thing gets checked off the list.

• Windows - check!

• Insulation - check!

• Electrical - partial check

• Drywall - check!

Something that I did not do, that I wish I had done, is count how many times we had to move our washer and dryer. Gracious!! Maybe I don’t want to know! As with a lot of things in life and especially with a renovation, sometimes it gets worse before it gets better.