Latest News About Annie O’Carroll

What's New in Counter tops?

23 Jun 2010

From Santa Fe Realty Partners Monthly Newsletter Interior Design Today By Annie O’Carroll, Principal, Annie O’Carroll Interior Design

Begin your ideal kitchen or bath design by choosing a counter top from a variety of exciting materials.

Granite is a favorite solid surface because of its natural beauty and strength. It is non-reactive to common acids such as vinegar, wine and lemon juice. Its hardness makes it durable and easy to maintain. Granite will complement your design through color and choice in finishes. Honed granite has had the polish removed giving it a matte appearance while a brushed finish gives an appearance often referred to as leather.

Traditionally, we have seen sandstone used for floors. The rich colors, textures and the occasional fossil embedded in the sandstone make this material a natural alternative for counter tops. Visit the Inn of the Anasazi to see the patina of a beautifully fabricated and honed surface— a testament to sandstone’s durability.

Soapstone counter tops have a soft appearance and come in gentle shades of gray, green and blue. Mineral oil is used to treat this stone to bring out the natural veins and deepen its shades of color. This stone has a luxurious feel and the strength to withstand heat and staining.

Granite counter tops at 11 Via Pampa, Darlene Streit and Linda Horn, sfrp.com. Engineered stone is a durable combination of natural quartz and resin. This technology offers strength, vast color choices and unique finishes for design possibilities. Manufacturers of this material include Cambria, CaesarStone, Silestone and Zodiaq.

Concrete is a creative medium that is a hard-working choice for the kitchen, bath or bar top. This versatile material can be fabricated in any shape, color and style for interesting design options.

Butcher block is a sustainable alternative to stone. Its durability and beauty is created by arranging the ends of any hardwood facing up. Bamboo is a renewable resource and an ideal material for counter tops when looking for ‘green’ alternatives in design.

Whether you’re re-modeling, adding a new addition or starting construction, combine beauty, functionality and fun when choosing your counter tops to reflect your personal design and lifestyle.

Annie O'Carroll Discusses Quality of Bed Linen

07 Mar 2010

Annie O'Carroll's topic this week on "All Things Real Estate" radio program on 1260AM was how to determine the quality of bed linens.

What is the best thread count to buy in linens? It might surprise you that the linen industry has conducted studies that determine that a thread count of 300 is best for wearablity and breathability. If your linen is breathable, it keeps you cool and comfortable when you sleep. A 500 thread count is the maximum you can buy using single ply long stable fibers. If the thread count is over 500 it is physically impossible to weave in a single ply so they twist the yarn and it becomes 2 ply.

A good sheet can last up to 15 years if you take care of your linens. Look at them as an investment. The best way to take care of bed linens is to wash them in medium temperature water and dry on medium heat. High heat destroys the fibers. It also helps if you wash them alone to prevent abrasion from other items in the wash. Good sheets should be durable and hold up to washing, you don't need to use special detergent.

Listen to a podcast of this interview as well as previous shows here.

Annie O'Carroll on

01 Mar 2010

This month, Annie O'Carroll will be featured on "All Things Real Estate" radio program on Radio 1260AM, March 7th and 21st at approximately 12:30.

Tune in to hear her discussion on Interior Design issues.

Listen to a podcast of previous shows here.

Annie O'Carroll Will Now Be a Regular Guest on All Things Real Estate on KTRC Radio 1260AM

19 Jan 2010

Beginning February 1, 2010 Annie O'Carroll will be a full sponsor of the "All Things Real Estate" radio show on Radio 1260AM KTRC. The show airs Sundays from 12 - 1. She will be discussing Interior Design issues twice a month on the show. Exact dates to be announced.

Listen to a podcast of previous shows here.

Santa Fean Magazine Profiles one of Annie O'Carroll's Projects

11 Dec 2009

“Annie listened really well to my backgrounds and tastes,” says Antonsen, Director of Marketing and Senior Vice President for Christie's Great Estates, “which is why there’s no dining room. In my other homes, that was such a waste of space, because I do so much entertaining in the living room. People really love that great room, because it looks out onto the backyard and the golf course and it has the walls that open up, and inside there’s all the great art Annie and I got from Santa Fe painter Michael Wright. Then Annie made these very intimate seating areas that can be expanded for parties. So I can accommodate up to 70 people if I want. It's wonderful. This is my favorite part of the house.”

Read the entire article at the Santa Fean website

Annie O’Carroll Interior Design Introduces Line of Eco-Friendly Drapery Hardware

10 Nov 2009

Here at Annie O’Carroll Interior Design we are constantly seeking new materials – we are delighted to introduce a new line of eco-friendly drapery hardware that is composed of recycled metal, glass, ceramic, and plantation grown woods, as well low V.O.C. water based paints and gel stains. This high quality, classic line has designs that are both contemporary and traditional and will compliment any interior aesthetic.

This is an exciting time to be in design – from textiles and furniture to remodeling and new construction - we are mixing old with new and making design greener/smarter to breathe new life into existing space and to enhance the way we work and live. Whether you are launching a new project or you simply want to rethink functionality, lighting, surfaces, or furnishings, we would love to be involved. Please feel free to inquire at 505.983.7055.

How To Make Your Home More Saleable

04 Aug 2009

In this competitive time in order to make your home stand out amongst the competition the buyer needs to see and feel them-selves living in your home. It needs to connect to all of their senses conscious or unconscious. Here are 5 high impact things you can do.

1. De-clutter: leave room so potential buyers can see them-selves in your house, remove personal items such as family photos and anything unnecessary. Great time to clean out those closets.
2. Paint: this is the single most impactful thing you can do. We recommend using a light color but not white. Look for low VOC paints.
3. Lighting: update your wall sconces, track lighting, lamps. Lighting creates ambiance and easily updates your house. Consider adding dimmer switches to your dining and living rooms. The Lighting industry has made exciting leaps and what a good opportunity to consider energy efficient options.
4. Bath: fixtures without relocating plumbing locations you can upgrade your bath fixtures. Visit a local plumbing store; it’s amazing where design has gone in the world of plumbing.
5. Hire a professional: a fresh eye and a new perspective can make the difference in selling your house.