Just released, these 2011 neutrals (complete with inspiring accents colours) are a hit with our Interior Designers at Accentuate Home Staging Design Group.  

These colours introduce a fresh new look at neutrals that we can all draw inspiration from as we prepare homes for SELLING and for LIVING.   Paired with touches of dynamic accent colours like Charlottes Lock No.268, Off Black No.57 or Babouche No.223 these colours are sure to add a contemporary spin to any interior…or exterior for that matter.  

	Oxford Stone No.264 Named after the stone often used in Oxfordshire village houses, this colour is perfect for creating a warm interior.
	Manor House Gray No.265 Inspired by the quintessentially English manor house, this definite grey has its roots in the 18th century but can be used to striking effect in modern schemes.
	Mizzle No.266 A soft blue grey reminiscent of a West Country evening mist. The blue will become more intense when painted in a smaller room.
	Dove Tale No.267 Named after the well known carpentry joint but with a twist in the tale! Some see this colour as a grey while to others it appears to be warmer and more stony.
	Charlotte’s Locks No.268 Highly dramatic and extremely contemporary especially when combined with Railings. Widely used as an accent colour in the minimalist decoration of the 1950s.
	Cabbage White No.269 A delightful clean colour that takes its name from the distinctive wings of the Cabbage White butterfly.
	Calluna No.270 Named after the Scottish heather, Calluna has a contemporary look but with the delicate inclusion of black, it retains a vintage feel.
	Brassica No.271 An aged, darker version of Calluna, named after the familiar purple colour often seen in the Brassica family of vegetables. This colour comes alive when combined with Calluna and Pelt.
	Plummett No.272 Named after the lead weight used to sink a fishing line, this mid-tone grey is appropriate for interior as well as exterior use as often seen in Gothic architecture.

For more details about Home Staging, Vacant Staging, Occupied Staging or Interior Design, call Accentuate Home Staging Design Group today at 604-328-6479 or visit our website at http://www.accentuate.ca/.

These days it’s not always us baby boomers that are thinking about downsizing.  Many of our parents, relatives, “Senior” friends and client’s are also facing the same reality of moving from their larger homes to smaller, easier to manage homes.   And most often – they need our help.

Whether downsizing into a retirement complex, an assisted living complex or simply a smaller home or apartment because their current home is just too unwieldy, the transition can be a daunting one.   The process can be stressful for everyone involved…the Senior as well as the family member or friends assisting them with the move.

Not only must they pack, store, donate, sell many of their own possessions in order to “fit” into the smaller home….but they must consider the details of preparing the new home in a manner that accommodates them in terms of safety, practicality and interior decor.  Details such as:

• Can they navigate through the new home with a wheelchair, walker or cane…..what about visitors that require walking aids?
• How will they open the doors, drawers, closets if their hands have limited mobility?
• Can they get in and out of their favourite chair or even their own bed on their own?
• If they are visually impaired, will they be able to easily distinguish the edge of the countertop?

In hiring a professional Interior Designer, you’ll not only receive invaluable downsizing and de-cluttering advice, but you’ll benefit from expert knowledge in space planning and furniture ergonomics with a focus on providing the perfect blend of safety, practicality and pleasing design that “feels like home”.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing a new home for a Senior:

1.    Sturdy, ergonomic furniture.

• consider higher seats  for ease of use (toilets too)
• firmer seats
• upholstered backs for comfort
• sturdy arms to assist with getting in and out of the chair

2.    Comfort flooring

• non-slip flooring in kitchen, bathrooms, laundry
• low pile carpeting in living room and bedroom – easier on the feet and cushions falls

3.    Door, drawers and kitchen faucets

• lever handles are easier to grasp than knobs

4.    Wider aisles

• ensure that the furniture layout can allow a  wheelchair or walker 36″ to pass or turn around.  
• don’t need any walking aids?  Consider wider aisles for any visiting guests that do.

5.    Kitchen, bathroom and laundry countertops

• Safety First!
• ensure that countertops are darker than the floors to easily distinguish the edge of the counter. 

And don’t forget to make it feel like home!   Colour, patterns, textures mixed with memorabilia and ‘favourite things’ are guaranteed to transform the house into a HOME.

Want more details or looking for some professional Interior Design assistance?  

Call Accentuate Home Staging Design Group at 604-328-6479 to learn how we can help Seniors transition into their home with dignity, ease and style!

One thing is certain.  Most buyers will pay more for properties that are in move-in condition.

Whether you’ve been renting out your property for investment purposes or renovating it to sell, implementing just a few key real estate strategies will ensure that you’re property is market ready and will Stand Out in today’s competitive environment.

Try these top makeover tips and your investment property will transform from shabby to CHIC and for minimal cost”

1.   A fresh coat of PAINT.

Often the most overlooked upgrade.  This is  certainly the most cost effective solution with the biggest bang for your buck. A fresh coat of paint,  in neutral tones will do wonders to ramp up the market appeal of your property.  Do it yourself or call in the professionals….but do it properly.  Prep the walls, patch holes, remove switchplates and vents before painting.  You’ll be glad you did….and buyers will notice.    It’s the best investment you’ll make.

2.   Clean or New Flooring .

Buyers are quick to notice the floors….the wear, the tear, pet odours, you name it.    The thought of cleaning them and, even worse, replacing them after move-in can be a deal breaker.  So have your carpets cleaned just prior to your open house.    And if they are in real disrepair, consider replacing them with mid range carpeting, laminate, tile or hardwood.   No need to break the bank….just select mid range products in neutral colours.   Beware the urge to install budget products.  If they look too budget, buyers may think you’ve done nothing all and your investment is lost.

3.   Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities.

Are your kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities dated, showing wear and tear? Consider the following makeover solutions, depending on your budget and your energy:

• paint, reface or replace
• replace handles and door pulls with updated ones in brushed nickel or similar
• replace worn laminate countertops if necessary

4.  Landscaping

The curb appeal of your property is the 1st true impression of your property.  MAKE IT COUNT ! Consider these tips to give your house curb appeal that SELLS !

• new mailbox
• polished or new house numbers
• clean yard
• powerwash siding and sidewalks
• add attractive flowering planters

5.  Clean, Clean, Clean

And I mean CLEAN ! Nothing can be a bigger distraction to a potential buyer than a house that not clean.  Pay particular attention to your appliances, bathrooms, floors….and don’t forget door and appliance handles.   Just finished renovating?….then pick up after yourself and leave the place spotless.   Now is the time to show buyers your handywork.

Call us at 604-328-6479 to learn how Accentuate Home Staging can help you prepare your Investment Property to SELL?

For me, Turquoise reminds me of the warm and soothing waters of the tropics.  It refreshes and revitalizes me.   So how does turquoise make you feel?   This may just be the right colour for you to try in your home.

Read on for the full article from Pantone.   

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

More information is available at www.pantone.com.

The deadline for the program applies to all eligible expenditures after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010.   So get going on those home projects and start saving your receipts!

Here is a summary of the program, provided by the Government of Canada:

What is the HRTC? Under proposed changes,the HRTC is anon-refundable tax credit based on eligible expenditures incurred for work performed, or goods acquired, after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010, under anagreement entered into after January 27, 2009. The HRTC can be claimed when filing your 2009 tax return. The HRTC can be claimed for renovations and alterations of an enduring nature and that are integral to the eligible dwelling (such as your home or cottage) or the land that forms part of the eligible dwelling. How is the HRTC calculated? The 15% non-refundable tax credit can be claimed on eligible expenditures of more than $1,000 but not more than $10,000. The maximum tax credit that can be claimed to reduce your federal income tax is $1,350. However, if the total of your non-refundable tax credits is more than your federal income tax, you have no federal income tax to pay, and you will not receive a refund for the HRTC. Example William and his spouse Marie pay $5,000 to purchase an energy-efficient furnace for their home and $3,500 to build a deck at their cottage. They also decide to have the area around the deck landscaped for $2,500, bringing their total costs to $11,000 ($5,000+$3,500+$2,500). Marie claims expenses of $9,000 ($10,000–$1,000), resulting in an HRTC of $1,350. William and Marie may also be eligible for the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes grant. For more information about the ecoENERGY program, visit www.ecoaction.gc.ca. Important things to remember You do not have to submit your supporting documents with your income tax and benefit return; however, you must ensure this information is available should the Canada Revenue Agency request it. To avoid problems with your HRTC claim, make sure you: get your contracts in writing (www.hiringacontractor.com); and keep your receipts. Eligible expenses must be of an enduring nature and be integral to the eligible dwelling. The cost of routine repairs, maintenance, and expenditures not integral to the dwelling are not eligible. Examples of eligible expenses Renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or basement New windows, doors, or flooring Building an addition, garage, deck, shed, or fence A new furnace, woodstove, fireplace, water softener,or water heater A new driveway or resurfacing a driveway, re-shingling a roof, or painting of a house Landscaping–new sod, perennial shrubs and flowers, trees, etc. Swimming pools (permanent–in-ground and above-ground) Fixtures–blinds, shades, shutters, awnings, lights, fans, etc. Associated costs such as permits, professional services, equipment rentals,and incidental expenses Examples of non-eligible expenses Furniture, appliances, tools,and audio and visual electronics Routine repairs, maintenance and cleaning (e.g.,furnace cleaning, snow removal, lawn care, pool cleaning, house cleaning) Financing costs Where can I get more information? For more information, go to www.cra.gc.ca/hrtc or call at 1-877-959-1-CRA.

View PDF version here »

But what about those of you that, for all the organizing and decluttering you do, your kitchen remains – well, dated and inefficient. It’s time for a change, isn’t it?

But where do you start? Here are some easy and ‘low cost ’ ideas to update your kitchen without major renovation:

• Replace door and drawer handles
• Give your cabinets a facelift — new door and drawer faces
• New lighting
• Stainless appliances
• Update your accessories
• Change your flooring
• PAINT
• Replace your countertop
• Treat yourself to new cookware, spices, etc.
• Butcher block work table
• Stools
• Dated cabinets no more! A quick, low cost makeover for those

Considering an full scale Kitchen renovation? Look out for our upcoming blog on “Extensive Kitchen Renos Part 2” for more details.

If you can’t wait that long, send us a comment/email with your question.

Vancouver Sun, February 29, 2009, by Rachel Ward

Key don’ts

Mistakes to avoid, and learn from, when doing renovations:

• Don’t jump. “Sit back and think about what you’re doing,” says Mike Holmes. “People don’t realize that this is probably the most amount of money they’re ever going to play with.”
• Don’t ignore your instincts. If you’re starting to see a bad pattern with your contractor regarding timeliness and work ethic, nip it in the bud. “Don’t be afraid to stand up to your contractor and say ‘get the hell out of my house,” says Holmes. “If you continue the cycle (of bad behavior), trust me, it will always get worse.”
• Don’t pay under the table. Paying a contractor under the table in cash may get you a discount in the short term but can also have you paying more in the long run. “You’re putting yourself out there for liability,” says Bryan Baeumier. “If you don’t have a contract, you have zero recourse and chances are he’s not paying his workers’ compensation, he’s not licensed or he’s not insured.”
• Don’t be unrealistic. If your budget is $5,000, don’t think you’re going to renovate your entire kitchen for that.
• Don’t assume there won’t be changes. “Assume the unassumable,” says Baeumier. “Be ready for your budget to increase and your plan to change.”
• Don’t live through major renovations. If you’re tearing up your entire house and doing a major renovation, do yourself a favour and move out. Big renovations can be a messy and mentally exhausting. They can end marriages!
• Don’t stop until you’re done. If you’re doing renovations DIY-style, don’t start another project until you finish one.

Canwest News Service

1. Initial Survey

• An assessment of your existing furnishings to determine what will be kept, what will go and what may be phased out over time.
• Existing site measurements will be taken to start the design process.

2. Interviews

• In depth interviews with you and your family to determine your wants and needs, your lifestyle, your budget, your timeline wishes.
• Determine who in your family will be the key contact/point person for the rest of your project.
• Now is the time to pull out those ‘design ideas’/photos that you’ve been collecting in order to best communicate the style and look that you are after.

3. Preliminary or ‘Concept’ presentation

• Based on your interviews, your interior designer will present you with a package of ‘ideas’ to introduce their interpretation of your needs and their ‘concept’ for your changes – floorplans, key elevations, furniture layouts, colour schemes, finish materials, furnishings, preliminary timeline
• Your involvement and feedback is key at this stage.

4. Final Plan presentation

• Your ideas/wants/needs will be presented in a more formal presentation.  As needed, colour and finish material boards will be reviewed in addition to detailed drawings.
• The cost estimate and timeline will be addressed.

5. Project Approval & Implementation

• Upon your approval of the final plan, budget and timeline, the project will be implemented.
• Tradesmen will be hired, furniture and materials will be ordered. This all takes time and you should be prepared. Furniture can often take 2-3 months to arrive while renovation timelines will be dependent on the complexity of your project, availability and delivery of finishes and materials as well the availability of the trades.

TAKE YOUR TIME and DO IT RIGHT. A rushed project has too many risks attached. Enjoy the process and most important, enjoy your new interior.