Five Factors That Sell Homes

Posted on by

Are you putting your home on the market? Before you do, we want to share with you five factors that sell homes. While each home varies in needs, these five factors have proven to be important to buyers. So before you list it, make sure you check it. Let’s take a look! 

Five Factors That Sell Homes: 

1. Flooring.

As flooring experts, we understand how important good flooring is in a home, especially one that you are trying to sell. If your current floors are beaten up or worn out, it may be best to replace them. New floors can help increase your home’s value and create a more alluring buying opportunity for buyers. 

2. Kitchen + Bathrooms. 

Any good real estate agent will tell you that the two most important rooms to buyers are the kitchen and bathroom(s). Take a good look at the quality and presentation of these rooms. If it is less than pleasing, you will want to take action. Redoing these areas can get expensive; therefore, you want to set a budget and make sure you see a return-on-investment. Simple updates like replacing old hardware and new paint can do just the trick. Just be sure that your rooms are making a good lasting impression on buyers. 

3. Closets. 

Believe it or not, closets are important to buyers. They ideally want an organization system inside the closet. If your closet does not currently have one, install it. You want everything to look clean and organized. Store anything that you do not need in your closet inside of the storage unit. 

4. Paint Choices. 

Neutrals are the best color choice for selling a home. Buyers want to imagine themselves living inside of your home and they should not be able to block that vision with a bright green wall. While colorful walls are stylish, they may cause you a lost sale. Be sure to add soothing neutrals throughout your space to help ensure a sale. 

5. Organization. 

A huge turn-off to potential buyers is clutter. If they cannot see your home and all of its potential due to the amount of clutter in your space, you need to take some serious organizational steps. First, you want to cut back on decor. While decor adds personality, it can also block buyers from visualizing themselves in your home. Place a minimal amount of decor pieces inside of your rooms to help ensure that buyers are seeing the whole picture. Next, you want to store anything that you do not plan on using in the next couple of months. This includes items like seasonal decor, clothing, old photos, etc. Ideally, you will want to rent out a storage unit for these items to get them out of sight and out of mind. Lastly, you want to take a look at your furniture. Are there any pieces that are overwhelming the space? If so, you want to cut back on what you can to reduce the visual distractions. 

We hope you enjoyed these tips and good luck on selling your home! 

How To Personalize Your Home

Posted on by

Decorating your home can be challenging because you want it to look like something out of a magazine but you still want to have some of your personality in the mix. To make your home really feel like home, you can add unique personal touches. Taking a personalized approach to your home’s design lets you have fun with decorating and it can help you save a few dollars along the way. We have tips and tricks that you can incorporate to ensure that your home is truly a reflection of you.
 
How to Personalize Your Home: 
 
1. Give Yourself A Self-Assessment.
The key to successfully personalize your space is really knowing yourself. What values are important to you? What are some things that you cannot live without and what makes you tick? Before you begin the process, take some time and ask yourself some personal questions. Determine your favorite activities, interests, etc. so that you can create a space full of things that are important to you.
 
2. Meaningful Items. 
Whether it is heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation or your grandmother’s old painting, be sure to decorate with items that hold special meaning to you. Souvenirs from trips and drawings from your children are things that you hold dear and it can also contribute to your decor. You can even incorporate your hobbies into your decorations. For instance, if you enjoy bicycling, you can store them on the wall by building a chic wooden hanging nook. By hanging them on the wall like a piece of art, you can blend them into the room’s decor.
 
3. Use Colors that Inspire You. 
What is your favorite color? Or better yet, what colors are motivating to you? Use this as inspiration when painting different spaces within your home. You can incorporate lively colors like the yellow or orange in your decor to create a light-hearted feeling or you can use tranquil colors like blue or green to create a relaxing oasis. Whatever the tone you are trying to set, see how color specifically speaks to you. 
 
4. Create A Feature Wall.
Make an accent wall featuring all of the things that bring you joy. You can put photographs, prints, artwork and other things that tell your story right on the wall. When making your feature wall, be sure to mix things up, use a variety of sizes, shapes, colors and different knacks. If you decide to use photographs, you can hang them in unique frames. Creating such a wall in your home is bound to make your space feel more personalized. 
 
How do you personalize your home and make it unique to your style? Let us know in the comment section. 
 

5 Tricks to Make a Small Kitchen Look Spacious

Posted on by

Do you hate your small kitchen? While designing a small-sized kitchen can be a bit of a challenge, now is the time to implement clever design tricks to create a sense of openness while maximizing function. Here are some easy ways to get the most out of your small kitchen.
 
5 Tricks to Make a Small Kitchen Look Spacious: 
1. Consider An Island Cart.
The idea of a traditional island may sound appealing but if it is not realistic for the space that you are working with, we recommend opting for an open island cart. An island cart that is open on all sides is ideal because it provides a barely-there look while providing lots of useful storage area. If the island cart is movable, you can always push the cart against the counter when you need to navigate through the kitchen.
 
2. Floating Shelves
The floating shelves look is not a new concept. A trendy alternative to this solution is to install a few open shelves above your main wall of cabinets. This provides extra storage areas without boxing in the room’s sight lines. In addition, a floating shelf peninsula provides a great visual spot to place items and your family is free to grab items that they might need off of it.
 
3. Move The Kitchen Cabinets Higher.
Generally, upper kitchen cabinets start at least twenty inches above the counter; however, if your kitchen feels especially tiny, you can create a sense of openness by starting them 25-30 inches higher than normal. Believe it or not, the visual break in design can make a huge impact. You just may have to use a stool to reach inside of the cabinets.
 
4. A Mirrored Backsplash
Another way you can make a tiny kitchen feel spacious is to install a mirrored backsplash over the kitchen sink. If you do not have an open wall, the mirrored backsplash will give the illusion of more depth beyond the counters.
 
5. Contrasting Dark or Light
When it comes to making a kitchen feel larger, you may think using darker colors will have the opposite effect; however, contrasting with light and dark hues will have an optical effect that actually makes the kitchen seem larger than what it actually is. For instance, using shades of grey or brown against white countertops makes the wall visually recede.
 
We hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks. Let us know what you think in the comment section.
 

Easy Ways to Add Value to Your Bathroom

Posted on by

Like the kitchen, the bathroom is an essential part of the home. Unfortunately, sometimes it becomes an area that tends to get overlooked. If you plan on putting your home on the market or if you simply want to make your house more desirable, updating the bathroom can drastically increase the value of your home. You may be wondering, how can you add value to your bathroom without launching an expensive remodeling project? We have five simple ways to help add value to your bathroom without breaking the bank. 
 
Five Easy Ways to Add Value to Your Bathroom: 
1. Twin Sinks
Twin sinks in the master bedroom bathroom can be a smart move. It is especially ideal if you are sharing the bathroom with another person. The dual sink feature will make getting ready in the morning easier and more efficient. Just remember, as a rule of thumb, you will need at least sixty inches to comfortably accommodate an additional sink.
 
2. New Lighting Scheme
Updated lighting will improve the look of any space even the bathroom. Remove your traditional contractor lighting system and opt for something with style. Create a layered lighting effect by installing an overhead lighting, task lighting near the vanity and you can even make use a light dimmer to create a spa-like ambiance in your bathroom. Use lighting fixtures with chic hardware to add a little bit of glamour back into the space. 
 
3. Neutral Palette
Using bold paint colors on bathroom walls has become a recent trend but it can be a bit of a challenge to pull off the look. For small bathroom spaces, stick to a neutral palette. For a fresh and clean look, be sure to use light hues like grey and soft whites. You can even just apply a fresh coat of paint to a dated bathroom to refresh it.
 
4. Dress Up the Tub
Transform your bathtub into something dreamy by styling it with some of your favorite products and accessories. Line the tub with a couple scented candles, fluffy towels and keep colorful bath salts and soaps nearby.
 
5. New Tile
Whether it is on the floor, a border around the shower, or a flattering backsplash, installing new tile can give your bathroom a whole new look. Large tiles can visually expand a small bathroom while diagonally installed tiles will make a narrow space appear wider.
 
We hope you enjoyed these five easy ways to add value to your bathroom. Be sure to check out our other blog posts at https://www.fromthefloorsup.com. 

How to Make Your Living Room Feel Bigger

Posted on by

Are you bothered by the size of your living room? Does it often times feel small and even uninviting? If so, you are not alone. Many homeowners struggle with the size of their living room. They want to make the space to feel more welcoming but have a limited amount of room. To help you in this process, we have five ideas for making your living room feel bigger. 

How to Make Your Living Room Feel Bigger:

1. Close + Personal. 

In living rooms, homeowners tend to block the room off by pushing furniture onto the walls. This unknowingly can create an unwelcoming environment. To help make your space feel more open, we recommend pulling your sofa and chairs away from the wall. By bringing your furniture more into the center of the room, you are inviting conversation. This limited amount of distance can make your room feel more snug and cozy for guests. 

2. On The Line. 

Patterns with horizontal lines can make your room look bigger and vertical lines can make your room look taller. Including vertical or horizontal lines can help open up your space. Plus, you can even get creative with your lines and have them be curved, chevron, or dotted. 

3. Level Up.

To help make your ceilings feel taller, you can use your wall decor. The key is to have your decor work its way up the wall. You want to work with the lower portion, the middle portion, and the upper portion of the wall. Place your decor in a way that slowly moves your eyes in an upward direction. This concept will make your ceilings feel taller and ultimately, your room feel larger. 

4. Layers. 

Layering your furniture can create more walking space for you and your family. To layer your furniture, you want to move items closer to one another. For example, you can have a table against the back of your couch to provide more walking room. Once you have placed the table against the couch, you will want to layer it with essential items like lighting, electronics and books. By layering, you will eliminate the bulk of unnecessary items. 

5. Open Concept = Open Design.

If you have an open concept, you want to make sure that everything ties together. By that we mean, your living room’s design should work well with your kitchen’s design. If you tie together these designs, you can create a more open and larger space. Just make sure that your furniture, fabrics, color scheme, and patterns all flow from one room to the next. 

We hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks! 

  

How to Pick a Color Scheme for Your Space

Posted on by

Before you begin designing your space, you will want to choose a color scheme. Picking a color scheme can seem like an overwhelming process. There are so many variations of colors to choose from and the colors you choose need to flow together. But there is no need to worry because we created a quick guide on how to pick a color scheme for your space! 

How to Pick a Color Scheme for Your Space: 

  1. Choose a Piece. Before you begin deciding on your color scheme, are there any pieces of furniture that you need in the space? If so, you will want to use the color of that piece in your color scheme. For example, if you are decorating your living and have to have this gorgeous, beige ottoman, you will want to add beige to your color scheme for the room. Maybe you will decide to go with a lighter shade of beige for the walls or have dark beige lampshades. Whatever your personal style, be sure to include your main pieces of furniture into the color scheme. 
  2. The Light to Dark Rule. Expert designers recommend following the light to dark rule for your rooms. They say to choose a light ceiling color, a medium wall color, and a dark flooring color. This will help the room look more put together and creates a beautiful transition throughout the room. 
  3. Black is The New Black. Expert designers recommend adding at least one piece of black decor into your space. Simply put, black will never go out of style. It is a universal color that works well with every other color out there. When in doubt, buy it in black. 
  4. The 60-30-10 Rule. Decorating without an expert designer can be difficult. That is why we use their rules to help us along in the design process. Expert designers use “The Rule of 60-30-10.” To help you decide on your colors, you will want to follow this rule: 60% is the dominant colors, 30% is the secondary color, and 10% is the accent color. If you follow this rule, you will find yourself having a completely balanced room with subtle pops of color. 
  5. Limit of 3. The best part about using the 60-30-10 rule is that it limits you to the use of only three colors. You want to try and stay limited to three colors to not overwhelm the eyes. When in doubt, you can buy items in different shades of the colors you currently have but do not add more colors. 

We hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks on how to pick a color scheme! Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. 

How to Decorate a Kid’s Bathroom

Posted on by

Sometimes, the design concept in a child’s bathroom can be overlooked. Homeowners spend a lot of their time trying to get their kid ready rather than focus on the room’s decor; however, we believe this room is an opportunity to express a creative design. A child’s bathroom can be a fun place for them to adventure off to before bedtime. If you reimagine your kid’s bathroom concept, you may even find that your child may get more excited about their daily bathroom routine. To help you create this fun oasis for your child, we have created five ideas! 

Children Bathroom Ideas: 

Idea #1: Taste The Rainbow.

Make your child’s bathroom come to life by featuring bright colors throughout the space. You can even incorporate your kid’s favorite color to help make the space personalized and special to them. Depending on your design preferences, you can make the room full of colors or add in subtle pops of color throughout the space. If you are looking for ideas to add color, we have six simple ideas for you: 

         1. Paint colorful cabinets. 

         2. Add colorful fixtures. 

         3. Embrace colorful decor. 

         4. Include a colorful rug. 

         5. Buy a colorful shower curtain.

         6. Purchase colorful robes and slippers. 

Idea #2: Repurpose. 

Before you go and purchase all new decor for your child’s bathroom, think about the items that you can repurpose. Old dressers, antique mirrors, and seating can all be repurposed into this space. Take a look around your home or even head to a local thrift shop to find unique items that can maximize your bathroom’s style and function. 

Idea #3: Little Ones in Mind. 

It is important to make sure that the bathroom’s space is geared towards your child’s height. Tall vanities can make getting ready for bed a little more difficult. To help with the height difference, you can add a mini stool in front of the sink. Plus, you can add storage that is well within in reach of your child for a quick nighttime routine. 

Idea #4: Get Cozy. 

You want your child to have some of the same luxuries of comfort as you do in your bathroom. Adding plush rugs and soft towels inside of space can instantly add comfort for an inexpensive price. 

Idea #5: #OrganizationalGoals. 

The organization is key in any bathroom. To help maximize the bathroom’s usability, add extra storage wherever possible with extra shelving, cubbies, and baskets or bins. 

We hope you enjoyed these tips and tricks! Be sure to check out our blog hub for more advice. 

 

5 Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Sale

Posted on by

Are you thinking about putting your home on the market? Then you know how important it is to attract potential buyers by making some upgrades to your home. From fixing a broken doorbell to installing a new heating system the projects, your home’s undertakings may seem endless; however, if you are working with a relatively small budget, you should focus on the projects that will give you the most bang for your buck. Check out these five tips for getting your home ready for a sale! 

 Five Tips to Get Your Home Ready for Sale:  

1. Remove All the Things You Do Not Need

Every professional home stager will first recommend that you declutter your entire house. This includes storage areas like the garage and the basement. Just think, a house packed with stuff looks much smaller than it really is. Clutter prevents potential buyers from getting a full view of the home and they will not really get to see what they are buying. If you are moving because you have outgrown your house, you should consider renting a storage unit temporarily if you cannot part with some items.

As previously mentioned, the allocated storage areas in the home like basement and garage also needs to be decluttered. Use shelves and wall storage units to organize and make these areas neater.

2. Hire A Handyman

Consider hiring a professional handyman for the day to fix small things around the house. While it may not be a big deal to buyers to see one or two things wrong in the house, they will get turned off by a host of small things that needs repairing. This can raise red flags. Create a list of minor things that need to be fixed around the house and have a handyman repair them.

3. Curb Appeal is Everything

Capture a buyer’s attention before they even enter your home by giving a good first impression. Make sure the front lawn is well maintained and the house is well lit. Little things like getting a fresh new mailbox, a doorbell and fixing a faded house number can make a world of difference.

4. Purchase All New Accessories

Yes, new accessories like fresh pillows, stylish lamps and fluffy towels will make your home look fresh and clean. You can even purchase pieces that adds to the decor of your home. A well-styled look is important to attract buyers. 

5. Each Room Should Have A Function

Be sure to have a clear purpose for each room and nook. It should be defined with the appropriate furnishing. If you have a spare room that is filled with all kinds of stuff then you will want to define its function. 

 

Top Ten Bathroom Colors

Posted on by

The colors you choose to incorporate in your bathroom can help set the overall tone and mood of the room. While there may be an array of different options, we have the top ten color choices for your bathroom this year. Let’s take a look: 

Top Ten Bathroom Colors: 

1. Light Gray. 

Amongst the most popular color choices is of course, gray. This neutral-toned color is the perfect transition shade for any space. Gray is a versatile color that works well with every other color out there. It helps to balance out the other colors to create perfect symmetry in your space.

2. Creamy White. 

If you are looking for something clean and classic, creamy white is for you. Creamy white is not the purest form of white; therefore, it helps to add some warmth back into the room. It mixes well with tans and beiges to create the ultimate cozy oasis. 

3. Taupe. 

Taupe is also another warm neutral choice for your bathroom. You can choose from light, medium or dark taupe for your space’s color scheme and each shade can create a warm, luxurious space. 

4. Pastel Blue. 

If you are a more colorful soul, pastel blue may be for you. Pastels have recently made their way back into homeowner’s hearts and we are struck by pastel blue for bathrooms. This dreamy color will help to brighten up your day as you get ready. It is perfect for homeowners looking for a little bit of color in their life. 

5. Charcoal.

Go bold or go home, right? If you are bold at heart, you may want to consider using charcoal. Charcoal is a rich color that emphasizes luxury and power all in one shade. If you are feeling extra bold, you could use charcoal on your walls to make a powerful statement.

6. Bluish-Gray.

Mixing two of the shades we already mentioned, gray and blue, you will get this beautiful color. This shade helps to add a little more color into the room than a neutral-tone will bring without being overly distracting. 

7. Seafoam Green. 

One of the most classic bathroom colors in history is seafoam green and it is making a clear comeback. Seafoam green is a unique color that embodies freshness and adds life to any space. If you are feeling fun, you may want to try seafoam green. 

8. Pure White. 

After talking about creamy white, we want to be sure to mention that pure white is also a perfect choice for bathrooms. No other color can embody this clean and straight-cut look quite like pure white. If you are up for the clean challenge, we suggest pure white. 

9. Greige. 

Greige is a mixture of the two most popular neutral tones: gray + beige. Greige has recently taken the design industry by storm with its appealing and attractive look. We love greige in bathrooms because it has a mixture of cool and warm tones to help homeowners who may struggle with incorporating colors. 

10. Blush. 

To finish off our list, we love the color blush. Blush is a soft, lovable pink that works in nearly every bathroom. Try pairing blush with whites and gray to create the perfect space. 

 


Five Ways to Make The Master Bedroom of Your Dreams

Posted on by

The master bedroom holds a special place in homeowner’s heart, shouldn’t its design too? With our top five tips, we hope to help you create the master bedroom of your dreams. Let’s get started! 

Five Ways to Make The Master Bedroom of Your Dreams: 

1. Start Fresh. 

Before you begin designing, we want you to step into your room with a fresh pair of eyes. Come into the bedroom as if it was your first time ever entering it. With a fresh outlook, you may be able to see things that you have never noticed. This is an amazing opportunity to rethink your current design and try something new. 

2. Rearrange. 

After you have taken a good look at your room, you may have noticed some things that you want to change. Rearranging your furniture can be a great first step. With a rearrangement, you always want to be aware of the room’s “focal point.” What piece of the room are you trying to bring attention to? Once you have decided on your focal point, you will want to build the design from there. If you feel like you are struggling, it may help to remove all of your furniture from the room and bring it back in one by one. 

3. Embrace a New Color.

Seasons are changing and so is your design. Now is the time to embrace a new color choice for your room. It may be something as simple as your accent color, but it is time to change. If you need inspiration, take a look at some color swatches from a local paint store. Experiment with different hues, shades, and values before you commit. 

4. Simplicity is Key. 

A master bedroom is a place for relaxation and tranquility and an overwhelming design will not accomplish this concept. To help make sure your focus stays on track, we recommend keeping it simple. The simplicity of your bedroom’s design can help to establish a clean working board and a stress-free environment. 

5. Dress it up. 

Lastly, it is time to accessorize. A few light decor pieces can transform your master bedroom into the oasis of your dreams. 

Be sure to check out our other blog posts for more style inspiration and advice.