Well, I wouldn't describe her as beige.

We had a blast with the gals from KICD 107.7 FM this past Friday when they stopped by for DesignIt 2012.  If you haven’t heard, they are designing on behalf of ATLAS of Sioux Center!  If they receive the most likes and shares on Facebook, ATLAS will receive the $1000 shopping spree!

We caught up with Rhonda Wedeking this week to ask a few questions about her design.  As someone who describes her design style as “early attic”, we think she did a pretty fantastic job!  Here’s what she had to say.

Why did you choose the pieces that you did to design around?  

I really liked the distressed furniture and when we walked in the store and saw that credenza, we just knew it was meant to be.  I really liked that piece.

How would you describe your design style?

I’ve always made fun of myself and often joked with friends that the style of my house could easily be described as “early attic”.  However, we found some beautiful new pieces to put together at Vander Bergs.  As for the space we put together for DesignIt 2012, well, it’s a little eclectic and a little funky with a touch of modern.  Make sense?

Why did you sign up for DesignIt 2012?

I just thought it sounded fun.  And it was!  It was a great opportunity to be creative! 

Everyone that knows me understands that I’m a little out there anyway—I like to do the non-traditional things and this was a great opportunity to do just that.  It’s also really cool that if I’m fortunate enough win, we can help out a great charity as well.

Why are you excited about partnering with ATLAS?

As you know, there’s a Spencer chapter of ATLAS.  I know someone whose son had chosen a few wrong paths in early adulthood.  He began working with a mentor from ATLAS and is now someone that you would want in your school, in your church, and working in your organization.  ATLAS helped him choose a better direction.  Viewing that experience really opened my eyes to how ATLAS works and it’s awesome to have this opportunity to partner with them.

What else would you like us to know?

I could’ve chosen so many different pieces to work with!  Vander Berg’s had a great selection that included several different styles.  There was a great Western chair in one of the homes and a fabulous dining room set in another.  It is well worth your time to stop on by just to look and get ideas! The toughest part of the entire competition was to decide what type of room we wanted to go with, but we ended up with a space that really expresses my personality, which is certainly not beige! 

The one step every home owner should take for DIY wood floor installation

This week we had the chance to catch up with Loren for a Do It Yourself look at installing wood flooring.  As our resident flooring expert, Loren puts years of experience and customer service to work  to give us the best insight into a job well done.  Here's a bit or our question and answer time on wood floor installation:

What's the number one thing homeowners should keep in mind when it comes to wood floor installation?

Loren: Don't do it.  Call Vander Bergs immediately.  Seriously.  Put down the samples and don't even think about picking up a nail gun...just give us a call at 712-722-3286 and we'll take care of it!

Well there you have it.  Do It Yourself wood floor installation made simple!

3 reasons you should sign up for DesignIt 2012

We are THRILLED to be able to bring you DesignIt 2012.  From September through December we're partnering with the Centre Mall to see what you can do! This is a contest for those that are not necessarily "professional designers", but who have a good eye for design.  So here are three reasons that you should sign up:

1. You can turn a boring space into something fabulous

2. Your friends rave about the trendy décor in your home and constantly ask for your “artistic opinion”

3. You dream of designing with the best furniture and accessories available

So what are you waiting for?  Stop by the store today and sign up!  

The biggest question now is what to do with that $1000 VB Furniture and Flooring shopping spree...

How to walk in your house and escape the pressure of life

What ever happened to the country/cottage look? Well, it grew up in a manner of speaking. The country style has become the lodge look. A getaway, a retreat. Something slightly primitive but infinitely welcoming. Textures, materials and styles that are simple yet strong and rugged.

Cottage? Hmm, maybe, but picture this cottage in Nantucket or Malibu!  White washed by the sea spray. Crisp soft cottons and smooth time worn pieces that speak to a refined sense of style, but with all stuffiness removed.

 

We need this in our lives. We are so scheduled, so busy. Not only adults but even our kids. The ability to walk into our home and instantly get the sensation of escaping that pressure we live with each day. Our safe place, where we can unwind and just be ourselves.

Let's talk about it,

 

Peg

5 tips to Increase the VALUE of your home

Let's get right to it.  Here are 5 all too often overlooked ideas to quickly increase the living value and sale value of a home:

1. Kitchen countertops-- Anytime someone walks into a house, you don't want them to think about what they'll have to do, but what's already done.  It doesn't cost too much to replace old or cracked vinyl surfaces.  Make sure to stay neutral in color to impress a wider variety of people at sale time...if you'd like some ideas, click here for more information.

2. Carpet--Home buyers will automatically take off $5,000 if it looks like they need to put in new carpet.  If you want to get what you're asking for your home, invest in good carpet and see the payoff later.  SmartStrand carpet will not stain and is both pet and children friendly (don't believe me? Click here to see the proof).

3. Bathrooms and kitchens are the standard investments the real estate world looks for, but surprising as it may be, a poorly put together basement living room can make or break a sale.  Use carpet to add another "room" for sale.  Dingy, put together basements are all too common, but a nice carpet in the basement adds value and makes it seem like it is a family room.

4. Replace that stained sagging sofa with a nice new sofa.  We carry Lane, SmithBrothers, Marshfield, Best, and Southern Motion.  Don't forget our SmithBrothers Annual Sale is coming soon!

5. Paint and Accessorize--It's amazing what a fresh coat of neutral paint can do for a home. A nice neutral will go a long ways for a sale, but don't stop there.  Don't forget to accessorize with pieces that you'll be able to move from one house to another--they'll add value to the sale and make  your house a home in the meantime.

Or...throw us a line and we'll take care of everything for you!

Until Next Time,

Annette