Interview on Real Estate Today

If you’d like to hear the interview on Real Estate Today radio go ahead… click it! Otherwise my tips are transcribed below. Hope you enjoy!

The host and my interviewer, Gil Gross, is an award winning radio journalist who has reported the news to millions of Americans and interviewed pop culture icons and heads-of-state alike.As a newsman and humorist he has also combined his talents as Paul Harvey’s chief substitute at ABC and as the main substitute for Charles Osgood at CBS. Pretty impressive! Read more about him on the Real Estate Today site.

GG: This week on Real Estate Today our special show is MAKE IT YOUR OWN, where we are taking you room by room through your new house and helping you personalize it for your lifestyle.  And if you follow the cable TV channels, you’re probably very familiar with the shows that help you with ideas to make your home special.  And our next guest stars in one!  She’s Krista Watterworth…  We’re so pleased she could be with us this week.  Krista, welcome to Real Estate Today…

KW: Thanks! I’m honored to be here.

GG: Krista, this week, we’d like you to help homeowners who’ve just moved into their new home with some tips on how to make decorate each room and really make it their very own space.  Most homeowners, after they’ve purchased that house, may not have a huge budget for decorating – so help us crack the code on budgeting so they can get the biggest bang for their buck… best advice before going room by room?

KW: I tell people with any remodel or upgrade you have to develop a realistic budget and stick to it. Do a shopping list simply by looking up Wish List items on line and create an Excel spreadsheet. And keep a tight leash on purchases no matter how excited you get. Go slow and take the remodel in stages only do things you can afford first. I’ve seen budgets get out of hand and people are stressed because they didn’t show self-control.

GG: Let’s start out with the kitchen…

KW: Incorporate stainless steel elements, such as floating shelves, to upgrade the space. Shop at flea markets and thrift stores to find vintage items, such as tractor-seat stools and design-inspired pendant lights. Paint cabinetry instead of replacing but hire a professional – I’ve been doing a lot of this lately – my clients want light and bright. Large appliances such as the refrigerator, oven, and stove should be upgraded first. Opt for energy-efficient picks. Spend big on the backsplash since it’s small area it will create wow factor. I usually use glass or marble mosaic and I love random brick pattern. I also tell clients to use miles or credit card bonuses wisely to purchase items online like tile, cabinets or appliances.

GG: Krista, one of your HGTV shows was Save My Bath!  What decorating advice do you have for homeowners to personalize their bathrooms… whether their budget is five hundred dollars or five thousand dollars?  Where do they start?

KW: Budget friendly tips include hunting for bargains like bathroom sinks on close out at big-box home improvement stores. ‘seconds’ or returned items, like a stray fixture or vanity cabinets for a bargain. Go to a local slab yard and ask to look through their remnant pile. Refinishing existing cabinets can be very inexpensive – just the cost of some sand paper and stain or paint. Opt to put in a large shower in place of an old tub using a shower pan that can fit perfectly in that size space as opposed to a mosaic tile floor. Buy most things off the shelf if possible instead of going custom.

GG: Next, help us with some design secrets for our living room… and help us stretch every dollar so we can pull together all the design elements of our living room together on a budget and in high style…

KW: Paint and pillows that coordinate in popping fun colors & patterns- you must accessorize your sofa! Easy, simple, fast. A graphic rug is a statement. Re-evaluate existing pieces by moving them around and creating different conversation areas throughout the room. Metallic accents are on trend – gold, copper or silver finishes jazz up a boring space. Ready-made drapery panels with sheers and shades layer the look – a lot of people ignore windows and it’s another place to use pattern without overwhelming. A large piece of art flanked by cool, inexpensive sconces will create a designer look.

GG: Bedrooms… what are the important decorating essentials here… so homeowners can truly make their house their own?

KW: Glam-ify plain walls with pattern. Out-of-production wallpaper found on auctions sites such as eBay at a heavy discount. Wallpaper just one wall as an accent. The fifth wall – ceiling – is often ignored. Paint stripes in subtle hues, put in an inexpensive “coffer” with 1×2 lumber in a grid pattern, or simply paint it the same color as the walls. And don’t skimp on moldings throughout. Buy artwork from flea markets and create a focal wall with the collection. Or use wood paneling bought from liquidation sales – it’s super fresh if laid on the wall on a horizontal. Lighting is everything in a bedroom. A large scale chandelier in the center of the room and large side lamps or pendants should all be put on dimmers – great place to spend a little money. Very simple solution – buy neutral or white sheets in a high thread count, luxe throw pillows and spend a little cash on a lavish duvet.

GG: We know you incorporate family into every room you design, and we know people have such a deep connection with their homes.  How would you suggest homeowners create an environment in their home that not only looks nice but also makes them feel good?

KW: I ask my clients to create a Pinterest board of all the elements that inspire them – could be fashion, food or interiors. Then I ask them to share 10 of their favorite family photos – ancestors or current – and I create large scale artwork from that. I once had custom wallpaper made with family photos throughout – it was a show stopper. Surround yourself with things you love in creative ways – from life and travel – but don’t clutter. Switch out collections throughout the year to keep it fresh and light.

GG: Great tips!! Thanks for being here today Krista!

KW: Thank you!