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home decor

KITCHENS

What to do with that awkward space above the kitchen cabinets…..

what-to-do-with-that-awkward-space

In some kitchens you will notice that there is an awkward open space between the ceiling and the top of the kitchen cabinets. Other than building in a bulkhead to meet the top of the cabinets – what can you do?

 

Depending on your style or your situation this can be usable space.  It can be used for storage or decor, ideally both.

 

If you are selling, we strongly suggest not displaying it as cluttered storage packed with various things like large Tupperware, platters and small appliances -as that sends out a message to buyers – this kitchen doesn’t have enough storage (which is a negative)!!

 

If you are selling and staging, try painting that open space.  We recommend the same tone as the cabinets (or at least something light that works with the palette or the same wall colour as you have in the kitchen already)  That will keep an open feel in the kitchen- a bright or dark paint tone will draw attention to the awkward space and give an odd striped effect

 

Ideas if you are staging:

 

This kitchen shows a lighter tone that works with the colour palette

 

This image shows a kitchen where the gap is painted in the same tone as the cabinets you can see how the awkward gap just disappears.

 

Clean and uniform storage….wicker baskets are a great way to add some natural material to your space – this looks great in a rustic or country style kitchen plus these baskets hide items that maybe are not suitable for display like cooking magazines. This would work for staging as it is clean looking and practical not cluttered and junky.

 

Decor for your everyday living there are some easy and interesting display ideas….

 

Try adding some cute and fun messages like Eat, Laugh, Family…..

 

 

Layer some decorative pieces but keep to a tight colour palette  – seen here there is a mix or shiny metallic and white – that gives a streamlined look

 

Photo from House Beautiful

 

What about wall paper? This works is you have some wall space covered in the same wall paper…

 

 

Take advantage of high ceilings by using the space to display bold pieces of art

 

 

Love that cafe look and feel? Bring it home with chalkboard paint and some fun messages, inspiring quotes, recipes and more….

 

 

Are you a collector or cookbooks? This could work for some great book storage but make sure to style the space so it doesn’t look cluttered

 

 

Get a little retro with some wire baskets that can hold practical items that will also add some pops of colour

 

 

Be unique – display a cool collection that symbolizes your passions – love to travel? Try this interesting yet simple display….

 

But no matter what you have up there be sure to dust it regularly as it can collect a lot of dust over time.

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

Interior Decorating – Do’s and Don’ts

interior-decorating-dos-and-donts

We all want our homes to look their best – so we have a list of the Do’s and Don’ts of Interior Decorating

Don’t: Use White Decor If You Have Kids or Pets

If you have pets or children, white rugs and upholstery are just not in the cards. People love the way they look but never realize that you have to hermetically seal your household to keep them clean.

 

Do: Find Inspiration in Your Travels

Travel as much as you can, and stay on the alert for inspiration wherever you go — you could find a great floor plan in a museum’s period room, or a color in a painting. And don’t just rely on your camera. If you draw something, you’ll really absorb the detail. Or just amazing pieces that you love, display them in an artful way – this is such a great way to show off your style and surround yourself with what you love. After all your home should reflect who you are and what you love.
 

Don’t: Forget About Seating

Today everyone likes rooms sparse, but for a living room, you need the sorts of chairs people can pull up together, so that they want to come into the room and sit down and chat. Think about pieces that can do double duty (especially for smaller spaces) like drum stools, cubes, ottomans – they can act as seating when needs or surface space, plus this is a great way to add colour and texture to the space.

Do: Use Dramatic Color in a Small Space

Color is best used in small spaces that you pass through. A dramatic color in a room where you’re going to be spending a lot of time might feel too heavy or dark, but if you use it in a foyer or pantry, it makes the whole house feel colorful. It also makes the house feel bigger, because it turns a space you might not notice into one that catches your attention. Plus if you are toying with the idea of bold colours in your home, a small room is a great place to start to see if you like it and can live with it…

 

Don’t: Be Afraid to Splurge on Great Pieces

Invest in one great-quality piece. It sometimes hurts in the beginning, but you end up having that piece forever, and it can really carry a room, or even an entire house.

Do: Test Paint Colors in a Big Way

When you test paint colors in a room, make big patches so that you can really see if you need to go darker or lighter, or if it is the right colour for that room depending on light and the other elements in the room like the flooring.  Paint in the store can look completely different in your home and can look completely different room to room.  Also take a look at the paint at different times of the day.

Don’t: Ignore Architectural Details

Respect the architecture of a space. That’s not to say you can’t be surprising — I might use period furniture in a modern room, but I’ll make sure the lines and silhouettes are appropriate. The whole room has to hang together.

 

Do: Trust Your Instincts

‘Be true to yourself, and trust your instincts.’ We all have different points of view — that’s what makes each of us special — and our rooms should be a reflection of that. But if something looks off, it probably is.  We all have a natural inclination towards symmetry and balance

Don’t: Make a Room Too Formulaic

Start a room with a classic furniture layout that’s functional, then add in funky pieces to loosen it up, relax it, and keep it from feeling too formulaic. With the trend continuing toward open concept living in small spaces but with functional floor plans, it is important to have a cohesive look but add unexpected elements to make it fun and not formal.

Do: Draw the Eye With an Interesting Piece

A photographer I worked with taught me the importance of the axial view. When you’re looking down a corridor, you want a wonderful object at the end of it to draw you forward — a sculpture, a chandelier, anything to define the space and pull you in.

 

But what is always a do…DO incorporate the pieces you love and DON’T worry if they are ‘in style’ or ‘trending’ …always DO follow your decorating instinct!

 

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HOME DECOR

3 Rental Decorating Challenges (and How to Fix Them Without Losing Your Deposit)

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Renting your home has some advantages over owning it: your landlord will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep, giving you less to worry about if the water heater breaks or a pipe freezes. However, less responsibility comes with less freedom, and not owning the space can present some limitations in how you personalize your home.

 

But just because your name isn’t on the deed doesn’t mean the space you live in can’t reflect your personality! Here, we take a look at some of the most common problems with decorating rented apartments, and our favorite solutions you can do yourself that won’t make you break your budget or lose your deposit!

*But always ask your landlord or property manager first

 

Neutral color palettes are popular for decorating rental spaces because light colors make the space appear bigger, and neutral tones are easy to touch up between tenants. Unfortunately, this can mean that everything in your apartment is a blah shade of white or beige. Even if painting isn’t an option, there are other ways to make your space more colorful.

 

Simple Fix:

Nothing pops against neutral tones better than brightly colored accessories. Pick a color palette for each room and a
piece that you want to be your focal point. Area rugs will both accentuate your style and keep your carpets cleaner, making less of a dent in your deposit.

Bonus: because you aren’t committing to a paint color, changing your color palette when the mood strikes you will be a cinch.

For the Diehard DIY:

Wall decals have all of the interest of an accent wall with none of the commitment. Simply find one that appeals to you, install, and go! They are less expensive and time consuming than painting an accent wall and will still offer a nice focal point for your room.

If you can’t find one that inspires you, it is simple to make your own design from removable wallpaper.

 
 Photo from Errez Design
 

Unless you are lucky enough to live in a corner unit or the top floor of a building, many apartments can have a short supply of natural light. Add in a shortage of electrical sockets, and you can end up with a dark and dreary space.

 

Luckily, there are a few tricks to maximizing what you have and brightening up your home!

 

Simple Fix:

If your apartment has blinds that block out natural light, replacing them with curtains can maintain your privacy while allowing light in. Ten minutes with a drill and a level and you can hang your own curtain rod, complete with custom curtains.

Placing a large mirror on the wall opposite a window will not only increase the amount of natural light in the room, but will also make the space look bigger.


For the Diehard DIY:

There is no reason for you to be stuck with the lighting in place when you moved in. If there is no overhead lighting in a room and floor lamps aren’t quite cutting it, you can create your own hanging lamp that plugs into a wall socket with parts available from any hardware store. Simply tack or tape the cord up in the corner of the wall and along the ceiling; you can even paint the cord the same shade as your wall to camouflage it better by asking your landlord if they have any samples of the paint.

Your creativity is the limit when you create your own hanging lamp to light up your room!

Photo from Brian Paquette Interiors

Character is all in the details. You won’t be able to change larger features in your apartment to fit your style, but small details are important when building an overall impression. A space with few personal details can end up looking temporary and bland. If it still looks like you moved in yesterday, here are some changes you can make to leave your mark.

 

Simple Fix:

Live plants add color and personalize a space. Even if you aren’t much of a green thumb, there are plants that can survive in just about any climate. While totally transportable, plants can give an impression of permanence and make a space look livable.

Blank walls can look impersonal and thumbtacks on the wall can look like a dorm room. For a more sophisticated look, frame your wall hangings. Frames can be found cheaply at garage sales and thrift stores and will look good as new with a fresh coat of spray paint.


 

For the Diehard DIY:

Any bathroom or kitchen can be given a five-minute makeover with new hardware. Replace boring kitchen and bathroom drawer pulls with updated ones from a hardware store for a classy, pulled together look. These can also be taken with you when you move; keep the originals together in the bottom of a closet or drawer, and you can take your personal additions with you when you leave.

Apartment decoration comes with its own set of challenges, but sometimes limitations can be the spark for creativity.

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Gallery Walls

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“I love the look of Gallery walls but am not sure how to make mine look as good as the ones I see in magazines.. what are the rules for creating a personalized, and aesthetically pleasing gallery wall?”
 
 
Creating a gallery wall in your home is an amazing way to showcase your home’s personality. When it comes to gallery walls, pretty well anything goes. It depends on the look that you are going for.
 

Let’s start with a few general measurement suggestions…

Before putting a hammer to the wall, try marking where your frames are going to go. Not everyone has a fantastic eye and can guess dead on every time. I would suggesting laying out a college on the floor underneath where the gallery wall will be going. Be sure to have a measuring tape, level, hammer, proper hooks and a pencil on hand. I suggest spacing 2-3 inches in between frames and accents.

If your decorating style is pretty streamlined, I suggest using symmetry.

Groupings are most effective if they are hung with some commonality in mind. Ideally, creating a square or rectangular shaped display is most visually pleasing but frame sizes will likely vary, and you won’t have a perfectly shaped outline. Try to space the frames 2-3” apart for maximum effect. When creating a streamlined Gallery wall, we recommend some sort of cohesive effect between the photos.
Frames all in the same colour, the mats inside the frame being the same, maybe all the photo’s being black and white. Something should tie the photos together, unless of course you are trying to achieve a very
eclectic look…
 

An eclectic gallery wall is a compilation of items and photos and wall décor that you love.

Anything goes with an eclectic style of décor. Of course, there is an art to creating a visually pleasing eclectic look. Make sure there is some repetition of items.. not everything needs to be doubles, but maybe having a few of the same frame mixed with your collection of pieces will help to make sense of the décor.
 

I suggest not only having frames. Adding some other décor elements personalize this collage to you and your home.

Try adding a few mirrors, or antlers, letters, or quotes into your gallery wall for added interest. I also love having a few different frames as accents. Mixing both personal photos with artwork is another interesting visual for your home.
I’m a big fan of decorating with what you love. It’s your home and its you who has to love it. So if you want to mix a bunch of things together that you are in love with… do it. Just make sure your spacing is accurate
 
 I love my gallery wall – it adds warmth and beautiful memories to my family room,

 

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

All About Wall Decor Ideas

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Wall Décor is something we feel is crucial to every home. Whether you have modern décor, a country home, or a very traditional style of decorating, wall décor is what really pulls a space together. The amount of wall décor in a given home may vary depending on home style and personal taste. Many people have a hard time choosing the correct art to suit their home décor style, or lack the creativity to incorporate something other than photographs or pictures into their space. Wall Décor options are endless!

Here we will give you some suggestions on some wall décor variations other than the traditional artwork.

1. Mirrors

Mirrors are a great addition to any space. The variations and options of mirror shapes, sizes, colours, textures is so vast – you can find anything you want. Mirrors can go in many places in your home as well. If you have an empty wall above your sofa, a large rectangular mirror in a great metallic or three smaller starburst mirrors in scattered pattern are a fabulous option.

 

 

 2. Open Shelving

Open shelving is a fantastic way to fill an empty wall. Depending on what your style preference is, there are so many colours and wood shelves that will really add another dimension to your space. Open shelving is a great way to display family photos, accessories and whatever other small items you’d like to showcase in your home. Open shelving can be one shelf or a variety of shelves in different shapes and configurations. Open shelves look great in almost all rooms of the home, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, etc.

 

 

3. Wall Decals

 

Wall Decals are used most often in children’s rooms, and they’re great because if a child grows out of them, it’s not a matter of changing the paint so often. There are also many options for wall decals for main living areas, whether it be a lovely quote or a pattern of some sort, wall decals are a fantastic option, especially for people who are living in rental homes/apartments and don’t want to spend the money on paint, these are stickers that peel off without leaving any damage.

4. Gallery Walls and Unique Art Arrangements

A gallery wall is a great way to showcase a variety of elements you love, whether it be frames of family photos, quotes, small mirrors, an accessory, or just decorative frames. Creating a gallery wall in your home is a personal touch that makes any space feel like home. Be creative with what you add. Whether you like the look of a uniform wall with all the same frames arranged in very straight and evenly spaced, or if you like an eclectic mix of some of your favourite things, this feature is bound to be a focal point in your home.

 

 

5. Large Accessories

 
Deer heads, clocks, stars, metal wall art, various geometric shapes, porcelain birds etc are all great things to add to your space. Add what you love!
This is your home and you need to love it. So, make it yours!

 

 

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HOME STAGING

Home Staging Obstacle: The Kids’ rooms

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I have 4 children and I remember (not too long ago) trying to sell my own home while we were all living there.  Although living in the home that you are selling can be a big challenge, the parents fully understand what is going on and what need to be done.  But what about the kids?

If you are looking to buy a home or if you’re thinking of selling and you have children, one of your priorities would be how to create a good environment for your kids. Just how the master bedroom is for us, kid’s room is where they’ll spend much of their time learning, growing, studying and relaxing.  So one thing that you shouldn’t pass on is creating a perfect space for your home buyer’s children by means of staging.

Below are simple, yet powerful tips for staging your kid’s room to make it appeal to both children and parents.

 

#1 Create a livable and spacious room

Perhaps, the most challenging part of staging a kid’s room would be creating an illusion of a magazine quality space. To do this, start by removing excess clutter, toys, and furniture. Like the other rooms in
your home, prospect buyers would want to see if they can fit in all the stuff their kids have. Make your kids part of the daily clean up routine, it will become habit eventually but even if it doesn’t at least the room won’t get too chaotic with regular tidying.

#2 Decorate with a theme

 

 Believe us when we say that parents love themed kids rooms! From athletic sports bedrooms, to color-coordinated bedrooms, parents and kids alike will be pleased. Besides, following a specific theme makes it easier for you on deciding which materials to buy because you already have a picture in mind to follow. A mish-mash of themes in one space like a kid’s room or any other room makes the space look and feel a bit sloppy which is never a selling point!

 

#3 Make way for natural light

Like any other room in the house, your kid’s dark room might seem less attractive. A dark room can make for a sad room and you don’t want the buyers to feel that. Let natural light in with bright and cheery window treatments, and ensure there is a source for natural light.

My daughter’s room faces east and because of that she has ‘black out curtains’ but during the day the room looks very dark, so a simple solution is pulling back the curtains and wow – the light is incredible! You may also consider artificial lighting like overhead lighting, bedside table lamps, wall scones, or floor lamps for additional brightness.

 

#4 Get inspiration

If you’re still not sure how to decorate your kid’s room, browse the Internet for some inspiration. Pinterest can help you with that. Take a look at staged kid’s room ideas and see which one appeals to you the most. You can also browse home styling magazines, blogs, and event TV shows.

 Another helpful tip is to visit model homes near your area and see how interior designers have decorated kids’ rooms. Or if you want more professional looking staged rooms, you can contact expert home stagers by visiting their website for contact information

 Staging kid’s rooms is nothing but fun! It is an enjoyable experience and it can be a great bonding experience with your little ones. Creating a perfect environment for the children of the future owner could be one of your best investments to make your home on top of their list. So, please remember to ‘color outside the lines’.

 

#5 Think easy solutions

My boys have a great looking room with a red, white and blue colour theme with some pops of ‘Spiderman’ and ‘Captain America’.   They love their room but don’t love keeping it clean.  Look for some easy solutions so that they can keep the space tidy for when you have showings at the house. 

Baskets are my go to!  I have a series of baskets that my boys put toys, books etc…to help keep things off of the floor and because the baskets are easy (instead of say a closet or shelving system) they can do it themselves!

Remember that when it comes to selling you want to show buyers their dream home and the kid’s bedrooms are a part of that dream…

 

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HOME STAGING

Open House Tips and Tricks

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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

What is Home Staging?

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What is Home Staging?Home Staging is the un-decorating or de-personalizing of your home in preparation to sell.

When you first move in to your home you want to make it yours. You paint it the colours you like, you add personal photographs and your furniture is positioned to suit your lifestyle. But when it comes time to sell your home, you need to think about presenting your home’s best features and assets and to make it appealing to as many potential purchasers as possible.

 

Here are the top tip to make your home looks its best before your first open house:

 

1. Clean up!

Make sure the house is clean. Bathrooms, the kitchen and floors. It might seem like a lot of work but if you want top dollar for your home you cannot afford to “turn off” the guests at your open house. It is also really important to deodorize  your house especially if you have pets!

 

2. De-clutter!

Throughout our daily life we all accumulate clutter – the pile of bills, our bottles of vitamins on the bathroom countertop, small appliances on the kitchen countertop and stacks of papers and files in our home office, but it is so important to remove all of this clutter. Clutter makes any space feel much smaller and seeing as purchasers are likely looking for a larger space or at least a space that appears larger, you want to make sure your home feels spacious.

 

3. Repair!

It is important to fix any repairs in the home. A cracked tile or a leaky faucet can tarnish the image of your home. Remember you want to present your home at its absolute best! A buyer will pay top dollar for a property that has done the ‘leg’ work on getting the home in tip-top shape.  Small repairs send a message to the buyers (and their agent) that there could be bigger issues beneath the surface and it will impact their offer (if they make one).

 

4. Colour!

It is not necessary for everyone to re-paint their home before your realtor takes photos for the listing but you might want to consider painting if…your house has not been painted in about 10 years, if your home is currently painted in really bright or intense coulours such as deep reds or bright lime green, or if your walls are in bad shape. A fresh coat of paint can make a home feel clean and if you select the right tone, larger. Tones to look at should have a LRV (light reflective value) of 50 or higher. Stick with neutrals – a home stager can help you pick the right colour of paint.  Yo want one that will lighten and brighten but also one that will work with the light and the existing finishes in the home.

 

5. Furniture!

You want to make sure your furniture is clean so remove or cover stains and get rid of the pet hair – it just looks so much better. The positioning of the furniture is also very important and this is where you might want to get the help and advice from a professional. Just re-positioning or re-purposing your furniture pieces can make a huge impact. The way we place our furniture pieces can make a room look large or small and remember when it comes to selling your home, bigger is better!

 

6. De-personalize!

This can be the toughest tip to follow especially if it is your family home you are leaving. When people come to tour through your home at the open house, it is important that they can see themselves living in your home and that can be hard with your family photos and memories all over the home. Just think of this part as pre-packing for your move and you’ll see your photos again soon in your new home.

 

How do I get in touch with a home stager? Some real estate teams have stagers on staff, such as the Bennett Property Shop, offer the services of a stager to their clients. They will even have the stager prep your home for the professional photographer so your listing photos look their absolute best!

 

The process of staging can seem like a lot of work but it is worth it. Staged homes sell faster and for more money!

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