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Getting to Know Serena Appiah
Oct 20, 2016, 13:21 PM
Serena Appiah, author of DIY blog www.thriftdiving.com, was a home blogger who became a home celebrity after being crowned Marketplace Events’ 2016 Home + Garden Trendsetter of the Year.
As a mother of three and veteran home renovator, Serena has some great insight into DIY projects, design and trends!
Q: What should homeowners look for when it comes to working with a contractor or interior designer?
Serena: "I absolutely love Angie’s List for finding contractors and any professionals related to home services. You’ve got to know what other people are honestly saying about those professionals. Angie’s List includes real feedback from real homeowners. Things I look for is what grade do they have? I only hire grade “A” contractors. Are people saying they’re trustworthy and honest in their pricing? Do they show up on time? Do they treat customers respectfully? I also look for professionals that have not just positive feedback, but lots of that feedback, because the more feedback, the better assessment you can make."
Q: What is your favorite space to makeover and why?
Serena: "Show me an ugly bathroom, and I’m all over it! Bathrooms are fun because usually it’s a smaller space where you can be bolder and decorate outside of your comfort zone. I generally love soft, comforting colors when it comes to most living spaces, but bathrooms are spaces to unleash your inner “wild child” decorating ideas!"
Q: What’s one thing you think people should splurge on?
Serena: "Electronics! As thrifty as I am when it comes to home decor, you’d never know that I splurge on the best electronics (computers, cameras, tablets, etc.) I can afford. Technology changes so quickly that people should buy the best they can afford so that their electronics are relevant for at least a couple of years."
Q: What’s the best way for homeowners to incorporate the latest trends into their decor? How can you tell what has staying power and what doesn’t?
Serena: "Only decorate with the latest trend if it’s something you truly adore. You should never feel pressured to incorporate trendy decor just because someone else did it or else you risk your home not really being a reflection of you. If you absolutely love a trend, don’t worry about whether it has staying power. Simply because you love it means it has staying power, regardless of whether the trend goes in or out."
You can hear more from Serena Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Johnson County Home + Remodeling Show. The home and garden event of the season takes over the Overland Park Convention Center October 21-23, 2016. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show. We can't wait to see you there!
OVERLAND PARK CONVENTION CENTER
Q: What should homeowners look for when it comes to working with a contractor or interior designer?
Serena: "I absolutely love Angie’s List for finding contractors and any professionals related to home services. You’ve got to know what other people are honestly saying about those professionals. Angie’s List includes real feedback from real homeowners. Things I look for is what grade do they have? I only hire grade “A” contractors. Are people saying they’re trustworthy and honest in their pricing? Do they show up on time? Do they treat customers respectfully? I also look for professionals that have not just positive feedback, but lots of that feedback, because the more feedback, the better assessment you can make."
Q: What is your favorite space to makeover and why?
Serena: "Show me an ugly bathroom, and I’m all over it! Bathrooms are fun because usually it’s a smaller space where you can be bolder and decorate outside of your comfort zone. I generally love soft, comforting colors when it comes to most living spaces, but bathrooms are spaces to unleash your inner “wild child” decorating ideas!"
Q: What’s one thing you think people should splurge on?
Serena: "Electronics! As thrifty as I am when it comes to home decor, you’d never know that I splurge on the best electronics (computers, cameras, tablets, etc.) I can afford. Technology changes so quickly that people should buy the best they can afford so that their electronics are relevant for at least a couple of years."
Q: What’s the best way for homeowners to incorporate the latest trends into their decor? How can you tell what has staying power and what doesn’t?
Serena: "Only decorate with the latest trend if it’s something you truly adore. You should never feel pressured to incorporate trendy decor just because someone else did it or else you risk your home not really being a reflection of you. If you absolutely love a trend, don’t worry about whether it has staying power. Simply because you love it means it has staying power, regardless of whether the trend goes in or out."
You can hear more from Serena Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Johnson County Home + Remodeling Show. The home and garden event of the season takes over the Overland Park Convention Center October 21-23, 2016. Don't have tickets yet? Get 2-for-1 on Facebook and treat a friend or family member to the show. We can't wait to see you there!