Uncategorized

Here are a few guiding principles to master transitional style.

Mix It Up

Both antique and contemporary furniture can coexist side-by-side to create a timeless feel.

Light Colors

Variations of whites, grays and soft earth tones are versatile and avoid being pegged to a specific look.

Look to the Lines

A careful combination of soft traditional style curves and sleek modern lines is one of the most important characteristics.

Keep an Open Mind

The rules arent always steadfast, so take the time to tailor the look to your personal tastes.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Looking for a living space that will help you reconnect with Mother Nature? Heres what you should know about biophilic design.

The Basics

At its core, this design movement is all about creating a living space that feels like its a part of nature.

Design Solutions

Breaking down the barrier between indoor and outdoor spaces is a big part of biophilic design.

A retractable glass wall lets in sunlight in the winter and can open to the outdoors in the summer.

The Benefits

When we feel closer to nature,were more relaxed and in tune with our surroundings.

Additionally, biophilic design requires using clean, natural materials to build homes that use less energy.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Minimalism has been having a moment for some time now. As trends evolve and tastes change, however, were seeing a slight twist being put on the less-is-more movement. The result is warm minimalism.

For those who enjoy the lack of clutter but find minimalism to be too sparse, this might be your new favorite look in interior design. Focused on achieving a living space that strikes a balance between simple and cozy, here are a few tips to bring the look into your home!

Bare necessities

Like the form it emerged from, warm minimalism is all about stripping down to the essentials and eliminating chaos. This doesnt just mean doing away with the trinkets and knick knacks, but cutting down on eclectic patterns and intricate color schemes in order to create an environment that exudes a sense of harmony.

Sleek but Warm

The key is to pick out dcor with warm textures and sleek lines so that your home still feels inviting. After all, the last thing you want is for it to look like an empty house you just moved into. Organic materials like wood and stone work well and, rather than having sterile white walls, try a light cream color. Cozy, neutral tone furniture, especially leather, will fit into the mix and complement the base textures.

Curated Objects

This is where you can infuse a bit of personality, but be careful because it can also make or break the entire aesthetic. A few thoughtfully curated objects, like antiques or handmade crafts, that can stand on their own without overpowering the room are ideal. If youre only using a few small pieces to fill a large area, its okay for them to be a bit more intricate, like an ornate mirror or piece of artwork. Ceramic pottery with a visually appealing houseplant or tree is another great way to fill the space without introducing clutter.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you’re shopping for a home loan, you’re likely focusing on interest rates. Below are a handful of questions you may have about the art of the interest rate.

How are interest rates determined?
Interest rates are influenced by shifting economic indicators in your financial market. This type of fluidity means they can change daily, or even hourly. This is why it’s important to shop around.

What does it mean to “lock in” a rate?
Since interest rates are so fluid, many buyers choose to combat this by locking in a rate when they find a good one. A locked rate is a contractual agreement between the lender and buyer that offers the buyer protection from financial market fluctuations that could affect the range of the interest rate. There are four major components to a rate lock: loan program; interest rate; points; and the length of the lock. If your interest rate range is locked and there are no subsequent changes to your loan, the interest rate range on your application generally remains the same; however, if changes are made to your loan, your final interest rate at closing may be different.

What does it mean if your rate is “floating?”
If your interest rate is floating, it means it’s not locked. Instead, it’s fluctuating with the up-and-down movements of the market. The benefit of this is if interest rates decrease, you will have the option of locking in at a lower rate, but if the rates rise, you will lose access to the lower rates.

Published with permission from RISMedia.