ottawa real estate Archives | kikiinteriors.com

Home Tour : Stittsville Walk

July 24, 2017

Stittsville Walk is a community that is currently under construction. I recently sourced and styled the model home just last month. It is located in a great nook of the city and we love the quaint feel of main street mixed with the chic style of the finishes in this model.

Stittsville Walk – Take the Tour:

These newly built townhomes are perfectly located in this village like setting – the exteriors have a timeless colour pallete with a touch of a modern edge, take the tour inside to see the amazing features and finishes of Stittsville Walk.

I wanted the look to appeal to a younger demographic so I opted for some furniture pieces that suited a first time home buyers but also interior finishes that embraced what’s current without being too trendy.

I love a two toned kitchen but I wanted the look to be light an airy – so I stuck with a classic white shaker style cabinet in the main part of the kitchen.

I then decided on a ‘driftwood’ tone for the kitchen island – this cabinet has a grey-ish hue with a visible wood grain. The light fixture adds a bit of an industrial element with the metal ‘pipe’ look and vintage bulbs, along with the grey industrial style stools.

The living room is a blend of soft grey tones, cow hide, reclaimed wood and some knitted textures. I didn’t want to add too many bold colours in the space – so just a pop of bright yellow pillows is all you need! A series of three mirrors with wood frames fill the wall space by the sofa. This living room is cozy but also chic!

This designated dining space suits a mix of modern ad industrial styles. The Eiffel chairs in white echo the white kitchen cabinets – when I design I love to see common threads throughout an open space to make the connections throughout the entire look. These chairs are a classic modern element and I love the contrast with the table. I added some simple small storage with the glass console table and these accessories add some visual interest.

Stittsville Walk – Get the Look:

I found these amazing pieces for great prices…let me show you how to get this look!

I wanted some grey colour on the walls but nothing too deep, too dark or too blue….what did I pick? Benjamin Moore’s Stonington Gray. It is become one of my favourite paint colours to work with …

30″ Bar stools These come in a bunch of colours – neutrals to brights – I opted for the light grey to keep the space looking very light and clean.

This 12 bulb light fixture has a bit of a mid-century modern look but if you change out the bulbs to a vintage bulb (like I did) the look is much more industrial

A pouf is a great alternative for a traditional foot stool, it is also a good seating option if you are in need.

In smaller spaces, it can be challenging to find the right size furniture and we struggled with finding a coffee table so instead we used 2 of these wood accent tables instead.

SHOP THE LOOK…

This cinema light box from amazon is a fun accessory to any space – we love it in the dining room but it would be fun in a den, office, TV space, styled in a bookcase….so many possibilities!

I love the versatility of Eiffel chairs – they add that classic mid-century modern look to any space giving the whole room an updated look. I found these white Eiffel chairs with wood legs on Wayfair.

I added another great light fixture to the space – over the dining room. Because the fixture in the kitchen over the island was so visually interesting I knew the one over the table had to work with the industrial styling of the larger chandelier but it had to be simple. I found this one – on sale at Lowe’s – I love the simplicity of the pendant paired with the pieces in the room, it has a touch of a scandi-industrial look

I love how this model home at Stittsville Walk came together,

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HOME STAGING

5 Easy Fixes to Make your Home ‘Buyer-Ready’

July 18, 2017

A home buyer can be picky so when it comes to selling your home you always want to have your best foot forward and if it is a tough market you really cannot afford to be anything less than showcase perfect!

One of the secrets in catching the eye of potential buyers is to highlight the features of a home that are important to them. Showing buyers that you have what they need, will help sell your home fast and get the best price.

But of course, not every home is perfect. You might not have the best location, neighborhood, space and other factors that are important in choosing a home. But those imperfections, especially the ones you have control over, should not hinder you from having a great showing.

We listed 5 tips that will make your home appeal to a home buyer:

#1 Style according to location advantages:

There is little you can do about your property’s location. Instead of masking location disadvantages with adjectives in your listing, you can factor the location to your marketing plan. Is your address in a hip, urban location? You might want to stage your house in a way that it will appear attractive to young professionals. If your home is located near a high school, designing your home in a way that it will reflect the style that would appeal to a growing family is important. In short, visualize the needs and characteristics of a buyer and set up the property accordingly.

#2 Fix and repair before the showing

Before your first showing, make sure that everything is in working condition. Do you have leaking faucets or clogged pipes? Fix anything and everything that is broken because those become a major turn off. Prospective buyers wouldn’t want to figure out those repair needs on their own and they will just look at the listing down the road instead. If you are working with a realtor, ask them if they have a list of preferred professionals that they could recommend to fix those repairs around the home, or you can check out a recommendation website like Angie’s List

#3 Make scents!

First of all, if there’s unpleasant odor in the property, get to the root of the problem and fix it! No one wants to live in a smelly house. Secondly, don’t overdo it with air fresheners. Most people like the look and freshness of lemons, so a bowl of lemons pierced with a fork will do the trick. Lightly scented candles are good as well; scents like fresh linen or clean laundry are usually safe bets. For cooler months, try baked cookies or even just a bowl of water with cinnamon and sugar in the oven at a low temperature

#4 Sufficient lighting for every room

Buyers find bright rooms really attractive. Draw back the curtains, open the shades, and make use of artificial lighting if you need to.

A tried-and-tested technique to achieve the most balanced room lighting is to place three lighting sources in a triangular configuration. For example: a floor lamp, table lamp and ceiling light fixture are three sources of light in a room. Another tip is to replace dated lighting fixtures; an inexpensive and quick upgrade that can have significant impact on the look of a property. Remember when you are preparing for an open house have all of your lights turned on – the house will look and feel bigger and brighter!

#5 Declutter

When home buyers tour your house, you don’t want them to focus on the clutter. If you have personal belongings on display, like family pictures or collection, or just anything that will distract potential buyers, tuck these away. Think of it as a ‘pre-pack’, you will want to have those items with you at your next home, won’t you? A second benefit to a properly decluttered space is that is makes the place look larger. Bigger is always better for buyers. A bigger space encourages them to imagine how they will add their own personal touch to the property and without your personal belongings; they can start to mentally move in with their things.

Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start when it comes to prepping your home for the resale market. But we hope these 5 steps help you get it ready and sold!

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HOME STAGING

Home Staging – More than just Furniture and Fluffing Pillows…

March 8, 2016

We have been staging homes for a number of years now and what we can tell you is that staging is more than just ‘pretty-ing’ up a place. Making a property pretty is of course important but there are other important factors when it comes to home staging that don’t involve furniture at all.

1 – Smells.

Are you nose-blind? You might be and that’s not uncommon. We all get used to our surroundings the warts and all and that includes the smells. When someone comes to your home for the first time, like a buyer would, they see it all and smell it all. So be sure to tackle those unpleasant odours. Ask a friend or neighbour to do a smell check – can they smell the pets? mold? mildew? A professional cleaning can often make a big difference and it’s worth it!

2 – Repairs.

Loose or cracked tiles, leaky faucet, loose hardware, burnt out light bulbs, noisy fan, chipped paint, the list goes on…tackle that list or get a handy man who can. When buyers come through they will take notice and that will be come the focus.

3- Upgrades/Updates.

Is your home in need of some updates? You may not know for sure and this is a great conversation to have with your agent. They can tell you what has sold and for what price. They can show you photos so you can see the condition of the sold property. They can also show you this info for your market competition. You may need to price accordingly or make some updates. But this can really determine your length of time on the market. Your agent can also let you know which updates are worth investing in and which to pass on.

4 – Clutter.

We all have it and we all can’t stand it but it happens. When you sell your home you need to deal with the clutter. Sure you know the usual – kitchen counters, desk in the office but don’t forget about the little clutter like bathroom counter surfaces, table tops, closets and even above those kitchen cabinets. When you are selling your home – make a date or 2 or 3 or…to conquer the clutter – it’s better for you, it’s better to deal with it before you go to the new place but it’s important that the buyers don’t see it. Short on time and can’t deal with the clutter? It’s better to have papers and other items that clutter tucked away in containers – it looks neater and tidier. Clutter sends the message that ‘this home lacks storage’, so don’t let it pile up!

5- Not just inner beauty.

The interior of your home is very important but so is the exterior. Did you know that buyers often do judge a book buy it’s cover? You might be missing out on a buyer if the exterior of your property doesn’t show well. So pay attention to the exterior. Is it clean? Maintained? Welcoming? Well lit?

6 – Take out your personality.

Lots of buyers love a home with character but that doesn’t mean your character. Remove the bold wall paint colours, family photos, collections and anything that is really representative of your personal tastes and styles – bring that to the new place. Neutralize and depersonalize. It might sound boring to you – but it is important, buyers need to visualize themselves in the space and a neutral palette or a clean canvas allows them to do that. You want a home buyer not a house guest!

Be prepared for some feedback that might not be glowing – it happens to every property. It’s not personal. Use that feedback and discuss with your agent what you can do about it. If you are noticing a pattern in your feedback ‘like the family room is dark’ – lighten it up with lighting or maybe paint. Listen to the market and work with your agent.

When it comes to selling your home remember the buyer is looking for their new home, not your old home – make it shine and stand out from the crowd!

Buyers are looking for their ‘new’ home and not your ‘old’ home – so presentation is really key to get your house sold so you want move on to your next chapter with ease…

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HOME STAGING, STORAGE + ORGANIZING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Closet Space and Organization

September 2, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

For ‘staging’ your storage, follow these tips:

– In bathrooms:

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

– In the kitchen:

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

– In all closets:

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

– In unfinished storage areas like the basement and garage:

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

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

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

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

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

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HOME STAGING

10 Secrets About Staging Your Home For Resale

June 16, 2015

Realistic or not…every home buyers dreams of purchasing a home that belongs in the pages of a magazine. Staging your home or making it look it’s best, is one of the first steps to putting it on the market. Since many eyes will be on your home during showings, open houses and all through marketing and promotional materials, this is why you will want your home to look show room ready! Many sellers feel that doing aesthetic work in preparation to sell their home isn’t necessary and that the buyers themselves will want to make those changes themselves and to their taste – but to sell a home for top dollar in any market you must set yourself apart from the others.

1 – The Exterior Aka Curb appeal –

This is where you will make your first impression. If the outside is unappealing that sends a strong message to buyers and they may decide to move on without even entering. Create a lasting impression by maintaining the flower beds and lawn, sweeping the walkway and porch, power wash the siding and freshen up the door and shutters with paint. Take a look at accessories like the door mat – is it tired looking? mailbox – is it rusted? door bell? – is it working? number plate? – is it visible, clean?

2 – Depersonalize –

Staging your home for sale is very different from decorating your ‘new’ home. when you move in to your space you want to put your personal stamp on things, set up your furniture for your lifestyle and make it yours! When staging your home you want to attract the most buyers using neutral tones and furniture placement that shows off flow and the size of the room – highlighting the best attributes if the home. Keep your style and tastes to a minimum since many buyers with many different tastes will be viewing your space.

3 – Don’t leave the walls bare –

Yes, you want to depersonalize but don’t completely neuter your home and remove all warmth and signs of life. Removing personal items like family photos, collections and religious symbols is very important but decor items like art, mirrors and clocks add some warmth to the space and can pull a room together.

4 – Create furniture groupings –

Sometimes when sellers want to make a room look and feel spacious they spread out the furniture creating a big open space in the middle. This arrangement does leave a big, open space but it looks unfinished – which is a big turn off for buyers. It’s best to create furniture groupings to help buyers envision how to use the space – for conversation, TV watching, reading and more….Be sure to not only have furniture positioned in ways that would make sense for intended use but also be sure to have clear and direct paths through the room – this will give a room a spacious look and feel. You want buyers to envision the use of the space, how to live in the home and of course, highlight the size of the room but still keeping it cozy for conversation.

5 – Use paint to maximize the space –

The right paint colour can perform miracles. The right paint colour can make a room appear larger. We often recommend a fresh coat of paint throughout the home in a light tone but if you don’t want to pain the whole home – paint the space that you need to enlarge the same colour as the room that is adjacent to it. The matching colours will help the potential buyer’s eyes flow seamlessly from one room into the next and make both rooms seem like one big space. Bold colours do make a statement but they tend to make rooms feel smaller and more closed off, plus that also a personal statement and taste.

6 – Add extra lighting –

Lighting can make all of the difference between a good viewing and a bad one. You want to make sure that buyers actually see the aspects and features of the home. Natural light is a plus, so pull back the drapes, remove heavy curtains all together and bring up the blinds. For artificial lighting, you need to have enough to make your home feel cozy during evening showings. Add some floor lamps in dark corners, routinely check light bulbs, add high wattage bulbs or day light bulbs to existing fixtures.

7 – Clearly define every space –

Most of us have a room or space that is a catch-all and it serves many purposes but when it comes to selling your home – that space never translates well to buyers. That catch-all room becomes a confusing space. Present that space as ‘something’ a guest room, a desk, craft room, study, ply room – it doesn’t really matter but define what that space is. Clear it out, remove the junk and set it up as a proper, usable space.

8- Assume every space will be viewed –

Sellers like to think that buyers will just look at the main areas of the home during a viewing. In reality, buyers will look everywhere (especially if it is a 2nd or 3rd showing). So spend some time organizing cupboards, closets and other storage spaces. Yes, you are living there but you can keep it neat and organized. Start with a declutter – go through your clothes and linens (no sense in bring items you don’t need or want into your next home), donate or toss what you no longer need, pre-pack the extras that you want to keep and fold up the towels and bedsheets in the current linen closet – making a beautiful and organized closet. Same for other storage spaces. A closet that is bursting at the seams sends the signal that there isn’t enough storage space.

9 – Organize personal items with storage pieces –

If you are still living in the home that you are selling you will still have some personal pieces like toys, mail, pet items and toiletries. The best way to keep the home staged while you live there is to have some easy storage solutions. Baskets are great for toys, a chest or trunk at the edge of a bed, baskets or boxes in bookcases are perfect for flyers, mail and school items. For bigger items, like furniture try renting a POD or Storage unit.

10 – Fresh touches impress buyers –

Some fresh details make an impression on buyers like fresh flowers (perfect for open houses), fresh fruit in a bowl on an island is a great pop of colour and sets a friendly tone, plush towels in the bathrooms look clean and luxurious are just a few easy examples. These quick fixes can really make a world of difference in how your property is viewed by buyers.

Buyers want that emotional connection once they walk into a home, that feeling is so important and home staging makes that connection with buyers – it’s a necessary step in the process of selling your home,

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HOME STAGING

Home Staging for the Spring/Summer Real Estate Market

April 30, 2015

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

Home For Sale? Open House Tips

April 19, 2015

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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HOME STAGING

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

April 7, 2015

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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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

7 Easy Tips to Make Small Rooms Feel Big

March 16, 2015

Just because the rooms in your house are small, doesn’t mean they can’t look big. You can make any space look bigger by using these simple tricks. Transform your small rooms into an inviting, seemingly spacious home. These tips are perfect for anyone looking to sell their home

1. Lighting.

It all starts with light. Lightness evokes space, while darkness constraints and hides it. So first, use all the natural light you can. Don’t block off windows with heavy or dark curtains or furniture. Instead, frame your furniture around the windows and other appropriate lighting fixtures. A bright room always feels more airy than a dark one. Let the natural light in – open up those blinds and drapes (this is also important for photos) For your photos – have window dressing pulled back and have all the lights on!

2. Color.

With that same idea, use light colors in your home. Your walls, floors, and ceilings are most important because they take up a lot of space. For maximum impact, your walls and ceiling should be a neutral, light shade that radiates light and your floors will be on the lighter side as well. A paint job on the walls will make a world of difference and if the floors are a dark color this makes the room feel heavy, try using a large, light-colored area rug. You can use dark colors in your furnishings, but keep them minimal.

3. Clutter.

Get rid of it! For most people, this means packing up about half of the miscellaneous objects scattered around the house. It will probably look a little empty to you, but it will only look like more space. This is this process as a pre-pack and the bonus is you get a great head start and you won’t be lugging all sort of extra unnecessary ‘stuff’ with you to the next space.

4. Mirrors.

It’s a classic trick, but it’s still around because it works. First, make sure there is a large mirror in the bathroom, which is likely the smallest room in the house. Another one in the bedroom, above the dresser, is preferable. Then, in the living room or dining room, if a mirror might work with the space, add it. You could place one over a side table or find an artistic mirror to hang near photos. Because mirrors reflect light and images, they create the illusion of a bigger space. Mirrors are also great in an entry. But don’t put one in every room, the buyers will catch on

5. Furniture.

First, reduce the amount of furniture in rooms that look cluttered. Less furniture means more space. Then, look at your floor plan. You want open arrangements that don’t block off space. Boxy areas reduce traffic flow and impede movement. By increasing flow, you can make your house look bigger. Don’t get stuck on how you live in the space – think mass appeal how would this lay out work for most people and in spaces like a family room and living room think about TV placement (this is a top question that buyers ask themselves – where would I put my TV?)

6. Cleanliness.

An airy, clean room will always feel bigger than dusty, stale one. So with that in mind, do a thorough cleaning job, getting into all those overlooked areas like corners, fans and lights, behind furniture, and the tops of shelves. Any little carpet stains, nicks in the walls, or bits of dirt and dust will draw your eye away from the open space and into the dirty details. And open those windows and let some fresh air in, that can do wonders too

7. Books.

On bookshelves, place bigger and darker books on bottom and smaller, lighter books on top. Its a simple trick that transfers weight to the bottom, leaving the top more open and light. And don’t over crowd them – it looks messy and it sends the message to buyers that this home is lacking in storage.

I hope these tips help your rooms feel and look bigger,

SHOP NEUTRAL HOME DECOR…

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BATHROOMS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Bathroom Accessories

January 21, 2015

“I’m always struggling to find accessories for my bathroom. I have no idea what a good bathroom accessory is. Any suggestions?”

Great question! Often a room that is overlooked, bathrooms should be beautiful too! Bathroom accessories are what personalize a space and are a great place to add fun colour you may not have anywhere else in your home.

Try adding colored or patterned towels to your space. There are so many great colours and options, you can choose anything! If you’re stuck, try choosing a colour out of your shower curtain and adding that. No shower curtain? Neutral with a pattern with add that visual interest you’re looking for. Of course, if your bathroom is
already bright and colourful.. a clean, crisp neutral with a subtle pattern will add that extra pop!

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

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

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

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

The key is to repeat a colour. Having 7 different colours, patterns and textures may seem like a good idea, but it will likely just have an eclectic feel. Try to use some consistency and repeat an accent colour you have already started
with.

And for anyone looking to sell their home, don’t forget about staging your bathroom it really sets the scene for buyers. The bathroom is a hot spot that buyers look for so show it off with simple accessories. Create that ‘dream’ bathroom for those buyers!

Goodluck!

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