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10 Tips for Spring Decorating

Mar19
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

It’s spring! What does that mean for your decorating?

Out with the old, dark, heavy and dreary, and in with the new, bright, light and cheery!

New seasonal decorating ideas are available every year, but the rule of thumb seems to stay the same, which is that home décor trends tend to follow those of clothing fashion. Therefore, for quick, trendy ideas, visit your favorite clothing shop to spot the fabrics, colors and patterns of this year’s spring line. Or, take advantage of these 10 ideas already laid out for you:

  1. The general idea behind decorating for spring is to rid your interior of access blankets, rugs, wintery decorations and heavy curtains that block the wind. Substitute these items with ample hardwood or tile flooring, vases filled with bright flowers and light, lacey curtains.
  2. Add brightness to every room with at least one pastel-colored accessory. This could include real or artificial flowers, a bright vase, a slipcover, pillow shams, curtains, tablecloths, artwork, picture frames, rugs or anything you prefer!
  3. Incorporate spring scents into your house. While one option is to just open the windows and let the aromas of rain and renewed grass float in, allergies might cause you to choose a different option, such as scented candles and air fresheners. Choose scents like rain, honeysuckle, lilac or lavender.
  4. To avoid allergic reactions to flowers, decorate your stairway railing or fireplace mantel with bundles or tissue paper flowers. These are easy to make, emit an artsy ambiance, come in any color and cause no allergic reactions!
  5. Choose a color scheme for your décor, such as aqua and peach, or yellow, orange and lime green, and then decorate with an abundance of different patterns that match your choice of colors. This Bohemian-style of décor adds visual interest.
  6. Start saving empty water bottles, soda cans or milk cartons to use as planting pots. Stylize these containers with brightly colored stickers, paint or lace. Fill them with dirt and add an assortment of herbs, vegetables or flowers. Place them on windowsills until it is warm enough to replant them outside.
  7. Decorate the outdoors by hanging a colorful spring wreath, an Easter bunny or a brightly colored bow to the outside of your front door. Dig the outdoor furniture out of the shed, clean and place back on the porch. Hang attractive bird houses and feeders in the trees. Hang a spring flag, such as the logo of a baseball team.
  8. Purchase some spring magazines with themes such as gardening, spring cleaning, healthy eating and getting into shape. These magazines tend to display bright, cheery colors that every guest will want to pick up and read.
  9. According to fashion experts, the color for 2010 is turquoise. Use this color liberally to decorate your interior. It pairs well with yellows, browns and pinks. Looking ahead to summer 2010, start decorating now with gold, bronze and other warm, metallic colors.
  10. As far as patterns, fashion experts boldly state that patterns are in, whether they are floral, striped or abstract. Other fashion statements to be seen this spring include oversized bows, sheer and see-through fabrics, futuristic/metallic accessories, leather, metal, military and tribal patterns and more. Basically, anything goes this spring.

To read our spring decorating tips from 2009, which could also work for 2010, click here.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged home decorating, home ownership, paint, spring
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Top 5 Tips for Storing Your Holiday Decorations

Jan15
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

Christmas-Trees

The holidays have come and gone. If you already have a system for storing your decorations, keep doing what you’re doing. However, if you have recently moved into a new home or are looking for a new way of organizing, this article is for you!

Here are the top 5 tips for storing your holiday decorations:

  1. Trees
    • DO NOT store a fake tree in its original box. The cardboard will deteriorate over time.
    • DO store your tree in a commercial “tree bag” if it is a whole tree or inside several black garbage bags if it comes in two or three parts.
    • If you do not have room inside a hall/basement closet, the garage is a great place to store a holiday tree, especially if it’s six feet tall.
  2. Ornaments
    • Small ornaments fit well inside empty egg cartons, so save those convenient containers throughout the fall months.
    • Although it may be tough to keep track of the original boxes belonging to older ornaments, try to keep the box in which each ornament is packed. It is a lot easier to store boxes rather than oddly shaped ornaments.
    • If you cannot find an original box, plastic cups and shredded newspaper work just as well.
  3. Candles and Potpourri
    • To prevent scratching, wrap candles in newspaper or tuck them inside old socks.
    • DO NOT store candles in a very warm places, as the wax will melt. Even the slightest bit warmth may leave with you a misshapen candle.
    • When it comes to potpourri, there is no way around storing little bits and pieces other than to dump them in a plastic container. Make sure the lid is secure; duct tape it if you have to.
  4. Figurines (and linens)

    • Treat figurines the same way you would ornaments. If an original box is unavailable, try newspaper.
    • If you have holiday towels or linens, easily store them by wrapping them around your figurines (or even by laying them in between layers of ornaments).
    • The best place to store figurines would be on a shelf inside a closet. If you have to put a box on the floor, keep it towards the top to avoid breakage.
  5. Lights
    • Cut a large piece of cardboard, perhaps the side of a box, into a rectangular shape. Then make small slits on each side and keep them an inch or two apart. Wrap the lights around the board, tucking the cord in each slit as you move down.
    • Carefully wrap the strand in a circular motion and place the strand into a plastic bag. If you toss the lights in unprotected, they may tangle or even break.
    • The garage may not be the best place to store lights if you live in a cold climate. You may find that a lot of the works don’t work after sitting “outside” in the cold.

How do you store your holiday decorations? Share your ideas below!

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged christmas, decorations, figurines, holiday, holidays, lights, linens, ornaments, storage, storing decorations, trees
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Happy Holidays!

Dec25
2009
Leave a Comment Written by Blog Master

go-green-christmas

From our Buy Owner offices to the dining rooms of your homes throughout the nation, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged christmas, holiday
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Why to Buy & Sell in Winter

Dec17
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

The housing market tends to slow way down during the winter months, for numerous reasons. The holidays add multiple activities to our schedules. The weather is unbearable at times. Children are in school and don’t want to be taken out midway through the year. Overall, the winter is a hassle. But some homeowners don’t have the choice to wait. Sellers will always be selling for one reason or another.

As a buyer, take this as an opportunity! Multiple reasons exist for buyers to purchase a home now rather than later:

  • If a homeowner is choosing to sell during the winter, chances are the seller needs to move soon. He or she may be more willing to negotiate in many different areas, including price!
  • There is a massive decrease of competition in the winter. You can take your time choosing a home and negotiating with the owner.
  • Because the market is slow, you may have an opportunity to settle on a closing date that works best for you.
  • Lenders usually have more free time during the winter. This may help the process run faster and smoother than usual.
  • Viewing a home during the winter will lend you a true knowledge of this home’s build, roofing and insulation. You don’t want a new home with a soaring electric bill.
  • With bare branches, you can really notice the surroundings of the home.

As a seller, you can also take advantage of selling now! Chances are you will only receive potential buyers that are truly interested. The process will seem less hectic with fewer showings. Buyers and sellers may enjoy tax benefits. Here are some ways to make sure you are showing your home in its best light:

 Open drapes, turn on lights and make the home as bright as possible. If needed, add lights to make sure the potential buyer receives a true vision of the interior.

 If you own a fireplace, make sure a fire is brewing. Light candles, bake cookies or turn on holiday music. Add any aspect that will make the home homier.

 Decorate for the holidays, but don’t go overboard. You want your buyers to concentrate on the home itself and not on your décor.

 Set up photos of your home during other seasons so your buyers can visualize living there year-round.

 Make sure your driveway and walkways are shoveled and salted so that there are no injuries!

Posted in Market News, Tips and Ideas - Tagged buying a home, real estate, real estate value, selling a home, winter
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A Dozen Ways to Bring the Outside in for the Holidays

Dec12
2008
1 Comment Written by Alicia

There’s nothing quite like an evergreen blanketed in fresh, sparkling snow or ruby-red berries produced from a bare branch. This holiday season, show your appreciation of outdoor beauty by re-creating it indoors! Acknowledging nature inside your walls is a fashionable trend this year. Buy dry or fake outdoor accents from a store or scavenge for the real items outside! Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Accent an elegant chandelier or noticeable light fixture with a strand of leaves or berries. If you want it homemade, all you need is thread and a pile of leaves or berries!
  • Create a table centerpiece with a bowl of outdoor décor. Fill a wicker basket or a glass bowl with pine cones, nuts, acorns, berries, pine needles and feathers!
  • Mold a wreath together using anything you want! Use rosemary to create a scented wreath, or string crabapple berries and leaves together for a colorful selection!
  • Collect a handful of evergreens into a vase or a bowl and place it on any table, mantel or shelf. Evergreens exhibit a vibrant color and are best used in subtle, neutral-colored rooms.
  • Incorporate magnolia leaves into golden fixtures or wall hangings. Magnolias have a long life span and accentuate subtle colors well.
  • Spread a thick layer of cotton over a windowsill or a mantel, or place it underneath a holiday decoration. Sprinkle glitter atop the cotton and it will appear as sparkly and fresh as the snow outside!
  • Fill a vase or a glass halfway with sugar or salt and place a pine cone or pine needles inside. This will confine the snowy scene outdoors into a tiny object inside!
  • Weave ivy through a wicker basket, through the ribbon on a wrapped present or through holiday decorations. Ivy can add natural appeal to an object that already exists.
  • Decorate any corner of any room with flowers that are remarkably in blossom during these winter months! Fill a basket or colored vase with hydrangea blossoms, white roses, topiaries or narcissus plants for a vibrant contrast in colors!
  • Light candles and surround them with greenery or glittery “snow” cotton. The peaceful candlelight will illuminate these natural wonders.
  • Hang greenery around windows and hang mistletoe from doorways. We all know what mistletoe leads to!
  • Instead of spending money on new ornaments, boost your tree’s appeal by hanging pine cones or pomegranates from the branches!

By decorating the indoors with outdoor attractions, you can still enjoy the beauty of nature while relaxing in your warm, cozy home. Use your imagination to recreate a wild, winter wonderland for a festive atmosphere!

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged christmas, holiday decorating, home decorating, home ideas, interior decorating, tips and ideas around the house, winter holidays
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A Green Christmas

Dec11
2008
Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

Sleigh bells ring… are you listening? Happy Holidays from Buy Owner! Continuing our Green Decorating series, Buy Owner is here to help you spread some holiday cheer in a more eco-friendly manner. Not only are these suggestions healthier for the planet, but they are also more affordable. So get ready to break out those red and, more importantly, green decorations!

Reuse, don’t renew
Tons of people use the same holiday decorations year after year. Maybe you put a wooden Santa sleigh on your front lawn or hang plastic candy canes on your tree. Whatever is it that you use to give the ins and outs of your home some holiday cheer, you should consider using these items more than a few times. Rather than buying the latest trends each year, reusing ornaments, wall hangings and lawn decorations is healthier for the environment.

Let those lights shine
Usually, extra lighting in your home may cost you quite a bit of money. However, stringed Christmas lights use little energy. So don’t be afraid to wrap them around an entire room, hang them from railings or even string them along window sills! Because of our world’s growing concern for the environment, most of the strands boast LED light bulbs, which are very energy efficient. And with all these charming lights strung about your home, you won’t have to use any conventional lighting, such as table lamps, lighted fans and chandeliers!

Choose edible decor
Over the years, some of your holiday decorations might break or they might even become lost. Don’t run out to buy new ones! Food writer Barbara Albright has come up with a list of fun, festive, edible decorations for Christmas trees! From angels to ornaments, your entire home can be spiced up with holiday decorations that are so sweet… you can eat them, too! And if you are looking for a centerpiece for your dinner table, a great suggestion is a gingerbread house, a warm pie or a double-layered cake. Your dessert can function as an enticing, edible centerpiece!

Create your own eco-friendly decorations
If you live in an area where the winters are cold and blustery, you may be able to find fallen tree branches and pine cones scattered about your yard or nearby forest preserves. Bring the beauty of Mother Nature into your home to create a connection between your cozy living room and your snow-covered front lawn. You could even dress up the branches with some faux (reusable) holly from a craft store. If you live in a warmer climate, small palm trees and other tropical houseplants can also be dressed up to accommodate each holiday celebration!

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged christmas, december, decorating, decorations, going green, Green Living, holiday, holidays, interior design
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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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