6 Home Design Trends for 2018

2018 Bathroom Trends Bathroom Remodels Bathroom Renovations Staging your Bathroom

43521 Ridge Park Drive,

Temecula, CA

April 13, 2018 0 comment

Tricks to Help Your Bathroom Sell Your House!

written by Oise

Tricks to Help Your Bathroom Sell Your House

When it comes to the resale value of a home, renovating your bathroom is one of the most important investments you can make. But there’s another, perhaps ultimately more beneficial, reason to consider a bathroom makeover.

Nothing lifts your spirit like starting your day in a room you love.

1. Begin with a good idea of what you want

Image result for Rustic Bathrooms

Whether you’ve hired a design team or not, it’s really important to know what you like and dislike about your space. Most of us live in tract homes so re arranging the footprint of a bathroom isn’t financial feasible or smart. But there are some things you can do without the cost of re plumbing and a total tear out.

2. Do your research

Related image

Make a wishlist of what you most like googling images on Pintrest and Instagram. They can be fantastic sources of inspiration. The more you are really aware of what you love, the easier it will be to make decisions as you move along. It will also give you a solid database to use and compare against your selections.

From there, you can think about aesthetics, from the color palette to the types of fittings you’d like to incorporate. They do add up from cover plates to towel bars. Make a Budget…then add 5% conservatively for all the unknowns.

3. Color Palate

Changing out your cabinets and sinks can make a huge impact and return on investment. Our if you don’t have it in your budget…paint. Checkout my previous blog posts on the benefits and savings with paint.

But a warning, just slapping a coat of paint on worn cabinets will do nothing to improve your home value or the aesthetics of your bathroom. Tips on Painting your Cabinets Right!

Just a simple coat of paint can not only give your bathroom a new clean look but also help in the value of your home…so choose wisely getting sample paints before you go for it. Look at the color on your walls at different times of the day and how it effects your skin tones… and your mood.

Image result for paint color for bathrooms with cream tiles

4. Know your budget

The materials for the average typical bathroom remodel will cost between $8,000 and$10,000.

This includes new fixtures like a new toilet, new sink, and a new bathtub. It also includes the cost of new tiling, new cupboards, and a counter top for the sink.

Before…

Bathroom Makeovers with Before & After Pictures That Are Sure to Inspire

Wouldn’t you love to have this bathroom? Well we can dream right!! Isn’t it fun to see what was once an attic space being turned into this dream bathroom!!

and After

Bathroom Makeovers with Before & After Pictures That Are Sure to Inspire

But here are 4 ways to save on your renovation:

Do Your Own Demo

If you are doing a complete renovation you can hire a pro for this all-important demolition phase, which will set you back about $1,000. Or, by tackling some or all of the teardown yourself, you’ll have more money to spend on something you really want.

Check Out A Recycling Center

Lightly used and recycled fixtures and building materials cost a fraction of what you’d pay for new at the neighborhood home center. At well-known national resources such as Diggers List and Habitat for Humanity Restore Resale Outlets, you’ll find everything from tubs, faucets, and tile to double-hung windows and laminate flooring.

Learn to Love Subway Tile

Consider using subway tile for your tiled surfaces. Clean, simple and less than $3 per square foot, classic subway tile has a timeless appeal that harmonizes with nearly every décor.

hammered-nickle-accessories Grab A Can of Paint

Even the least expensive tile can eat up your design budget. But you don’t need floor-to-ceiling tile to make a dramatic impact in your new bath. You can save a chunk of change by limiting tile to the floor and shower and painting the walls. For added warmth and texture, add an inexpensive and easy-to-install wainscot of faux beadboard.

Image result for bathroom with wainscoting and tile

Now with all that said what is the very minimum you can do?

Let’s Stage!!

1. Clear off the counters to create a blank canvas. Remove all of your everyday toiletries and bathroom supplies. This includes soaps, toothbrushes, cotton balls — everything. (And don’t forget the products in the shower.) Buyers do not want to see your personal hygiene products. In fact, this can make them feel as though they are intruding on your personal space, which can be distracting and a little awkward. Unify artwork by common features; color, frames, matt colors, and so on. In this picture, all the photos are all black and white, for instance. Leaning art in the bathroom

2. Get rid of cleaning products. Remove all items that imply housework and maintenance, such as toilet brushes, wastepaper baskets, sponges, cleaning products, bath mats — even spare toilet rolls. These are a necessary part of everyday living, but they do not create a beautiful spa-like experience for your buyers.

Tip: Remove the bathroom scale, too. Remember, your buyers want a luxurious bathroom experience, not a reminder of those extra pounds they are trying to lose.

3. Maximize your storage. Storage space sells. Your buyers will be looking inside your bathroom cupboards to see how much space they offer. Make sure they are only half to two-thirds full and well organized. Store the little things you use every day (hair elastics, lip gloss) in a pretty box or basket with a lid to avoid a tidal wave of trinkets on the shelves.

Tip: If you’re running out of space to store your toiletries, keep the overflow in simple wicker baskets. When buyers are coming to inspect your home, just grab the baskets and stash them somewhere else.

And Last But not Least…

4. Clean thoroughly. Clean everything to within an inch of its life. No, it’s certainly not exciting, but it’s super important. Buyers will pay a premium for new, so your aim is to create a new feel. Everything must be immaculate, as this creates the impression that your home has been well maintained and well loved.

Next Blog Post…do have a bathroom doorway without a door?

Image result for barn doors in bathrooms

Yep…Next blog post..will a Barn door work for your Bathroom?

And if your need anything…we’re always here for you!

Doug and Lura (Oise) Bailey

Realtors

Specializing in the Temecula Valley and North San Diego County.

Mobile Phone 951-760-6102

Office Fax 951-639-8778

Office Phone 951-639-8777

Stage your Kitchen to Sell your home Staging your kitchen Staging your kitchen to sell Staging your kitchen with light Under cabinet lighting

43521 Ridge Park Drive,

Temecula, CA 92590

March 22, 2018 0 comment

Staging Your Kitchen to Sell Your Home : Part 3- Let there be light!

written by Oise

Staging Your Kitchen to
Sell your Home: Part 3 -Lighting

Ok, let’s look back at what we’ve done so far with the series on Staging your kitchen for a quick and profitable sale.

On Staging your Kitchen Part 1 and Part 2 we talked about whether to remodel or renovate.

By now your Cabinets are refaced with either paint, wood veneer or new cabinet doors. Your walls are fresh with new paint.

Counter tops are replaced, repaired or at the least scrubbed and sealed.

So it’s time to dress up your Kitchen…

Let there be Light… oh no, not this light!

Brightening It Up

If you have a home built earlier than 2000, this may be your kitchen lights!

This must go away!!

I’m making this pretty easy for you with a really great and easy to follow link on YouTube that goes step my step on giving you updated and really nice recessed lighting.

This is honestly not hard, we’ve done it in many of our homes and I’ve had several of my owners do it as well before selling or leasing their homes. It’s an amazing face lift to an otherwise very dated kitchen.

So here ya go…watch it!

How to Replace Florescent Lights with Recessed lights.

You can do it!!!

You have really made a huge statement…You have changed the look completely in your kitchen with efficient Recessed lighting.

But here’s another option; instead of canned recessed lights you can use distressed wood or even white bead board or tin as a great decorator background and hang pendant lights….what!!

Fancy!!

kitchen ceiling tiles and hanging light replace dated fluorescent lighting.

This single light may be more cost efficient than putting in 4 or 6 canned lights. You know the style of your home but canned lights are a very safe bet and add instant value. It’s also something both men and women would like.

But let’s look at another option just for fun.

This next one is more me. I love this recessed box area trimmed out in wood. You can get the peel and stick at Lowe’s or Home Depot or even order online.

I like the real deal and use distressed wood.

Tip: If you like the distressed wood, go to a local fencing company. Often times they will give you old fence wood, free. Make sure you power wash and sand with a mask!!!. Nasty stuff on that wood but oh so worth it! You will have to be picky and make sure the wood is not warped. If it is warped it just won’t lay flat. So it is a bit more work and about the time your husband is complaining remind him it’s free. Don’t tell him I said that!

Epic 22 Amazing Stick On Wall Panels https://ideacoration.co/2018/01/20/22-amazing-stick-wall-panels/ When all your tiles are in place you might want to trim out your back splash

Did you ever think that old florescent light box would ever look like this!!! I don’t care if you’re selling your home or not, do this!

Ok, so now lets talk about light options.

Pendant lights have come a Long Way…there is so much to chose from.

Traditional…

Edison Bulb Pendants

Image result for Edison bulb pendant lights over kitchen island

Farmhouse Industrial

Find and save ideas about Modern kitchen lighting

Modern

or Bell Jar Modern

Bell Jar Modern Pendant Lights Pendant lights can be an inexpensive way to make a Huge impact! Shop around… you can find some great deals!

Check out the links for some great shopping options for Pendant Lighting:

Pottery Barn Pendants

Houz Pendants

Joss & Main Pendants

We’re not done yet…don’t forget under cabinet lighting!

Image result for under cabinet lighting kitchen

Under cabinet lighting is an easy, cost-effective way to add visual depth. Perfect for above kitchen counter tops or under floor cabinets, the payback of installing under cabinet fixtures can be huge. Look at some of the benefits;

1. Energy Efficiency

Under cabinet fixtures ensure high energy savings – especially when you elect to install LED under cabinet lights..

2. Aging in Place Value

What’s the three most important elements of an aging-in-place design? Safety, safety, safety. . Under cabinet lighting helps promote safety, especially in the kitchen, where cooking accidents are more probable due to poor lighting. Layered lighting is increasingly important as we age – since our eyes begin to fail us and more light is needed.

3. Easy Installation

Under cabinet lighting installation is truly a DIY project. Whether you choose to use tape, puck or linear lights, installation is quick and seamless for any skill level.

4. Room Vibrancy

Don’t underestimate the inevitable beauty of a layered lighting. With under and over cabinet lighting, pendant lighting and canned lighting combined.

So now the hard stuff is done. Here’s some simple steps on how you actually stage/decorate it to show potential buyers…

Image result for the perfect staged kitchen

Keep windows clean and clear: Clean the kitchen windows, inside and out. If you have heavy window coverings, consider removing them — or at the very least, be sure window coverings are completely open when you show your home.

Clear the counters: A toaster and coffeemaker are just about the only things to consider leaving out on the counters. Put everything else out of sight. Less is actually more in this case.

Have your kitchen professionally cleaned: Having a pro thoroughly clean your kitchen is one of the best investments you can make when preparing your home to sell. Yes, you could clean it yourself, but would it really look as good? A sparkling-clean kitchen is one that looks its best.

Organize inside cupboards and Pantry: Guess what? Potential buyers will be looking inside your cupboards and pantry. A good spring cleaning is probably in order. I know it is in my house. Here’s a great link whether you’re moving or just need to Get It Done: How to Clean Out the Pantry

Add new tea towels: Brand-new tea towels free of stains. Don’t put our your smelling used towels frayed and tired.

Set out fresh fruit and Flowers: Anything perfectly ripe and beautiful is fair game. Choose a pretty fruit bowl or set your fruit on a cake plate.

Never, never, ever leave dishes in the sink and run your dishwasher prior to an Open House and take out the trash so there are no unwanted odors.

Now go! You did it. let your kitchen sell your home…or maybe stay in your home and enjoy the fruit of your labor.

Either way, good job!

Next Blog Post

Staging your Bathroom: Oh boy!

And if your need anything…we’re always here for you!

Doug and Lura (Oise) Bailey

Realtors

Specializing in the Temecula Valley and North San Diego County.

Mobile Phone 951-760-6102

Office Fax 951-639-8778

Office Phone 951-639-8777

Butcher Block Counters Farmhouse/apron sinks Granite Counters Kitchen counters Quartz Counters Staging your kitchen

43521 Ridge Park Drive,

Temecula, CA 92590

March 2, 2018 0 comment

Staging Your Kitchen: Part 2- Kitchen Counter Tops, Sinks and Back splashes oh my!

written by Oise

Staging Kitchen: Part 2- Kitchen Counter Tops

Most will agree the kitchen is the main focus to most buyers. It’s the heart of the home. When your friends and family come to visit, where do they all want to congregate?

It’s always the Kitchen!

Since it is such a high priority for most homeowners, it makes sense to put a little extra money into the room to encourage buyers and gain a higher selling price. But how much is too much? This guide will help you determine where to think about investing your cash for the best resale value.

In my last blog post we talked about Refacing cabinets. The pluses and minus of Paint, Veneer or replacing cabinet doors.

So what’s next… Counter Tops

The quickest zero-cost fix for most homeowners in the kitchen is to clear the counters of absolutely everything. Give it a real good cleaning, top to bottom. This instantly makes it look like you have miles of counter top when you may only have a few square feet. So this is the best place to start.

But before we get to that point…let’s take a good look at your counter tops.

Tile Counters

Image result for tile countertops

Asses your counter top: Is it in good shape? If you have tile counter tops check to see if it has nicks, cracks, grout issues, etc.? Here’s a link on cleaning your grout and different grout issues you may have fix grout issues.

The picture above is a beautiful kitchen and I would not change a thing. But there are nice tile counters and there are sad tile counters…you know what I mean!

If you have pink tile or any tile that is so out of date or damaged you really should consider replacing it.

Let’s look at some options that you will get the best return.

Tired out of date tile counters

Image result for picture of bad tile counters

The common response if you do need to be replace your counter tops is to go with granite, if possible.

Fun Fact: Potential home buyers love granite, and adding the keyword “granite” to your listing could help you sell your house 38 days sooner for 4 percent more. True!!

Granite counter top

Let’s look at other options: Quartz (engineered stone) vs. granite (natural stone).

This is not an easy decision, because the distinction between the two countertop materials isn’t apparent. After all, quartz and granite are each loudly touted by their respective manufacturers as being purely natural, straight from the Earth, hard as stone.

Granite comes in many different colors and patterns due to the way it’s formed (cooling and solidifying of molten materials). Whether you’re looking for a subtle complement to your kitchen or a standout slab with unique mineral inclusions, there is an almost limitless selection to choose from and no two granite countertops are the same.

What’s the price difference?

A slab of granite is usually priced starting at $60 a square foot but the prices rise quickly from that point on. For quartz counter tops, you’ll generally be paying anywhere from $67 up to $95 per square foot. For a 28 ft.² counter made of quartz you’ll have to budget for approximately $2200 – $3100

Oversized Kitchen Island with Plenty of Space

According to HomeAdviser.com, the average cost to purchase granite and have it installed can cost between $2,000 and $4,000. You can save money by purchasing the material from a wholesaler and doing some of the preliminary work yourself but the actual fabrication and installation of the countertops should be left to a professional.

Fun Fact: Let’s compare value. Quartz” saw a 6-percent sales pr boost premium where homes with “granite” only saw a 4-percent boost in sale price.

Quartz One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme. With quartz, the selection process is much easier.

Pros and Cons:

Granite:

Granite is a very hard stone and 100 percent natural. It’s mined from quarries all around the world, cut down to a manageable size, and then polished to a fine finish. Granite comes in many different colors and patterns due to the way it’s formed (cooling and solidifying of molten materials). Whether you’re looking for a subtle complement to your kitchen or a standout slab with unique mineral inclusions, there is an almost limitless selection to choose from and no two granite counter tops are the same.

Quartz

Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly

indestructible, and because it isn’t porous like granite, it’s easy to keep your counter tops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though:

Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.

One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme. With quartz, the selection process is much easier.

Quartz Counter top

Counter-top Super White Quartzite.

But what if you have terrible tile counters and granite or quartz is just out of the question. What are your options?

Think about Butcher Block! It’s making a big come back in recent years especially on islands! Inexpensive and much better than tired tile!

Butcher-block countertops is made from strips of hardwood glued together, and is usually constructed from hard maple, but can be made from other species like walnut or cherry. Butcher block is both attractive and functional, allowing you to chop fruits and vegetables directly on it. To find a butcher block counter top supplier, check out IKEA, as well as some online vendors and even local carpenters.

Convenience Butcher block countertops provide convenience for the homeowner because food can be prepared on the surface of the counter. There is no need to transfer the food to a cutting board to chop, and everything can easily be wiped. While you can prepare food on a granite countertop, you cannot cut the food there. You must use a cutting board to do so because granite can become ruined if it is scratched or dug into with a knife.

Fun Fact: Let’s look at cost

Butcher Block: $1,320 – $1,820 (for 30 sq. ft., installed)

Granite: $1,600 – $2,650 (for 30 sq. ft., installed)

Here’s a way to save even more!

If you’re at all handy you can install your own butcher block purchased

at Ikea for the cost of material, a huge savings!

Ikea Butcher Block Choices and Cost

Really!!! Did you look at the cost of a 74″ slab?

What!!

Image result for pictures of kitchen islands with butcher block top

Butcher block countertops come in several wood types such as walnut, cherry, mixed woods, maple, and birch. They provide a rustic charm that you’re unable to get with granite counters, but they can be an outdated choice when reselling the home.

We decided to install butcher block as a temporary counter top until we saved for my white quartz. The installation process was pretty straight-forward and other than being heavy and awkward, it was much easier to cut the counter tops than we anticipated.

We installed the farm sink, which allowed us to cut the counter top in two to meet up on either side of the sink, which you can see in the photo below.

4 Years later..we still have the butcher block!

Let’s talk about the obvious.

If your replacing the counter tops, what about the sink?

Sink Options

Image result for butcher block with farm sinks

Fun Fact: Did you know that homes boasting Farmhouse Sinks can fetch nearly an 8-percent sales premium!

If you’re installing new counters, a new sink might be needed as well. Consider Farmhouse! Farmhouse Sinks also called Apron Sinks have quickly become one of the hottest sinks out there. They can sit atop the counter or under mounted. They come in white, stainless steel or even granite.

Image result for stainless steel farmhouse sink

Whether you chose stainless steel over mount or under mount, porcelain or cast iron, or if you can keep your existing sink make sure it’s free of stains and chips.

If you have a porcelain sink with chips, repair them!!

Check this out…

Image result “The Magic porcelain chip fix repair is a two part epoxy paint to repair tubs and sinks. It fills and repairs unsightly chips and scratches. It is easy to apply on sinks, tubs and tiles surfaces and can be used on porcelain, ceramic and enamel. It is self-leveling and produces a high gloss porcelain-like finish.”

Here’s a u tube link to watch as well so check it out. Porcelain sink repair

Now last but definitely not least…

Backsplash

An updated backsplash is a quick and easy investment to add visual value to your home. These days you needn’t carefully plan a tile pattern; in fact, you shouldn’t if you are simply trying to update your home for selling -— leave those intricate details to the new owners.

Image result for before and after backsplash subway tiles

Fun Fact: In Kitchens, back splashes with subway tiles are a beautiful and classic design feature that are sure to catch a buyer’s eye. Homes mentioning subway tiles in their listings sold for nearly 7 percent more than expected and 63 days faster.

So now your kitchen cabinets are done, counter tops are either replaced, cleaned and grout repaired. We’ve talked about sinks and backsplash.

Everything including your oven and stove are clean from top to bottom.

Next Blog Post

Staging Your Kitchen: Part 3 -Let’s decorate with Light!

And if your need anything…we’re always here for you!

Doug and Lura (Oise) Bailey

Realtors

Specializing in the Temecula Valley and North San Diego County.

Mobile Phone 951-760-6102

Office Fax 951-639-877

Office Phone 951-639-87778

Kitchen makeover Kitchen Renovation Painting Cabinets Refacing cabinets Renovation vs Remodeling your kitchen

43521 Ridge Park Drive,

Temecula, CA 92590

February 16, 2018 3 comments

When to Remodel or Renovate your Kitchen… What’s the difference?

written by Oise

Remodel or Renovate…that is the question?

Staging your Kitchen: Part 1

Your kitchen cabinets

So you know your kitchen needs a lot of help! You’ve looked at your old tired cabinets and horrible stained counter tops and drab walls for years meaning to do something to update them.

But where to start and what will give you the most return on your investment?

Before you make a decision, there are some questions you should ask yourself.

Do I want to Remodel the entire kitchen or just Renovate, and what’s the difference?

Renovation means “restore to a good state of repair.” … Remodel means “to change the structure or form of something.”

Let’s look at the plus and minus of both…

Remodel: How long do you plan on staying in your house? Kitchens tend to cost the most to remodel. It’s not uncommon for a home owner to spend $35,000 to $100,000 to revamp their kitchen. If you plan on staying in your home for the next 10 plus years that may be fine. If not, you probably won’t recoup your entire remodeling investment.

Renovations: Renovations, however are likely to give relatively more bang for the buck at resale with at return of 92.9%. So for a relatively minor (roughly $7,000-10,000) investment you can see big results!

Whether you remodel or renovate, plan your kitchen to compliment the style of your home. Nothing looks worse than updating a Craftsman Style house with kitchen that has Mediterranean design. Get my meaning…?

Many home improvement or kitchen design stores will actually provide designers that will help you come up with a plan that will enhance your home’s design and create value.

When pressed for which room is most important to a potential buyer, they will say it is the Kitchen! The kitchen is one of the biggest selling points of any home. Home buyers want to fall in love with this space and it can play a major factor in whether they decide to put in an offer or walk away. Most people are looking for a “move-in ready” home and don’t want to be burdened with a costly kitchen renovation down the road.

So I’m going to focus on the Renovation…

Let’s pretend this is your kitchen, a little tired and in need of a face lift… The cabinets come first!

Cabinets: Should you Replace or Reface?

New cabinets can take up nearly 50 percent of your total budget in a kitchen renovation, and functional cabinets can mean the difference between a kitchen that works and one that doesn’t. But what if you can’t afford to buy all new cabinets with the latest storage features and styles?

Many homeowners today are saving big money by “refacing” rather than completely replacing their existing kitchen cabinets.

There are three primary ways to reface cabinets:

1. Refinish or paint existing cabinet and drawer fronts.
2. Install new wood or laminate veneer over existing cabinet and drawer fronts.
3. Install completely new cabinet doors and drawer fronts.

This is the same kitchen in the previous photo with cabinets refaced with

New Cabinet Doors…

Wow! What a big difference and for a fraction of replacing the entire kitchen cabinets.

In all three cases, whether you get new doors, veneer or paint to reface your cabinets, new hardware such as hinges and pulls helps to complete the update. The interior of the cabinets can also be sanded, painted or stained for a completely new look. Now lets look at before and after Refacing with Wood Veneer

These cabinets are common in many homes and a perfect candidate to reface with wood veneer.

But even with the potential cost-savings, refacing isn’t right for every kitchen remodel. Before making the decision to reface, rather than replace, home owners need to consider a number of factors, starting with the “bones” of their current kitchen cabinets.

You can get a professional quote or there are kits on refacing with veneer. Normally I’m all about “DIY” projects but I would be cautious. A DIY could go seriously wrong so I’ve provided a video link to at least help you see if this is a project you would want to take on.

Here’s a video link on showing a how to Wood Veneer for your Kitchen Cabinets. Gorgeous results!!! So this may be an option especially if you are looking for modern kitchen cabinet. The change in the cabinet doors takes this kitchen from old and worn to a fantastic modern design.

The third is least costly with great reward if done correctly…

Paint!

Painting is a relatively inexpensive way to upgrade outdated kitchen cabinets. You just have to determine whether or not your cabinets can be painted. Wood, wood veneers and metal can be painted with fantastic results. Laminate and melamine, not so much.

But only fools rush into this major DIY undertaking.

So here are 8 Big Mistakes You Make Painting Kitchen Cabinets

1. You have unrealistic expectations

Painted cabinets look lovely, well some do, but they aren’t going to look totally smooth. If the cabinets have a visible open grain, the grooves are going to show through the paint.

2. You don’t allow yourself enough time

People often think it’s a weekend job, but it takes at least four to seven days when you build in the proper prep time. So Plan!!

3. Forgetting to clean the wood!!!

No matter how clean you think your kitchen is, you need to wipe everything down with a grease remover. I recommend a paint-prep degreaser called TSP.

4. You don’t remove the doors off and drawers

This is a crucial first step: Take all the doors off, pull the drawers out and remove the hardware knobs and hinges. If you paint over them, the paint will crack an look awful. Better yet, put your hinges inside your doors and get new hardware! Oh and Label everything with numbers so you know what goes where!!

5. You skip sanding

Even if your cabinets are in near perfect condition, you still have to sand them so the paint will stick. Use sandpaper in the middle of the spectrum (150 or 200 grit is good) then wipe off all debris.

6. You don’t prime

Take the time to prime. if you don’t the grain will bleed through! Maybe not right away but if you go with a lighter color paint than your existing cabinet, it will bleed through!

7. You choose cheap paint

Go for a higher quality paint. Talk to the paint specialist. You will get a smoother finish with a good paint. Most kitchens need less than two gallons, so the splurge isn’t going to break the budget (plus you’re skipping hiring a pro, so treat your amateur skills to the best, easiest-to-use materials).

8. Choosing your paint color

When choosing paint for cabinets, it’s important you get it right the first time. I suggest buying small tester cans painting a big poster board the color you’re considering (you can usually get a small one for just $5). Hang it up next to your back splash and your appliances and make sure that’s really the color you want.

Then once you’ve done all that, watch the video on Painting your kitchen cabinets!

Just to be safe!

What are the Pros and Cons

Painted cabinets tend to accumulate grease and dust, so they are difficult to maintain; while refaced cabinets can be easily cleaned and maintained.

Painting cabinets is much more economical than refacing cabinets. Refacing cabinets extends the life of cabinets making them more durable. Painted cabinets are at risk of paint getting peeled off; especially if the surface had not been correctly and sufficiently prepared.

This is a crazy good market to list your home but appearance is still paramount in getting top dollar for your hame. Which means renovating your kitchen is the first place you should think about starting!

My next blog post will be Staging Kitchen: Part 2, Kitchen Counter Tops so watch for it. My hope is that whatever you do with this information, it will help you move forward in making the best decisions for your home.

And if you need any help… we’re here for you!

Doug and Lura (Oise) Bailey

Realtors

Specializing in the Temecula Valley and North San Diego County.

Mobile Phone 951-760-6102

Office Fax 951-639-877

Office Phone 951-639-87778

Curb Appeal your Home Exterior Home Tips to Sell Your Home Paint your front Door The importance of Paint

43521 Ridge Park Drive,

Temecula, CA 92590

February 1, 2018 0 comment

The first impression is the only impression

written by Oise

The first impression is the only impression

I love to blog design tips. It’s fun for me learning leading trends on home design and decor and passing it on to you.

But this is the time of year many of you might be thinking of listing your home so I decided to do a blog series on the best most effective things you can do as a homeowner that won’t break the bank. And whether you are listing your home or not….take a look. You just might want to read on!!!

Just because it’s a sellers market, don’t get complacent and think you don’t need to do anything but put a sign in your yard and buyers will just flock to your home. Now I have listed homes like that but usually there is some room for improvement. With a little effort and your own sweat equity you can literally put thousands of dollars in your pocket! Wouldn’t that be nice.

This week I’m starting a Series on Selling Secrets.

So let’s start with your home exterior…

Curb Appeal!

#1: Landscaping

Image result for best photos of curb appeal

This yard is very typical of many neighborhoods in Southern California with the drought we have all suffered. No matter how good the interior of your home looks, buyers have already judged your home before they walk through the door. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. It’s important to make people feel warm, welcome and safe as they approach the house. Spruce up your home’s exterior with inexpensive shrubs and brightly colored flowers. You can typically get a 100-percent return on the money you put into your home’s curb appeal. If your grass is dead, hire a landscaper to either seed or sod or you can do it yourself. Make sure you know what you’re doing and do your homework first on proper seeding and sod application.

#2 The front door

Remember my last blog post on the benefits of painting your front door! Doors painted shades of navy blue to dark gray or charcoal earn a premium of $1,514 … 3 hours of work and a quart of paint.

If it’s wood and you don’t want to paint it, clean it up with a quick sanding and re stain to give it a fresh look.

#3 Adding layers of plants will give more dimension to your porch.

This is so simple…First get a power washer and spray off the cobwebs and stains on your porch. You wouldn’t believe how many homes I have previewed even really nice ones that have cobwebs everywhere on the porch, railings and around the door. In fact, power wash all the eaves while you’re at it. Then add a few statement plants in nice pots adding dimension and color. If you have a large porch where you can place outside furniture...

ideal porch width. front porch 3 porch decor Just freshen them up. Make sure the pillows are clean free of all leaves and dirt. Your buyers may just want to sit down to take in the view!

#4 Paint!!!!

An effective use of color on the exterior of your home can add thousands of dollars to its value. Make sure the paint colors you choose complement the colors of the other materials of your home, such as the roof, brick, stone, or stucco. Think about painting window sashes and overhead surfaces, such as porch ceilings and soffits, a lighter color to reflect light and “lift the spirit of your home.” If you have peeling or stained paint all a perspective buyer sees are $$$$$

#5 Garage Door

Garage door upgrade to a low-maintenance steel carriage house style.

Garage doors aren’t something that typically will turn off buyers unless they’re the old worn wood style or dented existing metal door. If you do need to replace it but want a quick update, think of windows. Depending on the style of your home, hardware can be a real inexpensive way to add curb appeal. I found this hardware set for garage doors.
(I have seen them for $20 at Home Depot)
Image result for garage door with hardware If you think your door is fine and you don’t want to spend $$ updating your garage door…At least POWER WASH IT!!!!!

#6 Get Rid Of Weeds

See how to make it at One Good Thing by Jillee. This is a no brainer. During the winter months weeds really grow. An hour of prevention with Round Up can make the difference and make a yard look really manicured.

# Repair all Screens

Torn screens will be called out on an inspection and buyers will notice them. Get a repair kit and go for it. It will take an afternoon but really well worth it.

#7 Did I mention Power Wash?

You can pressure wash bricks, wood decking, concrete, stucco, windows, vinyl, metal, plastic garbage cans, grills. Everything looks better with a little hard scrub.

You know you can rent a Power washer at Home Depot! It will take an hour or so but worth every minute and it can be addicting~

#8 New Door Mat

Entryways Cosmopolitan Faux Wood 21 in. x 35 in. Bootscraper Doormat

Welcome those viewing your home with a nice new mat. Most mats have been there for awhile so buy a new one and make a great first impression.

Here’s another tip…if you have floors you want to stay fresh during the duration of your listing, provide booties in a nice basket. Buyers will not mind taking a moment to put them on.

Now the outside is done, ready to go inside?

Next blog…The kitchen comes first!

Doug and Lura (Oise) Bailey

Realtors

Specializing in the Temecula Valley and North San Diego County.

Mobile Phone 951-760-6102

Office Fax 951-639-877

Office Phone 951-639-87778

2018 Design Trends Color Tips to sell your home Color Trends 2018 DIY Color Tips for your home

43521 Ridge Park Drive,

Temecula, CA 92590

January 25, 2018 0 comment

Six Color Tips That Will Increase your Homes Value

written by Oise

Six Color Tips That Will Increase your Homes Value

As a realtor and stager in the Temecula Valley, I spend a lot of time previewing homes and have developed relationship with many New Home Builders. It’s a great way to stay current on colors and home decor trends! So after studying up on what the experts are saying about trends for 2018, I want to share six areas in color trends where you can add impact and real value to your home. It’s all about...Paint!

Painting your house inside and out is an inexpensive way to increase the value of your home, or if your not selling, just give it a much needed face lift.

Home sellers are often advised to slap on a fresh coat of paint before listing their properties, but they shouldn’t overlook the impact of color choice.

A Zillow analysis of more than 32,000 photos from sold residential properties finds specific colors can either boost or crimp a home’s selling price of homes and compared the sale prices of homes with white walls versus those with more colorful paint. The upshot? Color makes a big impact on buyers and can serve as a “powerful tool”.

Disclaimer: Although I do love some of the choices the “Experts” are predicting, I myself would be cautious and get advise before going BOLD!! Read on!!

Let’s start with the outside…Curb appeal , First Impressions count

1. It Starts with Your Front Door

Gray or blue front door: Add $1,514

Even front doors make an impression on prospective buyers. Zillow found that homes with doors painted shades of navy blue to dark gray or charcoal earn a premium of $1,514.

I like this door from the inside as well…It starts the story of your home color choices.

2. “Greige” Home Exterior: Add $1,526

House exterior. View of entrance porch with walkway and garage with driveway

If the exterior of your house in real need of a fresh coat of paint, up may want to pick a mix of gray and beige — “greige” — for your exterior. According to Zillow, analysis found homes with these shades on their outside sold for $1,526 more than white properties.

If you can add a third color choice that’s even better…

Side note on Stucco: If you live in Southern California you may have a Stucco Exterior. Stucco really stains from the elements so first give it a good power wash. That may be all you need. If you do have cracks in your stucco, you may need to repair them.

Hairline cracks aren’t as serious as deep cracks. However, they can provide a pathway for moisture and water to enter into a wall system. Once moisture or water gets inside a wall, it may cause further damage. Moisture and water trapped inside walls can lead to additional problems, such as paint failure, wood rot, mold growth, musty smell, swollen drywall and damage that would not have happened with yearly maintenance.

Cracks smaller than 1/16 inches usually don’t undermine the integrity of exterior stucco, repairing them as needed will prevent them from escalating into something worse. They can also be a real turnoff to buyers so by doing your own exterior inspection whether selling or not, it is smart to do a good walk around yearly in maintaining your home. Most painting professionals will repair cracks prior to painting. Make sure you ask about stucco crack repairs when you get a quote.

3. Let’s step inside to the living room add $1809

In 2016, Simply White and Alabaster White were the hue of the moment. Then in 2017, we saw a shift to darker neutrals, like Poised Taupe and Mushroom. So it’s only fitting that for 2018 people predict even deeper and bolder colors are going to be all the rage.

Many rooms can handle dark walls, especially if they get plenty of light. Try deep gray — or, if you really want to be a daredevil, black — to instantly create coziness.

Notice the patterns in the pillows throws and chairs…your surprise color!

Here’s another one…

The Experts also say the perfect paint color can transform everything from rooms to moods to the selling price of your home. But figuring out which hue to choose from a seemingly infinite number can be daunting to say the least.

According to Trendir, black should be treated as a neutral this year…is Black the new white?

Whoa! In some rooms that may work on an accent wall, but I personally think the whole room in black just may turn off buyers.

4. Blue kitchen: Add $1,809

In my last blog I mentioned that Zillow and Realtor.com data shows homes with blue kitchens sell for $1,800 more than homes with white kitchens. I want to explore that a bit .

If painting cabinets is just too scary and not in the budget maybe just the walls…

If you want to do your own sweat equity, that’s fine but you can’t be sloppy when painting, especially when your planning to list your home. Either get a professional or take the time to tape off to get clean lines.

I provided the link above on U tube with a great product…take a look. When using bold colors if you bleed along a ceiling it shows…watch the video!!!

What if you do want to try to paint the cabinets yourself?

If you do want to try to update your own cabinets I say go for it . Just know what you’re doing. Preparation is everything and consider that if you have outside cabinet hinges changing them to inside hinges makes the cabinet look current.

Again I provided a link with a great “how to” on painting cabinets below! In this case the homeowners used blue to paint the lower cabinets leaving the upper white. Hinges are again changed to hang inside the doors.

Personally, I think white cabinets are timeless and you can add you color elsewhere. I love the pops of blue but painting all your cabinets blue, hmmm. To me Gray is safer and you can get the same effect. Love the cabinets above!

Painting your cabinets made easy…well not that easy!

5. Blue or purple bathroom: Add $5,440

More blue…really??

That’s what they say so lets look at options:

Yeah, I do think this looks great but I also agree with what some of you are thinking…more painting!!! Well, you get a lot of return for just your sweat equity and a can of paint.

Let’s look at the big picture…it’s always easier to see it completed right!

I like these options and remember paint companies will always give you groupings of paint choices that go together.

6: Blue bedroom: Add $1,856

More shades of blue and gray… I guess Bold is definitely in trend in every room of the house. However, you don’t have to paint every room with Bold Colors. Try a couple accent walls and maybe add that same color with what I call the “Surprise” color in each room in some small way. Towels, pillows, throws even area rugs and drapes, to tie in your paint selection. Sharp!!

It may seem overwhelming I know and as I’m looking at my own Home..Well!

My home has a smooth exterior Santa Barbra finish stucco with cedar garage doors, cedar shutters and posts.

No Greige color…

Looking for a more modern look we did a smooth stucco with cedar accents. My front door is cedar as well, yep no paint, just natural wood ..

Going for a more modern cleaner look. Love redoing the front of the house.

I do have one accent wall that is Navy Blue in Doug’s office but the rest of my house is very pale blue gray with a lot of White Mill Work. .

My pillows and pots are navy and gray, my Surprise color that tie in the accent Navy wall in Doug’s office.My kitchen cabinets are white…

I do have blue towels and a blue mattress ticking print on my table runner!!

My bathroom is also white with ship lap and Barn doors.

My Bedrooms do have gray and blue striped pillows and blue gray walls with paint called “morning fog”…

Our master also with the blue theme with our duvet cover and navy pillows…

So you see with having one blue accent wall, you can carry a color throughout your home, and I really love my home…

I’ve given you what the “experts” say are leading trends that you might want to incorporate when selling your home.

Or if your looking to just update a few rooms…here ya go.

Bottom line; It’s your house. Make it your haven not another persons idea of what your haven should look like.

And just remember, we’re always here if you need us!!

Doug and Lura (Oise) Bailey

Realtors

Specializing in the Temecula Valley and North San Diego County.

Mobile Phone 951-760-6102

Office Fax 951-639-877

Office Phone 951-639-87778

2018 Design Trends Kitchen Renovation New Design Tips for 2018

43521 Ridge Park Drive,

Temecula, CA 92590

January 10, 2018 2 comments

What are the new trends in Home Decor for 2018

written by Oise

I don’t know about you but when I take down Christmas Decor I get a strong urge to re-invent my house. Not redo it completely, but you have to understand, at the Bailey’s, everything comes down for Christmas. So I have a blank slate to work with every new year.

I’ve seen some trends come and go the past few years and the question is, what are the trends that will last or will it be a fad quick to fade away in 5 years?

So I’m going to share with you top designer choices from Zillow design trends for 2018 as well as Realtor.com and came up with:

6 Home Design Trends for 2018

and let’s talk about it…

Statement Floors

Image result for photo of kitchen with statement floors

“According to Zillow Forget statement walls — 2018 will be about statement floors. From bold colored geometric tiles to soft herringbone-style hardwoods, expect to see fab floors everywhere next year, especially in bathrooms and laundry rooms. They’re a great way to make a small room pop, without adding clutter.”

Image result for herringbone statement floor

What do I think …Hmmm….Well I have to admit I love these floors. I especially would love them in my bathroom or kitchen. If you do a statement floor of any kind you have to remember that although it may be something you might absolutely love, is this the home you know you will be in for the next 5-10 years? Or is your choice of flooring something that may look dated or so taste specific that a future home owner may be turned off by it? Really think about it. This is a big investment so you have to ask yourself if it will pay off for you in the future.

Floral prints

At the blog today I've got a roundup of white and blue bedrooms including this lovely via @smpliving #masterbedroom #dream Link in profile. http://ift.tt/1JhoRaY

Interior design experts predict floral prints in bold, contrasting colors will make a big comeback in 2018, particularly on large billowing fabrics, like drapery, as well as chairs and throw pillows.

I’m good with this…I change out my bedspreads and pillows twice a year It’s an inexpensive way to test color in your home.

Light wood cabinets

Image result for light wood cabinets kitchen

“Homeowners are gravitating toward medium and light wood cabinets, particularly with flat fronts and clean lines. The warmth, texture and natural element wood cabinets add help make the space feel more inviting.”

Have you seen pictures of my white kitchen…yikes…I guess I’m not trending, not this year at least. I really do love these cabinets and I can see why they would be a great designer choice but I also think white will always be in. Mixing clean natural lines with the white? It just shows, kitchens can be a fun way to mix elements and colors.

Warm neutrals

Image result for warm neutrals in home decor 2018

“From warm reds to caramel browns to soft beige, moodier color palettes, both on walls and in artwork, will be popular in 2018.”

texture..

I like this…You can add what I call your surprise colors with fabrics, accents in tiles, and pillows. It’s a look that both men and women really enjoy…Thumbs up!

Bold Colors

Related image

Bold paint choice or how about an accent wall of wallpaper? Again, your not out much money for this and what an impact.

Image result for accent walls with wallpaper

“According to Realtor.com and some of the forecasts, Designers haven’t yet had their fill of spaces decked out in deep, bold shades; this decor trend is appearing on our hot list for the second year in a row.”

Some designers are saying accent walls are out while others are saying the opposite using Bold Colors on one or more walls. I have accent walls and love them and after all, for the very little money you can’t go wrong. It does make a big difference in a room for a few hours work. If you are planning on selling your home, the first thing you should do is look at your paint. It’s your sweat equity and can really make a big difference.

Matte metal hardware

Image result for matt kitchen hardware trends

“What kind of drawer pulls and light fixtures do you want with those wood cabinets? Matte metal! Homeowners are moving away from shiny silver- or gold-accented kitchen hardware — they can make the space feel cold.”

Image result for metal matte hardware in kitchens

I’m 50/50… For not much money it does make a big change. Maybe if you’re renovating your kitchen but I think this could be a trend that will go out in a few years.

So what are the Zillow and Realtor.com design fads of 2017 to forget?

All-white kitchens

Image result for all white kitchens photos

“The all white kitchen is a look that has been popular for a while, but it’s on the way out, according to the Zillow Home Trend Forecast.

Image result for all white kitchens photos Expect to see more color in kitchens next year, especially if the homeowner is planning to sell. Data shows homes with blue kitchens sell for $1,800 more than homes with white kitchens.

I don’t completely agree… but how about adding an island with color or a back splash with ceramic tiles..

Image result for white kitchen with concrete tile backsplash

Succulents

Image result for succulents in interior design

“Succulents are easy to care for and relatively affordable, but there are many other vibrant indoor plant options to choose from. While experts do not expect succulents to go away completely, they do anticipate their popularity to decline in 2018 as more homeowners consider incorporating other colorful or leafy plants into their homes.”

I say baloney to that one…especially where I live.

Ship lap…Oh no, say it ain’t so!

Image result for shiplap photos

“Call it the Chip and Joanna Gaines effect: Over the past four years, everyone this side of Waco, TX, wanted a farmhouse sink and shiplap walls. But in the new year—and with “Fixer Upper” coming to an end—the farmhouse chic style is starting to finally feel “a little too contrived,” says Oregon-based designer Arlene Lord.

I love this photo and design!! I think this is one designers opinion and take it at that! I have some ship lap and love it.

Here’s kind of a revised more modern version of ship lap…love love love!

2018 kitchen colors

The bottom line is, it’s your house. You live in it not the designers. Get the look you want for your home but also keep in mind trends that will effect resale if your planning to do any remodeling.

My next couple blogs will be on color trends so stay tuned!

And if you need any help, just call or email…I’m always here for you.

Until then…Many Blessings,

Oise

Doug and Lura (Oise) Bailey

Realtors

Mobile Phone 951-760-6102

Office Fax 951-639-877

Office Phone 951-639-87778

Airbnb Christmas Holiday Home Tour 2017 Crooked Pine Farmhouse

43521 Ridge Park Drive,

Temecula, CA 92590

December 30, 2017 0 comment

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” Charles Dickens

written by Oise

There are all kinds of Home Tours. In Real Estate we tour homes all year whether New Homes, Re-sale or now so popular with on line videos and drone shots showing entire neighborhoods.

This Holiday Season, I have been on Christmas Home Tours in Temecula and Julian California. Viewing up to four homes in each tour. Although I have seen some beautiful Christmas decor and incredible home designs ranging from a 200 sq ft cottage to stately manors, I’ve always loved just going home.

This is my last post for 2017 and with Christmas nearly here so it’s only natural to do my own Home Tour.

I do my own thing , not for everyone but I love it. I have friends tell me I should have my home in a Holiday Home Tour but that’s not for me. I would rather share with you in my blog…easier on the flooring!!

So Welcome!

~Bailey’s Christmas Home Tour, 2017~

I thought I’d be different and start with the outside of my home. I have a very small yard and an amazing deck overlooking the lake so here are just a few photos before we go inside.

I’m starting with my shed!!

Here’s a peek at my workbench where I do my thing! I love this shed so much.

Doug made this shed out of old fencing…hard to believe it would hold so many great memories and fun creations for me.

I could easily spend my day fiddling around!

But onward around to the deck…

Simple, but still Rustic…I’m going for a little more clean lines in my outside decor..

In previous blogs I’ve shared our deck makeover. Even though our yard is small, this is one big deck. It’s really nice and it was fun decorating it differently this year.

Check out my blog post on our deck makeover.

Simple greens fill an old bucket..

Now through to the front porch, you can see how simple I’ve made it. In the past I would have garlands surrounding my front door but after renovating the outside of our home, I didn’t want to cover it up.

The rustic distressed wood trees embellish my porch as well as my deck. They really compliment the cedar porch ceilings and front door!

As you enter the front door…. I use simple greens and holly to embellish my families photos that line the entrance. Little things make a big impact!

We were fortunate when we renovated our home to really give it an open floor plan so our living room immediately greets you with a split level and iron railings that lead you down to the living room,dining room and kitchen…

Then the tree !

I put a lot into my tree designs…Next year I just might do a flocked tree but this year I filled our tree with garlands of berries, holly with rustic twine and burlap ribbon but ornaments of only red and crystal. It’s one of my favorites.

Our living room is small but cozy in red plaids and lots of distressed wood made into more trees, boxes, signs, and of course barn doors…

Another View….

Our Grand-kids and Little Niece and Nephew Stockings are always hung on an antique rake we’ve had for years with a sign made by my sister Linda that reads,

“All The Stockings Were Hung”…

Memories from some of my Father and Mother are precious keepsakes that hold a special place in my heart and on my side table…

And of course the walls are filled with my Doug’s winter photography. I love my winter walls…

Christmas Florals sit on Doug’s Piano and our Christmas family photo has a place on an antique hutch we found 30 years ago…

And the Dining Room I purposed to be open and inviting, with an antique 9 Ft Table and Hutch that was originally from France and found in an old barn…

My hutch filled with my grandmothers China and putter given to me by my boys one Christmas when they were just kids along with my collection of white pitchers…

Using my desk I made a temporary Coffee and Hot Chocolate station ….

The kitchen was interesting when we renovated…it had an L shape peninsula that we removed, trying to make the room more open.

We found this cart at a garage sale, perfect size for a great island. The character it adds is amazing!! Industrial Farmhouse …. I do all my baking food prep on it and it fits 4 stools perfectly! What a find!

And butcher block counter tops are filled with Christmas cherished platters that come out yearly for baked goodies!Are you getting tired??

On to my Bedrooms N Baths..

Here’s just a peek…

I’m ridiculous with pillows…yes I am and I’m not apologizing for it.

The Head Board is made from Barn Wood from an Amish Farm my sister salvaged for me and the sign we made out of distressed wood with metal made by Kelly from

Far Away Hood!

Our Kiddos room we fill with cherished memories of Christmas Past…

I fill this window hutch with my Santa collections and photos of my grand kids from Christmas’s past…The blue cottage was my mothers!

And with small bathrooms, we made a barn door to separate the rooms…And shelves again made from discarded wood… and garage sale finds…

More of Doug’s photos in frames…

Doug’s office is the only room not filled with Christmas Red so I kept it completely natural to compliment the blue statement wall…

The lamps I got on Black Friday with the description of Driftwood desk lamps. Two for $100 including the shades on Amazon Prime. I got them and they are more like Antlers but I love them…

So that is pretty much a snapshot literally of our home tour but I would love to share with you one more.

I mentioned that I went on a Home Tour in Julian. I was so grateful to visit the home of Jim and Mary Brinson who just completed their gorgeous home in Julian.

They are now opening as an AirBnB they call “The Crooked Pine Farmhouse”!

If you like Fixer Upper, you will love this home.

With the owners permission, I took a few photos during the tour and made it into a short video for you to enjoy. I wish I could of taken better quality photos but this isn’t bad considering I had a house full of ladies in my way!!

If you love this home like I know you will, you can contact Jim at jwbrinson@gmail.com for more information.

Here is the link for the video…enjoy !

Click on Link: Crooked Pine Airbnb

And I hope you also enjoyed my little home tour. I hope it shows you don’t have to have a large home to make it your Christmas Haven…

This sign was made from the wood of an old door of an Outhouse..Yep!!

Merry Christmas and God Bless!~~~ Oise

See you New Years, 2018!

Doug and Lura (Oise) Bailey

Realtors

Office Phone 951-639-8777

Mobile Phone 951-760-6102

Office Fax 951-639-8778

Birch Branch Place Card Holder Birch Decor Christmas Arrangements Christmas Birch Box DIY Projects Home Decor Blog Real Estate Blog Rustic Christmas Decor

43521 Ridge Park Drive,

Temecula, CA 92590

December 14, 2017 3 comments

” At Christmas, all roads lead HOME” Marjorie Holmes

written by Oise

Besides being a Realtor, many of you know I love decorating. Staging homes for my Sellers is awesome but decorating at Christmas….My heart goes AHHHHH!!

I have hosted probably 30 Christmas Boutiques usually stocked with items I have made myself.

But now that I’m no longer making decorations I can share with you my little tips.

That would give me great joy.

So let’s dress our Christmas Table shall we!!!This is my daughter in-law Kristen’s table last years. When we set it up we really debated on whether she wanted the table dressed throughout the Christmas Season. She decided to try it and she found it actually made it easier if some of their friends happen to pop in. Which at their home, that’s like every day!!! If they’re not on a ball field that is..LOL

Family joke!! Anyway…

Her table is simple…notice no Table Runner. The centerpiece is one I made her years ago and it’s become a staple on her table. Bring in the her dishes with some Christmas colors, china and some stemware and a few Ornamental embellishments and she has a beautiful and simple Christmas table.

If you don’t have a centerpiece spray, check out this idea.

Who doesn’t have Mason Jars!!

I Love this table. I have done this same table in different ways. The mason jars are sooo simple. You can either use snow from Michael’s or even soap to fill your jars. Clippings from your spruce, cedar or your own Christmas Tree and then of course cranberries. A few Votive s and that’s it.

Because the table centerpiece is more natural, the chargers are simple basket woven. Add your own Christmas dishes and your favorite napkins. Tie with Jute and that’s it!

Here’s a twist…put your cedar clippings in water with cranberries floating then add your votive!! Cute!!

These jars are actually placed right on the same clippings for texture. Add a votive and its magic.

Now with all the affordable battery operated candles on timers, it makes it much safer.

FYI… Did you know CVS has flame less flicker candles for $19.99!!! The flame doesn’t move like PB candles that start over $50, but who cares!! I certainly don’t! When I bought mine I got the second one 1/2 off!! Just saying!

What about table settings?

Table settings can really vary as well…I love these chargers from Sawdust Angel. I love the layering of the place settings. White on white with ship lap chargers that can be used all year long. I also love the simple wreath and pine cone. You can use a dime store Christmas kitchen towel for a napkin. Wow!!

Check out Sawdust Angel @sawdustangel if you’re interested!

Here’s another sweet use of the same wreath!

Simple but so festive..Also a great gift for your guests. Hang their place cards on each wreath for seating. Different and fun!!

This next place setting is one of my personal favorite because it was my grandmothers china mixed with some plaid towels and table runner.

My Mother had given this Christmas China to my Grandmother and I was blessed to inherit the China…I love them!

Mixing fine china and dish towels…who’d of thunk it! So lets create your Christmas Table…you don’t have to use the same elements I have but the concepts will always be the same.

DIY Christmas Table setting!! Ready?

This Christmas Table setting is beautiful enough for fine dining but rustic enough for your breakfast nook.

This table setting is easy..Burlap purchased at Lowes can be made user friendly by spraying it with a solution of 1/2 Glue and 1/2 water. It really cuts down on shedding. Perfect width for my table.

These wood chargers were ordered online and came really rough. I sanded them and then used Min wax but for a final seal I used food safe mineral oil. It protects the wood and your guests. The napkins are hand towels purchased from Ikea. You fold them in half, then fold 2 inc. down from top, an then into thirds. Tie with ribbon or in my case jute and embellish with small ornament, given to my guests as a gift.These place card holders are super easy. You can purchase birch branches from Michael’s. Look for the coupons and save big. cut into 3 inc pieces. Drill small hole into top and place tie wire you can get at any home improvement store. Twist the end into circle and glue straight into wood. That simple.

Print with Cursive script for each name.

Add some Trees, candles and votive and that it!!

Pretty fun right!!

But if you don’t want to set your table before the big day or party…

Just box it up!!

I made this 4 ft box that holds my dishware and chargers ready for the big day.

But, no matter how you set your table… Just remember

Christmas… is not an external event at all, but a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart. Freya Stark

All Blessings~~Oise

Doug and Lura (Oise) Bailey

Realtors

Office Phone 951-639-8777

Mobile Phone 951-760-6102

Office Fax 951-639-8778