9 Easy Ideas to Help Sell Your Home

If you’re determined to sell your home fast, there are frugal home staging ideas that you can do right now. These ideas we will share with you are home staging tips that everyone can apply if they want to, on their own within a very limited time, without breaking the bank.
The goal here is to make your home look squeaky clean, big, and attractive for a faster sale in a matter of days.
Here are 9 inexpensive ways on how to stage your home fast and cheap.

1.  Paint in Neutral tones
 Paint should be on top of your list because this helps you set the mood and theme of any given room. Use light, neutral colors that would be appealing to most. Neutral colors do not only make a room brighter, but also provides a blank canvas that a potential buyer can play with. You can hire someone to do this for you, but if you have the time and the skills, it’ll save you a few hundred dollars.

 

2.  Declutter and depersonalize
 Get rid of your personal stuff. Allow home buyers to imagine themselves living in your house so our pro tip is to declutter your books, pictures, knickknacks, and anything else that is a personal reflection of you. Think of this as a pre-pack before the big move!

3.  Clean your light bulbs and update light fixtures
Sometimes, you don’t have to replace your light bulbs at all. Try wiping the dust off first and see if they still have some of the brand-new type of brightness in them. However, it is also essential to make every corner of your home lighted, so light fixtures like table lamps, floor lamps, and even battery-operated candles are amazing additions to make the house look brighter. Lots of light makes any space look and feel bigger and brighter!

4.  Set the scene by dressing the table
When staging, pay attention to your kitchen. It’s one of those rooms in the house that makes the sale. Is your table set? If not, you can do so….at the very least there should be an amazing centerpiece on the table. Otherwise, it will look boring and less interesting to look at.  A large dining room table looks warm and welcoming with place settings, candles etc....for a smaller eat-in kitchen a simple plant or fruit bowl can do the trick.

 

5.  Add mirrors, strategically
This is another effective tip to make your home look larger. They don’t have to be really expensive. If you can only afford second hand, then by all means. Just make sure that they are in pristine condition and that they don’t have cracks in them. Mirrors do wonders in smaller areas like entry ways or smaller bedrooms.  Also take a look at the mirrors in your bathroom, do they look dated?  a framed mirror in a bathroom has a customized look which make the bathrooms look expensive

6.  Transform your bathroom into a spa
We recommend buying solid white towels and shower curtains, cream and white tones look clean and lush. These are inexpensive and they can make a huge difference. See if you can also throw in a few luxury soaps, bath oils, and candles on the side of the tub or on top of the sink to capture that spa-like atmosphere. some fresh towels rolled in the tub corner or on the towel rack add some luxurious texture too

7.  Keep Furniture Proportional to the space
Too much furniture can overcrowd a room. It can make the space look smaller and hard to move around. When placing furniture, think minimalist.  It is better if a buyer starts talking (or visualizing) bigger items in the room instead of smaller, this makes them think the rooms are larger which is what most buyers want.

8.  Clean like you have never cleaned before.....
Clean, scrub, sweep, repeat! Then do it over again until it shines. Make the place sparkle! By maintaining a clean, staged house, buyers will notice that and they’ll be impressed to know that you take care of the place very well. also keep your eye open for any small repairs, those should be taken care of too

9.  Don't forget the curb appeal
Most often than not, people tend to focus on the inside and forget that the first thing home buyers will see is the front yard. Make sure that it is cleaned and trimmed. Remove dead branches, replace withered plants, and add some decorative pots if you can. and in the cooler months, sweep or shovel the walkway and driveway and try to create an inviting first impression perhaps a wreath....

Nautical Decor Ideas!

Investing in a coastal home? Renovating your coastal home? Love the look of a coastal home? Here is a classic colour palette that will work in any home or cottage. The Traditional Nautical Themed Beach House is always crowd pleaser! This colour combination is a classic choice and has so much versatility. Blue, red and white will never go out of style. There is such a variety of fabrics, furniture and accessories that can make this combination stunning on any budget.

A great way to save money on an existing furniture piece is to re-upholster it. There are so many fabulous fabrics that will brighten any piece of furniture and bring it back to life! Below is a photo of an old dining room set upholstered in natural prints.

Paint is a great option for updating your space, try a mid tone blue or a navy accent wall to add to the nautical theme. Or if that's too bold, paint your walls a white, or off-white and add colourful accessories to the mix. There are so many throw pillows, blankets and accessories that can make this décor come alive. A big trend right now is anchors, and we’re seeing them everywhere. Add in some sail boats, anchors and some rope accessories and you’re all set! Some simple red lamps, red and blue pillows, and a striped area rug are great, easy updates that will make a huge difference in your space.

Update with Paint!

The smartest, quickest, and most convenient way to give any room a new look is through the use of color. The ‘right color’ can instantly revitalize an interior, camouflage cosmetic imperfections, and minimize architectural flaws. Paint can dramatically change the ambiance of a room, create harmony within a décor, build illusion, and accent an interior with personal taste.
In this week’s blog post, we would like to share our 16 favorite Benjamin Moore paint colors. From the best whites, grey, taupes, yellows, reds and more!
Now, why Benjamin Moore? Some of you may like other brands that are affordable but we personally prefer BM paints. It’s what we normally use for our clients and believes that they are a good investment.
Here are our top picks:

#1 Chantily Lace

 

image source: homebunch.com

This white has a light hint of grey. It is crisp, clean and bright. It looks fresh against grey and is perfect for trim and cabinets.

# 2 White Dove

 

image source: theinspiredroom.net

White dove has a faint yellow undertone and works so well with traditional furniture and gives off a beautiful gloss for trim. The warm and soft color is perfect for the bedroom, living room, kitchen and bath.

#3 Linen White

 

image source: thewriterandresidence.com

Linen white can make a room feel so clean yet cozy. It has a bit of warmness to it and not overly crisp. So classic!

#4 Edgecomb Gray

 

image source: postcardsfromtheridge.com

This soft, barely there type of grey is perfect for any room with lots of natural light. It compliments everything and works well with almost any color.

#5 Coventry Grey

  

image source: www.houzz.com

Coventry Gray can be used as a shy neutral or for a pop of color. It has blue undertones and the atmosphere it creates is incredibly relaxing. It is so modern and fresh.
Must read: Make Use of Creative Color Schemes

#6 Yarmouth Blue

  

image source: amidesign.com

Yarmouth blue is one of the best light blues out there. Paint your bathroom with it for that extra calming effect.

#7 Mannequin Cream

  

image source: myoldcountryhouse.com

This light, creamy yellow is ideal for spring. It’s not too yellow nor too pale to our liking. It feels so inviting and comforting.

#8 Mesquite

 

image source: housebeautiful.com

Mesquite is a gray green color that works well in a country bedroom or modern when paired with darker shades of green or gray.

Check out: Should You Paint Your Wood Kitchen Cabinets?

#9 Narragansett Green

 image source: housebeautiful.com

This is a color we are so in love with. Look how beautiful that cottage is! Nothing is more perfect than Narragansett Green for that lakeside cottage.

#10 Clay Beige

image source: houzz.com

This neutral beige has green and red undertones to it. Clay Beige looks perfect with browns and blues.

#11 Greenbrier Beige

image source: janelockhart.com

If you want to work on a room with dark, wooden floor, try Greenbrier beige. We just love the warmth and gorgeousness it creates.

#12 Soft Marigold

image source: spicerandbank.blogspot.com

Orange doesn’t have to be ‘popsicle orange’. Soft Marigold is that type of orange that can make any room looks romantic and sexy.

#13 Exotic Red

image source: homebunch.com
This is a deep, saturated red. Paint your kitchen chairs and cabinet with it for a playful vibe.

#14 Million Dollar Red

  image source: restylinghomebykellyblog.com
Another rich red variant that we adore is Million Dollar Red. It brings a sharp, sophisticated look and exudes a bold and a million-dollar-look to any room, hence the name.

#15 Razzle Dazzle

image source:  jbidny.com

Oh, we love pink! And Razzle Dazzle is a show stopper. It can make any room fabulous, flirty and feminine.

#16 Blushing Bride

image source:  decorpad.com

This Ben Moore pink, on the other hand, is so subtle and so soft on the eyes. Perfect for your crafts room, home office or nursery.
Disclaimer: This is not an advertorial for Benjamin Moore paint products.
If you wish to learn more about Benjamin Moore paints, visit www.benjaminmoore.com.

Modern Twist on Historical Chairs

Looking for the perfect chair to add to your home? We chose four chairs have stood the test of time and are versatile options for any décor and any room in your home. These chairs have lots of history without looking like something from Grandma's house. These clean-lined and sleek chair options are not only practical for your home, they’re also a classic choice with a modern twist!

 

The Louis Ghost Chair by Phillippe Starck (2002)

This modern take on the classic Louis XV chair is a fabulous addition to any interior. This chair can be used in so many different ways, it can be used as a dining chair, or as an accent chair in a living room or bedroom. Below is a photo of the ghost chair as a seat for a make-up table. The options are endless, as are the colours! The Ghost Chair is a fantastic neutral, which makes decorating with colour and pattern much easier (and more fun!). They also come in kids sizes as well. Try this chair against a wall with a bold wallpaper, or with a patterned throw pillow!

 

The Panton Chair by Verner Panton (1960)

Verner Panton's stacking chair was the first single-material and single-form chair to be made. It is a timeless chair and striking sculptural piece that is used frequently in modern interior design. It is a durable, statement chair that comes in many colours and complements a variety of different décor. This chair is incredibly low maintenance. The Panton chair can be used in a bedroom at a makeup table, or in a dining room! This chair would make a fantastic addition to any contemporary room and can be used in many ways.

The Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen (1958)

This Scandinavian style chair originated in the 1950’s and is a staple in modern design. The Egg chair is a simple, yet colourful addition to any design. It is versatile enough to be placed in a variety of different décor. If you need a pop of colour in your home, this chair is comfortable and classic! Egg chair comes in many different colours and can be used in many different spaces including: a living room, bedroom or office space. (It's also been seen in tons of movies!) This is another example of classic design standing the test of time, it will never go out of style!

 

 

The Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1929)

The classic simplicity of the Barcelona chair is one of the many reasons that this is such a staple in interior decorating. The Barcelona chair has been around for decades and is still a super popular seller in many stores around the world. This chair is a great option for many different areas of your home. The clean lines and leather with chrome base make the Barcelona chair a go-to for modern and contemporary interior design but the sleek lines make it an option for many different décor styles. It also plays well with others! So don’t be afraid to mix and match this chair with your existing design!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling the family home when a marriage ends....

Recent studies of the marriage and family structure in Canada have shown that divorce rates across the country are on a slight decline. Still, separation and divorce are parts of life that many of us will continue to deal with. About 40% of marriages end in divorce before the 30th year. This is a reality for many homeowners, and the effects of divorce extend beyond the emotional adjustment to both the physical and financial transitions as well.


The legal proceedings for divorce would involve a decision on which of the couple would get the home. In many cases, newly-divorced homeowners would find that revamping the space, doing major renovations and upgrades, or even moving to a completely new home would assist in one’s healing process, transitioning to a new life and adjusting to life post-marriage. Many elements of your current home could remind you of difficult or challenging memories from the relationship that just ended, and selling your home or a home makeover could be therapeutic and also be the much-needed breath of fresh air that your home needs after years of the same look and feel.

 

Take your time

After the divorce, you may be very eager to just throw everything out, buy new furniture altogether, and transform the entire home. Before you spend exorbitant amounts of money on things, however, you should also pause and make sure that you are thinking clearly and planning correctly for the future. Emotions could be running high and you might end up selling your home or making purchases based only on impulsive feelings but without a clear direction or purpose for the entire effort.

 Ease the family in

If you have children and they are living with you after the marriage ends, you also have to keep them in mind as you change up the home design and décor. In this difficult period, children are able to adjust better if there are elements of home that remain constant and familiar to them. If you are planning to move to a new house, try to bring some of the old furniture pieces with you, especially from their bedroom space. You can try to include your children in the planning and designing of their new bedroom as much as possible, so they also have a sense of control and security especially after the divorce, when feelings of overwhelming change and insecurity could be prevalent.

Time to express yourself

Treat this time of home refurbishing and upgrades as a way for you to regain control over decisions or choices you may not have had when you were still married. Those mementos from your childhood that your spouse did not want displayed? Now you can fish them out of the attic or storage and perhaps add them to your wall décor. Remember to also move forward and make your home a reminder to yourself that this is your step towards finding yourself and being whole again.

 

How to make any room look Bigger

Smaller spaces tend to have a cozier feel about them and they are less intimidating plus you don't need to spend as much on furniture. But to fit in everything you need can be a big challenge and you definitely don't want to feel cramped, so what can you do?

There are some great tips and tricks out there beyond light and mirrors that can help.
And if you are thinking of putting your home or condo on the resale market, these ideas will really help you maximize the space for buyers to see.

1 - When space is at a premium, rooms should serve double duty. And nothing wastes space more than a living room that's used only for company. So go ahead — put a TV in there. Here a prominent wall arrangement steals focus away from the TV, so it doesn't dominate the space.





2 -  You can also hide the TV in a cabinet or piece of furniture. In this room the TV is sequestered behind a pair of doors over the fireplace — much nicer than looking at a big, black screen 24/7.







3 -  When space is tight, always ask yourself: How can I use this room for two purposes instead of one? Here a dining room doubles as a library. It saves space, and nothing warms up a room like a wall of books. Plus it's is practical storage and to make it more decorative you can add some pieces in the bookcase

4 - If a single space needs to serve several purposes, use area rugs to define the functions, rather than walls or dividers, which stop the eye and make a space appear smaller.

 

5 -  No space for a guest room? Consider a Murphy bed. There are a lot of really sophisticated designs on the market now. And while a good one isn't cheap, it would still be cheaper than adding a guest room that would get used only a few times a year.

6 -  Forget the old adage that small rooms need to be painted a light color. When you paint a small room a really dark color, the corners seem to disappear, so you can't see the boundaries of the space anymore. Plus, dark rooms can be really cozy. And at the end of the day, is it more important that a space feel big or feel inviting?

 

Furniture Distressing = No Stress at all!

Looking for a quick DIY to spice up your décor? So many times there are budget friendly jobs we can do ourselves at a low cost and with minimal work without even realizing it! Here is an EASY paint do-it-yourself project that will make a difference in any home. 

 

A very popular paint technique we are seeing a lot of these days in magazines and on home décor websites is “Distressed Edging”. This is a technique that creates an aged look using paint and glaze, without any sanding required. Talk about easy DIY! The glazing softens the colours producing an aged/distressed finish. Since no sanding is required, this means that there is no dust and no mess! There are many wooden surfaces in your home that could work with this technique such as a dining room table, kitchen cabinets, headboard, chairs or stools, coffee or end tables, doors and window trim, and that’s just naming a few!

There are only a couple basic tools you will need and no mess to clean up afterwards:
-Basecoat (only needed if you are starting from scratch and painting an entire piece of furniture.)
-Paint/Glaze for your “distressing” (the colour which would be showing through “underneath”)
-Flat Edge Foam Brush (for distressing the surface, this will be the only brush you need.)
-Plastic containers to hold paint & glaze mixtures.
-Soft cloths for wiping (in case of paint running or applying too much at a time.)
-Spray bottle with water for cloths
-Sealer or varnish for final protective coat once distressing is complete.

 

 

Here’s how it works: Paint the surface in the desired colour or use an already painted item or surface. Where you want the surface to look worn and distressed, paint another colour that would represent the colour underneath, this is where the paint and glaze comes into play. Make sure to use small amounts at once. The paint/glaze will likely be a fast drying product. It is much easier to apply less than you need than to try do it all at once, on the off chance you apply to much and cannot fix it. For example, you want to paint your kitchen cabinets yellow, you could chose a medium brown tone to “distress” with. This would look as though the original wood was beginning to show through the paint. This would give the illusion that the previous colour is coming through from normal wear and tear, when in actual fact, this colour is painted on top! Easy! Depending on the extent of the paint job you’re doing, you may want to seal or varnish the surface upon completion. Check with your local paint store for the product they would recommend.

Make sure you record your recipe. When the product is finished and your admiring the fabulous job you did – you want to be sure you remember how such perfection happened!