Get A Goode Start Decorating

Was, “De-Clutter” on your New Year’s Resolution List this year? Do you get so overwhelmed that you put keep putting it off? Whether you need to get your house ready to put on the market or are simply looking to better your interior spaces, here are a few tips and tricks to help you tackle messes (and keep them away)!   1.        Start Small. Don’t try to do everything in one day or all at once. This is how many people lose interest and energy in organizing. Instead, set a goal of something to complete and if you want, a timeline. Split up the time and the amount of work reasonably. If you know you have Aunt Martha coming to visit in 3 weeks and you don’t want her to comment on your messy closet, dedicate an hour each day until then to work on it. The time will add up and you will still be able to keep up with your busy life! 2.        Have a Place for Everything. When you have a designated spot for something...

Hi Everyone, It’s February already!   And there will probably   be at least one to two months more of winter.   So, if you are trying to sell your house during the winter, it’s harder than other times of the year.   Unfortunately, there are no blooming flowers, no green grass or trees, but lots of bare landscape and sometimes, lots of leftover leaves from fall!   So, what should you do to make your house have more curb appeal? Here are ten suggestions to help you showcase your house during these cold months: 1.         Make sure that all the extra leaves and branches are raked up in the yard. 2.         Trim back the dead plants and flowers that may still be looming in your flower beds. 3.       Plant some winter flowers such as pansies and winter cabbage in large flower pots near your front door. 4.       Place a pretty winter-theme...

Pantone has long been the industry expert in color trends in fashion and decorating.  This year, they announced that the color of the year is "Marsala," a reddish brown color which reminds me of the color of red wine.  After last year's vibrant, "Radiant Orchid," I have to admit I'm a little disappointed. But who am I to disagree with the industry expert? According to Pantone's Executive Director, Leatrice Eiseman, "Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. "Marsala" (Pantone #18-1438) is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth."  Well, after reading this - maybe I have changed my mind :-) The color is deep and rich, and I can see it as a comfy leather sofa in my family room.  Oops - not so fast!  Let's open our minds to the versatility of "Marsala."  It has an earthy appeal which would look beautiful with sandstone or gold, but would also look smashing...

Now that the summer is over and school is back in session (for most of us at least), it’s time to think about the dreaded homework scenario for your kids. Since doing homework is a vital part of their education, I think it’s really important to have a dedicated area in your home for the kids – of all ages -- to do their homework. This is especially important to teens. Although the usual spot for studying may have been the kitchen table, teens need another area of the home that can be quiet for studying and provide a decent amount of space to “spread out.” If the space in your home is limited, then a folding screen or divider, even a bookcase, can offer some privacy or divide the space between the other areas of the room and the study space. Here are some ideas when you’re designing your kid’s study area: A computer desk is essential these days – and, if possible a good-sized one so that they can spread out their books, folders and other homework materials. Of course, a desk...

The summer is almost over so I wanted to share a few more ideas on outdoor decorating. If you use your outdoor room a lot, lighting can be very important – especially if you want to enjoy your outdoor space at twilight and after dark.  The lighting aspect of your outdoor room can also be taken care of in an affordable yet stylish manner. Use candles or torches for that elegant and peaceful atmosphere and if you are worried about safety you can go for solar lamps, although they basically only give ambient light. For parties - if you want to create a festive mood, hang some holiday lights over the porch beam or on a nearby tree. You can even make luminaries by dropping a candle in a punched recycled can. My personal preferences are inexpensive, decorative paper lanterns with battery-powered lights that are sold at stores like Pier One. They add a calming, relaxing ambiance.   I’m also seeing more and more lamps that can withstand outdoor use – both floor lamps and t...

Summer is here at last and hope you had a wonderful 4th of July!! Time for outdoor parties  and spending more and more time outdoors. If you love relaxing on your deck or porch like I do, here are some ideas for decorating your outdoor space. Since outdoor rooms are very popular now, there are many more options to the homeowner. Your outdoor room can be an extension of your home and you can personalize it with some exterior decorating ideas. Selecting outdoor furniture which suits your personal taste and style may be challenging. Prices range from the inexpensive (resin or aluminum) to the more expensive (wrought iron or wooden) – for example. You can choose from many different styles and colors to meet your needs. And there are many bright new colored accessories (pillows, cushions, umbrellas) featured this year! If you’re on a budget, discount stores usually have less expensive outdoor furniture available or you can pick up a white Adirondack resin chair for a very reasonable ...

It's the time of year that is supposed to be "best" for selling your home. And, if you're in the process of looking for a new home, you and your real estate agent probably do "drive bys," you've probably eliminated a few properties based on their exterior appearance - including broken railings, children's toys in the yard or an unmowed lawn. Curb appeal is so important to the prospective homebuyer. It could mean the difference between a "sale" and "no sale." If you are the home seller, here are some recommendations to keep your home in pristine condition and appeal to the prospective homebuyer's "drive by":  1. Make sure that your lawn is freshly cut and that leaves in your lawn are raked. If winter has set in, please make sure that the snow has been shoveled in the driveway and on walk-ways and sidewalks. 2. Your home's entryway should be attractive and welcoming. Consider a potted plant by the entrance, ...