A few times a year I like to take inventory of the seasonal decor I have used in the past. If the door wreaths or welcome mats, the vase fill or the pillow covers are in need of a refresh, It’s a great opportunity to update your space without spending a lot of money. I always take a step back and look at my space with a new perspective. Sometimes we don’t see something because we have been ignoring it for too long! If a piece of artwork or an old blanket are no longer bringing joy, it’s probably time to update. These kind of minor changes can really refresh your space without breaking the bank. I will also move my art. Sometimes a painting in one room can take on a whole new look and feel in a different space with different lighting. I also rearrange the furniture for a better or different flow. Remember not to push everything up against the walls.. floating furniture can make the room look much larger. And lastly, when in doubt edit it out…. too much stuff can feel busy, cluttered, and overwhelming to the eye. This will result in a stressful reaction to your home rather than a calm sanctuary to enjoy being in. I recommend closed storage whenever possible. I usually do these seasonal updates whenever I do a good deep clean. Out with old, and in with the fresh!
Did you know? Painted furniture
When deciding to paint a piece of furniture its important to have the right base. Like in building a home, if the foundation is not sturdy the house will crack. The best product I swear by is bonding primer. I use it on every piece of furniture before I paint. (Even when the paint says no primer needed) Because I purchase older furniture that may have had a sordid past, I always use bonding primer to ensure that whatever may have seeped into the wood will be sufficiently covered. If you take the time and do this extra step before painting you will love the results!
First impressions
When putting your home on the market, first impressions will make all the difference. The first impression tells a lot about what a potential buyer will find inside.
Think of the entrance to your home as the movie trailer. If you want to capture the audience's attention you have to show them a glimpse of the story. The parts of the story you wish to reveal must be enticing enough to draw them inside. However, not every special feature within a film is found in its trailer. You want them to thirst for more. You want them to be impressed enough to look up the listing and make an appointment to see inside.
If the front entrance is well maintained, clean, fresh and appealing then buyers will assume the inside of the home will be as well and they will be willing to take a look at the rest of the home.
Some practical tips to freshen up the front entrance include, fresh paint or stain on the doors, clean clear glass, and a new welcome mat. Add some fresh seasonal greens in pots on the stoop and don't forget updated lighting! Keep the walkway to the door well maintained with cut grass and fresh mulch. Sweep away any leaves or cobwebs in the fall or remove any snow in the winter. Consider adding solar lights along the path for any buyers coming after work when its darker outside. And don't forget to be sure the doorbell is in proper working condition. Buyers will appreciate the welcoming first look to your home in anticipation of the treasure they will find inside!
Did you Know? - The art of style
Having an idea of what style you want in your home shouldn't be overwhelming. The terms can get confusing and most people can't tell how to describe themselves; but they know what they like and what they don't. What is the difference between modern, urban, mid-century modern, and contemporary, for example? How do I know what style my current furniture is? How can I make use of what I have, while still bringing my space more up to date? How can I incorporate an antique I love with more modern pieces? Do the colors in my home reflect the look I am going after? How can I make modern farmhouse fit in my 1800's colonial home? Do I need to toss everything I own and start over?
If you have ever asked yourself any of these questions, J C Wilson Designs is here to help! Before you send your spouce to Home Depot for a boat load of ship-lap, let's work together to see what design style suits your taste and your lifestyle...
Did you Know? - It's a marriage
The most important factors in designing your space are form and function. Form describes how your space will look, feel, and reflect your personal style. Function describes how you will use your space, who will use your space, and when it will be used. The marriage of these two important factors is how we make your space not only beautiful but functional for you and your family. It wouldn't make much sense for me to recommend a white wool rug under your dining table where your six young children eat, for example. Though white may be pretty, if it doesn't work for your family and it isn't practical to live with, it won't stay pretty for long! We also must consider the overall look and feel of your space. It may work well for your spouce to drop everything at the front door when they get home from work, but with thoughtful design ideas, we can still make your entryway or foyer look pleasing to the drop-by visitor, or door-to-door salesman you weren't expecting. Making sure your space works for you, and makes you happy, looks nice, and feels even better, is our greatest mission!