Category: Lifestyle

What is Clutter Anyway?

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Getting rid of clutter is simply “tidying up.” Try it now — go into your kitchen and put away anything that doesn’t belong on the countertops or kitchen island. Usually this involves spotting an abandoned drinking glass and popping it into the dishwasher. Spoiler alert – don’t be surprised if the person whose glass you just “tidied” is looking for it an hour later. “What happened to my glass?” Let it be known that you are “tidying up.”

Here are our 3 simple tips to avoid clutter and start “tidying up” your space:

Designate a “drop spot” by your entry door for keys, wallet, purse, and glasses. The drop spot does not need to be a conspicuous entry way table, it can be a hook for your keys and purse and narrow surface for glasses and a wallet, like a side table or floating shelf.

Sort and take care of mail, delivery boxes, and groceries as soon as they are delivered. Have a box cutter available to break down your boxes and recycle them. Throw away/recycle junk mail. Put away all groceries right away.

Scan your living space right before you retire for the evening. Go through your rooms and put away anything that doesn’t belong. This may involve hanging up your clothes rather than draping them on your Peloton. Or, you may need to gather all of your snacks from the living room and return them to the snack closet or snack drawer.

If you need more tips, or want us to help you declutter your living spaces, get in touch!

Eat Cupcakes First

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You are probably wondering what Jennie and I do on our time off from real estate? Well, to be honest, we pick up cupcakes from Superb Cupcakes at Taft Corners in Williston, hit the couch and watch Dateline, 20/20 or other crime and mystery shows. Over the years we have gotten to know Hannah and Joe Emmons, owners at Superb Cupcakes (or should we say they have gotten to know all of our favorite cupcake flavors). But you never really know someone, do you?

Nothing is more true than when we found out that Hannah is just as fascinated with crime and mysteries as we are. Now, we “eat cupcakes first” as Hannah recommends and then listen to her fascinating podcast Cupcake Confidential. Unlike many other true crime podcasts, Hannah researches, documents, and gives a thoughtful review of the evidence.

We love, love, love this podcast and look forward to a new episode every Wednesday. You can find Cupcake Confidential on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

6 Types of Flooring to Consider for Your Home

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lotus-design-n-print-Ae-KSk1yM_A-unsplashPaint can transform a space, but flooring is a key design element that is just as visually impactful. The flooring you choose can set the stage for your space, making it feel modern, cozy, or rustic – whatever look you are going for. There are many components to consider when choosing the type flooring, from aesthetics to price, durability, and upkeep. So how do you choose?

Here are 6 popular flooring materials, along with the pros and cons for each:

Hardwood – Hardwood flooring is timeless and has been a long-time favorite due to its beauty, warmth, and durability. If the material gets damaged or scratched it can be sanded and refinished multiple times and can last for decades. Wood flooring tends to be the most expensive and it’s best to avoid installing in ‘wet’ environments like a bathroom or basement.

Engineered Wood – A thin veneer of real wood is bonded to layers of structural plywood to create engineered wood flooring. Just as durable as hardwood, easier to install, and slightly easier on the wallet, engineered wood floors are a great alternative to hardwood and will achieve the same look. The biggest con – the thinner top layer can’t take as much refinishing so it requires more looking after.

Vinyl – The fastest growing category of flooring, vinyl ranges from inexpensive sheets and adhesive tiles to luxury vinyl tile (LVT) that imitates natural wood planks and tiles. Vinyl is easy to install, budget-friendly, and waterproof – making it a great option for bathrooms and basements. The material is durable, but once it starts to show wear or is damaged, it cannot be refinished, only replaced.

Laminate – Dense fiberboard is topped with a photo of the actual material and a layer of laminate to protect the surface. An affordable option, laminate is offered in wide range of colors and styles to suit your aesthetic and is DIY-friendly, eliminating the cost of installation. The material is susceptible to moisture damage and cannot be refinished, only replaced. Laminate can offer a high-end look, but the repetition of pattern tends to give away its ‘fakeness.’

Tile – Available in countless colors, shapes, and styles, tile is the perfect choice to add some character to a space. Tile is durable, waterproof, and low-maintenance, but can be difficult to install and cold on the feet.

Carpet – Soft underfoot, carpet is the most comfortable flooring material and also offers noise reduction and thermal insulating qualities. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, as well as synthetic and natural fibers that vary significantly in price and quality. Carpet holds dirt and dust and will eventually wear and need replacing.

If you are thinking of updating your space with new flooring, consider your budget, home aesthetic, and goals as a homeowner. Need a second opinion? Contact us to see what will get you the biggest bang for your buck when selling your home.

Photo Ready: 3 Essential Tasks to Prepare Your Bedroom for a Refresh

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adam-winger-nclN_J0UtJ8-unsplashSometimes even real estate professionals need help organizing. When I decided to refresh my bedroom space the first thing I did was call Jennie for her expertise. Jennie has helped many of our clients reset and reconfigure their living spaces. Because my attempts to reorganize and reconfigure my bedroom continue to frustrate me, I hired Jennie myself to solve my organizational issues.

After our virtual consultation Jennie outlined three essential tasks to complete:

1. Buy quality hangers. Jennie suggested the Amazon Basics Slim, Velvet, Non-Slip Clothes Hangers – their slim profile helps to maximize closet space. Replacing the hangers offers the perfect opportunity to sort through all clothing choosing what to keep, donate, and trash. Once we were ready to rehang the clothing I was keeping, we implemented a color-coded system that added order to my closet so I can easily pull and put outfits together.

2. Remove unnecessary furniture. Bookcases, tables, chairs, and any furniture that is not directly necessary in the room was removed. After relocating a bookcase, chair, and small table the room was surprisingly more spacious.

3. Purchase a new bedspread or comforter. This was my favorite task, of course! It’s amazing the impact new bedding will make on your space. After poring over many color combinations and fabrics I settled on a cotton quilt with matching shams. This elevated the bedroom “look” as the bed is in the center of the room.

From the hangers to the bedding the photo ready refresh was a success. While I was just looking to get organized, a photo ready refresh is perfect for prepping your home for sale. If you are thinking about listing or just want a fresh, new space for the New Year, check out Jennie’s organizing business, Home Organized, to see how she can help you!

3 Solutions to Your Messy Garage

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Organized Garage 2 copyHow many times have you tried to organize your garage? Our garages are filled with tools, flower pots, outdoor equipment, and random items that don’t fit in the house. Before you know it your garage is a defacto storage unit. What is the solution? We met with Kerri Salls, owner of Inspired Closets in Williston, Vermont for her top 3 garage organization tips.

1. Overhead Storage – Isolate items that are rectangular in shape and put them on an overhead rack or shelves. This is a good solution for items that you do not need every day. Use storage totes for holiday decorations (don’t forget to label the tote for seasonal retrieval). Other items that can be stored “above” include suitcases, coolers, pet kennels, and other totes.

2. Floor Storage – According to Kerri, “If it has wheels, it belongs on the floor.” Once you get items up and out of the way in overhead storage it becomes easier to accommodate your snowblower, lawn mower, and lawn fertilizer cart.

3. Recreation Equipment Storage – Canoes, kayaks, bikes, skis, etc. have their own unique storage solutions. When storing these items keep in mind how frequently you use these items and the ease of access.

If you are ready to tackle your garage and convert it from a storage unit to a place to park your vehicle, then it’s time to get some professional help. We recommend Inspired Closets for all of your garage inspo as their showroom will motivate you to organize all of your stuff! Their design experts will work with you to customize the best organization solution to fit your needs.

Pops of Pink: Painting Outside of Your Comfort Zone

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pink living roomHave you ever heard of a color consultant? Betsey Dempsey, Color Concepts Vermont, helps clients pick out colors for their spaces. Her role is different than an Interior Designer. One way to bring new life to your house is to change the paint colors in your rooms. Paint color trends change every few years, so if you want your house to look fresh and updated a color consultation may help transform your space.

She specializes in helping people choose paint colors. “I try to get them to think beyond their comfort zone,” she says. After all, that is why they are hiring her to show them more options other than the usual “safe” colors.

Eggshell or Matte? The type of paint matters, matte finish is washable and can be blended more easily than eggshell for touch-ups. The sheen of eggshell fades over time and it is harder to touch-up.

What is trending now for paint colors? For the past few years gray tones have dominated the color palette of interiors. According to Betsey, “the cold gray tones are now being modified with more warmth, think taupe.” She is also seeing more contrast with painted trim and complimentary wall colors. “Trim does not need to be white, we are seeing dark charcoal or medium gray trim and door colors that pair nicely with off-white walls.” It’s important to use warm and cool colors together to balance room tones.

What about pink? Surprisingly, pink is one of Betsey’s favorite colors and it is becoming very popular. She likes Benjamin Moore’s “Opal” color with soft warm pink tones in any room, even ceilings which can bring out the warmth of a room.

If you are looking for recommendations for painting your space or a color consultant, check out Betsey Dempsey’s website – colorconceptsvt.com.

Photo by: Simone Haag in Collaboration with Nathan + Jac; Photo by Eve Wilson

Should I Put Up Wallpaper or Paint?

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CorduroyPine1To be perfectly honest, we do not see many houses with wallpaper. In the 1970s wallpaper donned many kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. In the 1990s wallpaper borders were popular in living rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. Today, however, with the influence of HGTV and other media, neutral pallets dominate the general decorating “vibe.”

From this month’s HGTV magazine that featured a plethora of “paint” choices to our visit to our local interior design studio, Corduroy + Pine, we are leaning toward the return of wallpaper and bold, bright colors to refresh spaces.

Yes, you are thinking, “What happens when I go to sell my house?” Unfortunately many decorating decisions are based on what the “future buyer” will want when they tour your house. In fact, trends change often and it is hard to predict what will be “in or out” as far as decorating when it’s time for you to sell. That is why, most of the time, people choose to live in a neutral environment. Why not add some color or “pop” to your living space?

Most people who crave color or adding some personal style to their houses start small when transitioning away from neutrals. According to Elizabeth Dececco, lead stylist at Corduroy + Pine Interiors, “I have many requests for wallpaper for the first floor half bath.” This is a good place to dip your toe into the wallpaper trend. If you are thinking about wallpaper for a foyer, rear entry, or bedroom, it is best to consult an interior designer to avoid missteps.

If you are thinking about adding color, wallpaper, or texture to your house give us a call and we will point you in the right direction. Remember, it’s also best to consult a professional when it comes to selling your house as we will set you up for success if you are thinking about redecorating or refreshing your space.

Your Holiday Home: 3 Easy Updates to Freshen Your Space

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0f09f3c87f53ec2f15725da17c390eacThe “Decorating Season” is here! If you celebrate any of the holidays in your home you may feel some pressure to get your house “holiday ready,” especially if, like us, you are binge watching the Hallmark Channel Christmas movies.

Instead of decking the halls with the boxes of decorations that are in the attic or basement, we recommend focusing on 3 design elements: Light, Fragrance and Plants.  These small tweaks to your current decor will freshen your space with minimum fuss and easy clean-up in January.

1. Merry and Bright – Indoor String Lights bring unexpected “pop” to windowsills and mantles. Try a string of lights along your countertop or on a windowsill. Or, if you are looking for more of a design change in your living spaces or bedrooms switch out your table lamps. You’d be surprised how a new lamp can create a fresh “vibe” to your room.

2. Fragrance – We are obsessed with home fragrance. There’s nothing like a warm, welcoming scent to cheer us up after a long day. Try a novelty candle like “Buttered Maple Syrup”—- find this and other specialty scents at our favorite local store — The Willow House in Shelburne

3. Indoor Flowering Plants and Greenery – Buy an Amaryllis bulb now and by the holidays you will have a beautiful large bloom that is a great conversation piece. African Violets bloom year round in a sunny window. Bring in some greenery like a Rosemary herb plant that some gardening centers sell during the holiday season. You can have fresh herbs all winter long along with its signature aroma.

Need more decorating inspiration? Follow our Facebook page for Tuesday Tips.  If you try any of these tips let us know, or better yet, send us a photo of your space!

5 Upgrades That Buyers Love

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HGTV Smart Home 2022 in Wilmington, NC

HGTV Smart Home 2022 in Wilmington, NC

If you follow our blogs you know that Carolyn works with buyers and sellers in the Northwestern Vermont market. Buyers are “wowed” by certain features that may surprise you.

Here are our top 5 upgrades that buyers love:

  1. Trex or other types of composite decking – Previously this type of decking was a luxury item but now, due to the rising costs of pressure treated lumber, many houses are opting for composite decking. No more staining!
  2. Gas fireplace inserts – Nothing beats the smell of wood burning in a fireplace on a crisp Vermont evening, but the wood, ash, and family allergies sometimes puts a damper on this scene. Today’s updated inserts and realistic flames impress most buyers. No more chopping wood!
  3. Freshly sealed driveways – Vermont driveways take a beating. Snow, salt, sun, and the inevitable fading and cracking. A freshly sealed driveway upgrades your curb appeal instantly.
  4. Smart thermostats – Buyers love this energy efficient feature that you can control from anywhere with your phone, and helps reduce heating and cooling costs.
  5. Solar panels – Buyers get excited when they see solar panels for an alternative energy source. More people are driving electric vehicles in Vermont and they want to add charging stations to the system.

If you’ve been thinking about selling and want more information on any of these “wow” factor features, reach out! We will help you with everything – from the beginning to closing the deal.

6 Spring Cleaning Projects to Tackle for a Sparkling Home

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pexels-jos-van-ouwerkerk-1075960Spring is just around the corner (March 20th to be exact), which means warmer temps, green grass, beautiful blooms and everyone’s favorite – Spring cleaning!

Here are 6 of our top Spring cleaning projects to get you started:

Complete a Thorough Dusting – You may swipe your Swiffer duster through the surfaces of your home on weekly basis, but we’re talking about getting down and dirty here. Remove all of the items from shelves and tabletops and give the surface a good wipe down with a multi-surface cleaner or furniture spray. Now is also the time to tackle ceiling fans and the top of cabinets.

Wash Walls, Cabinets, and Baseboards – Vertical surfaces may not look dirty, but enough dirt and dust cling to these surfaces to justify a seasonal cleaning. Use a clean sponge and water mixed with a few drops of dishwashing liquid to wipe down walls, cabinets, and baseboards.

Wash Windows – Step it up a notch from your normal Windex and paper towel routine and really take a minute to get your windows to sparkle. Vacuum the inside panes, sills, and window frame. Choose a cloudy day to clean your windows to prevent streaks – heat from the sun will dry the glass too quickly. Create a window wash solution by combining 1/2 cup sudsy ammonia (which is a specific type of ammonia), 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid, and 1 gallon of water.

Refresh Window Treatments – Just like your walls, they may not look dirty, but dust clings to everything! Take down and throw washable fabrics in the washer and air dry. Intricate curtains and draperies can be cleaned using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum, or you can take them to be dry cleaned. To remove dust from sheers, toss them in the dryer on low with a fabric softener sheet.

Clean Carpets – Rent a carpet cleaner and start with a hidden spot of carpet to make sure the treatment will not cause discoloration. To save yourself some time, move furniture slightly rather than clearing out a room. Place wax paper squares under the feet of furniture to protect the carpet and keep the furniture from getting wet as the carpet dries. Open windows to speed up the drying process. Don’t feel like all the work? Hire a professional to take care of the carpets for you.

Freshen Your Space – Not so much a cleaning project, but a quick and easy makeover for any room is changing up or adding textiles! Put a brightly colored table linen on your dining room table, spruce up your living room with fun throw pillows or a patterned rug, swap out your bedding, or switch out the towels in your bathroom – any of these will revive your home for Spring.

If you need a list to stay focused, or if you love the satisfaction of checking off a task when completed, we found a very thorough downloadable Spring cleaning checklist from Better Homes & Gardens.