Just Add Rust – Industrial Farm Chic Home Decor

Christmas Arrangements Christmas Birch Box Just Add Rust Christmas 2018 Rustic Christmas Decor

43521 Ridge Park Drive,

Temecula, CA

February 9, 2019 0 comment

From Trash to Christmas Treasure!!

written by Oise

When I say from Trash to Christmas Treasure, it’s really not just a line… literally that’s what began a whole new passion for me, working with discarded distressed wood.
Doug really started it all when he came home one day with a truck full of fence wood, cast off on the side of the road. He quickly went about building what ended up being my Second Home, Workshop, Playhouse for the grand kids, Potting Shed, She Shed, etc…
After that day I began to think what else I could make with distressed thrown out wood? It just took off from there.

So this isn’t so much a how to DIY but more a blog that hopefully may inspire you!

Christmas in my workshop is pretty great…I love to work in there with my little heater. My creative juices go wild!

In my shed I found myself making Christmas decor different from any other decorations … that’s the whole idea!

But… lets start at the beginning.

I’ve talked about this before. Sometimes you can go to fencing companies who will gladly give you their old fence castoffs. Always wash the wood really well, wear a mask and gloves then just go for it.

Here’s just some of what I’ve made for Christmas out of cast off wood. Hopefully you get some ideas. I’d love to see what you come up with!!

Whether Christmas Trees, Boxes, Trays or Christmas Signs, there’s so much you can do!!

First, our Distressed Wood Christmas Trees…

This is a bit time consuming. You do have to rip the wood to size for the branch, paint the wood as desired. I always use red and white along with the natural wood. That’s just my preference. Really Doug assembles them all. I merely direct!! I’m good at that 🙂

You can make your star out of wood, we always use rusted tin. Just add rust!!!

I love my porch made a little more modern this year with a great Sign I purchased at Vintage Begonia located in Old Town Temecula. My trees go great with this beautiful sign as well as our cedar porch ceiling and bench we also made from a plank of cedar.

Something else I’ve found really easy to make are Boxes!

Add five pieces of wood and you have a box. Boxes of all kinds. Tall sides or short…you design it the way you want it!

Add a birch branch and you’ve got a great utility box, dish container, or just a fun way to display your Christmas Decor!

It works great on your Christmas Table to display your dishes and chargers!

Or for your garden shed to hold plants or tools…

I’ve been playing with black this year and I have to say I do love it. It’s not for everyone but it works in my house!

Boxes can also be made in all shapes and sizes to hold your Christmas berries and pine branches…

Or how about a 4 feet long box. I use mine to hold all my large pine cones! These were collected by my son Ian, his wife Suzanne and granddaughters Madi and Hannah! I love them!!

Did you know you can dry pine cones in your oven set on low heat?? I dried all these pine cones, my house smelled amazing!!

How about a Window Flower Box hung with a french cleat! I have done a French Cleat blog so just go in my history to see how that would work for your Window Box!

Another great way to use your distressed wood is with TRAYS!

This photo was taken from a Christmas Boutique I held a couple years ago. Notice how much I made from distressed wood!

Almost EVERYTHING!!!

These trays are great on your kitchen island, or as a lap tray and even homework. Choose your handles to match your decor.

How about a Utility Display Tray on Casters for your Table or on your Kitchen Island like the one shown here on my daughter in-law Kristen’s. The one I made Kristen is 4 ft long and left with natural wood. You can also paint white, red or even black! They’re so fun for displaying food, condiments or Christmas decor.

**If you do use these trays to serve food, you must clean and then seal with Butcher Block Cleaner/sealer. **

Now with the same method, you can also make an Amazing Back to mount your photos. Something you can really leave up all year long! We love to print Doug’s Holiday photos on metal then mount them to distressed wood backing for a floating look! I have them mounted with 1/4 inch float so they are not removable, but you can use a thin piece of wood to accomplish the same thing. Just put in a screw to change out your photos throughout the year!

At a visit to Myrtle Creek in Fallbrook, Doug took the photo below of Christmas Trees lined up in a row! It was so beautiful. We were there on a outing taking family photos and to get our Christmas trees. Adding a memory like that gives so much more meaning.
The darling Snowman ornament above is one of my favorite Christmas photos.

Below I made three different Christmas Decorations out of scraps of wood . First with several pieces of birch I made a tree with a star made of rusted tin. Second adding a bottle brush tree to a an old tin can then mounting to a plank of distressed wood. Third another one of Doug’s photos of a Temecula Vineyard one year when it actually snowed mounted to a one of our wood backings.

(All of these are now in my daughter in-law Kristen’s home. She’s one of my biggest fans, nice!)

Adding a birch branch to the top of this picture makes a more rustic look. This again was in Temecula!!! That was just crazy freak storm! For those of you who don’t know Temecula, it’s normally hot here…we don’t get snow!

Another way to use the same wood backing is to mount a metal sign like the one we had made by Kelly at Faraway Hood, hanging now over our bed… I love that sign!! She does all sorts of cool signs you can mount yourself or you can actually order them already mounted to wood.

Check her out!!! http://www.farawayhood.com/

We also gave one to both of our kids customized just for them. My sons helped me with this so their wife’s were totally surprised. They also have mounted theirs to wood and have them displayed in their family rooms…Great Gift Idea here!!!

Ok, below you might be thinking, what is this????

It could be the backing for a photo, a tray, a sign but believe it or not its our headboard. This wood was very special to Doug and I. My sister Linda brought it specially packed from a farm in Iowa… I think. I’m probably getting this wrong but to my memory it was from an Amish Barn. We hung this the same way we did the Window Flower Box with a French Cleat. So surprisingly easy! This will always be my headboard because of the special meaning it brings.

Thank you Linda!!

Look how beautiful the grain of that old Amish Wood….

I have so much more I want to share and next week I’m going to try to do a DIY on Wood Etching/ Carving!!

We’ll see if I can do a step by step tutorial…or maybe a video…You would think with Doug being a photographer I would like having my picture taken…I hate it! Poor Guy.

You do not have to be an artist to wood carve, I promise!

Get your Dremel Ready !!

Merry Christmas!!

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

Succulent Pumpkin Centerpiece Table Centerpiece

43521 Ridge Park Drive,

Temecula, CA

December 5, 2018 0 comment

Succulent Pumpkin Centerpiece…Easy and Stunning!

written by Oise

I’m taking off my Realtor hat and putting on my decorating hat for this post. I recently posted some photos on Instagram and was asked if I would demonstrate how to make these amazing Centerpieces.

I first found out about Succulent Pumpkin Centerpieces from a Facebook Post my friend Mona from San Clemente had shared a couple years ago. She’s so talented and they were crazy beautiful. I knew I wanted to make one but I didn’t actually start until last year when two of my dear friends Heather and Denise asked me to help make centerpieces for Heather’s son and Denise daughters wedding. Making Centerpieces with my Besties was a blast…a little Wine and we made 30 centerpieces for the wedding. ..All gorgeous and each a little different! Zach and McKenna had the perfect Fall Wedding!

I was officially hooked!

I posted some photos of the Centerpieces to a friend and was then asked to teach a class. I was excited to share what I had learned. Since that time last April, I had a Hand Reconstruction called PRC… knocked it out of me BAD. Crafting was out for a long time and very limited and now figuring out what is to be my new normal… Heavy sigh…But I can still make succulent Pumpkins so lets do it!

Where do you start….Chose your Pumpkin

I like Fantasy Pumpkins because of the great ridges and deep center. There are some wonderful gourds that would also look great as well. I like using white and orange depending on the arrangement and where I’m putting it. The pumpkins I’m using in this demonstration are very, very large. I actually made five to be Auctioned at a Church event so I purposely chose large pumpkins. For my table display or porch I would normally go smaller. If your Pumpkin has a stem you can cut it but be very careful not to compromise the pumpkin.

Choosing Your Succulents

My entire yard is succulents so I don’t purchase any. If you’re lucky enough to have succulents in your yard they are easy to harvest. We’re finally in growing season and my succulents are making babies like crazy. Even though you might want to cut the top of your succulent, look underneath. You probably have lots of babies. You can cut those without compromising your mother plant.

I harvest all my clippings before I start. I must admit, if you want to get the nice draping succulents, you might want to purchase some. I don’t have them in my photos but it makes a wonderful looking pumpkin. When you cut your succulent, you don’t need to have much stem at all when making these pumpkins. They’re very forgiving! an inch can do it.

Next Step…the Moss!

Now You can use any moss you want. I use Sphagnum Moss but I have used Reindeer Moss, Sheet Moss and Indian Moss. They all work, just a different look. In this photo I used a spray adhesive called 3M Super 77 because I’m impatient but you can use Tacky Glue just as well. This is a great craft to do with kids so Tacky Glue works great!

Just wait for it to dry about 30 minutes before moving too much.

This looks much thicker than it really is. You don’t need that much for your succulents to attach.

Now lets start with your center succulent…

When you chose your first few centerpiece succulents for the center, they should be your larger ones. You will simply put either tacky glue or hot glue on the base of the stem and press to hold in position. Then build outward.

Your moss is your template so work outward with smaller succulents or ones that drape down the crevasse of the pumpkin.

Build now with smaller succulents on the side to drape the edges of your pumpkin.

For needed color just add a few pieces to fill in gaps between your larger succulents. Add height with succulent stems or you can also use them draping down the side as well. Be creative!!

You can fill it in as little or full as you desire…

Wipe off the pumpkin top to bottom. If you’re using a hot glue gun you will have what looks like spider webs to clean off. A solution of half vinegar and water will remove water spots on your pumpkin and the larger leafed succulents.

***This is important! If your succulents are freshly cut and do not already have established roots and the ends have not scabbed over, then do not water! Wait a week. I have killed succulents thinking I had to water them. They’ll get rubbery and the leaves will finally fall off. If that happens, just take off that succulent and replace…no biggy.***

To water just spritz with water once a week. Get right in the moss to make sure they are all moist!

Now have fun displaying!! I love using candle sticks or Rod Iron Baskets or cake stands to display my pumpkins..

Whether on a porch bench …

A Kitchen Island…

Back Patio…

Or your best friends daughters wedding…

Zach and Mckenna Rose Wedding!!

Have fun with them..

Sadly the pumpkin will die in time, usually 2-3 months. Just keep checking, it will start to soften. Simply peel off your succulent top and plant in your garden.

I put last years pumpkin tops in my granddaughters fairy garden…I actually used some clippings from that garden for this years pumpkins. It can literally be the garden that keeps on giving!

What a great way to start the Holiday Season!!

Items needed:

Fantasy Pumpkin or Gourd
Moss, your choice
Either Tacky Glue or Hot glue
Spray adhesive for the Moss or Tacky Glue
Succulents from your garden or garden center

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

2018 Bathroom Trends Barn Doors Bathroom Barn Doors

43521 Ridge Park Drive,

Temecula, CA

September 20, 2018 0 comment

Barn Doors for your Bathroom En Suite Entrance!

written by Oise

Is this you? … you’re looking to buy a home and everything you’re looking at seems to not have a door leading from the Master to the En suite…Is this a trend with builders or what?

What if this is your existing home and you want to update? Well here’s an option to consider.

(OK, so this is an exaggeration but I know many off you know what I mean)

Image result for master bedroom ensuite without a door

We had an awkward transition (or, more accurately, the lack of one) between our master bedroom and bath. Actually our sink area was completely exposed to the bedroom, really just all part of the same room. Our home was built in 1974 so I can understand the design. So what to do?

We wanted a relaxing retreat, and having the place where we wash our faces and brush our teeth, right? I’m sure we weren’t alone in this and so I’m going to walk you through some ideas to update even the most dated bathroom entries.

Have you considered a Barn door?

Image result for distressed wood barn bathroom door

A Barn Door might just be the answer you need to give you the privacy you need with an amazing design update!

But there’s a lot to consider before you decide to jump into a project. I’m breaking it down for you in five steps so you can decide if a Barn Door will give you the answer you want.

(Our Bathroom before framing out for our barn door)

1. You need the right kind of space
A barn door can free up space compared to a swinging door, but it also needs room to slide along its track. If you’re mounting a single door, you need wall space on one side of your opening that is at least the width of the door, so it can slide completely open. For double doors you need wall space the width of an individual door on each side of the doorway. Make sure the wall has no light switches, outlets, windows, vents, doors or artwork that might impede the door or scratch it as it slides open.

2. Structural support is required
Barn doors can be heavy – up to 200 pounds or more, so for sturdiness, most people mount the track to a header, attached to the wall studs, above the doorway. A 2 x 6 cut as long as your track should do the trick. If you mount on wall studs, be sure there is a stud or wood block at every interval on your track, including beyond the door opening. Wall anchors are not sufficient support for hanging these doors. Bonus: Mounting your door to a header positions the door far enough from the wall to clear the door frame and trim when sliding.

Image result for pHoto of barn door with a header

In the photo below, my Doug built the header but we also created a foot more space in the bathroom by building a false wall. It is not load bearing, but merely a wall framed out to give us more square footage in our bathroom. For us it made all the difference and we didn’t notice losing a foot of our Master Bedroom at all.

3. The door must be wider than the doorway
Barn doors hang from a track outside the room, covering the doorway, but leaving gaps at the sides between wall and door. For complete coverage and to minimize the gaps, make sure the door is at least several inches wider than the opening. For example, a 4-foot door will cover a 3-foot opening with 6 inches on either side, reducing the gaps. Buy a track that’s twice the width of your door: A 4-foot wide door takes at least 8 feet of track to slide completely open. For wider doors, cut the track to fit and join the pieces with connectors available from the hardware manufacturer.

( After Pic of our bathroom extension with our Barn Door)

4. Quality hardware is a must
Your barn door will be a focal point in your home, so it needs to look great, perform flawlessly and hold up under the wear and tear of everyday use. High quality hardware is durable, moves smoothly and quietly and beautifully complements your décor. You would be surprised what you can find online so do your homework and really shop around. You can find great hardware for any budget, but elaborate hardware will cost a bit more.

Image result for barndoor handles

5. You’ll need a handle; maybe a latch
A handle or pull lets you slide the door open and shut easily, and it looks great. This works on the outside, but you’ll need to install a recessed pull on the inside so the door clears the door jamb when it slides open. If your barn door is the entry to a bathroom or bedroom, you’ll find different privacy latching solutions available, from a hook and eye closure to a latch with strike plate – even a decorative deadbolt will work.

Now you’re saying I don’t have a Doug…sorry he’s one of a kind…but if I want to know how to build and install my own Barn Door without breaking the bank so I’m providing a tutorial on YouTube so you can see if it’s something you want to tackle or whether you need to hire a professional. Barn Door Tutorial .

Barn doors may be your solution to privacy showering or whatever… not to mention being woke up when your honey get’s up before you want the light to go on!! Let’s look at some examples:

Arched opening? No problem!

Image result for photos of barn doors in front of arched openings

Distressed Wood really started the Barn Door craze…

Image result for distressed wood barn bathroom door

How about distressed Barn door with an industrial finish…

Barn doors don’t need to be rustic…love this modern barn door!

How about using an old door…will that work? Yep!

Image result for distressed wood barn bathroom door

How about modern glass and wood Barn Door?

Image result for modern glass barn doors

So is a Barn Door in your future for a new home purchase or your existing home? I hope I’ve given you some great information and options to think about!

And if you 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

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