WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY Archives | Page 6 of 88

We Answer Wednesday – Girl on a Budget

November 4, 2015

” I’m a girl on a budget. I’ve moved into a new place and I need some ideas to make my new place look expensive.”

We are all on a budget but there are some home updates that you can do with minimal money that will result in maximum impact.

1 – Lighting.

Swap out that old dining or entry way light fixture for something with visual impact

2 – Neutrals.

Ever notice that those classically chic spaces we all drool over in the magazines are always in neutral tones? So opt for neutral paint on your walls, the depth is up to you but greys, taupes, creams and beige always looks chic.

3 – Tile.

Is your kitchen missing something? A back splash is like jewelry on an outfit – it pulls it altogether and makes a statement! So same with tile. Update your kitchen with some back splash tiles and maybe give your powder room a boost too. Looking for something timeless? We love a subway tile, it comes in many colours and it’s always in style.

4 – Built-ins.

Yes, they are expensive but fake them! find some pre-fab or packed shelving and create that custom built-in look with floor to ceiling bookcases. Aim for shelving that is the colour of your trim to get the built-in look. Be sure to style your bookcase with decor pieces and books to make it look elevated!

5 – Dimension.

Add some depth and elegance with panels and molding. Use this to draw attention to special features of the home like a fireplace.

6 – Hardware.

Make sure your hardware finishes match. Replace any hardware that doesn’t match or that is broken. Coordinating your hardware pieces will make the whole room shine.

7 – Walk way.

Even the exterior of your home can look expensive. Update that walkway it will give the whole exterior an instant boost and make your landscaping look even better.

8 – Exterior entryway.

A full exterior make over can get pricey but try a few easy improvements like paint your front door – a fresh coat of paint always looks great! Update your mailbox and address plate. Try adding some flanking planters to your front exterior, for symmetry and balance they frame the entry and look welcoming.

Just because you are on a budget doesn’t mean you have to look like you are…

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HOLIDAYS, HOME STAGING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Selling and Seasonal Decor

October 28, 2015

“We will be selling our home during the holidays. We love the holidays and especially the decorating. Is it OK to decorate our home for the holidays while it is up for sale? “

We love the holidays too and the decorating is our favourite part but when it comes to selling your home you need to be careful. Holiday decorating can be a negative when it comes to selling your home.

We love how simple and subtle this entry way decor is. It is perfect for the fall and Thanksgiving season. It is clean and tasteful.

Although we love this because it is both fun and festive for Halloween, it is too much if you are selling your home. The mantle is too cluttered and crowded, and taking away from the fireplace – a great feature for any home

Here’s why:

1. Certain holiday decor may be religious and that can turn (some) buyers off. You need to keep the home neutral and depersonalized.

2. Holiday decor (in most cases) adds clutter. You might think adding a large Christmas tree in your family room shows off the size of the room but it actually doesn’t. It cramps the space, adds bulk to the space and although beautiful it may even cut off the flow of the room.

This is a lot of fun and totally chic for a Halloween party but it’s very cluttered and is very distracting.

3. Holiday decor can be distracting. Lights, trees, baubles and bling really take the focus away from features like flooring, new paint, large windows and just about anything else that is included with the home

4. Holiday decor dates your photos. We love holiday decor but if you are decked out for the holidays during your photos, those photos will get old and quickly. No one wants to see a fireplace mantle with garlands and wreaths in late January or February (and depending on your market and price point that could be a realistic time frame).

This is clean and simple plus it isn’t religious. This would be cute on a mantel or as a centerpiece during the season.

Now if you just can’t come to terms with not decorating for the holidays while your home is for sale, here are some ideas.

1. Tone it down and keep it tasteful. So keep to less than 50% of what you would normally do.

This is a great addition on the front porch or by the fireplace. It’s clean and simple and it can be up over the months of December and January as it is pretty generic. But remember to maintain any natural plants – you don’t want a fire hazard or pine needles everywhere!

2. Keep your decor up for a shorter period of time. So don’t put up your items too early and keep them up too long.

3. Don’t have your decor ‘up’ for your photos. That way you will be giving buyers (who are looking online) a true snapshot of what the home looks like and you will be able to use the photos longer as they won’t be dated after the holidays.

4. Hosting the holidays? Be sure to let your agent know and coordinate with him/her any showing restrictions in advance – you don’t want to turn away showings if you can avoid it. It can set a bad impression.

Don’t forget the exterior – keep your decor simple, clean and tasteful. White lights are very flattering and work beyond the Christmas holidays. Also with the days getting shorter, these lights help buyers and agents see the house better!

This is really fun and very festive and probably a neighbourhood attraction but it is distracting and a look to avoid when selling your home.

Remember once you are in your new home you can make up for not being able to decorate during the sale of your last home! Happy Holidays and happy Selling!!

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BEDROOMS, LIGHTING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Bedroom Chandelier

October 21, 2015

“I see in magazine so many people are using chandeliers in their bedrooms these days. I love the look, but am worried I won’t know how to choose the right one. What are some of the things I should be looking for when choosing a chandelier for my bedroom?”

Who doesn’t love a chandelier in the bedroom?

The elegant look they give a space is so beautiful. A gorgeous light fixture is such a feature in a room and lighting is something that can really change a space. Both design wise and functionally. Choosing a chandelier for your bedroom doesn’t need to be complicated!

There are tons of options out there, from rustic to modern, but chances are, your home décor is already headed in a certain direction. Be true to your style! Whether the look you desire is traditional or modern, there’s many options that will work with your decor and provide the ambient light you need.

If you love bling, adding a little bit of glitz and glam to your room will give it that sparkle you’re looking for. For a more traditional look, choose a chandelier with more ornamentation or decorative details. If your room’s look is more modern, a fixture with simple lines and fewer details can be a stunning touch.

Chandeliers usually work best in rooms with a ceiling height of more than 9 feet. Though, in a child’s bedroom, you might choose a mini-chandelier, since children’s rooms are typically smaller than master bedrooms.

A mini-chandelier may be designed more like a semi-flush light, which won’t take up as much space. This can also work in small scale dining rooms or living rooms.

The chandelier should complement, not overwhelm, furnishings placed underneath. One of the most noted mistakes when installing a bedroom chandelier is choosing a fixture that is too small for the room.

Chances are this lighting fixture is going to be a focal point of the bedroom (among others), so we want to ensure that is not falling into the background. Choose a chandelier that at first glance may look too large for the room. Obviously, choosing something gargantuan is going to look silly, but choosing an oversize chandelier will really make a statement in the room. It’s better to have a chandelier too large than it is too small.

Once you’ve determined the right size chandelier for your room, choose a fixture based on the room’s main color or material.

What type of statement you want to make?

Is there a certain mood or feeling your looking to invoke?

We want to be true to the décor you currently have/love.

If you are looking to create a romantic space, go for the sparkle and the glam look of a crystal chandelier. (Put that on a dimmer!!) If you are looking for a rustic space, add some organic textures.. adding a wood element is a sure way to bring the natural feel inside. A modern bedroom is best accented with clean lines and minimalist extras.

A traditional bedroom looks great with a candelabra chandelier and a little bit of crystal. Do some research. Think about what you love in your home and carry that into your décor choices!

An incredible light fixture makes a statement in any room, so don’t forget about the bedroom – the lights might be off most of the time but why not have a fabulous fixture to look at in the day light? Who knows you might try and spend more time in there…

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HOME DECOR, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Finding my Decorating Style

October 14, 2015

“I really want to decorate my condo and have it look amazing. But where do I start? Do I look at what’s trending? Or copy what I see in magazines? I really need help and have no idea where to start!”

Decorating your home is so much fun but it can be stressful for some – we don’t want you to have a negative experience, after all this is your home, your space, your sanctuary !

Magazines are a great start.

Here’s what we recommend:

start leafing through magazines (start in a bookstore, we love Chapters, they always have a large and varied selection) – (you can also look online – try Houzz or Pinterest.)

So start looking through your magazines and keep a file (yes, rip out those pages!) and take some notes on what you love about the page – post-it’s are easy and perfect for this!

Collect a number of images and once you have a decent amount (10-20)- stop and review. Look at the images, look at your notes…do you see a pattern?

You probably will notice a common theme – like colour, pattern, texture, style….or perhaps something more specific like wallpaper or bold and graphic art.

This exercise is a great way to start and get a better idea of your taste and style. Don’t use words like “I’m modern or I’m traditional”, images will give you a much better idea of what you are all about!

Another great tip for decorating, is to ask yourself “how to I want this room to feel?”

Do you want a sexy or romantic bedroom?

Do you want a vibrant and exciting living room?

Use your interests as decor influences.

Maybe you love to travel and you want your space to remind you of your travels – “I want a room that reminds me of Italy, France, Morocco….etc…..” did you collect art or other artifacts on your adventures? Use those items in your decorating. They will give the space a sense of who you are and what your story is.

Trends are great to read about but if you don’t love what’s ‘#trending’ don’t do it! Your space needs to reflect your story – not what someone tells the masses is cool.

Don’t be afraid!

If you love something you will find a spot for it. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and colours and brands/price points, an expensive sofa paired with a re purposed/recycled thrift store find like a bench or end tables – is what personal style is all about!

Personal style is all your own – so don’t worry about doing what everyone else is doing.

March to your own beat!

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KITCHENS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Hardwood in the kitchen

October 7, 2015

“We are doing some work to our kitchen, and one thing I keep seeing in magazines is hardwood floors in the kitchen. I love the look & want to incorporate it into my own home, is this a good idea?”

Choosing hardwood floors in the kitchen is a great option. There are definitely some cons, but there are many pluses as well. It’s a look that is very on trend right now. Hardwood flooring in the kitchen is especially great for an open concept home because there is no transition between the flooring, the seamless look is continuous. ‎

There are certain types of wood species that really thrive in a kitchen setting, and there are others that are less ideal. Exotic woods such as teak and rosewood are not great options as they are a softer species and dent easier. You want a ‘harder’ wood, if this is the route you’re going in your home.

Our recommendations would be to choose hardwood species offering a tighter grain. Oak (see the image just below to the left) for example features a prominent grain pattern that hides dirt and dents better than woods with subtle grains. Try to stay away from pine and birch and light colored flooring because the kitchen is such a high traffic area. These lighter tones will not hide dirt, scuffs and scratches as well as other species.

The most ideal type of woods to use in your kitchen are reclaimed wood (see the image to the right) , or a distressed finish, or hand scraped hardwood. Distressed and hand scraped will ease the mind of someone who is very particular about any scuffs. Let’s be realistic, at some point, something is going to get dropped on your floors, especially in the kitchen. With this type of finishing‎, any dents or damage will look planned, or if nothing else, add some extra character. Hand scraped is a beautiful look even in a modern/contemporary home. It does sound rustic, but it can be very subtle to the touch.

In terms of finish, I wouldn’t recommend a glossy look. The shine is going to be much more obvious if it is dirty and
scuffed and over time, it will begin to look worn and tired. Finishes come in a range of sheens from low-shine satin to high-gloss. Satin sheen is the best option because it will hide food bits and dust best. ‎

Moisture is always a concern when you use hardwood in the kitchen. If possible, use a mat or rug in front of areas that often get wet, and be sure to wipe all spills as soon as possible. Be mindful when adding hardwood to your kitchen that it does require a regular maintenance routine. Follow the flooring manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines.

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BATHROOMS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Colour in my all-White Bathroom

September 30, 2015

“We live in a new home and we were able to pick all of our interior finishes. We both love a white bathroom – it is so clean but our master bathroom is completely white and although we love the white it’s just too white! What can we do to add some colour to the bathroom without an expensive renovation?”

White is a great ‘colour’ for a bathroom – it’s clean, it’s fresh and it’s timeless! But you are right too much of anything isn’t good. Any room in one tone starts to look and feel a little one dimensional over time but have no fear, we are here to help!

Even though the bathroom is a small space, you do have a lot of opportunity to add colour, texture and personality to your bathroom.

1 – Shower Curtain

– pattern, colour and maybe even texture. To keep it simple, use the shower curtain as your inspiration or jumping off point for the other elements like the linens, paint etc…Be sure to have a liner so your shower curtain is protected from the water in the shower

2 – Lovely linens

– towels and a bath mat can add colour, pattern and texture. The texture of the linens adds some softness to the bathroom (which is already full of hard and smooth textures) and try mixing some colour and pattern with your towels.

3 – Framed art

– look for some wall space to hang some colourful or calming art. Photography is also a great way to add some personality to the bathroom. Find art that adds to the mood you want in the space. there is no wrong answer and no price tag…go with what works!

4 – Unique lighting

– lighting is a great way to add some personality. Overhead, vanity, sconces – bathroom lighting doesn’t have to be boring. It can add drama, glamour, elegance or even a funky vibe to your bathroom. There are so many options for lighting and it can really enhance the look of your space – not matter what room it is!

5 – “Custom” mirror

– replace your builder grade basic with something framed – there are many options – this automatically and (easily) adds a custom look and feel to the bathroom. Double sink, add 2 matching mirrors and matching vanity lighting – a very upscale look (this is also a great upgrade if you are considering selling your home). We love this image because it mixes the framed ‘custom’ mirror with bold wallpaper and these sconces. Such an elevated and upscale powder room

6 – Display space

– small floating shelves over the toilet or maybe a small corner on the counter top or maybe even around your tub (it depends on the layout of your bathroom and the amount of space you have). Try adding some plant or flowers, candles and vases are also a nice touch. We love using a small tray to group your display items together.

7 – Touches of wood

– a few wood accents can really break up the wood and add an organic spa feel to the space. Think small accessories, wood frames mirrors, bathroom stool even wicker baskets for toiletries

8 – Paint!

adding paint colour (or wallpaper) to the walls will definitely change up the look of the bathroom and give it instant personality. Be sure to think about how you want the bathroom to feel and let that steer you towards the paint. Something calm should have a soft and soothing tone but it you want drama opt for depth. Because the base is white you have so many possibilities

9 – Get Creative

– try using an unexpected piece in the bathroom like a stool or side table, these are great by the bathtub and it really adds some personality, too

The great news about having an all white bathroom is that you truly have a blank canvas and you can add any accent you like. Wood and other organic textures with calm tones can give your bathroom a beach-y or spa feel; black and a metallic accent like gold can give the room a luxe or glam feel; adding aqua or even a soft pink gives the bathroom a retro look….the possibilities are endless!

An all white bathroom is clean and fresh but add a few accents to make the space more pleasing…

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HOLIDAYS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Fall Refresh

September 23, 2015

“I love fall home décor! As much as I’d love to buy all new pieces every year, that just isn’t in my budget. What are some fall trend ‘staples’ I should invest in?”

Fall home décor is great! So many colours, textures and patterns that are beautiful in your home. Where to begin?

It’s always super fun to stay on trend with the seasons.. but that can be pricey. In order to freshen up your décor without breaking the bank, try adding a few ‘trendy pieces’ into your space. Choose your favorites, and what will blend best into your current interior style.

Here are some suggestions for what’s hot for Fall this year:

Plaid- such a staple for fall. We love the warmth a plaid pattern brings to a space. Plaid comes in so many different colours and on many different décor items. Adding a few plaid pillows to your décor will definitely bring the season inside!

Fur- Fur throws & fur pillows are everywhere this year! Fur & faux fur come in various colours and variations. This is such a cozy material, and the texture really makes a statement!!

Animal Heads- We have been seeing animal heads for a little while now, but they’re still coming in strong! The options are endless for animal heads in terms of colour, size & material. These are a great addition to a gallery
wall, or just to add a hint of whimsy to your space.

Deep, Rich Colours: The best time of year to introduce those rich, warm colours into your home. Burgundy’s, reds, navy’s, browns, teals are so beautiful this time of year! Bring the outside in.. fall is such a beautiful time of year for scenery, by incorporating the outside hues inside your home, you’ll be embracing the beauty of fall to its
fullest! Adding pillows, throws, accessories or art in these colours will change your home for the season.

Natural Materials: The best time to incorporate nature into your home! We love the look of wood all year round, but the fall is a great time to update with some new natural pieces. The warmth that wood tones bring into your home will be undeniably cozy! Look for wood accessories, reclaimed wood furniture pieces, maybe some sticks & a tall vase.

Textures: Textures truly make a space. Having the same material throughout can look typical and boring. The
addition of different textures gives your space depth and personality. Even if your home is very monochromatic, the various textures will make your space interesting and diverse.

It often just takes a few minor pieces to really give new life to your home.. Enjoy your fall refresh!

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BEDROOMS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to Update My Daughter’s Bedroom Decor

September 16, 2015

“My 11 year old daughter really wants me to update her bedroom. She’s ‘over’ the Disney Princess theme. I want to update her room, I agree with her – it’s time but I would like some ideas on how to make updates that will grow with her over time instead of needing another massive makeover in about 5 years.”

They grow up so quickly don’t they! When you first set up your son or daughter’s room we tend to go all out with a theme (and we go all out!!) and we soon realize that they have out grown that theme but our cash flow just can;t keep up!!

Having a room that transitions well from stage to stage is the way to go.

Here are some great tips!!

1 – Themes. Stay away from specific themes. They out grow those themes so quickly. So use your child’s interests to compliment instead of dominate. Instead of a theme like Princess try a colour palette instead.

2 – Furniture. Opt for ‘adult’ furniture instead of children’s furniture. It is better quality and your daughter will grow into it. A Full size or Queen size bed, for instance, may seem too big now but when she is 16 or 17 it won’t. Also opt for neutral tones furniture – a white bed is easy to work with in the future, a bright pink bed isn’t! We also love the storage space that an ‘adult’ size dresser offers, now it may be partially empty but that will change before you know it!

3 – Walls. Instead of one big bold colour like hot pink or deep purple on all of the walls, only accent one wall (ideally the wall behind the headboard). Paint or wallpaper that one wall and keep the others neutral. If she changes her mind about that colour or design – it’s only one wall to change!

4 – Sections. Make functional areas in the room, so add a workspace (we love a desk with a fun chair), think dressing area (a small corner with a full length mirror by the closet and/or armoire) perhaps a chair to lay her clothes out the night before or for reading and storage for clothing, books and more.

5 – Art. Instead of Disney vinyl wall decals or canvas art pieces try framed pieces instead. They can be changed up very easily! Frame posters too – it looks so much better!

6 – Accessories. The easiest and most affordable way to update any room! Decor pillows, lamp, chandelier, art – these small pieces make a big difference in the room and are a great way to embrace a theme without completely committing to one!

7 – Personal touches. Add some personal touches to the space – try changing out hardware on your dresser, a faux fur accent rug, a bulletin board is a great space to add photos and other memorabilia

Remember when it comes to decorating don’t be afraid to ‘go outside of the box’. Who says a girl’s bedroom has to be pink, purple or floral? You can do anything you want!

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – 10 ways to use wicker/rattan indoors

September 9, 2015

“Summer is almost over but I love the look and laid back feel of my rattan furniture. Is there a way to bring rattan pieces inside so I can keep that summer style all year?”

It is so sad to see summer on it’s way out – no matter how great the summer is it never seems long enough. Rattan aka wicker furniture definitely has an outdoor air about it but it can definitely be brought indoors. You definitely want to avoid bringing certain outdoor pieces inside, many are too bulky and don’t “translate” well inside. If you love rattan than use it indoors and follow these tips.

1. Mix.

Don’t have an all rattan set like a dining set indoors. It just looks like you brought the BBQ inside. Try this instead. The rattan chairs have an indoor look with clean parson style legs and the slip covered captain chairs in a light airy canvas fabric help to soften all of the wood tones and textures. This dining space has that breezy and laid back style but it still looks like an indoor space.

2. Moderation.

A little bit can go a long way. Try a few accents on indoor pieces. This contemporary kitchen table with a touch of rattan on the seats only gives the space a casual look but doesn’t change the style of the space. It adds an organic and natural touch to the space adding warmth and texture.

3. Decor.

Rattan has so much texture and warmth but maybe using it in furniture is too much for you or maybe it doesn’t work with your style. Try using wicker baskets for storage and decor. We love the look of this wicker plate/basket ‘gallery wall’ it really softens up the modern streamlined look in this space and it gives the whole space such a unique style and up against the white washed brick wall it is a great contrast.

4. More than just seating.

Rattan is used in many pieces of furniture not just chairs, look at using a rattan ‘trunk’ as a coffee table or maybe a toy box.

5. Streamline.

Be sure to use items that have clean lines and feel free to add some great pops of colour and pattern but use indoor fabrics so the whole piece looks and feels like it belongs inside. We also love this image because of the wicker basket by the fireplace.

6. Colour.

Don’t love the natural look of rattan but love the texture? Paint it!! It is so easy to do. be sure to do it outdoors and choose any spray paint colour you like! It’s a great way to customize your furniture on a budget. Go as big and bold as you like

7. Tight on space?

Try stacking low wicker ottomans for coffee tables, end tables and maybe even some spare seating. These are so versatile and we love them!

8. Bedroom.

Wicker and rattan have a great way of making the bedroom cozy. We love it as a textured headboard. It looks amazing against a bold accent wall and the tone and texture add so much warmth to the space. It is a great addition to a coastal or beach inspired room.

9. Lighting.

Rattan and wicker light shades look great either as table lamps, floor lamps or pendants. The texture is so organic and sculptural. It works with so many styles of decor.

10. Alternative, sisal.

Sisal and rattan/wicker have similar tones and textures. If you are looking to add this natural texture and tone to your space but not finding furniture pieces you like or don’t want to buy new furniture pieces a sisal rug on the floor. A classic casual area rug gives any space a casual look and works with most styles of decor.

We love what texture can do for a room, any room…

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HOME STAGING, STORAGE + ORGANIZING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Closet Space and Organization

September 2, 2015

“When you are selling your home do you need to stage closets and other storage spaces like the unfinished basement and garage?”

One of the first things buyers look for in a home is space, especially more storage space.

Buyers will be opening up and peeking in storage spaces like kitchen cabinets, pantries, closets, vanities and other storage areas in the home.

It’s ideal to go through all your closets, kitchen cabinets or any cabinets that are provided in built-ins and included in the sale of the home. Buyers are nosy and they want to know what they’re buying so focus on organizing and packing up items you won’t need while on the market.

You really want to show off all of the features of the home and storage is a big must for buyers.

Remove as much clutter as you can and start pre-packing. You will be taking it with you anyway, so pack what you don’t need (while living in the home during the selling period) and look into storing it off site maybe with a family member or a good friend.

For ‘staging’ your storage, follow these tips:

– In bathrooms:

use small baskets or trays to keep everyday hygiene items looking neat and tidy.

– In the kitchen:

be sure that cabinets are neat and tidy (no tupperware overflowing), pantry is organized, and be sure not to store items (decorative or functional) above the cabinetry or fridge it looks messy and it screams that there is a lack of storage

– In all closets:

be sure to hang clothing, be sure that the closets aren’t over stuffed, remove items from the floor (unless they belong there) and fold items that don’t need to be hung.

– In unfinished storage areas like the basement and garage:

they are used for storage so ‘stuff’ is expected but keep it organized and tidy in boxes and bins – people will want to see where they can store seasonal decor items and sports equipment like skis.

Remember the person buying your home is buying their new home…

so make every aspect of the home exciting from the kitchens and bathrooms to storage spaces.

When it comes to staging your home for sale – it’s always a good idea to remove that clutter (don’t waste time, money and energy packing and moving things you don’t need).

Present an organized home – it looks and feels great plus it sends the message to buyers that there’s lots of storage here and that’s something all buyers are looking for!

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