Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space
Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space
We all want to spend as much time as we can outside during the summer months. There’s nothing quite like a relaxing summer day in the backyard with friends, hosting a barbeque or enjoying an evening under the stars around the firepit. Summer is made for chilling and breathing in the fresh air and just unwinding after a long day. So this month, ramp up your outdoor space and bring your indoor style right to your backyard.
Bonus Living Spaces
More and more, people are treating their backyard spaces as an extension of their living space. From outdoor pergolas to string lights, trendy rugs and comfy, weatherproof sectionals and lounge chairs, homeowners are creating stunning open-air outdoor living spaces. You don’t even have to have a huge space, you can add smaller pieces to your deck or patio to create a relaxing, cozy sanctuary. Whatever your indoor style is, you’re sure to find similar outdoor pieces.
Inspirational Botanicals
The right plants, flowers and planters can make all the difference when it comes to creating a warm, inviting and colorful outdoor space. With so many stylish planters available, you can easily find ones that match your style and fill them with a variety of herbs, flowering annuals, cactuses, plants and shrubs. If you live close to a farmers’ market, be sure and check them out as they typically have a huge variety of cost-effective flowers, plants and herbs to fill your yard, patio or balcony.
Small Space Solutions
There are tons of creative ways to transform a small space and make a big impact. Start with some lively décor, potted plants, outdoor pillows, candles and small scale furniture. Consider a vertical garden where you can plant your favorite herbs and vegetables. Adding string and solar lights can also help make a space feel extra cozy. And when it comes to furniture, think about a bistro set for casual dining, foldable and stackable chairs or a small loveseat and ottoman. There are tons of creative ways to make a big impact in a smaller space.
If you’re limited on outdoor space, don’t let that stop you from creating the perfect outdoor oasis. Infusing your personality and style to your backyard, balcony or back porch is the perfect way to gain more living space and enjoy a place where you can enjoy more fun in the sun all summer long.
7 Tips for Listing Your Home on Airbnb
7 Tips for Listing Your Home on Airbnb
If you’re a homeowner who loves to meet new people from around the world and likes to earn extra income, then become a host by listing your property for rent on Airbnb. The San Francisco-based company connects leisure and business travelers to short-term apartment, house and room rentals in more than 190 countries. Here are seven tips to becoming a winning host.
First Impressions Count
Get some great shots of your place to make your property stand out. Not experienced at photography? Airbnb will connect you with professional photographers in your area and even help with uploading the photos to your listing. When guests arrive, have a binder available with info on the house rules, Wi-Fi password, local restaurants and attractions. Provide extra linens, toilet paper and trash bags for a comfortable stay, and include items such as a hair dryer, iron, coffee maker, microwave, dishes, utensils, pots and pans.
Set an Appropriate Price
Airbnb provides a suggested price based on the details of your listing and local rental pricing. For first-timers, Airbnb recommends starting below the suggested rate so you can attract guests and build up positive reviews.
Clean Sweep Reviews
Unless you’re ready to give your home the white-glove test on a regular basis, hire a professional cleaning service to stay on top of this task. Keeping your home spotless and linens freshly laundered will help you get rave reviews and outshine the competition – anything less may derail your Airbnb biz.
Play It Safe
Go keyless with digital locks, allowing you to create a personalized code for each guest. This also translates to a faster check-in/checkout process, no lost keys, plus remote host access and rental options. And secure the proper home insurance, or check out Airbnb’s Host Protection Insurance program.
Screen Guests
Get to know your guests by reading reviews of them on the Airbnb site and messaging them via the platform. Although there have been stories about renters damaging apartments or homes, most are respectful houseguests.
Always Be Prepared
You never know when foul weather or emergencies will make an unexpected appearance, so take precautions and place a fire extinguisher in an easy-to-find spot, install fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor and include a first-aid kit in the bathroom. If you’re located in a cold-weather region, have shovels and ice melt ready. Keep a flashlight, weather radio and nonperishable food in stock. Then rest easy.
Guest Extras
Anticipate your guests’ needs. If you live near the beach, provide beach chairs, boogie boards and a cooler. For a lakeside home, offer outdoor seating, lighting and a firepit. Leave a welcoming touch, whether that’s a bottle of wine or a basket of crackers, cheese and chocolates – a thoughtful gift will be appreciated.
If Airbnb is in your plans, follow these steps to be better prepared and become a five-star host right from the start.
Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid
Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid
If you’ve talked to real estate agents or watched any home selling show, you know that prepping your home for potential buyers means decluttering, depersonalizing and deep cleaning. But these are only the basics, and there is so much more you can do to stage your home. Successful home staging can make a huge impact and help you get top dollar for your home.
The first thing you want to do is to appeal to as many buyers as possible. The next thing is to use these tips ensure you do.
Clutter-Free, Please
From knick-knacks to pet toys, freeing up space is the first rule of staging. Clutter can be very distracting to buyers, and you want them to be drawn to the room, not your personal belongings. It’s important that buyers can envision themselves living there. Plus, extra clutter can make a room appear smaller. Baskets are excellent for throwing items in that you need but don’t necessarily want out for everyone to see. Consider renting a storage unit if you require more space to store things.
Picture This
Buyers are online, so making sure your home photographs well is vital to grabbing their interest. A professional photographer will look to windows and fireplaces as a focal point, so stage your furniture around that. It’s important not to block windows and remove unnecessary furniture so the photos are all about the room, not your personal things.
Call In the Experts
You can save valuable time by calling an expert. Hiring a professional stager or interior decorator is a smart way to make sure every room in your house shines. They can also save you a great deal of money, time and energy. Since they bring a third-party view to your home, they can focus on helping your property appeal to a wide variety of buyers. And if it sells your home faster and for more, it’s totally worth it.
Neglecting Your Outdoor Space
Sellers are often so focused on the inside of their home that they forget to also stage the outside. This includes your front and back yards. Think of a patio or deck space as an extension of your living space and add furniture that best fits it. Maybe a bistro style table and chairs are perfect for dining on a small city balcony, whereas a large outdoor sofa and chair is great for a sociable family household.
Lighting is Key
A bright and airy room can make all the difference, so make sure you think about how each room is lit. You really want to maximize a room’s natural light with window treatments that let plenty of light in. One way to boost brightness is to pay attention to curtain placement. Many designers will tell you to hang your curtains two inches from the ceiling as this helps make the windows seem bigger and the room taller, which are two big positives. Think about changing outdated lighting fixtures and brighter bulbs. Updates to ceiling lighting and those in your kitchen and bathrooms can make a world of difference.
Getting your home ready to sell can feel overwhelming at times, but try to remember all your hard work will pay off. Use these tips to make sure your home is ready to wow buyers!
Home Renovations That Offer the Best ROI for Resale
Home Renovations That Offer the Best ROI for Resale
Looking to make some upgrades and wondering which will have the biggest pay off? If you guessed kitchen and bathrooms, you’re spot on. Another good one is landscaping. Whether they’re big or small, a few upgrades can pay big dividends when it’s time to sell your home. Follow these tips to prioritize and put more money in your pocket when you’re ready to sell.
Before you do anything, make sure you consider the value of your house, the neighborhood, the housing market where you live and how soon you will sell after you make the improvements. If you live in a neighborhood where properties are selling for $300,000, doing a $150,000 renovation may not add as much to your property value as you might think.
Kitchens and Baths
One thing to keep in mind is that just because a remodel is expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it will give you the best return on investment. Even minor updates can yield a big return. Consider painting, refinishing surfaces and upgrading appliances, which can lead to a big pay out.
Sticking to a budget is always important, and keep in mind that an average, medium-sized kitchen remodel can cost between $20,000 – $50,000, while the average bathroom remodel is $10,000. In most cases, homeowners see a return of a 100% or more with a kitchen or bath remodel, so it’s definitely well worth the investment. Plus, you get to live in a beautiful new space.
A Finished Basement
If finishing your basement is something you’ve been putting off, now might be the perfect time. According to cost versus value surveys conducted annually by Remodeling magazine, “The average return on investment for a basement project is around 75 cents on the dollar. Besides the financial gains, refinishing a basement will add new functionality to your home: more bedrooms, more efficient storage and more space for entertaining.” Seems like a sure-fire win, win.
Add Curb Appeal
When buyers see that the outside of the property is taken care of, they’ll be more excited to see the inside. Remember, first impressions make lasting impressions. According to Anji, “Curb appeal can increase your home value by 7%. Buyers are increasingly prioritizing outdoor living spaces and an attractive lawn has the biggest ROI at 256%. Trees can add $1,000 to $10,000 to your home value and simple landscape maintenance tasks usually pay for themselves.”
Whether you’re in the market to sell your home or just want to make some budget-friendly renovations that you and your family can enjoy, making the right upgrades can help enhance your quality of life and add a few more dollars to your bank account down the road.
Tips for the Perfect Home Color Palette
Tips for the Perfect Home Color Palette
When it comes to adorning the walls of your home, you need to do a little digging and a lot of experimenting before making a color commitment. Every creative venture requires inspiration – and that especially applies to decorating your home.
- Look to Mother Nature. Any color combination found in nature can easily be translated into an interior arrangement and make for a soothing ambience. Spend a little time outside, observe which tones you’re drawn to most and bring your ideas back home.
- Defer to a beloved pattern. Whether it’s from your favorite wallpaper, dress or artwork, a preexisting pattern is likely to coordinate well. Even if the pattern incorporates disparate colors, a harmony can be achieved by layering a dominant tone with more subtle hues.
- Consider your target vibe. The colors in each room should correlate, emotionally and visually, so pinpointing the overall atmosphere you want for your home can help you determine which shades to use in each room.
The process of conceptualizing your perfect home palette also requires some technical observation. Here are some additional steps to help in your color choices.
- Sketch out a floor plan. Note the immovable pieces in each room – such as wallpaper, furniture or décor. Be sure that the hues you’re considering can coexist with these items.
- Understand and contemplate value. As you put together your favorite mix of colors, consider the concept of value, or the relative degree of lightness and darkness. Think about integrating dark, bright and light shades in each room.
- Observe daily light changes. Color is drastically impacted by light, so you should note how much daylight each space receives. For a room with less sun exposure, use a warm combination to offset the shadows. For a room with plenty of windows, darker hues may be best.
- Decide on a neutral. A successful in-home color palette should include one neutral hue. These timeless shades give the space a cohesive look and feel. When certain color fads fade, you can phase them out while keeping your neutrals and general design intact.
Before applying a single stroke of paint to any of your walls, you’ll want to buy samples of your favorite shades and test them out on a small section of your walls. After you’ve done some informed, artistic deliberation, the home color scheme of your dreams will be within reach.
Savvy Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value
Savvy Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value
Whether you plan to be in your home for just a few more months or many more years, there are plenty of efficient ways to maximize your space and increase its value. This type of investment needn’t require a loan, nor does it have to span any great length of time. From green living to greenery in your yard, here are a few impactful and straightforward means of boosting your home’s value and appeal over the short or long term.
A Smart Move
Green is the new black. Any form of energy efficiencies and conservation in your home will inevitably be a fiscal gain. Whether you install energy-saving window treatments or solar panels, both options can reduce utility expenses for you and any future inhabitants. When it comes time to replace appliances, a prudent decision would be to select a “smart” model of said item, which can significantly lower long-term energy costs.
While on the topic of efficiency, a wise investment would be installing “smart” devices throughout your property. Think digital features such as automated blinds or shades, security cameras, door locks, security lighting and thermostats. When you’re ready to sell, the smart tech will appeal to buyers with a penchant for the added value of convenience and connectivity.
Wide Open Spaces
Create visual space in rooms by keeping them clutter-free and organized, which can be solved by simply installing a stylish shelving unit to keep extraneous items out of sight. Seek the help of a professional organizer who will be bursting with innovative ideas to optimize the storage areas in your dwelling.
Another way to increase square footage without a renovation is to let the sunshine in! Avoid heavy drapes and instead, use modern window treatments that add height such as roller, Roman or cellular shades. Similarly, you can position a decorative floor-to-ceiling mirror in any room to visually double your space.
From the Bottom Up
Explore the possibility of replacing the flooring in a few key spaces. A unique, beautiful and buzzworthy material is cork, which is also known to have antibacterial properties. If you opt for new surfaces under your feet, consider installing radiant heating simultaneously. These systems not only add optimum comfort, but are also aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient.
Make an impact through your lighting choices. Utilize contemporary or dramatic fixtures to complement each room. Whether you choose minimal or eye-catching designs – the right piece in the optimal locale can add intrigue and substance to your residence.
Kick It Up a Notch
Significant updates to your kitchen and bathroom are sure to boost value. Modern appliances and updated décor increase appeal to buyers, so consider a new backsplash or that roomy farmhouse-style sink you’ve been eyeing. Think one step further and install a water filtration system to add practicality and luxury to your dwelling. Additional elements like stylish sconces, a new vanity or a vintage mirror can elevate functionality and increase allure.
It’s Only Natural
Consider your front and backyard. If there is an area that would benefit from some striking landscaping or creative plantings, explore your options or consult with a professional landscape architect or designer. Executed well, a garden or other natural elements in your yard can become lovely extensions of your home’s indoor atmosphere.
When you look around, there are many ways to enhance the comfort and appeal of your property that will serve you well as a resident – and add value one day when you’re ready to sell.
5 Budget Kitchen Updates To Help You Sell Your Home
5 Budget Kitchen Updates To Help You Sell Your Home
The following guest post was written by Jack Carr
When it comes to selling your home for the best possible price, how you present the space matters.
To make the best impression you can on potential buyers, you may need to invest a little time and cash into updating a few key areas with big selling power, such as your kitchen.
To help you do this effectively without eating into your profit margins, we’re serving up a platter of budget-friendly kitchen updates – helping you to maximize your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal without having to spend a small fortune.
Banish unwanted clutter
The first step on your budget kitchen update journey is to banish any unwanted clutter from countertops and open shelving.
In order to boost your kitchen’s appeal among potential buyers, you’ll want it to have that clean, blank canvas look so prospective buyers can easily visualise themselves using the space.
This means tidying away any items that don’t need to be on show. We’re talking bulky appliances, overflowing utensil pots, groceries, glassware and more. You don’t have to throw them out, but rather simply put them away in a cupboard so they’re out of sight when viewings and open houses are taking place.
Install new splashbacks
Splashbacks are an integral feature of modern kitchen design, protecting kitchen walls from everyday spills and splashes while also delivering a stylish design feature.
For homeowners on a tight budget, installing a new splashback could be a quick, affordable way to give this culinary space a fresh, modern update – assuming the rest of the kitchen is in good condition, that is.
From a material point of view, you have plenty of options – patterned tiles, plain tiles, tempered glass, stainless steel and more. Just make sure you choose a finish that complements your existing scheme and has mass appeal.
Update the cabinets
A brand-new kitchen can set you back at least $8,000 – making this an unrealistic option for many sellers, as there’s no guarantee you’ll get a worthwhile return on your investment. So, what are your other options?
Well, one handy trick is to update your kitchen cabinets with a stylish vinyl film wrap cover. Made from robust, durable vinyl, it’s a quick, non-disruptive and cost-effective way to give your kitchen a complete reskin in a choice of various finishes and designs.
From solid colors to wood-effect and marble options, whichever design you choose, the end result will be a chic, contemporary kitchen at a fraction of the cost of a full-scale kitchen refit.
Apply a fresh coat of paint
Repainting your kitchen may feel like a hassle at the time, but it’s important never to underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint.
Not only will paint cover up those dirty prints and marks, but it can also brighten up a room – making a space instantly feel fresher and more inviting.
To maximize the power of paint in your kitchen, we’d suggest opting for a pale, neutral shade such as white, cream or pale beige. These shades have an evergreen, universal appeal – plus, they can be paired with a huge choice of other complementary accent colors to bring some welcome character to the space.
If you can’t resist a little color in your cooking space, or you want to add a little personality with a colored feature wall, try to stick to a tone that works with the rest of your decor and doesn’t overwhelm the space.
Replace kitchen hardware and accessories
When it comes to kitchen updates, they don’t always need to take the form of large-scale refurbishments. Sometimes, the smaller details can be equally as impactful.
This is definitely the case when it comes to your kitchen hardware and accessories. Making a few low-cost yet considered replacements and upgrades can go a long way towards giving your kitchen a high-end, contemporary feel.
Start with your cabinetry and replace old door handles with new designs – this can even extend to other fixtures like light fittings and faucets if you have the budget.
For accessories, swap out mismatched old food containers, utensils and dish cloths with new alternatives that don’t cost the earth. For a chic, cohesive look buyers will love, we’d suggest picking an accent color and design theme – making sure all of your accessories are coordinated, of course.
Getting your home sale-ready does require some effort on your part, but it doesn’t have to mean spending a huge amount of money or time.
With these simple, pocket-friendly kitchen updates, you can spruce up the heart of your home at minimal cost and create an attractive kitchen space that buyers won’t be able to resist.
Author bio:
Jack Carr is the Marketing Executive for Architextural, who stock the UK’s largest collection of high-quality architectural vinyl film wraps used by interior designers, architects and specifiers.
Home Design Trends for 2023
Home Design Trends for 2023
Written By: Lauren Oosterlinck
In recent months, the world has re-energized, and hope has bloomed in ways that many had not experienced since before this decade began. In contrast, shifting economic and global conditions have awakened and heightened certain sensitivities. This age of extremes has given way to a curious range of design ideas. From eclectic and new to natural and nostalgic, here are some of the most notable home design features and themes we expect to see in the year ahead:
Bring the vacation to you. After nearly two years of limited travel, a sense of wanderlust has arisen for many. Yet, rather than actually traveling to fulfill this urge, savvy decorators have opted instead to create an escape within the residence. With a continued desire to revel in the comforts of home, many have embraced the idea that venturing out truly isn’t necessary to achieve that breezy, revitalizing experience. Using warm wood tones, bright light and airy linen curtains and furnishings, abodes will have rooms – both indoors and out – transformed in the style of beachy resort destinations and dreamy European villas.
Connect to nature and the present. People are recognizing the need to be more present and peaceful in the moment and are erring toward pragmatic sensibilities in lifestyle and functionality. Fostering security and balance continue to be key, but with an emphasis on the senses – which translates into the use of natural textiles and rare materials in home décor such as crude clay, terra-cotta, handcrafted finishings and glazed tiles made from organic materials. Color schemes are inspired by nature and the desert theme has gained in appeal, incorporating gentle colors such as beiges and greys. The trend additionally translates to comforting, tactile interior designs that blend organic shapes, arches and irregular forms to create a cozy, warm aesthetic. Such biophilic design will continue as a trend. In fact, you may even consider adding a full-sized tree to the kitchen – olive trees are favored – to add an impressive fixture and create a Mediterranean or rustic vibe.
Embrace opulence and idiosyncrasy. In a distinctly disparate tone, an “anti-neutral renaissance” has simultaneously gained traction, influencing home interiors. For those on this opposite end of the spectrum, minimalist fatigue has set in, driving the desire for extravagance and affecting a mood for glamour. A major theme for the new year is celebrating individuality, so unique touches, unconventional decorative fabrics and elements will reign. Think luxe jewel tones, whimsical details and embellishments galore. Expect striking visual effects in homes such as curvy and geometric shapes, fanciful rugs, monochromatic rooms in vivid shades like baby pink – as well as two-toned cabinets in contrasting colors. Emerald green, cobalt and rust are expected to be top interior colors in the coming year. Hellenism and antiquity will also see a surge in popularity, so Corinthian-style furnishings, statues and wallpaper motifs will be highly sought after.
Statement stone. Combining aspects of the two aforementioned trends, another desirable style in 2023 will be the use of unexpected stones in surprising ways. Anticipate colorful marble in creative reds, corals, deep blues and jewel tones. Exotic types of porcelain, soapstone and granite will be used throughout the home in a variety of ways: Subtly – as serving platters, side tables or nightstands – and dramatically – as accent walls, tables, bathtubs or countertops that transition into bold backsplashes – to incorporate as standalone art or a stunning focal point.
Whether you feel like a daredevil or crave simplicity, the coming year boasts a menu of delights to fulfill the moods and needs of many appetites. We hope you’re inspired to customize and love your residence more than ever in 2023.
Savvy Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value
Savvy Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value
Written By: By Lauren Oosterlinck
Whether you plan to be in your home for just a few more months or many more years, there are plenty of efficient ways to maximize your space and increase its value. This type of investment needn’t require a loan, nor does it have to span any great length of time. From green living to greenery in your yard, here are a few impactful and straightforward means of boosting your home’s value and appeal over the short or long term.
A Smart Move
Green is the new black. Any form of energy efficiencies and conservation in your home will inevitably be a fiscal gain. Whether you install energy-saving window treatments or solar panels, both options can reduce utility expenses for you and any future inhabitants. When it comes time to replace appliances, a prudent decision would be to select a “smart” model of said item, which can significantly lower long-term energy costs.
While on the topic of efficiency, a wise investment would be installing “smart” devices throughout your property. Think digital features such as automated blinds or shades, security cameras, door locks, security lighting and thermostats. When you’re ready to sell, the smart tech will appeal to buyers with a penchant for the added value of convenience and connectivity.
Wide Open Spaces
Create visual space in rooms by keeping them clutter-free and organized, which can be solved by simply installing a stylish shelving unit to keep extraneous items out of sight. Seek the help of a professional organizer who will be bursting with innovative ideas to optimize the storage areas in your dwelling.
Another way to increase square footage without a renovation is to let the sunshine in! Avoid heavy drapes and instead, use modern window treatments that add height such as roller, Roman or cellular shades. Similarly, you can position a decorative floor-to-ceiling mirror in any room to visually double your space.
From the Bottom Up
Explore the possibility of replacing the flooring in a few key spaces. A unique, beautiful and buzzworthy material is cork, which is also known to have antibacterial properties. If you opt for new surfaces under your feet, consider installing radiant heating simultaneously. These systems not only add optimum comfort, but are also aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient.
Make an impact through your lighting choices. Utilize contemporary or dramatic fixtures to complement each room. Whether you choose minimal or eye-catching designs – the right piece in the optimal locale can add intrigue and substance to your residence.
Kick It Up a Notch
Significant updates to your kitchen and bathroom are sure to boost value. Modern appliances and updated décor increase appeal to buyers, so consider a new backsplash or that roomy farmhouse-style sink you’ve been eyeing. Think one step further and install a water filtration system to add practicality and luxury to your dwelling. Additional elements like stylish sconces, a new vanity or a vintage mirror can elevate functionality and increase allure.
It’s Only Natural
Consider your front and backyard. If there is an area that would benefit from some striking landscaping or creative plantings, explore your options or consult with a professional landscape architect or designer. Executed well, a garden or other natural elements in your yard can become lovely extensions of your home’s indoor atmosphere.
When you look around, there are many ways to enhance the comfort and appeal of your property that will serve you well as a resident – and add value one day when you’re ready to sell.