Showing posts with label your. Show all posts
Showing posts with label your. Show all posts
Decorate Your Wall with Your Own Circle Painting
Decorate Your Wall with Your Own Circle Painting
Then I have a quick and easy art project thats perfect for you.
This could be the shortest tutorial in my series of DIY art for home staging.
Put paint on bowl rim. Invert bowl on canvas. And there you have a “modern masterpiece.”
A circle is a symbol of continuity and completion. It’s a comforting and at the same time, uplifting image. Sounds to me like something every staged home should have.
In Japanese ink painting, a hand-draw circle executed with one or two brush strokes takes discipline and focus. Similar paintings of a simple, isolated circle and of multiple circles have been done by well-known American and European artists as well.
If you would like to see samples of contemporary circle paintings, here is a post by Nancy Marcus
Now you can add your name to the list of artists. We’ll cheat a little and do it the easy way.
What You Need
Invert the bowl and glue the base of the cup to the base of the bowl. This will be a handle to make lifting the bowl off the printed canvas happen without any oops.
Put paint on bowl rim. Invert bowl on canvas. And there you have a “modern masterpiece.”
A circle is a symbol of continuity and completion. It’s a comforting and at the same time, uplifting image. Sounds to me like something every staged home should have.
In Japanese ink painting, a hand-draw circle executed with one or two brush strokes takes discipline and focus. Similar paintings of a simple, isolated circle and of multiple circles have been done by well-known American and European artists as well.
If you would like to see samples of contemporary circle paintings, here is a post by Nancy Marcus
Now you can add your name to the list of artists. We’ll cheat a little and do it the easy way.
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| Circle prints can be small, medium or even gigantic. This medium size print hangs in the home of designer Meredith Heron. |
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| Russian painter Wassily Kandinskys circle painting from the early 20th century. Of course, it is handpainted, but you can see the appeal colorful concentric circles have. |
- 1 large bowl
- Throwaway plastic cup
- Hot glue gun and glue stick
- Aluminum foil
- Small amount of craft paint or leftover house paint
- 1 primed canvas bigger than the circumference of the bowl
How to Do
Invert the bowl and glue the base of the cup to the base of the bowl. This will be a handle to make lifting the bowl off the printed canvas happen without any oops.
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| The plastic cup gives you a handle. As an alternative, you can fashion one out of duct tape. |
Lay down a sheet of aluminum foil big enough to accommodate the inverted bowl. If you need to overlap two sheets of foil to make it big enough, place a few dabs of hot glue under the top layer of foil to keep the foil layers from shifting.
Invert the bowl onto the foil. Outline the rim of the bowl with craft paint. If using house paint, use a plastic spoon to generously drizzle a line around the bowl’s rim.
Heres where the discipline and focus come in handy. You have just one shot at this. No second guessing or slipping.
If you want more ideas to stage your own home the thrifty way, download my $4.99 eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar.
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| I used gold paint. Black is common, but almost any color is fine, depending on your decor. |
Heres where the discipline and focus come in handy. You have just one shot at this. No second guessing or slipping.
Have your blank canvas next to your foil and bowl. Look at your canvas and decide where you will make your imprint. Lift the bowl, carefully press the rim onto the canvas, and rotate the bowl a half turn to be sure you have distributed the paint in a circle.
Lift the bowl. You can wash the paint off immediately. Use a hair dryer to heat the glue to remove the disposable cup, being carefully not to burn your fingers on the hot metal bowl. Any glue residue you can remove with acetone (nail polish remover).
Let the canvas dry in a level position to prevent any runs (unless like some artists you want the look of paint runs). Sign your name -- or even a fictitious name -- near the bottom edge of the painting
Finally, hang your handsome new artwork on that blank wall.
Let the canvas dry in a level position to prevent any runs (unless like some artists you want the look of paint runs). Sign your name -- or even a fictitious name -- near the bottom edge of the painting
Finally, hang your handsome new artwork on that blank wall.
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| Theres hardly any mess with this method of painting. If you recycle a disposable bowl, you can discard the bowl with the aluminum foil when youre done. |
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| Your circle wont look like a mechanical rendering, and thats the point. You can make it more "active" by moving the bowl around a little, or even stamping multiple times. |
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| Its almost impossible to create an ugly circle painting. I made these colorful prints by dipping two different size glasses in paint. Using glasses, you dont need a handle. |
Decorate Your Wall with Your Own Circle Painting
How to Choose Your Real Estate Agent
How to Choose Your Real Estate Agent
When I first started investing in real estate, I had no idea how to select a real estate agent. I counted on the advice on friends, and on which agent had the most listings, and even how I liked the way she sounded on the phone.
Although some of my approaches might have worked out okay, I know now that they were just as likely to connect me with an agent not suited to the task at hand. I was lucky in that I eventually found Realtors I loved working with.
I want to pass along these ten danger signs that an agent isn’t the right fit for you. Once you understand the signals, you’re more likely to connect with an agent who will make your home selling process a smooth and profitable one.
1. Prices your house wrong
The agent suggests a listing price that is much higher than what other agents suggest. You should be interviewing at least three agents. Too low and you could be leaving money on the table. Too high and the home will sit on the market. All agents have access to the same comps to determine fair market value for your home.
2. Lives elsewhere
The agent lives in another town. He probably doesn’t know your neighborhood as well as someone more local, and it may not be convenient for him to always show the property.
3. Sticky situation
The agent is a friend, relative, or friend of a friend. It’s always best to keep serious business transactions separate from your social or family life. Decisions should be based on facts and reason instead of emotional ties of loyalty or obligation. If you want to hire a friend or relative as your agent, make sure he doesnt wave any of the other flags listed here.
4. Out of the loop
The agent is not familiar with online marketing. Any agent who does not have an online presence and is not comfortable with ordinary functions like emails, texting and virtual tours cannot compete with the tech-savvy buyers that saturate the market. Find someone who’s up-to-date. Having a working knowledge of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, FaceTime and Skype is a good sign.
5. Lousy photographer
The agent does not make an effort to take good photographs or arrange for a professional photographer. Without good photos, your home will sink to the bottom of the market because buyers usually begin their home search online looking at pictures. An agent who is a poor photographer is often one that does not endorse home staging, and I guess you already know where I stand on that!
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| The Realtor you choose should be able to provide you with both great interior and exterior photos. Source: Architectural Digest. |
6. Poor communicator
The agent is difficult to reach, won’t return phone calls, doesn’t answer all your questions, or won’t explain to you the marketing strategy she plans for selling your home. Communication is key to building a solid, trustworthy, and pleasant relationship. Ask how the agent prefers to communicate, whether texting, phone calls or emails to see if it fits your preference.
7. Bad match
The agent typically sells homes that are dramatically above or below how your home will be priced. Look at the listings of the agent and see if the buyers and sellers she usually works with are similar to you. While you’re looking at her listings, read them to determine if the properties are being marketed well. The listings should be inviting and informative.
8. Wrong Age
The agent is either very young or very old. Younger agents may not have the experience and older ones may not be in touch with what young buyers expect in the way of speed and service. Age alone isnt any reason to skip over an agent because a new agent might be more motivated and an older one might have a long list of people ready to buy, but age should be part of your criteria.
9. Hobbyist
The agent sells real estate as a part time job. You want a full time agent, dedicated to his job, who can be available when buyers and you need him, and has no conflict of interests. He should also dress and act professional.
10. No magic
The agent and you just don’t seem to have a “good fit.” This one is difficult to describe because it has to do with following your gut. Are you comfortable with the Realtor? Do you feel better or worse after a discussion with him? Does he share his expertise and contacts with you? Do you trust his negotiation skills? Do you feel he’s willing to go the extra mile to help sell your home? Your initial instincts are usually correct.
Once you decide to put your home on the market, ordering my home staging ebook and hiring the right agent are the next important decisions you’ll make. The wrong agent will slow the sale of your home, fail to find the buyer you want, and make the selling process stressful and complicated. But the right one makes it look easy. So keep these tips in mind when you interview Realtors.
How to Choose Your Real Estate Agent
Free Utility Shed Plans Tons of great shed plans projects to complete over the holiday weekend with your family Visit NOW!
Free Utility Shed Plans Tons of great shed plans projects to complete over the holiday weekend with your family Visit NOW!
More Than 12,500 Woodworking Plans and Projects!
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-The best way to Steer clear of Poor Good quality Shed Plans
Even though many shed plans are offered at no cost, theyre able to lead you to poor choice making.
Not realizing the way to spot the signs of really poor high quality shed plans can put you inside a tricky scenario. You will get caught in a trap as well as your investment will likely be put to waste. As it turns out, the plan you identified was not the right one particular and theres no likelihood that you just can reverse the construction procedure. In case you might have chosen a prefab backyard shed kit, additionally, it didnt turn out as youve anticipated given that the pieces of the structure are not properly and tightly assembled.
Ive heard stories like these on the web, typically from home improvement sites. Even though some home owners figured out a approach to put the structure to work with, some genuinely got disappointed. Within this write-up, I will guide you towards a clear path to prevent this trap.
Youll be able to tell that the shed plans are of poor high quality when theres lack of info. No internet site is unreliable however the information might not be adequate to help resolve your issue.
1. List of components and tools - This really is an important issue of the plan. You cannot establish which in the shed plans is suitable not obtaining knowing what components are included. Also, there ought to be a list from the tools required for building. With out a list, itll be hard for you personally to assess which plan will probably be simple to function with and you cant begin functioning when you usually do not possess the tools ready.
2. Structure specifications - The dimensions and amount of difficulty have to be described within the strategy so that youll know which style will likely be the ideal size and straightforward for you. Possibly, youll need assistance from a buddy to speed up the process or should consult an specialist or must get a constructing permit. Youll not ever know such details unless it had been noted.
3. Step-by-step instructions with graphical illustrations - That is 1 aspect which will make the method a good deal less difficult. From start to finish, shed plans should consist of images to provide you a significantly much better idea of what to accomplish initial and what to do subsequent and what components and tools youre going to be working with in the course of a certain step.
In case you cant locate the elements I have pointed out whilst exploring some shed plans, then never spend 1 more minute on that web site and look for yet another source that will offer each bit of details. Its possible to collect details from 1 source to yet another however it can use up a lot of your time.
The best storage shed plans must meet the functional needs for the residence - the size in the region, climate situations and budget. Give some additional consideration if youre pondering of storing long-handled tools or bigger gardening gear and if youre going to use the sturcutre as a private work area or to cultivate some plants.
Theres a wide choice of shed plans to pick from so set a limitation since you might get overloaded with suggestions. The key right here is not to pay attention with the visual appeal or accessories on the structure. Take into account, simplicity is the key.
Even though many shed plans are offered at no cost, theyre able to lead you to poor choice making.
Not realizing the way to spot the signs of really poor high quality shed plans can put you inside a tricky scenario. You will get caught in a trap as well as your investment will likely be put to waste. As it turns out, the plan you identified was not the right one particular and theres no likelihood that you just can reverse the construction procedure. In case you might have chosen a prefab backyard shed kit, additionally, it didnt turn out as youve anticipated given that the pieces of the structure are not properly and tightly assembled.
Ive heard stories like these on the web, typically from home improvement sites. Even though some home owners figured out a approach to put the structure to work with, some genuinely got disappointed. Within this write-up, I will guide you towards a clear path to prevent this trap.
Youll be able to tell that the shed plans are of poor high quality when theres lack of info. No internet site is unreliable however the information might not be adequate to help resolve your issue.
1. List of components and tools - This really is an important issue of the plan. You cannot establish which in the shed plans is suitable not obtaining knowing what components are included. Also, there ought to be a list from the tools required for building. With out a list, itll be hard for you personally to assess which plan will probably be simple to function with and you cant begin functioning when you usually do not possess the tools ready.
2. Structure specifications - The dimensions and amount of difficulty have to be described within the strategy so that youll know which style will likely be the ideal size and straightforward for you. Possibly, youll need assistance from a buddy to speed up the process or should consult an specialist or must get a constructing permit. Youll not ever know such details unless it had been noted.
3. Step-by-step instructions with graphical illustrations - That is 1 aspect which will make the method a good deal less difficult. From start to finish, shed plans should consist of images to provide you a significantly much better idea of what to accomplish initial and what to do subsequent and what components and tools youre going to be working with in the course of a certain step.
In case you cant locate the elements I have pointed out whilst exploring some shed plans, then never spend 1 more minute on that web site and look for yet another source that will offer each bit of details. Its possible to collect details from 1 source to yet another however it can use up a lot of your time.
The best storage shed plans must meet the functional needs for the residence - the size in the region, climate situations and budget. Give some additional consideration if youre pondering of storing long-handled tools or bigger gardening gear and if youre going to use the sturcutre as a private work area or to cultivate some plants.
Theres a wide choice of shed plans to pick from so set a limitation since you might get overloaded with suggestions. The key right here is not to pay attention with the visual appeal or accessories on the structure. Take into account, simplicity is the key.
Free Utility Shed Plans Tons of great shed plans projects to complete over the holiday weekend with your family Visit NOW!
Staging Your Home for the Summer Months
Staging Your Home for the Summer Months
Now that summertime is here, its the time to double-check your homestaging. Does it capitalize on the happy vibes of the season?
Ive collected a series of photos that I think captures the spirit of summer, one of the busiest home-buying times of the year.
I hope youll take inspiration and ideas from these images, and make the most of summer staging so youll 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? Maybe some whirligigs outside a colorful garden shed?
A summer wreath of fabric, 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 youre working on boosting your curb appeal. You can take potted plants with you when you move, so splurge on pretty containers and interesting plants.
A summer wreath of fabric, 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 youre working on boosting your curb appeal. You can take potted plants with you when you move, so splurge on pretty containers and interesting plants.
Look for props that spell summer fun, especially if you live near a summer destination like a pool, lake or beach. Incorporate fun things like picnic baskets, sand pails and flip flops, seaside relics like coral, rope and shells, or souvenirs like framed art from a vacation destination.
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| Every outdoor space needs seating, and it doesnt have to be pricey or trendy. Find a shady corner to stage a relaxing setting. Photo: Fine Gardening. |
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| Turning a porch into an outdoor eating and entertaining area is like adding a room. Photo: Sunset. |
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| A backyard fire pit is a plus, and a simple fire ring is a do-able DIY project. Photo: HGTV. |
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| Summer months are gardening time, and everyone wants homegrown tomatoes. Add some pots to the yard, balcony, deck or patio that remind buyers of summer meals. |
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| Indoors, collections can remind buyers of the local sights and pleasures. Photo: HGTV |
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| Seasonal color schemes focus on cool pastels or crisp blues and white. Photo: BHG |
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White slipcovers and summer are a tight twosome. Easy-care furnishings will give your home a casual. lived-in feeling that is attractive to all home buyers. Loft and Cottage BlogSpot. |
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| Even if your home is nowhere near the coast, driftwood and other natural elements add that touch of nature that is part of summers lifestyle. Photo via Completely Coastal. |
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| Nautical, beachy or tropical artwork is perfect for summer staging. Photo: House Beautiful. |
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| A master bedroom can suggest an exotic retreat or vacation spot. Photo: Coastal Living |
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| Even formal settings benefit in summer from some laid back furnishings like sisal rugs and painted furniture. Photo: Vanessa Francis Design, K West Images |
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| A fireplace mantel can reflect the mood of summer even though the fireplace is "closed for the season." Photo: Centsational Girl. I hope youll find small and not-so-small ways to showcase the joys of summer for househunters. No matter where you live or what size, style or age your home is, theres always opportunities to "summarize" it. Doing so will help buyers imagine their summer cookouts, staycations, and celebrations at your house once theyve bought it! If you are staging your own home (or someone elses!) my $4.99 homestaging eBooks make it easy. Ive been there, and I share all my tips for making a house the one buyers want. |
Top Photo: Custom Vintage Signs
Staging Your Home for the Summer Months
Should You Stage Your Own Home Or Hire a Pro
Should You Stage Your Own Home Or Hire a Pro
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| An inviting front entrance like this colorful one -- so important for curb appeal -- is easy to stage by basic staging principles. |
Heres the quote:
“One can certainly tell the difference between real staging and self-staged. The latter range from bad to appalling. Anyone looking at self-staged listings has to look past the fuchsia/avocado green walls and swagged drapes and dark green wall-to-wall carpeting and flowered sofa and chair that dont match -- indeed, they dont match anything in the room.”
That’s pretty harsh. But not true.
I maintain that most homeowners can stage their own homes.
Many of them will need to bring themselves up to speed, but that process can be an enjoyable learning experience. And most certainly a smart financial experience.
Many of them will need to bring themselves up to speed, but that process can be an enjoyable learning experience. And most certainly a smart financial experience.
It’s no secret that most of us stage our own homes to stretch our budget.
Hiring a professional stager will cost some money, understandably. A trained and accredited stager is an entrepreneur in business to make money, and cranking up and running a home staging business demands capital investment. She’ll have to pay for her training, for furnishings and warehousing, insurance, website, cell phone, laptop, camera, transportation, day laborers, tradespeople, office expenses, and advertising. She has to calculate these costs into the estimate she gives you.
Hiring a professional stager will cost some money, understandably. A trained and accredited stager is an entrepreneur in business to make money, and cranking up and running a home staging business demands capital investment. She’ll have to pay for her training, for furnishings and warehousing, insurance, website, cell phone, laptop, camera, transportation, day laborers, tradespeople, office expenses, and advertising. She has to calculate these costs into the estimate she gives you.
Why Do It Yourself
Besides the obvious economic advantages of staging your own home, let’s look at some other benefits.
Pace. You have the flexibility to do it on your schedule. Unless you have a tight deadline for moving, you can afford to make some mistakes and then fine tune things with time. Perhaps family and friends will give you feedback for what looks best. You’ll be educating your eye. You might even be making purchases for your next home and using them for staging this one.
Safety. Most people have a horror story about movers or other workers in their home. Something was broken or stolen. Private information was taken. Do you know the “helpers” a stager might bring in to move your antiques around? Only you know exactly what you have that is valuable, delicate, or private, and how things are packed, labeled, and stored. Staging your own home could mean no surprises down the road.
Familiarity. If you’ll be living in your home while it is listed, you have an understanding of exactly what you and your family can tolerate in the name of an uncluttered home. It’s unrealistic to stage a playroom all cutesy and expect it to stay that way when you have three boys who prefer the room with wall to wall Legos. Can you keep your countertops free of small appliances? (I can’t!) Put away hair styling equipment and cosmetics every day? You might as well stage your home so you can still function comfortably.
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| Julie, a reader of this blog, staged her home herself. This is her dining area. I think she did everything right! |
On the Other Hand
A professional brings advantages of her own to the home staging process. Here’s my list of the advantages I see, along with some tips for you if you are considering hiring one.
She’s been schooled as a professional and knows what the market insists on, what the trends are in your area. You should ask to see her credentials and view her portfolio. You can ask your real estate agent to recommend a stager.
She has the furnishings and manpower necessary for staging. Ask if she pays any furniture rental fees or if you do. How about the cost of tradespeople like an electrician or a plumber? Ask about the total cost for staging, how it is determined, and how it might vary.
Professional staging can be done relatively quickly. Depending on the extent of the job, the stager will probably be in and out and have you photo-ready in less time than if you had to do everything yourself. Ask how long the work will take. Ask what your responsibilities will be during the project.
A stager has an unbiased viewpoint and can evaluate what should stay and what should go in your home for showings. She’ll see problems and solutions you haven’t thought of because she has the fresh eye. Do you sense a sympatico with the stager you’re interviewing, so that communications are likely to go smoothly?
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| Heres the bedroom Julie staged. Would a professional have done better? I dont think so. |
You Could Flip a Coin
What’s a homeowner to do when it’s time to sell? It’s possible that a compromise might deliver the best of all worlds.
You could pay for a plan, and do the labor yourself. Many stagers will work as consultants, touring your house and offering suggestions on how best to present it. For a fee that varies according to where you live and how experienced the stager is, she will tour the property completely and then present you with a printed report. A more casual, more economical arrangement might be a walk-through when you can take notes or record or video what she suggests.
Some stagers will offer an initial consultation and a follow-up visit to make suggestions about finishing touches or tweaks.
A cooperative arrangement like this means that you do the cleaning, the decluttering, and make the necessary trips to Goodwill, the landfill, or storage facility.
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| Celeste, another blog reader, sent me this photo of the living room she staged herself after reading my eBook. Her house sold for close to asking price in two weeks, and I think it was because she did such a good staging job. |
- Schedule. How much time you have to do the work yourself.
- Market. What the competition is like in your local real estate market, how other homes go to market. In larger cities, it’s more likely that staging is expected.
- Specifics. The price, size, and age of your home. More expensive homes, larger homes, newer homes benefit more from a professional’s touch. Even if you have had your home professionally decorated, a home stager has a different set of priorities than a decorator.
- Nostalgia. How much emotional detachment you can muster. An outsider will be more objective, and help you understand typical consumer reactions to your décor and belongings. You may adore your cherry red dining room walls, but a stager may see that they make the room look smaller and older.
- Imagination. How much vision you have. If you’ve never been one to pay much attention to home décor, if you haven’t redecorated in a couple decades, if home improvement bores you, and if you can’t even imagine alternative colors or furniture arrangements for your home, perhaps you need outside advice.
- Money. How much money you are able and willing to spend on staging. If you are underwater with your home, it’s understandable that investing more money is painful. But an investment is what it is. Done correctly, staging pays for itself, because staged houses sell faster and for more money.
- Desire. How motivated you are to sell. If you want to sell quickly and move on, staging with a pro can speed things up.
- Stress. How able you are to cope with stress. Some people seem to thrive on chaos, drama, and deadlines. Others are easily overwhelmed. Even a simple closet cleaning can be stressful for some, while someone else can take a complete kitchen remodel in stride.
Whether you do all your own staging, turn it over to an accredited home stager, or go with some combination, only you can decide.
If you stage your own home and use my eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar, as a guide, I guarantee your results won’t look anything like the way the online poster described self staging. You’ll be on our way to staging like a pro. I’ll give you your money back if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase.
Avocado walls and swagged drapes, indeed!
Top photo: Better Homes and Gardens
Top photo: Better Homes and Gardens
Should You Stage Your Own Home Or Hire a Pro
Seven Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen
Seven Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen
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| A few quality details can elevate the look of any kitchen |
You don’t want to be trying to sell a home with a deal-breaker kitchen. But you don’t want to (cha-ching!) spring for a total kitchen remodel either.
The good news is that there are ways to make a less-than-perfect kitchen look lots better without spending lots of money. The secret is to put your dollars where they’ll do the most good. 1. Bright Lighting
Good illumination is important for a clean, modern look and it signals that your kitchen is a serious, functioning space. Get the maximum wattage you can into both your task lighting and your over-all lighting, and make sure your Realtor knows where the switches are.
Budget tip: A statement ceiling fixture, even an inexpensive knockoff or DIY project that started at Habitat, is a plus if your kitchen can accommodate it.
2. A Fabulous Faucet
Here’s another place where an investment returns itself. An impressive faucet can make an old kitchen look much newer. It doesn’t need all the bells and whistles, but it should be big. Expect to spend between $150 and $300.
Budget tip: Do your homework, be patient, and scoop up one on sale.  |
| A gleaming faucet like this one will set you back about $100. |
When it comes to fix-up costs, most of us already know that paint gives you the most bang for your buck. If your cabinets cry out for a quality boost, paint them.
Leave the doors hanging. Clean them with TSP and sand them smooth. Brush around the hinges and roll the rest with a whizz.
Skip the cabinet interiors but add new white shelf liners. With the right paint and prep, even laminates can be painted.
Budget tip: Primer is cheaper than semi gloss paint. So, make your first coat a stain-blocking, quality primer, then sand lightly again, and top coat with a good semi-gloss acrylic. The primer will save you money and give you better coverage in the end.
4. Handsome Hardware If you’ve had the same knobs and pulls in your kitchen for 20 years, maybe it’s time for a makeover. Hardware is part of the kitchen’s jewelry. Bring home one sample and see what it looks like before committing to a full count. Browse online to see what’s trending and perfect for your kitchen’s style. If the present ones are top quality, remove them, clean them and replace.
Budget tip: If you have visible hinges that don’t make a style statement, a good carpenter can install hidden hinges to create a sleeker appearance. The visible holes for old hinge screws will have to be patched, so replacing hinges works only if you’re painting your cabinets.
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| Older cabinets were often custom built on site of solid wood. Updating quality workmanship isnt necessary. Photo: Southebys. |
Yes, countertops are a major investment, but buyers can be fussy about them.
Check what your competition has and try to match the quality in your own kitchen. If the standard is granite and you have old laminate, you could be losing serious buyers.
If the idea of spending money on new counters bothers you, consider the impact it will have on your home’s desirability, and factor into your decision what it costs each month to maintain your home while it’s on the market.
Get prices for granite, quartz, solid surface, concrete and even wood. Some countertop suppliers will throw in a complimentary sink to sweeten the deal.
Budget tip: Put a high end surface on just an island or just the sink area and call it “custom styling.”
6. Matching Appliances
Although you might get away with unmatched counters, major kitchen appliances that match will give a lackluster kitchen some credibility. Stainless steel isn’t a requirement any longer now that many people are disenchanted with the upkeep. So, depending on your market, functioning appliances that look new and match could be “good enough.”
Budget tip: Some appliances can be painted with epoxy paints (refrigerators) or have a reversible front panel (dishwashers).
7. Gourmet Touches
These are less important than the other upgrades I’ve listed. But they will definitely earn you extra credit. If you own a big, bright KitchenAid mixer or a fancy espresso machine, don’t hide them away unless your kitchen is so tiny they would add visual clutter. Other touches might be a stocked wine rack (fill the emptied wine bottles with water and cork them), a beautiful cutting board, or a retro blender.
Budget tip: Visit a restaurant supply house and buy some pots or other cooking essentials that have that popular commercial look. Even second-hand items look good because those things are built to last!
Make Selling Your Home a PriorityIf your kitchen is functional but leans too much towards builder grade or old fashioned, it could be preventing you from getting offers. These upgrades will add that touch of luxury buyers expect.
Sure, a fancy range hood, a trash compacter, custom tiled backsplash, wine chiller, roll out shelving and other wish-list perks would be nice, but unless they are already in place, adding them probably means you’re over-fixing. Just budget your costs so you meet or beat what homes in your price range are offering.
Of course, maintaining your home’s major systems –electrical, plumbing, roofing, flooring – is more important than cosmetic additions to the kitchen. I am going to assume that your home is already safe and sound. Having a home inspection done before listing your home is a wise move.Although you may have to spend some cash to check off all items on this list, money spent on a minor remodel in a kitchen typically returns 80 to 100% -- a better return than money spent in other areas of the home. So, go ahead, gussy up that kitchen!
You can get more DIY tips for selling your home in my $4.99 eBooks.
Seven Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Kitchen
Utility Shed Plans And Kits Tons of great shed plans projects to complete over the holiday weekend with your family Join us
Utility Shed Plans And Kits Tons of great shed plans projects to complete over the holiday weekend with your family Join us
Now with hundreds of shed designs, plans, blueprints for the hobbyist and professional alike.
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-Creating A Wood Shed With Wood Shed Plans
Irrespective of what type of wood shed youre wishing to construct, the method usually begins by getting the wood shed plans prior to you. Ive noticed a lot of folks overlook this essential aspect and just "jot one thing down" or "just draw anything up".
They imply excellent naturally, but what benefits happening is the fact that the project either never ever gets completed, or it wont turn out the way they preferred it to. Not forgetting the added expense of unused supplies or even the frustration of without getting what they needed on hand. Thankfully that together with the right set of wood shed plans, youll be able to constructor your own personal wood shed effectively and reasonably!
Decent wood shed plans will offer you specifics relating to how to generate the shed as well as an in depth listing of developing materials that you are going to desire to pick ahead of you start the creating process. When the plans to get a wood shed are well accomplished, even a novice builder are capable to construct that shed with no troubles.
Pick your style first, and be certain it coordinates using the style of ones abode.
Next, make a decision what size you need. Even the smallest shed provides a good amount of extra space, but a bigger one might serve a number of purposes; be sure you fully think about almost everything you could make use of the shed to accomplish or hold.
Subsequent, choose your plans, which consist of materials list, patterns and thorough step-by-step data.
Then think in the pride you will really feel as you say, "I constructed it myself."
Heres a list of added issues youll be able to uncover in excellent wood shed plans:
Strategy view from different angles with dimensions
Floor strategy
List of supplies
You could possibly anticipate a storage shed to demand several components.
Framing strategy and details
Drawings with the dimensions for the walls, roof and, floor
Images within the building too because the completed shed
Suggestions and constructing guidelines
List of tools youll require
Specifics around the foundation and web site preparation
Build a wood shed to cure and shop your firewood, use plans. This can assist your wood breathe and dry much more effectively.
Irrespective of what type of wood shed youre wishing to construct, the method usually begins by getting the wood shed plans prior to you. Ive noticed a lot of folks overlook this essential aspect and just "jot one thing down" or "just draw anything up".
They imply excellent naturally, but what benefits happening is the fact that the project either never ever gets completed, or it wont turn out the way they preferred it to. Not forgetting the added expense of unused supplies or even the frustration of without getting what they needed on hand. Thankfully that together with the right set of wood shed plans, youll be able to constructor your own personal wood shed effectively and reasonably!
Decent wood shed plans will offer you specifics relating to how to generate the shed as well as an in depth listing of developing materials that you are going to desire to pick ahead of you start the creating process. When the plans to get a wood shed are well accomplished, even a novice builder are capable to construct that shed with no troubles.
Pick your style first, and be certain it coordinates using the style of ones abode.
Next, make a decision what size you need. Even the smallest shed provides a good amount of extra space, but a bigger one might serve a number of purposes; be sure you fully think about almost everything you could make use of the shed to accomplish or hold.
Subsequent, choose your plans, which consist of materials list, patterns and thorough step-by-step data.
Then think in the pride you will really feel as you say, "I constructed it myself."
Heres a list of added issues youll be able to uncover in excellent wood shed plans:
Strategy view from different angles with dimensions
Floor strategy
List of supplies
You could possibly anticipate a storage shed to demand several components.
Framing strategy and details
Drawings with the dimensions for the walls, roof and, floor
Images within the building too because the completed shed
Suggestions and constructing guidelines
List of tools youll require
Specifics around the foundation and web site preparation
Build a wood shed to cure and shop your firewood, use plans. This can assist your wood breathe and dry much more effectively.
Utility Shed Plans And Kits Tons of great shed plans projects to complete over the holiday weekend with your family Join us
Help Your Home Sell Itself When You Take a Vacation
Help Your Home Sell Itself When You Take a Vacation
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| Your home can look inviting even when youre not there. But you might be attracting trouble, as well as buyers. |
The house needs to be secure but not look like a fortress.
And it needs to stay tidy even though no one is home maintaining it.
A gal I know – we’ll call her Janelle -- staged her own home and it looked beautiful. Then she took a week off to cruise the Caribbean.
When she returned she was surprised to find that while she was gone neighborhood kids had been sneaking into her home at night to party. A watchful neighbor noticed the activity and called local police, who insisted that she press charges for breaking and entering.
It’s the kind of thing that can happen to anyone who is away from home for more than a couple days.
You deserve a getaway, so here are the simple things you can do to protect your home, not worry about it, and help it maintain that fluffed up look.
Before You Leave
Keeping your home safe from troublemakers should be a primary concern. Some of these tips are obvious, but are still worth repeating.
Look occupied. Stop the mail. Choose between having a neighbor save it for you, or notifying the postal service to hold it.
Go bright. Put timers on lights. I’m a big fan of timers. I use two kinds. For random lights like lamps in the entryway or bathrooms, I like the ones that go on and off at irregular intervals. For predictable lights, like lamps in a family room or bedroom, I use the ones that you program to come on at believable times, from dusk until 10 or 11p.m.
If you use a weekly timer, you can vary the times from day to day for a more convincing illusion. An analog radio set to come on for an hour in the middle of the night can deter a troublemaker, too. Of course, if you have a security system that is programmed to tinker with your lights, all the better.
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| Some valuables are safer hiding in plain sight. Devices like this container are called "diversion safes." You can buy or make them. Photo: Diversion Safes. |
Hide valuables. Thieves, should they find a way to get inside, know where people customarily store things of worth.
The first place they look for small valuables is the master closet. So, think outside the box, and consider places like your cleaning closet or laundry room, using containers that look ordinary and generic.
Hide prescription medicines, jewelry, cash, debit and credit cards, flash drives, and personal information like bank records, school notices, billing statements, and tax returns.
For thirteen different DIY ideas on where to hide articles in your home, visit diyncrafts blog.
Stay low. Don’t announce or post about your trip on social media until you are back home. Remember that the more people know about your absence, the greater the likelihood of a break-in.
Maintain appearances. Make sure the exterior of your home doesn’t look neglected. Hire a lawn service (or neighborhood youngster) to mow the lawn, sweep the steps or driveway, service the pool, or do whatever else will give the appearance that your place is occupied. Someone should pick up deliveries at your door or circulars stuck in mailbox. Encourage neighbors to use your driveway or parking space while you’re gone.
A Home Alone Needs Attention
An untended home can become a problem on its own. A water heater malfunctions. A tree branch falls on the roof. A screen door blows open. A pipe bursts.
Many communities offer police drive-bys for people away from home. Check with your local law enforcement agency, homeowners association, or neighborhood watch group to see what is available. If anything is amiss they should have a contact number for you.
Stay safe. Unplug unnecessary electric appliances, except the ones you put on timers. This could protect your home from an electrical fire or power surge. Pull the plug in the big stuff, like TVs, but also for your toaster, your coffee maker, and other small appliances. Unplug any electric fragrance diffusers, too (another argument for homemade natural fragrances using essential oils).
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| Although it may seem counter-intuitive, opening window treatments will give your home more light and a more convincing occupied appearance. |
Grant access. Give your house or condo key to a neighbor or friend. Hopefully, this is the person who will water any houseplants and check to be sure things are as they should be.
Comfort counts. Remember that people can be touring your home with an eye to buying it. Set your temperature where it will be comfortable but not waste energy.
Open curtains. Leave your window treatments open. People on vacation will often pull all draperies closed, but from the outside this isn’t the look of an occupied home. And from the inside, your home looks darker to prospective buyers. Yes, people can look in, but you’ll have already hidden or removed things of value.
Tell some people. Make sure your real estate agent knows you’ll be away from home. Depending on the nature of your relationship and the length of time you’re away, your agent may be the person you ask to do periodic checks of the home to be sure it’s up to snuff. People touring your home should not be told that you are absent.
Find a caretaker. Consider having a housesitter live in your home while you vacation. This plan is especially helpful if you have pets that don’t like kennel boarding or staying with friends. A housesitter can maintain the perfect staged but lived-in appearance if you choose the right one Here are tips on finding a housesitter.
Schedule check-ups. People on home tours sometimes sit on beds, leave closet doors open, turn on lights, and even use toilets. It should be the job of your listing agent, housesitter, or friend to periodically walk through and make sure nothing has been messed up or is malfunctioning.
Stay connected. Although it’s nice to go totally offline when vacationing, you’ll need to be reachable when your home is listed. Questions could arise that only you can answer or problems pop up that only you can solve. When you are staged to sell, that sweet purchase offer might be emailed to you while you are relaxing on the beach!
Help Your Home Sell Itself When You Take a Vacation
How to Make Patterns Work for Your Home Staging
How to Make Patterns Work for Your Home Staging
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| Pattern mixing 101: Keep it simple. This place setting is just squiggles and stripes, done in members of the blue family |
But with the clever injection of some texture and pattern, your DIY staging will hit the mark and win the hearts of buyers.
Texture mixing is pretty simple. Just incorporate a variety of surface treatments and material -- shiny metals, rusted metals, nubby fabrics, silky fabrics, furry fabrics, smooth woods, distressed woods...You really cant overload textural interest unless youre overloading colors as well.
But pattern mixing is a little trickier. You can overload patterns.
Also, when you combine patterns for home staging, its not the same as mixing patterns for personal decorating.
Im here to help. Here are a few simple guidelines specifically geared to home staging.
Color Counts
Keep the color palette of your textile prints simple. Limit yourself to two or three colors per room. The trend now is towards more colorful rooms, more saturated colors, more unusual colors. Dont go there. Play it safe with colors that any home buyer could relate to.
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| A bed-in-a-bag and a beagle. She loves to make a nest in my co-ordinated Waverly fabrics purchased 10 years ago. |
Determine the undertones in whatever colors you use. Do they tend toward yellows or pinks or greens or greys? When in doubt, match your colors to a paint chip and ask at the paint store what the undertones are. They have the formula and know the pigments that make up the color, so they can identify the undertones for you. Theyll do this even if you are not buying paint.
One goof-proof way to mix patterns is to buy fabrics bundled by a professional decorator. Bed-in-a-bag is an example. Retail outlets and manufacturers deliberately coordinate things like table linens, bath towels, and kitchen textiles to make it easy for you and to sell you more of their stuff. Buy their sets or just imitate the catalog and store displays.
Another way to be sure your patterns talk to each other and dont take over the room is to base your patterns on a single color. For example, Im picturing a room with creamy draperies edged in pale yellow, yellow floral and chevron stripped pillows, and a yellow gingham upholstered chair.
One of my Pinterest Boards shows color schemes appropriate for a staged home. Visit there for inspiration and ideas when youre choosing colors.
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| Repetition holds this assortment of fabric patterns together. We see a rich red and a faded red. The chain motif trimming the pillows repeats the curves of the paisley pillows. The polka dot pillow imitates the tufted chenille bedspread. And the gold in the pillows repeats the gold of the brass bed. Photo: BHG. |
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| A charming, contemporary toile in teal and a mandala-like design in orange compliment each other beautifully. These draperies dont strike me as too matchy at all! Photo: Womans Day. |
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| You cant go wrong with the classic combo of floral (carpeting), plaid or check (chairs) and a stripe (draperies). Photo: Myhomeideas.com, by Erica Georges Dines. |
Scale is All About Size, Style, and Placement
Mix large patterns with small patterns and something in between. This kind of mixing creates a finished, stylish, interesting look. Mix angular geometrics with curvy florals. Mix ombre, ikat, ethnic, and batik prints and with crisp modern designs. These kinds of juxtapositions delight the eye and bring a room to life.
Spread your patterned pieces around the room, as well. If all your patterns are on pillows clustered on one couch and the rest of the room is showing solid colors, theres an imbalance. Pattern placement keeps the eye moving, and thats what you want.
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| A lovely collection of subdued blues. The bedspread is a block print using a rubber welcome mat. Photo: Leah Moss |
Restraint Rules the Day
Limit your pattern selections and color choices to three. Sounds boring? Sure. Looks boring? Not necessarily! An uncluttered home looks new and clean.
Remember that you can repeat the patterns in more than one place. A striped panel in the draperies can be repeated on a tablerunner. Thats not matchy-matchy. Thats just cross pollination.
One strategy to make a room look more intentionally designed than thrown together is to use similar or identical trims on upholstered pieces, window treatments, lamp shades, pillows, and other accessories. Your trim could be something like white cording, a fuzzy fringe, colorful rick rack, gold braiding or patterned ribbon.
Tone down the size of bold contrast patterns. This one trick will help keep your rooms looking comfortable and tasteful. If youre staging a really large room, youll need some large textile designs, but they can be composed of subtle color variations.
So, dont be afraid of printed textiles. They can help you sell your house! Theres plenty of solid color in most rooms to balance a selection of prints and patterns. Just jump in, and follow my guidelines for mixing and matching prints for home staging.
If you want more tips to stage your own home, be sure to order my $4.99 eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar. It will teach you to stage like a pro!
How to Make Patterns Work for Your Home Staging
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