Design Trends Due To COVID-19

 

All of us have felt the impacts of the current pandemic. It's altered our lifestyle and our wants and needs. 

In the current real estate market, I'm seeing people looking for different amenities in their homes. Instead of wide open spaces, people are now looking for spaces they can use in different ways. Builders and people remodeling now want flex spaces in their homes. These spaces can be used for things like exercise studios, home offices, a place for school and studying and more. 

People are also looking at ways to reuse the space in their homes. Maybe that dining room could be used for online schooling or a laundry room might also make a good arts and crafts area. 

Good air quality, storage and more outside space is also more important to todays homeowners. 

Have priorities in your home changed? What would you most like to add to your home?

Make Your Home Shine For Buyers

I've created a short video to share tips and tricks about making your home shine for buyers.

If you would like to have more conversation about this or any real estate subject, please contact me. 

D. Lisa West

Dlisa@dlisawest.com

206.694.0610

Color of the Year 2020

Did  you know that there is more than one color of the year? Twenty years ago the Pantone Color Institute began the tradition that is ubiquitous in the paint industry. Of course they don't really know at the beginning of the year what that will be but their prediction is based on what they see happening in the world and what's happening in retail and the lifestyle trends of influencers on social media.

Pantone will not release their pick until later in the year, Behr, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin and Williams have release their picks. They believe these colors will reflect the year ahead.

Behar's has chosen a green shade called "Back to Nature" which reflects the world of the great outdoors.

Benjamin Moor's selection is a soft pick called "First Light" because they keep seeing it this color pop up in their travels.

Sherwin Williams's color for 2020 is called "Naval" and is a calming color and always looks good.

It will be interesting to see what colors we spot in homes being listed for sale in 2020.

It's Moving Day!

Once you've bought and sold a house it's time to move. Now this can be fun or it can be a dreaded chore. You've change the utilities, you've checked the kids school records, you've made arrangements for the pets while you move. Moving day has arrived. After checking Pinterest and downloading all the moving checklists you think you have this move all organized and are ready. Then comes the first night in your new home. You did find the linens for the beds and the kids school clothes for Monday but oh dear, you didn't think about the first few hours in that new home. My solution is a moving day kit. All you need to do is head for Target or Fred Meyer or even the local drug store and buy a clear storage container. In this box add a few things that you know  you're going to need as soon as you arrive. Several of the items that I want in my kit are:

• Roll of toilet paper
• Hand soap
• Roll of paper towels
• A few trash bags
• All purpose cleaning spray or wipes
• A shower curtain liner
• Shampoo and conditioner
• A few snacks like granola bars
• Pain relievers
• Plastic utensils
• Paper plates, cups and bowls
• Box cutter
• Shower curtain liner

This box can be packed ahead of time and should travel in your car with you to your new home. Now at least you're ready with a few essentials to get the show on the road. 

Thinking About Moving?

Are you thinking about moving? According to this graphic there are three major reasons that people are moving. Maybe you're just plain tired of your present home. You don't want to really want to remodel and maybe the home you're living in just isn't suited to the kind of space that you want in a home. Moving seems to be the best choice here.

The second most commen reason for moving is increasing family size. I think it could also be that family size is reducing or certainly changing. Maybe you're thinking about a multi-generational home or having a baby. Maybe you're downsizing because the kids have all moved out. In any case, the household dynamics are changing.

And then we have the age old getting married or moving in with a partner. Very common scenario. All great reasons for moving.

Remember, I can help. I love to help my friends, family and clients through these transitions. Are you thinking about a change in your living space in 2018? Let's talk!

Floors and More

According to HGTV the top request of buyers is hardwood floors. In fact according to studies, 54% of buyers were willing to pay more for hardwood floors.

Owners still choose oak floors in many areas, but owners of contemporary homes are choosing to stain floors in different colors. Other trends include wider planks, the use of reclaimed wood or exotic woods such as hickory or walnut.

If homeowners are on a budget, laminate is also a choice to be considered.

People that have allergies, usually want easy to clean surfaces such as hardwoods so that is also a consideration.

Hardwood floors will last longer, be easier to clean and can also be refinished.

Carpet is a less expensive alternative to floor coverings with the cost ranging  from $3-$5 per foot compared to $9-$12 per foot for hardwoods. 

The bottom line however is personal choice. Many people want carpet in a bedroom because they want a softer and warmer floor. Carpets also reduce noise if you live in a multi-story house.

These are things to consider in your own home or in a home that you are looking to purchase.

What is  your flooring preference?

Curb Appeal

First impressions really do matter. That's why it's important if you're looking to sell your home that you make the best first impression that you can. You can create a positive first impression with just a few simple projects.

Paint your front door. You don't always need to paint your entire house but painting the front door in a memorable color will help it stand out and make a good impression.

Boring old house numbers are most likely the same as all of your neighbors. You can replace those numbers with new fresh updated and colorful numbers. The can be painted or metal and they don't always have to be the same size.

If you have a mailbox in front of your house, plant a garden around it or even replace the mailbox. You can often find unique mailboxes at farmer's markets or seasonal markets.

You can add interest to your entryway with a pot of flowers or even a chair or a sitting area. Let folks imagine themselves sitting there morning or evening and watching the neighborhood happenings.

Flower boxes are a great way to add a pop or color or interest to an area that looks a bit tired in the summer sun. Go bright and bold. Remember that you don't always need to have flowers in a traditional flower box, but use an old boot, beach bucket or any kind of interesting container.

What Color Paint Should I Use?

We all know that one of the simplest ways to update a space is with a can of paint. The question remains however about what color of paint to use. If you're selling your home this is an especially important decision.

One of the first things you should do is to research your area and see what other people are using. Look at the homes for sale and see what colors are being used in areas like kitchens and dens. These will be great colors for you to consider.

Did you know that all colors have undertones? All grays have a tint to them like blue, green or even purple. This is true for all colors. Make sure that the color you choose doesn't highlight something you weren't planning on.

Your paint colors should enhance the colors in the room that are part of the fixed materials.  Pay attention to the wood finishes, countertops and tile.  These fixed materials will probably not be changed. Don't pick a color that will compete.

Now let's think about the finish. Do you want a semi-gloss or a matte finish. Semi-gloss is the most durable but it will also show imperfections in your walls. A matte finish is less durable but can hide some of the imperfections.

When you choose a color remember that colors can create emotions. A bedroom should be calm and relaxing so you might want to choose a warmer tone that makes the room feel cozy. A color that's more energetic can be used in the kitchen.  Cooler colors can make a room look larger and warmer colors can make a room look smaller.

When you choose an outside paint color, choose one that keeps in character with your neighborhood. Using tones of tan, light gray or beige can make your home look larger.

Warm colors are inviting and can give a home a little more character but bold colors may turn buyers away. Keep the ceilings and trim white to five things a clean, fresh look.

What Kind Of Investor Would You Rather Be?

What kind of investor would you rather be?

If you invest in stocks you can learn about the company but you are just one vote in the shareholder population.

If you invest in real estate you get to choose:
Where to buy
How much to spend
How much debt you will acquire
The kinds of renovations you are going to make to your property
Who the property manager is going be

Which investor would you rather be? If you want to make a real estate investment, contact me today.

Resolutions for 2017

Resolutions for the 2017.

This article from Houzz did make me think about new year resolutions. Some of these ideas are things that I might incorporate in my life.

As an artist as well as a realtor, art is a big part of my life. I do love art on the walls and about the house so this is an easy one for me.

New pillowcases are always nice. I'll have to evaluate that because crisp clean bedding is always good.

Now flowers and other items to put in my vases. This is  a good one too. In the pacific northwest there are always interesting things growing that can add interest to any room.

Twinkle lights can really add some cheer to gloomy winter days and this is a nice idea as well. We can all use a bit of mood lighting.

I'm inspired by buildings, people and everyday objects. How about you. What inspires you in this new year?
 

6 Easy Design Resolutions That Can Bring You Joy

Kitchen Cabinets

If you think you'd like to do a kitchen upgrade that's really noticeable and fresh looking, consider making a change to your cabinets. There are several things that you can do for an updated look.

Paint - You can change the color of the cabinets so that  it creates the illusion of new cabinets. A lighter color will make the entire kitchen look brighter and more spacious.

Refinish or re-laminate - If you like the natural look, you can sand and varnish the cabinets to make the kitchen look warm and inviting. If the cabinets are laminated, they can be covered with wood or vinyl veneers.

Create open shelving - Remove the cabinet doors and create open shelving. It will create space and allow your dishes to become part of your decorating scheme.

New hardware - This is one of the easiest things that you can do yourself. New drawer pulls or handles on doors can provide an instant upgrade. There is a wide variety of styles and materials available.