Have you purchased magazines lately, or do you subscribe to magazines? Statistics prove that the two best attention-getters for magazine covers are: "The (number) Best Tips To Help You . . ." and "Latest Trends In . . ."  

We're all looking for quick hints, tips, and trends to improve our appearance, our lives, our home, our career, etc. Improvement is the driving force behind our economy.  Take a moment to think about things you've purchased (or want to purchase), other than the regular food staples. Everything we purchase is justified with the belief that it will improve something in our life -- even  a bottle of "special" barbecue sauce touted by Emeril Lagasse.

Marketing specialists are working their magic on us hundreds of times a day, influencing us to purchase their products (or services). One association of specialists, CMG (Color Marketing Group), was founded in 1962.  Its members, located in more than 20 countries, are responsible for forecasting popular colors 19 months or more before new products are manufactured.   The "current" color trends for cars, apparel, furniture, paint, and accessories that you see featured in magazines and on TV  were developed early in 2008!

Trends ebb and flow.  I have kept books and magazines dating to the early 1980's, for historical (hysterical) reference.  If someone suggested white 6" tile with wide, dark brown grout for your kitchen countertops, what would you say?  Remember "limed" oak cabinets, and the "southwestern" look? Following current trends can lead to future dissatisfaction; this is why new trends are always being offered.  As a smart consumer, what can you do to make informed decisions about trends?   Here are some hints and tips (yes, I use them, too!) that will help:

• Use "trendy" colors sparingly, especially if they're not favorite colors, i.e., limited accessories and accents (if your favorite colors aren't "in," it doesn't matter, as long as you're comfortable).
• Choose trends carefully for bathrooms and kitchens only if:
• They coordinate well with your home's architecture 
• They fit your budget and lifestyle
• They reflect your personal preferences
• They have a fresh, timeless appearance
• Establish a reasonable budget up front, and stick to it!
• Avoid being sold something because it's in vogue now; we've all been trapped by excellent salespeople (that outfit in the back of my closet with the price tag is a daily reminder)
• Avoid over-spending on home decorating trends by asking yourself the following questions:
• Do I want to live with this for five years or more?
• What will I do with it when I get tired of it?
• What's the domino effect?  What else will I need to change?  How much will I need to spend on:
• Painting the walls?
• Refinishing the floor (or getting new carpeting or area rugs)?
• Buying other furniture and accessories?
• Changing window treatments?

The following questions are more difficult to answer, but the questions need to be asked:

• Is it really time for a change?
• Are we making this change for us, to enhance our life, or ....?
• What are the major influencers of our decision?

If you've been very careful about avoiding extra expenditures the past several months, you may be feeling trapped by circumstances.  It may, indeed, be time for a change, to help you look and feel better, or improve the home where you're spending more time.  Gianni Versace gave us pearls of wisdom for the debut of his final collection:

Last week, Maria from Virginia responded that her family just purchased a new home, and there are major differences in floor heights between the kitchen and adjacent rooms, which are a serious tripping hazard.  I researched whether Virginia does or does not certify home inspectors; they do.   If their home got an "OK" from a licensed inspector, I suggested that she ask the certification board if there is any recourse for missing an obvious hazard.  If there wasn't a home inspection, or the home inspector wasn't certified, Maria's family has two options:

• Least expensive (short-term solution): a metal transition strip (Schluter makes several models), or a custom wood transition strip.
• Most expensive (long-term solution):  hire a qualified flooring company to remove the layers of built-up flooring in the kitchen and install a new floor.  The possible negative impact of this alternative is if they decide to remodel their kitchen in the future and want to change the location of the dishwasher and/or refrigerator.

I am sending Maria a "Thank You" gift, which also includes a certificate for a free consultation, and a copy of "THE Survival Guide: Home Remodeling."  


Pay attention to obvious “wake-up calls,” i.e., new people and companies performing the same task, work slowing down, communication with the contractor becoming erratic, products not being delivered, a change in attitude of people involved in the project.  Start asking questions about the reasons for these changes immediately!

Always get everything in writing! Do not accept any verbal representations about anything that could (and will) affect your project in any way.  A good contract should state everything that's included, everything that's not included, and a detailed estimate or breakdown.

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"Plesset's Principles for Today is Home" is YOUR personal information service, to help you make informed decisions about every aspect of your building or remodeling project. Send an e-mail today with your questions to: Q@dp-design.com

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