Sunday, September 23, 2012

How To Boost Your Homes Curb Appeal


One particular house in my neighbourhood seems to stand out from the others; I admire it every time I drive by. I love the flowers and landscaping and how the home owner changes the wreath on the front door with every season. This home has great curb appeal.

Whether or not you are going to be selling your home in the near future or you plan to keep your home forever, it is important for a homes exterior to look its best. Remember, first impressions begin on the outside.

Here are a few simple ways to boost the curb appeal of your home. It’s as easy as sprucing things up, adding fresh colour, lighting and the power of flowers.

Welcome fall

  ·     Start by giving driveways, porches, and walkways a good cleaning and make sure all exterior windows sparkle.

  ·     The front door is one of your homes key elements; paint it a fresh new colour.  Try using a darker or brighter accent colour that will contrast with the siding material or colour of the house itself.

  ·     Consider installing door numbers, knockers and mailboxes in the same finish (e.g. nickel or antique bronze.) This will make an entrance look more polished and pulled together.

 ·      Trim trees and shrubs, mow the lawn and trim hedges.

 ·      Place decorative planters with flowers (possibly the same colour as your front door) at either side of your entrance way to welcome guests. Flowers that are well placed around your home make a house more inviting.

 ·       A welcome mat made out of a natural fibre and a nice wreath will add the finishing touch.

 

       Remember: Have fun, step back and admire your hard work!
A unique entrance with great curb appeal



 
 Decorator’s tip: When choosing exterior lighting, consider outdoor lanterns that are bigger( or chunkier) than you normally would choose– they will look better then smaller ones when viewed from the street.

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday, September 9, 2012

I'm Singing The Blues...


Blue is one of my favorite colours for the home. A couple of years ago I changed the colour of my living room from warm terracotta to a soft shade of blue - green... This is now my favorite room in the house. There is an overwhelming feeling of calm that you have when you enter a room painted in soft soothing blue.

These days I am thrilled to see so much watery blue and turquoise in my favorite home decor stores, you can find it everywhere. Blue is seen on everything from bathroom accessories to furniture and upholstery. It is definitely gaining popularity in the home. Beautiful blue fits into almost every style and palette.

Here are a few ways you can incorporate the colour blue into your home
Adding blue accessories in your room:

If you have a neutral or beige room try introducing a combination of these accessories in a blue tone: 

Accessories in a soft shade of blue
An ottoman or accent chair
Blue glass vases and picture matting
Cushions and Throws


Introduce blue as a wall colour:

In the Kitchen - pair soft blue walls with neutral white cupboards, espresso floors and furniture.
 
In the Bath  - using light blue walls, add a warm wood vanity, silver fixtures, crystal chandeliers and shimmery mirrors.

In the Bedroom  -  beautiful blue walls combined with a ivy green accents, make a soothing blue and green colour combination.
 
Introducing blue to your home will remind you of a sunny day at the beach, summer skies and the ocean at your feet. Now how relaxing is that!

Decorator’s tip: For a country home - paint a back or side door robin’s egg blue.  A wonderful, pleasant welcome for your guests!