First Impressions--start at the entrance

Curb Appeal--Feather Your Nest Transformation--

Its as important as what is inside. You know the old saying "Don't judge a book by its cover". Well. that is exactly what people do-----on your home.

Whether you are sprucing up your own abode for yourself or trying to get your home ready to place on the market; the front entrance definitely needs some attention.  If it is un-inviting and/or drab, it sets the tone for what is to come. People tend to create first impressions in the first 10 seconds they meet you (or your home). Do yourself a favor and make those first few moments of meet & greet the best they can be.

Meet the old:

You can't get to much more boring than this. Don't you just love the wood covering the third story window?  Makes a statement right?

Now the unveil:

I sware these are completely un-touched photos.  So, how did we go from Drab to Fab?

Start with the Obvious:  The Front Door

The storm door was replaced about 4 years ago, and was in great shape.  What we needed to do was make the front look more inviting and give a hint as to what would be found on the inside.  The actual door is original to the home--and a strange 105 inches tall...so it would be a shame to try to replace it.  I say keep all elements that are salvageable intact for the integrity of the home's story.  This door is circa 1924, complete with brass door knob, plate and trim (that you can't see very well).  All it needed was a good sanding with a mouse sander using fine grit and primer and paint.  We chose this cool gold/yellow tone to complement the red-brick.

  

My all-time favorite color to accent dark/cherry cabinets, furniture or even this brick is Kilz brand Nacho-Chip.  It is great. This sample may look more brown, but in reality it is a warm golden yellow. You can find Kilz brand paint at Wal-Mart.

Next:  A bath

Take all the shutters off and power wash the brick--the entire house.  I am lucky because Mr. Perfect is very good at this.  But, if you have never used a power-washer before, you may want to hire this out.  1) Because if you use the wrong power, you can push the morter out between the bricks=BAD.  2) A professional can do it in a day.....time=money.

Don't forget to power-wash the shutters too.  Here is Mr. Perfect in action. (Yes, his nick-name from his teenage years was actually this)

Nice and clean and ready for painting.

Paint

We chose a great dark muted grey/blue color for the shutters.  The gal at Lowes suggested flat sheen for shutters--if I could do it over, I would choose a semi-gloss for sure, especially against the brick.  But it turned out fine.  We also painted all the window trim in a warm white.  Paint always makes things look newer and cleaner.  If someone saw chipped paint around a window, just because you didn't have time to take care of it; well, it may hint that you don't take care of other parts of your home.  Make sure you get severe weather paint and that it is mildew resistant.

Landscaping & Plants

If possible, add in some landscaping around your house.  It doesn't have to be crazy, just some easy-to care for plants and shrubs.  Anyone at a green-house or Lowes can help you pick what is best for your climate.  

Here we are getting ready for the landscaping. This isn't hard, just time-consuming and elbow grease. After you did up the area you want to plant, add in some Hummus.  Here is a great site that will help you get started if you are new to gardening: http://www.flower-gardening-made-easy.com/beginner-gardening.html

It is always good to have some sort of plan.  I created a crude drawing of my idea of what I would like for my flower garden to look like.  Using the color scheme that we created for the house, I chose plants on size, color and care.  Then, set them out where I thought they would look best.  It is easy to make changes etc....before the plants are in-the ground.  You definitely need some height in the back and a mixture of shrubs and colored flowers.  It is good to plant things in groups of three to five for depth.

The finished result

Create an Outdoor Room

This picture was taken in the "during" phase as you can see.  We re-painted the porch black and used this side of the porch to create a room-like space. Again, using the color scheme for the interior of the home.

Here we started with an outdoor rug to ground the space. And, added in seating, a table and some greenery.  The cushions came from Marshalls and the setee and chair are from Pier One. The accessories are from Target and Hobby Lobby.

The rug is from Target, Planter from Marshalls and the Lantern is from Hobby Lobby.

The End Result

A definite Transformation without alot of money.  Mostly, cleaning, paint and Tim.....and little hard work :) Nothing worth having comes easy! Right?

 All of this porch furniture and accessories are available through our Feather Your Nest Staging Service.  If you would like to learn more about Home Staging click HERE 

And this House is actually on the market currently.  If you would like to learn about this property or see more pictures: Check it out HERE

 If you all have some curb appeal to share with us, drop us a line and show us today.  What are you waiting for.

Enjoy

Decorate with Vintage Trunks

I have been working on a bathroom for a client and am looking for a vintage trunk to use as storage.  There are so many great ideas to utilize a trunk within your normal daily living.  Check out the pictures below to steal some ideas for yourself:

You can use a trunk as a coffee table

Stack them in an entryway to create an interesting table for your keys and what-nots that also 

adds loads of storage

Do the same to switch out a boring night-stand: This adds interest and functionality

At the foot of the bed, a trunk can add visual appeal and extra storage for blankets, shoes or toys

A few trunks under an entry table adds depth to the space and storage for seasonal items

If you are looking for ways to find trucks, check Overstock.com, Craigslist for your area, estate sales, flee-markets, vintage re-sell shops and Hobby Lobby.  These are all great resources.

Happy Hunting: And send us a picture of your latest find

Coastal Living Idea House Part 2

Coastal Living Idea House Norfolk, VA. is chocked full of fantastic ideas for your home. As I mentioned in my previous Blog, I had the wonderful opportunity to tour the Idea House and decided to give you all a peek at what I got to see. Below is the Master Bedroom upstairs which was washed in soft dreamy blue-greens and accented with crisp white. An easy color pallet for any novice decorated.

What a super fun idea..to put a swing in your bedroom. Who said you can't. Go ahead, make your own rules. Being a grownup doesn't mean you have to be stuffy.

Mounds of pillows are always an easy decorative touch, but with function. Choose patterns and colors that compliment each other. This window nook is inviting and functional....a great place to curl up with a book.  And, look at that blue ocean in the background.

Another angle of the built-in window seat, which also doubles as storage. It is easy to bring the outdoors in, by mimicking the colors and tones. 

Having identical bedside tables and lamps balance out the room.  However the accessories are different and the prints are made to look like vintage maps.  This brings interest into the space and makes it look not so cookie-cutter.

Every room can use and upholostered piece and this chair and matching ottomon are an easy choice.  The slipcovers remove for easy cleaning and the color evens out the grass-cloth wall covering since it is in the same tone.

This space is dreamy and inviting. Makes you want to redecorate your space. Enjoy.