CMM CONSTRUCTION

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A Mid Summer Night’s Dream

The smell of a distant BBQ is in the air and you have an ice cold drink in your hand.  The heat of the day has dissipated and you have the chance to enjoy the lingering warmth and cool breeze that envelops you in this eternal summer night.  Whether you enjoy them on your own with your favorite book in your hand, or surrounded by friends, neighbors, and family; these are the moments to lean in to.  They are perfect as is, but sometimes they can be enhanced with a few summer night tricks and gadgets that add to your home’s outdoor space and increase enjoyment levels for all who dare to stay awake just a bit longer.  Here is a list of some of our favorites.  

The fire pit.  A classic.  This backyard addition can be as simple as collecting some stones and wood, to an intricate piece of masonry that details design and beauty.  And if you are lucky enough to have CMM build your home, you can make your fire pit a part of your overall outdoor landscape plan as featured below.

Outdoor ceiling fan.  Not only do they provide a nice breeze, but they also help to minimize the bug situation.  We have actually found that the ceiling fan works better for driving away mosquitoes than citronella candles and bug spray combined.  

Outdoor lighting helps to set the mood and tone.  This can be spotted in many forms including a string of lights connected by trees, and lighting embedded in the landscape.  The example below is shown in the daytime to highlight detail but at night it helps to provide that soft glow as well as increase safety for navigating steps at night.  

Ockham’s razor generally means that the simplest solution is the best solution.  This rule can be applied to many aspects of life, but is especially apropos when fully enjoying a summer evening.  What could be more simple, and more sweet, than enjoying a summer evening on a rocking chair?  

So enjoy your summer nights, whether you are counting boats go by or counting fire flies with your kids.  The magic happens when the simple solutions create the simple pleasures.  

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The Home Maintenance Issue

If you want to find out what a person loves, ask how s/he spends her/his time, and the answer will emerge.  We invest our time in that which bring us joy, fulfillment, and security.  It is a rather safe bet to assume that our home, whatever home that may be, brings us joy, fulfillment, and security; therefore deserving of our time and attention.  This article will help you to efficiently care for your home so that you can sit back and enjoy it.  Lets focus our attention on a little home tlc!

We can start with our granite countertops.  America loves them!  Over the past 10 years they have gone from a luxury item to an item most needed for resale and for the general look of a kitchen.  Maintenance is simple, but very important!   

DO: Blot up spills immediately

DO: Use a sponge or cloth with hot water to regularly clean stone or granite.  You can use dish soap sparingly however this can build up and cause damage so hot water is the general recommendation.

DO: Use cutting boards, coasters, trivets and other items to protect the surface.

DON’T: Use household cleaners such as bleach, glass cleaners, or multi surface cleaners.  These cleaners contain acids, alkalis, and other chemicals that will degrade the surface and leave it vulnerable for staining.  

DON’T: Use vinegar, lemon, or ammonia as cleaners.  

DON’T: Store liquids or toiletry products directly on the surface as this could cause staining.

Let’s protect those beautiful wood floors!  The weekly schedule for your floors is to use a micro fiber pad or mop with a hardwood floor cleaner.  We have used Bona Manufacturers as a trusted source for products and cleaning procedures however there are many options out there.  Remember that wood and water do not mix so use water sparingly, however enough to get rid of excess dirt and grime build up.  

The monthly schedule is to use a polish sealant on your floors every three to five months.  This will clean up scratches and wear to keep your floors looking like new.  

Every three to five years you may need to consider sanding and refinishing your floors depending on traffic.  This will completely renew and refurbish any scratches or stains and give you that new home feel.  

We can now step outside for siding.  According to the Hardie website, it is important to care for your siding every 6-12 months.  This can be by spraying the surface with a hose or with a low pressure spray to remove dirt and debris.  

It is important to re-apply caulking when it has begun to show signs of wear. This can help keep moisture from getting into the wall cavity. These areas include but are not limited to penetrations, flashings, plank and trim connections and in some cases between plank joints.

Since we are already outside, let’s add a little grill maintenance to our summer BBQ.  The martha stewart website has a fantastic checklist for keeping your outside cooking maintained and healthy.  Click, print, and check off each item.  http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/web/pdfs/checklists/ms_checklist_gasgrills.pdf

Quick reference:  Water filters - every 3-6 months.  Air filters - There are so many different types of filters and different types of home traffic (pets), that this varies quite a bit.  However a good rule of thumb is to check them every month.  Change batteries in your fire alarms when you turn back/forward your clocks in spring and fall.    

These tips should get you well on your way to having a well maintained, healthy, and beautiful home.  Feel free to check in on www.cmmconstruction.com to see the latest on how CMM Service Plus is bringing the ultimate in home maintenance.  

Most importantly, don't forget to sit back and enjoy your favorite spot in your home.  After all that maintenance is complete, you deserve it!

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Simple Summer Styling

Summer brings a light, breezy feel to home decor.  It unveils a calmness and tranquility that is exemplified by the cold ice tea in your hand and flip flops on your feet.  It is easier to bring the outside in during a season when you are spending so much of your time out doors.  Here are a few examples of how to add simple summer uplifts to your home.  

Hydrangeas are an instant eye grabbing detail that can completely change the feel of a room.  If you do not have a hydrangea bush, please plant one.  They love the sandy soil located near the ocean but are rather resilient elsewhere as well.  They are easy to maintain and provide a constant flow of inexpensive summer decor.  

Take a look at the top left hand corner in the picture below.  There is a starfish neatly placed above the window.  This is such a small touch but it says so much.  It can easily be switched out between the seasons and can add an unobtrusive glow of summer.  

Lighting can bestow as much personality as you let it.  If you are looking to add character to a room, lighting is your friend.  The pendant below has a nautical vibe that speaks softly of days spent at sea without throwing a sailboat in your view.  When it comes to the nautical theme it is easy to over do it, so less is more on this one.  However when done properly, it is a beautiful way to use natural elements to decorate and funktify your home.

We love decorating with coral because it can be thrown anywhere!  It can be a center piece, or placed on any table, bookcase, or shelf.  It is an instant lift for some summer style and requires no tools to assemble.

Let your summer accouterments work for you.  We go through dozens of towels and bright colored items to accompany our summer days of pools and BBQ’s.  The picture below shows how you can use towels and pool bags to color a room and bring a robust levity to the space.  The best part of this decor is that it’s a fully functional part of the joyous details of summer.  

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Five on the Fifth

Explore the space that lives above you!  The default design element for ceilings, otherwise known as the fifth wall, has been the classic white.  With good reason too!  A white ceiling can expand a room and give a beautiful feel.  It is what we expect when we enter a room and therefore without distractions, we can pay more attention to the other four walls.  However, let’s not miss out on the elusive yet intriguing fifth wall.  When we color or enhance our ceilings we bring a certain personality and charisma to the room.  When done right, you can make a room pop rather easily.  Here are five examples for the fifth wall with varying degrees of difficulty and expense.  

We can start with a white bead board ceiling.  This adds a warmth to the room without changing the ceiling color at all.  This is especially useful when cool colors are used on the walls.  For this nursery, the white bead board gives a soft textured feel for an overall charming room.  

This example steps up the price point considerably but adds such whimsy and beauty that it is absolutely unforgettable.  The light blue on the walls continues on to the ceiling which creates a rich and full atmosphere that feels complete.  The dome on the ceiling gives a feel of actually being outdoors as it’s image matches the image on the walls.  This is nothing short of spectacular.  

The next example shows how you can color the bead board to enhance the beauty of the exposed beams.  The color on the ceiling is only slightly darker than the white trim but it makes quite an impact.

This technique is one of my favorites.  The ceiling below is actually white but looks green because of the hue of the chandelier.  Lighting can drastically impact the colors of a space.  This is a big change that you can make to a room without getting your hands dirty (or painty).  

Below we have a classic example of how ceiling color can enhance the feel of the entire room.  The blue color in the ceiling was pulled from the blue in the bench cushions, which is a great technique.  In an otherwise neutral room, you can pull the pop of color for the ceiling from any accessory for an eye catching custom feel.  

We have many more examples on www.cmmconstruction.com, but this list of “five on the fifth” is a great start for ceiling inspiration.  Please enjoy and look up!

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The Team

“Build the energy that the space gives you.”

This week we are highlighting Liz Widdis.  She has been on fire since she came to us three years ago, and shows no signs of stopping.  With an energy that is both calm and exciting, she brings an enjoyable charisma to the design world.

Tell me about your experience.

I Graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelors degree in interior design.  From there I went on to do design work at hospitals in West Virginia and New York.  During this experience I learned that design can affect your whole being, especially in the healthcare industry.   For example, the color red can spike blood pressure, therefore you will only see soothing warming colors in a hospital.  It is all about the nuances because design can be very holistic.

What are your skills?

I am well versed in computer programs including SketchUp and Chief Architect, among others.  These programs really help our clients to visualize the spaces.  As a team member I am able to combine the beauty of design with the technical process.  I make sure that every one involved is on the same page to produce what the clients want.  I am constantly educating myself and clients about the products that are going into their homes, not just for design but for performance.

What inspires you?

It inspires me to build the energy that the space gives you.  I love looking at something that is bigger than yourself, and contributing the best parts of yourself to it.  

What part of the building process do you most enjoy?

I enjoy bringing our clients ideas to life.  Each client and each home are truly unique, and that is in itself exciting and challenging.  Through that process I enjoy getting to know our clients and helping them design an essential part of their lives.  The relationship with our clients starts off professional, and then they become part of our CMM family.  It’s the human relationships that make it special.

To see some of Liz’s design work please go to www.cmmconstruction.com.  

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The Team

For 12 years we have had the opportunity to see James Queck’s remarkable craftsmanship.  His command of the build process is truly incredible.  He continues to master the art of home building, and take the craft to the next level.  He began with the CMM team as a carpenter, and is now a build superintendent.   Here are some of his words.

 What does it take to build a quality home?  

It is all about seeing the details before they develop.  It takes an incredible amount of planning, coordination, and working out the details ahead of time in the early stages.  

Which aspect of custom home building requires the most attention to detail?  

For the interior of the home I would say the built-ins.  They require an unbelievable attention to detail and are quite involved. For the exterior of the home I would say architectural details and finish work.  

In your experience, how does that attention to detail come through in the final product?  

I look a lot closer than most people.  I like to take the time to make every detail come together.  I know I am done when I am pleased with the over-all finish of the house.  

James’ work speaks for itself.  His expertise and artisanship come through in everything that he builds.  Here are a few examples of his phenomenal work.  Specifically trim work, built ins, and over all eye for detail.  

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Choices Depending

There are so many choices that shape the landscape of our reality.  From the second we wake we are faced with choices that produce extremely different outcomes depending on the circumstances.  The most underrated of all these circumstances are our influences.  We are influenced by climate, surroundings, past experiences, and most importantly, the people we place around us.  The latter is so important because that is the area in which we have the most control. It is difficult to change the weather, but we can choose the people that we position around us.  

When building a home, the builder you choose will become one of your influences.  The trust that is involved in that relationship is paramount to the home building experience.  Here are a few key ways that your builder can help you to make decisions about your home with confidence.

1.     Start with land you love.  If you already have that perfect lot, you are one step ahead of the game.  Your builder can also help you to find the best fit because of the extensive knowledge of the area.

2.     Design/build.  A design/build firm will help you to draw the plans and architectural structure of your home.   You can also bring a blueprint to your builder if you already have a relationship with an architect.

3.     Portfolio. There are many ways to research your builder.  Look at the photos on the company website, go to Houzz.com, and read reviews.  If you like what you see, then the transition from ideal home to practical application of ideas will be easier.  You can use past examples of work to communicate what you would like for your home.  

4.     Ask questions. The more answers you get from an experienced builder the more knowledge you will have at your disposal.  It is a rapport that will benefit your learning process as well as keep your dream home vision in focus.  

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Inside Out

Let’s step outside for some indoor comforts.  What could possibly be better than enjoying some beautiful weather outside?  Enjoying it with a full array of indoor technology.  Yes we are talking about outdoor kitchens.  They are functional and also a bit glorious.  They sit at the epicenter of entertaining bliss. They maximize the usefulness of your outdoor space and basically bring a whole new life to backyard enjoyment.  

We were inspired by a company called Outdoor Kitchen Design Store, one of the exhibitors at the Architectural Design Show.  We loved learning about their approach.  In their words, “Outdoor living should look, feel, and entertain Fabulously. The difference between Outdoor living and living outdoors fabulously is by Design.”  You can check them out at www.outdoorkitchendesignstore.net.  

There is a primal part of all of us that is drawn to the outdoor fire pit.  Outdoor kitchen design just takes that a few steps further.  With summer approaching, this is a great time to cook, eat, and relax with the comforts of home outside of your home.  

Below are some beautiful examples from CMM homes.

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A Latte Light

Wow has lighting come in to a new era!  The design with lighting has gone way beyond cute and functional.  It is now a way to convey an artistic expression and overall mood within a space.  What we found to be overwhelmingly impressive at the Architectural Digest Design Show was the propensity for lighting to convey personality.  It went from elegant and debonaire, to the heights of glam, to avant-garde industrial chic.  Here are four trending examples that are putting a whole new light on lighting.  Feel free to be inspired and a little awed!

Trend 1.  Geometric Shapes

This is from HUBBARDTON FORGE  based out of Castleton, Vermont.  Where “brilliant spaces deserve exceptional lighting.”  

Trend 2. Warm Metals

Gold, brass, and copper are trending in a big way.  Ferguson displayed a beautiful example at the Architectural Design Show.  This fixture exemplifies how gold is making a comeback.  

http://www.parkharborlighting.com/p/park-harbor-phpl5155-afton-16-wide-5-light-foyer-pendant-with-metal-and-glass-accents/s1154680

Trend 3. Industrial Chic

We love how this trend blends that “found” item feel with sparkle and glamour.  The tone resonates with with a combined masculine and feminine style to create that intriguing balance.  

Trend 4. Nautical Nuance

Sailing dreams and ocean love go in this trend with beauty and class.  Our love affair with all that brings us back to the ocean is striking big in the lighting industry.  This example comes to house from Restoration Hardware.  

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The Team

“There is an art in the math that is required to add detail to a home.” 

This week we are highlighting Erin Bender.  She came to us with an extensive knowledge of all aspects of finance plus a unique love for home building!

Tell me about your experience

I majored in communications at Monmouth University.  In 2007 I began working for a start up company just outside of Philadelphia.  I was responsible for collecting several million dollars a year for companies around the country in the cable, gas, and oil industries.  I also managed the book keeping and accounts receivable.  Since I have always had a love of real estate and home building, I jumped at the opportunity to blend my experience with finance and my love of the home building process with the position of Bookkeeper at CMM Construction.

What are your skills?

I can adapt to any new system or technology quickly.  I love the challenge of overcoming obstacles and having versatility in the face of change.  I am proficient with all Microsoft applications and ideally I would like to integrate the changing software technology to make the financial aspect of the building process easier for everyone.      

What part of the building process do you most enjoy?

I love all stages of the design process.  I enjoy the thrill of seeing a customer’s ideas come to life.  There is an art in the math that is required to add detail to a home.  

What inspires you?

The different types of architecture and the emotions that it can evoke in you.   Homes bring me so much joy because they bring families together.  It helps me to make sure that our customers are getting exactly what they want at a great value that will last generations.

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The Team

“Houses have this personality, you recognize different traits of how different builders build.”

This week we are highlighting Mark Holmes.  He has brought such a unique talent to CMM since 1986, and it was a pleasure to discuss the origins of that talent.  

Please tell us about your experience.

In college I took set design and that was my first experience building sets for  local community theatres. Also while in school I worked part time for a mason doing concrete demolition and form work.  In the process of renovating a house I fell in love with carpentry and went back to my college roots with set design.  In 1986 I began working with CMM Construction as lead carpenter.  

What are your skills?

I am experienced in all phases of construction from soil analysis, foundation design, and framing; to the successful completion of the project.  I also have experience with landscaping and I work to integrate every design aspect of home construction.

What inspires you?

I like building something that will outlast me.  Houses have this personality, you recognize different traits of how different builders build.  I love being part of a community that works to answer the basic human need of providing shelter.

What part of the building process do you most enjoy?

When people are in the house and are happy with the finished product.  By the end of the process they are more like family than clients.  

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Architectural Digest Design Show

We had the pleasure of attending the Architectural Digest Design Show last week and it was like a feast for the home decor palette.  It was a cornucopia of delectable nuggets to devour.  Now in it’s 15th year, the display is the essential showcase for luxury design.  It draws over 40,000 design enthusiasts to interact with displays from the world’s leading brands.  Established manufacturers and independent start-ups alike gather to display the best of the best.  If you are inspired by design, this was a day of heavenly decadence.  

There were many trending themes taking place throughout the show.  One in particular was the propensity for designers to bring the outside in.  The innovative flair is what sets this idea apart.  People have been bringing house plants inside for centuries, but now this idea has exploded.  

Let’s start with a Plantaria.  This is an indoor miniature water garden that incorporates rivers, cliffs, waterfalls and group plantings all in a living 3-dimensional natural landscape.  It is a beautifully crafted mini outdoor world that you can bring in to your living room in about the size of a fish tank.  It adds an environment of beauty and peace to your home.  Check out www.plantaria.net for more information.  

Living walls were ubiquitously placed throughout the show.  One company that showcased new and innovative products to display plants is called New Growth Designs.  What a great way to add greenery to your home!  They have products such as boxwood expanding lattice, and boxwood columns and topiaries.  For more information please go to www.newgrowthdesigns.com.  

Various designers also used products that are typically found and left outside.  For example this picture above displays how PVC pipe can be used to build amazing seating for a dining room.  It is modern, sleek, and functional.  The perfect confluence between art and utilitarianism, form and function.    

These gems were impressive and memorable!  Keep posted as we will continue to bring you more details from this impressionable show!

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Sitting is the New Smoking

The powers that be will continuously tell us to do more of one thing and less of another.  Thank goodness we don't have to completely eradicate our vices because the newest things that we are asked to cut down on is sitting.  At first, this surprised me because the simple act of sitting is just so enjoyable and seemingly innocuous.  However, I get it.  We sit at the office, in our cars, at home, online and virtually every where we go.  Modern technology may be tipping us into a sitting over load.  Art and design have found a way to reflect this trend and bring it home by revamping the approach to furniture placement.  The general idea is to picture how you would like to move through a room, instead of sit in it.  

For example this kitchen featured above has ample seating options, however it is not the focal point.  There is plenty of space to walk around and mingle with friends at a dinner party.  The seating area is off to the side which invites guests to stay on their feet.  

This kitchen has no sitting area at all.  It is a space dedicated to cooking, snacking, and preparing.  

This space is kept light and airy by eliminating heavy furniture and highlighting the breezy quality of the room.  

Every seasoned host knows tricks that will keep people moving and mingling during a party.  These entertaining gems have been parlayed into home design in a very fashionable way.  I will gladly partake as long as at least one space is reserved for the professional couch potato!   

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For the love of galley kitchens and Charlie Chaplin!

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New Year Follow Through

Many people make New Years resolutions that revolve around their home. I pledge to be more organized, I pledge to finish that project, or I pledge to start a remodel. These ideas are fun and interesting. The beginning of January is filled with wonderful conversations about all the home improvements that are about to happen. However what starts with incredible gusto sometimes get put on the back burner as soon as life, stress, or February takes its hold. The good news is there are time tested methods to combat what I like to call resolution fatigue. Because trust me, you are not the only one with a folder full beautiful home make-over ideas. Now it is time to honor the jumpstarter in all of us with an army of follow through support.

1. The breakdown. Break your project down into small, achievable goals. Week one - gather supplies. Week two - research method etc.  You can even make a timeline outlining what you would like to accomplish.

2. For each accomplished small goal, treat yourself with a reward.  Rewards should be equal to the size of the accomplishment.  You can even put money aside every week in its own account.  When the entire project is finished, you allow yourself to access the money.  

3. According to the podcast "Hidden Brain" you can increase your chances of follow through by listening to your self talk.  Self talk during a project is usually said in the first person “why can't I get this project done,” “why am I not finding the time.”  Research has shown that when people talk to themselves in the second or third person, “why does Jesse feel this way,” they report feeling less anxious and actually perform better in challenging situations.  

4. Researchers on Hidden Brain also report that the type of motivation plays a large role in project completion.  Strong internal motivations (create a loving environment for my family, decrease stress by decluttering) fared better than instrumental motivations (copying the jones’, making my home look like a magazine).

February is waiting to be the wonderful month of follow through!  This pic is my motivation to redo my girl’s bathroom!  Have fun.

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Here at CMM we are all busy prepping homes for the storm.  We have the best of best on the job making sure each CMM home is safe and secure.  Now we will take some time to help you secure yours.

Here is a great list as seen on ready.gov…

• Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit: ◦ Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways.  ◦ Sand to improve traction. ◦ Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment. ◦ Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove. ◦ Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm. • A NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the NWS for all hazards. You may also sign up in advance to receive notifications from your local emergency services.

It is also important to bring all items in from outside that are not secure.  As well as fasten any loose shutters, and tighten and lock all windows.   

All of us here are wishing you snowball fights, hot chocolate, and warm cuddles during the first snowstorm of 2016.

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8 Tips from a Stager

A stager is someone who looks at a given space and maximizes it to it’s fullest potential. There are many tricks of the trade that are used very frequently because they are fool proof.  These tricks are small low cost adjustments that can completely change the feel and functionality of a room.  I use these tricks to photograph a room and make it look its best for publication, social media, and advertisements.  However these tips are so versatile they can be used for selling a home, store showcase arrangement, and enjoying your home in the best way possible.  Let’s get right to playing up strengths, hiding flaws, and making your home more appealing to everyone.

1. Accessories in threes.  Your eyes want to be intrigued and interested.  They are drawn to make sense of balance and beauty.  This simple step can help you to arrange your vases, picture frames, and knick knacks like a pro.  The home featured below has many wonderful examples but for this point look at the table  in the bottom right.  The lamp, dish, and picture frame are in perfect balance.  

 2. Paint with neutrals.  A neutral color palette on the walls helps you to switch out accessories with ease, and will make a space look bigger.  Try choosing a neutral that you love, and going slightly lighter or darker for an adjacent room.  This will add continuity between the two rooms and make each room seem larger.  

3. Declutter!  Too much stuff is messy and confusing to the eye.  Basically, your mind works too hard trying to makes sense of the stuff instead of enjoying the space.  When decorating a book shelf or showcase, the common rule is to eliminate by 50%.  Take out books and other items so that you can truly show off the remaining treasures.  Balance out the verticle and horizontal lines and add circles and curves.  

4.  Raise those curtains.  When you raise the height of your curtains you make the room look bigger and it adds elegance.  Try placing the top of the curtain mid way between the top of the window and the ceiling. 

 5.  Arrange for conversation.  Sofas and chairs should talk to each other so that we can talk to each other.  A common mistake is to push all the furniture against the walls because people think that it will make the room look bigger.  It does just the opposite.  Floating your furniture will add functionality and enhance the space.  

6.  Play with light.  Mirrors are great however mirror placement is key.  A mirror directly across from a window will actually bounce the light right back outside.  Place a mirror perpendicular to the window to bounce the light within the room.  Choose lightweight fabrics for curtains.  Cotton, linen, and silk are best because they tend to lay right and let natural light in.  Natural light is your friend so make it work for you.  

7. Layer your lighting.  Ideally every room should have three layers of lighting.  Overhead for general illumination, task which is for reading or cooking, and decorative which highlights artwork or adds ambiance.  Of course natural light is best, but this layering methods mimics natural light when relying soley on it is not possible.  

8.  The final touch is the most important and the easiest.  Add movement!  We want a space to look alive.  Light a candle, turn on the fire, turn on a fan, open a book on the coffee table, add a throw blanket.  These touches provide a lived in warmth that speaks to your eyes and soul.  This is the step that conveys how much you love your home without saying a word.