CENTURY 21, Author at CENTURY 21 MarketLink Realty

5 Interior Designers to Follow on Pinterest

July 6, 2015 By CENTURY 21

Summertime can be a great time to reinvigorate your home decor! Redecorating isn’t always as easy as it may appear. If you find yourself stuck in the redecorating rut, it might be time to turn to Pinterest. We’ve gathered a list of five inspirational interior designers. No matter what kind of design ideas you’re looking for, you’ll be likely to find it on one of these pages! For even more interior design ideas (and a splash of DIY projects and house cleaning tips), be sure to follow us on Pinterest!

K.D! Designz, Inc.

This Pinterest pro has over sixty boards dedicated to interior design ideas, covering everything from bed crowns to entry halls. So whether you’re looking for a new bathroom design idea (like the elegant and modern look featured above) or some inspiration for a new wall backdrop, you’ll probably find it here!

Dorothy Durbin Interior Design

One glance through Durbin’s Pinterest page and you just might find yourself wanting to redo your entire home and your garden! In addition to innovative ideas for kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom designs, Durbin also has boards organized according to color scheme. So, if you find yourself inspired by a certain color, check out her boards and get ready to do some redecorating!

Georgica Pond

Pond features beautiful, modern bathrooms and kitchens. But, no need to fret, if you enjoy a more traditional or rustic look for your home, she has plenty ideas for that as well. Scroll through her thousands of pins to get inspired!

Mark Sikes

Whether it’s people or homes, Sikes’ Pinterest page is a spot for all things stylish. With different boards for different rooms of the house, Sikes offers up some interior design advice on everywhere from the entry, to the bedroom, to the pool.

Gary Inman

Inman’s page is full of classy and elegant looks for all rooms of the house. He even has a whole board dedicated to mudrooms — and his pins prove that a mudroom doesn’t have to be that ugly room where people put their shoes. Check out his pins for some redecorating motivation!

Luckily for those of you who love interior design, these are just five of the thousands of interior designers on Pinterest! One scroll through these Pinterest profiles might just be all the incentive you need to get started on that summer redecorating project you’ve been thinking about. Time to change things up!

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How to Decorate Your Backyard for a 4th of July Celebration

July 1, 2015 By CENTURY 21

The 4th of July is fast approaching, so it’s time to break out the sparklers and all things red, white, and blue! If you’ve agreed to be the host for this year’s 4th of July bash, we’ve got you covered. Here are some quick and easy some tips that will help turn your backyard into the a place to celebrate Independence Day. Time to get decorating!

Spice up your table with patriotic centerpieces: Running out of time to decorate? No sweat. Fill some mason jars with red, white, and blue gumballs and put a small American flag in the middle for an extra patriotic touch. Who needs bouquets as centerpieces when you can have flags?

Create a candy bar: It’s a surefire way to keep the kids happy and entertained, and it doubles as decoration. Keep it red, white, and blue themed; fill mason jars or vases with gumballs, jelly beans, and all the other colored candy you can find!

Provide extra lighting with 4th of July themed lanterns: Having an evening party? Decorate luminaries with cardboard paper and ribbon for an easy and festive decoration. You can even enlist the kids’ help in this one!

Get your game on: Fill your backyard with games that both adults and kids will enjoy! Cornhole is a classic, and you can look for a set with red, white, and blue beanbags if you really want to stick to the theme. Three-legged races, frisbee, and outdoor badminton are some more games that will ensure your guests will be entertained at all times!

Get fired up: If your celebration is extending into the night, a bonfire is the perfect addition to the party. After all, nothing says summer like a campfire and some s’mores! Plus, it’s one less dessert for you to prepare!

There you have it—five quick and easy ways to get your backyard 4th of July ready. These ideas can work for any other outdoor summer party as well—just change the decoration theme according to your preference. Happy celebrating!

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7 Essential Curb Appeal Tips for Sellers

April 29, 2015 By CENTURY 21

With the spring real estate market heating up across the United States, it’s time to focus on curb appeal. You want your home to stand out from the others, and the exterior will be the first area buyers see. If it’s not in top shape, there’s a good chance buyers will move on to the next home. So make sure you’re trimming the lawn, washing the siding and shining everything else up in preparation for showings. Here are some essential areas to address:

#1 Wash the siding
Your siding probably looks a bit dirty and dusty after this last winter, so it’s time to wash it off and make it look shiny and new for the spring. Use soapy water and a bristled brush to remove dirt and debris. If the grime and dirt won’t come off easily, you may need to use a pressure washer or power washer to remove it. You can rent a pressure washer from a local home improvement store or hire a professional power washer. The cost for exterior power washing ranges from $200 to $400, depending on the time and square footage involved. You should also take this time to wash your garage door, as it will be one of the first things buyers see. Do not use a power washer to clean your windows and doors though, because it could damage them and lead to repair costs.

Home Exterior by The Affordable Builders, LLC in Spanaway, WA

#2 Revitalize the paint job
Once you’ve cleaned off the siding, it’s time to look at the paint. There’s a chance your home’s exterior will have chips, cracks and other paint issues following winter. To increase the exterior appeal of your home, consider repainting it. You could use the same paint color as before or choose a whole new color.. For a job this big, you may need to hire a painting contractor. Then explore how you can accent the paint job, whether it’s with plants, trim or exterior window treatments.

#3 Fix up the lawn
Given that winter was likely harsh on your landscape, it’s time to get it back in shape for the spring market. You should trim and prune any trees and bushes that took a beating or look overgrown. Add mulch to your flower beds and around trees to give them a professional, well-kept look. Aerate and dethatch your lawn so it can breathe and absorb nutrients more easily. If you have any barren spots in your lawn from snow and ice, add seeds or sod to help renew and cover those areas. If you have the time and budget, think about new spring garden colors in the form of flowers and shrubs.

Transitional Landscape by Pagani Fence, LLC in Newark, NJ

#4 Add a fence
Another nostalgic, yet high selling point for buyers is a fence around the front of your property. It doesn’t have to be a highly secure fence like those you would add around the backyard. Rather, you could install a picket fence or a short chain link fence around the front yard. This can be especially appealing to families with young children because it helps keep kids safe and enclosed near the home. Installing a fence can range from $1,500 to $4,000, depending on the material you choose and the square footage of the front yard.

Tuscan Patio by MJ12 Corp. in San Jose, CA

#5 Renew the front door
Once people pass through your fence and renewed landscape, they have to open your front door. If your entry door is beaten down, rotting and in bad shape, it sets a bad tone for the rest of the walkthrough. So look at how you can revitalize the door, whether it’s with a thorough cleaning or a paint job. Start by washing it down and then look for chips and cracks in the paint. Depending on the age of the door, it might be time to replace the door. Steel doors are noted as the safest and most effective doors for homeowners, but they are expensive. You might consider an affordable alternative like wood that you can personalize with knobs, windows and colors that complement your home’s interior and exterior design.

#6 Add landscaping lighting
For night walkthroughs, a great addition to your landscape is outdoor lighting. Landscape lights can increase the appeal of your home’s exterior and add security. You can accent trees, shrubs and flower beds at night to attract the buyer’s eye. That way, even though it’s dark outside, they’re still noticing the high points of your landscape. You can use solar fixtures that soak up sunlight during the day and light up at night. Otherwise, you can buy light fixtures that draw on power from the house or use batteries. These decisions depend on your budget and what works best for your landscape design.

Traditional Home Exterior by Cody Property and Handyman Services in Northborough, MA

#7 Update the mailbox
Mailboxes may seem like a nostalgic idea, but they can add definite appeal to your home, especially if you live in the suburbs. You can get mailboxes at a local home improvement store, and they come in various styles to match your home design. You can also fix up the mailbox you already have, whether it means painting it a new color or adding numbers to the side in the form of stickers or metal decals.

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What to Do With the Extra Room in Your House

April 23, 2015 By CENTURY 21

What would you do if you had an extra room in your house? Get creative because the possibilities are limitless.

1. Home Gym: Do you love to start your mornings with a good workout, but hate dragging yourself to a crowded gym? If you have some workout machines at home, transform your spare room into a gym. Even if you just buy some weights, a yoga mat, and other inexpensive equipment, you can turn your unused room into something useful.

2. Playroom: If you’re tired of tripping over your kids’ toys in your nice, fancy living room, turn that extra room into their own space. Paint the walls with chalkboard paint so they can write on the walls, store all of their toys in the room, and allow them to play. They’ll love a space of their own, and you’ll love not having a mess all over the house.

3. Contemplation Room: Ever just need some time alone with your thoughts? If you find yourself wanting to escape the craziness of the day and not knowing where to go, consider creating a contemplation room. Decorate it in all white with comfortable furniture, throw pillows, and blankets. This creates a serene space where you can go to clear your head, meditate, and relax.

4. Library: If you’re a bookworm, you’ve probably always dreamed of having your very own library. Now is your chance! Install bookshelves from wall to ceiling, add comfortable, sophisticated couches, and throw in cozy area rugs to make a comfy and inviting space. Just imagine relaxing after a long day in your library with your favorite book, a cup of tea, and candles.

5. Entertainment Center: If you don’t have a den or finished basement, and only a formal living room, you may want to consider turning the spare room into an entertainment center. Use dark woods and deep colors, reclining chairs and a sectional couch, and top it off with a flat screen television for the perfect movie theater feel. It can be a great place to have a movie marathon on a rainy day!

Having a spare room in the home leaves you with countless opportunities to be unique and create a special room that’s all your own!

Recommended Reading:

-How to Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa Inspired Escape

-Old to New: Tips for Rearranging Your Furniture

-5 Home Projects to Complete in 10 Minutes or Less

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What to Do With the Extra Room in Your House

April 21, 2015 By CENTURY 21

What would you do if you had an extra room in your house? Get creative because the possibilities are limitless.

Home Gym: Do you love to start your mornings with a good workout, but hate dragging yourself to a crowded gym? If you have some workout machines at home, transform your spare room into a gym. Even if you just buy some weights, a yoga mat, and other inexpensive equipment, you can turn your unused room into something useful.
Playroom: If you’re tired of tripping over your kids’ toys in your nice, fancy living room, turn that extra room into their own space. Paint the walls with chalkboard paint so they can write on the walls, store all of their toys in the room, and allow them to play. They’ll love a space of their own, and you’ll love not having a mess all over the house.
Contemplation Room: Ever just need some time alone with your thoughts? If you find yourself wanting to escape the craziness of the day and not knowing where to go, consider creating a contemplation room. Decorate it in all white with comfortable furniture, throw pillows, and blankets. This creates a serene space where you can go to clear your head, meditate, and relax.
Library: If you’re a bookworm, you’ve probably always dreamed of having your very own library. Now is your chance! Install bookshelves from wall to ceiling, add comfortable, sophisticated couches, and throw in cozy area rugs to make a comfy and inviting space. Just imagine relaxing after a long day in your library with your favorite book, a cup of tea, and candles.
Entertainment Center: If you don’t have a den or finished basement, and only a formal living room, you may want to consider turning the spare room into an entertainment center. Use dark woods and deep colors, reclining chairs and a sectional couch, and top it off with a flat screen television for the perfect movie theater feel. It can be a great place to have a movie marathon on a rainy day!

Having a spare room in the home leaves you with countless opportunities to be unique and create a special room that’s all your own!

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Moving Advice

April 20, 2015 By CENTURY 21

We just released our video series Moved by Moving, the world’s first video series created entirely with moving boxes. We know that moving is often an anxious, stressful time. From new surroundings to new people, there is a lot to handle and get used to.

There’s no need to worry though, we are here to help! You’ve watched our videos, and now we’re providing even more tips for making the moving process as smooth as possible.

1. Dimensions: If you’re transporting furniture from home to home, measure the dimensions of the doorways and the furniture pieces. The last thing you need on moving day is to realize that your new couch doesn’t fit in the doorway of your new home.

2. Declutter: When you start packing up for your move, look at the items you have in front of you. If you see a lot of belongings that you don’t use anymore it may be time to consider a garage sale and donation. The key is to declutter your old home before moving into your new one.

3. Packing: To ensure that everything is transported safely, pack heavy items in smaller boxes and light items in bigger boxes, this makes it more likely that they won’t move around and break in transit. Also, pack plates vertically, not flat, and they will be more likely to safely make the move.

4. Necessities: It can be easy to get caught up in the moving process. On moving day, don’t forget that your new home is bare. Items like toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, and glasses won’t be there unless you bring them. Set aside a separate bin to hold these moving essentials so you don’t find yourself in a sticky situation!

5. Pets and kids: The key to a successful move is to stay calm and avoid any chaos. If you have small children, or pets, it may be best to keep them out of the move. Ask someone to babysit (or pet sit) for the day. Once you settle in bring your pets and kids into their new home!

Moving to new home is a huge adjustment, but if you follow this advice, and do what works best for you, you’re likely to have a smooth move!

Introducing Our Newest Television Ads

April 15, 2015 By CENTURY 21

One trick to a successful move is working with someone who will go above and beyond to make your dreams a reality.

Whether it’s running through an airport to tell you your idea home is officially yours, or helping you get out of your parents’ basement, a CENTURY 21Ⓡ affiliated sales associate can be there to help. watch our newest ads on TV this year!

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These Gadgets That Will Do Your Housework For You (Yes, Seriously)

April 15, 2015 By CENTURY 21

April 7th was No House Work Day and it was nice to take a break from the daily tasks of cleaning and organizing your home. In reality, housework is an ongoing item on your to-do list and sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day to complete everything.

Wouldn’t it be nice and convenient to have gadgets that actually do your work for you?

Here’s some gadgets you need to know.

1. Automated vacuum: This is the original hands free housework device, and for good reason. All you have to do is turn it on and let it get to work. Within minutes your floor is clean and you didn’t even have to lift a finger. Vacuuming just became your new favorite chore!

2. Automated mops: Automated mops are now on the market. These trusty devices work just as a mop would, only you don’t need to lug around a bucket of water. The brush heads and cleaning solution work together through a three part cleaning process. Most models work on a variety of floors including hardwood, vinyl, and tile.

3. Window cleaner: Goodbye are the days of step stools and spray bottles. Small window cleaners are now available; they attach to your windows and are able to clean any size or thickness.

4. Hands free mower: Taking care of the lawn may not be a daily task, but it sure is a task that can get tiring. Take the work out of landscaping and invest in a hands free mower. It works just as the vacuum and mop and automatically cuts the grass. When the grass is evenly cut, the mower will return to its station.

With all of these gadgets, you’ll never have to lift a finger again!

Introducing Moved by Moving

April 13, 2015 By CENTURY 21

With a new home comes new neighbors, new friends, and maybe even a new city. Chartering unknown territory can seem scary, but we’re here to show you that it doesn’t have to be!

Recognizing this challenge, members of our team hope to be there every step of the way with our new, innovative, ad campaign.

We recently released our video series, Moved by Moving, a first of its kind series created using only moving boxes. The videos were filmed using stop-motion animation, once again establishing CENTURY 21^® as an innovator in the industry.

The artist behind the spots, Elizabeth Corkery, is no stranger to trend-setting – she’s also the creator of special, limited edition silkscreen prints available at Print Club Boston. Her previous projects are known for being bold and unique – perfectly aligning with CENTURY 21: SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER^®.

We hope to give you the help you need to make your move an easy and smooth process.

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Introducing Our Newest Television Ads

April 13, 2015 By CENTURY 21

One trick to a successful move is working with someone who will go above and beyond to make your dreams a reality.

Whether it’s running through an airport to let you know that the home of your dreams is officially yours, or helping you get out of your parents’ basement, a CENTURY 21 ^® affiliated real estate professional is there to help. Watch our newest television ads which bring our SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.® campaign to life!

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