High Point Market 2012

HIGH POINT MARKET 2012…. THE WORLD’S RUNWAY FOR HOME FASHION!     GRAY IS THE NEW BLACK you’ll soon be seeing gray on cabinetry, furniture and fabrics.     WHITE WASH IS BACK! called “bleached wood” now and it’s not the pink color – it’s gray this time around.      NAIL HEAD DETAIL it’s on everything including casegoods     METALLIC ACCENTS a touch of “glitz” continues to accent furniture and fabrics     LINEN FABRICS are popular now…you’ll see them with a wider weave, fused with silk and flannel.     VELVET it’s back – more beautiful than ever!     STYLE contemporary is still popular…smaller and lower.     PRINTS nature inspired, especially “birds”.      HOME FASHION fusion of mixed wood species, finishes and materials       ON-TREND HOME DESIGN 2012         you’ll also see “linen-colored wood” with gray fabric gray colored wood Add panache to your decor with an Art Deco inspired chest – Macassar and anthracite shagreen (leather) drawers.   Mid-Century meets Africa-vibe…Argentinean walnut nesting tables with shagreen drawers and accents. bleached wood with glass inserts   Tall Chest:  brown linen colored wood with linen fabric panels and nailhead trim Chair:  Linen fabric w/nailhead trim even dog houses are trimmed with nailheads! glitz trim on wood and glass cocktail table plum is also a color that you’ll be seeing more of…this bed is European inspired with glitz and glam plum painted side table – plum is a great color…it works with so many other colors while adding depth, warmth and “pop” to a room. drum lamp shades are still popular – this is a fun shape – linen trimmed with gray the ‘bird” chair w/nailhead trim nature-inspired stunning wall sconce! Lucite is making a comeback too! European feeling…an array of French and Italian inspired objects and furnishings in shades of linen and white with a hint of gray and a touch of glitz classic blue and white with a “pop” of green   These are just a few things highlighted from the High Point Market, 2012.  You can expect to see these things and more soon….contact Sandella Custom Interiors for more information.        With Sandella you’ll have ONE point of Contact from Concept to Completion for your Convenience! MAKING YOUR DREAMS A REALITY! http://www.Sandella.net

Remodel & Interior Design FAQ’s

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Who Should I Hire First…the Contractor or the Interior Designer?   It is a huge benefit for your home renovation to hire the interior designer first. An interior designer will interview you and become knowledgeable about what you want and the overall program for your renovation. Then they will act as your advocate when dealing with the contractor. The homeowner is at a true advantage when they hire the designer first.   Why Is It Important To Hire A General Contractor For My Remodel? Will serve as a single point of contact throughout the project They manage all aspects for the project…design, permits, scheduling, purchasing materials, supervising the sub contractors and getting the proper inspections. They must be a licensed, bonded and insured professional and comply with all state and local building codes Most renovations, additions, kitchen and bathroom remodels are best handled by a licensed General Contractor because they normally consist of demolition, slab, framing, electrical, plumbing, etc and this type of work needs to be done by skilled sub contractors and supervised by a professional.     What Are The Benefits Of Hiring A Design/Build Company? These are “all-in-one” companies which allow you the convenience of just dealing with one key contact person to complete your project. They are responsible for your project from the design conception all the way through final construction. Many also have their own sub contractors and architects. This can save the homeowner time and money and give them piece-of-mind.       My Entire House Needs To Be Updated…Which Room Should I Start With? The Kitchen! It’s a great place to start since it’s the “hub” of the family and the finishes and materials will dictate the rest of the home. It will also give you the best return on your investment. A kitchen makeover will make your home feel brand new.     I Plan To Hire An Architect And Contractor For My Project…Should I Hire An Interior Designer, Too? If you just hire an architect and contractor you’ll be missing a “key component” in your renovation. Your renovation will require the selection of cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, appliances, flooring, paint colors, scale and placement of furniture, etc. Having these decisions and selections made before construction will prevent many headaches and delays.   My Home Needs To Be Remodeled And Decorated…When Should I Hire An Interior Designer? Hire your interior designer early in the process, not just at the end of the project to select finishes and furniture. A designer’s role varies from making material recommendations to helping you make smart decisions about your remodeling budget. Hiring an interior designer at the onset of a project can save money in the long run and make the process run smoothly, timely and efficiently.     I’d Like To Redecorate My Home…What Are The Benefits Of Using An Interior Designer? It’s a smart choice if you don’t have any decorating or design experience. Even if you have good taste and some talent, an experienced interior designer knows how to make your house look its very best. You’ll get the best possible look for your home because they are experts and they know what kind of décor and furniture will be best for your lifestyle, budget and home architecture. They have great quality resources. Interior designers have access to many showrooms that are not open to the public, which will give your home a true decorated feel. Home decorating and design is not as easy as one may presume. There is a lot of forethought and preparation that goes into making a room look professionally done. Many amateurs end up with poor and disappointing results when they try to do it on their own. If You’ve Been Living In An Outdated Home… Then It’s Time To Get Started… You Deserve It!   With Sandella you’ll have ONE point of Contact from Concept to Completion for your Convenience! MAKING YOUR DREAMS A REALITY! http://www.Sandella.net

Tip: How To Set Up The Perfect Home Bar…

HOW TO SET UP THE PERFECT HOME BAR     The Tools: In order to have the perfect home bar you must have the proper tools to create a delicious cocktail. Below are the “must have” tools. Jigger An hour glass shaped container used to measure and pour liquids when making a cocktail. A double jigger comes in handy to ensure that the exact amount of alcohol goes into each glass.  It flips over for each measure.                   Martini Pitcher A tall and elegant glass pitcher used to mix and serve martinis. Look for a pitcher that has a “pinched” spout that will hold back the ice when pouring. It’s the essential mixing vessel for martinis!                         Muddler A tool used for mashing fruits, herbs or spices to release their flavors in the bottom of a glass. Crush cilantro for a margarita or mash sugar and citrus together for a mojito. Be sure to always mash in the shaker or glass you’ll be using.                   Bar Spoon A long handled spoon to mix drinks. The long handle can mix a drink in the tallest tumbler.                       Citrus Squeezer Fresh squeezed fruits make the best cocktails! It’s the quickest and easiest way to get the most juice and least amount of pulp.                     Bar Knife Always have sharp knives at your bar for cocktail prep work. Slice and chop everything ahead of time – especially if you’ll be drinking!                 Shaker Used to mix drinks by shaking usually with ice                     Best Ice Trays The bigger the ice cube the slower it melts. These will keep your drink cold without watering it down.  This tray makes square shaped cubes.  It is sold at Sur La Table                  Strainer A strainer is needed to remove ice before pouring a cocktail into a glass.             Rim Sugars and Salts Rim a glass with sugar or salt to add an extra decorative touch and flavor to a cocktail. Moisten the rim of the glass with lemon or lime then dip the rim in sugar or salt. If you’re mixing a chocolate martini moisten the rim with Kahlua and dip the rim in cocoa powder. Yum!             Cocktail Napkins Serve it up on a stylish napkin. Many are available in prints, bright colors or monogrammed.                 HOW MUCH BOOZE SHOULD YOU HAVE FOR A PARTY…  CHEERS!   With Sandella you’ll have ONE point of Contact from Concept to Completion for your Convenience! MAKING YOUR DREAMS A REALITY! http://www.Sandella.net

Proper Table Setting

Proper Table Setting   With the upcoming spring holidays, I thought I’d share about how to properly set a table.  Perhaps you need a reminder of where the cutlery should be placed around the tableware.  With our casual lifestyles it’s easy to forget how a proper set table should look.  Here’s a refresher showing how to set a table.  If your hosting a holiday dinner or you just want to throw a spring garden party this information will be helpful.   FORMAL TABLE SETTING:     OPTIONS:  Dessert spoon can be placed above the plate (facing left) with the dessert fork – with the tines pointing right   Salad bowl or dish can be placed to the left with bread plate above fork   Glass above the knife – glasses to be used first go on the outside – glasses line up from the first one        INFORMAL TABLE SETTING:           BREAKFAST TABLE SETTING:          Remember…Left for eating, Right for Drinking. Start at the outside and work in.    Napkin Placement: It depends on your preference and there are many folding variations that can be created. There are napkin folding books that can teach you how. As a default, the napkin can be placed in the water glass, folded on the dinner plate, or beside the flatware on the left. You may not want to use all of the tableware pieces shown in the above diagrams, they are optional and it also depends on what you are serving. I have a napkin folding book and I like to put my creation on top of the plate.    There are so many decorative and fun napkin rings that can adorn a folded napkin if you’re not up to learning the napkin folds.  Buffet Style: If you’re going to be serving buffet style (I serve buffet style a lot) the plates are not put on the table. They are piled on the buffet serving table.  Put the napkin in the center (where the plate would otherwise go).    Easter Table Setting   Elegant and Colorful Table Setting  Modern Table Setting Simplistic Table Setting Tea Party Table Setting  Dinner for Two Table Setting Natural Table Setting   Outdoor / Casual Table Setting   Creating a beautiful table setting doesn’t have to be difficult nor do you need to have fancy expensive tableware or silverware. Creativity is “key” to a pretty place setting. Have fun! With Sandella you’ll have ONE point of Contact from Concept to Completion for your Convenience!   MAKING YOUR DREAMS A REALITY!   http://www.Sandella.net Be Sure To Stay Connected With Us:

Sandella Custom Homes & Interior News

SANDELLA NEWS   Introducing the Latest and Greatest…   Custom home scheduled to break ground soon in Eagle’s Nest. I’ll be blogging regularly about the construction of this home and posting lots of photos once we get started. This beautiful home will feature an open floor plan with lots of windows to capture the amazing views, a lap pool/spa with a waterfall cascading down to the lower level which houses a sound-proof music room. The lowest point is a basketball court.    Al Sandella, General Contractor for Sandella Custom Homes, has recently been elected to serve on the board for the SunRidge Canyon Architectural Review Committee.   The Construction Trend For 2012… Is REMODEL! It seems just about everyone wants to renovate their house this year. Our top three requests: Kitchen Remodel Bathroom Remodel Entertainment Wall Remodel   The Interior Design Trend for 2012…  I want a “Fresh New Look” for my home. Top on the list: New Furnishings New Window Treatments New Accessories   Homeowners want more natural light and color, They want an “On-Trend” look for their home that’s current but also timeless.  With Sandella you’ll have ONE point of Contact from Concept to Completion for your Convenience!   MAKING YOUR DREAMS A REALITY!   http://www.Sandella.net Be Sure To Stay Connected With Us:

Decorating Tip: How To Hang A Chandelier

DECORATING TIP:  How To Hang A Chandelier Chandeliers add a touch of elegance to a dining room or a little romance above a tub. Here’s how to hang them so they look just right… Step One:  Chose the Correct Style.  If your style is Tuscan choose a chandelier that’s ornate iron or crystal.  If your style is Contemporary choose a style that has less ornamentation, clean lines and sleek finishes. Step Two:  Select the Size / Scale.  If you’re hanging it above a table then the size should be at least half of the table width.  For example, if you have a 60″ round table then the chandelier should be at least 30″ dia.  If the ceilings are high you can select a two-tiered style or a taller fixture.  If you have a large room then go bigger.  The bottom of the fixture should hang approximately 30″ above the table. (don’t go lower than 36′) If you want to hang the chandelier in the center of a room.  Measure the room’s length and width in feet and then add them together.  For example, a 12′ x 16′ room would use a 28″ dia chandelier.  Make sure the fixture doesn’t hang lower than 7 ft from the floor. Step Three:  Illumination.  It’s important to have the correct amount of wattage. So what you’ll need to do is multiply the length and width of the room in feet.  For example, a 12′ x 16′ room equals 192′.  Take 192 and then multiply it by 1.5 = 288.  288 watts is the the total illumination needed for that room.  It’s approximately eight (8) 40 watt bulbs.  I recommend installing a dimmer switch so you can lower the amount of light to create an ambiance.     Step Four:  Buying Bulbs.  Buy clear bulbs to add sparkle, frosted bulbs to add a glow.  Try colored bulbs such as pink for a warm rosy glow. For me chandeliers are a must when I decorate a room…they’re like jewelry for an outfit.  They are so versatile, available in many sizes, styles and finishes.  Add some Glam and Glitz to your room!   With Sandella you’ll have ONE point of Contact from Concept to Completion for your Convenience! MAKING YOUR DREAMS A REALITY! http://www.Sandella.net

Green Decor & More!

HAPPY ST PATRICK’S DAY!   GREEN DECOR & MORE…   IRISH GREEN MARBLE: MARBLE QUARRY, GALWAY COUNTRY, IRELAND – AMAZING!!! ROUND TILE BACKSPLASH – FUN! GREEN GLASS PENDANT – PERFECT FOR A BREAKFAST BAR MODERN ROMAN SHADE IN JADE HAND-BLOWN GLASS BOWL IN JADE ADD A VIVID SPLASH OF COLOR TO A BEDROOM ACCENT WITH AN OTTOMAN & PILLOWS AREA RUG W/VERTICAL LEAF DRUM LIGHT FIXTURE LEAF POOF – CUTE FOR BATHROOM OR BEDROOM GREEN SCULPTURE  – BALANCE The color green signifies life, growth, renewal and health.  It’s a color widely used to represent nature and our environment. It’s the color of balance and stability.  It’s restful and calming but it can also be used negatively…green with envy or the green-eyed monster. It can have both a warm and cool effect when using it to decorate a room. There are many shades of green and use several shades together for a fresh feel. Green is commonly associated with St Patrick’s Day. Happy St Patrick’s Day! With Sandella you’ll have ONE point of Contact from Concept to Completion for your Convenience! Making your DREAMS a REALITY! http://www.Sandella.net

Happy Spring – Tips and Ideas

HAPPY SPRING!    Spring’s warm breezes and blooming flowers indicate that the warm weather is near and it’s time to “Spring Clean”. Many people get the urge this time of the year to give the house a good cleaning and re-organize their closets and cabinets. Spring is a time for renewal and the perfect time to bring “new life” to your living spaces. Below are some of my favorite tips from Martha Stewart. SPRING CLEANING AND STORAGE TIPS:   BAKING PAN ORGANIZER Retrieving a jar or bottle from the back of a crowded cabinet can be awkward. For a simple fix, gather the pantry supplies you store on the shelf into a spare baking pan, then treat it like a drawer, carefully sliding it in and out for easy access. The pan will also catch drips, speeding cleanup.  I love this idea since I love to bake. CORRAL YOUR MAGAZINES   I use Magazine holders all the time but I never thought to attach a sash lift to them.  Magazine holders are good for keeping old issues in order, but their handleless backs make it difficult to access them when you need to. For a permanent fix, position a sash lift on the back of a holder, and mark screw holes with a pen. With a hand drill, make two holes in holder to accommodate small bolts. Secure the lift to the holder with bolts and matching nuts. CLEANING BUCKET   Great Idea for Spring Cleaning!  For easier spring-cleaning, fill a bucket with basics that need to be toted from room to room: all-purpose and glass-cleaning sprays, a sponge, a toothbrush, a squeegee, a scrub brush, hopsacking, and terry-cloth towels in washcloth and hand-towel sizes. Between tasks, hang rubber gloves over the rim to dry.   SHEET STORAGE   Wonderful Storage Tip.  Well-organized closets, storage areas, and office spaces can help you save time, open up your living quarters, and restore beauty and order to your home. Follow our easy ideas for storing anything and everything in your home. Don’t let your matching sheets get lost in the linen closet. Use this simple trick: Tuck a sheet set inside one of its pillowcases, and then stack according to size (twin, full, queen, king) or by the room you use the sheets in (master bedroom, guest room.) DRAWER DIVIDERS   These are a MUST for me!  Bathroom drawers are second only to junk drawers in their potential for messiness. It’s too easy to toss grooming products in there pell-mell. Wooden boxes and trays help categorize the items and are available in various sizes and materials, so they can be mixed and matched to fit any sort of drawer. SHOE STORAGE   Bedrooms are where we go to rest and relax. That can be hard to do if your clothes are strewn all over and your jewelry is tangled. Restore order while maintaining a beautiful space with our easy organizing solutions. Some of your heels are works of art, so why not display them as such? Line the walls of a walk-in closet or a dressing area with picture-rail molding to make a tidy yet visually arresting display. Buy preprimed pieces, and have them cut to length at the store. Paint before installing, either the color of the wall or a bold accent shade. Space the rails a foot apart, and attach them to the wall with construction adhesive. Hammer finishing nails every 18 inches (you don’t have to hit studs), countersink nails, spackle, and touch up with paint. MY FAVORITE SHOE AND HANDBAG STORAGE TIP: I place my shoes on the shelf with one shoe toe first and the other heel first.  This way here I can see the heel size and toe style at the same time.  It also allows more room to fit more shoes per shelf. Since I store my handbags in cloth bags I can’t see what handbag is in there.  So I take picture of the handbag, print it and cut it to fit in a plastic baggy.  I tape the baggy shut, make a little hole in the top with a hole puncher and I attach it to the string of the cloth bag. Now I know which handbag is in there. And don’t forget to allow some time to enjoy the beautiful weather.  With Sandella you’ll have ONE point of Contact from Concept to Completion for your Convenience! MAKING YOUR DREAMS A REALITY! http://www.Sandella.net

SANDELLA NEWS…

SANDELLA NEWS   Introducing the Latest and Greatest…   Custom home scheduled to break ground soon in Eagle’s Nest. I’ll be blogging regularly about the construction of this home and posting lots of photos once we get started. This beautiful home will feature an open floor plan with lots of windows to capture the amazing views, a lap pool/spa with a waterfall cascading down to the lower level which houses a sound-proof music room. The lowest point is a basketball court.    Al Sandella, General Contractor for Sandella Custom Homes, has recently been elected to serve on the board for the SunRidge Canyon Architectural Review Committee.   The Construction Trend For 2012… Is REMODEL! It seems just about everyone wants to renovate their house this year. Our top three requests: Kitchen Remodel Bathroom Remodel Entertainment Wall Remodel   The Interior Design Trend for 2012…  I want a “Fresh New Look” for my home. Top on the list: New Furnishings New Window Treatments New Accessories   Homeowners want more natural light and color, They want an “On-Trend” look for their home that’s current but also timeless.  With Sandella you’ll have ONE point of Contact from Concept to Completion for your Convenience!   MAKING YOUR DREAMS A REALITY!   http://www.Sandella.net Be Sure To Stay Connected With Us:

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