Award Winning Kitchen Redesign

Here is the post I promised as follow up to the RESA Top 10 Redesign Winners Announcement.  But first a little history on the project.

I was first approached by these homeowners about a 5 year staging plan. They had purchased a condo in a warmer climate and planned on moving once the staging was done. Let me just say that when someone thinks this far in advance it really is a lot easier on all levels, especially when the house needs as much work as this one did.

I met with the couple and we came up with our best 5 year plan to stage their house.  Proposed changes included painting, new flooring, an updated kitchen, new windows,  lighting, bathroom updates and a Finishing Touch staging complete with accessories once the projects were complete.  Since they planned on living in the house during this time we started with the Living Room/Family Room so they could enjoy this space for the next few years while the rest of the house was completed.

Once I started to talk with them about the details it became very clear to me that this couple really liked the location of their home and would consider staying if they liked the redesign enough.  They didn’t LOVE their home because it was so outdated and very few updates had been made.  They are near family, friends, and work.  The beach house was still calling their name (and I don’t blame them at all) until we started the kitchen remodel project.  It was during this design process that they made the decision to invest a bit more and stay.

Here are before and after photos of the Living Room project:

 

Just looking at the before photo you can tell the era of the home.  Removing the paneling & painting, adding built in bookshelves, window treatments, new furniture, and hanging the television on the wall pulls everything together and makes it so much more comfortable!

Next project:  The kitchen.  I know this couple loved their new Family Room but they were still thinking of selling until we really shopped around for new cabinets, flooring, countertops, etc.  Watching the excitement in their eyes as they tried to imagine the new kitchen is like watching a kid in a candy store.  Don’t get me wrong, we spent  A LOT of time choosing materials,  and it wasn’t all without stress.   I get to know some of my clients really well as we move through the design process.  Once the major choices had been made like cabinets, countertops, paint colors, etc, we moved on to the details. This is when it was confirmed in their eyes they wanted to stay.  The details they would have left out of the kitchen if they had planned on moving really made the changes to this kitchen even more amazing!  See for yourself…

Before:

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the amazing details used in this kitchen.

                   

 

 

Not all of us can afford the luxury of starting over especially when it comes to remodeling a kitchen.  Although this kitchen project was pretty high end this does not mean that the rest of us cannot have a nice home as well.  What I love about this job is that I can start with what homeowners already have and get very creative.  A little imagination and renovation can go a long way.

~Special thanks go to Jim and his crew at McLusky Showcase Kitchens.  You did an amazing job!!  And to Jonathan Ritneour Photography who makes all my work look amazing.

Home Staging Tip: Make it Sparkle!

DON’T skip this crucial step when selling your home.  It is the easiest and most cost effective way to show it off.  A clean home says it’s well taken care of and maintained.   Every surface should be cleaned thoroughly and sparkling, even grout, and trim work.  If it’s too much too handle consider hiring a professional cleaning service.

Home Staging Tip: Beware of Pet Smells

Those of us who have pets know they are a member of the family.  However, when selling your home this can make or break a sale.  There is nothing worse than nasty pet odors.  Make sure the carpets have been professionally cleaned.  Keep any pet hair vacuumed and litter boxes odor free.  And please don’t forget to clean up the dog poop in the yard.   If possible, make arrangements to have pets stay somewhere else during showings.  If this is not possible, make sure pets are kept in crates or on a run outside.

What Can You Do With Fabric Remnants?

If your like me you love to search through remnants at your local fabric/craft store.  But, what do you do with all those beautiful pieces you just couldn’t do without?  Here are a few of my favorites:

~Cover a footstool  

~Use as an accent to window treatments, either on top, or as a tieback

~Drape over a nightstand or table, add flowers too for a quick new look

~Tie around a pillow form, wrap with ribbon for a decorative new look   

~Cut into large squares, hem and use as napkins

Cover a cardboard box, using adhesive spray,  for a colorful storage container

Stretch it over a canvas frame for easy wall art. 

The possibilities are endless.  What do you do with your remnants?

Sarong Idea

Whether you are staging or staying….

    
To add a splash of color to outdoor living spaces use sarongs or scarves.  They can be hung from plant stands or cabanas, wrapped around pillows, or as a bright tablecloth.  The possibilities are endless….

Take it Off for the Summer

Looking to brighten rooms for the summer season?  Here are a few quick and inexpensive ideas:

Take down heavy curtain panels and replace with cheerful sheers.  Open windows and let the breeze come in.

If privacy is not an issue take window treatments down completely to enjoy the view.

Place a lighter bedspread or comforter on your bed.

Swap heavy dark accent pillows with softer colored pillows for a lighter look.

These simple changes give the room a whole new look without a lot of effort or cost.  So go ahead take off those window treatments.

Like Sands Through the Hour Glass these are The Days of Our Lives…..

                                                              

The pictures I see in people’s homes always intrigue me.  The photographs and portraits displayed tell the many stories of family members.  A photo journal of children’s lives as they grow, vacations, day trips, weddings, birthdays, even the family pets.  A very personal tribute to what is so special to family.

I could admire them for hours. But not when I am trying to get your house sold.  These portraits are much too personal when the house is on the market.   A Seller has to remember when the house is on the market it is no longer their home. I understand this is difficult, after all this is where memories have been made.   If you truly want to get your house sold the personal items must to be removed.  Any potential buyers will not be able to envision themselves in your home.  They are unable to do this with portraits of little Johnny’s soccer team or grandmas 75^th birthday party looking at them.  Another concern is safety.  You never know who will be looking at your house. Photographs of children could make them potential victims of crime.

As much as your life is worth an Emmy of award winning personal photographs the best advice I can give is to remove them from your walls.  Replace photos with generic artwork, which can be purchased inexpensively at discount home stores.   There is no need to fill the walls, just place a few pieces in strategic places.  Purchase something you will use in your new house where new memories will be made.

Quick Kid’s ~ Sunday is Mother’s Day!

Today is Friday.  Two days before Mother’s Day.  Father’s are panicking everywhere. Dads will head out with kids in tow looking for that special something for mom.

Listen up dads.  The garden centers are open.  But, don’t just buy mom flowers. Take it up a notch and stir in some homemade love!   Flowers are beautiful.  Hanging baskets brighten the patio, deck or the fence.  Planted flowers along borders and in beds create a backdrop of colors and textures. But, the color doesn’t just come from the flowers; it comes from the pots too.

Here is a simple project dad and the kids can do in an afternoon.  (Maybe you’ve done it before). The outcome will be beautiful!  And moms love everything homemade!

Items needed for the project:

Clay pots in a variety of sizes

Exterior Primer (White or a light color is best)

Colorful Exterior Paints (Michaels ® and Lowe’s ® carry the specialty paints needed)

Paint brushes

Potting soil

Assortment of flowers and plants or herbs

Painting the pots is easy.  Just wash them first.  Let dry.  (May want to do this the night before).  Prime, paint and design the pots with your favorite colors.  Use your imagination the possibilities are endless! Once the pots are painted, fill with potting soil and transplant the plants.  Use smaller pots as candleholders so mom can enjoy the garden into the evening.

Guaranteed results!  Mom will love relaxing among the beautiful pottery created by dad and the kids the entire summer.  Of course, she will be wearing the stunning macaroni necklace too!

Clean & Green Products~ Spruce up Your Home the Natural Way!

Whether you are preparing your home for sale or simply spring cleaning try these all-natural products which are safer for the environment and easier on your pocketbook.

All Purpose Surface Cleaner:  Mix together equal parts white vinegar and salt.  Use it to scrub surfaces with a gentle cloth.

Tile and Grout Paste: I cup water and 3 cups Baking Soda mixed into a paste.  Use a toothbrush to scrub the paste into the grout.

Wood Buffer:  Hide scratches by rubbing with a walnut.  For hardwood floors- make a strong tea and use this water to mop the floors.

Furniture Polish:  I cup lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp water.  Apply to furniture with a soft cloth, let sit for a few minutes, then buff with a soft cloth.

Floor Scrubber:  1cup washing soda in 1 gal hot water.  Add a few tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice for extra shine.  For tougher stain increase the washing soda.  Rinse well.

Disinfectant:  2 cups water, ¼ cup lemon juice, 2 tsp Borax powder.  Place in spray bottle and use as needed.

Golden Rule

“If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it;

Have nothing in your house that you do not know

to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”  ~Walter Kitteredge.