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Checklist to Secure Your Home While You Are Away
Travelling is always an exciting time, but how do you ensure your home is safe and secure while you enjoy a vacation away? You can do several things to prevent break-ins and decrease the risk of damage.
Consider this checklist next time you travel:
- Ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked, and double-check the basement and garage doors.
- Timers for your lights are another solid investment. Install the timers indoors and outdoors. Set the on and off times to the natural rhythm of when your home lights would typically be on. Setting them to be on 24 hours daily is a clear sign something is a miss.
- Securely lock up and put away all your valuables, such as jewellery, cash or other sentimental items. Avoid leaving valuables out in plain sights, such as near a window.
- Never leave spare keys hidden around your property. Contact a trusted friend or neighbour to hold onto any extra keys while you are away in case of an emergency.
- While you are at it, get that trusted friend or neighbour to check on your home while you are away. They can ensure that your house is still in one piece throughout your vacation, preventing frozen pipes, water damage and bringing your mail inside. Doing so will also give off the impression that someone is home. In winter, hire a company or friend to clear your snow, so it looks inhabited. Plus, it saves you the headache of shovelling when you return.
- If you haven’t already, install an alarm system and security cameras. You can check on your home via your cell phone and alert your trusted person to anything amiss. Doorbell cameras are another excellent investment; alerts can be sent to your phone when people approach.
- Shut off the water and unplug unused electronics if you go away for extended periods.
- Check your fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors before you leave. Replace the batteries and ensure they are in good working order.
- As exciting as going away is, avoid posting about it on social media until you return. You do not want to alert the public that your home is unattended.
Use this checklist to plan the security of your home and give yourself a piece of mind while you are gone on vacation.
If you are looking for a home (to be away from), contact your local REALTOR® today!
4 Sure Fire Ways to Attract Home Buyers
We are currently in a seller’s market, but you still probably want to sell your property quickly to make top dollar on your house if possible. The first step is to get buyers interested in the property.
Here are four simple tips to get potential buyers interested in your property.
1. Boost the Way it Looks Online
Homebuyers have become savvier and are doing research online as a first step in the home buying process—over 90% of buyers look online before committing to a REALTOR®. Listing a house online is crucial these days, and the next step is social media ads targeted to your audience. Social media makes it easy for people to share the for-sale ad, which will significantly extend the reach of your listing.
The photos are the first thing people see when looking at your listing. It’s easy to snap pictures with your smartphone quickly but consider investing in a professional home photographer. Their knowledge of angles and lighting in a home will vastly improve your photos, making them more appealing. If you can’t afford a photographer, consider staging the house to make the most of your interior. Here are a few tips for setting yourself up for successful photos:
· Use bright natural lighting
· Touch up paint and update finishes in your home
· Focus on statement pieces and standout elements of the house
· Stick to a specific style or theme overall
· Remove personal items or clutter from areas if possible
Compare other homes for sale online, see how they look and view the pictures for inspiration. Not only will this help you with your photos, but also it will let you know what to avoid.
2. Keep Things Clean
Try to keep your house clean at all times to ensure buyers will have a positive experience. Your real estate agent should inform you when people are coming by to look at your home, but if it’s a last-minute viewing, it’s ideal to have a clean house and not worry about it.
Open houses are a great way to showcase your home. Make sure to declutter and clean it well before viewers arrive.
It’s important to note that people want to envision themselves living in your home—while it’s okay to keep your belongings out, buyers don’t want to be surprised by things like:
· Dust
· Mould
· Mildew
· Presence of pets
If you have moved out or currently live in the home, make sure you stop by regularly to tidy and check over things to prevent mould and mildew and make your home as attractive as possible.
3. Make Things Cozy and Warm
Excellent pictures attract buyers, but when they visit your home, you want it to feel inviting—staging and cleanliness only go so far. The moment your house feels uninviting, homebuyers will second guess their choice.
One easy way to add warmth in summer is to open all the blinds and curtains and let the natural light fill up the space. If it is wintertime, turn up the furnace an hour or so before people come for viewings to warm things up. These simple tricks will draw buyers in and add a sense of security and comfort to your space.
Consider setting out cookies, coffee or tea for added coziness. The smell of cookies always feels homey and inviting.
4. Curb Appeal
Potential buyers first notice the outside of your home and the front yard. Curb appeal not only boosts the asking price of your listing but will provide a sense of comfort to buyers.
There are lots of inexpensive ways to boost curb appeal. Check out these ideas:
· Paint your home’s exterior or door a bold colour
· Invest in a quality maintenance-free fence
· Replace the front door
· Groom and trim the existing greenery
· Replace roof or shingles
Implementing these few tips will boost your home’s interest and hopefully make it a quick sale for top dollar. If you need more suggestions or recommendations, contact your local REALTOR® today!
5 Local Places to try in Saskatoon this Summer
Summertime is here, which means one thing…it’s time to get outside and enjoy all Saskatoon has to offer. There are many places to eat in Saskatoon, and choosing one to meet up with family and friends can be challenging. Here are five local restaurants to try in Saskatoon that will win anyone over.
Indigenous Cuisine
Bannock Express
Bannock Express is a locally owned indigenous restaurant. It started as a Farmer’s Market stall and now has a restaurant on Avenue B, shared with Botte Chai and Dulce Bakery. The menu features bannock-centric offerings, which all look delicious. If you need to cool down this summer and are downtown, the menu also features various lemonades! The Co-op also sells the restaurant’s signature bannock—so stop in there if you can’t make it downtown. Inside the business is a pinboard that encourages people to donate and provide meals to feed the less fortunate.
Burgers
Ace Burger
Ace Burger began its life as a food truck and transitioned into a restaurant that is located on Broadway. The patio is perfect for summertime meetups with family and friends to enjoy great burgers, hot dogs, poutines, chicken sandwiches and out-of-this-world fries. Modern and cozy vibes fill the space. On your way out, pick up an Ace Burger shirt and hat! They also offer take-out—a nice break from cooking on a hot Friday night.
Farm-to-Table
Odla
Odla is another restaurant gem found on Broadway. The owners of Farm One Forty started the place with their holistic approach to farming and food. The menu consists of high-end meals made with products from local farmers and producers—featuring a vast list of wines and unique cocktails. The atmosphere is casual, yet sophisticated. Check out their patio to relax and enjoy a fantastic meal. If dining in isn’t for you, they also have an extensive selection of “market items” that you can purchase to cook or reheat meals at home.
Korean & Japanese Fusion
Sticks & Stones
Sticks & Stones has a delicious menu with an array of Korean and Japanese fusion eats. It has a casual, yet modern vibe, conveniently located downtown. Stones is the perfect place to enjoy a warm bowl of Ramen and a tasty ice cold drink—exclusively open in the evenings, offering table reservations or ordering online.
Pizza
Thirteen Pies Pizza + Bar
Thirteen Pies is open only in the evenings and is located downtown. The pizza is self-described as “Brooklyn style”—definition: it has a thin crust and is foldable to go down quickly. Their white sauce pizza is terrific, the drinks are divine, and the atmosphere is an upscale pub. If you are wandering downtown on a summer night and are looking for some late-night eats, pick this place—they offer delivery too.
From sushi to pizza, there is something for every taste bud in Saskatoon. Even better is supporting local businesses, producers, farmers and families. I hope that a few of these places spark your interest and you try them out this summer!
If you need help finding real estate close to any of these hot spots, contact your local REALTOR® today!
2022 Design trends to Follow
Interior design trends in 2022 are broad and diverse. Some timeless classics hold steadfast while emerging colour palettes, textures and materials flip-flop. Given the varied array of trends, not only will you be able to make your home unique to reflect you but also in style for years to come. Spending more time inside and our needs are ever-changing, our style and purpose must also be altered at home. Here is a mish-mash list of top 2022 home decor and interior design trends I am sure you will love!
Curvy accents and furniture
The end of modernism of sharp corners, sharp edges and angular symmetry seems to be ebbing away. Be on the lookout for circular mirrors, curvy tables and soft round couches—accent furniture with gorgeous rounded cushions.
Natural Materials
Natural Materials have been a continuing trend over the last few years with a focus on natural materials, textures and shapes. Think of quartz or marble surfaces, whether countertops or accent tables, natural woods, rattan or bamboo furniture. Homeowners are finding quality materials and pieces that will last and keep on-trend for years to come.
Home Jungle
There’s something magical about being surrounded by greenery and the satisfaction of caring for something that grows. Bringing the outdoors in is a great way to boost creativity, productivity and concentration as plants boost a person’s mood, purify the air and can prove to be therapeutic. So, scatter some plants around your house and don’t forget that hanging plants can be a piece of art and that unique planters and macrame hangers add a touch of elegance to any home. For those of us that don’t have time to take care of plants, fake plants add just as much ambience to the space!
Playful Textures
There is no denying that adding texture to a home is visually pleasing–layers of textures create volume and elevate coziness levels. However, try not to limit texture to textiles such as blankets, cushions and rugs. To generate more stimulation, consider adding pieces of furniture with inlays, intricate designs or unique handles. Lastly, rich or flowy natural fibre window coverings help style any space and set the mood.
Warm Colours
Clients are continually embracing natural tones and going away from white, greys and blues. Embracing interesting colour palettes of purples, chocolates and hunter green, which add an individual flare to any home. Or, choose colours that are more subdued with creams, taupes and beige while keeping the colours warm and cozy.
Sustainable Materials
Emerging generations are becoming more conscious of the environment, and home sustainability has changed with it. There is a more significant push to focus on recycling, renewable energy and ethically sourced home decor. To curb waste, choosing natural and organic fibres, materials, paints and dyes over synthetic ones is a must.
Vintage and antique pieces are all the rage! Take joy in making something old new again, whether that be with a fresh coat of paint or stain. Or, simply embrace as is to keep the original lived-in vibe.
New builds emphasize energy efficiency, featuring solar panels, heat pumps and EV chargers. If that sounds a little extreme, adding a low-energy furnace and water heater can significantly impact the environment for the greater good. A word of advice would be to check out the Government of Canada website to see what kind of Environmental retrofit benefits your home can qualify for!
Dual Purpose Spaces
Over the past few years, our homes have had to adjust to our ever-growing needs to be at home for longer periods of time and rooms have transformed into offices, classrooms, gyms and entertainment spaces. Rooms that were once just spare rooms are now an office with a Murphy bed, creating form and function all in one. Organizational containers, shelves, and multi-purpose furniture are the best way to create a comfortable dual-purpose space.
My living room has also become a gym, meditation room, and yoga mats and dumbbells have taken over—a tall decorative basket resolved this issue!
Outside Living
Choose an excellent patio set, barbeque and a few warm throw blankets and bring the party outside. Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities and food. Use the 2022 trends mentioned in this blog as a guide to style your outdoor deck or patio with natural but bold colours, organic fibres, and textures. They should all play a role in your design.
This year’s Interior Design trends are unique yet cohesive and every option on this list is a winner. Put them all together for an Instagram-worthy look! If you are ready to start your interior design dreams and want to find a great new home in Saskatoon to test them out contact me for all you local real estate needs!
Which of these trends will you incorporate into your home this year? Any you’ve already got?
The Open House: Should You Do It When Selling?
Open houses can be a bit of a controversial topic in the real estate world. Some professionals insist that they are necessary, others want nothing to do with it, and some are in the middle, having open houses occasionally. Holding an open house when selling your home can have some great benefits, but they also have disadvantages. Being aware of the advantages and limitations of open houses can help you decide what you want and what risks you want to take on.
Pros of Open Houses When Selling a Home
Attract Buyers at the Start of the Homebuying Process – Buying a home is not a process that everyone is familiar with, and open houses can be an easy first step. Especially for first-time homebuyers who may not know where to get information or whom to contact when looking for a home. Open houses can be a way to attract new buyers, which is helpful for any home seller.
Additional Exposure – Exposure is the name of the game when selling your home. Having a solid marketing plan to get as many potential buyers’ eyes on your house is the key to getting a good offer. Open houses can be an excellent way to get additional exposure and advertising.
Reduce Pressure on Buyers – Open houses are often very low-pressure environments where buyers can tour the home with little to no pressure. Some buyers like to analyze a home in detail without having a time constraint or someone showing them around.
Show Off Your Advantages – If you have put considerable time and energy into upkeep in your home, an open house is a great way to show off those features. Visitors will appreciate the unique features of your home or just the general upkeep. This could help your home stand out on the market or over other listings in your neighbourhood.
Cons of Open Houses When Selling a Home
It May Not Sell Your Home – The percentage of homes that actually sell due to an open house is less than 2-3%. While you may get a good turnout, open houses aren’t necessarily going to attract buyers who are at the offer stage yet.
Attracting Unqualified Buyers – Anyone can attend an open house, whether they are financially capable of buying a home or not. Not everyone that attends the open house will be qualified to put an offer on it.
Possible Theft – The reality of an open house is that you will have strangers coming through your home, and you don’t know their intentions. It’s always a good idea to put away any valuables or objects you don’t want to lose.
When considering whether or not to host an open house when selling your home, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons and decide what is best for you. An open house can be a great opportunity to better market your home to buyers. Still, it isn’t for every seller, and it’s not necessary for selling your home. If you are unsure, talk to a local real estate expert about your situation and goals. And, of course, you can always contact me if you have any questions or need any advice!
How to Set up for the Best Listing Photos (And Why it Matters!)
In the digital age, 80% of buyers first start their house search online. Having great photos that accentuate your home’s best features is the best way to get buyers’ attention and give them the best impression of your home for sale. But taking good photos can feel intimidating if it’s not something you’re familiar or comfortable with. As part of my professional marketing plan, though, I enlist the help of a professional real estate photographer who can help you take the best photos of your property and put it in a good light. That being said, here are some things you can do to get your home photo-ready.
Tidy, Tidy, Tidy
The number one tip to a good photo is a decluttered space that shows off the room. After all, buyers want to see the area around your possessions, which can be difficult with too much clutter. If you have furniture in the rooms, make sure that minimal objects are placed in or around it. Keep the space as neutral as possible, and the furniture helps show what the room can be used for, rather than the main feature.
Find the Best Lighting
Lighting really matters when taking a good photo. Look at the lighting sources in your room and have it prepared when the photographer shows up. Windows and natural light can be great to give your room a soft and natural feel.
If it is a cloudy or overcast day, consider what artificial light your room has. What are the overheads like? Do they effectively light the room? If not, do you have lamps or floor lighting that could enhance the space? You could also consider turning on lighting features like fireplaces to add to the ambiance of the photo.
Think About Composition
Have you already moved out your furniture, or is it still in the space? Either option can work, but you may have different considerations depending on your answer. If you have moved furniture already, this can be great for helping buyers get a complete picture of what the room looks like. However, it may be difficult to judge the size of the room without anything in it, so home staging may be something we want to consider. Even if you have moved, appliances in the kitchen and bathroom should be clean and tidy.
If you still have furniture, think about the way it is positioned in the room, and see if there are smaller pieces you can move to give a better view of the size of the space. Also, consider objects such as coffee tables or shelving and how you’ve displayed objects on them. These types of furniture shouldn’t be empty. Instead, a couple of tasteful decor items can help to make the home feel welcoming. Be sure to limit these items or create groups of threes for visual appeal.
Consider the Colours
While it is always good advice to keep your space filled with neutral colours, adding a couple of accents can be nice to enhance your space. If you have some items that add a burst of colour, think about where you want them and how that might help create a more eye-catching photo. If you’re unsure, sticking with neutrals and basics is always the safe bet.
As always, listing photography can be tricky. And while these tips may help enhance your photos, the biggest thing you can do is keep your space clean and let the professionals do the rest! If you have any questions or concerns, I am here to offer my professional real estate advice to help put your house in the best light and answer any questions you may have.
What is the Best Time to Move?
You’ve seen it. It’s everywhere! Inventory remains at an all-time low in Saskatoon, and with interest rates also staying attractively low, demand remains high. With eager buyers jumping at the opportunity to buy a home, prices are rising, piquing many homeowners’ interest in selling.
Whether you’re a first-time home buyer hoping to take advantage of the fantastic interest rates or a seller hoping to get more for your home, you’ve likely asked, “Is it a good time to move?” There are a lot of factors to take into account when considering the best time to move. If you’re currently deciding when to move, here are some of the factors to consider:
Why Are You Moving?
Depending on why you are moving or considering a move, your timeframe for when to move could change considerably.
#1 – You Are Relocating for Work. If you are moving to Saskatoon for a new job or position, you are likely working with a set deadline. This means you will have strict guidelines both in searching for a home and planning a move when it comes to dates. If you are simply moving within the city to lessen your commute or make it more convenient, you will have considerably more flexibility.
#2 – Looking for a Better Neighbourhood. Another reason why many families choose to move is to find the perfect neighbourhood. While this doesn’t give you any time constraints to work within, it’s important to note that it can take some time if you are particular about the neighbourhoods you are searching in. You may need to wait for the perfect property to come on the market.
#3 – Moving to a Bigger Home. Growing families often find themselves searching for more space, which may mean moving to a bigger home. While a great reason to be making your move, it shouldn’t interfere with any timing you may be planning for.
#4 – Downsizing to a Smaller Home. When the kids have all flown the nest, and you no longer need the 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom house, it might be time to downsize. Again, similar to moving to a bigger home, this shouldn’t interfere with planning the timing of your move.
#5 – Taking Advantage of Interest Rates. If you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage with an attractive interest rate you don’t want to miss out on, you will need to expedite your home search to fit your locked-in rate’s deadline. These typically stay in effect for 60-90 days, which will be about when you should plan to buy a new home. However, if you’d prefer to push off the move beyond that time, you can always talk to your REALTOR® about moving the possession date to a time that works better for you.
#6 – Making the Most of Market Trends. If you have a home to sell and Saskatoon is in a seller’s market, you may want to take advantage of that to get more value for your home. Especially in a high-demand market, this could mean a quicker move, so talk to your REALTOR® about how quickly you might expect to sell. That way, you can get a better idea for planning your move.
The Best Time of Year to Move
Knowing how the reason you are moving influences the timing of your move, you can start to plan the “when” of it all. Each season has pros and cons for moving, so here’s what to consider when deciding the best time of year to move for you and your family.
Spring is traditionally when the real estate market in Saskatoon begins to get busiest. The weather starts to warm, people start coming out of the homes they’ve been trapped in all winter and are eager for a change of scenery. Some pros to moving in spring are that you’ll be settled into your new home in time to relax for the summer holidays, and the weather tends to be much more temperate—not too cold and not too hot. However, it can also be a hectic time for kids in school, particularly those in high school facing exam season. Moving companies are also getting busier, so you may need to be more flexible with dates to make it work.
Summer, particularly early summer, tends to be the busiest moving season as homebuyers who bought in spring come up to their possession dates. Moving in summer can be a great thing—the kids are out of school, it may be easier to take vacation time, and the weather is usually warm and sunny. However, moving companies are in their highest-demand season, which means you may have a harder time picking dates and can even expect to pay a little more than slower seasons.
Fall is when the Saskatoon real estate market tends to slow down as kids return to school and the vacation replies start to disappear. This cooler market may make moving in fall the ideal choice for you, with less demand for moving companies and typically easier conditions for buying a house. Plus, you will be nice and settled in just in time to show off to friends and family over the holidays! However, it can also be a little more complicated if you have kids in school, especially if you might be moving to a new school district.
Winter is usually the slowest season in real estate, with colder weather keeping people indoors. This can make moving in winter more attractive, with market conditions at their least stressful and moving companies at their most available (sometimes even offering discounted rates!). However, you will need to battle the elements on moving day, something most of us avoid during winter in Saskatchewan, and you may be in the process of moving over the holidays, which can already be stressful enough.
So, when it really comes down to it, there is no true “best time to move,” only the best time for you and your family. No matter when you decide to make your move, though, there are a few tried and true ways to make it as easy as possible. Your experienced REALTOR® will be able to walk you through all of the best tips and tricks for a stress-free move. And if you still need help deciding when to do it, they can help with that, too!
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
Though the blustery winter weather we’ve been seeing over the last few weeks in Saskatoon might have us thinking spring is still months away, we’re actually only a couple of weeks out. Soon enough, the longer days will bring warmer weather, and the long-anticipated seasonal thaw will begin. And with that thaw comes some essential home maintenance that will need taking care of!
Check & Clean Eavestroughs
With the wind and snow blowing around all winter long, things are bound to end up on the roof and in our eavestroughs. These little valleys are not only preventing water damage during spring and summer rains but are particularly important in helping the thawing snow and ice find their way to the ground as they melt. That means, even when it’s still a little chilly out, a trip up the ladder may be to ensure they are working at 100%.
Check the eavestroughs and downspouts for any blockages and clear them away. Secure any loose joints to prevent drips, and make sure the downspouts point away from your foundation. The last thing anybody wants to wake up to is a flooded basement!
Change Filters
After working hard to heat your home from the famous Saskatchewan winter chill, your furnace is bound to need a little TLC. Change out the furnace filter to keep it in good working order for those chilly spring evenings. Change out the range hood filter while you’re at it, and clean out your heat recovery unit, too!
Inspect Entryways & Windows for Gaps
Sure, warmer weather means enjoying more time in our outdoor space, breathing in the fresh air, but it also means the return of every homeowner’s nightmare: pests. Take some time to check your doorways and windows for any gaps or holes where bugs or rodents could sneak through. If you find any, seal them off to keep unwanted guests out. (The insect and rodent variety, of course…)
Check Soil Settlement at the Foundation
The one thing the winter thaw is particularly good at is washing away soil where we might actually want it to stay. One place that can often get hit pretty hard: around your home’s foundation.
Once the snow has cleared enough for you to see, take a walk around your home and see how the soil is settled. If it looks more like a moat a prince would have to cross to get to the castle, water damage may be on the way as the water drains toward your foundation. To combat it, simply fill it in until you see a nice, gentle slope that will encourage water to drain away from the house rather than into it.
Other Spring Home Maintenance Tasks
Test Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors – If you’ve got littles, spring is also a great time to run fire drills with them to prepare them in case of emergency!
Inspect the Roof – Once the snow has melted away through your sparkling clean eavestroughs, break out the ladder again to check your roof for any repairs that may need to be done. You can also use this time to inspect the siding around the house for any spots that may need to be re-secured.
Clean Fireplaces & Chimneys – If you’re lucky enough to have an incredible, fully-functional wood-burning fireplace, chances are it’s been working double-time over the past few months. Before retiring it for the season, clean it out and consider having it serviced if you haven’t had it done recently.
Check Sump Pump – If you have one, make sure it works correctly and pushes water away from your foundation, not toward it.
Spring Cleaning – While the weather’s not too cold and not too hot, take some time to give your home a spring makeover! Clean windows inside and out, wash off window and door screens and consider spraying off your siding, deck, and siding for some added curb appeal—especially if you’re thinking of selling your home.
Though we may feel like hibernating until the hottest days of summer, don’t sleep on these essential spring home maintenance tasks. Not only will they keep your home in tip-top shape, but they’ll also set you up for that easy-breezy, worry-free summer you’ve been waiting so patiently for!
4 Tips For Budgeting a Home Renovation
Renovations, especially when preparing your home for sale, can make or break how quickly your property will stay on the market. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of choosing new finishes for home projects or be blindsided by unforeseen hiccups that can dramatically increase costs. Deciding on how much to spend on home improvement projects can be tricky—lucky for you, I have compiled some tips that will help you stay on track and minimize any unwanted surprises!
Set Your Spending Limit
According to Zillow, you should spend no more for each room than the percentage of what that room values in the overall house value. For example, the kitchen generally makes up to 15% of the overall property value. If your home is worth $200,000, you will want to cap remodelling expenses at $30,000.
Another good guideline is not spending more than 10-15% of your home’s value on a single room. Any more than that will not proportionally add to the value of the home. HomeAdvisor states the average cost to renovate a kitchen at $4,000 – $60,000, a bathroom at $2,500 – $25,000, and a basement at $11,000 – $30,000. Keep in mind that older homes will often cost more to renovate if wiring and plumbing aren’t up to code.
You will also need to determine how you are financing your project! Your renovation budget will need to fit within the limit of available funds, whether it is by cash, loan or credit.
Prepare for Hidden Costs
This tip is possibly the most important of them all, so listen closely. Once you have concluded how much you can afford to spend, set aside 10-20% of your available funds for any unexpected expenses that may arise. You might have heard of the phrase, “things happen,” and it definitely applies to home renovations. Things go wrong or cost more than what was initially predicted, and by setting aside these funds at the beginning, you know that you will still have enough cash to cover no matter what happens.
Prioritize & Make a Plan
So long as there is no expertise required, consider doing some tasks yourself to help reduce labour costs. Things like pulling up tile, removing old cabinets, ordering your own fixtures and finishes, shopping for used or refurbished items, and doing your own painting are all easy to do yourself.
You’ve used all these tips and added value to your home, so now what? You don’t want to risk pricing too high in risk of not selling. Contact your favourite local REALTOR® for a free home evaluation!
Top Home Decor Design Trends for 2021
Home design trends are constantly changing, but with the state of the world over the past year and a half, we can identify some common themes emerging. We see many rethinking the functionality of their homes and the concentration on building a safe, calm, and joyful space to centre us in throughout the various recent and tumultuous events. Here are some key trends that you can easily incorporate into your living space or make it more appealing to potential buyers if you are planning to sell your home!
Say Goodbye to Exclusively Formal Rooms
Have a formal dining room or living room you only use once every 6 months? The focus is now on livable luxury and versatility in design. This means rethinking our less-used spaces and embracing furniture concepts that play double duty—we’ve seen many formal dining rooms turn into home offices and school rooms. However, this is also your sign to turn that space into something totally your own that sparks joy. Always wanted a craft room? Maybe a library to live out your Beauty & the Beast dreams? Go for it!
Embrace Natural Materials
This is the return of nature and earthy inspiration to really become one with that zen mindset. Pieces like cream coloured ceramics, marble coffee tables, wicker baskets, rattan headboards, and unfinished wooden furniture help create a comforting and organic look and feel. Earthy tones and warm, soothing colour palettes like wine reds, sagey greens, and golden yellows have also increased popularity.
Become a Plant Parent
Speaking of natural, 2020 was back to basics. Hands up if it was your mission to successfully make a loaf of delicious sourdough bread and adopt a few plant babies! Yeah, I see you, Saskatoon. We’re definitely seeing this continuing the trend through 2021.
Incorporating plants into your décor honestly does wonders to help refresh the air and brighten your mood. Easy-to-care-for plants and textured pots work like magic to bring some life to a space, and edible gardens are perfect for a sunny kitchen window sill.
Maximize Natural Sunlight
Be aware of the lack of Vitamin D from being cooped up indoors—sunlight is scientifically essential to our happiness. Yes, really! And studies have shown that it can actually have a direct effect on a homebuyer’s first impression of the home, especially when staging to sell.
With the goal of calm and centred living space, gone are heavy window dressings. Instead, try a semi-opaque cotton curtain with some tassel trim for a subtle texture.
Solid Statement Walls? Forget About It
Wallpaper is not just for your grandmother anymore. It has officially made a comeback! Add some personality to your space with a statement wall, or use it to line your cabinets or shelving. Want a less permanent option in case you are renting and planning to buy a home? Peel and stick wallpaper is an exceptional way to play with your space without the commitment.
More is More
Granny Chic has a nice ring to it, right? The year 2021 has marked the rise of the “grandmillennial” trend, described as a revival of the homey design elements that you may find at your grandparent’s house. This includes velvets, floral wallpaper, brass, delicate china, antique paintings, and other vintage touches. And don’t be afraid to mix patterns, either.
This style can evoke a sense of tradition, comfort, and nostalgia. Combining old-world elements (antique paintings) and the new world comforts (modern lighting fixtures) can also create a perfect timeless mix.
No matter what your home ownership goals may be this fall, whether it’s buying a new house or selling your existing one, keep these top design trends in mind for either. From dolling up your new digs or staging for selling success, these simple changes can keep your home looking modern, chic, and effortless!
