Guest Blog - Michael Ridge Design Interview Part 1

Her day consists of shopping for beautiful model home furniture; buying all the coordinating accessories; and picking out tile, paint and carpet colors for Ideal Homes model homes. Michael Ridge, Ideal Homes Special Projects Coordinator, has a fun and multifaceted position. She may office out of the Ideal Homes Design Center, but she spends most of her time on the go. Michael shares her decorating talents to let new home buyers discover how simple it is to achieve the ideal look for their new Ideal home. Advice to first-time home buyers in knowing what colors to select for their new Ideal home?  Michael encourages new home buyers to visit Ideal's model homes and write down colors and textures that are appealing. In addition, check out furniture and home interior stores and browse catalogs and magazines to pick a color palette. "We can then mirror that look," Michael said. "Express what you plan on bringing so you can coordinate everything together. Then we'll help you build your home based on your selections." If you're decorating and accessorizing on a budget, say $100, what's the best way to use that money?  Concentrate on the main living areas like the living room and kitchen. You want to achieve that wow factor as soon as people walk into your front door. Give these rooms pops of color with a new rug at the front door, throw pillows for the couches, vases for the coffee table and art pieces for the walls. New window treatments also work wonders in sprucing up a room. As a thrifty shopper treasures are found at places like Marshalls, TJ Maxx or Ross. Don't forget to check for clearance items. What's the easiest and most cost effective way to update a room?  Adding accent paint is a great way to change the room's dynamics. It feels like a different space when you add color. Then add accent pieces to tie the whole room together. If you don't like the color afterward, paint is an easy fix - just add a new color. What colors are hot right now in new home décor?  Bright island colors like turquoise, tangerine, yellows and blues are in. On the softer side, gray is very popular right now. Home décor styles and fashion trends run hand-in-hand. What you see on the runway with colors and fabrics is what you'll see in home décor. Design Examples For more information, contact Ideal Homes at (405) 267-0049 or visit www.ideal-homes.com