Outdoor Living Spaces from Wish List to Reality

Comfort levels about socializing indoors vary during our current state of pandemic life. New York has proven that wearing a mask and safety protocols work. Not everyone is on board which has affected our traveling locally, nationally and internationally.

Define your space based on purpose. With some creativity for simple projects or remodeling, here are some ideas to create a staycation.

Read more

Stories Preserved for Generations to Come

Preserving your family history is about remembering those who are most precious to us. When family and friends are gathered to reminisce and relate stories handed down from parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, something magical happens. It is as if those who have gone are there with you. Read more

Curb Appeal is an Outside Job

When preparing a house for sale, the exterior is as important as the interior. A well-maintained property and house has curb appeal.

“Are there certain colors that sell homes better than others? I have a carriage house with a red barn. – Future seller from Harriman

Read more

Updating Over the Years Will Help When Selling your Home

There are two types of homeowners: those that buy a house and live in it without updating and those that do. Overtime, things break down and need repair and replacement. Most people stay on top of the breakdowns. While you are not paying attention, your house is getting dated.

Read more

The Evolution of Formal Rooms to Open Concept

Deep into the process of downsizing my home of 29 years has me accessing how it has evolved. The living room was never used because of the family room. The formal dining room, used maybe twice a year, was cramped which lead to switching the rooms for a more comfortable experience. Read more

Chalk paint or not?

Admittedly, I’m less of a ‘do it yourselfer’ and more of a ‘find a pro to do it’. If a client has a question concerning paint, I turn to Corinne Courtney of Nailed It! Hardware in Washingtonville. The store also runs classes on chalk painting and crafts. I took a chalk paint class with Corinne. The hardest part was selecting a color as she can turn any paint color into chalk paint. The rest was easy.

Read more

Living in an authentic home

The authentic home is your own home that reflects your personality and lifestyle. It not only functions, but also looks and feels good. If there is a room that is not being used, try to figure out why. If no one uses the family room because it feels uncomfortable, that’s not an authentic room.

Simple changes can transform a space. It’s all in the details. The right color, whether a new paint color on the wall or new accent pieces, can refresh a space. Sometimes all that is need is editing, de-cluttering, rearranging furniture and a few new decorative accessories, your home can be an authentic home.

Read more

Clean + De-clutter = SOLD!

September has always been the start of a new year for me. Unlike January and new year resolutions, the weather is more civilized so you can set goals and create action plans to get things done. I’m ready to get back into a routine that includes cleaning and editing.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness. A clean, organized home feels good and if your home is on the market, clean sells homes. Everyone has degrees of what is acceptable or even qualifies as clean. The reality is this: you may be able to tolerate your own unkempt home and let things go but no one can stand someone else’s uncleanliness. In fact, it is a big turn off.

Read more