Five Ways for Homeowners to Create a “White Done Right” Bedroom!

An emerging decorating trend for homeowners in 2016 is white and shades of off-white. But according to Houzz, even though white goes with anything and everything, it can still be tricky!  Be sure to highlight architectural details, use charming furniture, and add funky accessories.  Here are five of our best tips:

1.     Emphasize architectural details. Texture, interesting architecture, unusual nooks or alcoves. Highlight rustic exposed wood framing or painted wood walls & ceilings. Create a handful of focal points that create ambience. Use organic materials, such as a natural-fiber rug.

2.     Lighting. While it’s true that all white or mostly white rooms will feel lighter, and airier, they still need light — preferably warm white light in order not to feel sterile.

3.     Sheen.  Often overlooked in design choices is sheen, the reflective quality of a surface. Adding shiny metallics or other sparkly finishes to a bedroom can help jazz up plain white walls or ceilings. A little bit goes a long way, though.

4.    Layers of off-white. An easy way to break up an all-white space is to layer in off-white hues. If you prefer a warmer palette, use light tans. For a cooler palette, incorporate light grays. For those who want a little more color but want to keep it neutral, try mixing whites, darker grays and browns. It’s visually interesting and warm, without going over the top with color.

5.     Accessories. If your room isn’t blessed with charming architectural details, you can add appeal with funky furniture and interesting accessories. Vintage chairs, mismatched tables, velvety pillows, chenille throws, modern artwork, burnished mirrors – it’s all about the little details.

9 Ways to Bring Even More Happiness to Your Home!

Get and stay happy at home!  According to a variety of scientific studies, there are colors, scents, and accessories you should have in your home to improve your chances for complete and utter happiness.  Take a look, and see if one, some, or all of these items are part of your home!

1. Fresh flowers

Research conducted by Rutgers found that being in the presence of flowers triggers happy emotions and heightens feelings of life satisfaction.  Consider a bunch of posies an investment in your happiness.

2. Sentimental photos

If your nightstands or end tables are purely functional, you may want to change things a little. Swap in some family photos ASAP. A study at the University of Portsmouth found that looking at old photos results in positive feelings and a sense of calm.

3. Vanilla candles

While it may not be your favorite ice cream flavor, vanilla is apparently a kick-ass mood elevator! A Chemical Senses study found that vanilla beans are super uplifting. So go ahead and light up a vanilla scented candle after a stressful day — it'll help you relax.

4. Green or yellow walls

Out of the entire rainbow, a study from Vrije University in Amsterdam found that these two hues evoked the most feelings of happiness. They're bold color choices, though, for every wall in your home, so maybe try a few statement walls instead.

5. Furry friends

This one’s a no-brainer. Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that pets provide meaningful support for owners, helping them with social isolation and ultimately improving their lives. In other words, having a pet makes us happy!

6. Floral scents

The next time you pick out a new perfume or air freshener, try one that’s floral. The scent receptors in your nose are linked to the part of your brain that determines your emotions. And according to research from the Association for Psychological Science, floral scents can boost your feelings of happiness.

7. A journal

While exercise or therapy can contribute to your current state of mind, writing in a journal contributes to your future mood. Research published in Psychological Science found that re-reading old entries (even if they're short) can make you feel happier.

8. A made bed

Never underestimate the power of making your bed every morning.  According to a survey by Hunch.com, 71% of people who make their beds consider themselves happy — while 62% of non-bed-makers say they're unhappy. Wow! Totally worth spending two extra minutes tucking in your comforter.

9. And remember: Less is more

According to UCLA's Center of Everyday Lives and Families, there's a link between high cortisol (a stress hormone) levels in women who own homes with a "high density of household objects." In other words, the more stuff you have, the more stressed out you feel. So cut the clutter for a better chance at a calm and happy life.

Spoil yourself at home this Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day is all about indulging yourself… and we have a variety of dreamy suggestions for a romantic holiday right in your own home. Some of these might take some planning, but they’re worth it!   

1. What’s the most romantic spot in your home? In front of the fire of course! So light it up and actually relax in front of it! Grab your significant other and enjoy the warm glow.
2. Share a quiet meal with your partner. Whether you cook from scratch or order take out to eat at home, it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, but something you can enjoy together. 
3. If you don’t already have one, invest in a good stereo system. Connect it to your wi-fi/Bluetooth, and you can listen to your most romantic tunes all over the house!  This is a great way to tap into one of the five senses and really set the tone you’d like for the evening.
4. Take a “Spa Day”. Relax in a bubble bath. Give yourself a mani-pedi. Wear your PJs all day and veg on the couch. Unplug your technology and enjoy the quiet.  You don’t have to have a scheduled appointment at a salon to reap the benefits of a spa day.  Not having to leave the comfort of your own home makes it that much more relaxing!
5.  Go to bed early. It’s a fact that we live in an “always-on” world. Pamper yourself with some extra sleep. Cuddle up with your sweetie, and decompress. But first, splurge on some new sheets, fluffy blankets, or new sleepwear.  Investing in a clean and comfortable bedroom is a great way to ensure a good night’s sleep, whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or any other day of the year!

Six Cool, Calm Approaches to Selling Your Home During the Winter

Don’t let challenging winter months affect the sale of your current home!  Here are a few tips for selling your house in the winter.

·        Think minimal yet warm.  Keep holiday decorations minimal and tasteful.  And make sure to take them down in a timely manner. Feel free to spread some warmth, though. Nothing is more welcoming than some hot apple cider or tea for potential buyers to savor as they explore your home. Plus, it’s never a bad thing for your chilled buyers to take a minute or two to warm up in the kitchen before heading back into the cold.

·        Keep it cozy.  Tailor your listing description for wintertime. Play up the amenities that are desirable during the winter: an attached garage, a new water heater or HVAC components, a fireplace or skylights. You might also mention that your home is close to a gym or fitness center so that buyers know they can work out during winter months, when they’re less likely to be able to exercise outside.

·        Put a positive spin on winter. Not everyone hates winter, so play up your proximity to ski slopes, skating rinks, etc.  You can also include that your home is within walking distance to the grocery store or pharmacy, or minutes from the bus or commuter rail line – all selling points if the weather is bad.  

·        Price it right. Wintertime usually means fewer homes are on the market, so take advantage of it! A properly priced home can lead to a bidding war between buyers, which can ultimately increase the price you get for your home and decrease the time it’s on the market. On the other hand, an overpriced home can sit for months on the market, which is not something you want when spring rolls around and your competition spikes.

·         A home for all seasons.  One of the challenges of selling a home in the winter is that curb appeal is, well, curbed. The flowerbeds are empty, the trees and shrubs are asleep. Since you don’t necessarily want to wait until springtime to show your home, you need to help buyers visualize what your home looks like during all seasons. Take photos of the cherry tree in the front yard that’s absolutely beautiful during the spring, or the oak out back that turns magnificent colors in October, or the hydrangea that’s glorious in June. Include these photos with your home’s online listing and highlight each season’s best features.

·        Winterize your open house. If you are having a winter open house, make sure your driveway, walkways, and porches are clear of snow and ice, and that the heat is on. Your potential buyers have slogged through the inclement weather, so set out a doormat mat so they feel welcomed and can wipe their feet before entering. The attention to detail will show that you care about your house, which potential buyers will appreciate.

What 2015 Décor Trends Are In And Out For The New Year?

2015 was the year of overused décor trends that are no longer being recommended to ring in the new year:

•        antlers and animal heads
•        writing on the walls
•        minimalist chic
•        skull accessories
•        rustic metal lettering 

Home design experts advise stagers and sellers to adopt trends carefully.  While adding a focal point is a nice idea, you don’t want the “look” to be so specific or odd that it goes out of date quickly. Tastefully done accent walls or interesting pieces of furniture can add interest without going down the “strange and soon-to-be outdated” path.

For 2016, one of the biggest developments is color! Pantone recently released its 2016 Spring FashionColor Report with its list of on-trend colors you’ll be seeing in clothing, home furnishings and accessories.

Here are Pantone’s Top 10 Colors for Spring:

• Rose Quartz (light pink)
• Peach Echo (deep peach)
• Serenity (lighter blue)
• Snorkel Blue (ocean blue)
• Buttercup (bright yellow)
• Limpet Shell (aqua)
• Lilac Gray
• Fiesta (red)
• Iced Coffee
•  Green Flash (bright green)

Just remember when you choose a trending color – or pattern or theme – don’t go overboard. Subtlety and restraint will help keep the trend from looking outdated before the paint dries! When in doubt - consult our very own Elite Homes' Design Consultants! Happy decorating.