EXPLORE all the trends – from styling to sell, the importance of art, the latest design trends, the iconic feature wall and many other ideas including what’s the latest out there…. This section will help you dress your home, throw new ideas at you and inspire you to experiment with “tried and tested” guidelines that I’m sure will arm you with the best advice to sell your property and enjoy life.
Watsons Bay – Live, Love, Sell |
08.03.16 |
Set at the entrance of the peninsula which culminates in dramatic South Head, Watsons Bay has grown into an exclusive family address. Until the 1950’s, it was very much a peaceful fishing village, but in recent decades its sublime harbour and ocean views, immense character and relaxed ambience have seen it transformed into a prestigious suburb.
Casual sophistication is the order of the day at its most famous restaurant, the iconic Doyle’s, and the neighbouring Watsons Bay Hotel (known as ‘Beach Club’). Commercial development has thankfully been contained here, and the waterfront is limited to a few small cafes and takeaway shops, with the odd eclectic specialty store thrown into the mix.
At 11km from the CBD, it’s the outermost Eastern Suburb, but its boutique beaches, harbourfront parks, clifftop walks and spectacular views ensure that on a hot weekend it can be packed with locals and tourists. During the week however it’s lovely and quiet and retains that traditional ‘old Sydney’ ambience.
Many of its charming original weatherboard fisherman’s cottages have been lovingly restored and are dotted among some historic sandstone manors and luxurious contemporary mansions. Just head to the shores of idyllic Camp Cove and you’ll get a glimpse of the handful of luxury properties lucky enough to enjoy direct access to its serene shores.
Bed Linen Trends |
04.03.16 |
There’s nothing better than flopping down on your bed after a long day to unwind. Feeling the soft mattress, fluffing up your favourite cushion, and surrounding yourself with the serenity.
Creating the perfect ambience in your bedroom isn’t rocket science – it’s all about personal taste. However, just like every other room in your house, your bedroom should be constantly evolving to reflect not only your life but popular trends that emerge. Sometimes a whole-room overhaul may be needed – especially if you haven’t updated your room in a while – but other times it can be as simple as buying new linen or adding new soft furnishings. In this blog, I’ll be discussing bedroom colour trends for 2016.
Photo Source
This year’s Pantone Colour of the Year is – for the first time – a blend of two shades; Rose Quartz and Serenity. These two softer shades, the Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute Leatrice Eiseman, said “demonstrate an inherent balance between warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as a soothing sense of order and peace.”
I don’t know about you, but that description sounds like the perfect atmosphere for a bedroom. By following this colour scheme for your bed linen, throw rugs, pillows, cushions and other furnishings, you can create a harmonious atmosphere.
Now, just because the colour(s) of the year are these soft blue/pink shades, doesn’t mean you need to convert your room in to a nursery. The last thing you want to create is a room that is more suited to a baby! Soft pastels are popular in children’s rooms as they do create a tranquil environment. So, how do you utilise these colours and still maintain a sophisticated, adult bedroom?
Photo Source
“Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.”
So we’ve established these tones are perfect for a bedroom, but don’t feel inclined to change EVERYTHING in your room. As these two shades work perfectly with neutrals, work with what you’ve already got. For example, if your bed linen is mostly beige/white/cream, then add a throw rug in Rose Quartz and maybe a few throw cushions in Serenity. If you have heavy curtains on your windows, maybe think about adding a lightweight layer in one of the Pantone shades. This will add a whimsical element, yet not too dramatic. A few subtle changes can make a huge difference.
Following on the same colour scheme, another design trend that is making an appearance is rose gold. Metallics have been gaining popularity in bedrooms, living areas, kitchens and bathrooms. Adding a little bling in the form of a rose gold lamp, mirror, photo frame or even hat stand can accentuate the tones of the soft furnishings in your bedroom. Don’t go overboard, one or two shiny pieces will be enough.
Texture can add another dimension to a soft palette. Velvet is luxurious and provides an air of extravagance. Why not experiment with having one piece in your bedroom – an arm chair or cushion – covered in Rose Quartz velvet?
Have fun and play around with this year’s colours. As always, make it your own to enjoy and ensure you create a space for calm and relaxation.
HOW THE MARKET’S TRAVELLING |
01.03.16 |
It’s hard to believe it’s already March – where does the time fly?
I know what I’ve been busy with – buying, selling and leasing properties across the Eastern Suburbs.
My first impression of the year confirms to me that the market will remain strong, though hopefully the spectacular percentage increases experienced in 2014 and 2015 will be modified to a more reasonable rate of growth in the 3-5% range. If the number of enquiries we have received since the start of the year are anything to go by, then the Eastern Suburbs property market will be in good shape.
However, I’d be remiss not to inform you all about the biggest change in the way real estate agents operate. This new practice is as a result of new government legislation, which was introduced on 1 January 2016. This new legislation was designed to combat ‘under-quoting’.
So how will this effect the way we operate? Well, we will no longer will we be allowed to say “more than $X” or “between $2.5–$3 million”. The maximum range we will be legally able to ‘quote’ will be a 10% variance. In other words, if the property is quoted at $1,000,000, the range we can quote up to is $1,100,000. So we will not allowed to say “over $1million” or “low one millions”.
While it may seem pretty straightforward, it will not be an easy task. You see, the valuing of real estate in the Eastern Suburbs is a very inexact science and it can be difficult to predict within 5% either way the value of a property.
However, it could be worse! Imagine, if like our northern neighbours in Queensland, we weren’t able to – in the auction process – quote any price! I couldn’t imagine our savvy clientele putting up with that!
The new law doesn’t, however, force an agent to quote a price. This can be advantageous as it is often very hard to quote a price until several open houses have occurred. An agent is permitted to provide interested potential purchasers with “a list of comparable sales” which can help determine an agent’s estimate of market value for a property. Another area the law does not affect is putting any constraint on a reserve price by the seller.
Whatever new legislation is enforced on the real estate industry, you can feel reassured I will guide buyers appropriately and keep all my vendors fully informed.
Dog friendly spots in the Eastern Suburbs |
15.02.16 |
Walking around the Eastern Suburbs, I come across a wide mix of residents, small and big, hairy and spotty, and of every colour imaginable. What these inhabitants all have in common is that they have four legs and waggy tails. Yes, I am talking about our fluffy canine friends – the Pooches of the Eastern Suburbs. While this sounds like a great title for a reality TV show, what my observation highlights is the high number of dogs in our area.
Whether it’s on the beach, at the local cafe or one of the beautiful parks, dogs really have plenty of spaces to explore. Not everyone is a ‘dog person’ so naturally there are areas where they are more welcome than others. We have compiled a list of dog friendly places to exercise your fur-baby in your neighbourhood.
Dogs are allowed on-leash at all times and off-leash between 4:30pm and 8:30am. This beach is tidal, so can be very narrow at times.
Dogs aren’t permitted on Bondi Beach, however you can take your dog to Marks Park in Tamarama. Dogs are allowed off-leash in Marks Park before 8:30am and after 4:30pm daily.
The eastern end of the park is a designated off-leash area. It is an open area with plenty of shade. The playground is very popular with kids, however no dogs are allowed near the playground
Featuring scenic ocean views across the reserve and runs along the cliff walk, Raleigh features seating throughout the reserve. Dogs need to be on-leash prior to entering the reserve, including Rodney Reserve, at the northern end. Sports field need to be avoided.
This gorgeous spot has a 24-hour off-leash dog exercise area. Dogs are to remain on-leash for the remainder of the cliff walk.
The top section of the park is a 24-hour dog exercise area. However, dog walkers need to avoid the sports areas when sports are being played. Dogs are not allowed near the playground.
Great ocean views and free parking. The area west of the car park at Hugh Bamford Reserve is available to exercise dogs off-leash. It’s ideal for small dogs.
Dogs can be exercised along a corridor off-leash between 3pm and 10am daily. Dogs must be on-leash in all other areas of the park and gully. Dogs can’t go near Bronte ocean pool, on the beach, within 10 metres of the children’s playground nor near the BBQs.
A very dog friendly pub in a great location!
Who could resist getting some delicious Vietnamese food with your puppy pal?
Brown Sugar has plenty of outside seating and bowls of dog refreshments.
Plenty of outside seating and they’ll welcome your paw-riffic friend to join you for a meal.
Great food, great spot, and very doggy friendly.
Your dog will feel very comfy scoffing up the scraps and lapping up the attention.
There are so many more dog-friendly spots around the Eastern Suburbs – why don’t you let us know (and send us a pic) of your puppy’s favourite haunt?
SELLING homes is not just a career; it is an art form – one that is carefully honed over years of life experience and knowledge. And, I can proudly say, that I still absolutely love what I do – day in, day out.
For over 30 years, I have immersed myself in real estate and have built an untarnished reputation in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, among my peers and with my clients – many of who are my friends. People say I exude positivity, and I accept this as the highest compliment.