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Posts tagged adding space

Top 10 Ways to Make a Room More Spacious

Feb13
2009
Leave a Comment Written by Becky

Add Space to Your Home

When you’re thinking about buying a home, chances are, one of the most important factors is space. From the garage to the kitchen to the bedroom, everyone is looking for more space throughout. And even if your home feels small, you can create the illusion of space simple by working with what you’ve got.

Here are the top 10 ways to make a room look more spacious:

1. Decluttering: This should be obvious, but in case it isn’t, you should be sure to declutter the room and clear out anything that isn’t being used. This is the first step to creating more space in a room.

2. Lighting: The lighting scheme in a room is key to creating an open feel and depends on the purpose of each room. For example, a chandelier might make a stunning focal point in a formal dining room, while track lighting can illuminate a fireplace in the family room.

3. Windows: To let in the maximum amount of natural light and therefore make the room appear brighter and more spacious, windows should be kept sparkling clean.

4. Mirrors: Use mirrors and other reflective surfaces to reflect the light coming into a room and create the illusion of more space.

5. Flooring: A great way to create more space is with seamless flooring from one room to the next. Another flooring trick: if you’re using tile, lay the tile on a diagonal for a more expansive feel.

6. Neutral colors: You should consider neutral tones when it comes to choosing both the paint color and the flooring. Try painting the ceiling a shade or two darker than the walls to give the room more height.

7. Monochromatic color scheme: Coordinating colors on the walls, floors and furniture will allow separate pieces in a room to blend together, while contrasting colors tend to break up a space.

8. Furniture arrangement: Simply by moving furniture to the outside of a room so that it isn’t blocking walkways, you can immediately create more space. Also, choose pieces that don’t take up the whole room. The more floor space you can see, the more spacious the room will seem.

9. Shelving: If you’re thinking about incorporating shelving into the room, make sure you install shelves that expand vertically instead of horizontally. This will draw your eyes toward the ceiling and expand the space.

10. Fabrics: When searching for window treatments, avoid heavy draperies and instead look for light, airy fabrics. The pattern of the fabric is also important, as anything too busy will detract from the open feel.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged decorating tips, enlargen room, how to decorate small spaces, making home more spacious, top 10, top ten
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Home Seller: Storage Matters!

Oct20
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

These days, everybody seems to need more space. And whether you’re trying to sell your current home or just looking for new storage methods, options are available that you might have overlooked!

Maximize your square footage with these clever ways to de-clutter and add storage space!

In the garage, take advantage of every inch of space. This includes the ceiling! Hang a bicycle rack, place boards across the rafters to create a “loft” or hang a bag of sports equipment. Then add shelves to the walls.

In the bathroom, add a shelving unit over the toilet. Use clear or wire trays in the cabinets so that you can see into them for what you want. Store things together that you use together. If your linen closet is on overload, roll up towels and place them in a basket on the sink. If you own a pedestal sink, surround it with a skirt to store items underneath.

If you absolutely need more closet space, investigate what rests behind your walls. Many areas are just drywall and paneling. Unless you find wiring, you can create a closet or custom cabinetry in the wall!

In the kitchen, add a pantry or an island for extra storage space. On the budget side, add a cart on wheels that you can place anywhere.

Use long table cloths or bed skirts to secretly hide storage underneath a table or bed. From an outsider’s point of view, it’s smart decorating. Only you will know what they can’t see!

Instead of purchasing a coffee table, use a chest that you can fill with blankets, pictures or dishware. Instead of displaying end tables on the sides of your bed, use nightstands with cabinets. Chic furniture can multi-task!

Organize! Label boxes in the closets, attics and under the beds. Write what is inside, number them or take pictures. Decorate the boxes. Make organization fun! That way, you don’t even need to hide your storage.

The key to keep in mind with your organizing is enhancing your home: the better your creative organization, the more spacious your home becomes! This is a plus for you while you live in your home and an even bigger plus for buyers who come to visit. Sellers, take note: storage matters!

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged adding value to a home, home selling, increasing space, organization, real estate selling, selling a home, storage
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Do You Know about the Untapped Potential in Your Home?

Aug29
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Allegra

attic

The Essentials
Did you know that your attic offers you the opportunity to add livable space to your home without going through all the hassle (and expenses) of an addition? It’s true! With a little hard work and elbow grease, you can turn your currently unused attic into a new master suite, a game room, a rec room, a home office or anything you wish!

You will need a permit for this project. You’ll also need a zoning check and a site plan. You may also want to hire a building inspector or a structural engineer to check things out and make sure your attic can actually be converted.

The Plan
Some adjustments will need to be in order for the attic transformation to take place.

First, does your attic have a floor? The framework will most likely need to be reinforced to make sure it can hold up against walking and everyday furniture. You may also need to reinforce the roof to make sure it can hold up insulation. Speaking of which, you’ll need to insulate and ventilate this space. A separate system can be installed in the attic for heating and air-conditioning if your current one won’t work.

Building codes require the room to be seven-and-a-half feet over 50 percent of the living area. Cramped does not mean cozy, and if you have to crouch in your new living space, you probably won’t be using it much. Make sure the ceiling height is tall enough. This can be altered. You can switch out a hipped roof with a gabled roof (like the roof of a shed) or dormers. Not only do these alternations add height, but usually windows as well.

You will need to make sure your attic gets enough light so it doesn’t feel dark and tiny. Dormers allow you to add windows. You can also install skylights and/or artificial lighting.

If you are going to be using the attic, you’re, of course, going to want to have it easily accessible. For this, you can use an existing staircase or install a new one. If there’s already a staircase leading to the attic, make sure it’s structurally sound. If not, you can install a traditional staircase. You can also install a spiral staircase. Whichever you choose, there are certain requirements you’ll need to meet to make the staircase up to code.

The Work

All of this work can be done yourself, or you can hire a contractor to do the heavy lifting. It all depends on your budget and how much you have to spend. Don’t forget to figure out a budget before you start this project, and try your best to stick to it! Also, make a plan before you start anything so you can figure out if what you want is feasible.

As long as it’s possible to convert your attic, then there’s no reason to ignore the potential living space up there, just collecting dust. Turn it into something great and enjoy!

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Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged add-ons to home, adding value to your home, additions, expanding living areas, expansions, home, home remodeling, home renovations, how to improve your home, real estate, untapped potential
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Founded in 1984, BuyOwner.com® is the leading provider of real estate marketing services. We pioneered the "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO) market, which today represents over 20 percent of all residential real estate transactions.

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