INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, KITCHENS, TRENDS

Farmhouse Kitchen Style

farmhouse-kitchen-style

The farmhouse kitchen is a style that we are seeing a lot of and it’s a trend that doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.  I think the timeless nature and the warmth that a farmhouse kitchen offers are just two of the reasons why this style is sticking around.

It seems like we are getting back to basics when it comes to home renovations and design style.  We are turning back to ‘simpler times’ for inspiration and for the kitchen especially – it is the heart and soul of the home – so not only should it look beautiful but it should also be functional. 

If you are considering a farmhouse kitchen renovation in your home…

Here are the 8 essentials in a farmhouse kitchen: –

1.  A generous sized island. 

So practical for serving and for prepping.  Stock the island with an over sized sink, dishwasher, microwave shelving ,open or glass shelving and don’t forget seating.   The kitchen island is always the ‘hang out’ in the space so going bigger is something you will not regret. 

 

2.  Storage. 

If you have some odd corners consider custom cabinetry for more storage, these spaces are perfect for storing entertaining essentials like extra stemware, table linens and stoneware.  You can customize these pieces to look like old farmhouse style freestanding furniture with upper glass panel doors with mullions and long drawers.

 

3.  A Warm Colour Palette. 

When we think of southern living and farm tables we think warm and welcoming.  So make the colour palette warm – you can still use darker tones but aim for subtle contrast as high contrast in this style of kitchen is a bit harsh. You can still opt for white as well but be sure to add warmth through choice of materials and other accessories, stay away from really high gloss finishes for instance.

4.  Simple Cabinetry. 

Shaker style, bead board details and v-groove give enough detail but stay true to the ‘simpler time’ look.  The farmhouse kitchen is usually a large one so a lot of detail can look too busy in the space. 

 

5.  A functional layout. 

In this style of kitchen, the placement of everything is straightforward so that it all works in harmony.  Even though a kitchen is large you still do not want any wasted space, always consider the work triangle.

 

6.  Symmetry. 

The cabinets, pendants and counter top configuration from one side of the kitchen to the other need to be as close to exact matches as possible.  Oh course, there will be some different elements (like what is actually on the counter top) but keep size, scale and balance in mind.  The eye is naturally attracted to symmetry, so trust yourself if you feel like something is off balance.

 

7.  Paneled Appliances. 

Remember a ‘simpler time’ is key.  So you can still have multiple (Big family? Consider two dishwashers and two ovens – BTW that’s my dream! ) and/or sized appliances but consider paneling the refrigerator and other appliances like the dishwasher in panels that match the cabinetry – it gives a seamless look in the kitchen

 

8.  Hardwood floors. 

Hardwood in the kitchen is such a warm look, the stain and the natural material brings the farmhouse into the kitchen, the wider the plank the more authentic it will look.  Other great options, if you love the look of natural wood – butcher block counter top on the island or barn beam legs for the island.

 

Remember, if this farmhouse kitchen is just too country or too southern living for you – you can always take elements of the style and make them more modern.  An over sized island with imple cabinetry in bright white or a pop of bright colour and a smooth and uniform caeserstone counter top is fabulous – add that country warmth with your accessories or backsplash even!  You don’t have to go full-country take the pieces that you like and blend the styles together.

The farmhouse kitchen style blends well with a touch of glamour (this adding some sparkle with some simple pendants with crystal detail) but it also works well with an industrial look too (add a reclaimed brick or wood wall and some industrial lighting). You can do a lot with the farmhouse kitchen and not be stuck with an overall country look.

Or, a functional layout and symmetry work for all styles of kitchens.  And customizing odd areas of your home with storage options is always practical.

You can always work with the basics and put your own spin on it!

 

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HOME STAGING

Selling your home? Top 9 upgrades for your home

selling-your-home-top-9-upgrades-for

When it comes to selling your home some upgrades are just not worth it in the end. We have been staging home for a while now and we love to meet with home sellers before they start any updates.  There are updates that are worth the expense – and some that aren’t. 

 

Your real estate agent can be a big help with understanding your competition and also the clientele moving into your area.  A home stager can help you with the presentation and the updates – we love to let home sellers in on what buyers are looking for and also the look that they are attracted to. If you are thinking of selling your home in the near future, take a look at these tips for improving the appeal of your home to buyers. 

Some upgrades just aren’t worth it, but for some there are huge benefits for you, the seller.

 

1.  The kitchen. 

Buyers are willing to pay more or at least asking price if the home is ‘up to date’.  the kitchen is the heart of the home and sellers will get their money back if they spend it right in the kitchen.  Even if you cannot totally gut it and put in an entirely new kitchen, you should put in certain upgrades like a stone counter top, hardwood or porcelain tiles on the floor, stainless steel appliances, and islands attract buyers.  A home with a current kitchen will get a lot of attention from buyers!

 

2.  Hardwood floors. 

Especially on the main floor, and if you already have hardwood check on the condition they may need a sanding or screening with a new stain or seal.  And if they are in really poor shape, replace them with hardwood.  Hardwood is popular with everyone – it looks great, it works with any style of decor, it’s easy to clean and it also works for anyone with allergies. Hardwood too expensive? Check out the laminate alternatives at your local hardware store.  You might be surprised to see how amazing the new ‘hardwood’ laminate looks – plus it wears really well so it’s perfect for busy households and pets!

 

3.  Master ensuite. 

If you have an ensuite and not all homes do, especially if they are in older neighbourhoods, be sure to have it updated.  If you can’t afford a full renovation job – try updating the fixtures from brass to chrome,a new low flow toilet, a new paint colour, new towel and toilet paper bars, and rain shower heads in the shower are easy fixes. If you don’t have an ensuite but you have a large master bedroom, look into using some of the bedroom and turning that into an ensuite even if it is a bit smaller – buyers are looking for ensuites.

 

 

 

4.  Upgraded lighting. 

New lighting can completely transform a space and make it look more current. Pot lights, pendants in the kitchen and contemporary track lights can make any space look brighter and more chic. A chandelier in the eat-in kitchen and / or dining room can add an instant impact.

 

 

5.  Landscaping. 

Don’t forget your exterior – it’s the first thing buyers (and their realtor) will see.  Keep the gardens maintained, grass cut and trees/shrubs pruned. Remove the weeds and add some mulch to really make the flower beds look manicured. Flower pots and boxes at the front entry add some colour and a welcoming feeling.

 

6.  Finished basements. 

Aren’t just a must with families.  A lot of couples buying their first place want a finished basement for various reasons – office, workout space, man cave etc…Try and make the basement look as livable as possible.  Paint, carpet, windows and lighting make a huge difference.  Keep it light and bright down there.  Ceiling height in the basement is very important so be sure to have a space that is high enough.

 

 

7.  Bathrooms. 

Like kitchens, no one wants to pay top dollar for a home that needs major improvements and bathrooms are a hot spot in the home.  If you can’t afford a complete ‘do over’ in the bathroom, look at adding new lighting, paint, shower heads etc…in the other bathrooms too. 

 

 

8.  Paint. 

You will get your money’s worth and more with a new paint job. In a home that has smokers this is a MUST.  Stick to neutral tones throughout the home – you don’t know what the buyer’s personal style will be. A fresh coat of paint does wonders – it’s an instant facelift making the home looks cleaner, bigger and brighter!

 

 

9.  Basic repairs. 

Not really an upgrade but important.  Leaky faucets, cracked tiles, unfinished projects in the home should be fixed before buyers enter your home.  It sends the message that this home was and is cared for and loved.  It makes buyers feel reassured and confident.

 

 

 

It’s really best to tackle these ‘to-do’s’ before hitting the market.  buyers notice these details and if the little things are not dealt with now this could mean your house sits on the market and /or your price keeps dropping…

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HOME STAGING

Stand out from the Crowd in the Spring Selling Market

stand-out-from-crowd-in-spring-selling

So Spring is almost here!  Youpeee!  So is the Spring Real Estate market! So are you thinking of selling your home?  Well, if you are one big factor you need to take into consideration is that there will be a lot of competition in the spring market. 

Why the spring? 

Well, the sun is out, the snow is gone (or at least on it’s way out), the grass maybe out and so might the flowers.  Generally our homes show much better too. 

 

So why do you need to stand out? 

Because there is so much out there, buyers have a huge selection and after a while the homes can all start to look the same.

So how can you stand out from the others? 

Try home staging.  Staging is a way to show your home in the best possible way.  Staging is best if it is done by a professional – they know what they are doing, they have experience, they work with Realtors and know what buyers are looking for but they are also an objective eye, they don’t take things personally.  you want someone who can highlight the features of your home, make it attractive for your target buyers and make it look incredible in photos, open houses and showings.

 

Realtors know that a properly staged home will sell faster and for more money.  Why is that?

Because any property that shows well will get a lot of showing requests, the more buyers through a home will likely results in quick offers and/or multiple offers.  when you are in a multiple offer situation, as a seller this means you will likely get above asking.

 

Some stats to consider:

“98% of the houses staged have sold over the asking price.”  HGTV’s Designed to Sell

 

“87% of people said that home presentation makes a difference in most sales.”  AOL Money and Finance Poll

 

“Homes that sold after four weeks on the market sold for 6% less than ones within the first four weeks!”  Survey by the National Association of Realtors

 

“Buyers willing to spend the money for an ‘ideal’ home, but not the time to renovate. The poll showed that 63 per cent of buyers preferred a higher priced home that does not require any renovations over a lower priced fixer-upper.”  Maritz Research Staging Polls

 

“Elements that create 72% of the first impression inside the home are within the control of the seller – well–trained staging consultants know how to show these to their best advantage.”  1999 Proctor & Gamble Survey

 

So what can you do to present your home in the best light?

– Start by decluttering the main areas like the bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, finished basement etc…Don’t worry about spaces like the garage.

 

– Give the entire home a top to bottom good cleaning think about getting a professional cleaning for the rugs

– Pay attention to the details like cracked tiles, leaky faucets, touch up paint and this is where an objective eye really helps, we get so used to living in our own space that we overlook all of the little creaks and cracks that a buyer would see.

– Remove the personalize items like family photos and collectibles, you’ll be taking those with you to your next place so think of it as pre-packing

– Updates, you don’t need piles of money to make your home look and feel current, small fixes like replacing old brass or plastic knobs and handles with chrome will really make any space feel more current.  Updating light fixtures and removing wallpaper boarders can make a huge difference.  Adding or updating a dated kitchen backsplash can also make a big difference!

 

 

– Think about getting a fresh paint job in the home.  On a tight budget? Paint the rooms that really need it

 

– Other add-ons, try adding some fresh colour with flowers, or a fruit bowl, or some throw pillows on sofas and beds.

– Make sure the home is well lit, pull back the drapes and let the light in and make sure the light bulbs are all working (replace the burn out ones).  If you have any dark corners in important rooms try adding a floor lamp.

 

 

Selling your home can be very stressful but if it is presented in the right way, you shouldn’t be on the market long….happy selling and happy spring staging!

 

 

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HOME STAGING

Do NOT Try This At home!! 8 Biggest Home Staging Mistakes

home-staging-mistakes

Take a look at these 8 home staging mistakes home owners make before putting their homes on the market.

A staged home spends less time on the market so take this advice and although some tips may seem expensive or time consuming, it won’t be too long and it will be worth your while.

 

8 Home staging mistakes (to avoid):

 

1 –Just because you love it does not mean that everyone else will too.

Ensure your property appeals to a broad market of buyers. In other words, keep it neutral, a bright colour reflects your personality and style which can be too much for buyers to get past.

This room looks great but the dark paint colour on the wall is a bit personalize and may turn off some buyers.  If thiese walls were painted in a lighter and neutral tone the room would look bigger and brighter.

2 –Edit your storage places too.

Buyers will poke around, opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets and closets spaces too. Be sure to spend some time organizing those area too. A cramped spaces sends the message to buyers that there is a lack of storage.

This room doesn’t present well.  It would be very challenging for buyers to see past this mess.  even though the furniture doesn’t come with the house – this much clutter says to buyers that there isn’t enough space.  Be sure to clean, declutter and organize!

 

3 –Scale and size of furniture.

Be sure that items such as furniture, plants and other decor pieces are in proportion with the room. You are selling the house (the space) not the items in it. Even if the rooms look somewhat empty, that is way better than over stuffed rooms. Story your larger pieces in a temporary storage locker or ask friends and family if they have some storage space you could borrow.

You need to make sure that a room has good flow.  The buyers (during the showings) need to be able to walk around freely without obstacles.  There is a lot of furniture is this room and although very attractive it’s too much for when you are selling your home.  

4 — Clean, clean, clean.

I know this means something different to everyone so keep your self and your home on a regular cleaning schedule – if you have to contact a professional to help you out – do it, it will be worth the extra cost. Be sure your home is in ‘showing condition’ at all times. You may receive a call from your realtor about a showing while you are at work and your dishes from breakfast are still in the sink – that leaves a very bad impression.

You really need to be on top of your house work while you are selling.  No one wants to come to view a property with dirty rooms, dishes all over the place etc…This leaves a really bad first impression.

5 — Your pet may be your best friends but he isn’t every one’s.

Some buyers are immediately turned off by any signs of animals in a home so keep pet hair to a minimum by vacuuming everyday, crating your furry friends or keeping them outside of the home while it is up for sale. When we were selling our home a few years ago, I went as far as paying my younger brother to “babysit” them during my open house.

6 — Pay attention to the details.

Don’t hide your flaws , either repair them before you go on market or have your price reflect that there is some work to be done. It is tough for a realtor to justify selling a house for top dollar when it is not in top condition.

7 — Upgrade periodically.

Change up your light fixtures, hardware, taps, faucets and drapery. You will likely get a better reaction from buyers plus it shows that the house has been maintained and cared for. Plus buyers are willing to pay more for a property that has already been updated.  Not sure where to update or what to do? This is where your real estate agent and home stager can really come into play.

A new light fixture can make a huge difference in a house.  It gives the whole home a fresh feel and look – opt for a style that is transitional (that means it works with different decor styles and this way this will work for most people).

8 — Don’t rush.

Get your house on the market once it is ready. Meaning get the little jobs done, listen to your realtor and home stager to help you get top dollar, an incomplete house is exactly that and buyers will not respond in a positive way. So take that time to finish up incomplete projects or tackle the to-do list from your stager – painting and small repairs can set up apart. Any time of year is a good time to sell, but when there is a lot of competition on the market (such as the spring season) you must be in peak performance.

Consider a fresh paint job in the home in a neutral tone, this instantly gives the whole home a fresh new feel and it looks clean and bright!

Selling can feel personal but it isn’t – you need to now think of your house as a product that is up for sale.  Like a product in a store you want it to sell so put the time in to make it a product that a buyer will want! Be sure to avoid these home staging mistakes,

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HOME STAGING

Worst upgrades for the resale of your home

worst-upgrades-for-resale-of-your-home

When it comes to selling your home there are some updates that are ‘money makers’ and there are others that are just a waste of money. You really want to spend your money on upgrades that not only look good but ones that will pay off!

Here are the 10 worst upgrades for selling your home.

 

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1.  Wall-to-wall carpet. 

If you are replacing your carpet flooring before you sell, hardwood is a must.  That is what buyers are looking for.  Carpet just doesn’t work for anyone with pets or allergies plus it’s tough to give it a quick clean.  If you have hardwood now, take a close look at it – does it need any repairs? refinishing?

 

 

2.  Whirlpool baths, indoor hot tubs and saunas. 

Once upon a time they were considered desirable but now many buyers find them passe and are afraid of what extra costs will be involved.

 

3.  Colourful bath fixtures. 

If you are updating the toilets, sinks and tubs in your bathrooms to get ready for sale (even if it is years away), keep the fixtures white – not almond, grey, pink etc…White is neutral and clean so it will appeal to everyone.

 

4.  Ornate chandeliers, wall paper, textured walls and bold paint colours. 

No.  Do not do this.  Keep it simple.  Stick with neutral paint colours.  Wall paper is just seen as a big removal project, textured walls were once a big trend but he trend is over and as for big splashy chandeliers – that’s a personal touch that should go with you when you move, so just put in a simple chandelier for the potential new owners.

 

5.  Expensive sound systems and home theaters. 

If you are doing updates for your home as you start to prepare it for sale, do not spend you money on this, it might attract some buyers but most audio/film buffs would rather just install this themselves. If you have a large basement that would really suit a home theater this is something your real estate agent could mention at open houses and showings.

6.  Vinyl Floors

Although it has come a long way in terms of style and it is practical for pets, kids, allergies and easy cleaning – it isn’t a feature that buyers like.  For only a bit more money, opt for ceramic, or hardwood. The new laminate floor that look like hardwood are a good option but at a certain price point, buyers expect to see hardwood so discuss that with your real estate agent.

 

7.  Removing bedrooms, turning a three bedroom into a two bedroom home. 

Even if one or two bedrooms are on the small side – do not eliminate one.  Fewer bedrooms means you will likely get less money on the resale market.  Plus anyone looking for a three bedroom will not see a two bedroom home.  Two bedroom condo apartments are popular but not two bedroom homes. Same goes for 4 bedroom homes – many families are looking for 4 bedrooms so don’t get rid of a bedroom.

8.  Swimming pools. 

There is a lot of discussion among Realtors about pools.  Buyers often love them or hate them – so if you have a big yard that would fit a pool, let your realtor ‘pitch’ that idea a open houses and showings. It’s not an upgrade worth putting in. If you have a pool – make sure it is clean, maintained and functioning.  Buyers will want to know about additional costs so be sure to have that data available.

 

 

9.  Appliance upgrades. 

Stainless steel is certainly the ‘colour’ of choice for buyers but don’t get crazy with professional grade appliances it’s really not necessary.  Plus built-in espresso machines are seen as a concern if they breakdown and wine fridges are a personal item (not everyone drinks wine).

10.  Odd rooms. 

If you are in an older home you probably have some attic space or neat little nook under the stares – do not spend the time, money or effort trying to convert these funky little spots into a room or bathroom.  Show your realtor these spaces and he/she will simply call them ‘storage’ which IS something buyers are all looking for.

 

This mistakes can be costly so be sure to talk with your realtor before making any huge mistakes….

 

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

D.I.Y project- wallpaper your furniture

diy-wallpaper-your-furniture

Who loves wallpaper? It’s great for adding some visual interest to a wall.  But …what about adding wallpaper to your furniture?

If you really want to transform your space you need to go BOLD! 

Check out this great Do-It-Yourself project that will make any piece of furniture stand out from the crowd.

Wallpaper is a great way to add some whimsy, pattern, colour and design to a space.  We have seen so many accent walls with wallpaper but wallpaper-ing your furniture is still a newer trend.  We love the look and it is a great way to add a unique touch to a space!

 

Check out online sites for fabulous wallpaper options and breathe new life into an aging cabinet or a funky yard sale find. This is perfect for a cabinet, dresser or end table but nothing too ornate – keep it simple.

1.  Lightly sand the surface. Be sure to unhinge the cabinet doors and remove the hardware.

2.  Apply two coats of an oil-based primer, waiting an hour between coats.

3.  Cut the wallpaper to size using a straightedge blade. 

4.  Paint on a tin layer of mod podge and apply the wallpaper – starting in the center and working to the edges, this helps to flatten out the air bubbles.

5. Wait 24 hrs before applying a coat of acrylic sealant.

 

 

Wall paper on furniture really makes a piece look special but also custom.  We are loving these bookcases with a wallpaper backing. It adds so much visual interest to the piece and the room.  You can add a small amount of wallpaper that suits your taste to a basic bookcase and really make it yours!

 

Wallpaper on furniture is perfect for a child’s room too – chose so bold and playful options and add them to draw fronts.

 

Another super simple project for those who aren’t as crafty.  Try framing small samples of wallpaper (or even craft paper) and hang it on the wall.  I did this in my daughter’s bedroom and it looks great.  It’s an easy art project plus it’s fun to mix up all of the prints in one space.

 

 

Wallpaper offers you so many options – the selection and styles are so varied.  This is a great project fro the DIYer that loves to make a statement!

 

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HOME DECOR, HOME STAGING

Home Decor vs Home Staging

home-decor-vs-home-staging

I get asked this question all of the time especially from clients looking to sell their home.  Just this week, in fact, I had to deal with some sellers who were confused (and a bit argumentative) that the terms home staging and home decor were the same thing – they are not!

Most people are very surprised to hear that they are almost the opposite of each other. 

Preparing a home to sell is very different than preparing a home to live in.

So this image is a great looking living room BUT if this person was selling, we would highly recommend painting those walls in a more neutral and lighter tone.  We would also suggest removing the personal photos from the side table.

Home Decor –

When you move into a home (and everyone does this, it’s totally normal) you want it to work for your lifestyle and reflect your personal tastes. You likely bought the home in the first place because it accommodated your lifestyle. Maybe you don’t need a kitchen nook but and office or a piano would be better for you, maybe you love bold and bright colours all over the walls, maybe you don’t have a dining set but a pool table instead – those are all your taste and lifestyle choices – that is home decorating.

Buyers are looking for light, clean and bright homes with neutral and quality finishes.

 

Home staging –

When it comes to selling your home, buyers will focus on the crazy colours, the choice and location of furniture even though they are just buying the home not the contents inside. 

Visualization is so important. The buyers need to see themselves in the space and mentally move in.  So keeping it clean, neutral and some furniture (in a simple set up) that can help buyers visualize their furniture in (hopefully) their new home.  The furniture, art and accessories should compliment the home and not be the primary focus – what are you trying to sell ?  the home, or the furniture?

If you are selling your home and want top dollar (who doesn’t) you must put some work into it – re-paint in a neutral tone, clean the house, place furniture in areas or in a formation that would work for most buyers – this is called home staging.

Neutralize and De-personalize-

Remove the personal touches from your house.  That includes: bold paint colours and accent walls, personal family photos that are on display, religious items, collectibles and any unusual furniture arrangement (see the comment about an eat-in kitchen as an office).  You need to make this house as appealing as possible and buyers will see it in photos first and those photos need to shine!

 

 

For selling your home (and staging your home) this dining space looks great! It’s light, neutral and minimal decor.  The drapery is pulled back and letting the light in.

 

Going overboard with decor –

I also get sellers who want more and more furniture and art and accessories – every corner and every wall space covered or filled – again that’s not home staging.  Yes, once the new owners move into any space they will fill it up with items and accessories of their choice but when a home is shown/viewed by potential buyers and there isn’t any wall space or any room to move – they feel cramped and overwhelmed.

 

No one ever says to their agent – “It’s cramped, dark, dirty and feels small – I love it!” If you follow your home stagers advice your home will be more sale-able – it will appeal to more buyers and you will get good offers.

 

This personalized family gallery wall is so cute but NOT for selling your home.  You don’t want buyers to feel like they are visiting, you want them to imagine their life in the house.  So personal decor like this gallery wall would have to be packed away.  Instead replace it will landscapes or simple photography (not family images) – the gallery formation is fine and it’s still a popular look – just be aware of what’s on display.

 

Mass appeal –

I hear from sellers all of the time ‘well, this is how I would do it if I were living here’ – that’s great but you have decided not to live here anymore SO you need to move on and allow someone else in and live how they would live in the space. 

A home stager is an impartial party who can help you place furniture (or just give you ideas) to create flow and mass appeal, they can also recommend paint colours for creating a calm and soothing space, they can also give you great ideas to create curb appeal.

 

How you live in a home and how you sell a house are very different….

 

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

How to Furnish a Room

how-to-furnish-a-room

 

How to a furnish a room?  This is probably one of the most common questions in interior decorating but many are intimated to ask.  There are many ways and many reasons to furnish and arrange a room in a certain way. Many people are intimidated at the idea of furnishing a room, this is probably one reason why home staging is so successful – it takes the guess work away!

 

 

The basic pieces:

Furnishing a living room is like filling a wardrobe with clothing you might wear everyday. Just like you would with clothing, start with the basics, so when selecting your furniture start with sofa(s), chairs, side and coffee tables. Make sure the items are classic in shape and colour and of course, take proportion into consideration.
Now that you have your foundation pieces, you can start to dress your room up with details that add personality and interest.

 

 

The room’s advantages:

When furnishing a room you also have to consider the room’s most beautiful elements and deciding on how you want the room to flow. Is there a fireplace you’d like to be near while reading on the sofa or club chair?
Or, is there a window with a fabulous view that you want to call attention to? These are called focal points. Be sure to choose pieces that you can arrange in a way to take advantage of the room’s assets.

 

The arrangement:

The most common pieces placed in a living room are:-a sofa, two arm chairs, two side tables with table lamps and a coffee table. How you arrange these pieces can add some uniqueness and personality to your space.
Try an L-shape formation (the sofa facing the fireplace and two arm chairs side by side on one end of the sofa, end tables on either side of the sofa and the coffee table right in front of the sofa).
The U-shape formation (sofa facing fireplace, coffee table right in front, side table with lamps on either side of the sofa and armchairs on each end of the sofa just facing each other).

These are pretty typical formations. But here are some other suggestions:-

Face to Face (place the sofa on the right side of the fireplace facing the window, and the two arm chairs side by side facing the sofa and coffee table in the middle.)
Diagonal arrangement (use the U-shape formation but place the sofa on an angle and every other piece accordingly – this is a great way to take advantage of a window in the spring/summer and angle pieces in the direction of the fireplace in the fall/winter).
See below for some other room planning ideas for a long living room.  When it comes to planning out your furniture layout – hoe you want to live in the room plays a huge factor so be sure to pay attention to that!

 

 

The accessories and styling:

Dressing up the room is how we make the space ours. Adding those elements like colour, texture and shine. Adding decor pillows, throw blankets, artwork, mirrors, knick knacks, lamps, and other unique touches. Side tables and coffee tables are functional and fashionable but keep them clean from clutter, a rule of thumb no more than 3 pieces on a table. So a lamp, a small plant and a small dish is more than enough.
If you want to display some of your collectibles this rule applies too – too many objects make a space cluttered an no one can see your beautiful pieces. The sofa is also a piece to present colour and texture. Try mixing different textures and patterns to create a warm and cozy area for guests and yourself.
I personally like to start with a neutral foundation piece (cream, beige, camel, grey or espresso) are good tones to start with, they are classic and timeless and you can add any colour you wish.

 

 

 

Don’t be intimidated to furnish your own space, it is fun! Afraid your place is too generic? That’s where unique pieces you love, colour and texture come into play. Use books and magazine for inspiration.
Take your time it does not have to be finished over night.
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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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BATHROOMS, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, KITCHENS

Countertops can make a huge difference!

granite-counter-tops

Today our granite counter tops arrived!

As I mentioned in my previous blog posting, I am living in a renovation zone but things have picked up and starting to really come together.
 
This afternoon our granite counter tops (kitchen and bathroom) were installed and I cannot get over the difference! We had laminate counter tops in both rooms, the kitchen counter top was a solid grey which was probably not the best choice as it does not hide stains very well and every scratch is seen from a mile away; the bathroom counter top was a laminate but in aqua, white and peach speckled design. My husband and I were looking for a more modern look but we also love the natural look of granite and stone.

Looking for granite Counter tops….

 
We went to a few granite showrooms but everything we saw was quite typical, since our cabinetry was so plain we really wanted something special! We actually went to a granite supplier and had the opportunity to peruse their slabs and select ours directly from their supply. We found the perfect counter tops for our home and now that they are in the transformation is truly incredible.

Granite Counter tops made a huge difference….

What difference can a counter top really make? In our case we selected a slab of granite that was lighter in colour from the original laminate and now our open concept kitchen look enormous. Our stone back splash really stands out and the stainless steel accents add some sparkle. The whole kitchen comes together and is a true show stopper! The bathroom renovation was a complete overhaul (bye bye Barbie bathroom) but my husband was really worried about how the white wall tiles, grey floor tiles and blue glass accent tile would all come together – the ‘biano antico’ granite counter top was the key element for bringing all the pieces together.
 

When it comes to selecting your kitchen counter tops there are no right or wrong

choice but here are some tips:

 

1 – Colour –

 
Typically you want to choose a counter top that on the opposite side of the colour wheel from your cabinets, for example a dark espresso stain looks best with a lighter counter top but if you are selecting from granite you have some flexibility because granite has some many colours and fishers that you can choose from a variety of cabinet colours. But light can absolutely work with light but I always like something to ground the room so it could be the floors, paint or backsplash.

2 – Stay away from a single colour laminate.

 
A solid coloured laminate counter top does not stand the test of time very well, stains and scratches are nearly impossible to hide with this type of counter top. If granite is too pricey, keep in mind that there are many laminate options that look (and can feel) like a granite counter top.

3 – Looking for something different?

 
Try exotic granite or other natural stone such as marble or soapstone or even more cutting edge – concrete. With the increased popularity of granite certain colours are seen more frequently but there is a lot to choose from, so look around at other options.
 

Here are the after photos of my bathroom and kitchen :-

I can’t get over how different the house looks with these new counter tops!
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