(BPT) – When a New York City family relocated to California, they called celebrity designer and NBC’s American Dream Builders contestant Erinn Valencich to help sell their Manhattan digs.
Their condo was in a great location near Manhattan’s famous High Line, but the interior needed a little refreshing. When Valencich first saw the apartment it had stark walls and dark floors. It was a space that would speak to a select clientele – and it felt dated, Valencich says. “My goal was to broaden the appeal to make a quicker sale.”
The changes Valencich made apply nicely to any home refresh project, breathing new design life into a home while still keeping things versatile.
She began the transformation by developing a neutral palette that would flow throughout the home. To create a focal point in the living area, Valencich painted one wall a soft taupe and added creamy white to the surrounding walls.
She replaced the worn floor with stylish yet versatile White Washed Oak planks from Quick-Step flooring’s Reclaime Collection.
“The light floor really brightens the space and makes it appear larger,” says Valencich. “The tones in the floor support the wall color and together they make a quiet statement allowing prospective buyers to envision their own furnishings in the home.”
Since the family’s favorite furniture had already traveled west, Valencich worked with a local staging company to furnish and accessorize the updated apartment. She chose fabrics that contrasted in both tone and color, such as the linen on the mid-century inspired chairs and the finer weave of the couch. Finally she layered in texture through rugs, pillows and throws. Pops of orange pull the eye through the room and flowers add a fresh flavor to the scheme.
Because the main room is long, Valencich decided to create two seating areas – a more formal area for guests and a smaller nook for reading or games. To further the feeling of light and expand the space, she added oversized mirrors to both the living and dining areas.
“You absolutely can’t go wrong with a neutral palette,” says Valencich. “It adds a quiet sophistication to the setting and makes a perfect backdrop for pops of bright colors in either a warm or cool family.”
If you’re planning to go neutral for your remodel, Valencich recommends exploring the range of floor colors in the Quick-Step Reclaime Collection. The muted earth tones are a great complement for neutral palettes and the durability and stain resistance of laminate will make the floor a keeper for years to come.
To find more tips from Erinn Valencich visit quickstepstyle.com.
