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home staging

BEDROOMS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – 5 Headboards for the Bedroom

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“I am in the process of decorating my bedroom. I don’t currently have a headboard but it’s something I’ve been looking for. I just can’t decide what style I like. What are my options?”

 

Great question! A head board is often a focal point in the bedroom, so we understand wanting to choose the perfect style for your space! Choosing “staple” pieces for your home can be a daunting task, there is so much to choose from and so many to love! Believe me, we get that.

 

The most important thing is that your new headboard suits your space. Of course mixing styles is a fabulous idea and one we definitely recommend. While it may be a contrasting style, it has to flow and be harmonious. Having a random item that doesn’t seem to go with anything else will stand out like a sore thumb. If you are starting from scratch, you have tons of choices!

 

If you have existing décor in the space, our challenge now is to make your space beautiful and cohesive. Headboards come in all shapes, sizes, colours, textures, materials and with varying detail work. Narrow down what you like.Do you like button tufting? Great! We have a jumping off point. Are you into reclaimed wood? Fabulous!  What tone and texture will complement your room?

 

Having a certain décor style that you like will help with this process. If your home has country flair or if it’s contemporary, try to stay true to those styles.

 

Here are some suggestions for headboard styles.

Leather:

this is a classic choice and will go with most décor styles. Depending on the colour you chose and the detail work, certain aspects will sway a leather headboard. A white leather headboard is typically a very modern look. Black or Brown leather is a more masculine fabric. A leather headboard is a safe option for a space.

 

Nail Head:

 

This is a very nice touch to add to a room. A more contemporary/traditional option but can work with a more rustic décor when mixed with the right pieces. A nail head detail is a beautiful option, the nail heads can be brass, chrome, brushed nickel or gold.

 

Choose something that will go with the existing hardware in your room (maybe dresser pulls or door knobs?). BUT you don’t have to. We are also big fans of mixing metals. Nail head detail works on both fabric and leather.

 
 

Button Tufting:

 

Button tufting is similar to a nail head detail in the sense that is versatile. This is a great option with a traditional or country room. The detail is a bit fussier than a nail head but still a great choice! Play with colour when choosing this style! Button tufting is great on leather and fabric as well.

 

 

Fabric:

 

The material options are extensive. So are the colour and pattern options. Depending on your style, fabric is a fabulous way to incorporate a unique element into your room and for the savvy DIY-er, also relatively easy to upholster an existing headboard and customize it with your own fabric and details.

 

 

Wood:

 

Wood is a fabulous option for a country or rustic/industrial style home. What’s most interesting about this is how authentic and natural it looks. There are so many stains, washes, textures etc. with wood so you can be super creative. The various tones available are too many to count and having a natural element in your space is a great way to bring the outdoors in!

 

Play with colour! Play with height! Play with shapes! There are SO many choices, do some research and see what speaks to you. Then go from there! Recognize what your style is and then build off of that. Be creative!

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WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Easy Ideas for Additional Seating

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“My boyfriend and I live in a small home.  We love our home but we know it isn’t massive.  We love to have friends and family over for movie and game night but we never seem to have enough space on the sofa.  How can we have extra seating in our small space?”

 

Entertaining in a small space can feel a bit cramped but if you think double-duty pieces you should be able to get a lot of mileage out of your furniture.

 

In a small space, you really want to maximize as much as you can.  so we always suggest the largest sofa that will fit in the space.  You will get a lot of comfy seating for guests but for yourselves, too.

 

So now that you have a big, comfy (yet stylish) sofa.  You can start adding some occasional or accent chairs/seating.

1.  A slim accent chair. 

You have a lot of choice when it comes to selecting an accent chairs.  You could purchase an additional chair for your dining set or you could just use one from your dining set (this is a great if you are really tight on space).  The different styles for dining chairs are endless.  So You can easily find something that will work in your space.

Some of our favourite chairs are ghost chairs.  They have a bit of a traditional look but with material gives it a modern twist. These are also amazing in a dining room with a wood table.

And when it comes to decorating smaller spaces we always recommend that you keep the same style throughout say industrial instead of changing styles from room to room – that will make the space look and feel choppy.

 

2.   A slipper chair. 

Another great option.  A slipper chair is armless so it isn’t bulky.  It has a leaner look but still comfortable.  This style of chair comes is many finishes – we love a patterned slipper chair!  It can make such an impact.

 

 

3.  Stools. 

Stools are maybe not the best for lounging on a movie night but we love them because they are great for a casual gathering like a cocktail party.  They don’t take up a lot of room and they can easily be moved around.  Plus they can also be used as a foot stool when needed.

 

 

We love the look (and ease) of these African inspired wood stools.  They are a comfortable seat, visually they don’t add bulkiness and the style works in this space.

 

 

If your style is a bit more glam or traditional we love these T-frame stools that are positioned in front of the fireplace.  We have used this style of stool for both home staging and with our interior decorating clients.  They are another easy seating piece and you can really get playful with colour and pattern.

4. Poofs. 

We love poofs.  Again easy seating, great look and ‘portable’.  They come in so many styles too.  Another great way to add colour and texture to your space.

 

We love how they can also be tucked under a console or coffee table.  This image is a great example of styling a small space – the light colour palette, the glass coffee table and these leather poofs.  Extra seating or footstools and so chic!

 

This style of poof is a little more relaxed and casual but still cool and comfortable.  Position them where ever you like.  these are also great if you have children or ever have children visiting – they will love them!  Some poofs in this style even have removable covers – so easy to wash!

5.  Small ottomans. 

Another favourite of ours. These are a little more structured than the casual/relaxed poofs but the same fashion and function and variety, too!  We love them in pairs!

 

There are so many seating alternatives, we personally love ones that are easily moved around…you never know when people will just pop by…

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HOME STAGING

5 Easy Things To Do Before Showing Your Home

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It is selling season and if you are selling your home you know how busy this time of year is!  Lost of Showings, Previews and Open Houses – exposure is key when selling your home!  But a last minute showing can be tricky!  Of course, you want your home to be seen but at the same time your home may not be up to par!  What do to?

During the week, we suggest a cleaning routine :including vacuuming as often as you can (at least the highest traffic areas, like a family room for instance), putting away clothes after each wearing (either in a hamper or back in the closet or dresser) to keep clutter under control, picking up toys and books before bed time (get the kids involved – they tidy up at school so why not at home?), wash dishes daily (if you have a chaotic schedule maybe use disposable paper plates in the short term) and wiping down surfaces like counter tops (kitchen and bath) and table tops.

To make the very best impression for buyers, try these 5 easy things.  They can be done in around 15-20 minutes, so even the very last minute showing can be a huge success!

1.  Keep the house clean.

I know easier said than done but if you tackle a bit of cleaning everyday, the house will never really get messy.  Be sure to always have the sinks and appliances clean – those two items really make an impact on buyers and it sets the tone for the rest of the house.  Stainless steel appliances? Be sure to use the right cleaners to remove finger prints and smudges. Cleaning these items alone really shouldn’t take more than 3 minutes!

2.  Sweep the kitchen floor (and eat-in area).

Will buyers be focusing on your floor? Maybe – Maybe not….but if they step in food or sticky residue from spilled apple juice, they will notice it and it will make a bad impression. It takes minutes to do and it make the kitchen (a buyer hot spot) look and feel so much better.  A quick sweep and spot mop should take 3-5 minutes.

3.  Empty all trashes.

Over flowing trash is just gross and it can smell.  It take minutes to empty the cans.  Get the kids involved, send them each to a trash can and have them meet you in the garage to dump and put them back.  Again it feels clean and looks so much better.  This should take roughly 5-7 minutes.

4.  Make it smell good.

Removing the garbage and regular cleaning certainly help to keep the house smelling clean.  Try to keep from cooking (right before a showing) fish, grease, burnt anything can be tough to get rid of, especially in a hurry.  You can use plug-ins but opt for natural scents as florals can be overwhelming but try opening the windows – nothing beats the smell of fresh air!  Another product that we love are scented flameless candles – they are battery operated, they look great and smell fantastic but DO NOT leave real lit candles in the home unattended. This should take a minute or two.

5.  Remove all clutter from counters and floors

Clutter is a huge distraction.  We tell our home staging clients that clutter sends a signal that the house is lacking in storage – no buyer will say “oh, they just have too much”, the buyer will say “there isn’t enough storage here”.  Storage is an important factor for buyers. Be sure to pay special attention the the kitchen counters. 

Keep extra baskets handy for toys, books, clothes and any other items that are on the floor.  Have a basket in each bedroom for a quick clean and pick up (be sure the basket can be tucked away in a closet). Depends on how much you have to do, 5 – ? minutes.

A few extra minutes or want to add another touch Leave out some cookies or small chocolates, bottled water for a welcome touch.  It will make a memorable impression …..

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HOME STAGING, HOME STYLING

The 6 Best Props To Stage Your Home

best-props-to-stage-your-home

When it comes to home staging – yes, there are a number of items that must be removed from the home such as personal photos, collectibles and of course, excess or bulky furniture.  But there are certain props that really enhance the look of the home regardless of the age or decor style.

These 6 DIY props can add memorable details and welcoming feelings to buyers and just help to set the scene and really make your photos stand out from the other houses for sale.

Books –

Too many books in a book case (or piles of them in office spaces and bedroom) can look junky and sloppy BUT sets of hardcover books can really complete the look of shelves or stacked on a coffee table. Check out garage sales or used book stores for affordable options be sure to check the condition of the spine (and check to make sure they don’t have a musty smell).  Stay away from controversial topics and titles.  We always look of books that are medium to large in scale, hard cover and in good shape.  Colourful spines can add a splash a colour to a bookcase or coffee table.

Bookcases are great for book storage but when it comes to staging you want every space to feel light and airy.  Full bookcases add a lot of bulk and heaviness to a room, so do a pre-pack of you books and leave your nicest ones on display.  Stack them creatively, play with colour and add some simple accessories.

Bowls of Lemons –

A big bowl of bright fresh lemons is a simple way to add some colour and a feeling freshness to a space like the kitchen or as a dining centerpiece.  Use decorative lemons – they last longer plus you get that brilliant yellow colour.  Why lemons? Well, no one is ever tempted to bite into a lemon.  And yes, I have found bite marks on several occasions in our decorative fruit especially apples but some pears too.  Use a bowl that works with your decor style – long, lean glass works well for contemporary spaces, wood or pottery looks great in a rustic or country home.

A low profile bowl with lemons really allows one to see that bright splash of colour.  This looks great in a kitchen, on a kitchen island, a dining table or even a coffee table like the image below

Plush towels –

New towels always look amazing in a bathroom.  Towels like everything else age, they are fine for every day use but when it comes to show casing your home old towels will just make the bathroom look tired and stale.  Aim for that ’boutique’ hotel look with clean, plush, white towels.  If your bathroom is already entirely white choose a grey or brown tone something that will give some contrast to the space but keep it neutral.

These white plush towels add a softness to this bathroom.  Bathrooms are full of hard surfaces like tile, cabinetry, porcelain and more…so adding some softness gives the room some balance.  The white towels in this bathroom also give a spa like feel

Large Painting –

This is probably a bit tougher to locate but try home decor stores or even online – the results are incredible!  Choose a large painting with soft tones (colour is fine but aim for softer hues).  We recommend a simple landscape (they are soothing) or just abstract with soft and blended brush strokes.  This will certainly make an impact but it won’t be alarming.

This living room with the large landscape art piece makes an impact but is still soothing and peaceful which is a great quality in a home.  The colours are soft and the blue tones are also used in the decor.  Large art pieces look great on big walls like the one here but they also look great above a fireplace or in a dining room above a sideboard

A Pair of Matching Table Lamps –

Take a look in any home design and decor magazine, you will always see matching pairs of lamps in a room.  You might be staging your home on a tight budget but you can’t have it looking that way!  A pair of matching table lamps will give you a designer look without spending a bundle.  Place them in a room where they can both be scene – flanking the sofa in the living room or flanking the bed are easy  ways to do just that and it makes a big impact!

This image shows the impact of what some beautiful matching table lamps can do in a room.  The reflective surface of these lamps adds some great light in the room too.

Plump Pillows –

Pillows really add extra dimension to decor and home staging.  Look for pillows with some colour, texture and even print.  But stay away from stiff or flat pillows and of course, going over board with too many pillows.  Pillows should enhance the look of the space!  Decor pillows look great on sofas, accent chairs and also beds and benches.  Be sure to ‘pump up’ those bed pillows too – volume from pillows adds a sense of luxury and comfort.

Seen here: there’s a mix of colour and pattern.  The turquoise makes a statement in this neutral tone room.  some home stagers may disagree but this colour choice brings life and a brightness to the room but be sure to carry this colour into other rooms as well to keep a fluid feel

In summary…putting it all together…

This neutral bedroom has a great mix of neutral tones – white, black and shades of beige.  The bed looks fantastic with the layering of pillows that are plump – bed and decor pillows.  The lean bedside tables and lamps match and fit in the space beautifully.  This is a  great example how to stage a bedroom in neutral tones, some texture, matching pieces, art and even flowers.

Even just a few new pieces can make a big difference in the overall presentation of your home – best wishes!


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KITCHENS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Kitchen Backsplash

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“I moved into my townhouse a year ago.  I love my kitchen!  it’s white with light grey counter top and grey tile floor.  This summer I want to add a back splash but I’m not sure what to choose.  Any advice?”

A white kitchen is classic and a great choice for a smaller space.  It’s light and bright and in terms of resale, it has mass appeal. Adding a backsplash is a simple update that isn’t disruptive to your life at home. A backsplash in a kitchen is like adding jewelry to an outfit – it really pulls it all together.  This year in tile it was all about shape, the colours were all neutral but the shapes were the focus.

For a back splash, you have lots of options.

Subway tile –

this is a classic and you cannot go wrong with this option.  Seen here in a brick or staggered formation it mimics the look of brick.  A typical subway tile is 3″ x 6″ but there are variations in size.  In terms of colour – a soft grey is a good neutral option as is white but you could also go with a charcoal for a more dramatic look.  If you are thinking you might sell in about 3-5 years choose something with some longevity like a neutral tone.

Stainless Steel Tile –

this has a bit more of an industrial edge.  This material works well in a kitchen as it’s easy to clean and maintain.  You will also have a lot of shapes and sizes to choose from.  This also looks great in a kitchen that has stainless steel appliances.

Glass mosaic tile –

this option was super popular a few years ago.  This is still seen today but more tone on tone like the image here.  Various shades of grey and a mix of clear and frosted glass.  Again, a soft look with a bit of texture and shine – ideal for a smaller kitchen.

Marble tile –

Marble is so classic and elegant but we have been seeing it in more modern and contemporary spaces, too.  It is a material that requires a lot of maintenance when installed as a counter top but as a back splash not to so much.  The natural variation and veins make it visually interesting and it look amazing when paired with grey and white.

 

Hexagon tile –

a popular shape in 2015 for backsplashes and floors.  Try this in a neutral tone and it will give even the most ‘tired’ kitchen a fresh look.  The shape is interesting  but not over the top.  Hexagon tiles also look incredible in bathrooms too, in a shower as an accent or on the shower floor.

 

Herringbone formation –

still looking for something a bit different but not totally off the wall? Try a herringbone formation.  Using a subway tile, instead of staggering the tile you lay it in a ‘zig zag’ format.  Herringbone is a pattern we often see in menswear but we are seeing it in tiles.  Stick with a neutral colour palette and a grout that is a few shades lighter (or darker) than the tile so that the pattern shows.  This also looks great on a floor with a 12 x 24 tile.

Arabesque tile –

this is a shape that’s recently popular.  It adds an elegant touch to a kitchen.  Again, use a grout with some pigmentation so that the shape is evident.  It’s lovely in white and soft grey.

Kitchen back splash tiles are that final touch that really pull it all together!

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HOME STAGING

Home Staging for the Spring/Summer Real Estate Market

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The Spring/Summer real estate market is a very busy time! When people purchase a home they buy a vision of their future. And most people’s vision of summer is a happy one…

 
Now that spring is here and summer is soon to follow, it’s the time to double-check your  home staging .
 

Does it capitalize on the happy vibes of the season?

 
 
We hope you’ll take inspiration and ideas from these images, and make the most of the warmer weather inspiration to stage your home so you’ll land a purchase offer you love!
 

‘Summertime’ staging can incorporate a little whimsy without looking goofy. Try some humorous or nostalgic touches in small spaces or outdoors.

How about some silly sayings on your guest bath towels?

Or vintage beach scenes framed in the hallway?

A bench at the front porch with colourful pillows is always welcoming. 

Embrace the beauty of the season and add some of those touches inside and out to create an inviting ‘dream’ home for potential buyers.  But don’t get cluttered and carried away…..

 

Set the scene:

What do you think of when the nice weather arrives…..gardening, pool parties, entertaining, BBQ season…if your home features a large patio space highlight it with furniture and potted plants – set up the BBQ, too – set the scene.  Have a pool ? Open it and set it up – it looks so much better and again it sets the tone and gets buyers mentally moving in….

 

For photos and open houses (private showings, too) set up your patio like you have company coming over (because, well, you do!) This shows off the fun and the function of your outdoor space –  do the visualizing for the buyer.    Same goes for setting up your 3 season porch or wrap around porch – highlight that feature with furniture and accessories!

 

Warm welcome:

Even small touches like  summer wreath of fabric, floral wreath, shells, or bright summer flowers on the front door welcomes people touring your home. Pots of blooming plants near your entrance are a must if you’re working on boosting your curb appeal. You can take potted plants with you when you move, so splurge on pretty containers and interesting plants.

Focal points:

Even though it is the spring – summer market you can still draw attention to features and focal points like the fireplace – the yellow flowers attract the eye, the mirror makes the area bright, the light tones keep everything feeling fresh and big
 
 Photo from the FrugalHomemaker.com
 

Use the right colours:

What a peaceful bedroom!  In soft tones and gender neutral!  Some pattern to keep it visually interesting but not overwhelming.  The paint is also neutral but warm – the chair and over sized side table show off the function and size of the room.  The bed linens are clean and crisp
 Photo from Interior by Kenz.com
 

Use nature:

Small summer touches like flowers in any room – even the kitchen can add a splash of fun and summer whimsy!
 
 

 Let the light in:

Pull back those drapes and let the light in!  Open the windows and let in some fresh air, too!

Think ‘beachy’:

‘Coastal colours’ are perfect for staging – they are light, airy and bright.  These tones help create a soothing and relaxing space.  If a buyer has a feeling of calm and serenity they will certainly want to stay longer and tour the home.

 Photo from Life On Virginia Street

Floral planning:

Potted plant and flowers look great!  Think about size and scale to make sure your patio or porch don’t look small and you can clutter outdoor spaces with too many potted plants so keep it minimal and size appropriate.  This arrangement is great because it really compliments the exterior tones of the home – the multi tonal brick with a red base and the black door look great with the deep purples and red tones and the fresh green is a bright pop – this arrangement would also transition well into the fall season.
 Photo from Simply Flowers Inc.
 
We all love the summer – it’s light, fun and free so use that amazing summer feel and bring that into your home.  Buying a home is an emotional experience so tap into that and make the most of it!
 
 
 We hope you’ll find small and not-so-small ways to showcase the joys of summer for house hunters. No
matter where you live or what size, style or age your home is, there’s always opportunities to “summer-ize” it. Doing so will help buyers imagine their summer cookouts, stay-cations, and celebrations at your house once they’ve bought it!
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HOME STAGING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – ‘Staging’ a vacation rental

we-answer-wednesday-staging-vacation

“My husband and I have a vacation property – we love being there but we aren’t up there all of the time since we both still work full time.  We will be renting it out to vacationers but there is a lot of competition in our area – how can we set ourselves apart?”

 

Great question!  Vacations are what we all dream of …so your property needs to be that dream.  Regardless of the location of your rental (mountain getaway or beach escape) your rental needs to look it’s best!  If you are hoping to rent it for top dollar to make some extra income you will want to spend some money and effort up front to make it that dream vacation spot.

 

So ‘staging’ your vacation property for photos and for when your guests arrive is a great way to set yourself apart for the competition – the up front costs will be worth it in the end – you will be able to rent easily, you will get top dollar and you will get repeat renters. Want to be that hot rental spot that people pay top dollar for and book in advance?

Follow our tips:

Start by keeping it simple –

keep the colours fresh, patterns to a minimum and opt for decor that makes sense for the space.  Stay with simple palettes and some pattern, stay away from wall paper and fussy details

A mountain home with some deer head silhouettes and ‘log’ inspired pieces makes sense plus natural materials like stone, wool, fur and wood – people will be paying for the mountain ambiance.  Warm colour and lots of layered textures give that luxurious and cozy cabin feel.

 

For a beach house think coastal colours, soft light and airy. Light colours and organic elements really set the tone for the ‘beach house’ look and feel that vacationers will be looking for.  Drift wood, cotton, canvas and sea shells work beautifully

Art pieces and accessories-

can really add to the cozy factor but don’t over do it – don’t get too many as it will appear cluttered and don’t purchase anything too expensive. Stay away from heavy and/or fussy drapery – especially if you have a view

Add some cute details that vacationers will remember – if they feel like they are welcomed, they really connect with the property and will want to return year after year

For bedding and bathrooms, keep it clean like you would see at a chic hotel.  You can’t go wrong with white bedding and bath linens.

And pay for professional photos…..

the lighting and the quality are so much better.   Photos are key here, so some staging techniques will really help. Most (if not all) of your inquiries will come from the Internet so your presence needs to be there and you really, really, really need to have spot-on photos. We know from looking at vacation rentals online how important photos are. Because of the distance your ‘renters’ will only see your property online, you don’t have the luxury of ‘maybe it looks better in person’.

Other great ideas:

– Be helpful:

-keep a binder with area hot spot – restaurants, movie theaters, shops, maps and more.  Great local hot spots and fun areas for couples and/or couples to check out. Also think about laundry facilities – this is a big help to families especially.  Also leave numbers in case of emergencies

– Amenities and comforts of home:

maybe when you are on vacation you want to be ‘unplugged’ but for some they may need to work a bit so having TVs, WiFi and more are also attractive.Maybe decks of cards and some basic board games, too

– Equipment:

stock the kitchen with crockery, cutlery, cooking tools and more are helpful.  Near the beach – maybe have some sand toys for kids.  First aid kits are also a good idea

– Research:

find out from a local vacation property manager what vacationers are requesting – hot tub? canoe? kayak? and try to offer those most requested items.  Also get in touch with a rental equipment company since some guests may require special items like cribs or wheel chairs

– Maintenance:

make sure the property is clean inside and out!  Grass cut and gardens maintained

– Decor:

it doesn’t need to be full of expensive pieces but find items that set the scene and the tone.  Choose soft and light colours if by the beach, think nautical tones if lake side and richer and warmer tones for a mountain home.  If you furniture is dated – cover it with slip covers (also easy to clean), old dining table – try paint or adding new chairs.

 

Some of my most memorable family vacations were when we could just relax and feel like we were at home.  By creating the vacation property that vacationers dream of you will always have renters, you will be able to charge top dollar and you will be in high demand.

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HOME STAGING

Home For Sale? Open House Tips

home-for-sale-open-house-tips

If your home is up for sale on the market – this is a busy and possibly stressful time for you. On top of your everyday responsibilities you also have to deal with the showings and open houses at your home. You have your next property in mind and you have prepped and staged this house for sale.  Getting ready for every showing is work!

You want to sell your house and you know in order to do that buyers need to see it but prepping for a viewing can be very stressful and a bit hectic – so much to do!  You want your home to look it’s best –  Here is what you don’t want to happen. A showing is suddenly scheduled for that evening and you realize you have zero clean towels in your house. So now, not only do you have to pick up, wipe down surfaces, etc — you also have a load of laundry to do as well.

Have an open house box!

Sounds easy, right? It is!

Here’s what you need:

– a box, like a Banker’s box is a perfect size and it has a lid
– a set of clean, fresh white towels (one set for each bathroom)
– small (cutlery size) baskets (one for each bathroom)
– clean tea towels
– a mason jar for counter clutter like coins, small pieces of paper, elastics etc…
– a large envelope to store papers from the counter like school news letters, mail etc…
– Clorox wipes or Lysol wipes for quick counter top cleaning

Before you begin showing your home, take an empty box and fill it with clean bath, hand and dish towels. When you have a showing scheduled, walk around to each bathroom and the kitchen grabbing all the dirty linens, and putting out the clean linens – get the kids involved and have them grab the ‘dirty’ towels. Just throw the dirty towels in this box to pull back out after the showing is over. So the clean towels in the Open House Box never actually get used, only shown.

Store the box in a closet that isn’t a huge feature like a guest room closet – once the show is over.  Collect all of the ‘showing props’ like the clean towels, tea towels etc… and put it all back in the box.

So easy!

Here are some other easy tips for managing your personal items when living in the house that you are selling:

1 – Containers.  Small and big are needed to just keep things tidy.  This is especially useful in the bathroom for make -up, tooth brushes, personal care items and toilet paper.  If leaving your items out, having them in containers looks much better but if you want to tuck them away, having them in containers makes it easy!

2 – Keep the office tidy with boxes for loose papers and other documents you don’t want left out in the open. Keep pens and pencils in a holder too – a messy office can send the message that there isn’t room for everything and leave a bad impression

3 – Keep the lights on!  Even on a sunny day but especially for evening showings – the light will make everything look bigger and brighter

4 – Big baskets are your best solution for showing a family home.  Just toss all of the toys in some baskets,try not to have too many just a few that are big enough to fit the kids’ things.

5 –  Please take the pets out!  Not everyone loves your pets and even if they are friendly, the presence of pets can be distracting and uncomfortable.  So make arrangements for your pets – maybe during the day a neighbour could help out by taking them or maybe you can take them with you while the open house is happening.

Home selling is stressful but following these staging tips will help ease that stress and help you get your house sold!

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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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HOME STAGING

Selling Your Home? 9 Tips to Increase the Value of Your Home

selling-your-home-9-tips-to-increase

If you are considering selling your home in the near future – start prepping now! Don’t leave it to the last minute….to get your home in tip top shape that buyers are looking for – is a lot of work! It really is best to get a head start so that there isn’t as much to do closer to the time when you want to list your property.

It can be confusing to know where to spend you money, time and energy but here are the top tips to increase to value of your home

1 – Fix ALL repairs.

Not sure what’s wrong with your home? Perhaps hire a home inspector to inspect your home and take a look at his report.  Leaky pipes, the roof, electrical panels etc…are the types of repairs that scare of buyers.  But be sure to take acre of cosmetic repairs too like cracked tiles.

2 – Add a fresh coat of paint.

It’s worth it.  The cost of pain is minimal and it makes every space look clean and bright.  Stick to neutrals and a white trim

3 – Replace carpet.

If you have old wall to wall carpet remove it.  Carpet is a big turn off for a lot of buyers as it get dusty and an old carpet doesn’t usually show well.  Opt for hardwood or laminate (perfect for a family home).  This improvement is what most buyers are looking for and it improves the quality of the air and it’s low maintenance

4 – Low maintenance landscaping.

Add some plants and perhaps some shrubs/trees.  It improves the curb appeal and again, it is something that the buyer won’t have to do.  If you want top dollar for your home, you need to do the work! Plus pull out that patio furniture (make sure to clean it) and set the scene –

5 – Enhance those kitchens and bathrooms.

You don’t need a total overhaul necessarily but pay attention to updating the bathroom.  Make sure it’s clean, has white fixtures like tuns, toilets and sinks and chrome or brushed nickel accents.  A simple and neutral bathroom always presents better than a dated one.  for the kitchen, small updates like a new back splash in a neutral tile, updated hardware and lighting – make a huge differences.  If you have older appliances that you can’t afford to replace make sure they are in good working condition and clean

6 – Other upgrades.

Lighting is huge – look for simple chrome or brushed nickel finishes.  And make sure you are using maximum wattage so the home looks bright! If you can upgrade your cabinets- do it, remember light and neutral, you want mass appeal.

7 – Don’t forget the exterior.

Does your front door need a fresh coat of paint? How about those lights and mailbox, have they seen better days? Do you have an address plate? Does your grip set (door handle and key slot) work smoothly? – Don’t let real estate agents get frustrated by trying to enter your home for showings, not a good first impression!

8 – Let there be light!

Are there dark rooms in your home? Consider hiring an electrician to add some overhead lighting in darker rooms. In older homes, we don’t often see overhead lighting in family rooms, secondary bedrooms and living rooms – so stand out from the crowd.

9 – Stage your home.

Even if you are still living in the space with your furniture and accessories, hire a stager for a consultation.  They can help you will ideas to be present your home, and they can give you some great tips to appeal to buyers. A home staging team can help you in the beginning too – buy selecting the right paint colours, lighting, hardware and other updates to improve the look and value of your home.  they are a great resource for knowing what’s trending in the eyes of the buyer.

You want your home to look it’s best especially when it is up for sale.  Start the process of prepping your home for the real sale market in advance to save your self some time, energy and stick to a budget.

 

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