YOUR AD HERE »

Design at altitude: Budget-friendly ideas for your Tahoe home

Yvonne Jacobs
Special to the Sun-Bonanza
New Chrome Faucet in Master Bath Tub
Getty Images/iStockphoto | iStockphoto

Whether your budget allows for a full house interior design or you have just enough to squeak out a powder room remodel, you want to know that your hard-earned money is being well spent and that you are getting the best value for your dollar.

We’re going to share a few tips with you so you can get exactly what you envision and know it’s money worth the investment.

Artwork



Your art tastes are as eclectic as you are. Some can afford a priceless Picasso whereas others prefer a unique find on Etsy. Your art should speak to you, bring you pleasure and evoke a feeling.

When you’re traveling, make it your habit to seek out local markets and vendors, capturing the essence of your trip to hang on your wall. I have a watercolor I found in Paris; I had it framed with a large gold frame and expansive white mat board.



Every time I look at it, I remember that Sunday in Paris when I strolled through the stalls and found just what I didn’t know I was looking for. Alternately, make a collage of photos — think wooden doors or steel bridges. Every time you look at it, you’ll be transported back to your vacation.

Fixtures

If you’re not quite ready to rip out the dated bathroom tile and start from scratch, start by replacing all the ugly knobs, drawer pulls and even mirror or medicine cabinet.

We no longer have to live with the ugly, rusted, outdated medicine cabinet from the ’70s. There are so many cool options available in all price ranges.

Bonus? You can clear off the bathroom counter and put everything away. If you aren’t sure about a medicine cabinet, then try putting a large framed mirror above your sink.

It brings an entirely different look to the space. Thinking of a new vanity, but not ready to buy one? Spend the weekend prepping and painting the old one in a light, clean color. Instant upgrade.

Flowers

Let nature inspire you for an inexpensive (or maybe free) color burst. Come springtime, peonies are bursting, poppies are popping and lilacs have never seemed so fragrant.

Make one large arrangement for your dining table, or intersperse several smaller ones throughout your house for a fragrant and lush pick-me-up.

Have an indoor herb garden on your kitchen windowsill; your summer salads will pop thanks to the mouth-watering fresh flavors.

Linens

Even in the mountains, reminiscent of ocean living, I love to use crisp white sheets, white linen curtains and replace my warm wool blankets with light cotton throws. Invest in a few quality items you can rotate year after year; think summer-hued pillows and vibrant tablecloths.

Lights or a backsplash

The kitchen is the heart of the home, but can be one of the most daunting rooms to update. From appliances to flooring, cabinets to the overall layout, it can seem overwhelming and so expensive.

Simple updates, however, can change the feel and maybe even inspire you to get cooking. I found some beautiful glass tile that brightened my kitchen as a glistening backsplash.

The cost was minimal but the impact huge. We also added under-cabinet lights. Who wants bright overhead lights in the summer? These add enough light to see but let the natural light still stream into the area.

Another fun element can be pendant lights, which come in all shapes and sizes and can really change the feel of the room.

Countertops

Everyone is so in love with granite, but there are many other options, such as butcher block wood on an island, poured concrete with sparkle, travertine tile or even upgraded formica, which comes in modern colors and styles these days.

Some of these projects are easy to tackle yourself over a few days, or you may want to hire the pros to get it done while you’re on vacation searching for that perfect print.

Yvonne Jacobs is the president of Slifer Designs, an aaward-winning interior design firm based near Vail, Colo. She’s been an interior designer for more than two decades.


Support Local Journalism

 

Support Local Journalism

Readers around Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and beyond make the Sierra Sun's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.