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7 Easy Ways To Make Your Home Ready For Autumn

7 Easy Ways To Make Your Home Ready For Autumn

by | Apr 10, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects

No huge over the budget redecorating is required. Just small changes that will make all the difference to get your home feeling cosy, warm and inviting during the autumn months.

Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay

1. Cushions and Throws

Pack summer vibrancy away –

Use soft chunky textured knits and faux fur cushions and throws.

COST SAVING HINT: You can save costs by removing the current cushion covers and replacing them with new ones.

Style them on your beds and couches.

Roll up a couple of soft warm throws and style them in a sisal basket next to an accent chair.

Photo by Sarah Shaffer on Unsplash

2. Dreamy Colours of Autumn

Invite the warm soothing palette of autumn colours into your home. Choose accessories that vibrate natural whites, coral tones (which by the way is Pantone’s colour of the year for 2019), soft terracotta, sage, neutral colours, hues of grey, scarlet, browns, green, orange, blue, gold and yellows.

Become one with nature. Nature dictates the best colours. Pick up an autumn leaf. Study the colours that are so vibrantly displayed in the autumn sun and you will see some if not all of the colours mentioned here.

 

Photo by Matthew Henry from Burst

3. Go Natural or Naturally Synthetic

For your rugs, decorative cushions, throws etc. choose natural materials such as cotton, wool, cashmere, jute (for rugs) and leather or if you prefer synthetic materials with natural look and feel.

Mix and match textures.

For example:

Store away the current throw on your couch or bed and replace it with a bulky knitted throw in a winter colour.

Replace the current vibrant decorative cushion covers, with covers made from faux fur and leather in softer tones against a backdrop of rustic winter red or terracotta and green knitted covers.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

4. Don’t Forget the Candles and the Wonderful Fragrances of Autumn

Candles simply add atmosphere and give off a warm inviting glow.

When candles are placed on a shiny surface, for instance, a glass top coffee table their light is reflected and create an ambiance of relaxation and cosiness.

Autumn not only brings about a change of season and colour and temperature, but it also brings about fragrances of pine, cedarwood, cinnamon, wild orange and fir.

For a couple of dollars, you can invest in an essential oil diffuser, scented candles, essential oil burner or potpourri. If you are a DIY enthusiast you can even, make your own scented candles and potpourri.

Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash

5. Showcase Autumn with Simple In-Season Arrangements

Get your creative juices flowing by arranging autumn loved green foliage such as eucalyptus branches and in season flowers such as Dahlias, Chrysanthemums and Echinacea (just to name a few) in copper vases. Copper vases add a rich warmth to autumn décor/accessories and reflect light.

Even placing a small arrangement of eucalyptus in the bathroom will permeate a fresh smell.

Succulents, whether real or artificial in rustic earthy or wooden containers will add to the autumn appeal.

Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels

 

HINT:

Bundle a few boughs of eucalyptus together, and hang them from the shower arm, away from the water stream, for a soothing aromatherapy shower.

6. Plaids and Stripes

As with colours, patterns are seasonal too. Floral pattern and bright colours ring in summer. Plaids and stripes in warm colours are associated with your autumn and winter seasons.

Roll up and store your summer rug. Introduce a rug made of wool with bold stripes and warm autumn colours.

Maybe change the side table lamp shade to one in hues of dark yellow and change the light bulb to a softer tone.

Perhaps choose a patterned or burnt orange coloured throw to complement the autumn theme.

 

Photo by James Coleman on Unsplash

7. Artwork and Mirrors

The rich golden colours of autumn can be portrayed in artwork in your living areas. When framed in dark wood or gold colour, this will magnify the beautiful autumn season indoors.

You may even choose to swap artwork in your lounge or dining area with a mirror. This too will reflect warmth and soft light.

Photo by kelsey roenau on Unsplash

 

So, You’ve Bought Front Door Lights … Now What?

So, You’ve Bought Front Door Lights … Now What?

by | Mar 19, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects

Image by MaryDesign from Pixabay

So, you’ve bought front door lights … Now what?

Whatever the valid reasoning behind it all for buying front door lights in the first place – it all comes down to this moment – they will now have to be mounted against the wall.

 

Image Source

 

No problem! So many before you have gone down the same pathway and so many will still do.

Maybe you are a first-time home buyer and have shopped for new front door light fixtures for your new home. Or maybe you have decided it is time to throw out the old fixtures and replace them with new ones. It could be you are preparing your property for sale and the tiresome old lights do not credit the curb appeal you want to put out there.

So, let’s get down to business and determine the placement height for your new light fixtures.

 

  1. Safety First 

Image by succo from Pixabay

  • When determining the size and placements of your front door lights, safety and effectiveness are first and foremost.
  • You obviously do not want friends or prospective home buyers bumping their heads on a too low hanging front door pendant light.

Image Source

  • Nor would you want a warning sign “mind your head” at the front door.
  • As for effectiveness, you want to show off the newly acquired light fixture at the best possible vantage point to enhance your curb appeal.

2. Best Rule Of Thumb Guidelines for Placement Height

Guidelines to determine the size of front door lights are discussed in our blog “What is The Correct Size for Front Door Lights?”

  • Front Door Single Light Fitting Placement Height

    When wall space is limited on either side of the door, the preference would be one light fitting placed on the opening side of the door. i.e. the side of the door handle. The illustration will stipulate the recommended placement height.

Photo by rawpixel.com from Pexels

  • Front Door Two Light Fittings

Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay

  • Above the Door – Flush Mount

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

  • The Pendant Light Fixture

Image by kayman OH from Pixabay

To centre, the hanging point for the pendant light,  establish the mid-cross-section of the front door overhead space.

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO GARAGE EXTERIOR LIGHTING – ADDING CURB APPEAL!

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO GARAGE EXTERIOR LIGHTING – ADDING CURB APPEAL!

by | Mar 12, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects
Photo by Luis Yanez from Pexels
Lights do beautify the garage exterior and add to your curb appeal! Not only does it add appeal and style, but it also provides security and task light. That being said, keep in mind they should not be overly bright and illuminate onto your neighbour’s property. Not sure what size fitting to choose or where to place it? Our Comprehensive Guide to Garage Exterior Lighting – Adding Curb Appeal, is sure to answer your question about the correct size and placement of the garage exterior light fittings.  
1. Determine the Correct Amount of Light
 
Image by PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay
  • At dusk view your property from across the street or from the end of the driveway. This will give you an idea of how much illumination and lights are needed.
  • If unsure take a photo to your lighting store for advice and guidance.

2. Choosing the Correct Exterior Light Fitting Size

 a) General Rule of Thumb
  • Measure the height of the garage door opening.
  • The size of the fixture should be 1/4 to 1/3 the height of the door opening or simply multiply the height of the door opening by .25 or .33.
Image Source   Image Source
b) Beam Spread   
  • Beam Spread Definition: The area light covers from a distance. As light beams away from its source, it spreads out and becomes less intense.
  • Before shopping for a light, measure the height of the garage door opening (to calculate the size of the light fixture) and the width of your driveway. This will give you an idea of how wide beam spread there will be at a given distance.
  • Here is a simple calculation, to determine the width of the beam spread at a given distance – the angle of the beam multiplied by 0.18 multiply by distance. 
  • Generally, when looking for light fixtures most will have information regarding the light source, the angle of the beam and the estimated beam spread.
Image Source
3. Choosing the Right Placement
Single Garage Door
    One light – between the house and garage.  
  One light – centred approximately 15 – 16 cm above the garage door, ensuring that the fixture does not interfere with the door when opening. If need be, adjust accordingly.  
Two lights – one at each side of the garage door.
Two Door Garage
Two lights – equally spaced above each garage door.
Three lights – one light at either side of the garage, and the third light centred between the doors.  
Three or more Garage Doors
Three lights – one light centred above each door.  
Three lights – one light on either outer edge of the first and third door, and one light centred above the centre door    
Four lights – one light on the outer edge of the first and third doors, and one light on the left, and one light on the right of the centre door.
Image by stevepb on Pixabay
What Is The Correct Size for Front Door Lights?

What Is The Correct Size for Front Door Lights?

by | Mar 6, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects

Image from Pixabay

Building a new home? Just bought a new home? Preparing to sell your home?

If you have just answered “yes” to one of these questions, then this is for you?

Photo by Tomas Williams on Unsplash

Front door lights are noticeable (especially at night when they are on) and present an attractive and inviting display to the front door and overall curb appeal.

When shopping for front door lights, we tend to choose items mainly for their visual appeal, style and finish. However, as important as this may be, and that which is often overlooked, is that the size of the fixture should be in proportion to the size and ambience of the front door.

A few pointers to keep in mind when buying lights for the front door:

  • Fixtures may appear large in a showroom but may appear dwarfed when mounted next to the front door.
  • Though visually appealing in the showroom, the style and finish may not be complementary to the door.
  • Front door lights are there to add and not overwhelm the appeal.

  • What Is The Correct Size for Front Door Lights?

Image by andreas160578 on Pixabay

I.     Before rushing out to go and buy front door light/s, measure the height of the door FIRST.

II.    The size of the light should measure 1/4 to 1/3 the height of the door.

III.  If you decide on two lights, i.e. one on either side of the door, their size should be 1/4 the

height of the door.

 

  • Tips and Ideas

Image by 1465301 on Pixabay

  • You have found the perfect light, but the size is not quite right? It will be perfectly okay to purchase a size somewhat larger, but definitely not smaller. The reason being, that the further the distance away from the door the smaller the light visually becomes.
  • Cut out from a piece of cardboard a piece representing the size of the light. Have someone hold it for you in the position where the light would be attached. Walk away from the front door, about 5 meters, or to the curb. From here you would be able to visualise how the size of the light would appear from a distance.
  • Another method to visualise the light as it would appear from the curb is to fill a smallish bag with paper, and “mould” it into the size and shape of the light you are thinking of buying. You would be able to “mould” the shape into a ball, representing a round light, or rectangle or square.

 

For more information simply click on https://consulting.letsrevamp.com.au/blog where you can follow more on curb appeal and wise words from a Real Estate Agent.

8 Ways to Revamp Your Front Door Appeal

8 Ways to Revamp Your Front Door Appeal

by | Mar 1, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom from Pexels

The Importance Of Front Door Appeal When Selling Your Home

Whether the home you are selling is a house, townhouse, apartment or unit, the front door is a component of the general curb appeal. Interested buyers will definitely take serious notice of the front door.

It will evoke either a positive or negative interest, depending on the appearance of the front door, and front door area.

Therefore, do not underestimate the value and importance of front door appeal – “it has the power to attract more buyers and help sell your home.”

 Here to help you are 8 Ways to Revamp Your Front Door Appeal

 

  1. Ensure the Pathway Leading To The Front Door Has Had A Good High-Pressure Wash

Image by Cldratler on Pixabay

  • Who knows what beautiful tiles or natural slate will be revealed, once all the grime has been washed off?
  • As this is the path leading up to the front door, it too needs to exhibit appeal.

2. Light Up the Pathway to The Front Door

Image by sasint on Pixabay

  •  Ensure all garden path lights are working.
  • If there are currently no lights, invest in a few, to light the way to the front door.
  • Placing the lighting strategically and eloquently to subtly draw attention to the surrounds. Only a few lights will, therefore, be necessary.
  • Good solar lights will cast soft light and will present well too.
  • Keep pathway swept and debris free.

3. The Front Door Appeal

The front door needs to be stately and fit in with the theme of the home.

Photo by Sarah Eaton from Pexels

  • Paint the front door with an inviting and welcoming colour. A colour which will complement the walls and area.
  • Should you have an oak door and decide to revarnish or stain, use a varnish or stain that will emphasise the grain.
  • Or you could opt for a brand-new front door instead.
  • Ensure the doorbell is working.
  • If there is a door knocker, ensure that it is shiny and clean. Rather replace it, if it does not do justice to the new door appeal.
  • Change the door handle to add panache. This will complement and show off the door.
  • Adding a new doormat will make an inexpensive nice addition to the welcoming appeal.
  • Ensure the property number is in plain sight, clean and appealing. If necessary, replace with new numbers, that will be seen clearly, and add to the front door appeal.

4. Paint Window frames and Door Architrave

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

  • Replace broken windows.
  • Remove old paint from the frames and repaint.
  • All glass panelling and windows are to be sparkling clean.
  • Remove dead insects lying on the window sill inside and outside.
  • Remove all cobwebs.
  • Pack away all window ornaments.
  • Remove plants from the window sill.
  • Ensure the architrave is clean and cobweb free.
  • Does the current architrave colour complement the new/repainted door? If not, repaint.

5. Light up the Front Door Appeal

Image by GoranH on Pixabay

 

  • For that dramatic effect and defining look at the front door, change the exterior lighting fixtures to flatter the front door appeal.
  • Choosing the right fixture and how to hang or place it, may involve some planning and a bit of maths. Here your property stylist, interior decorator, real estate agent or in-house outdoor lighting expert should be able to advise you or point you in the right direction.
  • Remember to switch the lights on at dusk. You never know when a potential buyer may be going past your property and be captivated by the appealing view.

6.   Add a Plant or Two

Image by hangela on Pixabay

  • Adding plants to your door appeal will not only compliment but add colour, diversity and interest.
  • If you do not have plants, use artificial ones. Artificial plants look so much like the real thing these days.
  • Word of warning though. Do not overdo it on plants.
  • Keep plants and area cobweb
  • Sweep regularly.

7.   The Mail Box

Image by bluebudgie on Pixabay

  • Whether the post box is at the front door or at the curb, it too will need a makeover, repair, or to be replaced.
  • Remove mail, newspaper and advertisement paraphernalia daily.

8. DIY –  Need a little guidance?

Would you like to do most of the styling, staging or decorating yourself, but need some guidance or ideas to help you during this process?  At Let’s Revamp our consulting services are designed to help you get your property ready for sale and ultimately achieve the best possible price in the shortest amount of time.

 

To receive 5 free property styling tips, or subscribe to our free monthly newsletter, please follow the link to our web site https://consulting.letsrevamp.com.au/

Image by mynemesis2011 on Pixabay

 

The Secret to Attract Home Buyers – Curb Appeal

The Secret to Attract Home Buyers – Curb Appeal

by | Feb 20, 2019 | Every day help tools, Our Projects

It may surprise you to know that one of the most important secrets to attract home buyers to your house is found outside – namely curb appeal.

Source: pixabay.com; Free photo 1143925 © Steve Holsderfield – Dreamstime.com

What is Curb Appeal?

 

  • Curb appeal is that which potential buyers see first and foremost of your property.
  • It has the power to draw more buyers to your property and help you sell your house.
  • It reflects the expectation of what your home may look like inside, and ultimately bring more buyers through the door.
  • Curb appeal is the “billboard” message how well the house and yard are cared for and maintained.
  • Apart from being the first visual experience, a potential buyer may have of your home, it also reflects the ambience of the neighbourhood.

Three Levels of Curb Appeal

Keeping regular maintenance on the exterior of your house and garden up to date will certainly save you a lot of work when the time comes to selling your house.

Source: pixabay.com

First Level – generally the whole garden area consisting of plants, flower beds, grass areas and pathways.

 

  •  Replant “bald” patches of grass and keep the grass areas mowed and the edges neatly trimmed.
  • Trim hedges, trees and shrubs.
  • Ensure pathways are clean and litter free.
  • Remove dead plants and weeds.
  • Your Property Stylist or Real Estate Agent will be able to best advise you on landscaping your property or be able to refer a landscaper to you.

Second Level – sidings, the porch, windows, shutters, front door and entryway.

Repair, replace, repaint, clean and maintain –

  • Replace dead light bulbs.
  • Ensure the windows are clean. Inside and out.
  • No cobwebs are to be seen.
  • Dust and sweep.
  • Do not over accessorize the porch area.
  • Trim back overhanging plants and climbers.

Third Level – the roof, the gutters and fascia boards

 

  • Standing at the curb, scan your house from the bottom up. Assess, what else needs to be done to add curb appeal?
  • Repaint or replace fascia boards.
  • Ensure there are no overhanging branches.
  • Clean, repaint or replace guttering.
  • Ensure the roof is clean and maintained.
  • Give all areas a good wash using a pressure washer or hiring a professional to do the job for you.

Free photo 4844274 © Photoroller – Dreamstime.com

Footnote

Improve the curb before listing your home for sale.
A well landscaped and maintained home will fetch you more sale value.
Let’s Revamp Director and Property Stylist interviewed Real Estate Owner Morris Short.
Here is what he has to say about curb appeal – let’s take a listen –