Shut the front door!

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What is the FIRST and LAST thing visitors see when they come to visit? Your front door of course! 

Well all know that first impressions count and boy does it ring true in the field we work in. Gone are the days of boring paint colors or simple blah stains; hello beautiful and vibrant paint colors to save the day!

Quick, cheap and super simple, these 5 tips are perfect for the busy homeowner who needs instant results! I love this part...I don't anyone can be more passionate about front doors than me. Your front door makes the first impression on your guests, so leave them with something to talk about.

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1: Slather some paint on it

Head to your local paint store and pick yourself  a nice new color for your front door-- Don't be shy with colors, the worst that can happen is you have to repaint it. This is a definite DIY project and typically only needs a quartz size can, so make sure you give yourself enough time to do it properly...and it really doesn't take very long! So grab a glass of wine or a bottle of beer and paint away! 

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2: Welcome your guests with simple style

Perhaps your home and front porch isn't as welcoming as it could be...so why not jazz it up a bit with a custom front door mat? This part can be relatively simple, you can make your own with a stencil and some spray paint or shop at your local stores to find something great-- it could make a true statement and just another item that reflects a small piece of you!

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STEP 3: Knock Knock... 

Who's there?Depending on how much you want to spend, because these little buggers can run the gamut in pricing but the good news is there are many options available. From your local hardware store to a hole in the wall antique store, you are bound to find something to compliment your space. Not only will you be able to hear exactly when your quests have arrived, you'll also have created a design-savvy point of interest from the get-go. 

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STEP 4: Dress it up!

Wreaths are a great way to dress up your front door. If you are crafty you can make your own; it doesn't take many supplies to create one. Or if you just want to buy one, there are many options in that area. Another great source of handcrafted things is on Etsy.com. That is an amazing site filled with talented people who sell their crafty things. 

You can literally find or make wreaths for any holiday and for any occasion. They are the jewelry to your door.

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5: What's your number!?

House numbers should be easily identified and more often than not you end up searching high and low for it, which can be extremely frustrating. So why not make it easy on yourself and for your guest, delivery man, or whomever with an eye catching house number where everyone can see it. It can be on your mailbox, brightly painted numbers on the side of your side, a flower pot and many other options.

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Have fun!

Fright this way for Halloween Decor ideas

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Halloween decorating should be fun and kids absolutely love this time of year! But sometimes mommy needs a more sophisticated style; one that doesn't scream 'Hey! Look everyone, Halloween took over the Jones' house'. 

Below are some great ways to create a passive Halloween style look without being overwhelmed by color and mismatched decor.

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1. Keep it simple

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2. Neutral is key

Decorating the exterior of the house doesn't have to look cheesy...unless you want it that way. Hey I'm not knocking anyone :)

This house has a lot of things on the porch but they are all very similar in color or tone which doesn't make it seem busy. 

I really like the look of this Halloween display; it is just crisp and clean which is pleasing to the eye. It hints Halloween and fall combined but isn't screaming bright colors which are traditional or common with the holiday. 

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3. Have FUN!

There are so many ways you can decorate for halloween. For me, I personally like the pops of decoration and not overwhelm your guests when they come over. You can pick certain areas that you would like to display your spooky finds such as the fireplace mantel, kitchen table or the most obviously place is your front porch. 

 


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4. Or go ALL OUT with your decorations

This is pretty awesome! Not that I would ever go this far, but sometimes seeing homes like this gives you a genuine impression of the homeowner...and they really LIKE Halloween. 

These are are the homes that are fun to see with your children or just to drive by and say WOW!

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5. Decoration Ideas

Here are just a few ideas on how to decorate the interior and exterior of your home. Remember it doesn't have to scream Halloween but you can give a subtle hint to the holiday. 

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We hope that you enjoy Halloween this year! Have fun and remember that your decor doesn't have to be gaudy; it can be calm and sophisticated too!
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Don't take it for granite....

IT'S FORMICA!

At Cherry City Interiors & Design, we would like to re-introduce you to the world of Formica, or just plain laminate countertops. There are several lines that offer this type of material, but today we are going to focus on Formica.

3459 Soapstone Sequoia

180fx marks a revolution in surfacing with true-to-scale granite patterns that offer visual drama unmatched by any other laminate. Modern, sophisticated patterns focus on a neutral palette – versatile enough to pair with any interior design concept. 

180fx PRICE RANGE 

$5.18sf

Formica Laminate was designed for beauty and durability. Like many other surface materials, it can be damaged by abuse and carelessness. But, when used appropriately with proper use and care, the product will last you for years-- some of you may even still have it in your home that was built in the 50's, 60's and 70's. It was probably one of the most common countertop materials selected by homeowners, because much like then, it is still a cost effective material that is simply stunning!

3466 Antique Mascarello with Ogee IdealEdge

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Here are some ways you can care for your laminate countertop.

(this information can be found on Formica.com)

SCRATCH & IMPACT PROTECTION

Formica Brand Laminate and ColorCore2 surfacing material are 

resistant to scratches and impacts under normal use conditions.

3420-46 Dolce Vita in Etchings™ finish with Bullnose IdealEdge

• Use cutting boards, chopping blocks, or other protective surfaces.

• Do not chop, slice, pound, or hammer on any laminate surface.

• Knives or other sharp utensils may slice or scratch the surface.

• Heavy blows from a hammer or meat tenderizer may crack or gouge the surface. 

• Use place mats, doilies, and trivets on laminate surfaces when necessary.

• Ceramics and abrasive objects can cause scratching and premature wear – do not slide these items across surface.

Follow recommendations for cleaning – do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, sandpaper, or Scotch-Brite® scouring pads.

HOT OBJECTS

Cookware still hot from the stove, oven or microwave, as well as 

electric skillets, waffle irons, curling irons and hot rollers, should 

not be placed directly on laminate surfaces. Prolonged exposure 

to temperatures of 140°F (60°C) or higher may cause the laminate 

to separate from the core material. Use a trivet, insulated hot pad or other protective device beneath all hot cookware, heat generating appliances, or other heated objects.

3457 Breccia Paradiso with Bullnose IdealEdge

• Formica Brand Laminate and ColorCore2 surfacing 
material can withstand heat up to 275°F (135°C) for short periods of time.
• Avoid ironing or placing a hot iron on laminate surfaces. 
• Do not place lighted cigarettes directly on laminate surfaces

ORDINARY CLEANING

• In most cases, you only need to use a clean, damp, non-abrasive cotton cloth and a mild detergent or household cleaner.
• Rinse with clean water, using a clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth.
• Do not flood the laminate, especially near seams, since water 
can penetrate and cause the substrate to swell.
• Dry the surface with a soft, clean, non-abrasive cotton cloth.

3460 Calacatta Marble

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THESE GREAT LOOKS....

Formica still carries their basics, including wood grains, classic/old school and solid colors. 

FORMICA: WOOD GRAINS

PRICE RANGE 

$2.86sf

FORMICA: CLASSIC/OLD SCHOOL

PRICE RANGE 

$2.86sf

FORMICA: SOLID COLORS

PRICE RANGE 

$2.86sf

FORMICA: GRANITE/STONE

PRICE RANGE 

$2.13sf

For more information about what Formica can offer you and how it can transform your space, please come in and speak to one of our knowledgeable project managers-- they would be more than happy to assist you!

Our measures & estimates are FREE...

EMAIL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE ESTIMATE. WE WILL SET YOU UP WITH THE RIGHT PROJECT MANAGER!

Our Showroom Remodel--What an adventure!

At Cherry City Interiors & Design customer service is our number one priority. What better way to demonstrate that than with a remodel. Well, that's exactly what we did-- updated our floors with whats trending and frankly good looking stuff!!

Our goal was and is to create a fun and engaging atmosphere, with an array of knowledgeable and simply awesome project managers. We can help with any project, no matter what and with any budget!

Let's face it, we can look at pictures in magazines and online which can be inspiring, pointing you in the right direction, but nothing like hands on! That's what we want to show you when you walk through our doors. We won't let this experience be overwhelming, but rather we become your guide, assisting you with any possible combination until you are satisfied.

We have thousands of samples that you can check out...yep, just like the library! We insist that you take them home to see how they look in your lighting, with your paint colors and existing furniture. Choosing the right products has never been easier.

Showroom- Before Photos:

What we changed:

1. Removed all existing flooring

2. New space plan for all of our displays

3. Removed all unusable displays

4. Added new displays

5. Updated our lighting to a more natural light

Showroom- During Photos:

Yes, those are Christmas Trees on our windows-- we remodeled during the winter months, specifically around Christmas break and the first of the year.

This picture is the narrow walkway we had in front of the reception desk. We had pallets and pallets of tile boards, hardwood samples, and who knows what!! 

During this phase, we had to shuffle displays from one area to another--wow what a lot of work that was! I don't think I dressed nicely for 1 month straight!! Most of the demo was done by myself and the owner Leslie--her wearing heels with no shame!

The previous owner had glued down many of the products to the concrete floor which made it extremely difficult for us to remove. Before we installed the new product, we made sure to do it right this time by laying all of it over paper!! 

Yes, our children were involved too! That is us and our kids tackling the last tile pad and they had a blast destroying it!!

Showroom- After Photos:

Ahhhh! This picture makes me sigh with relief and pure pride. It took me several times to create a working space plan, but when it was done it came together nicely! This was the largest implemented space plan that I've done and I enjoyed it very much!!

One of our newest display was this Hunter Douglas shown in the picture. This has really changed the way we sell window coverings. It makes all the difference and stands out, catching the customers eye when they walk through our doors. 

One thing we were missing in the old layout was enough tables to set product on to view with the clients. It made it challenging when we had a full house with no drop space. So this became a priority for me to design the layout with enough tables in the general product areas: Tile, Hardwood, Vinyl, and Carpet/Window Coverings. 

With the design complete, we ended up with an island in our kitchenette, a granite slab table in the tile area, a 180FX Formica top table in the vinyl area, a quartz slab table in the hardwood area and a raised table in the carpet/window covering area.

We've added several more displays and replaced some older, more rickety displays in this picture. Now the showroom is full and complete with every inch being smartly used, providing our customers with more options that they either want or need!!

This picture really gives you a sense of our showroom and what we offer. 

If you have any questions or are in our area, please stop by or email me and we would love to help you make your house a home--it is our passion and our main mission to make our customers happy with their products but most importantly happy and satisfied with their experience!

Thank you all for your time and reading my blog!!

Felton St. Home- Color Consultation

I am working with an amazing client who is absolutely my vintage loving soul sister! At Cherry City Interiors & Design I've created 3 unique color consultation packages to assist customers in their home. Each package increases based on the services I provide starting with a $60 package and increases to an hourly rate for the customer who needs more help.

So, back to my client...We will call her BobbySue for her privacy! :)

BobbySue contacted me several weeks ago to assist her with paint colors in her entire house...YAY! I met with her and discovered she loves color--and colors right up my alley.

Here is the breakdown and locations of how we used the color in BobbySue's home:

This project will be a work in progress. As she updates her home I will make sure to do the after photos. I am really looking forward to this home being completed--she has such amazing style and a keen eye with antiques.

So keep up with me as I share her new adventure with COLOR!

Con-Tech

Con-Tech officially organized and formed their inaugural board of directors on June 25, 2014. 

The board includes eleven members of the Salem-Keizer communitym including Cherry City Interiors & Design, who bring vast amounts of knowledge from varying industries including construction, home finishing, real estate, law, banking, accounting, and insurance – as well as a strong desire to build a hands on program in our local high schools that provides the training and knowledge for the students to succeed in the construction and real estate industries after they graduate.




The Plans:

           

The home is taking shape...

As the project progresses we will be updating you on the photos of the students work! We are excited to be helping out with a wonderful project geared for our kids futures in the construction industry!

To check out the organizations website or for more information please go to their website at:

http://www.constructiontech.org/

Which floor "wood" you like?

Getting the look of a wood floor has never been easier! Read the pros and cons below to help you decide which floor you would like.

Hardwood

PROS:

-Can add considerable value to a home

-Can be repaired or resurfaced

-Could last over 100 years if properly cared for

CONS:

-Usually more expensive to buy and install

-Susceptible to scratching and may show wear in -high traffic areas

Laminate

PROS:

-Usually considerably less to purchase and install

-Usually more resistant to scratches and moisture

-Very easy to clean

CONS:

-Doesn't repair easily

-Cannot be refinished but can be touched up

Bamboo

PROS:

-Environmentally friendly product, sustainably harvested

-Insect resistant

-Exotic look, yet affordable

CONS:

-Most bamboo is produced in countries where there are no set government  standards.

-Some exports may contain urea formaldehyde

Tile

PROS:

-Clean; Doesn't attract dirt, dust, pollen or allergens

-Relatively easy to repair/ replace

-Durable.

CONS:

-Offers a cold, hard walking surface

-Can be loud or slippery

LVT

PROS:

-Superior scratch, stain and wear resistance.

-Easier to install than traditional tile.

-Will mold or fit to sub-floor irregularities

CONS:

-Sometimes it’s hard to find a matching transition piece

-It’s not a natural product

Vinyl

PROS:

-Low cost.

-Low maintenance.

-Water and stain resistant

CONS:

-Does not stand up well under heavy loads.

-Can be damaged by sharp objects or too much direct sunlight

For questions regarding any of the products above, please feel free to email or call us at Cherry City Interiors & Design! We would love to help you.