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Home Decor Tips

DIY Projects That Add Personality and Market Appeal to Your Home

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DIY projects can add personality and character to your home, but can they also increase its future appeal in the market? Absolutely! Here are some easy and impactful projects that could enhance your home’s value and charm.

A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and quickest ways to transform and upgrade any space. It can brighten a room, create a modern feel, or add a touch of sophistication.

Adding a kitchen backsplash is a simple touch that can significantly enhance the overall look and aesthetic of your kitchen. It’s a stylish way to protect your walls and add a focal point to the room.

Updating flooring in any room or exterior space can improve quality and increase functionality. New flooring can be a great way to potentially increase your home’s value and make it more appealing to future buyers.

Replacing light fixtures with more updated or modern ones is a one-step way to upgrade any room. It can change the ambiance and bring a contemporary touch to your living spaces.

Adding built-in storage solutions in the garage, laundry room, or kitchen can be a valuable selling point. Buyers love organized spaces, and extra storage can make a home more functional and attractive.

Updating hardware, such as worn or outdated handles on doors and cabinets, can instantly refresh the look and feel of a space. This simple upgrade can make your home feel more modern and stylish.

If you’re looking for a weekend project that can potentially bring you a greater return later, try one of these suggestions first. These DIY improvements are not only enjoyable to complete but can also make your home more appealing to future buyers. Happy renovating!

The Floor Is Yours: Exploring Flooring Options (Wood, Vinyl Plank & Laminate)

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Choosing the right flooring for your home can be both exciting and overwhelming. With a plethora of options available, it’s important to find the perfect balance between style, durability, and maintenance. In this blog post, we’ll be diving into the delightful debate of real wood, vinyl plank, and laminate flooring. So put on your imaginary dancing shoes and let’s explore the quirks of each!

Real Wood: The Classy Charmer
There’s something undeniably alluring about the timeless beauty of real wood flooring. With its natural grains, warm tones, and distinct variations, it adds a touch of elegance and charm to any space. The way it creaks underfoot brings nostalgia and a sense of coziness. However, it may require a bit more upkeep to keep it looking pristine. But hey, a little extra effort is worth it for the pure luxury of real wood!

Vinyl Plank: The Durable Dancer
Cue the confetti cannons for vinyl plank flooring! This flooring option has become a personal favorite in my home – it’s a powerhouse of durability and ease of care. Stains, spills, and scratches are no match for vinyl plank. Whether you have a rambunctious pet or little ones running around, this resilient flooring can handle it all. Plus, it comes in a range of styles and patterns, so you can achieve the aesthetic you desire. No need to stress about maintenance; vinyl plank gives you more time to do the things you love, like perfecting your funky moves! I personally have vinyl plank throughout my main floor. I like how durable it is with pets and easy to care for.

Laminate: The Playful Pretender
Laminate flooring is like that cheeky friend who loves to keep everyone guessing. With its ability to mimic the look of real wood, it can transform your space into an elegant sanctuary without breaking the bank. Laminate is known for its durability and resistance to stains, making it an excellent choice for busy households. And let’s not forget the glorious variety of styles and finishes available. From rustic farmhouse to sleek modern, there’s a laminate flooring option to suit every personality. Who says you can’t have it all?

When it comes to flooring, it’s ultimately about finding the right fit for your home and lifestyle. While real wood flooring oozes timeless elegance and vinyl plank offers unrivaled durability and ease of care, laminate flooring keeps things playful and budget-friendly. Consider your priorities and preferences, and let your flooring choice bring joy to every step you take. So, put on your thinking cap, channel your inner design guru, and make a flooring choice that will have you dancing through your home for years to come. Happy flooring!

How Can I Increase the Value of My Home? ⁣

⁣It all comes down to T-I-M-E — and whether you’ve got a lot or a little of it! ⁣
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Clock ticking and you need to increase value ASAP? Zero in on these weekend projects:⁣

  • Clean, clean, and clean some more.⁣
  • Give walls a fresh soft, neutral coat of paint.⁣
  • Landscape with some low-maintenance (but green!) plants.⁣
  • Power wash your driveway, sidewalks, and home exterior.⁣
  • Declutter and consider staging.⁣

Time on your side?

Chip away at these little by little:⁣

  • Remove a wall (or two!) to create open living spaces.
  • Replace carpeted floors with wood or LVP flooring.⁣
  • Finish your unfinished basement.⁣
  • Replace your old windows and front door.⁣
  • Install new kitchen countertops and appliances.⁣⁣

Selling on the brain? The best thing you can do is have a quick consult with a Realtor. They can have a look around and let you know exactly what to do to have your home sitting pretty at top dollar. Ready to chat? Click here for a no obligation home seller consultation.

5 Ways to Create a Statement in Your Home

Ready to go big, bold, and beautiful in your home without breaking the bank? Do it with hardly any effort (or Benjamins!) with these 5 statement pieces:⁣
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An accent wall: Even if you aren’t ready to go totally “off-the-wall,” darkening a neutral you already have will give your space depth and create a rich, layered, look.⁣


Pillows: A pop of color here and a patterned pillow there are two of the easiest ways to add some interest to your decor. Plus, you can switch ‘em out for the seasons or whenever you get tired of them.⁣


An area rug: Love your neutral sofa but want some oomph somewhere? Opt for a colorful or geometric area rug. It’s like artwork for your floor!⁣


An ottoman: An ottoman is oh-so-functional but can also make a statement in your living room. Choose one that’s oversized, oddly shaped, or just plain funky.⁣


Light fixtures: Lighting can be an afterthought when decorating but it makes a huge impression on the way your home feels. A gorgeous chandelier or a trio of pendant lights are always eye-catching but affordable, and carefully placed canned lights can create an equally dramatic atmosphere. ⁣
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Don’t be afraid to give new trends a try—especially if the price is right and you’re feeling bold and brave!

Choosing Lighting Fixtures

Choosing fixtures for your home can be complicated. If you’ve ever visited a lighting store, you know exactly what I’m talking about. ⁣
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To break it down into bite-sized bits, it might be helpful to review the three different types of lighting:⁣
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  1. Ambient lighting: the main source of light in a room (think overhead fixtures or recessed lighting).⁣
  2. Task lighting: the lighting “tasked” for activities such as working or reading (meant to illuminate a small area; not an entire room).⁣
  3. Accent lighting: the most decorative lighting in a room (think chandeliers, sconces, and lamps).⁣

As you plan, remember most rooms have two types of lighting—some all three. Make a list of the rooms in your home and the different types of lighting you need. Then, you can shop with clarity and purpose even amidst the blinding lights.⁣

Quick Tips to Get Your Pantry Organized

Organization is so much fun!! (Well to me it is…) Who doesn’t love opening your pantry and having everything in place? If you’ve got a little time and motivation, get your pantry organized with these quick tips:⁣
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•Empty your pantry and place everything on the counters so you can have a good look at what you’ve got.⁣
•Check expiration dates, throw away misfits, toss anything that’s stale.⁣
•Group what’s left into categories (canned goods, dry goods, snacks, spices, cereal, etc.)⁣
•Use baskets to store like categories and label them.⁣
•Place your most used items at eye level and consider a designated “snack basket” for those hungry kids.⁣
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When you’re done, you will love how easily everything can be found!

Transform Your Kitchen Island Without a Complete Remodel

Renovating an entire kitchen can feel like a monumental project — and it is! So if you’re not quite ready for the whole enchilada, transform your space quickly and for little cost with a kitchen island makeover.⁣
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Not only is your island the focal point of your kitchen, but it’s also a multifunctional space that can be fully customized to your liking! Then, when the time comes for the full kitchen renovation, you can use it to inspire the rest of your design.⁣
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Here are a few ways to rework your island space:⁣
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  1. Paint the island cabinets an accent color to bring in a fresh feel and add some dimension.⁣
  2. Go for an entirely new look and add a waterfall counter that makes your island a showpiece.⁣
  3. Redesign and give your island an asymmetrical shape that adds a unique look while providing plenty of storage and seating. ⁣

How to Style Shelves

Floating, built-in, corner, freestanding, hanging, open — so many types of shelves each beautiful in their own way! ⁣
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They pose just one head-scratching problem: What in the world to put on all of them that’ll look pulled-together while keeping them functional?⁣
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Two everyday items that’ll never lead you astray? Woven baskets and plants.⁣
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Baskets are a simple solution when you need more storage. Place identical ones on any shelf to house books, remotes, charging cords, and other small items. Large baskets on lower shelves are perfect for stowing away extra throw blankets and pillows.⁣
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Houseplants also solve almost any shelving conundrum. A few ideas:⁣
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• A potted succulent on top of a stack of books⁣
• A snake plant on a fireplace mantel pop resting alongside treasured books, objects, and artwork⁣
• A trailing ivy on a top shelf to soften hard lines and produce a cascading effect⁣

A few of my favorite places to find fun items to decorate with: Home Goods, Target, Hobby Lobby, and the At Home Store. Don’t forget to look around the house and storage for family heirlooms, souvenirs, and other items that bring you joy. Piece together the things that bring you joy and make you feel at home.
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And here’s the good news — when decorating shelves, nothing is set in stone! Play around with different arrangements until you step back and think, “Yes! That’s it!”⁣

Interior Design Terms to Know

Ever had a designer throw out a word you didn’t know? Not wanting to embarrass yourself, you nod in agreement and try to keep up with the convo. Never again! Here are 8 interior design terms that’ll keep you tracking right along:⁣
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  1. Arabesque: a decorative pattern with overlaid flowers, foliage, fruits, or scrolls.⁣
  2. Bolster: a cylindrical-shaped pillow.⁣
  3. Hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-guh’): a word that describes a feeling of coziness and a sense of contentment or well-being.⁣
  4. Etagere: a freestanding or hanging set of open shelves designed for decorative objects.⁣
  5. Settee: an upholstered piece of furniture long enough to seat two people.⁣
  6. Wainscoting: Interior wall paneling that covers the lower part of a wall.⁣
  7. Kelvin: the unit of measurement that relates to the color of a light source. The higher the number, the closer the shade is to sunlight.⁣
  8. Feng shui: A method of Chinese design based around energy forces. It’s intended to bring homeowners in harmony with their environment.⁣
  9. Niche: A niche is a recessed area in a wall or room — perfect for a small piece of furniture or disguised storage, your designer can help you make the best use of the tucked-away space. ⁣
  10. Leadtime: Got a design project in the works? You’ll wanna ask about leadtime. What is it? It’s the time between when you order and when an item ships. Custom furniture and other items often have a leadtime of 8-12 weeks depending on the manufacturer.⁣
  11. Scale: Everything in a space needs to gel and jive. Understanding “scale” is how that happens. Scale is simply how the size of one object relates to the size of the other objects in a room.⁣
  12. Bouclé: Texture is all the rage these days. Bouclé is one textured textile containing nubby, looped yarn often in two different shades.⁣
  13. Monochromatic: Don’t be thrown off by the five-syllable word! What it means is this: a color scheme designed around a single color.

⁣This should give you a leg up when working with a designer. But remember, it’s ALWAYS right to ask if you aren’t sure what something means. It’s your home, and you deserve to not only understand but to love where your designer is heading!⁣

Create a Gallery Wall

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You love gallery walls, and you have the perfect space for one. But you’re terrified of messing it up. You need someone (anyone!) to hold your hand. Great news! Help is here.⁣
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  1. Start with the art. Vintage, modern, or flea market finds—anything goes!⁣
  2. Choose like-colored frames and mats. Going eclectic? Different shades of wood nail the look.⁣
  3. Lay frames out on the floor and try several arrangements before choosing your fave. Snap a pic to use for reference as you hang.⁣
  4. Grab a level to place your first pic. If you don’t, all your work may end up on a slant.⁣
  5. After getting your first pic just right, use painter’s tape to mark equal amounts of space between the rest of the frames. Two inches is a good place to start. ⁣
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    Ready to give it a go? You can do it! There’s no doubt a gallery wall will completely transform your space.