Articles Tagged "Staging"

Getting lost in a good book is a great hobby many people enjoy! Creating a peaceful space in our homes that is free of distraction where you can curl up with a good book is essential to our mental health and an excellent way to achieve mindfulness. It's also essential for kids to have a quiet place to read and learn.

Sure, there are many parks in Central Texas you can take your favorite summer reads to enjoy, but there's something special about reading at home and customizing your home to fit your favorite hobbies.

Creating reading nooks can also be a lot of fun as they make for stylish home accessories. Looking to add a reading nook to your home? Here are some tips from our real estate agents:

• Make Use Of Unused Corners
  A reading nook doesn't have to be elaborate. If you have an unused corner of a bedroom, simply add a comfortable chair, lamp, and table for the perfect reading nook. You may also want to prioritize bedroom corners located near windows in order to maximize natural light. Some of our favorite Rock Round homes for sale have comfortable reading areas in the corner of the bedroom.
  
  
• Place A Bookshelf Nearby
  Adding a small bookshelf to your reading nook helps to keep your favorite titles within reach, and it also allows you to show off your reading collection. Displaying books is easy -- you can invest in a small bookcase or install a floating shelf on the wall.
  
  
• Create A Nook Under The Stairs
  Living space underneath the stairs is often underutilized. Since this area is often somewhat cozy by design, it can be a great opportunity for a reading nook. Just add a couple of chairs, pillows, and lamps, and you've got yourself a comfortable place to read.
  
  
• Go Outside
  We often think of reading nooks as cozy indoor spaces, but you can also create one outside in the spring and summer. Perhaps you have an unused area of the deck or patio where you can add some comfortable seating and pillows. Gardens and greenspace also make for peaceful, private reading areas.
  
  
• Transform A Closet
  Some homes have excess closet space that can really be put to good use. If you have an extra walk-in closet that you're struggling to fill, you may be able to turn it into a reading nook. If it's large enough to support a couple of pieces of furniture, you can nicely stage the space.
  
  
• Keep It Fun
  Your nook should be a place that also inspires creativity. Hang your favorite art on the wall, and add some creative furniture or a statement piece that really speaks to your personality. It could be a nice antique table or your favorite knick-knacks. 
  
  
• Make It Comfortable
  Comfort is the single most important element of any reading nook. No matter where you decide to build your space, you want it to be comfortable. Invest in a nice oversized chair, good pillows, and a soft blanket. our reading nook should be a place you long for after a stressful day.

Customizing your home is part of enjoying homeownership. Contact us today for more interior design tips and tips on finding the perfect home for your needs.

If you're a pet parent, you know that giving your pets a safe, healthy environment is a top priority. Whether you have a four-legged canine or a frisky feline, you want to protect your pet from dangers like injuries, diseases, and poisonous houseplants. To keep your pets safe, take some tips from our real estate agents, who suggest buying only non-toxic houseplants for your home.

Many homeowners don't realize that just a few nibbles from a poisonous plant can cause nausea and vomiting, tremors, seizures, and even death to pets. If you're a pet owner and looking for Georgetown homes for sale, make sure to research indoor plants that are non-toxic to dogs and cats. Here are just a few that are safe for your pets.

1. African Violets
   If your home gets a lot of indirect sunlight, African violets will fill your rooms with flowers in brilliant hues of pink, lavender, and purple. They thrive in 68–77 degree temperatures, as long as you keep them slightly watered and away from drafts. If your curious cat decides to eat the leaves or blooms, the plant may look wounded, but your cat will be fine.

2. Baby Tears
   This plant's trailing tendrils were designed to attract curious cats. Even if you place this plant on high shelves or in hanging baskets, your clever kitty may still be tempted to investigate. But don't worry, it's perfectly safe for your kitty and a good choice for beginner green thumbs. Just choose a location with filtered light and warm temperatures, then keep the soil moist.

3. Bird's Nest Ferns
   This squiggly green fern thrives on low light and humidity, so it's perfect in bathrooms and windows near the kitchen sink. It likes warmer temperatures and quickly adds organic appeal to indoor spaces. Bird's nest ferns grow well in pots and planters with loose, fast-draining soil. When the soil feels dry, just give it a little water and fertilizer in the spring and summer.

4. Date Palms
   If you want to protect your pets and wow your guests, buy a few date palms for your home. With tall stems and delicate leaves, date palms, like Areca palms, bamboo palms, and Chinese fan palms, grow tall, making good floor plants that add height and texture to small rooms. For best growth, keep date palms and other types of palms in bright, indirect sunlight and don't over-water.

5. Friendship Plants
   Friendship plants produce intricately-patterned bright green leaves that feel like velvet. They're lovely to look at and completely harmless to your pets. Since they are small plants that only grow 6–12 inches high, they make great decorative accents on shelves and tables. They tolerate low light with a few hours of sunlight each day and occasionally flower with pale pink buds.

6. Orchids
   Few houseplants add as much elegant beauty to a home as orchids, and luckily they pose no dangers to dogs or cats. With tall stalks, large green leaves, and colorful flowers, orchids become focal points wherever they're placed. Orchids bloom each year for about three months. When the flowers die off, the blooms return the following season.

7. Peperomia Plants
   Peperomia plants make great houseplants because they're easy to grow and they clean the air. There are many varieties, each with slightly different characteristics, but they all grow well in temperatures of 65–80 degrees with minimal watering. The watermelon peperomia has leaves that resemble watermelon rhine with distinct dark green stripes.

If you're interested in homes in the Georgetown area, contact us for more information on available properties and prices.

Selling a home while living in it can present challenges, especially if you have children. Potential homebuyers with kids may appreciate your special décor in the kids' rooms, but buyers without children may not relate. To attract more buyers, our real estate agents suggest home staging that removes personal touches and allows buyers to see themselves living in the home.

While it might be impossible to create a blank canvas in your kids' rooms, you can follow some staging tips that will interest buyers while they are looking at Lakeway homes for sale.

• Declutter and Organize
  Kids' rooms are usually filled with books, stuffed animals, and toys that cause the space to look cluttered and messy. While older kids may be better at picking up their toys and straightening up their rooms, young kids don't pay much attention to either. Whatever the age of your kids, it's essential to declutter and organize their rooms before you show your home.

• • Organize books and stuffed animals on shelves or bookcases

  • Place school supplies in baskets or colorful containers

  • Buy a toy chest for larger toys and large essentials

  • Store train sets, dolls, and action figures in clear plastic totes

  • Organize clothing in drawers and closets

  • Donate outgrown clothing and toys to a local thrift store

• Remove Theme Elements
  Many kids' rooms feature theme elements that can be overwhelming for potential buyers. Overloading the visual senses with things that don't appeal can send buyers right out of the room. Before you show your home, remove the Little Mermaid switch plates, Fairy Princess light fixtures, or Marvel Comic lampshades. Even if the potential buyers touring your home have kids, those kids might not have the same interests that yours have. If the room is painted with themed murals on the walls, consider painting over them or covering them with artwork or quilts that are less distracting to buyers.
  
  
• De-Personalize the Space
  De-personalizing the space is another way to help buyers see themselves living in your home. Put away personal items in your kids' rooms like family photos, school yearbooks, sports awards and trophies, and personal drawings and artwork. Pack these items in a box or clear container and store them in the garage. A buyer should be focused on the home, not on the people who live in it.
  
  
• Let in the Light
  If you're lucky enough to have several windows in your kids' rooms, open up the draperies or shades and let natural light into the space. Natural light instantly increases warmth and visual appeal in any room. If the room has small windows or no windows at all, consider adding a ceiling chandelier or pendant, wall sconces, or table lamps to increase brightness. Good natural or ambient light in a room makes the space feel larger, less cluttered, and more comfortable for daily activities.

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in the area, contact us for available properties that fit your lifestyle and financial needs.

The holiday season is on its way, and many homeowners are thinking about how to bring their favorite seasonal scents into their homes.  

Scented candles are the obvious solution, but what if you prefer a natural aroma instead? Our real estate agents use the five methods described below to create an enticing atmosphere in many of our Round Rock homes for sale around the holidays.

• Decorate with Plants
  Fresh trees play a big part in many people's holiday traditions, and their crisp, natural scent is unmistakable. If you aren't ready to put up a full-sized Christmas tree just yet, bringing some fresh-cut tree branches into your house will give you the same aroma without all of the hassles. While the classic choice is pine, many other types of coniferous trees work well for this too, including cedar, cypress, and spruce. 
  
  
• Start a Simmer Pot 
  A simmer pot is like an old-fashioned stovetop air freshener. This technique is hundreds of years old and uses water vapor to spread pleasant scents throughout your house. To make your own simmer pot, place some fragrant items (orange peels, cloves, and cinnamon work well, especially together) in a pot of shallow water. Put that pot on the stove and allow the water to heat up to a gentle simmer, then wait for the scent to spread. You can keep a simmer pot going for as long as you like – just make sure to top up the water periodically so you don't burn the other contents.  
  
  
• Make Your Own Potpourri 
  Potpourri is a great holiday scent solution because it doubles as a festive decoration. There are many versions available on store shelves, but it's so easy to make your own that you may as well give it a try. Start with a base of dried flowers, fruit, and greenery, then mix it with scented oils to strengthen the fixture's scent profile. Choose your components based on both how pretty they look and how well their scents mix together. Some popular holiday potpourri components include cranberry, cinnamon, evergreen, and poinsettia petals. 
  
  
• Use Essential Oils 
  Essential oils are made from the concentrated essence of plants, fruits, and other substances, so they produce very strong scents. You can use an oil diffuser or your humidifier to easily spread these scents throughout your house, mixing them as desired until you get the perfect festive fragrance. So which types of oils should you use? Classic festive oils like orange and pine work great, but you can also try out some other thematically appropriate scents.
   
• Do Some Baking 
  There is nothing quite so enticing as the smell of freshly baked goodies, so why even try to replicate it? Get the real thing by whipping up a batch of snickerdoodle cookies, fruitcake, gingerbread squares, or whatever holiday treat you prefer. The scent of warm sugar, butter, and spices will linger in your house for hours, and you and your family will also get to enjoy the delicious treat you've made.  

The holidays won't be here forever, so make the most of the festive season while it lasts. Try out some of our festive scent ideas to make your home feel warm and inviting as the cooler weather sets in – and if you're still looking for a home around Round Rock, remember that our real estate expertise is always available to you. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you find an idyllic home to host family celebrations for years to come. 

These days, a home's outdoor spaces are just as important as its indoor spaces. Just look at all the Round Rock homes for sale with outdoor living spaces! Homeowners use their outdoor spaces for dining, entertaining, and relaxing, so patio furniture and decor require some planning. Here are a few things to know before you go shopping for new patio furniture.

1. Think About Your Goals
   Do you plan to use the space for grilling, outdoor dining, and entertaining? You'll want to prioritize a table and chairs where you can eat. If your dream patio is one where you can enjoy a glass of wine, read a book, and relax, you'll want to look for furniture that is more appropriate for lounging.
   
   
2. Consider the Size of the Space
   Choosing patio furniture based on the size of your patio is very similar to choosing indoor furniture based on the size of the room. Leave plenty of room for the flow of traffic around the furniture. Measure your patio before shopping so that you know how much space you have to work with. The "less is more" approach to staging a home applies to outdoor spaces as well, according to our real estate agents, so this is especially important if you're preparing your home to sell.
   
   
3. Keep the Weather in Mind
   The sun, rain, and humidity in Texas are something to consider when shopping for patio furniture. Being exposed to these elements can weather some types of furniture, such as wood, faster than others. If your patio furniture isn't protected from the elements by a roof or overhang, opt for something sturdy such as metal. Cushions left outside will likely need to be replaced every few years, but this may be seen as a bonus since it gives you a chance to freshen your look!
   
   
4. Storage Options
   If you can, storing your patio furniture (or at least your cushions) will keep it looking nicer, longer. A patio storage bench is perfect if you want a handy place to put your cushions when you're not using the space, or you could build a garden shed with room to store lightweight patio furniture when not in use. Well-planned outdoor storage can be a selling point when you go to list your house, too. 
   
   
5. Remember That You Get What You Pay For
   Sure, you have a budget, but try not to buy the cheapest patio furniture you find, as you will surely get what you pay for. Inexpensive patio furniture tends to be made of materials that don't hold up to weather exposure, such as plastic that will degrade quickly in the sun or cheap metal that will rust quickly with exposure to rain. If you need to stick to a tight budget, check out resources for secondhand goods, and keep an eye out for higher quality patio furniture.

Ultimately, look for patio furniture that not only looks good but where you can also see yourself spending time. Your outdoor living spaces should be an extension of your home: the perfect place to hang with family and friends or kick back and relax after a long day. For more information on what homebuyers expect from an outdoor living space, contact us today.

Achieving just the right look in your home can be a delicate balance. Whether you're entertaining, staging your home to be listed among Round Rock homes for sale, or just want a beautiful home to relax in and enjoy in your free time, the right decor will help to pull it all together. Or will it? Here are five common interior design mistakes you don't want to make.

1. Not Providing a Focal Point
   A focal point is what draws the room together. For instance, in the family room, the TV is more than likely the focal point. That one is easy! In a living room or sitting room, perhaps the fireplace is the focal point, and in the bedroom, the bed. All of the furniture and decor in a room should be arranged to emphasize, support, and draw the eye to the focal point.
   
   
2. Making Everything too Matchy-Matchy
   When browsing furniture and decor, resist the urge to buy out the entire collection and make everything in the room match. What looks good on the showroom floor won't necessarily look good in a room that is lived in, or that is meant to look that way. It's the way you pull together coordinating but different pieces that will give your home a warm, unique, and totally personal feel.
   
   
3. Forgetting to Take Scale into Account
   Have you ever seen a small room dwarfed by huge furniture? Most likely, that room felt cramped and uncomfortable. The opposite can be true, too: Large rooms with small furniture can feel unfinished and awkward like they're still waiting for something. Your furniture should fill the space adequately while still leaving generous walkways through each room. This is especially important when staging a home to sell!
   
   
4. Adding the Wrong Rug
   Rugs should usually be chosen after the furniture since the choice and layout of the furniture can impact the size and appearance of the rugs you choose. In many ways, a rug is your finishing touch. For instance, you can tie a sitting area together and make it seem cozier with a medium-sized rug that ends underneath the couch and chairs or use a smaller rug as an accent by positioning just the coffee table on top of it. A large rug that fills the entire room, on the other hand, will create a sense of luxury.
   
   
5. Plan Your Lighting
   Planning the lighting in a room is just as important as planning the furniture, paint, and decor. Settling for overhead lighting can be disastrous as the unflattering glare will wash everything out. Having a main light source is important, but you'll also want to layer other levels of lighting throughout the room. Soft lamps are great for mood lighting, and you'll want more focused light, known as task lighting, too. Think of reading lights by the bedside or your favorite chair or under-cupboard lighting to shine on prep space in the kitchen. If you are selling your home, our real estate agents know that well-lit homes show best!

Sometimes noticing and fixing mistakes like these can make all the difference, whether helping your home to show better or just enabling you to enjoy it more. To talk with an agent about other staging tips, contact us today.