2 Room Redesign: Beren’s Patio

When I received Beren’s email about revamping her patio, I was excited for two reasons: I’ve yet to put together a Room Redesign for an outdoor space AND with summer coming to an end, there are killer deals to be found on outdoor furniture and accessories. Let’s revisit Beren’s email…

Hi Cara! Do you have any recommendations for patio furniture? They are in the process of repainting the outside of our house, so we have really been waiting to do anything out there until after they get that finished. The patio is pretty small and we also have a grill that we want to put out there. I’m thinking that a dining set will be the best use of our space. Thanks my friend!

No worries, Beren. I’m on it!

 
On to the game plan…


 
1. Sitting Pretty: Most importantly, Beren and her soon-to-be hubby need a place to kick back after a long day. Enter the patio furniture. The first option offers a table narrow enough for a small space but still allows plenty of seating. The second set folds and stacks for easy storage in the winter months or to take inside for additional seating when a large group joins for dinner.

2. Personalize the Space: Let’s warm up the large wall behind the new patio furniture with a decorative & functional wall sconce. Not only does it help break up the large wall but will add a calming glow when lit. Top off the chairs with fun cushions, throw a few planters into the mix and we’re in business.

3. Grill It Up: Using concrete pavers, let’s extend the patio a bit to create a space especially designed to house the grill. This quick and easy project adds the perfect space for grilling without taking up valuable patio square footage better used for entertaining and relaxing with friends.

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10 Flashback to Middle School

Oh dear, I’m having a major complex. A will-they-figure-out-that-I-am-a-big-fat-imposter complex.

 

Here’s the deal. Alycia with Casa Moxie flattered my socks off when she asked me to be one of 3 designers participating in her first ever Creative Challenge—Me? A designer?

Truth be told, I like a challenge. So I was totally on board, but sweating like the new kid in middle school each step of the way.

The first brave soul offering up their living room for redesign was Martha. A few before shots of Martha’s space…

Cozy and bursting with potential, Martha wanted a light & bright space fit for displaying her love of photography & entertaining family and friends. My mission was set and here’s what I whipped up…


Be sure to scoot on over to Casa Moxie to check out the other 2 design options for Martha’s room. I’ll just sit here and sweat it out hoping that my new friend Martha likes me…

-Cara

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6 LTHL Guest Blog

Be sure to hop on over to At Home magazine’s blog today to check out a guest blog by yours truly!

A special Redesigned to Sell focuses on adding the finishing touches to a living room overflowing with potential.

But don’t stop there! At Home has oodles of other fabulous posts for your reading enjoyment. So go ahead, leave Live the Home Life behind and scoot on over to all of the fantastic fun At Home has in store for you. We’ll get back together tomorrow.

-Cara

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9 Robin’s Foyer

Robin, the lucky goose who was the first to respond to this previous post, was craving a bit of an update to her foyer…

I'm very excited! I'm up for any advice. I need to repaint foyer, probably get new light fixtures, and decide if I want to re-wallpaper or just clean things up and paint.

I'm an empty nester expecting two grandchildren in the spring. (Yay, Robin!) We're the family hub now with lots of entertaining and sleepover guests.

I'd rather my house be comfortable and useful than just a showpiece. If a chair isn't comfortable I won't buy it no matter how darling it is. (We Wilkersons hear you on that one!)

What a fabulous space! Ready for the game plan? Let’s get crackin’…



1. The paint plan: A light, warm neutral would add a cozy first impression in this wonderful foyer. I was thinking along the lines of Behr’s Cozy Cottage (740C-2) or Cottonseed (340E-2), but on second glance it looks like Robin is already sporting the ideal color in the hallway off the stairs. Bringing that same color on into the foyer would be perfect fit.

2. Changing out light fixtures in any room makes for an easy update with a big impact. I am really feeling the lantern look in Robin’s space and this fantastic iron pendant lantern is on point. 

3. Robin’s foyer has two great nooks to work with. We’ll call the space by the stairs nook #1. With two grandchildren on the way and Robin’s house serving as the family meeting grounds, she is in need of functionality first and foremost. Nook #1 is about storage space just as much as it is about creating a welcoming first impression. This sleek table with both drawers and shelving for baskets leave plenty of space to stash toys for the grandkiddos. Robin ranks the color blue among her favorites and this table lamp adds a pop of color while this decorative mirror creates a spot to check your lipstick before scooting out the door.

4. On to nook #2. Next to the front door, this area would make an ideal spot for fun & function. Babies don’t travel light and a great bench topped with a coordinating piece of art would make the perfect—and stylish—place to unload a diaper bag…or in Robin’s case two diaper bags! Finally throw in a neutral rug equipped to handle the heavy traffic of an entry way, and Robin’s foyer is set to impress!


-Cara

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1 Redesigned to Sell: Bedroom

1. Paint it up! Let’s warm up these walls and keep it modest with this warm hue from Sherwin Williams.

2. Break up the large empty wall with a little artwork, such as these three panels from Bed Bath & Beyond.

3. Now that the hard part is over with, let’s make the bed. White linens, like this duvet cover from Target, always give a clean impression to a room. Then add a few pops of color to give the space a bit more interest. I bet these guys would be just the ticket: a few throw pillows, blankets & vases.

4. Finally, frame the windows with a couple of inexpensive curtain panels. This baby is ready to roll!

-Cara


Mini-Giveaway Alert!:

Have a room in your house that you’d like to make a bit more sellable or just ready for a change? Click here to email us & claim your free consultation courtesy of Live the Home Life. First email received wins, so you better be an early bird and go snag that worm! 
 
Update: We have a winner! Congrats go out to Robin who will soon see a room of her home in fancy new clothes. No need to fret, of course we will share Robin’s plan of attack with you, so check back soon. Thanks to all who entered!

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1 Redesigned to Sell: Living Room

As Realtors, Eric and I know firsthand that preparing a home for sale can be overwhelming at times. Whether planning to sell in one month or five years, there are always little things you can do to make your home more appealing to buyers.

Take for example this living room. A cozy spot just screaming with potential…

 

Ready for the game plan? Here we go…

1. Freshen up with paint. We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again. The quickest, and most likely least expensive, way to change the look of any room is to get down and dirty with a paint brush. For this room, I would love to see a warm, neutral color on the walls. 

The fireplace is looking a bit charred in places and a coat of white paint would not only make the room feel fresh and clean but larger as well.

While we have our paint cans out, let’s cruise on over to the fantastic built ins. By painting the wall behind the shelves one shade darker than the rest of the walls, we’ll add visual interest and draw the eye to this area.

All paint colors above by Valspar.

2. When selling a home, take the TV down from the mantle. Not only can you use this space to cozy up a room with a great mirror or piece of art, like the mirror and flat wood shelf shown above from Target, but in many instances when a TV is mounted to the wall, it then becomes a ”fixture” and a buyer may get the impression that the TV comes with the house. Go ahead and avoid a sticky situation in advance and find a temporary spot for the tube.

3. Declutter, declutter, and declutter again. To make a room feel as open as possible, take a look around and do your best to eliminate unnecessary objects taking up valuable square footage. The speakers in this room provide an excellent example of distracting space fillers. Go ahead and pack these babies up until you get settled in the new place.

4. Last but not least, cut down on personal items. While you want guests to admire photos of your recent family vacation, you want buyers to envision themselves living in your home. This can be difficult when photos of the current residents on their wedding day are scattered about. Use shelves and built ins to display a few decorative items such as books, vases and other home accents.


A few extras never hurt anyone…

Rug: West Elm

Pillows: Target & Pier 1

Floor Lamp: Bed, Bath & Beyond

With just a few sprucing steps, this living room is primed and ready for a speedy sale at a higher price.

-Cara

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