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.
First Impressions |
17.07.15 |
Whether we like it or not, the old adage, “don’t judge a book by its cover” gets thrown right out the window when it comes to real estate.
It only takes about 30 seconds for a buyer to decide whether or not they are interested, so it is crucial that the first impression is the best you can make. If you liken it to a job interview, would you ‘sell yourself’ wearing dirty clothes, unbrushed hair and questionable hygiene?
As the exterior of a house is the FIRST thing buyers see, it is one of the most defining factors on the number of visitors who come to an open house, how many views it gets online and ultimately if a property sells and for how much. The only exception is if the property is being sold as a complete knockdown.
Well, despite the obvious, the exterior reveals the aesthetics. The style of the house, the era it was built, any architectural features and materials used.
Looking beyond the actual house, the gardens, any additional structures (such as garages, carports etc.) and fences/gates are also swept in during the first impression.
What the exterior also reveals is the tone of the property. In other words, what you’d expect to find in the inside (and what may be lurking in the backyard). Messy, rundown outside = messy rundown inside.
I know what you’re thinking, Expensive. But not necessarily.
Yes, you will have to spend money, but without sounding clichéd, it is the only way to make money. A little spent widely will yield a much larger sum back.
Gardening: In most cases, unless you are planning to completely re-plant the whole garden, this will cost you a big tub of elbow grease. Rack the leaves, pull out the weeds, mow the lawn and trim those hedges and trees.
Clean: If you haven’t got a high-pressure hose, hire, borrow or buy. Wash down your house, scrub the driveway and clean out any balconies or verandas.
Remove: You know that old trailer sitting out the front of your house collecting rust? Get rid of it! If there is any junk lying around, broken pot plants, garbage – clear it all out and take it to the dump! Better still, if there’s a council clean up, all you have to do is put it out front to be collected.
Roof: How often do you look up? Broken tiles or mould on your roof is a big turn off. If there are any structural problems, these will show up on the building inspection, so repair or replace your roof if needed and reap the benefits.
Windows: They are the eyes to a home; so if they are looking weary or are damaged, have them replaced. It is vital from a safety perspective that all windows are intact and secure. If you have second storey, windows need specific safety features.
Paint: Yes, house painting is expensive, but the difference a new coat of paint can have on a house is astronomical. Choose a neutral shade and ask advice before embarking on this task. You can try to DIY, but hiring a professional here is best.
Just remember, first impressions count. So make it the best one possible!
Brass & Copper |
01.07.15 |
It seems that contemporary design has been in the grip of stainless steel for what feels like decades. Actually, it has been decades – four to be precise. But, as we know, design trends have a use by date, and it’s time to give this one the flick… at least for the moment.
It’s not that I don’t like stainless steel, (however I DO know quite a few Mums who are forever polishing off sticky kids finger prints from the stainless steel fridge), but the warmer tones of brass and copper create a much more inviting atmosphere.
Recently, I have changed my cutlery set over to the gold/brass look after a recent visit to Japan and I’m adding other pieces around the home as well. I love how these gorgeous tones evoke class and elegance.
Photo: Home designing
But let’s backtrack a little. For those of us old (young) enough to remember, brass and copper were very much in vogue in the 1970’s and even before that in the Victorian era until it lost its popularity. It even made a peek in the mid 20th century, but by the 60’s again had disappeared.
In recent years, we have seen a rise of organic modernism – meaning the use of items that induce those feelings of luxury and texture only found in organic materials such as wood, stone and leather. Brass and copper share this same quality. What I also love is that they add an element of romance to any room. Little touches of brass authenticate a room giving it a classic style.
Bathroom: Taps, shower screen doors, showerheads, bathroom accessories such as soap dishes. For a bold statement, how about a copper bathtub?
Kitchen: Pots, saucepans, kettles, utensils all look amazing and are naturally germicidal and antimicrobial. But for a big impact, a kitchen splash back, door handles or a light fixture. Maybe even a sink.
Photo: Leedy Interiors
Bedroom: Bedside table lamp, drawer handles, vases.
Living areas: Lights, vases, ornaments, photo frames and pieces of art.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your existing style. Small changes can make a big and beautifully luxurious impression. Antique shops are a great place to pick up vintage pieces, as is your granny’s attic!
Clever Storage Ideas |
12.06.15 |
Whenever I go into Ikea I always have the same two reactions, “WOW, these storage ideas are as so clever” and, after about 30 mins “Get me outta here!” (I think it’s safe to say we all have varying degrees of these two experiences.)
After a recent trip, (yes, I made it out alive after following those bright yellow arrows), it got me thinking about storage. When people buy a property, one of the most important ‘needs’ at the top of their list is storage. Whether internal (wardrobes, cupboards, pantries, attics) or external (garages, sheds). As humans, it is in our nature to collect things as these items represent who we are, places we’ve been and memories of past events. We as a society are also avid consumers and most people’s wants far surpass their needs.
So what do you do when your ‘stuff’ outgrows your current storage facilities? For homeowners, there’s usually a ‘I’ll get to it later room” which doubles-up as storage and a regular council clean up for when it get’s overwhelming. But for renters, it is a little more difficult. Firstly, renters know that they’ll have to move sooner or later so the less packing and transporting the better. And secondly, there’s no benefit in building or investing in extra permanent solutions for someone else’s property.
There are some pretty nifty solutions to creating more storage and they needn’t break the bank nor be boring. Here are just a few ideas.
Whether you nail them, use removable double-sided tape or use over-door one, hooks are an easy, inexpensive solution to increase space. They can be used anywhere – kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, garage – come in different sizes and colours, and are transferable. I particularly love the idea of hanging kitchen utensils in small kitchens. It looks great and saves the rummaging in cluttered drawers for that soup ladle.
Trunks have come full circle and have definitely come back into fashion. The beauty of a trunk is that not only are they usually quite deep and can fit a lot of things, but they can also be used for additional seating. If your trunk needs a spruce up, maybe drape over a throw rug or look into having it refurbished to fit your home’s theme.
Boxes have saved my sanity many times. Not cardboard moving boxes, but plastic colourful, lightweight, sealable, movable boxes. Go to any discount store, hardware house or department store and you’ll find a plethora of plastic boxes in a huge range of colours and sizes. What’s great about plastic boxes is that when you move house, you don’t have to re-pack these boxes, just throw them in the moving van. As a plus, so many boxes these days are decorative and can add to the style of your home. You can also buy boxes in different materials such as metal or upholstered fabric.
Why not use the space under your bed for more than just accumulating dust and hair? Flat storage boxes are a neat and clever addition for any bedroom. You can store your shoes, clothing, paperwork – anything that isn’t too bulky. Again these are inexpensive, sealable and transportable.
Just remember, the Golden Rule: If you haven’t worn it, used it or opened it in six months, get rid of it. You’ll soon find you have more storage space!
Five Winter trends to consider this year |
29.05.15 |
Shorter days, longer nights. Cold feet and snuggling on the couch. Yes, winter is coming and there’s nothing you can do about it. Or is there?
While we don’t get blanketed by snow in Sydney, we definitely do get frosty mornings and chilly nights. So, is your house prepared? I’m not just talking about the practical side of things, but adding some winter style to your home is essential. Just like you pull out your winter coats and long boots for the colder months, your living space should reflect your style and also get some TLC. Below are some tips to give your home some winter loving.
In the warmer months, it’s lovely to walk around barefoot on timber floorboards or tiles. But as the temperature drops, it’s best to avoid frostbite. A thick, plush rug can not only keep your little piggies warm, but also add a splash of colour to your rooms. Instead of bringing out the old tired rug you keep stashed in the garage, go out and buy a new one in a bold, warm colour. It needn’t be expensive, rather an accessory for your home, even if only for one season.
If your home is styled in a neutral palette, it is easy to add some winter accents to bring warmth and an interesting dynamic to your living areas. You needn’t crack open the paint cans, but you can buy a wall hanging, add some indoor plants and flowers (coloured orchids are my favourites), new cushions or even a new tablecloth. You will soon create a cosy space to hibernate during the cold nights.
There’s nothing I like more than adding layers during winter. Scarves, hats, gloves, coats. Use this same principle in your home. If you’ve already got a rug, add another in a contrasting colour. You have cushions? Add a few more in different sizes or shapes. Also consider layering textures – different materials and fabrics to build up an interesting and inviting atmosphere.
Have you got an old fireplace that you’ve never used? Now is the time to get a professional in to give it the once-over and help get it fired up! Or maybe you need to invest in a gas fireplace or heater. Nothing beats staring into a flame, listing to some tunes while sipping on some mulled wine.
As the nights get longer, you’ll need to create more light in your home, there are a plethora of lamps to choose from. Look for stylish and easily portable lamps in bright colours. If you have enough lighting, maybe hang some more mirrors. Candles are always a beautiful addition, but remember – safety first.
Winter need not be dull and dreary. A few simple changes can brighten up your home and create an inviting, cosy living space.
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.