Carole Fields

Awkward Spaces

Do you have spaces in your home that seem awkward?  Maybe they are oddly shaped, too small, or interrupt the traffic flow. What can you do to make these spaces into comfortable, functional areas?  Our sources at HGTV makes the following suggestions:

For a small space, use furnishings that fit the space, glass tops and lucite chairs give an illusion of space, floor to ceiling window coverings create height. Round furnishings in hard corners and strategically placed plants can soften an area and give it interest.

If the space is large enough, divide it into individual  "rooms" with appropriate furnishings; i.e. library, office, craft room.  For insets, as in the accompanying photo, custom built-ins for storage and display can be helpful and give a cohesive feel. 

Paint is an economical way to highlight an area.  Paint an "odd" wall a different color and use it as a focal point for display of art, photos,etc.

An area rug can be used to refocus the attention of the room, and modify the attention of its unusual size and features.  Have fun and turn an awkward space into a useful functioning space for your family to enjoy.

Wood Floor Care Tips

Wood floors bring warmth to a room and are so easy to maintain!  We have allergies and I have had wooden floors for 30 plus years--long before they were fashionable.  They are easy to maintain--sweeping or vacuuming is usually all that is required.  My floors suffer from benign neglect, and look great! 

The National Wood Flooring Association suggests the following tips for maintaining and protecting your wood floors:

*Use a cleaner made specifically for wood floors. Do NOT use sheet vinyl and tile floor care products. Such products dull the surface and can make the wood slippery and a safety issue.

*Use throw rugs at doorways to prevent scratches and dirt and grit being tracted onto the floor.

*Do NOT use a wet mop on wood floors. Water can damage the wood and finish.

* Wipe up spills immediately-- a slightly dampened towel is useful.

*Do NOT walk on floors with cleats, high heels, and sport shoes.  These can dent the floors. 

* Place guides under furniture legs to prevent scratching.

*Pick up heavy furniture instead of slidding it.

* Place an area rug in front of the kitchen sink, if you have wood floors in your kitchen.

*A humidifier in the winter months helps maintain the health of your floors. 

A lot of this is just common sense. Take care of your floors, and they can last a lifetime.  Enjoy and live well!

Kitchen Organization

The National Association of Professional Organizers (www.napo.net) has some handy tips for organizing the home.  In the kitchen they suggest the following:

*Consolidate things that work together, i.e. baking pans, electrical appliances, plastic containers with lids, and pots and pans.

* Use drawer dividers to keep utensils in order.

* Rotate food staples out of your pantry.

* Place items near the activity, i.e. put glasses near the sink or refrigerator, put snacks in a convenient drawer of pantry.

Colors

According to The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, the growing emphasis on the environment and sustainable products has pushed natural, earthy hues to the forefront of color favorites.  Yellows and blues, leaf-like greens and organic browns bring the outdoors in and create a relaxing, warm feeling. Of course, low VOC paints are preferred for the environmentally conscious home. Now you know.

2008 Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville

A visit to the Antiques and Garden Show is a sure way to chase away the winter blues. This year's theme is "Brava Italia: Global Treasures and Italian Gardens." The photo to the right is of one of the featured gardens.

Where: Nashville ConventionCenter, 601 Commerce Street

When:  February 14-17

Cost: $15 at the door

Benefits: Exchange Club of Nashville and Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art

There are wonderful antiques from throughout the world in addition to our Nashville antique dealers. You should be able to find many treasures to delight your eyes.  Enjoy this enriching opportunity and support our community.

 

A Farewell to the Armoire

My husband had waited patiently to purchase a new TV.  We compromised on a 52 inch plasma.  He thought it was BEAUTIFUL and would have been happy to have it mounted on the wall. However, women and decorators generally have a different opinion about these hugh black rectangles taking up most of the wall space in a room. We prefer a more attractive focal point.

I searched and searched for an armoire large enough (wide enough) to house all the components. We finally had to have a unit custom built for his beauty (with pocket doors so that I can close it off when not in use).  Now, I know why.  According to the article from the "Wall Street Journal," armoires are so "1990's!" But before you discard them, consider re-purposing them as computer stations, or play stations for children/grandchildren. Re-purposing is certainly the "green" thing to do; so you are helping the environment and saving money, too.  Not bad for a day's work!

Click on the following "Wall Street Journal" link for the latest update on the fate of armoires. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119464497503888356.html?

"Kitchen Remodels Go on a Diet"

According to June Fletcher of The Wall Street Journal, "Americans are losing their appetite for costly kitchen makeovers."

With the current adjustment in the  real estate market, recouping the costs on some remodeling projects has decreased this past year. Remodeling Magazine in their Cost Versus Value Survey found that minor kitchen remodels; i.e. refinishing cabinets, changing counter tops, returned 85.2 % of its value in 2006, compared to 98.5% in 2005.

Some homeowners with little or no equity and weak credit scores are finding financing can be limited for such projects.  Some are resorting to "sweat equity" to make their improvements. Others are looking to invest in projects with long term effects such as universal designs which are appropriate for all ages, energy efficient appliances, and implementing   "green" products into their designs.   

Realtors know that kitchens often SELL the house.  When competing with  new construction  and builders offering gourmet kitchens as standard upgrades, it is still prudent to refurbish the kitchen.  It is important to research what is offered in your area, develop cost effective projects that will appeal to a broad range of consumers,shop carefully, and get recommendations on contractors.  For additional information on this topic, please click here

Feng Shui Tips

Decorating with feng shui principles has become increasingly popular in recent years.  Feng Shui ( meaning "wind" and water") is the ancient Chinese art of furniture placement. According to practitioners, properly balanced rooms increase harmony (they balance the yin and yang energies) and allow the flow of positive energy (Ch'i).

There are different schools and interpretations of the techniques. This can lead to confusion; however, there are certain basic principles to help one achieve balance.  I hope you find the following tips helpful.

Eliminate Clutter: Clutter is negative energy and creates obstructions.  In staging we say that "clutter eats equity." Therefore, it is important to edit your possessions. Have a garage sale or donate items to charity that  you no longer wear, need, or use. For safety's sake keep your halls and stairs clear.  Clear your counters and give an illusion of space. Clean, Get organized and your efficiency will improve.

Create an honored place to eat: Dining can be relaxing in the proper atmosphere. A mirror in your dining room that reflects your table and its bounty is an auspicious touch.  If only two are dining, sit at right angles to allow for better conversation and create your centerpiece at the other end of the table.

A Tranquil Bedroom restores your personal Ch'i: Position your bed so that it does NOT face the doorway.  Also, avoid water features (aquariums, large vases, paintings of rivers, lakes, etc.) in the bedroom which could result in the loss of money and relationships. Do not allow a mirror or TV to reflect the bed as this could cause disturbed sleep. Natural fibers are best for bed linens.

The Bathroom -A Calm Haven :  Keep the toilet lid down to reduce negativity and for improved hygiene; keep the bathroom door shut to prevent negative energy spreading throughout the house; keep the room well ventilated and use plants to help absorb humidity; bath oils, candles, and scented soaps can add a relaxing touch.

Create places for conversation:  Try placing your chairs at right angles.  It is easier to carry on a conversation in this position. If possible, try to minimize the amount of technology in these areas.  It can be a challenge to converse over a TV, computer, etc.   

Feng shui in decorating has many different facets. I hope you fine the above suggestions  helpful in creating a  harmonious, happy home.

Baths Add Value!

In an adjusting market a new bath can improve your quality of life as well as add up to 20 percent of value to your home, according to Paul Emrath,an economist with the National Association of Home Builders .

In most parts of the country, buyers expect at least one bath on each finished floor; this includes finished basements and attics.  If you are short a bath in these areas, it could be in your best interest to try to find existing space that could be converted to such use. Try to use your existing footprint and nearby plumbing to help keep costs under control.

Just be sure that you do not over improve for the neighborhood. You may not need the $3000 faucet when the $100 one would suffice and is the norm for your location.  Always think Resale!  While each project is for your enjoyment, remember that to get the most value from your project you need to appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers.  Exotic may be fun, but your return on investment may be negligible, if at all. For additional information, click the following website http://money.cnn.com/2007/09/06/real_estate/valueadded_september.moneymag/index.htm.

New Trends For the Home

NEW TRENDS FOR EVERYONE AT INTERNATIONAL BUILDER SHOW

With more than 1,900 exhibitors flooding the huge Orange County Convention Center at the International Builders Show, there was something for everyone. Manufacturers are responding to consumers requests for innovations in the kitchen, bath, garage, decks, home security systems, solar hot water systems, etc. Lew Sichelman of Realty Times reviews these newest trends for you. (Source: Realty Times) Full Story . . .

lease click here.