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BATHROOMS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Bathroom Accessories

we-answer-wednesday-bathroom-accessories
“I’m always struggling to find accessories for my bathroom. I have no idea what a good bathroom accessory is. Any suggestions?”
 
 
Great question! Often a room that is overlooked, bathrooms should be beautiful too! Bathroom accessories are what personalize a space and are a great place to add fun colour you may not have anywhere else in your home.
 
Try adding colored or patterned towels to your space. There are so many great colours and options, you can choose anything! If you’re stuck, try choosing a colour out of your shower curtain and adding that. No shower curtain? Neutral with a pattern with add that visual interest you’re looking for. Of course, if your bathroom is
already bright and colourful.. a clean, crisp neutral with a subtle pattern will add that extra pop!
 

Small faux plants are a nice touch. There are many plants that are artificial but you can even tell! Choose a plant to place on your countertop or on another surface you have such as a shelf, toilet, edge of a bathtub. 

I love candles in a bathroom. I think it gives the space a serene feel and they smell great! Beautiful candle holders, or just candles on their own are another great layer to add to the bathroom accessory list. You can have one large or a grouping of smaller ones. Choose something you love. 

Art is a nice touch as well. Somewhere in the bathroom you will likely have a bit of wall space for a small piece or two. Add something that goes nicely with your previously selected colour palette. It doesn’t have to all be the same as what you have but something with a hint of consistency will blend beautifully into the space. 

Small trays for jewelry and personal items are a functional and pretty option to keep on the countertop. Choose something shiny!  Maybe something that matches the handles in your bathroom such as gold, chrome or brass. The continuation of similar metals makes your space look well thought out, and very harmonious.   But don’t leave too much jewelry on display or anything really expensive!

 
The key is to repeat a colour. Having 7 different colours, patterns and textures may seem like a good idea, but it will likely just have an eclectic feel. Try to use some consistency and repeat an accent colour you have already started
with. 
And for anyone looking to sell their home, don’t forget about staging your bathroom it really sets the scene for buyers.  The bathroom is a hot spot that buyers look for so show it off with simple accessories. Create that ‘dream’ bathroom for those buyers!
 
 Goodluck!

 

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BATHROOMS, HOME STAGING, KITCHENS

Kitchen and Bathroom ‘Facelift’ Ideas

kitchen-and-bathroom-ideas

Kitchens and bathrooms do help sell houses, although they may not be the main deciding factor, they are strong contenders when buyers consider what property they will now call home. Buyers consider these rooms when they are house hunting because of the difficulty of renovating them and the expense that would be required. If you have been diligent in the upkeep and upgrades of your home then this week’s notes will not be as difficult.

 

 

 However, if you have never updated your home or maintained the repairs in the baths and kitchens, then this could be a pricey section! Truth be told, you will pay to do upgrades in these rooms, either when it comes time to sell and you have to reduce the price to reflect the work needed, or over the years while you live there and have been paying to maintain and upgrade.

 

Homeowners typically should be spending 1-3% of their market value every year to upgrade and maintain their property in good condition. So if this has not been done, it will need to be.

 

 

What types of upgrades can you do?

  • Updating Appliances in all the same color, this includes the hood fan. Especially if they are more than 10 years old.
  • Replace or Repair all damaged tiles or flooring
  • Repaint kitchen cabinets (or do touch ups)
  • Consider a kitchen update if older than 7 years. New kitchens price at $5,000 and up, depending on if you are installing them yourself. This is not recommended for beginners no matter how keen you are!
  • Install new counter tops or call a Granite company for a granite looking overlay that is less than the price of real granite
  • Update flooring, even a small bathroom looks like a new world with brand new floors
  • Update light fixtures
  • Paint the ceilings
  • Take off old tiles in the bathtub or shower and add a new surround. A simple do it yourself kit can be purchased for around $300.00
  • Add under cabinet lighting
  • Add new shower faucets and shower rods
  • Re-grout your existing tile if it is still in good shape, adding a new grout color can go far
  • Fresh paint colors in warm neutrals make a room look 100 x better for a small investment of time and money
  • Update faucets to the latest trends
  • Tighten all knobs, or replace for a modest cost. Knobs range from $3.00 to over $10.00 per piece, so it is a small investment for a great improvement
  • Replace toilet seats, especially if they are cracked, wooden or themed
  • Add new blinds or window coverings
  • New sinks, curtain rods and towel bars also make a great first impression

 

 

Remember you are giving the buyers every reason to buy your house, so carefully consider the first impression and ask yourself what do you look for when you are the buyer? How do you compare houses when you are the buyer? Then create a property that will attract buyers. It’s as simple as that.

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CELEBRITY HOMES

Celebrity Style – Mila Kunis

celebrity-style-mila-kunis

Mila Kunis and her finance, Ashton Kutcher are always in the spotlight and their lives will be even more center stage once their little bundle of joy arrives this Fall. 

The hot is couple is often praised for their easy yet chic sense of fashion and you might be wondering what their California home looks like.  well wonder no more check out this slideshow for a sneak peek into the couples’ surroundings.

Located on a private cul-de-sac, this incredible property spans an impressive 14,554-square-foot and carries a laid back Mediterranean vibe and look. The home itself, built in 1958, is fully outfitted with five bedrooms, four full bathrooms, one half bath, movie theatre, two car garage, outdoor pool, spa, hot tub, and so much more we can hardly handle it.

Up in the Hollywood Hills West, in a gated community, it’s a coveted location and this compound is ready to sell! With a baby on the way, this home is looking for a new owner as Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher start a new journey together, leaving this suped up pad for the next bidder with $3,995,000.

 

Interested?   Here are the details and listing:
– Split-level home
– 5 bedrooms
– 4.5 bathrooms
– 2 car garage
– Home movie theatre
– Chef’s kitchen
– Indoor/outdoor living room
– Spa
– Full service cabana
– Outdoor pool
– Hot tub

 

 

You will notice a mix of soft and hard materials like the linen upholstery and wood beams with some real natural materials mixed in like the jute area rugs.  The rooms are designed for entertaining but also comfort.

 

Throughout the home you will notice lots of layering of neutral tones, elements of nature like reclaimed wood and jute and subtle pattern in the upholstery accents and even wall paper.

 The kitchen is perfect for entertaining but also for a gourmet at heart.  The colour palette is timeless but still chic.  A great balance of contemporary with some classic elements, masculine and feminine. The over sized island offers a lot of workspace and storage but it’s also perfect for guests.

 

What an amazing place to the lucky person (or people) that get to call this ‘home’.

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HOME DECOR

Modern Twist on Historical Chairs

modern-twist-on-historical-chairs_25

Looking for the perfect chair to add to your home?

 

We chose four chairs have stood the test of time and are versatile options for any décor and any room in your home. These chairs have lots of history without looking like something from Grandma’s house. These clean-lined and sleek chair options are not only practical for your home, they’re also a classic choice with a modern twist!

The Louis Ghost – Chair by Phillippe Starck (2002)

This modern take on the classic Louis XV chair is a fabulous addition to any interior.
This chair can be used in so many different ways; it can be used as a dining chair, or as an accent chair in a living room or bedroom. Below is a photo of the ghost chair as a seat for a make-up table. The options are endless, as are the colours! The Ghost Chair is a fantastic neutral, which makes decorating with colour and pattern much easier (and more fun!). They also come in kids sizes as well. Try this chair against a wall with a bold wallpaper, or with a patterned throw pillow!

 

The Panton Chair – by Verner Panton (1960)

Verner Panton’s stacking chair was the first single-material and single-form chair to be made.
It is a timeless chair and striking sculptural piece that is used frequently in modern interior design. It is a durable, statement chair that comes in many colours and complements a variety of different décor. This chair is incredibly low maintenance. The Panton chair can be used in a bedroom at a makeup table, or in a dining room! This chair would make a fantastic addition to any contemporary room and can be used in many ways.

 

The Egg Chair – by Arne Jacobsen (1958)

 

This Scandinavian style chair originated in the 1950’s and is a staple in modern design. The Egg chair is a simple, yet colourful addition to any design. It is versatile enough to be placed in a variety of different décor. If you need a pop of colour in your home, this chair is comfortable and classic! Egg chair comes in many different colours and can be used in many different spaces including: a living room, bedroom or office space. (It’s also been seen in tons of movies!) This is another example of classic design standing the test of time; it will never go out of style!

 

The Barcelona Chair – by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1929)

The classic simplicity of the Barcelona chair is one of the many reasons that this is such a staple in interior decorating. The Barcelona chair has been around for decades and is still a super popular seller in many stores around the world. This chair is a great option for many different areas of your home. The clean lines and leather with chrome base make the Barcelona chair a go-to for modern and contemporary interior design but the sleek lines make it an option for many different décor styles. It also plays well with others! So don’t be afraid to mix and match this chair with your existing design!

 These modern chairs are classics and they add a cool factor to any space!

 

 

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BATHROOMS, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, KITCHENS

Incredible counter tops!!

incredible-counter-tops

 

When it comes to counter tops our selections used to be very limited, now we have plenty of choices. Here’s how to choose the right style for your home.

 

 

When a buyer first sees a home, the kitchen is usually the first room they wish to overhaul. Whether you are an amateur chef or someone who prefers take-out, the kitchen is usually the most lived-in room in the home. It’s no surprise that counter top options have evolved in recent years. Besides new appliances, counter tops can be one of the greatest investments and one of the most dramatic changes you make in your kitchen.
 
Speaking from experience, our most recent reno project was replacing our kitchen counter top. The results were astounding! Everything else stayed the same but the new counter top changed the look of our kitchen entirely. Choosing a counter top can be overwhelming, it is no longer a choice between laminate or granite. The factors to consider are durability, hygiene, style, cost, adaptability and maintenance.

 

How to start?

 
Think ahead of the counter top qualities that are most important to you, how your kitchen will be used and how much you want to spend. An aspiring chef will seek durability, spill and heat resistant surfaces, whereas a busy mother of three may be most concerned with hygiene and a single, condo owner might just seek a material that is stunning and achieves the ‘wow’ factor in the kitchen.
 
What are you looking for?

Here is a list of counter choices with a brief descriptor including price per square foot, hygiene,

maintenance and durability.

 

Wood (maple)$100-$150

 
Food safe but can absorb odours
Treat regularly with mineral oil and keep dry
Will look worn over time be careful with knives

 

Stainless steel $40-$80+

Extremely hygienic, seen in hospitals for this very reason
Clean with a mild detergent and dry thoroughly
Will show scratches but is heat-resistant

 

Concrete $100+

 
Use food-safe water based sealant to protect
Use mild soap for daily cleaning
Can be dented or gouged

 

Glass $85-$200

 
Non-porous and extremely hygienic
Easy to clean but may show streaks
May be heat-resistant and may crack

 

Marble $80-$200

 
Hygienic when sealed properly
Mildly reactive and a matte finish helps hide stains
Stains, scratches and may crack

 

Granite $60-$200

 
Stain and mould resistant with sealant
Use gentle granite cleaner and seal regularly
Extremely durable and heat-resistant

 

Quartz $70-$100

 
Non-porous and food-safe
Can be wiped clean
Shouldn’t scratch or chip and it heat-resistant

Corian $60-$100

With proper cleaning will resist bacteria
Clean with soapy water, rinse and dry
Use cutting board to protect

 

Laminate$18-$26 (uninstalled)

 
Hygienic if cleaned properly
Clean with mild soap (don’t clean with any citrus product)
Protect surface and difficult to repair

 

 

So what about bathrooms?

 
A bathroom can accommodate nearly any counter top materials you’d find in a kitchen, but beware of durability issues. Products such as nail-polish remover can damage many counter top materials also beware of access moisture caused by improper ventilation. The most popular bathroom counter top materials are: quartz, glass, granite and laminate.

 

 

Manufacturing and installation times vary, but typically the process from measurement and planning to installation takes one to six weeks, depending on the availability of material and manufacturer.

 

 A new counter top can totally transform a kitchen (or bathroom) whether you are living in the home or selling it – it is a worthwhile upgrade…

 

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HOME DECOR, HOME STYLING, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

Living large in small spaces

living-large-in-small-spaces

 

The first rule of real estate might be location, location, location but the second must be storage, storage, storage! This holds true especially now. Small spaces are back in style – mainly because buyers don’t want to be stuck at home maintaining large homes.  They want to enjoy the amenities around them and live life to the fullest!
In Ottawa, the condo market is really just at the beginning stages of taking off, cities like Toronto and Vancouver have experienced their condo booms already. Condo sales are on the rise in Ottawa – statistics show that 323 condos were sold in April 2009 as compared to 318 condos sold in April 2008. Average sale price was $216,502 in April 2009 as compared to $210,661 in April 2008; A 2.8% increase.

The reason for this increase and interest in condo living? Downsizing.

 

As the baby boom population ages, they are seeking a maintenance free lifestyle which will allow them to live luxuriously and live practically. Condo living could be in a low or high rise building or in a townhouse or semi detached but usually it consists of less maintenance but also a smaller living space. Many downsizers feel very anxious about selling the family home and purging their most precious pieces but this does not have to be if you plan ahead and use your space wisely.

You will want to invest in some multi-functional pieces or some pieces that can give the illusion of a large space.

Furniture choices are a huge factor when downsizing but you are in luck – there are lots of options!

Storage furniture:

In the living room – look for storage options such as a storage ottoman – this can serve as a coffee table, extra seating for entertaining and storage. One on wheels can easily be moved around the room. If you prefer a solid coffee table, look for one with some open shelving for books, or other pieces and use storage cubes as end tables. Another option is a glass table, it disappears but is still functional and practical.

 

For your entertainment unit, look for a lower piece and/or one with cupboard doors to hide your stuff. You do not want a piece that is too bulky as it can take over the room. Look and see if your existing unit comes in two pieces, often they do and use the lower piece only.

TV:

If you are looking to upgrade your television set, opt for a flat one, as it will also take less space.consider wall mounting your TV this will free up surface space and give a clean look in your space.

 

Seating:

For a sofa and /or occasional chairs, find apartment size furniture, now available at most retail stores. Also look for arm-less options, they are less bulky but if you must have arms on your furniture look for a more streamlined style like a tuxedo style which can also be very comfortable not just pretty to look at.

 

A very modern look for occasional chairs, is the ghost chair. It is a smooth and curved chair that is made of a clear plastic. It’s a very sleek look and versatile, too.

Dining room:

most couples have a dining set that they love and could not imaging replacing. You can still use your set just re-purpose it. Remove the leaves and keep a table for 4 and just add the leaves and chairs when needed. Your additional chairs could be tucked in either corner of the room and add a decor pillow for a splash of colour this will also draw the eye to the outer corners of the room, again making the space appear large.

 

Your china cabinet /buffet likely comes in two pieces, keep the bottom and put the top portion in storage. This will make the room feel larger. Add a long mirror above the buffet, mirrors let light bounce around the room and make it seem bigger than it is.

 

 

Area rug:

If your space is very open concept and the rooms are not solidly defined, add an area rug in the dining room. How big should it be? Big enough so when the chairs are slid out from under the table, all 4 legs are still on the carpet. Go neutral in colour, especially if your furniture is dark and rich like a cherry wood or mahogany.

 

Bedroom:

Again storage is key. If you are in the market for a new bedroom set, look for one with storage, likely drawers under the box spring, this is perfect to store blankets, sheets and other linens. Keep the bed linens light and neutral in colour. Add side tables that have drawers for storage.

 

In a guest room, a Murphy bed is a great option, especially if you do not have regular guests. Use that room for a multitude of purposes, craft room, sewing room, home office etc…Keep it clean and clear and it can serve multiple tasks. Too many downsizers are used to having extra space to have unused rooms such as a guest room.

 

Accessories:

Do not overpower your new space with too many pieces. If you have a lot, go through your items and determine which ones are the most important to you and put the others in storage or pass them along to your children.

 

Other tips:

  • Clutter makes any space no matter how big or small, feel tight and crowded.
  • Flat surfaces are not designed to be used as storage areas they should be clear except for decor or function items (example, vase of flowers, candy jar or a phone).
  • Keep other items in drawers, baskets or other storage containers.
  • Use mirrors whenever possible but don’t have your place look like a fun house (a mirror above a fireplace mantle is a very classic look but it also adds light in the room).
  • Keep your walls light in colour and for a bold look (if that is your taste) paint your ceiling in a bold colour this looks great in a well lit space and one with high ceilings.
  • Use punches of colour in your artwork, pillows, blankets and keep the main pieces of furniture neutral.

 

 

Downsizing is an exciting time! A time to start over and really enjoy a new lifestyle. If you are looking to take the next step contact the Bennett Real Estate Pros (http://www.bennettpros.com/) for more information on condos in Ottawa. . Call them today and take advantage of this new time in your life!

 

Small spaces open up big opportunities for home decor and for living life,

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HOME STAGING

Open House Tips and Tricks

open-house-tips-and-tricks

 

Well it’s almost spring and the market will be heating up! Want some great open house tips? If you are selling your home you will notice throughout the city open house signs everywhere. You have a beautiful home in a great neighbourhood but how can you make your home stand out from all of the others?

 

 

Here are 8 simple open house tips and tricks :

1 — Aromatherapy.

 

Make your house smell inviting to your guests. You can use scented candles and sprays but some people are allergic and/or feel uncomfortable leaving lit candles unattended. Some great alternatives to creating a welcoming atmosphere – you can bake cookies (the pre-made cookie dough is easy to clean and achieves the same outcome), who doesn’t like the smell of homemade goodies? Or, if you can’t bake, chop up some apples and put them in a casserole dish with some water, cinnamon and sugar. Place the casserole dish in the oven and keep it at a low heat. You do not want to over-scent the home so just use one of these ideas to create that warm and cozy feeling in your home.

2 — Light and fresh air.

 
Open all the blinds and curtains so the house is full of natural light. This is also a great tip if you have a spectacular view such as a beautiful park or maybe even a great panorama of the city. If it’s a nice day open the windows to let fresh air into the house. Wash all windows, especially those where the light will show dirt and streaks. Unlock all the doors and windows so people don’t have to struggle with a lock they aren’t familiar with. Something as small as a difficult lock could deter a prospective buyer.

3 — Selling features.

If you have ever toured a show home, builders often have feature sheets to bring attention to certain details in the home. Why not do the same? Place small sticky notes or typed up signs on things that are unique or may be an incentive to buy your home (i.e. trash compactor, tile imported from Italy, large-capacity washer and dryer included). Make sure your realtor is aware of these features but if there is a rush of people walking through the home, your realtor may not have enough time to connect face-to-face with everyone, these sticky notes will help bring focus to selling features of your most precious asset, your home.

 

4 — A sign-in book.

 
Hopefully your realtor will have one but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. A sign-in book can give you an idea of how many people have toured your home, it is also an opportunity for potential buyers to offer comments and it is also a great method for you and your realtor to gather some information and contact them later for feedback on your home. Make sure it is placed in a visible area such as the kitchen island.

5 — Signage.

 
Make sure your signage is clean and visible – so brush off the snow or make sure if it has fallen down, you put it back up. Have a topper attached to your lawn sign a few days before the open house ( on Wednesday or Thursday). The day of the open house, make sure to place your a-frame signs in high traffic areas, directing potential buyers to your open house. Put the a-frames out in the morning so people who are out and about notice the signs and hopefully plan to stop by later that day.

6 — Check the calendar.

 
Plan your open house around the lives of your potential prospects. Look to the calendar and the sports schedules to make sure that your planned open house will not conflict with your prospective buyer’s other interests and activities. For example, an open house on Superbowl Sunday is a sure way to not have any traffic through your open house.

 

7 — Temperature control.

 
Make sure the house is not too hot or too cold. Either temperature can make an uncomfortable setting and make potential purchasers head for the door. If your open house is during the winter, have the fireplace on. It warms up the house, sets an inviting atmosphere and draws attention to a wonderful selling feature. If your open house is in the summer, have the A/C on so the house is less humid and again draws attention to the A/C unit in the home.

 

8 — Be prepared.

 
Make sure your a-frames are out and directing people in the proper direction. Arrive early to the home. Sweep or shovel the front walkway. Put your cookies or apples and cinnamon in the oven and turn it on. Open the curtains and blinds. Turn on all of the lights. Set up your sign-in book and get ready for a successful open house!
An open house is a great way to create local buzz about your home.  Neighbours, friends and family can be a great way to spread the word about your home. So if you get a lot of ‘locals’ at your open house don’t get discouraged – they could be a great advocate and indirect sales person for you…
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HOME STAGING

Statistics don’t lie!

statistics-dont-lie

 

If you ever wondered if staging your home to sell was worth it, here are some

statistics that should convince you! 

Staged homes SELL 50% faster than unstaged homes

Staged homes sell for (on average) 6 to 10% more than unstaged homes

94% of staged homes SELL in one month or less

98% of staged homes SELL for more than asking price

77% of home buyers view homes first on the internet before booking a showing

63% of buyers are willing to spend more money on a house that is move in ready

87% of buyers said that the overall home presentation was a major factor in their decision to buy

Home staged PRIOR to listing SOLD in 42 days (on average).

Homes staged prior to listing SOLD 79% faster than those staged some time after being listed.

Homes staged post-listing SOLD in 189 days (on average)

Once staged, homes spent 73% less time on the market.

Over 95% of ‘Buyer’s agents’ say that home staging has at least some effect on the buyer’s view of the home.

Over 81% of buyers find it easier to visualize the property as their future home when it’s staged.

Only 10% of Real Estate Agents believe that staging “has no impact” on the dollar value of a home.

Bathroom renovations may net you 75-100% return on your dollar. Kitchens renovations may net you 50-75% return on your dollar.

79% of buyers indicated they would be willing to pay a premium for a home with an updated kitchen.

Storage space–86% ranked it 7out of 10 or higher and 43% ranked it 10 out of 10

Top three interior features for selling were — freshly painted, organized storage and current flooring (from HGTV)

Your investment in staging costs less than the first price reduction.

Buyers only know what they see, not the way it could be!

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