Kay Green Design, Inc.

Imagine yourself walking into a model home and you are greeted by a collection of colors and textures. Splash colors on the walls stimulate your senses and your first impression of the space ranks highly after you see the hues framed in cream glossy-coated trim molding. The tile detail in the flooring catches your attention and draws your eye up to the tray ceiling's mirror image shape of the floor's tile. As you enter the master bedroom, you are struck by the Asian-themed mural painting applied to the bed wall, as it sets the perfect mood for romance and retreat. What a big statement it makes and it tugs on your heartstrings because you've always dreamed of far-away travels!

Now, imagine yourself walking into a model home and you are greeted by plain cream walls accented with artwork. The room is filled with nice furniture, and as you look up, you see a flat ceiling with a coat of white paint. You walk into the master bedroom only to discover more furniture, artwork and accessories. Colors and textures catch your attention, but there's nothing about this space that captivates your desires and motivates you to make a contract-signing decision.

The difference is in the details... background details that is! Many people will walk through a new home and appreciate the furniture and accessories, but the background details are what make the space spectacular!

Normal kids' rooms with a bed and dresser become an imagination-evoking space when a vivid Princess and the Pea mural is applied to the walls. Accessorize with fairy-tale books and princess-themed furnishings to complete the scene and captivate the hearts of your potential buyers' little girls.

Transform an everyday dining room with a table and chairs into an elegant entertainment space by applying beveled mirror and trim molding to the wall. The mirror reflects the room's artwork, window treatment fabrics and beautifully set table's colorful goblets and ocean-themed centerpiece. It makes the perfect dramatic statement when buyers walk into the home, when the room is set just off the foyer. Buyers can take the ideas and modify them for own design tastes. For a more affordable alternative, you could achieve the same effect by hanging a collage of mirrors layered on top of each other on the wall.

Want something more affordable? Tie the accent colors in your accessories and fabrics together with a bold splash of red color above the sofa in your home's living room. Use some trim molding to frame the splash color, and complete the look by hanging large artwork in the center.

Over 30 years ago, an interior design mentor of mine, Jack Childs, taught me that furniture is secondary to the background treatments in a model home. The truth is this: your potential buyers will not remember what you say as much as they will remember how your model home makes them feel. Interior design done right begins with the walls, the ceiling and the floor. Impressive background details elevate the value of your apartment in the mind of your potential renters, and that motivates them to sign a contract for your home!