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A great presentation: 6 easy tips for staging your own home

April 18, 2019 By

There’s no question that staging your décor is advantageous when you’re trying to sell your home.

The strategic editing and placement of your furnishings can be enormously important to boosting its appeal. In a recent NAR survey, in fact, 77 percent of buyers’ agents agreed staging is important to helping potential buyers envision a given home as their own. Fortunately, conducting your own staging need not be complex; you should be able to mimic professional techniques by following a few easy guidelines:

  • Prioritize by room. The NAR reports you’ll get the most visual impact by staging your living room, master bedrooms, kitchen and extra bedrooms(s), in that order.
  • De-clutter. Cleaning will be easier after you pack away at least 90 percent of your own décor and personal artifacts. Your goal is to create a minimally decorated space buyers can imagine moving in to.
  • Deep clean. Everything must be groomed, sparkling and odor-free inside and out.
  • Divide and conquer. Plan to remove about half your furniture to give the impression of optimal space. If it’s all unpresentable, use stylish rental pieces or fake “pop-up furniture” for showings. Tip: Wherever possible, move display furniture away from walls (a technique known as “floating”) to create groupings that are tied together visually with area rugs.
  • Accessorize inside and out. Create an atmosphere of airiness, friendliness and cheer by selectively adding new flowers, potted plants, attractive seating and welcome mats outside, perhaps fresh flowers and bowls of fruit inside.
  • Optimize light. Add brighter light bulbs, pull back curtains, clean windows and clean (or perhaps update) light fixtures to add to the overall impression of positivity.

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10 home features that have fallen out of favor

March 26, 2019 By

Trending: 10 home features that have fallen out of favor:
1. Bold color schemes
2. Industrial-style kitchens
3. Kitchen islands
4. Granite countertops
5. TVs in the kitchen
6. Over-the-stove microwaves
7. Raised-panel cabinets
8. Wall-to-wall carpet
9. Distressed wood walls
10. Mediterranean-inspired suburban McMansions

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Removing Carpet: 3 Things to Know

March 1, 2016 By

Old carpet can be an eyesore for many homeowners, as it can collect dust and age the room. If you are put off by the wall-to-wall covering, consider removing it. You might improve your home aesthetics and increase your home’s value by doing so. Here are three things to know before you get started.

1. Decide What to Do with Your Old Carpet

Figure out what you want to do with your carpet before you remove it, so you’ll know whether to save the integrity of the material while working on it. An ecofriendly option is to recycle it, but that may cost an additional fee. However, if you think this is right for you, you can find out more from the Carpet America Recycling Effort. You can choose to donate if your carpet is in good condition, or even save it for yourself to repurpose for other household uses, like a cushion for your knees when cleaning low spaces or for a pet’s scratching post.

2. Prep the Room and Gather Tools

You may want to have a crowbar, pliers, gloves, utility knife, dust mask, and knee pads on hand. First, vacuum the carpet to cut down on dust and debris. If you can, temporarily remove doors that swing open into the room to avoid possible obstructions. This might also make new carpet placement easier, if you’re choosing to do that. Then, remove all furniture from the room.

3. Start in the Corner and Roll as You Go

Dislodge one of the corners of the carpet with pliers. You’ll find it’s attached to a piece of wood underneath, known as a tack strip. Once the carpet is loose from that, pull it away from the rest of the walls. If you’re not worried about saving the carpet, cut it into smaller more manageable strips to roll it up one section at a time. Beneath the carpet you’ll find a cushioning pad, which you can remove by the same method.

While these tips may make carpet removal easier for you, remember that you can always call a professional for assistance, if any part of the job seems too daunting.

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How to Incorporate Oscars Glamour into Your Home

February 26, 2016 By

If you love to watch the glitz and glam that surrounds awards ceremonies, then this weekend might be the most wonderful time of your year. Sure, you can host a viewing party to “ooo” and “aah” at celebrities’ outfits, but have you considered making your house just as swoon worthy? Try some of these tips to incorporate a glam style into your home that may last longer than just the awards night.

Roll Out the Red Carpet
An actual red carpet might be a bit much, but you can still hint at the iconic pathway with splashes of its deep, red hue. Follow the 60-30-10 rule, where your main decorating color takes up 60 percent of the space, your secondary color takes up 30 percent, and your accent color, 10 percent. Keep the red carpet vibe as an accent, and bump up it up to with pillows, throws, and candles in the vibrant color.

Dress Up in Black Tie
If you feel elegant when you dress in black, why don’t you apply the same dress code to your home? Consider painting a few pieces of furniture, such as a kitchen table set or a dresser. Be sure to apply a deglosser beforehand, so that the surface can accept new paint. Always use gloves, and work in a well ventilated area.

Shine like a Diamond
While diamonds aren’t the most practical item to incorporate into your home, you can capture their light reflecting qualities with a few tricks. Hang mirrors near light sources, such as near a lamp or across from a window and replace your coffee table with a glass one. The light reflected from the mirror can flow through the glass and potentially brighten up the whole room.

Set a Gold Standard
A bit of glittering gold is sure to catch the eye of anyone in your home, so add some sparkle where you can. Replace the hardware on cabinets and drawers with gold metallic ones — it’s an easy project that can refresh the whole look and feel of your room. Most hardware will have a clear coating to protect the metal from oxidation, so be sure to protect that outer layer when cleaning. Use a soft damp cloth to wipe them down and stay away from acid based cleaners.

With this décor style, your home may be award-worthy every day of the year.

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7 Creative and Quick Dining Room Updates

February 16, 2016 By

With so many dining rooms being converted into part of the living room or kitchen these days, dining room design has kind of fallen by the wayside. But if you’re one of the lucky homeowners to have hung on to a formal dining space, you’ve got an opportunity to make some amazing modern updates. Here are 7 affordable ways to breathe new life into an old dining room:

#1 Perk things up with paint.
Are your dining room walls still the same color they were when you moved into your house 10 years ago? If so, there’s a good chance the color’s a little past its prime. In fact, it may also be doing an injustice to your furniture and the updates you’ve made in adjoining rooms as well. Refresh the walls with a paint shade that makes you feel comfortable and cozy. The room will reflect that feeling.

#2 Modernize the lighting.
Are outdated chandeliers and lamps gathering dust in your dining room? Consider sending them packing and installing some recessed lighting and pendants in their place. Pendant lights, in particular, come in a wide variety of styles and colors sure to add some new pizzazz to your space.

#3 Repurpose another room.
If your dining room is located in an undesirable space — a cramped corner of the house away from the kitchen, for example — pick a new place for your table and chairs. Put them in the kitchen, if you have the the space. Or, place the dining table somewhere right in your living room, where there’s easy access to the TV and stereo. You should always feel comfortable during a meal, and being confined to an area you don’t enjoy doesn’t contribute to that feeling.

#4 Add some visual appeal.
Visual appeal doesn’t stop at paint and lighting. It’s also important to consider how wall decor may increase the interest and comfort of the room. Blank walls may make it easy to zone out and focus on your meals, but your guests will surely enjoy looking at something a little more interesting. Depending on your budget and the size of your dining room, consider hanging potted plants and colorful pieces of art. Just be sure to balance wall decor with other elements in the room so your space doesn’t feel like it’s cluttered with stuff.

#5 Throw in a rug.
One of the worst sounds to hear is a chair scratching against the floor as you go to get up from the dining table. So fix the issue. Add a rug underneath the table and chairs to make things soft and cozy. Choose a rug that isn’t too thick with fibers. Otherwise, your chairs can get stuck and twisted. Of course, you’ll also want to make sure that the style and color of your rug complement the rest of the room.

#6 Use dividers.
Many newer homes combine kitchen and dining spaces. If you want to create a dedicated dining space, think about incorporating a room divider. It’s much cheaper than installing a wall — and you can add shelves, plants or a sliding door to further divide the two spaces. Plus, the flexibility of the divider allows to revert back to the bigger space any time you like.

#7 Build in.
How’s your dining room designed? Do you have a table that sits in the middle with four chairs around it? If you want to make the room more functional — and create more storage in the process — think about ditching the clunky furniture and opting instead for built-ins like bench seating, china cabinets and buffets. A professional can create custom built-ins to suit any style.

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Home Decor Projects for When You’re Snowed In

February 3, 2016 By

Sometimes it’s hard to see the upside of harsh winter weather, especially when snow storms leave you stuck inside. However, you can take advantage of a snow day by using the opportunity to improve your home decor. Here are some simple DIY projects for when you’re snowed in. Ask your children to help out (safely) for family fun time that may add a bit of luxury to your living space.

Decorative Lampshade
Add some pizzazz to a lampshade by gluing an inlaid paper cutout on its inner surface. Use a blade to cut a design from paper (either freehand or from a template), making sure to place a rubber mat down first to protect the surface underneath. With a mixture of 50% glue and 50% water, decoupage the paper cutout inside of the lampshade. Once it’s dry, turn the lamp on and admire the glowing design!

Fabric Wall Art
If you have some bold print fabric, use it to create art that pops. All you’ll need to buy are wooden frames of varying sizes and a hot glue gun. Cut the fabric wide enough so that there will be two inches leftover when stretched across a frame. Cover, glue, and voila! Create a gallery wall to display your new pieces.

Hanging Planters
If you have small planters in your indoor garden, consider hanging them for a fun look that will free up surface space. Simply drill two small holes close to the top edge of the planter. Make sure they’re exactly opposite from one another. Knot a thin but sturdy rope or twine inside each of the holes so you can hang them from a hook. Tip: Install the hook near a window so your plant can still get the sunlight it needs.

Memory Table
Memory tables are a great way to personalize your home. You’ll need a deep photo display and a similar sized coffee table. Using a strong wood glue, adhere the back of the photo display to the table. You can now place objects in the display to create a sentimental scene. Try using objects that are cohesive, such as trinkets and photos from a memorable family trip. You may want to glue the objects in place so they are not disturbed when the table is moved.

If you keep one (or more) of these projects in mind for your next snow day, getting snowed in might not seem so bad!

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6 Essentials for an In-Home Movie Theater

January 22, 2016 By

While winter weather can make going outside seem less than inviting, you can entertain your family indoors with your favorite movies and shows in a home theater. With a little help, your theater setup might make the cold a little more bearable. Here are six must-haves for your home theater.

1. Theater Seating
Comfortable leather recliners with cushy armrests are a staple of any home theater. The amount of seats is reliant on the size of your space; viewers shouldn’t feel too cramped. Also, the distance you place them from your screen depends on the screen’s size. An easy way to determine seat distance is to take the horizontal length of your screen and multiply it by two to get the minimum distance. Multiply it by five to get the maximum distance. For example: A 60-inch screen would have a minimum distance of 120 inches, or ten feet, and a maximum distance of 300 inches, or 25 feet.

2. Video Projector
Installing a quality video projector can ensure that you and your viewers enjoy the best picture possible. Pay attention to the projector’s throw distance, or the distance at which it should be placed away from your screen. Also, consider how far down you should hang your projector and at what angle to tilt it. Most projectors have vertical lens shift, which allows you to adjust the projection regardless of how you mount your projector. For those that don’t, hang your projector with an extension pipe so that you can adjust the hanging distance to perfect the projected image.

3. Projector Screen and Lighting
For screen placement, pick a wall where light does not fall on it directly. You can even paint your walls a dark color to avoid glare. Mount the screen on your wall so the bottom is between two or three feet off the ground. This helps every seat in your theater achieve the perfect view. Try adding dimmable overhead lights to add an authentic cinema feeling.

4. Surround Sound
The most common speaker system for home theaters is 5.1 surround sound. This six-speaker system is comprised of five full-range speakers and one low-range speaker known as the woofer. The ideal setup for 5.1 surround sound is three speakers and the woofer toward the front of the room, with the remaining two on either side of the back end of the room. Place each speaker at least 20 inches from the wall. If six speakers seem excessive, try a simple three speaker setup with a speaker in front of your screen and two others to the left and right.

5. Sound Paneling and Acoustics
Rectangular windowless rooms generally have better acoustics than square ones, but you might not be able to remodel just for your home theater. Sound absorption panels to prevent echoes, although standard dry wall paneling is usually adequate acoustic material for home theaters. Installing carpeting may also improve the acoustics of your in-home theater and add a level of comfort for viewers.

6. Mini Fridge
Keep a small refrigerator in your home theater and stock it with refreshments that are easily accessible. After all, you won’t have to stand in line and worry about missing your movie when you’re home! You may also want to stock old movie favorites like popcorn and candy in a non-refrigerated unit in the theater. Just don’t eat too loudly during the movie.

With these home theater features, being snowed in this winter might not seem so bad!

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5 Ways to Keep Winter Decor Bright

January 13, 2016 By

Traditionally, spring and summer corner the market on bold, bright colors, with fall and winter ushering in richer, more muted tones. However, this year’s popular colors, featured in Shutterfly’s Hottest Hues Guide, have a versatility that helps enhance decor year-round. Incorporate pops of modern color trends into everyday home accessories to warm up your house and your heart in the cool days ahead.

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1. Set a Color-filled Table

’Tis the season for holiday dinners, and your dining room table is the perfect place to fill your room with color. Saturate your tablescape with chargers, plates, placemats and napkins in festive colors. Deep reds and burgundies are not only perfect for the holidays, but they add warmth to your tablescape throughout the winter season. But don’t limit yourself to the standard red and green—get creative with color palettes as you set your table, bringing in metallic and unexpected shades for a dose of fun!

2. Patch it Together

Invite color to visit by adding seasonally inspired throw pillows or a practical and colorful quilt to your couch or bed. Think outside of your regularly colored box, and experiment with contrast to create a cozy space without committing to a color scheme.

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3. Bring the Outdoors In

Flowers lend a festive touch as well as a hint of brightness to any area. A bold spray of pink orchids or peonies can add a pleasantly surprising shock of color to a sleek neutral winter space. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you’re stuck with poinsettias. Pale pink is enjoying a comeback in the design world as a romantic neutral with a range of versatility—and rose quartz just happens to be one of Pantone’s colors of the year for 2016. As interior redesign specialist Wendy Wrzos says, “In fall, it can be paired with a rich brown and cream. In winter, a touch of pale pink will add a cozy warmth to a room, or be an unexpected addition to the more saturated colors.” Pick your palette from a favorite bouquet for a touch of color you already love.

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4. Live a Little Large

Bring big color to a small space by painting your laundry room a bold color for brightness you can enjoy all year round. “The laundry room is a room that gets used all the time, and it is rare to see one that has been decorated. A painted wall and a colorful rug takes no effort at all, and will cheer it up in an instant.” —Wrzos advised. Use a small, out-of-the-way area to be brave with a shade that brings you joy when you see it.

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5. Hang It Up

The artwork in a room is often a focal point and the perfect place to feature color. With a foundation of neutral furniture, flooring, and walls, art and decor accessories can take center stage. Create a canvas or three-panel piece of art from a nature-inspired vacation photo and select a matching color palette to complement your art work. If you’re looking for a more seasonal do-it-yourself option, wrap poster frame inserts in pretty wrapping paper for a temporary triptych to match your holiday decorating scheme.

Between bad weather and Daylight Savings Time, winter feels dark enough. Fill your life with brightness all year round by incorporating color in easy, unexpected ways and bring a little more boldness and brilliance into your everyday world.

About the Author

Ashley McCann shares home décor tips for Shutterfly.com. She is a mom of two and enjoys reading and karaoke. For more from Ashley, you can find her on Twitter.

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Post-Holiday Storage Hacks

December 26, 2015 By

With all the excitement of the holidays, you may not have thought about how you’ll store your holiday wares. When the time comes, you may want some help storing your holiday paraphernalia in a way that is both stress-free and efficient. With these storage tips, you could save yourself time and energy while making the transition out of the holiday season as merry as the season itself.

Label Everything
Your life could be infinitely easier come next year if you take the time to label your storage units right now. Every single bin and box you stow holiday items in should be tagged with a label detailing its contents and what room those items go in. This may make finding items and decorating in the following years much simpler. It could also help you inventory holiday accoutrements and help determine what items you actually use and which you could live without.

Pick a Room
Not all homes are well equipped to store holiday accessories. If your home is one of those where storage space is scarce, be sure to resist the urge to scatter your storage units around the house. There is nothing more frustrating than scouring your home for decorations all housed in different rooms. Deciding on one room to store your holiday items may spare you the trouble of a holiday scavenger hunt next year.

Store Safely
Don’t dampen the holidays next year with broken heirlooms and damaged knick-knacks. The plates and dishes that make holiday dinners special are fragile and should be stored somewhere they won’t be disturbed. Other fragile items should be stored on the ground to avoid falling from great heights and breaking, but they also shouldn’t be at the bottom of a pile of other potentially heavy boxes. Also factor in perishable holiday items such as candles, which should be stored somewhere that they won’t overheat and warp over the summer.

Tie Up to Avoid Tangles
Holiday decorations are decidedly stringy in nature. From garland to strands of lights, these bright and colorful lines help make the holidays festive. You might be so eager to take down holiday lights and other stringed items that you shove them into boxes without thinking about it, only to encounter a tangled mess the following year. Try using zip-ties, rubber bands, and twist ties to neatly contain individual strands of lights or garland before storing them. Then store them in boxes with layered dividers to prevent further tangling.

DIY Storage Units
Sometimes traditional boxes, bins, and other storage units don’t fit your holiday storage needs. If there are certain items that seem like they have special storage requirements, find them yourself. For example, an artificial wreath might not fare well in a cardboard box full of other holiday wares, but it would be adequately preserved in a repurposed hat box. Old egg cartons, coffee cans, and garment bags can all be utilized as storage vessels for certain holiday decorations.

The holidays may be over, but you can still give yourself the gift of convenient storage and stress-free future holiday decorating.

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How to Stage a Perfect Family Holiday Card

December 10, 2015 By

A family holiday card is a great way to show your friends and family your beautiful home. Between finding the time take the photo and choosing the right setting, mailing the holiday card can be a daunting task. These holiday hints can help make the process much more pleasant.

Avoid Matching Outfits

Your family should be dressed in clothes that are of neutral color and similar style, but wearing the exact same outfits hides each family member’s uniqueness. Let their personality shine while still creating a cohesive look.

Choose the Right Backdrop

Your home can provide the perfect setting for your holiday card. You may choose to shoot it outside to capture the weather of the season, in front of your home’s main entryway. Alternatively, you can utilize any well-lit and well-furnished area inside the house, such as in front of the fireplace or Christmas tree.

Pick the Right Time

Time of day matters when considering the natural lighting that will make your card shine. The hour before sunset is referred to as the “golden hour” and provides stunning lighting for your card.

Clean and Prep

Once you’ve chosen a place and time, prep and check the area before shooting. This includes cleaning, straightening pictures, aligning furniture, and checking for any blemishes that would stand out in the photo.

Pose Casually

You want your holiday card to seem warm and inviting. Having your family awkwardly pose in unnatural positions can have the opposite effect. Encourage your family to be composed, but casual.

Plan for Restless Children

The last thing most children want to do is sit still, smile, and wear clothes they might find uncomfortable. To avoid difficulties be sure to choose a time of day when they’re well rested, fed, and generally complacent. Make them smile with a joke or the promise of a holiday treat.

Distract your Pets

Holiday cards are a great way to show off a new pet or keep your friends and family updated on the family’s furry friend. Pets, like children, aren’t always eager to be photographed. Have the photographer catch their attention with a treat or one of their toys.

The holidays will be here soon enough, so get started on your family’s perfect holiday card to show your relatives and friends.

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