1. Keep your gardens and lawn neat and tidy. Weed and trim on a regular basis. Remember to keep your lawn watered, and it's best to water at night or early morning, when it is cool and absorbs at its best.

2. Add Colour with flowers. You can plant perennials (add a few every year and watch them return bigger and better than ever, year after year).  You can plant annuals, and or you can plant pots. Which ever suits your gardening needs and green thumb, you will love the pop of colour any flowers give to your home.

3.  Consider replacing old porch or garage sconce lighting.  Add lights (electric or solar) to your walkway, for an inviting look, as well as safety. 

4.  Replace or repair house numbers or the mailbox.  This small change can add great charm to any home.

5.  A fresh coat of paint to exterior doors, garage doors, or window trim.  Chipped old paint, leaves a look of neglect. 

6. Clean gutters and ensure downspouts are directed accordingly. I've seen trees growing out of gutters, and that's not the focal point you want to people to see,

7. Resurface driveway if you see cracks or excess wear and tear.

For a Spring Boost

To Redecorate

To Prepare Your Home for Sale

Fresh Flowers –  My favourite year round boost for my home.  They look lovely and the sweet scent can fill a room with the freshness of ‘spring’ anytime.  

New Cushions –  An inexpensive way to update and freshen the look on any chair, sofa or bed.  Select a colour in your furnishings or add an accent colour and the textures today are outstanding, so mix it up for fun.

Fresh Coat of Paint – The possibilities are endless and the colour wheel is your oyster. But keep neutrals in main living areas and in all rooms if you are thinking of selling.

New Towels – Who can’t resist a fresh fluffy towel.  We don’t realize that we need new towels, until we actually look at new ones.  Bright whites are crisp, and colours will make a fabulous statement.

Plush Area Rugs –  They may be rather beaten looking, after a winter of wet salty shoes and boots being left to dry.  So picking up a new area rug for the front door or your family room, can transform the look of the room. Selecting lighter colours for the spring are a nice way to let the sun shine in. 

Vases and Glassware – Another passion of mine.  You can go for all clear glass in different textures, shapes and sizes or go for a colour theme.  You can fill with flowers or food, or just have them sparkle on their own.

For any and all of the above decorating changes you are about to undertake I would recommend you recycle your gently used items. Pass them on to someone you know would enjoy them or donate them to charity.   All is gratefully accept and appreciated. I believe in paying it forward.

For more great information on Interior Decorating and Home Staging, please contact me. I will be happy to help you with all of your decorating needs or if you plan on downsizing or moving, I can help you prepare for that big job as well.  I hope these tips are of a help to you and I look forward to hearing from you. 

From www.pantone.com

Energize interior spaces with Tangerine Tango patterned home accessories. Pillows, bedspreads and tabletop accessories in this high-impact hue add spice to any room. Or incorporate Tangerine Tango appliances and personal electronics for an unexpected pop of color. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Tangerine Tango for a dynamic burst of energy in the kitchen, entryway or hallway.

 This colour choice is quite bold for most people, and their first thought is ‘I’m certainly not going to paint my house orange’.  Well, rest assured you don’t have to.  But I will give you some tips and show you suggestions on how you can incorporate this beautiful colour, or various shades of tangerine/orange, in your current home décor.

First of all, as you may know grey is  the new neutral.  And grey and orange are complementary to each other. Brown or beige work lovely with orange as well.  Of course white is stunning with orange.  This adds a real freshness and boldness in a look.  But you may also used varying degrees of orange, to subtle peach, (if you're not up to the boldness of a deep tangerine colour).  Don't be afraid to try it in your home.  There are countless ways you can incorporate this bold new colour.  

You can update your spring look with cushions or table runners or placements, that are solid or even a pattern with a hint of orange.  You can add orange towels to your powder room or bathroom.  And you can even got as simple and ultimately fresh as bringing fresh flowers into your home.  Gerber daisies come in various shades of orange, and tulips, which will be out very soon.  So don't be afraid to bring a fresh new look to your home.  You don't have to go overboard, but just add a pop of colour here or there and you'll love the clean look and invigorating element to your home.   Have fun with it!

Pictures from The Toronto Interior Design Show 2012

Last week, I was parking in a lot where you are required to prepay your parking and leave the ticket face up in your vehicle.  I did so, and prepaid for and hour and a half.  As luck would have it, I was out of my appointment in 15 minutes. I didn’t want my money to go to waste, and I wanted to do something nice for someone, so the next car that pulled into the parking lot was a young woman with a baby in her carseat.  I walked up to her and handed her my prepaid parking ticket.  She was taken by surprise by this random act of kindness.  I saved her the cost of the ticket, the work of having to take her child out of the carseat to walk to purchase the ticket and to again return to put the ticket in her car. She was very happy to accept this kind gesture, and I was thrilled to ‘make someone’s day’. 

What goes around, comes around.

The other day I was at the One Of A Kind Craft show, where I parked my car, and I too walked to the booth to prepay my ticket when a young couple came up behind me and offered me their prepaid ticket  (as they were leaving the event) that still had several hours left on it.  My heart skipped a beat! I was overwhelmed by their random act of kindness and I had told them of MY story of doing the same for someone just a few days prior. 

Some people may think of this as ripping the system off, but I tend to disagree.  It’s not about ripping off the system, it’s about making the most of our dollar; it’s about being thoughtful; it’s about going out of your way to do a kind gesture; it’s about being compassionate; it’s about paying it forward.

People in general are not unkind, but not a lot of people go out of their way TO be kind to others, which is my point in this topic.  It’s about making the effort, going that extra mile, committing any random act of kindness.

The surprise of this gesture toward me is so overwhelming, because I am usually the giver.  (paying for the person behind me at Tim Horton’s drive thru, no matter the cost; donating gently used clothing and household items to various charities; supporting United Way, Salvation Army, local Scout and sports groups, through various ongoing fundraisers; donating to the local food banks; ALWAYS being there for a friend or family member in need, in any capacity; petting pets as I walk by; letting drivers yield in on the roads; smiling and always using my manners!  As I said I’m usually the giver so it was a beautiful surprise to be given to!)

I think it’s important this time of year, as we get busier, to think about others. Treat them the way YOU want to be treated.  It really does make a difference, and you can’t help feeling good about what you do.  Again, I reiterate, what goes around, comes around!!! It’ll definitely come back to you, some day, some how and that is what human nature is really about.

Enjoy this busy season. Give someone that parking space. Hold their place in line while they look at a last minute item nearby. Let them ahead of you in the checkout, if they only have one or two items. Smile at someone. Donate to a cause, or buy someone a coffee.  You’ll see why this truly IS the accessory of the season.

In keeping with the cooler weather we need to look at how we dress ourselves and also how we dress our homes.  In fashion we begin to layer our clothes, we bring out the sweaters and heavier fabric items.  Items that keep us warmer as the temperatures dip down.  In addition the colours deepen in our wardrobe as well. The colours become darker, which psychologically add warmth.

As interior design generally follows fashion, we must do the same for our home.

Now is the time to put away the light and airy bedding, cushions, towels and in some cases window treatments.    It’s time to layer the soft furnishings in our home. Time to bring out the throws, blankets (that you may wish to cuddle with on the sofa) and the cozy cushions.  I have a few of the lambs wool /microfiber throws (from Costco) and they are lovely to curl up with on cold evenings.  They are a great addition to a family room or a bedroom.

It is also the time to deepen the colours of your home.  Bring out the warmer tones, the browns, deeper beiges, black and darker hues of blue, green, even orange is a big colour this season.  Whatever colour of your space or main pieces, darken and warm up the space with new deeper / darker fabrics. There are beautiful tablecloths or table runners (which are my favourite) in all shades and styles.

Texture is equally as important as colour and tone.  You can add soft silky fabrics along with plush velvety or natural cotton or wool to your home.  A mixture of texture and pattern in the same tones works beautifully to create ambience, beauty and warmth.

In addition to soft furnishings, now is the time to accessorize in warmer fashion as well.  There are a lot of deeper toned accessories, like vases, candles, and just ornamental pieces.  Even picture frames or actual pictures/artwork can be updated seasonally. 

So as we begin to settle indoors more this season, we want to make our homes as cozy and warm as we can, to nurture that comfort of home.  Take a look around you. There are warmer tones and colours in nature and in stores with items for any space in your home. 

Keep warm and Happy Autumn.

Adding colour with annuals or green perennials to your garden adds so much more than just ‘a flower’.  The tranquility and beauty that nature brings is a huge reward for a little amount of work or planting.  These wonders of nature are not only admired by yourself, but also admired by others.  As I work in the den, I see neighbours walking their dogs admiring my self planted hosta garden. I too appreciate what others do in their gardens.

I personally think gardening and flowers are a natural euphoric.

Not everyone has a natural green thumb however. And I have solutions for all. I like to mix up my gardening.  For annuals, I have flower pots that I buy ready made (easy peasy) and I plant pots with whatever I desire. What works best for me is petunias (new wave, regular as well as miniature variety) and portulaca.

These both love the hot sun and humidity of our summers.  Hibiscus plants love love love the extreme heat and are a very beautiful and exotic plant with gorgeous large blooms of colour in yellows to deep tomato red.  I also plant lots of colourful impatients in the shady areas of the garden. They are a no fuss, no muss kind of flower that fill your garden with blooms all summer.  A little bit of water goes a long way with impatients. 

For very easy and beautiful perennial, a favourite of mine is hosta.  You plant them and forget them.  They return annually and grow larger year by year. You can split then each year and plant them all over. They are extremely hardy and like a mix of sun and shade.   They come in a variety of greens, yellows and almost blues as well as variegated contrasting white and green.

The insides of our homes are filled with colour and wonderful things to look at. The outside of our homes should reflect the same.  Pick up a pot….and get started…it’s never too late.  (until frost of course). 

By the end of summer, we are looking at potted mums for fall.  They come in a variety of colours and can be purchased everywhere.   They can be perennial, but I do buy them annually.  Enjoy nature, it’s ours to nurture.  

I would like to give you some valuable information on preparing your current home to sell, that will make the move an easy transition and will ultimately earn you top dollar for your home.  

 There have been countless articles in magazines and newspapers, as well as research and statistics stressing the importance and value having your home professionally staged before listing it.   Professionally staged homes;

• photograph better, resulting in more appealing listings.  (buyers look at homes online before even requesting a visit)
• sell for more money, and in less time than an unstaged home.
• having a trained unbiased person viewing your home as a buyer and preparing it accordingly.
• showcase your home highlighting features and natural flow of your home.
• walk you through the process of preparing and packing, to ensure an easy transition into the move.

Hire a Professional…a Certified Staging Professional (CSP)

With your best interest and dollar at stake, it is imperative to have your home staged with a certified home stager, a Certified Staging Professional (CSP).  Linda Swift Interiors home stagers are extensively trained and certified through Certified Staging Professionals.

When to call a Stager…aka Linda Swift Interiors?

At least 2 weeks before you actually photograph and list.  Depending on the amount of work to be done prior to the actual staging, you want to give yourself plenty of time for preparations.  

Things you can do today to begin to prepare your home for staging and ultimately the move;

•  de clutter – closets, cabinets, cupboards, storage areas. If it’s seasonal or you haven’t used it in a long time, it’s time to pack it up or give it up.
• clean – deep cleaning areas that don’t get cleaned regularly, closets, windows, walls, trim, doors. Make sure every surface is sparkling.
• minor repairs - drippy faucets, patch holes, paint (consider neutral colours to replace bold trendy colours), fix doors and cabinets that don’t work properly, replace broken light fixtures or bulbs, etc.
• curb appeal – don’t forget the out doors, your front and back yards.  Cut the grass, weed, trim or prune bushes and trees.   Remove old or broken pots, garden accessories.  Repair fencing, have the gutters cleaned, etc. It’s nice to have a visually pleasing yard with shrubbery, trees or flowers.

As you begin your quest into the excitement of looking for a new home, remember you want others to be excited about looking at your home! 

Your next step…call me, Linda, at Linda Swift Interiors.  I will be happy to help you with your next move.

KITCHENS

1. Shake It Up
The Shaker style began a rise in popularity in 2009 and gained momentum in 2010. By the end of the year, Shaker has supplanted Contemporary as the second most popular style used by NKBA member designers. While Traditional remains the most popular style, it’s fallen slightly from the previous year.

2. Dark Finishes
Dark natural finishes have become the most common type of kitchen cabinet finish—used by more than half of NKBA designers. Medium natural and white painted finishes have fallen slightly, but still remain popular. Light natural and colored painted finishes continue to be used by about a quarter of designers, but distressed finishes dropped significantly from a year ago, and have been recently used by just 5% of NKBA designers.

3. A Place for Wine
While the incorporation of wine refrigerators seems to be on the decline (see Bonjour Réfrigérateur below), unchilled wine storage is growing in popularity. More than half of designers now incorporate wine storage areas into their kitchens at the end of 2010, a large jump from a year ago. Appliance garages also seem to be falling out of favor, as they have been recently used by less than a third of NKBA designers.

The French door refrigerator has strengthened its position as the type specified most often by kitchen designers, easily beating out freezer-bottom and side-by models, the next two most popular options. Among smaller units, refrigerator and freezer drawers continue to be used by about a third of designers, about the same amount as undercounter wine refrigerators, which have been on the decline recently.

Induction cooktops haven’t overtaken gas and electric models, but they’re closing the gap. Gas cooktops are specified by about two thirds of NKBA designers, but that’s down from about three quarters a year ago. Meanwhile, electric cooktops have become slightly more popular, used by about 40% of designers. Energy-efficient induction cooktops, which just last year were used by about a quarter of designers, are now used by more than a third.

6. LED Lighting
Incandescent lighting continues its journey to obsolescence. While half of NKBA member designers incorporated incandescent bulbs into their designs at the end of 2009, barely a third have done so a year later. Instead, designers are clearly opting for more energy-efficient lighting options. LED (light-emitting diode) lighting was recently used by more than half of designers, but only a third installed CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs as a solution, most likely due to the poor quality of light that CFLs often produce.

A greater emphasis is being made to address trash considerations in the kitchen. Nearly 9 out of 10 kitchens designed by NKBA members recently included trash or recycling pull-outs. In addition, garbage disposals are now incorporated by 7 out of 8 designers, up from 3 in 4 designers last year. Trash compactors have also become more common, used by nearly 1 in 5 designers, up from 1 in 10 a year earlier.

BATHROOMS

8. Quartz Countertops
While granite is easily the most popular bathroom countertop material, quartz continues to very slowly take chip away at its lead. Unlike in the kitchen, solid surfaces haven’t gained much popularity in the bathroom, continuing to be used by only about 1 in 4 NKBA designers. Meanwhile, solid marble has declined from being used by half of designers to little more than a third. Cultured marble and onyx are rising out of a niche, though, as nearly 1 in 5 designers now use it, up from about 1 in 8 a year ago.

9. Green Bathrooms

No, we’re not referring to eco-friendly spaces—we literally mean green bathrooms. A year ago, green color palettes were used by only 1 in 7 NKBA designers, but at the end of 2010, that figure had risen to 1 in 4. Still, whites and off-whites, as well as beiges, are the three most commonly used color tones in bathrooms. White and off-white palettes, as well as beige tones, have each been recently used by about 6 out of every 10 bathroom designers.

10. A Worthy Vessel
Undermount sinks continue to dominate newly remodeled bathrooms, with 97% of NKBA bathroom designers having used them over the last three months of 2010, up from 95% a year earlier. However, vessel sinks have become the clear second choice among designers, as more than half of NKBA member designers have installed them recently, up significantly from a year ago.

11. Satin Nickel Faucets
This trend relates to both bathrooms and kitchens. From the end of 2009 to the end of 2010, the proportion of NKBA designers who called for a satin nickel faucet rose from less than half to more than two thirds of them in the kitchen and by nearly the same amount in the bathroom, while the designers who incorporated a brushed nickel faucet fell from about two thirds to less than half in both the kitchen and bathroom.

In 2011 colour is sprouting everywhere! Pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple in all shades and hues.  You may have already noticed colour appearing in all aspects of fashion, from accessories to clothes to cars.  Fashion trends go hand in hand with home décor and design, so get ready for a colourful year (or years) ahead! The colours vary from soft pastel, to muted to bold primary colours.  There is something for everybody in fashion as well as home décor.  

I attended the Interior Design Show* (IDS2011) in January (*look for more information on my upcoming Special Events Section on my website) and I saw beautiful displays of colour everywhere, especially in the Sibling Revelry Exhibit.  Sarah Richardson and her brother Theo designed a beautiful space where each room was accessorized and focused on a colour theme.

You can do pretty much anything you want to incorporate colour into your home with new spring décor. Without giving away all my secrets, you can add accessories, cushions, towels, area rugs and of course paint. And my favourite quick fix is to buy fresh flowers!  You can add as little or as much as you like. The decorating possibilities are endless as there are greater selections available today more than ever.

Now for my homeowner friends who are thinking of moving soon, you can still add colour to your home, but you need to be a bit more conservative on how you integrate it.  I would recommend using colour in things that can be taken with you, such as towels, throw cushions and accessories.  I wouldn’t recommend painting a bedroom a fuschia pink (which is a beautiful colour), or redoing the bathroom tile in yellow. This is where a nice vase of fresh pink lilies or yellow tulips will enlighten a room beautifully. 

So this month, it’s time to put the cold of winter behind you, and embrace the warmth of the spring to come using the rainbow of colour that the world has to offer for inspiration.  Contact me at Linda Swift Interiors, I would love to put the spring in your step and the colour into your home!