The heart and soul of a home comes from the finer details that add drama and reflect the personality of those who live inside and share its comforts. The most beautiful homes are those that invite and captivate.

The first instinct when buying a home is to make it personal with touches that bring it to life.

When we think of a face-lift for a living space we more often consider furnishings, fabric and accessories to add flavor and color, but has your buyer considered the natural beauty and elegance of wood? It is not as difficult or expensive as you may imagine capturing the elegance and luxury of yesteryear by styling with wood.

Much of the charisma of an older, vintage home lies in the charm and aesthetic beauty of the rich and ornate architectural details. Typically new or newer construction uses wood in the simplest, most basic variety to fulfill essential design considerations. There are affordable unfinished architectural elements sold in home improvement stores today that can add new life and warmth to an otherwise plain interior without breaking your pocketbook.

Relatively simple to install, wood wainscoting topped with decorative chair rail molding or full-wall paneling can add new depth to painted walls. Doors and windows are important practical features that can be easily replaced or enhanced to give any home a more distinguished appearance. Choosing panel-style doors and elaborate molding, trim and baseboards increases visual appeal and proportions of a space by adding texture. A window seat can be a practical addition to any room as a decorative solution to bridging the opening formed by a bay or bow window with the added convenience of extra storage underneath the seat.

Different styles of wood design are available depending on the intricacy of detail and choice of craftsmanship. Unfinished pieces allow choice in how to enhance the grain of wood and alter the tone or color to match an existing color scheme or transform a living space altogether.

For real estate professionals and their clients who love working with wood

The success of any project begins with planning. If you are a do-it-yourselfer who relishes doing a complete job yourself, styling with wood can be satisfying and rewarding. If not, hiring a professional is certainly the better choice. The major consideration is consistency. Your choice of wood and finish should ultimately harmonize with your existing furnishings and other decorative features.

If it is your first time, do some research. Go to your public library or local bookstore and look for how-to books on wood installation and finishing. Visit your local home improvement centers for answers to your questions. Many offer free how-to clinics and workshops. Or go on-line and visit their libraries, buying guides and how-to video centers.

After installation your choice of stain defines the color in your living space. The finish on the wood protects the wood from moisture and promotes durability and long life. There are numerous products available for all your wood stain/finishing needs, oil-based or water-based, premixed or custom. Gloss, semi-gloss, satin and matte varieties determine the final appearance of your wood and intensity of sheen or how light is reflected off of the wood’s surface. One-step finishing products cut the job in half and minimize drying times for added convenience. Application tools range from bristle brush, foam applicator, or lint free cloth, depending on the product and desired effect. Proper application assures professional results and lasting beauty.

Here are some helpful tips to consider:

• Carefully read and follow all directions and precautions. When working with wood finishing products be sure to wear old clothes, protective eyewear and rubber gloves. Work in well ventilated areas. Protect surrounding surfaces with a drop cloth or newspapers.
• Prior to applying, test the stain for depth of color. Use an extra piece of scrap wood left over from installation or finds an inconspicuous spot on the piece to be finished.
• Prepare the surface to be stained by lightly sanding with fine sandpaper to remove any marks or to smooth out any rough edges or corners. Remove any traces of dust using a tack cloth.
• Use high quality brushes for best application and superior results. Softwoods may need a coat of wood conditioner prior to finishing to prevent blotching, streaking and assure even absorption.
• Let the wood soak up the stain for at least 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired shade. The longer the wood is allowed to absorb the stain, the deeper the color will be. Wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
• Allow the stain to dry overnight before applying a protective finish. Lightly sand with fine sandpaper between coats. The same holds true if using a one-step stain and finishing product.
• You are the artist putting a unique face on your wood to achieve a custom look. Use light even strokes. Thick coats take longer to dry and have a tendency to run.

The next time you are looking for ideas and inspiration, think of the elegance that once was and bring it home again. Without spending a great deal of money and using just a little imagination, your home will take on a whole new character. The beauty of natural wood comes to life in the fine details that can add richness, depth, color and texture to your surroundings. Your home needs its own signature and styling with wood is an affordable option that can ultimately add value.

Zoriana Fedunyszyn, Realtor®, ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative), e-PRO (Certified Internet Professional), RECS (Real Estate CyberSpace Specialist), Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser, has over 10 years of real estate industry experience. She is the president of an independent, non-franchised woman-owned real estate services business, Zoriana Real Estate Network, Ltd., Oak Forest, IL. Zoriana graduated from Loyola with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Drama and attended the prestigious Harrington Institute of Interior Design. She is a member of NAR, IAR, REBAC, Realtor® Association of the West/South Suburban Chicagoland, OREP, Appraisal Institute (Residential Associate) and NAIFA (Candidate). E-mail Zoriana at zoriana_re@hotmail.com or visit http://www.ZorianaRealEstate.com or http://www.HomeSweetDeal.com.

Published: June 8, 2004

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