Home office upgrade

COVID-19 fundamentally changed the way we look at office space, and many of us have found happiness working from home. We’ve got some tips to make your home office more inviting!

CHIC (Pearl)

Now that it’s been a few years, you should probably think about upscaling that temporary office you converted out of a spare bedroom. A fresh coat of paint can help set the tone and create a more productive vibe. I’d also suggest retiring that folding table to the garage and finding a proper desk with actual drawers to store your pens, papers — and midday snacks!

GEEK (Kevin)

Don’t stop at the walls. Remember, flooring is the foundation to every room. If you’re still rocking shag carpet in your home office, consider an upgrade to fabricated wood, vinyl, or laminate. A good contractor can make the swap in one day’s work, so there’s no need to fear a protracted process. And the final result will make your home office feel more professional.

A Clean, Well-Lighted Place

Lighting is a key item on any buyer’s checklist, and you don't need fancy lamps or chandeliers. Here are some simple solutions for using natural light to help your home shine bright like a diamond.

CHIC (Pearl)

From a design perspective, it can be easier than you’d think to make your home feel warmer, brighter, and more open. Try painting your walls and ceilings white (or off-white) and placing mirrors strategically to help bounce natural light throughout the house and make your spaces feel larger. If you have a big collection of artwork to display, hang light colored pieces on the walls to add warmth and combine style with function.

GEEK (Kevin)

Finding the right balance of lighting for your home is like a physics problem just waiting to be solved. First, remove any obstructions from your windows and keep them squeaky clean to allow the maximum amount of uninterrupted sunlight to get inside. Choose brightly-colored furniture that allows light to pass above, beneath, or even through it. And if you need an extra boost from above, try adding solar tubes or skylights in the ceiling.

Should it stay or should it go?

Remember when you remodeled your kitchen and installed that high-end stove and oven you use every day to cook fabulous meals for your family? If you sell the home, you probably think you can take it with you. Not so fast! The buyer may have other ideas.

CHIC (Pearl)

Generally speaking, anything that’s permanently installed or custom built — like light fixtures, built-in shelving, and major appliances — stays with the home. Decorative items like rugs, artwork, and non-custom curtains are typically fair game if they can be removed without causing damage to the property. But if you find it’s hard to say goodbye to that special something that really pulled your home together, it’s important to avoid misunderstandings and make your plans clear to buyers in advance.

GEEK (Kevin)

Pearl’s absolutely right here. You have to set expectations up front. If you don’t plan on leaving your appliances or other hardware in the house, it’s wise to replace them before you start showing the house or disclose that info before you enter into contract. Even something as simple as those custom cabinet handles you’re planning to take with you could be the one thing that makes a buyer commit. Don’t lead them on. If you’re ever confused about what stays and what goes, ask your agent!

Chic Life: Working From Home

Already bored with your work-from-home lifestyle? Have a look at these Instagram tips for sprucing things up during shelter-in-place, and set up a space that will be the envy of your coworkers on Zoom meetings.

Speaking of Zoom, send me your tips for effective online meetings, and I’ll feature them in a future blog!

Chic Life: Winter-Ready Decor

Winter is coming, and the cold weather makes getting out of bed in the morning even harder. It’s important to create harmony between your body and home if you want to start your day on a positive note.

There are any number of ways to get your home “winter-ready”, such as candles and wood-accented furnishing, but one touch I personally love is sheepskin decor. Just one sheepskin accent — on the living room floor, draped over a chair, or next your bed for foot comfort — can make your space feel confirmable and welcoming.

Cuddle up with a sheepskin throw. Throw down a sheepskin rug. And top the rug with a sheepskin seat and accent pillows. The biggest question you need to answer is a moral one: Do you go with a natural or fabricated product?

Either way, you might want to keep your dog off the furniture!