Tag Archives : Home Styling

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 10 – A Canton Street Townhome In Roswell, Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

In the latest episode of ‘Behind the Curtin,’ Joanne Curtin tours the extraordinary Canton Street townhome owned by world-traveler and collector extraordinaire, Russ Steinbeck. Join us as Russ unveils the enchanting secrets behind crafting his dream urban oasis.

Joanne: It’s a pleasure to talk to you today, Russ. Let’s begin by sharing with me where you lived before moving to downtown Roswell.

Russ: I was living in Greenwich, Connecticut in a great little 1940’s building known as LaFayette Court. There are dozens of restaurants, great shopping, a giant library, and a park. When I began looking in this area, I toured the areas around Avalon, Milton, and downtown Alpharetta and finally discovered Canton Street in Roswell. Canton Street has that same eclectic feel I enjoyed in Greenwich. I enjoy the authenticity here. And it’s all about walking. Where do you want to walk to? Do you know your neighbors? Being able to engage with people in the community of Roswell is the best I have ever found.

Joanne: Tell me about the particular townhome you chose.

Russ: The unit just absolutely gorgeous. The sunroom features these cast iron doors that swing open and it’s very spacious. It’s a great location. I can even use my own Wi-Fi across the street at Crazy Love Coffee House. Finding a place that you truly love is an extension of your personality. And this home gave me the freedom to bring in things I have enjoyed my whole life.

Joanne: What did this home have that you needed?

Russ: I needed to make it my own. I needed a place to enjoy different things I have collected over the years. Fortunately, I was able to travel to over 20 countries with my children. So, for example, I have a museum book from every museum we visited.

Joanne: What is your favorite room in your home?

Russ: It’s the sun porch. You get the fresh air and can relax by the fire with a good cigar. I think it’s the best room in the house.

Joanne: You told me that you are a collector. What are some finds that you love here?

Russ: The camera painting here is the same camera my dad used in Europe. These books were collected in Prague with my son. These photos are from my parents travels in Paris. And this original, signed Banksy that I got at an auction.

Joanne: Now that you’re settled in, is there anything you would have done differently?

Russ: I am in the process of sorting over 90,000 photos from our family travels and I am putting up more photos of my beautiful, talented, well-traveled kids.

Joanne: Do you have a second home?

Russ: Lots of people have a beach house. But since I hiked the Appalachian Trail while I was living in Connecticut I would like to get a piece of property halfway along the Trail so I can fly in, hike for a couple of days and come back.

Joanne: What lesson have you learned with this move?

Russ: You don’t need all the stuff you have. Figure out what’s important. Get rid of the rest. You don’t want your kids to have to go through boxes and boxes and boxes of stuff. Just keep the stuff that’s meaningful.

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 9 – A Scullery Retrofit in Milton, Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

In this episode of “Behind the Curtin”, we delve into the captivating world of scullery design and functionality, as Joanne Curtin sits down with homeowners, Jessica and John Lee. This entertaining interview promises to unravel the mystery of scullery design, where innovation meets aesthetics in the heart of the home.

Joanne: Jessica, John, thank you for talking to me today. Where did you live before you moved in to your current home?

Jessica: We lived inside the perimeter, in a small neighborhood. It was up and coming, and it was before we had kids. It was a wonderful neighborhood. But as our family grew, the small house and yard wasn’t enough space for us anymore.

Joanne: What was it about this house, in particular, that attracted you to it?

Jessica: We both came up with our own “non-negotiables” list. John wanted a flat yard. I wanted a front porch. We both wanted a daylight basement. And essentially, we both wanted a house that we could invest in for the long haul.

Joanne: What have you done to increase the value of your home?

Jessica: The home was in foreclosure when we purchased it. We immediately invested almost $100K because of all the deferred maintenance. We took the brick off the front of the house and replaced it with stone. We resurfaced the floors, painted our cabinets, and updated all the bathrooms. We also redesigned our “mud room”. The way our home is situated, people naturally come to our side door. So, we felt like this area off the kitchen needed to be more inviting and not just a spot where everyone dropped all of their belongings.

The main impetus for the kitchen project was how much updating the kitchen needed. We actually had duct tape holding some of it together! So, since we were doing the remodel, I wanted to make sure that we could essentially take this shell [of kitchen space] and make it very practical for our family. And out of that came the idea of a scullery, or working kitchen. We actually called it “the kids’ kitchen” because we wanted them to have a place to make their messes. The reality is it also offers us a lot more prep and storage space. So, it’s changed everything in our kitchen.

Joanne: Did you use a designer? And what was that like?

Jessica: We used a contractor who had an in-house designer. But essentially, we came up with the plan ourselves. We admit that we’re very particular and we took the reins on the design. Before we found our contractor, we had multiple people from different companies come out, but they couldn’t see our vision. They thought it wasn’t possible.

Joanne: Tell me a little bit more about the choices you made for your kitchen remodel.

Jessica: I think the trend is moving towards very simple design. People are moving away from knickknacks and appliances out on the counters. So, we extended the countertop up on the backsplash because we wanted the clean lines. And we moved the plugs and light switches from the walls to under the cabinets because we wanted that clean look. But of course, we still have appliances that we use. We still have to cook and live our daily lives. And so, we wanted to make sure we had a spot where we can still make messes and actually it [the scullery] provided a lot more storage space. The scullery has a sink so we didn’t have to put one in the center island. We house our microwave oven in there as well, in addition to a smaller “kids’ fridge”. It’s so much easier for the kids to prepare their own snacks now.

In the course of remodeling the kitchen, we played around with the design of the pantry, laundry room and side entrance. We didn’t need to dedicate a whole room for the laundry, since we have units on each level. This gave us the space needed to create our scullery. And it also gave us the chance to find a spot for everything. Even simply preparing our morning smoothies is easier because we don’t have to move all around a large kitchen. Everything is conveniently located in the scullery.

Joanne: What’s your favorite room in the house?

Jessica: I definitely think the scullery. I honestly love being in there. I didn’t cook much before but I love it now. And having the big island in the kitchen as a place for the kids to come and hang out with their friends is something I had always envisioned.

John: Before we had the kitchen redone, I would always direct our guests to the basement. We would hang out down there or by the pool. But now the kitchen is a great spot for entertaining guests as well. But my favorite room was the screened in porch. Of course, now we hang out more in the kitchen and family room.

Joanne: What did you splurge on?

Jessica: Well, I feel like the scullery itself is a splurge. And we really do love our gold fixtures. But being practical, we repurposed our kitchen cabinets to fit in the scullery.

John: I definitely think moving the stove from the island to the other counter and adding a hood.

Joanne: What have you learned from this process?

Jessica: We worked with five or six different contractors on different projects since we bought this house. But I think, you always want to get to know your contractor. They should be honest, upfront, and responsive. The contractor we used for the project said in our first meeting that inevitably something would go wrong. But he assured us that when that happens, we would sit down together and work it out. I really appreciated that.

John: We also learned the importance of picking out your countertop, especially if you want a seamless countertop like we have on the center island. We actually shortened the size of the island to accommodate the countertop we picked out. Otherwise, they would have run a seam down the middle. And our contractor learned a lesson in that process as well. Different styles come in different sizes and your choices are limited if you have already built the island to certain dimensions. So, if you want more options, pick out your countertop before you design your island.

Joanne: Is there anything you would recommend not skimping on if someone is considering a remodel like this?

Jessica: We were both glad that we invested in new cabinets in the kitchen that have the soft close feature and go all the way to the ceiling. The countertops are quartz. And even though I initially wanted marble, we decided quartz was a better material for us.

John: So, this isn’t necessarily related to the kitchen, and Jessica really helped me understand this, but after you finish a project like this what you realize is that the stuff that is important to you – your family, your friends, how you live, how you entertain – makes it worth it. For example, putting a fireplace in the screen porch is nice, but what’s better are the memories you and your family make around it.

Jessica: This home is a gift. And we want to make it a blessing to others as well. Obviously, the remodel adds value to the home. But it also adds value for our family and friends. We can open up more of our home to them. We are people that serve and give back and share. So, that’s what it means to us.

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 8 – A New Construction Home in Roswell, Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Max Reiboldt and his wife, Kay, built a new home across the street from where they were living. This short journey resulted in a huge transformation of their living space.

Joanne: Max and Kay, it is a pleasure to talk to you. I am excited to hear about where you lived before you built this home.

Kay: We lived on Fowler, just literally diagonally across the street. We liked the neighborhood so much that when this property became available, we latched on to it quickly. We wanted to be on one level, and we didn’t want much yard. When the builder realized that two homes could not be built on this lot, Max said, “Why not purchase the entire property?” So, we ended up with a larger lot than we expected.

Joanne: What does your new home have that your previous one didn’t have?

Kay: The problem we had at Fowler is that you could not get into that house without stairs. We needed all of our living space on one level, but we have six grandkids, and we thought, we really would like to have space for them if they all want to come and stay. We also built over the three-car garage. We added that additional space in case we need live in help to stay with us. Caregivers, nursing homes, they are so expensive, we thought it would be better to have space for someone to live here and we can stay in our home which is our goal.

Joanne: What is your favorite room in the house?

Kay: I think the whole downstairs – the kitchen, dining room, hallway. In the morning I love to sit in the hallway with the big windows and plants.

Max: We have an outside covered porch patio and pool and that is a nice setting and pretty enjoyable when the weather isn’t too hot or too cold. I also think the high 25-foot ceiling with a balcony view upstairs is a unique feature in this very custom home.

Joanne: So, upstairs is really for visitors and grandkids?

Max: We entertain quite a good bit actually. And each bedroom has a theme. For example, I am President of the Board of Directors of a medical missions effort serving central America, primarily Guatemala. And we’ve gone there so many times, we have named one of our guest rooms “The Guatemala Room” because we modeled it after some of the places we stay when we are there.

Kay: We have a purple room for our granddaughters. We also have a living room [on the second level] for the grandkids that has an arts and craft area. The third floor was actually not planned for anything more than storage. But we made it in to a game room where we have a pool table and we also have some extra storage up there as well.

Joanne: What is your favorite source for décor?

Kay: Working with our very talented interior designer, Christie, who has worked for HGTV and Netflix, I will buy something that I love and she will find a way to make it work. I love unique pieces and bargains! So, she and I are always on the hunt for a good sale. Locally, I pick up things at antique stores and sometimes I will find pieces online at Wayfair or Serena and Lily. I have a good friend and along with Christie’s assistant, we are able to purchase larger items that I could not transport on my own.

Joanne: What is a splurge in your home that you feel you couldn’t live without?

Kay: I can you right off the bat! It’s the master bathroom tile we had imported from Mexico.

Joanne: And, in your opinion, what is something that you feel someone should never skimp on?

Kay: I think flooring is something you need to get right. And it needs to be the right color, especially when you have a big open space. It has to go with everything. You don’t need to buy the most expensive stuff in the world, but you need to think about upkeep. I also think good quality furniture that will last for a long time is worth the investment.

Joanne: What would you say you and Max learned through the process of building this home?

Kay: Along with our vacation homes, we learned that location is very important. Here we are centrally located for our grandkids. We also learned that some of our original ideas changed as we built the home. For example, we originally planned for a simple little garden. But because of the drainage issues we had on the lot, it was necessary to build the house longer and route the drain system properly to keep the lots from flooding in heavy rain. And with the addition of an elevator, we can have multiple floors that I still have access to, even though we originally planned for a ranch-style home.
But I have to say, being prepared for additional costs that will inevitably come up is important. And be sure to have an attorney look over contracts with builders and vendors so that your financial interests are protected.

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 5 – A Fixer Upper in A Golf Community in Milton, Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Aleisha and Chris Porto live in Milton, Georgia with their two children. Recently, Aleisha and Chris renovated a home in the golf community of White Columns.

Joanne: So, where did you and Chris live before you moved to this house?

Aleisha: We lived a mile from downtown Roswell in a smaller home. It was a good first home.

Joanne: What made you want to move?

Aleisha: We had updated almost every single square foot of our old home. And we had people knocking at the door asking to buy our house. A young couple made an amazing offer on our house. And I really connected with her.

We needed a bigger house. We have two very active boys and we had no backyard. And so that was really what started it and then it slowly progressed from looking in Roswell to Milton. Our design studio is in Milton and a lot of our clients are in Milton, so I know the area well. And the more we looked, the more we loved these homes with larger lots.

Joanne: And what made you pick this house specifically?

Aleisha: Our realtor appeared genuinely taken aback when she discovered that we had different plans in mind. Initially, she was eager to showcase the stunning homes, particularly the new builds, such as those in Toll Brothers and Milton Overlook. But then we started contemplating the value we would receive for our investment. And we both have professional expertise in home design. My husband possesses excellent handyman skills, while I have a clear vision for what I want to achieve with our future home.

I expressed my desire to explore homes that required some fixing up but had already undergone updates. Our realtor proceeded to show us a few options, and one in particular caught our interest. However, after conducting an inspection, we realized that the required repairs would far outweigh any aesthetic improvements. The house’s structural elements needed attention, leading us to ultimately walk away from that opportunity.

During my search, I stumbled upon another house that piqued my curiosity. Since my husband, Chris, was out of town, I enlisted the help of my dad, who, like my husband, is quite skilled in handy work. Chris even asked my dad to assess certain aspects like plumbing, HVAC, and so on while he was there.

Upon entering the house, it was immediately apparent that it was in a state of disarray. Nevertheless, I made a conscious effort to overlook the mess and focus on the layout and potential. In fact, I walked straight through the house to the back deck, where I laid eyes on the backyard. It was exactly what we had envisioned when considering a location like Milton—a spacious yard perfect for entertaining, with ample grass space and even a pool. It checked all the boxes: a desirable neighborhood, a backyard that met our criteria, and a reputable school district, not to mention the ideal number of rooms.

Joanne: How did you improve the value of the house?

Aleisha: Firstly, we prioritized the essential tasks and checked them off the list. The HVAC system required replacement, and the pool pump needed fixing. We hired someone to repair the large fridge instead of replacing it, considering the cost. Additionally, we had to re-service and level the septic system. We removed some dangerous trees, including a beautiful one that was planted in the wrong spot and too close to the roof in front of the house.

We also had to inspect and replace some missing boards on the back deck, and fix the completely dilapidated under decking to ensure proper drainage during rainfall. This was crucial because the previous work was not done correctly, causing water damage.

To increase the property value, we added hardwood floors in the upstairs catwalk, the downstairs sitting room, and the main staircase. We also refinished all the floors and redid the entire stair system, including the spindles, bolsters, and handrails.

We made significant changes to the house, including replacing every light fixture and fan and updating all the lighting. We also repainted every surface inside and outside the house. In addition, we removed several outdated archways that didn’t make much sense in their placement. To create a more modern look, we opened up our columns and updated all of them. We also removed some of the dated wall niches and completed a lot of drywall work, as there were numerous holes in the walls. We also added new carpet.

When we first inspected the house, we were impressed with the state-of-the-art appliances. We were delighted to find that the original owners had installed high-quality Viking and Sub-Zero appliances, as well as a top-of-the-line whole-home humidifier system. The pool was also well-maintained, heated, and equipped with a saltwater system. However, the upkeep of the property had been neglected, so we had to restore and update it to bring it back to its former glory.

The kitchen had a fantastic layout, and the previous owners had expanded it, which was well-done. Overall, the floorplan of the house was great, but it required some much-needed TLC and updating to bring it up to standard. So, we gave it the love and care it deserved.

Joanne: What is your favorite room in the house?

Aleisha: The home has a slightly more open concept, typical of homes built in the early 2000s. As you enter, there is a formal sitting room or office and a dining room, but I appreciate that the living room is not immediately visible. The space is a little narrow, but the living room and kitchen merge into a large, open area, which is the main part of the house. I focused most of my design efforts on the kitchen, which I believe is the heart of the home. While the other rooms still needed attention, I knew that we had to renovate the kitchen while redoing the floors and painting everything. I’m thrilled with the outcome.

Joanne: What does your home offer that you feel you absolutely needed? You hinted at it earlier when you walked in and saw the mess and went straight to the backyard. What aspects of your home do you think other people might need that you have incorporated?

Aleisha: To be honest, what we have is a space that is both kid-friendly and perfect for entertaining, whether it’s adults or children. We can now host families with young kids and they have plenty to do while the adults enjoy the space as well. This was a big concern for us when we had young kids, wanting to have friends over with kids and not being able to keep an eye on them while still enjoying adult time. We wanted a space where we could all hang out and have fun while knowing the kids are safe, and that’s exactly what we have now.

Joanne: As a designer, you have a great advantage in terms of knowledge and expertise. Can you share some of your elements that you incorporated into your home?

Aleisha: To be honest, lighting played a crucial role in transforming our home. Whenever someone buys a new house or plans to update it, they often prioritize the furnishings and decor. However, creating a cohesive lighting plan that complements the overall design and style of the home is equally important. That’s why I spent a lot of time planning and selecting the right lighting fixtures for both the interior and exterior of our home. From the porch lanterns to the lighting in every room, I wanted to ensure that it all flowed together seamlessly.

Joanne: What is a splurge that you feel like you couldn’t live without in your house?

Aleisha: The splurge that I believe was totally worth it was the addition of the floor-to-ceiling limestone fireplace. While there were other options such as installing a mantel or creating a wall to add height, we decided to bring in a team of stonemasons to hand-cut each piece of limestone specifically for our fireplace. As a designer, I was able to guide the process and determine the placement of each piece. The result is a stunning 20-foot limestone fireplace that adds a touch of elegance to the space. Although we could have chosen a different route, I believe the investment was worth it in the end.

Joanne: Throughout this entire process, what have you learned as both the client and the designer?

Aleisha: Living outside of the house during the renovation process was a nice break, but as a designer and client, I always emphasize to my clients the importance of being present and checking in regularly. Even though we weren’t physically living in the home, I was here every day, working and overseeing the progress of the contractors. Contractors may not always understand your vision, so it’s important to communicate clearly and often. I found that constant communication with the contractors, general manager, and tradespeople was like holding hands and made a huge difference. I learned that things will inevitably change during the process, so it’s important to be adaptable and open to pivoting as needed.

Joanne: What would you do different?

Aleisha: I would have devoted more time to carefully selecting and vetting my contractors. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we were unable to meet with potential contractors and had to start work immediately after closing on the house. Since it was a foreclosure, there was uncertainty as to whether we would even be able to secure the property. This put us under a lot of stress and we ended up hiring some contractors who did subpar work. At the time, we just wanted to move in and put these issues behind us, but in hindsight, I wish we had taken the time to properly vet our contractors before signing any contracts with them. We now have to go back and fix some of the shoddy paintwork and other problems that could have been avoided if we had more time to plan and select our contractors carefully.

Joanne: What would you like to do next?

Aleisha: I am considering investing a bit more into our backyard, which happens to be my favorite place. Although we have primarily focused on furnishing the interior with any extra funds we had, our outdoor furniture is currently outdated and mostly comprised of hand-me-downs. As we spend most of our time in the warmer months entertaining in the backyard with friends and neighbors, it would be lovely to spruce it up with beautiful outdoor furniture and custom grill for an outdoor kitchen. Making it a more inviting and enjoyable space to spend time in.

Joanne: What do you think are some things that you should not skimp on? If people are considering home renovation or buying a fixer upper? What should they not skimp on?

Aleisha: One valuable lesson I learned is to never skimp on the expertise of tradespeople involved in renovations or moving. It’s crucial to hire professionals you trust and who are knowledgeable in their field. Even when receiving quotes from painters, I inquire about the paint they plan to use because opting for cheap, generic options may end up costing more in the long run. I always recommend high-quality paint brands like Benjamin Moore or Farrow & Ball to my clients, as store-matched colors are not the same as the original quality. Cheaper quotes from contractors may be due to the use of low-quality paint, which can lead to poor results and may not last as long. This is especially important for families with children who require durable and easy-to-clean paint that won’t yellow over time.

Joanne: Speaking of materials, you mentioned using limestone for the fireplace, and I’m curious about the materials you used for your staircase and flooring. Did you replace any materials, and if so, what did you choose as replacements?

Aleisha: We removed the leopard carpet in the basement staircase and added real hardwood floors that match the existing red oak floors. We also added iron spindles to the staircase and continued the red oak upstairs in the two rooms where we removed the carpet. Initially, I wanted to bleach the floors for a more modern look, but I decided against it and went with a 50/50 blend of a darker stain with a matte finish, which is better for kids and dogs. We also used marble in the kitchen but opted for a granite that looks like soapstone on the island for durability. For the fireplace, we used limestone and had a cabinet maker custom create new doors, a vent hood, a kitchen table, and a mantel to match my desired style.

“Behind the Curtin” provides an inside look at local homeowners’ beautifully-crafted houses, giving insight into what it takes to renovate, upgrade, and style the most coveted parts of their dream homes. In this video series, industry expert and business owner Joanne Curtin explores local homes while interviewing their owners who live well in their homes to better understand their thought processes when making important decisions. Join Joanne to get a look into the world of luxurious real estate one wonderful home at a time.

“Behind the Curtin” Episode 4 – Downsizing to a Townhome in Roswell, Georgia

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Lucy Hintz lives in Roswell, Georgia. She recently downsized to a townhome near Canton Street. She divides her time between her home in Roswell and her second home in the Bahamas.

Joanne: Where did you live before moving to Roswell? What made you choose a new townhome?

Lucy: I have lived in Roswell, in a single-family home. But I had always wanted to live in a walking, shopping, dining community. I’ve always wanted to live near downtown Roswell. Another thing is, my husband had cancer, so we knew that it was time for us to get out of the responsibility of the really big house. We were also looking for a turn key we could have without overwhelming issues.

Joanne: What specifically about this property did you like?

Lucy: When we moved in to this unit, our basement was not finished so we had an opportunity to create what we wanted. We have another full bedroom and bathroom down there. I have grandkids, so when they come there is lots of space. I also have a fabulous deck so the outdoor space is awesome too.

Joanne: What did you do to improve your property?

Lucy: We’ve done a lot of things. We changed the wood floors on the main level, which is a beautiful upgrade. My kitchen was solid white, and I’ve taken the island and painted it to a dramatic blue. We finished the basement in full and built a patio outside with stones and made it home. We also put in bookshelves on both sides of the fireplace with separate beer and wine coolers. And we added a built-in bar with quartz countertop.

Joanne: Did you work with a designer?

Lucy: No, this is all us. We had a lot of people that worked for us at our former home. And I purchased the art at local interior design stores.

Joanne: What is your favorite room in the house?

Lucy: It would be the deck. We open up the French doors on the main level, where we can have a breeze and enjoy bringing the outdoors in.

Joanne: What were some of your favorite places to buy home furnishings?

Lucy: We got rid of everything from the old house. All the furniture came from Arhaus. For the art, I went everywhere from Kudzu to 13 Hub. I used Carpet Depot for flooring.

Joanne: What’s one splurge in your home you could not live without?

Lucy: I splurged on this whole house. My bed and the bedding came from Arhaus and it was a big splurge. Arhaus had a wonderful sales representative. And I don’t know if a lot of people are like me, but I stick with people who are helpful and good at what they do.

Joanne: What have you learned from this process of moving from a big house?

Lucy: It’s not as difficult to let go of things as we think it is. And to use an estate sale group was key. And I’m not just tooting the horn for you, but finding a realtor that really understood what we were trying to do was so important. Previously we had trouble selling our home. Your team are the ones who really transformed it. It was a matter of 30 days and we had an offer on that house.

Living in a neighborhood means we all just look after each other. I think when you’re looking for a different place in life, it’s important that you are in a community that’s similar, that has a lot of the same interests that you.

Joanne: Is there anything you would do different that someone else could learn from?

Lucy: I guess I would say, I think it would have been better to finish the basement prior to moving in.

Joanne: Is there any advice on what you think should not be skimped on?

Lucy: I just think once you find your home, make it your home. Don’t wait because whatever you put off is something you’ll never get around to, something else will take priority.

Home Styling | How to “Undecorate”

As I was packing away decorations after the holidays it occurred to me how similar the task is to home styling.  It’s what I like to call “undecorating”. Undecorating is the process of removing personal and specific decorations, leaving behind a more neutral palette. Having a clean palette is important to attract potential buyers. When the slate is clean, buyers can imagine themselves living in the space.

Get Organized

As new year resolutions are made and we vow to get more organized, this is a wonderful time to start preparing your home to beat the spring selling rush. When you’re packing away holiday decorations go ahead and pack up family photos, decor and personal items. Not only will you be de-cluttering, but you’ll also get a jump start on packing items that you’ll have to pack later anyway!

Where Do I Start?

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, so start off easy. Begin with your junk drawers, closets and pantry.  Make three separate piles: one that you keep, one for donation, and one that goes straight to the trash.

Closets should be about one third full so that prospective buyers can see the amount storage is available. Pack away clothing that’s not in season. Use storage baskets and containers in drawers, cabinets and the pantry for a simple and tidy look. Once you have tackled the de-cluttering you can focus on larger projects. Keep in mind that as the spring market approaches, the busier contractors get and the longer it takes to get on their schedule.

Use these easy tips and you’ll be able to stick to your New Year’s resolution and be ahead of the spring market!