Making the Most out of a Neutral Room

Solid, continuous wall colors can make a room seem larger, but too much of the same muted tone can make your décor fall flat. Neutral shades will give you a lot of flexibility as you choose how to decorate the room, but too much of it can make the space feel cold and uninspiring.  The beauty of neutral colors is your ability to mix and match any style, so here are some ways to ensure you’ll never hear the word “boring” describe your home!

Try Layering.  You can still create a peaceful ambiance without using all the same color.  Utilize different tones of beige, cream or grey, for walls, drapery and furniture to create more depth and versatility.  Likewise, choosing all the same fabrics will make the room fall flat, while drapes on a wall of the same color will stand out much more if that wall is paneled or textured.

Emphasize Architectural Details.  The architecture of you home could present a lot of character and individuality on its own. Highlight rustic exposed wood framing or painted wood walls & ceilings. Allow unique molding and built-in shelves and cabinetry to become focal points of the room.

Play with Accent Colors. Whether it’s one or two furniture pieces that make a bold statement, or little pops of color throughout small, personal touches, these additions can make all the difference! Just remember that the vibrancy of color is amplified against a neutral background, so choose wisely.

Define with Accessories.  When going for an earthy feel, a shiny metal side table or wood-framed chairs are nice touches, while faux fur rugs or cow-hide throws can accomplish a totally different look.  Or simply mix prints and patterns in pillows or wall hangings for a more subtle, but unique touch. The possibilities are endless.

Let Nature In. If tranquility if what you’re aiming for with your neutral room, plants are the perfect way to achieve just that while adding interest and color to your overall scheme.  Small houseplants are great, but large planters with jungle-like greens and twigs improve the mood and purity of the whole room.

Easy Ways to Get Your Home Ready To Sell

We know you know the basics of getting your home ready to sell – de-clutter, repair, clean and stage. But buyers can be unpredictable. Any number of things – some of them practically intangible – can make them fall instantly in or out of love with your house.  So how do you combat that kind of pickiness? Here are a few tricks of the trade, courtesy of Forbes.com.

Set the welcoming mood. You’ve got curb appeal, but what about “walking up to the door” appeal? Invest in a new doormat and scrub down your front door since it’s probably covered with dust, dirt, and oils. Better yet, repaint it and add some new house numbers and a new porch light.

Wash the windows. Have your windows professionally washed, or devote an afternoon to washing them yourself from both inside and out. Even on gray days, clean windows will let in more light and make your rooms sparkle — and buyers will definitely notice if it isn’t done.

Mind the details. Small details can make your home look dumpy without you even realizing it. Freshen up rooms with new switch plates and outlet covers if yours are grubby or yellowed. Polish handles and hardware, and use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove minor spots and scuffs on walls.

Get painting. Paint adjacent rooms the same color to give the appearance of an open floor plan. Paint the walls to match your drapes and use the same colors and patterns in the master bedroom and bath. Walls aren’t the only things that need a fresh coat of paint. Dingy doors, window frames and trims will drag down the prettiest of rooms.

Appeal to the senses. Bake a fresh batch of cookies to create a homey feel in the kitchen. Employ soothing scents like vanilla and lavender in bathrooms and bedrooms. Make sure everything is clean and sparkling.

Make your space look bigger. Hang floor-length curtains above the windows to give the illusion of higher ceilings. Lay down a striped rug to make the floor seem more expansive. Use a clear shower curtain to open up a small bathroom.

Fake a closet organization system. Make your storage look custom with DIY shelves, hangers, and bins. Organize clothes by type and color for added impact.

Dress up the laundry area & garage. Make your laundry area and garage look welcoming by adding a folding surface, bins, and baskets for storage, or even installing wall shelves to store laundry accessories as well as sporting goods.

Prepare for snoopers. Buyers will open your fridge, peek in your medicine cabinet, and check under your sinks. Make these areas so tidy that even Martha Stewart would be proud.

De-clutter. You have a lot of stuff. Potential buyers don’t need to see it. The less “stuff” that’s around, the roomier your house will seem. Start packing BEFORE you list your home so that those extra books, clothes and furniture are in storage.

Good luck!

Elite Homes builds beautiful garden home communities perfect for baby boomers 55+ - featuring, single-family, low-maintenance homes, in a relaxing and convenient locations around Louisville.