Winter Curb Appeal

Just because you have decided to sell during the chilly winter months does not mean that you don't need to maintain the curb appeal of your home. Curb appeal matter no matter the season!

So what can you do to make your home look it's best during those sub-zero winter days?

The best thing you can do is tidy up! Make sure to clear the paths, driveways and walkways to your home. The front and back porches should also be clear of ice and snow. Be sure to salt those pathways too!

The next thing is to accessorize. Focus on the front door. A beautiful wreath can make a big difference. You can even add some natural potted planters.

Make could use of your exterior lighting. Keep your exterior lights on to help draw attention to your home - you never know who is driving by. If you have some white lights on your exterior plants or home accents - turn them on! But keep the Christmas themed decor to the holidays only and keep it tasteful.

Although not the exterior, your front entry is a first impression be sure to have an entry that is clear from boots, mittens and the like. Keep it clean and clear!

Curb apeal is for the selling season which is year round.

Hot Trends in Paint for 2012

Well, we already gave you a sneak peek at the hot new colour for 2012 - tangerine tango!

But what are the other hot trends that we will be seeing in 2012?

Paint colour:

Expect to see a wide range of hues this year. Such as earth tones, bright candy inspired colours and lots of blue! some of the favourites: Tea Dance by CIL (a blush, reddish and lively colour) fabulous for any room that needs some life and bounce. Perfect for a bedroom, craft room or office - any space that could use a jolt of energy.

Some calming blues to keep your eye on are by Benjamin Moore - wythe blue, nimbus grey, montpellier, and amethyst shadow, they are modern without being over the top and still classic in that they work beautifully with neutrals. Tired of the grey trend? Then check out these blues. Still cool but refreshing and not gloomy.

Check out Behr's Tea Party collection, inspired by Alice in Wonderland. These colours are playful and add whimsy to any space. This is perfect for a child's room or any space for the young a heart. Check out - queen's tart, minty frosting, violet water, sugar pool, and first peach.

If you are looking to redecorate your daughter's room and she loves that 'princess or ballerina' look, check out Beauti -Tone's 'Japanese blossom'. So elegant and soft, pink but not bubble gum. this would also be stunning in a bathroom, the reflection will make your complexion glow!

When you hear 'earth tones' chances are browns and greens come to mind, but Mother Nature has so much more to offer. Olympic paints and stains have really embraced nature this year and made natural tones feel vibrant and alive. For instance, Indiana Clay is a warm and spicy but soft orange tone that looks so chic and inviting when teamed up with shades of cream. Perfect for a study, family room or a living room.

Looking for something bolder? No problem. SICO has some really great options for you - that offer colour an contrast. They are really spearheading the colour blocking trend by using colours such as Inscrutable sky (think a bold and deep eggplant) and Marjoram (a very light celery tone) in the same room. They are calling this 'colour zones'. So try using the deeper colour to emphasize architecture in your home.

Not sure how to bring these colours into your rooms? Try colour blocking. Yes, just like in fashion, accent walls or accent ceilings or accent pieces in a bold, vibrant colour can be a way to add some real splash into any room. It's great to see colour again and in such an economical format. Paint is so inexpensive and easy to apply (I know we don't often want to under take the task, but the results can really change up your space). Colour your world and make it fabulous - your options are endless!