News

Outdoor Entertaining

Any complaints about the weather this past winter or spring are now long forgotten with the amazing summer that we have been having! It has been perfect weather for eating and entertaining outdoors, which my husband and I have been doing every chance possible. And with so many economical options for table settings available today, I can dress up the look of our patio table to suit any mood or theme! Here are some ideas for tablescapes that caught my eye and thought you might enjoy as well.

If you have a teak patio set, this table setting is really stunning. Use neutral, earthy colours for the basics - plates, placemats, chargers, etc - and then add a splash of colour with an exotic flower.


Source: sheknows.com

To bring the sunshine onto your table, think sunflowers and lemons! This creative table would be easy, and economical, to recreate. Pull some herbs from your garden and put into mini-cups (egg cups would work great!). Personalize each setting by writing your guests names on the lemons. Instead of fancy napkins, opt for colourful bandanas. And there you have it - a cute and fresh table for your guests!

Source: countryliving.com

Or you can keep it simple - stick to whites, accent with some colour by using a different side dish, bowl or cup, and dress it up with an outdoor lantern and candle.

Source: myapartmenttherapy.com

Enjoy!

6 Key Steps to Dress Your House for Success

Selling your house for the best price in the least amount of time

Download a printable PDF of this article.

Now that you’ve made the decision to sell your home, you’ll want to look at it differently. It’s now a house for sale and looking at it through “buyers’ eyes” can help you package it to sell more quickly.

This checklist can help you organize what needs to be done.

Dressing your house for success doesn’t need to be expensive or overly time-consuming. You can borrow or rent the “extras” like decorative house plants or lawn furniture to make your house really memorable. And, if you don’t have enough time to do cleaning or repair work, consider hiring a professional . It could save you time and money later.

WHERE DO I START?

When you begin preparing your house for market, start outside and work you way in, keeping in mind the importance of first impressions.

It is estimated that more than half of all houses are sold before the buyers even get out of their cars! Stand across the street from your house and review its curb appeal. What can you do to improve that very first impression?

When you’re ready to being work, use the checklist and add to your “To Do” list in the blank space provided. The checklist follows six important steps to packaging your house. Remember, you need to think like a buyer now and have a critical eye!

  1. Uncluttering
    Makes every room look larger and feel neater. If a house is cluttered, buyers have trouble imagining themselves in it. By removing or storing things you don’t need, you create a roomy, comfortable feeling that will be inviting to prospective buyers. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out, sell it or give it away!
  2. Cleaning:
    Makes your house easy for buyers to explore and give the impression that it has been well cared for. Be sure every room smells as good as it looks, paying special attention to pet areas, nurseries and bathrooms. Some fresh paint and one time professional cleaning services can make you house look like new!
  3. Repairing:
    Eliminates buyer’s objections before they arise. If you think something is too much trouble to fix, chances are buyers will too. Buyers tend to think repairs will cost more than they do.
  4. Neutralizing:
    Helps buyers see their own things in your house and picture themselves living there. Neutral paint, décor and carpeting create a home for any l lifestyle. Eliminating distracting colors and accessories lets buyers concentrate on positive impressions.
  5. Dynamizing:
    Makes the exterior and every room of your house special. Since it is competing with many other houses on the market, you need to make it stand out and be memorable. Look in magazines and catalogs for ideas. From the front door to the basement, from fresh flowers to fresh smells, this is the finishing touch!
  6. Showtime!:
    The final step before each time your house is shown. Identify jobs and assign them to make this step quick and easy. If you keep up daily, SHOWTIME! Will be easier for you and your family. Plan a fun activity—away from the house - during showings.

Exterior/Curb Appeal

Uncluttering

  • Lawn/garden - mow, trim, weed, water, pick up
  • Pet areas - clean up, re-sod spots as needed
  • Extra vehicals - remove from curb view

Cleaning

  • Windows - wash inside and out
  • Walks and driveways—sweep and remove stains
  • Siding/brick or stucco—hose down

Repairing

  • Doors and windows -repair screens, glass and door hardware
  • Siding - repair or paint as needed
  • Fences - repair or paint as needed
  • Sidewalks and driveway - repair as needed

Neutralizing

  • Lawn areas - remove any distracting decorations

Dynamizing

  • Add a large plant, wreath or doormat at entrance
  • Add potted or hanging flowers to deck or porch
  • Borrow lawn furniture
  • Add new house numbers or a brass door fixtures
  • Add fresh layer of rock or bark if needed

Colour for the Season: Yellow!

Bright, sunny, cheerful - yellow! It’s the new ‘in’ colour for home decorating this season. It’s a perfect fit for the transition in to spring, and to lift spirits from all of the gloomy news that has been dominating the headlines so far in 2009!

So how exactly do you incorporate yellow into your home colour palette? You definitely want to use it carefully, as too much yellow can be overwhelming. If you are using it on your walls, you probably want to go for a more muted, subtle yellow tone. Using yellow for an accent wall as opposed to a full room will also ensure that the colour doesn’t over-stimulate. Here are a couple of rooms that have made great use of yellow!

Cheery Bedroom

Sophisticated Dining Room

You may choose to be more subtle however, and add a splash of yellow with accents. Using flowers, candles, vases, or throw pillows & blankets are a great way to infuse a bit of colour into your decor. Here are a few fun additions that I have come across.

Fun Yellow Pillow

Spring-y Yellow Wall Decals

Dressing up the Dining Room Table

Happy Springtime, and Happy Easter!