Love ottoman's

I love these ottomans and floor pillows. They add instant and colour to your home, not to mention additional seating.
Remove the old bean bags and replace them with some stylish ottomans or floor pillows.

                                                         

I love pretty things, they really can make a home

I love pretty things, they really can make a home. Something as simple as a vase of fresh flowers or a nice fragrant candle burning. These things really make a home feel homely! Try and have the candles burning and some fresh flowers for your open homes.

Improving the outdoor area is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to add value to your property.

 Improving the outdoor area is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to add value to your property.
You'll be amazed at how little time it can take to transform your outdoor areas into a space that buyers can imagine entertaining in or watching the kids play outdoors.
 Create a look that is enticing and peaceful.
Potted plants are inexpensive and give you that instant WOW

             

Statement pieces

 Every space you see that makes you long to live there usually has one thing in common, the statement piece. Whether sleek and chic or wild and wacky these pieces are often the key element to the room’s success. Here are samples of statement pieces that you could add (or copy) to add some extra personality and wow factor to your own home. 

For some instant colour and fragrance

For some instant colour and fragrance place some fresh herbs by the backdoor or on the window sill in the kitchen. Instant WOW not to mention the fresh aroma and the fresh ingredients at your finger tips. If you do not have any herbs in the garden use anything green out of the garden. It is  amazing at what a jug of greenery can do to liven up a dull bench.

                                                                Image  the aroma

I dare you to do something different this month?

 I am going to share with you items and ideas that can enhance your property when you list it for sale.
Changing interiors brings new energy into your property and can help maximise the property value.
The aim of property styling is to sell your property quickly, and for the most amount of money.
 Let's together, make your home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers possible.
I say let's reduce your days on market and style your home to sell. Start at your front door and walk around your property as if you were a buyer. Mmm now what do see that you do not like? Remove it, the clutter, the magnets, the pictures, the piles of junk,  and clean and clean some more!

For more tips talk a wander through my blog

Lets get inspired this winter

We're inspired by beautiful, big bold colour...

This winter, where cheering up our interiors to make our homes more attractive for our buyers.
What about healthy doses of inviting heart-lifting red. A warming colour, red has been shown to lift energy levels, and will add drama to any scheme. Add jewel- toned accessories and lush textiles for the perfect remedy to the chilly winter weather.

                                           For more ideas click here

One of the quickest and easiest ways to create a sense of luxe is to layer items.

 Layer, layer, layer

One of the quickest and easiest ways to create a sense of luxe in the bathroom is to layer items.

You can use  this trick all around the bathroom. Stacking a soap dish on top of a folded face towel or on a concrete trivet, placing several items on a towel on the bath shelf, and even simply placing one towel on a stool by the bath tub. How gorgeous does this pot plant look!

Check out the style curator for more ideas on how to style your bathroom

Bathrooms

  Now the dull and dreary weather has left us and the sunshine is switched on, you will probably notice the mould  building in the grout of the shower recess and on the ceilings

•  Start by spraying all the effected areas with a mould cleaner, rinse and bingo instant fresh tiles
•  Replace any old mouldy grout
• Scrub the walls and ceilings
• Clean the interiors of the cabinetry
• Add some fresh new towels and soaps in vibrant spring colours

click for more

Property styling to sell

Before: Property styling, or home staging as it is known in the US, is becoming increasingly popular.

After: Sellers turn to professional stylists to improve the chances of selling a property.

                                                

With the growth in popularity of television shows like The Block and Selling Houses Australia, styling has become a lot more common, says Juliana Gowen, senior stylist at property styling specialists, Urban Chic in Sydney. “People realise the economic advantage of professionally presenting their property.” 

Home stagers can improve the selling chances of any home from luxury to budget. “Once it was only reserved for high-end market homes, however now we regularly style properties right across the board,” says Gowen. “Real estate agents are also very pro styling these days as it increases the level of interest in the property helping them them sell more easily while achieving a higher price for their client. It really is a win-win for all concerned.”

Gowen says that the art of property styling is showing potential buyers how the space works so that they understand easily how they could live comfortably in a particular home. They may even be swayed to choose a property lacking something on their wish list. “Buying a home is very much an emotional decision and if it feels right the buyer will often compromise on some of their requirements. Professional styling can achieve all of the above.”

Empty properties offer the best potential for styling she says but don’t be put off your selling objective. “Styling works particularly well where the property has been vacated and the stylist is able to co-ordinate a complete new look. We are often told by vendors, ‘Now my home looks this good I’m not sure I really want to sell it.'”

Source; Domain. Click here for more information

Outdoor makeover

With a handful of things you can turn your backyard into a place that buyers would love to entertain in.

Hang some paper lantern's from the trees or pergola, adorn the table with some brightly coloured table linen, add some candles and set the table as if you were expecting some guests.

If you can hang up your hammock or throw some large cushions in a pile on the ground. 

Pot and group some colourful flowers together, clean down the BBQ and discard the old worn cover

Instant improvement!

Image: printscreen form here.

Guest bedroom ideas

Make your spare bedroom inviting to potential buyers, treat the room to some new linen. If the room is dull paint a feature wall or if you are handy why not try some funky new wallpaper. You will be surprised at the difference a feature wall can make to a bedroom. Open the blinds or curtains and let some light in. If the blinds or curtains are looking tacky get some new ones pre made ones are inexpensive these days, they not only will look more attractive but will help with the overall appearance of the room. Buyers will think great new window furnishings! Nothing to spend in this room

                                                  More great ideas from housetohome

Colour accents

Accessory's can really make a room. Change your accessory colour with the seasons. It's easy and inexpensive. Bring warm colours in for the winter eg a thick red throw rug and a vase. Why not pick some flowers that match. I love the freshness of the summer soft pale blues and limes look delightful.

                                                                 Pretty flowers

                                                                 Great colours

Awesome lanterns

                                                         What a chandelier

Flowers: The easy way to freshen up your home.

We’re always looking for simple ways to freshen up homes. Plants are fail safe in making your home feel light and bright. They bring a natural beauty into the home. They create texture, a focal point, and have been proven to lower blood pressure and heart rate related to stress.
But not everyone has a green thumb.

Flowers are the answer! A simple bunch can lift the spirits and bring a fresh feeling into a room. While we love an incredible arrangement, we’re also big fans of picking up a bunch of dahlias at the local fruit and veg store and enjoying them in all their glory.

Holly Hipwell of The Flower Drum collaborated with Freedom recently to share her know-how on which vase to use for which flower. We always fumble when it comes to arranging them ourselves, and put the wrong flowers in the wrong vases and wonder why it’s not visually working.

Front up

It may sound strange but first impressions for a house really do last. Buyers will drive past without you even knowing

Its imparative that

• Your garden is well groomed
• The front door is in good working order
• Cobwebs are no where to be seen

I am sure that you have said that first impressions count!

Check this out

First open home

Your first open home will probably be a little daunting so much to do to get organised. Make a list of what needs to be done and try and start working on that list asap. When the day finally arrives I suggest some fresh flowers, perhaps brew some coffee and burn some candles. Now you are all set for your first open home. Good luck and remember first impressions really do count.

Affordable sofas

Presentation is a must when selling. Check out these affordable sofas at fantastic furniture.

Simple makeover idea 5 - Outdoors

Buyers first impressions are really important.
Make sure the lawns are mowed and the gardens are weeded and tidy
Wash the windows and check for cobwebs
For the 'wow' factor invest in some pots and plants
 You will be surprised at the impact that they can have
I recently suggested this to my vendors and they were pleasantly surprised with the transformation of the dreary verandah into a warm and welcoming space
Not to mention how much better the front of the home looked in the photographs
When selling your home going the extra mile really does makes a big difference.

Expert tip: Plant some colourful flowers in the garden for that extra "wow"

                                     Click here for more great ideas

Living Spaces

Re invent your living spaces. Check out this great website housetohome

Zesty yellow living room with bay window

This room is all about balance and symmetry of furniture, accessories and colour. We love the way this bold, mustardy yellow brings life to an otherwise neutral living room scheme. Scatter cushions on the sofa draw inspiration from the wall colour, pulling the sophisticated look together beautifully.

Bathroom Bliss

Turn your dreary old bathroom into a fantastic peaceful place without blowing the budget.

• If your tapware is old and outdated, replace it with a funky new look
• For some indulgence add a new stainless steel towel rail for those who wish to be more indulgent how about a heated one.Top with some new towels. Instant luxury
• Pampering treats will ensure that your bathroom has a relaxing feel about it. Add some colourful soaps, handwash and candles ( all in colour co- ordination of course)
• If the grout in the shower and bath is looking drab, re grout the tiles.This makes an amazing difference. One of the best tips that I will ever give you for the bathroom

                      Fresh or artificial flowers not only add colour but bring the inside

                      out

                      For more great bathroom ideas check out housetohome