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If you aren’t quite ready to repaint, but maybe some wall areas have a few marks or scuffs, there is one product I would recommend you run out and buy: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. it’s an amazing product! I can’t tell you how many of my staging clients did not need to paint because of it, and were able to save hundreds of dollars. Works like a sponge… the marks just come right off.

With the increasing trend of integrating indoor living space with the great outdoors, a new generation of patio doors has emerged and I think they are amazing! These doors use a track system and open super wide…basically removing your wall to the outside. This is TRUE indoor/outdoor living! 

I like this outdoor room, It’s peaceful, relaxing, private & beautiful. And it’s not big…you could create this in a small area.

Put an unusual twist on a familiar form. Modern art acts as a playful contrast to more serious pieces. It becomes a unique mix of old and new.

Paint color is a low cost, great way of show casing your home, and one of the best returns on investment if you are selling.

Anyone who knows me knows grey is my personal favorite neutral. But it’s not for everyone because it’s a little cool. Over the past few years, a new neutral was born: greige. It’s a mix of grey and beige tones…gorgeous and sophisticated, and seems to magically go with everything. It works with modern, works with traditional. Blending the warmth of beige to the cool of grey creates a calming backdrop for any pop of color, too.

Benjamin Moore has several good grieges:

Edgecomb grey, Bleeker Beige, Senora grey, Clay beige to name a few. What do you think?

A great space need not be glamorous or luxurious- it’s how personal and interesting you make it, how much it reflects you, your interests & humor, that lends a warm welcome. –Kit Kemp.

I am crazy about these new ceramic and porcelain tiles made to look like wide plank wood floors. Sounds strange, I know, but you would not believe how realistic it is and gorgeous. Besides being cool, there are some real advantages:

1. Tile resists moisture and won’t expand or crack in wet environments , making it prefect for kitchens and bathrooms.
2. You can install radiant floor heating under these floors.
3. No chips, nicks or scratches like you get on real wood…the tile durable and long lasting. No need to re-sand every few years.
4. Easy to maintain and clean.

I really like what it does for bathrooms, especially, because it adds a warm element by mimicking wood.  Also works well in a kitchen with white cabinets, for the same reason.

I love this house downsizing trend. There’s a book, The Not So Big House, by Sarah Susanka, that sort of started it all a decade ago. She and her husband are architects and they were tired of the big, bland “McMansions” that were so popular in the late 90’s. They decided to go about changing floor plans to reflect how we really live. The book’s basic principles: Quality of space over quantity. A house that emphasizes comfort, beauty and a high level of detail. She concentrates on sustainable, energy-smart designs with quality materials. Her homes have no formal spaces…every room is used every day. Floor plans inspired by an informal lifestyle. If you are considering buying, building, or remodeling, it’s a must-read.

Most buyers do not want to have to do anything to their new home initially…they are tired from the stress of searching for a place to live, dealing with the mortgage company, and may have put down all the money they have for the down payment. There may not be the energy or funds for home improvement projects.

That’s why you should never put your house on the market “as is”.  Show it “at it’s best”, where people just fall in love with it and envision a quick and easy move-in. People who look for fixer uppers are generally contractors, and house flippers, looking for a great deal. Do you really want to accept bottom dollar for your home? I know putting a little money, time & energy into a home you are trying to sell doesn’t sound like fun, but you could lose tens of thousands of dollars if you don’t! Stage it!

If you are thinking of buying new outdoor seating, table & chairs, a hammock, an awning, or anything else to enhance your summer outdoor experience, THIS is the time to get it ordered. Many items take 4-6 weeks to arrive after you’ve ordered them, so if you want to be enjoying the outdoors by June 1^st…better get moving!