You’re 4 Steps Away From the Breakfast Nook of Your Dreams

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Sarah Lyon, our reliable source on all things Home, Design, and Style. If you’d like more information on Breakfast Nooks of Your Dreams, then please visit the linked website.

Congratulations! If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re lucky enough to have a breakfast nook in your home or apartment. (Or maybe you’re simply dreaming of the day you will have a breakfast nook, which also deserves some kudos.)

I recently moved into a new place with a small dining area, and am thrilled that I no longer need to perch on a bar stool or balance a plate on my lap on the couch. (Hey, we’ve all done it before!)

The only thing better than dining in a breakfast nook? Decorating it to your heart’s desire. Fortunately, styling your cozy corner is incredibly easy. Follow the simple steps below to put the fun back in fine dining.

Choose Chairs That Make a Statement

Now isn’t the time to settle for regular old dining chairs! Get fancy by picking out some seating with a little extra personality. Courtney of A Thoughtful Place opted for darling blue bistro chairs that give off major French cafe vibes. Make sure that whatever seating you select is comfy and not too stuffy. This isn’t a formal dining space; it’s a place to lounge with coffee and the morning paper, eat an after school snack, or enjoy a solo dinner in peace.

Get Cozy with Pillows

Sit down and stay awhile, why don’t you? Pillows will encourage guests (or roommates!) to enjoy their meals a bit longer. We love the mudcloth patternsin Kate Kordsmeier’s home, but you can really go in any direction you like in terms of picking a style or color scheme. Just be mindful of what kind of fabric you choose if you live with little ones (or adults!) who might be spill-prone.

Hang a Gorgeous Fixture

ICYMI: Great lighting is crucial to a breakfast nook. Take the time to replace the boring pendant that came with your place and hang something eye-catching, like the beautiful beaded beauty shown above in Ashley Campbell’shome. Doesn’t it do wonders for space? I couldn’t love it more!

Plop Down a Rug

Placing a rug under your table will add the perfect finishing touch to this small space. Bonus: since there’s less square footage to cover, you’ll spend much less than you would in a larger dining space. We love how Cassandra LaValle of Coco Kelley paired a boho-like rug with more traditional cane chairs and a light wooden table.

If you’re interested in buying your first home, then please contact your nearest Denver Flat Fee Realtor to learn more information about the Denver Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

6 Reasons Why a Colorful Couch is Always a Good Idea

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Sarah Lyon, our reliable source on all things Home, Design, and Style. If you’d like more information on Why a Colorful Couch is Always a Good Idea, please visit the linked website.

When I moved into my new apartment last month, I was debating between either ordering a classic linen couch or opting for a more fun, modern-looking option like a navy blue velvet couch with gold legs. I went with the latter, and I couldn’t be happier—and not only because I’m spill-prone. The pop of color just makes my living space so much more fun. If you, too, are itching to add some brightness to your space in couch form, the rooms below will give you the extra boost of encouragement you need!

They Help Break Up Monotony 

The New Orleans Creole cottage above has some beautiful architectural elements—just look at that exposed brick wall, the gorgeous old-fashioned looking ceiling, and the stunning hardwood floors! However, with the addition of leather chairs, the room turns very reddish-brown. A blue couchprovides the right amount of contrast and color without totally overpowering the space, and it makes the room feel a little younger and more fresh.

They’re Just So Cheerful 

Is there anything happier than a yellow couch? We didn’t think so (aside from, you know, a puppy sitting on a yellow couch). We bet coming home to this living space at the end of a long day is an instant breath of fresh air. Take a cue from this Oakland apartment dweller and snag your own!

They Can Look Super Chic

Don’t confuse “colorful” with “trendy.” This certainly isn’t always the case! Brightly colored couches can still look super classic when styled with more traditional accessories, as seen in the room above. The marigold piece in the Netherlands home is still the star of the show in our eyes, though!

They Can Tie the Room Together

As this San Francisco house tour proves, there are worse things than being known as the person with the pink couch. This one is playful, feminine, and acts anchors the printed accent chair, wallpaper, and rug. The result? A room that’s fun, but not too over-the-top.

They’re Cozy Looking

If you ask us, colorful couches can make a space look more welcoming and homey. The serene sofa in Chantal Berkelmans’ Dutch home looks like the perfect place to kick back and gather with friends. Nothing is taken too seriously and everyone is welcome to come and hang out.

They Add Warmth

Maybe you live in a rental unit where you can’t paint over your plain white walls. A colorful couch, such as the one pictured here, is a great alternative. This reddish hue adds tons of warmth to the space, no paint required!

If you’re interested in moving to Denver, then please contact your nearest Denver Flat Fee Realtor to learn more information about the Denver Real Estate Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

4 Easy Ways to Instantly Refresh Your Home for Fall

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Ann Loynd Burton, our reliable source on all things Home, Style, and Design. If you’d like more information on Ways to Instantly Refresh Your Home for Fall, then please visit the linked website.

With the dog days of summer in our rearview mirror, it’s time to embrace all that fall has to offer—vibrant leaves, crisp apples, chunky knits, a piping hot cup of cider. There’s a definite shift in our interiors as well, with windows closed up and darker hours descending. And if you work a nine-to-five, chances are the sun is setting by the time you call it a day. 

Thankfully, there are some easy steps you can take to give your home a refreshing makeover for fall. The key, according to Havenly interior designer Annie Mueller, is to create a foundation that lends itself to new layers with each season. Depending on your tastes, this can mean starting with softer hues like beige and gray or a high-low contrast in shades of black and white. Those who favor the bold might prefer a mix of vibrant colors and patterns for an eclectic foundation.

“If you’re unsure of where to start, try sticking to a neutral palette for your larger pieces,” she explains. “Doing this will ensure you’re not pigeon-holed to a specific color story and allow you the flexibility to go bolder with your accessories if you’re so inclined.”

With this clean slate, follow her genius tips to make your home cozier than a pumpkin spice latte.

Add Seasonal Touches in Moderation

For autumnal decor that is both festive and sophisticated, Mueller says less is more. 

“Add a mix of mums and pumpkins to your front porch, making sure to include a variety of widths and heights for interest,” she notes. “A unique arrangement in your dining room or living room can give your space all the cozy fall vibes without being overwhelming”

The interior designer recommends starting with some greenery, layering in flowers, and injecting a pop of metallics in gold, silver or rose gold.

Layer Textural Pillows and Throws

Fall is the best time to cuddle up on the sofa and binge-watch your favorite show. Up the cozy factor by adding extra throw blankets in chunky knits, Mueller says. Then, add pillows with textures like velvet, mohair, or faux fur. 

“For a modern edge, keep your palette monochromatic,” she says. “Or mix colors and patterns like buffalo check, plaid or ticking stripe for a more traditional approach.”

Brighten Up Shorter Days

Calling all plant lovers: You have our permission to add more greens to your home. (Those plants won’t last on the porch once the temperatures drop, anyway.) Mueller loves fiddle-leaf figs, eucalyptus branches, and orchids. 

Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t worry. Try some brighter artwork you might not hang year-round, for example. Mueller says easels make a smart, non-permanent installation. 

Create a Signature Home Scent

We all love a good pumpkin candle, but there’s a better way to inhale scents of the season without worrying about potential toxins. Mueller is all for a stovetop potpourri.

“Include anything from apples or oranges to cinnamon sticks, vanilla, cloves, pine needles, anise or lemon peels,” she recommends. “Add any combo of the above ingredients with water in a pot, let simmer, and breathe in that intoxicating scent of autumn.” 

But, as Ina Garten always says, store-bought is also fine. If you’re on the search for a streamlined scent, purchase pre-packaged potpourri or create a candle cocktail.

If you’re interested in purchasing your own home, then please contact your nearest Denver Realtor.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

The 5 Most Important Home Maintenance Tasks You’re Forgetting to Do, According to Home Inspectors

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Brittany Anas , our reliable source on all things Home, Style and Design. If you’d like more information on Important Home Maintenance Tasks You’re Forgetting to Do, then please visit the linked website.

If you’re not properly maintaining your home, the damage will become clear come inspection time. Leaky roofs, faulty HVAC systems, wood damage hinting at major structural problems. Oh, my!

But what exactly are the most important chores to prevent longterm (and expensive) damage? I went straight to the source—professional home inspectors—to ask them what you should focus on. Here, the half-dozen tasks and missteps homeowners often make when it comes to home maintenance 101.

Cleaning your gutters

Check and clean out your gutters, soffits, and fascia throughout the year to prevent debris from accumulating. If you don’t, it could cause leaks, rotting, and other expensive damage, says Benjamin Martin, a home inspector and president and lead inspector for Florida Certified Home Inspections. 

“Once debris is carefully removed, any dirt or grime should be thoroughly cleaned and cleared; any missing caulk replaced; and holes, cracks, or loose areas repaired,” he says.

Plan to tackle this chore every spring and fall (or hire a professional if ladders make you queasy). Hot tip: Pine needles cause frequent gutter clogging. If you have a tree near your gutters, plan to do this more often.

Checking in on your air conditioning and heating system

Martin says the most ideal scenario is to hire an HVAC professional for semi-annual maintenance, focusing on cooling in the spring and heating in the fall. 

“In the meantime, homeowners, especially those with pets, should change their filters once a month,” he says

If you notice condensation gathering on your outdoor AC unit, don’t panic. Flush the condensate drain with soapy, hot water and vinegar. (If you’re new to this, look for the drain near the air handler. It’s usually made of PVC with an easy-to-access cap). If condensation continues to appear on the unit, if you notice drips, or the AC isn’t cooling, call in a licensed professional, Martin recommends.

Regularly flushing out clogs

Keeping your plumbing systems running smoothly will help you avoid leaks and water damage, Martin says. You should address small clogs as soon as they pop up. Yes, that means regularly removing the hair build-up in your shower (as unpleasant as it may be). 

In terms of your toilet, remove any gunk that accumulates near a toilet valve (the long mechanism in the toilet tank) and replace worn flappers (the rubber seal in the tank), he says.

Also, check underneath your sinks and inside cabinets to see if there are any water spots or puddles. You may have a hidden leaks that need attention.

Hot tip: Pay special attention to what you put down your garbage disposal. You know you can’t put an avocado pit down your drain and expect things to go well. But some lesser-known foods can also damage your garbage disposal, and—gulp—your more pricy plumbing system. Fibrous veggies like asparagus and celery can wrap around the disposal’s blades; coffee grounds can build up in the plumbing pipes; grease and fats can congeal and, over time, clog pipes.

Calling the exterminator in a timely fashion

If you see a couple of bugs crawling, you may get a tad creeped out, but mostly annoyed. However, allowing bug problems to escalate could wreak major havoc on your home, says Kathleen Kuhn, CEO and president of HouseMaster Home Inspections.
Wood-eating termites, for example, notoriously put a home’s structural integrity at risk, causing expensive repairs down the line. Carpenter ants also damage the wood where they nest. Powderpost beetles are wood-boring insects, creating hollowed out spaces in your wood.

Draining your hot water heater

Many homeowners don’t know to partially drain their hot water heater, says John Bodrozic, co-founder of HomeZada, a digital home management site. 

“Minerals in your water will build up over time at the bottom of your tank, which also causes the tank to work harder, which often causes the hot water heater to fail, causing water damage,” he explains.

Keeping your water heater running efficiently can greatly benefit your pocket: Replacing a hot water tank can cost up to $4,500. Bodrozic says to drain your tank from the bottom at least once a year to get the sediment out, then refill it.

Ahh, don’t you wish homeownership came with a user’s manual? To help, we’ve come up with a list of maintenance tasks that every first time home owner should know about.

If you’d like more information about the Denver Real Estate Market, then please contact your nearest Denver Realtor.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

5 Things You Should Avoid Buying for Your New Home, According to Real Estate Agents

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Kate Streit, our reliable source on all things Home, Design, and Style. If you’d like more information on Things You Should Avoid Buying for Your New Home, then please visit the linked website.

When you buy a new home, it’s tempting to fill it with brand-new everything. But before you get carried away, realize that some purchases are unnecessary. (Also, if you make these big purchases before you close, it might cost you your home!) You’ll want to make sure you have cash on hand to cover your mortgage payment for at least three months, plus enough savings for any unexpected expenses. If you blow your whole paycheck on appliances or decor, you may come up short when something inevitably breaks or needs to be replaced.

But what, exactly, can you take off of your to-buy list? I spoke with real estate experts to see what purchases first-time homebuyers often regret after move-in day. Here, the five things you should either wait to buy or skip completely.

 New dishes and cooking supplies

Warning: The home-buying process may cause short-term delusions of thinking you’ll suddenly turn into a domestic whiz. A few weeks (and delicious meals) after move-in, it’s likely you’ll end up ordering take-out just as often as you did when you rented. 

“When my wife and I moved into our apartment, we bought so many cooking supplies, but we don’t cook,” says Luke Joyce, an real estate agent with REAL New York. “Part of living in New York City is always being out and about, so it’s hard to find time to cook.”

Be honest—not aspirational—about your lifestyle. Unless you upgraded to a chef’s kitchen to support your time-tested hobby, you probably don’t need a new set of pots and every last high-tech kitchen gadget. Save your cash.

Appliances you don’t have room for

Be realistic about your space. If you live in a small condo, you probably don’t have space for an industrial-sized vacuum or door-length ironing board. Instead, opt for a more compact models and get creative with using your space. 

For example, Nathaniel Neman of REAL New York recommends skipping the ironing board altogether and instead purchasing a portable ironing mat to use on top of a kitchen counter or dresser top.

Power tools

All those hours of HGTV probably have you revving up for some DIY projects, and you might think you’ll need to buy a set of power tools. But save your money, says Gerard Splendor of Warburg Realty in New York City. Power tools are very expensive, and for the frequency most homeowners use them, it’s often not cost-efficient to shell out for them. 

Instead, rent tools from a store like Home Depot or check if your community or local library has a tool lending library. If you just need to mount some shelves and hang picture frames après-move-in, it might make sense to hire an hourly professional on a service like Taskrabbit, Thumbtack, or Handy.

Custom window treatments

Before you invest in pricey custom window coverings, take stock of your new home. Splendore says you’ll want to observe light and heat patterns in your home during different seasons, and then figure out what treatments will work best. 

Also remember: Decorating your home is a marathon, not a race. It’s likely your home decor will go through different iterations as you nest, so waiting on window treatments will allow you choose ones that better fit your home’s long-term style. 

Of course, you will need to cover your windows from nosy neighbors. So just throw up some fun, inexpensive curtains and tension rods until you’re more settled.

Hardwired light fixtures

Builder-grade boob lights are definitely eyesores, but I promise you can make do with them for the first year or so of homeownership. Splendore agrees and recommends waiting to spend money on fixtures and installation. For the meantime, switch out the bulbs or install dimmers.

If you enjoyed this article and would like to learn more about the Denver Real Estate Market, then please contact your nearest Denver Metro Realtor to learn more information.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

7 Landscaping Mistakes Real Estate Agents See All the Time

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Lambeth Hochwald, our reliable source on all things Home, Style, and Design. If you’d like more information on Landscaping Mistakes Real Estate Agents See All the Time, then please visit the linked website.

You may not have a green thumb, but that’s no reason to let your yard become an eyesore. Not only will maintaining your lot keep your neighbors happy, landscaping can actually also help boost your home’s value.

But where do you start? I asked real estate agents nationwide for the gardening gaffes they see most. Here, the seven most common mistakes to avoid. 

Beware: Reading may inspire feelings of wanting to pick up a rake and get outside.

Landscaping without a game plan

“Make sure you think through the layout of your landscaping carefully before getting started. Or, better yet, hire a professional to put in a variety of plants based on the climate and lot size. There’s nothing worse than dead plants littering your yard. Curb appeal is the first impression a potential buyer [has] of your home, and it’s vital that your landscaping is in good shape in order to draw them inside.”

Rahul Ramchandani, president of SR Real Estate Group at Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, which sells homes in New Jersey and California.

Not paying attention to the terrain

“The biggest mistake I see people make with landscaping is trying to create what they had ‘back home.’ To compensate for the dry climate, I have seen people ‘plant’ fake flowers. Fake grass has become very popular here, too. Embracing the desert with all its natural beauty can be tough for people coming from a greener environment but your yard should fit into the landscape.”

Tamara Heidel, a broker at Heidel Realty in Las Vegas

Forgetting to factor in the local fauna

“I’ve seen homebuyers put huge fruit and vegetable gardens in their yard and, when they’re not maintained properly, the gardens are ruined and attract all types of animals and rodents.”

Tami Halton Pardee, a realtor and founder of Halton Pardee + Partners in Los Angeles

Planting trees too close to your property

“Remember that trees grow. Plant them several feet away from your home so their limbs won’t rub against your home. Overhanging limbs can also damage the roof and spreading roots might damage the foundation.”

Melissa Okabe, a real estate agent at Alta Properties in Los Angeles, California.  

Not paying enough attention to your lawn

“Maintaining the soil conditions in your lawn and watering your lawn in a timely fashion is a task many homeowners struggle with. There are many lawns that are watered at the wrong time, cut too short (or with a dull blade), or isn’t aerated to allow water and fertilizer to penetrate. This creates irregular dead spots, weeds, brown grass and bugs.”

Karen Kostiw, a Realtor at Warburg Realty in New York City

Neglecting to keep things neat

“Sellers should always trim and thin trees and bushes so the home is the focal point. [They should] pull weeds, mulch the flower beds for a clean aesthetic, and add a pop of color with flowers—especially in areas that can accent the front door and walkways. It should all be done in a manner that is substantial enough to not look like a quickly-flipped property.”

Nick Meyer, a real estate agent with EQ1 Real Estate in San Jose, California

If you’re interested in learning more about the Denver Real Estate Market, then please contact your nearest Denver Realtor.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

7 Ways to Add Warmth to a Mostly Minimalist Space

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Kelsey Mulvey, our reliable source on all things Home, Design, and Style. If you’d like more information on Ways to Add Warmth to a Mostly Minimalist Space, then please visit the linked website.

What is it about minimalism that always makes us a little weak in the knees? It doesn’t matter if it’s one of Philip Johnson’s iconic glass houses or a set from our favorite movie, there’s something about those clean lines, pared-down details and neutral color palette that makes us feel like we’re in a stylish sanctuary.

But while there’s no doubt minimalism oozes luxury, the lack of colors, prints, and quirkiness can make the covetable style feel a little, well, lifeless. 

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. Your home is a reflection of yourself and, regardless of the style, it should feel warm and welcoming to you and your guests. 

If warming up a minimalist space feels like Mission: Impossible, relax—we asked a few design experts how to do so like a pro.

Welcoming Walls

“Adding decorative accessories can instantly brighten and bring warmth to a space. Try incorporating pieces that are both functional and stylish, like a tapestry. Tapestries create depth and add visual appeal to a wall, but can also be used as a room divider for a small space. The best part is that they are easy to swap out when you are ready for something new.” —Allison Spampanato, SVP of product development at Pottery Barn Kids and PBteen

“Great art. When art is your statement piece in the room, you create a focal point that distracts one from focusing on the minimalist vibe. Use art to create a central, conversation piece.” —Alessandra Wood, interior design expert and vice president of style at Modsy.

Back to Basics

“To warm up a minimalist palette, keep a monochromatic color palette and load up on varied textures. Incorporate warm natural grain wood and style with living things, like branches, flowers, and trees for a more inviting space. Look at your appliances, and try to swap out cooler-toned materials like marble and nickel for warmer options like limestone and brass.” —Brittany Zwickl, principal partner at STUDIO LIFE.STYLE

A Touch of Textiles

“Textiles, textiles, textiles. I really love a lived-in minimal look and adding layers of functional comfort, if you will. Floor pillows for coziness, beautiful drapery for added warmth, layered bedding in the right materials. Linens are lightweight and breezy where wool-blends can add some heaviness, paired together you get the best of both.” —Michelle Dopp, textile designer and founder of Fabric & Steel

Pared-Down Patterns

“Add layers of subtle color and pattern to your space. You can use minimal and of-the-moment patterns like our terrazzo removable wallpapers, layered with other neutrals in the space. Terrazzo has a slightly warmer tone, so it warms up a space, especially paired with camel and tan hues.” —Elizabeth Rees, founder of Chasing Paper

Warm Whites

“To ensure that your space still feels warm, I’d start with the room’s biggest canvas: the walls. Choose a white that isn’t a stark white and instead has some depth to it. I recommend EasyCare Paint Coconut Milk.” —Camille Styles, lifestyle expert and EasyCare Paint brand ambassador

Get Lit

“Color and light play a major role in our comfort in minimalist spaces. These days, LED is a huge trend but often casts a cold, blue tone on our environment. If you want a warmer entertaining environment in a minimalistic home, my suggestion is to select beautiful simplistic lighting with low wattage Edison bulbs. Selecting a fixture with warm filament bulbs will not only create the ‘mood’ you seek but will also demonstrate your personal decorative style.” –Ben Marshall, creative director at Hudson Valley Lighting Group

“Candles might seem like an obvious answer for all the glow and warmth they bring, but because they typically have such clean and simple forms, they often aren’t doing much visually to break up the minimalism. These Areaware ones are an exception, though: They have great shapes, and, since they don’t need holders or containers of any kind, you don’t have to worry about added clutter.” —Erica Cerulo, co-founder of Of A Kind

Seeing Red

“Paint one thing a warm-toned color; it could be bright red such as Emperor’s Silk, a warm brown like Coco, or an earthy coral like Scandinavian Pink. Paint anything; the floor, a piece of furniture or even the ceiling. This will create warmth without clutter.” —Annie Sloan, color expert and founder of Chalk Paint

If you’re interested in buying your own home, then please contact your nearest Denver Realtor to learn more about the Denver Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

10 No-Cost Ways to Redecorate Your Home for the New Year

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Danielle Blundell, our reliable source on all things Home, Style, and Design. If you’d like more information on Ways to Redecorate Your Home for the New Year, then please visit the linked website.

New year, new you, new home, right? Well, if you had the money for that last one, that’d be the case anyway. If the holiday season has you tightening your purse strings a bit, know that you’re not alone. Maybe you can’t move into a new space or splurge on a whole bunch of new stuff for that matter. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make your home look a little bit different. There are plenty of no-cost design changes that can help refresh for the new year, and these ten freebies are where we’re starting.

Shop Your Home for “New” Accessories 

Take the lamps in your living room and swap them out for what’s on your bedside tables. You can do the same thing with other non-installed decorative items around your home, from vases and plants to throw pillows and blankets. If you feel motivated to switch out the art in your rooms, you can also do that, too.

Colorize Your Books

Yes, we know this is controversial, but hear us out. If you haven’t arranged your collection by color yet, sort your books by spine shade and give that ROYGBIV game a go. Or edit your books on display down to a tight color palette and put the outliers in baskets or bins. This will bring a bit of visual harmony and calmness to your space. Or if the rainbow look isn’t for you, you could reorganize to find a system that works for you—genre, alphabetical by author, etc.

Feng Shui All Day 

Take some time to rethink your layout, applying some of the basics of feng shui to it so energy-wise, your home’s flow is better. For example, if sitting at your desk means your back is to the door, change that so you’re facing it (this is called a place of power). Keep bathroom doors closed. Make sure your mirrors are in a spot where they’re best reflecting natural light. A bunch of little tweaks can make your space feel fresh and more harmonious for you and anyone else who walks through your doors.

Declutter

Seriously, we say this all the time. But all that stuff is making your space feel claustrophobic, and it’s dampening the energy in there, too. Make like Coco Chanel, and instead of removing one accessory before you go out, remove one thing you don’t need from each room you walk into—the bigger the item, the better. Donate all your cast-offs in good condition to charity.

Swap Bedrooms 

This tip won’t really work for those of you (like me) in one-bedroom apartments. But if you’re feeling like you want to shake things up and your roommates or family members are down for it, try swapping bedrooms with someone. This may be easier said than done if there’s a big disparity between the sizes of sleep spaces in your home. If the stakes are low though, why not? You’ll be forced to rethink your layout and belongings, so welcome that change. And if you live alone and have multiple bedrooms, even better. You’ll have your pick of the litter!

 Remove Your Blinds or Heavy Window Treatments 

Not saying you should do this all throughout your home—especially not in private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms. But if you have a rear-facing kitchen window where sunlight just streams in, for example, give it a chance. Or maybe you have a big living room window. Just take the blinds or curtains off and fully embrace this feature you’re lucky to have.

Repurpose Old Clothing and Accessories into Decor 

Turn a favorite old college or high school tee into a pillowcase. Use scrunchies or hair ribbons as curtain tie backs. Instead of wall art, hang necklaces off of pushpins or store bracelets on a dowel so they look like sculpture. The more creative you can get, the better. Some of these ideas may even make it easier for you to get dressed in the morning.

Take Your Upper Cabinet Doors Off

Have you always loved the look of open shelving in a kitchen? See if you can make your kitchen look airier by removing a set of upper doors or two. It won’t work in every case or layout, but I’ve seen this done before in low budget renovations, and it’s a quick way to take 10 years off the age of your kitchen. Be prepared to sort and toss mismatched dishes though. Hope neatness is your strong suit.

Update Your Headboard

Your bedroom could use a little love, too. So look around your house for a spare throw blanket, piece of fabric, or tapestry. Throw it over your headboard and bask in your decorative genius—you don’t even have to tuck the fabric in so long as your stack of pillows is high enough to hide the end of the fabric. This will make your headboard look new, and when you tire of this pattern or color, you can rotate something new in.

Clean Your Windows and Light Fixtures

Even if you live in an area where it’s warm year-round, winter days can be shorter and darker on the whole. So make sure you are getting your best light by optimizing the windows and light fixtures you have with a good thorough clean. Give your windows and mirrors a once-over with a cleanser, so they’re not streaky or smudgy. And dust off your light bulbs off while you’re at it. Dirty bulbs can decrease light output and waste energy. Use a dryer sheet to gently wipe bulbs off and enjoy the little bit of boost you get in the brightness department.

If you’re interested in buying your first home, then please contact your nearest Denver Flat Fee Realtor to learn more about the Denver Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

7 Prewar Design Elements Making a Comeback in 2020

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Caroline Biggs, our reliable source on all things Home, Style and Design. If you’d like more information on Design Elements Making a Comeback in 2020, then please visit the linked website.

Peek inside any restored prewar home, and you’ll instantly see the appeal. “Pre-war apartments have historic details, high ceilings and decorative moldings that provide a beautiful contrast to contemporary interiors,” says Marie Flanigan of Marie Flanigan Interiors. “Construction practices during that time period were elaborate, often using skilled tradesmen for detailing, and floors and walls were built to last generations.”

It’s no surprise, then, that prewar architectural details are starting to resurface, even in present-day spaces. “In today’s age of design consumerism, there seems to be a spotlight on authenticity,” says Angie Socias of Coppel Design. “As many of these older homes switch hands to a younger generation of buyers, today’s design-savvy property owners are taking stock of the prewar details and finding value in preserving a level of architectural craftsmanship that has become almost extinct in newer constructed homes.” 

And if you don’t have that old house charm or can’t see yourself moving to a space with it anytime soon, the good news is you can fake it—at least somewhat. Sure, true period details are always best, but your budget shouldn’t prevent you from getting the prewar look if you love it. We asked our experts which classic prewar elements are making a comeback in 2020, and here’s what they said to consider for your space—whether you’re looking to take on a full renovation or just a weekend project.

Non-Open Floor Plans

Thanks to a renewed interest in uniquely designed spaces, Flanigan says closed floorplans, like the one in Lauren and Breeze’s New Orleans abode, are all the rage in modern homes. “Clients are trending towards more segmented floor plans for the formality and individuality of the spaces,” she says. “They are seeking more privacy and noise control, in addition to a sense of coziness.” With separated spaces, Flanigan thinks you can take bigger design chances, creating a distinct look in each room without worrying about it visually jibing with what’s “next” to it. In addition, separate spaces means more opportunities to sneak storage into corners and along walls. 

Hardwood Floors

The hardwood floors of yesteryear, like the ones in Sam’s Scottish home, are having a moment in contemporary interiors—and it’s not hard to see why. “Well-worn hardwood floors add unmatched warmth and visual depth to any space,” Socias says. “They also provide a neutral backdrop to ground both contemporary and traditional furnishings, rugs, and artwork.” If you have an old home or are about to buy one, always consider refinishing before replacing the floors so you can preserve some of that charm. 

Decorative Moldings

One of the most recognizable elements of a prewar interior is moldings on the walls, like crown molding or box panels like what’s in Brandi’s prewar Brooklyn apartment. “Decorative moldings add charm, history, and character to spaces,” Flanigan says. “I love to paint the details white, which is a beautiful juxtaposition against more modern furnishings.” You can always add molding to a blank box rooms, too. Stock trim from a home center obviously isn’t period authentic, but it can be found in the pre-war style. 

High Ceilings

Nothing makes a room feel grander than tall, soaring ceilings. That’s why they’re popping up more and more in modern interiors like Sarah and Andy Litvinchuk’s California home. “High ceilings create more air volume for light to travel through a room, which gives a space a sense of levity and lightness,” Socias says. There’s not much you can do about your ceiling without renovating, but you can create the optical illusion of height with wallpaper that has a vertically-oriented print. Painting the ceiling a little lighter than your walls can also draw the eye upward somewhat.

Stone Fireplaces

Prewar marble fireplaces, like the one in this Brooklyn brownstone, are brimming with charm and sophistication, so it’s no surprise they’re making major waves in present-day interiors. “We are seeing pre-war stone fireplaces being used in all types of designs, Flanigan says. “The decorative stone details offer a refined contrast to contemporary furnishings.” Marble is also another way to bring in an earthy, natural touch, so you definitely get the best of both worlds with this material.

Plaster Walls 

Sturdy and soundproof, plaster walls, like the ones in Nicole and Dan Lucey’s Brooklyn brownstone, can be embellished with ornamental moldings, making them more durable and more decorative than drywall ones. “Nothing adds more richness to a room than the texture and weight of real plaster walls,” Flanigan says. “They create a depth and glow to an unadorned space.”

Sunken Living Rooms

If you thought sunken living rooms, like the one in Anil and Shannon’s New York City loft, were a thing of the past, then it’s time to think again. “We are once again seeing a trend in changing floor levels,” Flanigan says. Maybe this is the compromise between open and closed floor plans, since you get a sense of separation without the isolation? Adds Socias: “By differentiating the living room from other parts of the home, you create a sense of intimacy and drama in the space.” 

If you’re interested in learning more about the Denver Real Estate Market, then please contact your nearest Denver Metro Realtor.

https://www.soldfor1995.com

These 19 Home Office Decor Ideas Will Make You Want to Tackle Your To-Do List ASAP

This article has been taken from Apartment Therapy and written by Sarah Lyon, our reliable source on all things Home, Style and everything in between. If you’d like more information on Home Office Decor Ideas, then please visit the linked website.

For many, working from home is a major perk, but you know what makes it even better? Being able to set up shop in a home office that reflects your personality, encourages you to embrace creativity, and supports productivity. Whether you operate a business from your apartment or just need room to knock out a mile-long to-do list on the weekends, these office decor ideasbelow will inspire you to design the workspace of your dreams. Now if only they’d make your cluttered inbox disappear, too!

Create a Soothing Color Scheme

Blogger Taylor Brown‘s home office is a gorgeous mix of mainly black, white, gold, and gray pieces and features everyone’s fave rattan pendant—the SINNERLIG from IKEA—as well as other modern accessories such as a globe desk lamp from Target. If you like a peaceful palette, soft gray walls are the way to go. You can always turn up the drama with some colorful accessories if you tire of this kind of chic, monochromatic look.

Wake Up Your Walls

Add a pop of color to your walls, or even just the area behind your computer, as blogger Christene Holder did in her workspace. You’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to stare at a plain backdrop all day—a little color can make all the difference to help spark inspiration and creativity! And if you want a really streamlined space, closed cabinetry is your best friend. Holder used a two-toned mix of drawers and taller, almost pantry-sized, cabinets.

Get Sophisticated

If you’re not one for pops of color, you may want to design a more black-and-white space like blogger Maria Vizuete‘s, which also proves that a symmetrical setup can look stunning. Extra chairs placed in front of your desk make it easy to conduct meetings in your at-home workspace. And don’t underestimate the impact that a few well-placed mirrors can have, especially if you don’t have a lot of windows. Flanking the desk with two large, paned mirrors really brightens up the space and adds visual interest here.

Let the Sun Shine

Karen of Sanctuary Home Decor positioned her desk in front of her office window, which ensures that sunlight can stream in as she tackles her blogging and design work. Play around with different layout configurations to determine what works best for you and your work preferences. Desks don’t always need to be pushed up against a wall. Floating yours in the middle of a room or putting one in a sunny corner might be a better option for you.

Embrace Open Shelving

Blogger Stacy Risenmay‘s home office features plenty of open shelving. The key to keeping yours orderly and neat like hers? Bins and baskets. You can combine a mix of both open and closed storage pieces in different sizes as seen above. Just make sure each item sticks to a palette—here it’s black, white, and brown—for some visual unity.

Play With Paint

Even if you don’t want to paint all of your office walls, adding colorful wainscoting will make a huge impact, as illustrated by blogger Danika Gadeken of Nadine Stay. We love how the hunter green looks when paired with the cognac chair. If your walls don’t have this kind of trim work, you can fake it by painting half of your walls in a contrasting color.

Add Pizzazz With Panels 

Blogger Monica Benavidez hung chinoiserie panels behind her desk for extra charm, and they truly transform the back wall of her room. Whether you opt to purchase something special or get creative with a little DIY project, you can’t go wrong with some statement artwork like this. These kind of pieces make a big impact on the cheap, especially if you tackle the mounting and framing yourself. Plus, they provide a nice focal point behind your desk.

Go Traditional 

Blogger Kristine Franklin designed the most darling workspace, complete with a coordinated gallery wall and a lovely, traditional-looking chair, which pairs nicely with a more modern wooden desk. An oversized plant adds intrigue to the corner of the room. Don’t forget that last layer of life—greenery will wake up your senses and may even help you stress less.

A Clear Winner

Olivia Watson‘s office makes it easy to stay on top of her fashion blogging, thanks to her bookshelves-turned-purse and shoe racks. She also wheeled in a rolling rack that’s stocked with pieces for her future #OOTD posts. Because she has a lot of stuff in this room, her choice of a lucite desk, simple white chair, and plain rug ensures that the space doesn’t look too cluttered.

Set Up a Shared Workspace

If you and your spouse or business partner want to work side-by-side, a setup like blogger Remi Ishizuka’s is an ideal solution. She used IKEA filing cabinetsto separate her two seating areas and max out storage space. You may find it helpful to use the same furnishings—chairs, desks, and lamps—just to keep the look in your room cohesive.

Think Outside the Box

Hello, home office that looks like it’s straight out of an Anthropologie catalog! It’s hard to pick a favorite feature here, but it just might be the table. Not finding a desk you love? Try working at a dining table instead! This space by Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth features a mid-century modern piece that is large enough to sit two, making it ideal for group work. Go ahead and think a bit outside the box when decorating!

Hang a Favorite Print

Hanging a calming piece of artwork above your desk will make even the most stress-filled days feel a bit less chaotic. As much as we love a good gallery wall, an oversized print like this one that Megan of Honey We’re Homeincluded is really all you need. Plus, it’s a much easier install and doesn’t compete with the gold shelving units the way a full gallery wall would.

Go a Little Glam

Blogger Caitlin Covington worked with friend and designer Kelsey Hymel of Kelsey Lee Interiors to create the space pictured above. While glam touches like the chandelier may not be standard in an office, they’ll elevate a space in an instant and make sitting at a desk all morning feel like a little fancier. We also love the addition of oversized shutters here as the choice of window covering. They add an extra hit of architectural charm to the space.

Make Room for Plants

Real or faux, greenery can go a long way in making an indoor workspace feel a little more lively. Blogger Cyndi Spivey added several plant babies to her home offie, all of which make the room that much more cheerful. And go ahead and get that fiddle leaf fig tree you’ve been wanting. If Spivey’s office is any indicatory, it’s the perfect way to fill an empty corner.

Say Yes to a Sofa 

If you have room for a sofa or loveseat in your home office, why not go for it? Blogger Courtney Whitmore did just that, turning her space into a multi-functional room where clients can convene. Her decor is perfect for anyone who loves preppy, glam style. And if you’re lucky enough to have a window seat, you can turn that into extra guest seating, too. Just add a seat cushion or a couple of pillows.

Style Your Heart Out

Blogger Chris Carey‘s open shelving makes a major statement, thanks to its bold black hue. Don’t be afraid to use a dark color for a wall or shelving unit in your office, especially if your key furnishings and decorative accessories are lighter in color. The only thing to keep in mind is how much natural light your room gets. Deep colors can be tricky to pull off if you don’t have a lot of windows.

Maximize Your Storage

Blogger Missy Ulmer‘s beautiful home office is full of sunlight—and storage! A wall of built-in shelves, cabinets, and drawers provides both visible and hidden storage, the latter of which is perfect for stashing office supplies, paperwork, and other important documents. If you don’t have the budget for custom, you could always bring in some bookshelves to fake the look.

Find Clever Small Space Solutions

Ashley Carpenter proves that yes, you can even create a home office in an RV! The secret here is to keep furniture and decor relatively minimal, so you don’t create visual clutter. This color-coordinated boho space is the perfect spot to squeeze in a work sesh and has a lot of style but just the basics—a desk, lamp, plant, and clock.

Transform Your Basement 

Brittany Hayes of Addison’s Wonderland transformed her basement into a beautiful, spacious home office that has tons of functionality and style. A basement office provides minimal distraction while making the most of space that is oftentimes neglected.

If you’re interested in buying or selling a home, then please contact your nearest Denver Flat Fee Realtor to learn more about the Denver Market.

https://www.soldfor1995.com