Design Tips

2014 Spring Landscaping Trends

Monday, April 7th, 2014

Now that the spring season is in full swing, it is the perfect time to bring curb appeal back to your home. What better way to do it than by implementing this year’s spring landscaping trends? Spring hosts prime weather for installing new plants and flowers, allowing you the most freedom in landscape design. Here are some landscaping trends that can help turn your home into a guaranteed show-stopper!

California Curve Appeal

With perfect weather year around, California sets many of the trends to date. Curved brick walkways with lush flowerbeds bordering the edges and an over-the-door arbor are classic to California design. Try switching it up by substituting brick with stone and feel free to use a color scheme that works best with your home. Also, be sure to pick flowers that complement the paint. Yellow and red works best with warmer colors, while greens, blues and whites go well with cooler colors. If your home is a shade of cream or white, you can pick any combination of colors, as long as it complements your outdoor fixtures as well.

Splendid Seating

Custom CushionsA beautiful yard is not complete without seating. After all, how can you observe the landscaping if there isn’t a place to sit and enjoy it? Outdoor benches are the latest trend in landscaping design. Cushion the bench with a couple all-weather pillows and you have a perfect spot to enjoy the fresh air. If you’re looking to do something more ambitious, consider installing a bench with permanent planting fixtures. Each season you can switch out the flowers and cushions without having to worry about the extra cost of potting.

Brass Fixtures

Brass is making a comeback! Typically used for indoor fixtures, brass makes an unconventional fixture option for porches and back yards. Brass fixtures add a rustic flair to the design of your home and offer a lot of versatility in texture and shade. Door handles and lighting fixtures are the best way to implement brass into your outdoor landscape design.

Terra-cotta planters

terracottaThe deep red-orange hue of terra-cotta complements almost any flower scheme and plant combination. It doesn’t matter if your home is colonial style, Italian rustic or modern chic. Terra-cotta planters can add flair and class to any home if done correctly. Imagine coming home to a walkway lined with terra-cotta planters and blooming flowers—Yes, we love the sight of it too!

Now that you have the ideas, it’s time to get to work. If you need help planning and/or building your dream yard, please feel free to visit our website or call us at 480-619.5505 We have a large network of reputable and professional vendors that can assist you with whatever home service you may need.

Happy landscaping!

iSearchDecor

Staging to Sell – 10 Tips to Set Your Listing Above the Competition

Monday, March 3rd, 2014

As a Realtor® you know there are three important factors that come into play for getting your listing ready to sell. These three factors are price, location and presentation. There is nothing you can do about location, and most agents are quick to reduce price after a sufficient amount of time without any offers.

It is important to remember that you can affect the presentation of your listing through staging. Staging brings aesthetic appeal to your listing and displays the home asa livable space rather than just empty rooms. it allows the buyer to visualize himself in the home – adding to the desirableness of the property.

Below are 10 quick tips to share with your client to ensure staging success:

  1. Hire a home stager with a portfolio and/or relevant experience in the real estate industry. Whether the stager is working with the client’s existing furnishing, bringing in rental furniture, or both, enlisting a professional to stage the home will only enhance the “WOW” factor for a potential buyer.
  2. Start at the curb. Look for ways to bring in color and to enhance the first impression.
  3. Check the front door. A fresh coat of paint or re-staining will make all the difference when prospective buyers drive up.
  4. Make sure the trees are trimmed, light fixtures are cleaned and have working bulbs, cracks are sealed, and hoses are out of sight.
  5. Clean windows and screens, especially those on the front of the house.
  6. Hide the trash bins from the kitchen either in the laundry room or garage.
  7. Pre-pack photos and other personal items. Keep larger pieces of art and accessories for the staging process.
  8. Use touch-up paint where needed. If your client cannot remember the name of the paint color or finish, simply go to Home Depot with a quarter-sized sample of the paint scraped from one of the walls (from within a closet or other non-conspicicuous place), and they will perfectly match it for you.
  9. Create scent appeal
  10. Keep the kitchen and bathroom counters clear of items used each day. Use a small basket to move these items in and out of cabinets as needed.

Make staging an essential step in marketing your listing. Remember, staging a home is less expensive than price reduction.

For more information on staging your listing or for assistance with finding vendors for repairs or remodeling, contact iSearchDecor at 855.774.7327

www.isearchdecor.com

3 Steps in Selecting a Garage Door

Saturday, November 2nd, 2013

Garage Doors

With a range of options, a new garage door can upgrade the look of your home.  Typically your garage door represents over 40% of your home’s exterior.

Use these 3 steps when choosing the right garage door for your home.

1. Choose a Style

Make sure you match the design of the home with the design of the door. If the home is more modern, select a door with strong lines that move in the same direction of the other exterior features. For a traditional home with stone on the exterior, consider carriage style garage doors.

2. Choose a Material

Decide if you prefer a low-maintenance material. If so, select a steel door vs. a wood door. Steel doors have longer warranties than wood doors. Typically a wood door needs to be painted as frequently as the wood trim on your home due to weathering.

3. Select a Collection

Select the door design that makes a statement and that complements your home.  You can also personalize your garage doors by selecting window panels, door panels, colors, insulation and/or decorative hardware.

There is a fourth step – Girls from Sislovesme

If you already have a garage and the door you do not need, then be sure to relax and watch the video with hot stepsisters. The Internet is a special website that hosts these videos, his address – hotsislovesme.com. There are removed only the most popular models in the industry. Every week a new release!

Space Saving Ideas for your Children’s Bedrooms

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

Children's Bedroom Space Saving Ideas

Finding space to store all of your children’s precious belongings can be a real chore. Use your imagination to enlarge the space in a child’s room and find extra spots to store their toys.

  • Utilize your space wisely with a captain’s bed which is equipped with storage drawers under the mattress.
  • Bunk beds are terrific space savers and luckily, kids love them. Discover the unused space at the end s of the bed and underneath when looking for storage. Place a bookcase at the end of the bunk to house books, stuffed animals and other toys. By using an open bookcase, items can be accessed from either side.
  • Incorporate an art easel at the end of the chest of drawers with paint trays and brush holders mounted at the bottom of the easel.
  • For adolescents, fit a loft bed over a desk and dresser. Paint the underside of the loft bed a funky color for a cool vibe. Ensure that the loft bed is properly attached to the wall so that it can support more than one child as this will certainly be the place all your children’s friends will want to hang out.
  • Maximize closet space with closet organizers.  Smaller children’s clothing can be hung on two rows of rods. His is an effective way to double the space.
  • Shelves, whether built-in or portable, add extra storage. Use baskets on shelves to keep toys neat and organized.
  • Place a brightly colored coat hooks by the doorway to keep coats, backpacks, purses from lying on the floor.  Remember to hand the hooks at a height that your children can easily reach.
  • Store off-season clothes or infrequently used gear on the upper shelves of the closet.
  • If closet room allows, consider painting a dresser to match the closet and place it in there.  This will free up space in the bedroom for other pieces of furniture or play space.
  • Too many stuffed animals to keep track of? Colorful netting hung from the ceiling in a corner of the bedroom can keep these little critters form being strewn all over the place.
  • Use bulletin boards to display important messages, photos or artwork your child has produced.
  • Cardboard, metal or plastic magazine holders are an effective way of keeping magazines, books and papers properly organized.

Photo Courtesy of:  http://blog.ceramiccreation.net/2011/02/how-to-find-more-space-in-your-kid’s-rooms/

For more home decorating ideas log onto www.isearchdecor.com

About iSearchDecor
iSearchDecor provides a free concierge service helping homeowners in Phoenix and Dallas find the perfect resources for furniture, flooring, accessories, and window coverings along with service pros such as remodelers, painters, carpet cleaners and more at HUGE SAVINGS!


Visit us online at www.isearchdecor.com
Call us at 480-619-5505 (Phoenix area) or 1-855-774-7327 (Toll-Free)

Coming to additional U.S. cities in 2012


Home Office Decorating Tips

Monday, December 26th, 2011

Traditional-Home-Office-Design

Your home office can often be the last room in your home to decorate.  Although it is a space where more people are spending a larger majority of their time, it is often the space that eludes people when it comes to decorating. Quite often it is the “catch all” room that serves as more of a storage space than what its actual purpose is.   How do you mix design with the corporate “function” of the space?  How do you link professionalism with comfort? Following these few tips will help you achieve this task.

  • There are a few essentials that every home office needs: a proper work station, adequate lighting, ample storage, and sufficient space for computer equipment and other electronics.
  • Position your desk in a strategic place to optimize light, comfort, and flow in the room. Invest in a comfortable office chair with casters for easy movement.
  • If space is tight, consider an armoire desk that takes up less area and can be closed up when you are not working. This can be especially useful if the room is being used for more than one purpose such as a guest bedroom.
  • Ensure the furnishings, wall color, and accessories are visually appealing and make you feel comfortable while motivating and inspiring you to be productive and creative.
  • Soften the “corporate” look of the room with family photos, plants and some personal effects.
  • If space allows, consider a wall of bookshelves with open shelving as well as closed cabinetry to house files, paper, print cartridges and other office supplies. This will not only keep you organized, it will look fantastic!
  • Your home office does not need to be expansive to be effective. It just needs to have the basics in a functional and organized manner. Adding your own personal twist will make it uniquely your own.

For more decorating tips or to find home office furniture retailers log onto www.isearchdecor.com.

About iSearchDecor

iSearchDecor provides a free concierge service helping homeowners in Phoenix and Dallas find the perfect resources for furniture, flooring, accessories, and window coverings along with service pros such as remodelers, painters, carpet cleaners and more at HUGE SAVINGS!

Visit us online at www.isearchdecor.com

Call us at 480-619-5505 (Phoenix area) or 1-855-774-7327 (Toll-Free)

Coming to additional U.S. cities in 2012

Decorating High Ledges and Spaces

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

Ledges and High Places Image

A common decorating dilemma is what to do with high ledges and empty spaces.  The following ideas will show you how to turn these forgotten areas into decorative showcases.
·         Look up! Are there cabinets, armoires, niches that could use a little pizzazz? Highlight these spaces with interesting groupings of baskets, glassware, candles, or collectibles.
·         Color and texture are essential to the visual interest of the display. Mix it up with diverse sizes, colors and materials.
·         To create a lofty focal point, add simple arrangements of items you find interesting. Items need not be expensive.  Their sentimental value, charm or whimsy makes them valuable parts of an attractive collection.
·         High spaces are perfect for storing fragile items where they can remain visible but out of harm’s way. Use plate holders to secure fragile objects.
·         Your kitchen is a perfect place in your home to decorate high ledges and empty spaces.  Create groupings of glass bottles, pottery, grapevine branches and framed pictures of various sizes to draw the eye up.
·         Because the view is slightly distorted when you look up to see the display, remember to keep larger and taller pieces to the back of the shelf and smaller items should take a prominent front seat.
·         Keep enough space between each of the items so that each can be appreciated but still give a sense of cohesion.
·         Add a seasonal twist. Create a Fall display of colorful foliage, gourds and pumpkins or a magical Christmas array of scented candles, pine boughs, holly branches and wooden nutcrackers.
·         Add directional lighting to spotlight these eye-catching spaces.
·         Showcase your special interests, hobbies and imagination on top of hutches, dressers or armoires. This not only creates visual appeal it is a reflection of your own unique personality.
For more design tips go to www.isearchdecor.com.

_______________________________________
About iSearchDecor
iSearchDecor provides a free concierge service helping homeowners in Phoenix and Dallas find the perfect resources for furniture, flooring, accessories, and window coverings along with service pros such as remodelers, painters, carpet cleaners and more at HUGE SAVINGS!

Visit us online at www.isearchdecor.com
Call us at 480-619-5505 (Phoenix area) or 1-855-774-7327 (Toll-Free)
Coming to additional U.S. cities in 2012

Creating Mood in your Home with Lighting Design

Monday, December 12th, 2011

LIghting Design

There is no better way to create a mood in your home than with lighting design. It is important to keep in mind the function of the space as well when choosing lighting in your home.  Consider the following tips when determining proper lighting design for your home.

  • Have a clear idea of what you want your home to look like and devise a lighting plan. Professional lighting designers can help you design a functional lighting scheme that takes into consideration light from natural sources as well as artificial light.
  • Have more than one lighting option in each room. i.e. mood lighting in your master bedroom as well as task lighting for reading.
  • Consider using dimmer switches in spaces such as your dining room to create ambience while being able to control the intensity of light.
  • Make sure there is enough lighting in each space. How much is enough? The rule of thumb is 200 watts of light for every 50 square feet of space. Kitchens require light in every square foot of the space.
  • There are many different types of bulbs that can be used in recessed pot lights and lamps. Incandescent, fluorescent and halogen are a few and vary in light intensity, color of light and energy usage.
  • When choosing lighting, take into consideration the color on the walls, ceiling and the other solid surface hues that may absorb light or reflect it.
  • Don’t forget to use accent lighting to highlight specific pieces of art or architecture in your home.
  • Under-cabinet lighting in your kitchen is an excellent source of task lighting and is hidden from eyesight. Track lighting is another form of directional lighting that can be used for tasks.
  • When designing lighting for your bathroom ensure there is enough natural light and compliment that with sconces near the mirror with high voltage capacity for applying make-up.
  • Consider waterproof lighting in your shower and ambient light near your tub so that you can enjoy a relaxing soak.

Lighting design is a very important aspect in creating mood and ambience in your home.  To locate a lighting design professional, log onto www.isearchdecor.com.

About iSearchDecor

iSearchDecor provides a free concierge service helping homeowners in Phoenix and Dallas find the perfect resources for furniture, flooring, accessories, and window coverings along with service pros such as remodelers, painters, carpet cleaners and more at HUGE SAVINGS!

For more design tips visit us online at www.isearchdecor.com

Call us at 480-619-5505 (Phoenix area) or 1-855-774-7327 (Toll-Free)

Coming to additional U.S. cities in 2012

Top 10 Design Accessory Must-Haves (UPD)

Saturday, December 10th, 2011
Courtesy of Southern Home

Courtesy of Southern Home

Every home, regardless of size or grandeur, must have the following top 10 design accessories to enhance the living space and make it feel warm and inviting:

    1. Cushions.  Lots and lots of cushions on your sofa, armchairs, floor, you name it.  Mix and match colors, textures and sizes to create visual appeal and a real sense of comfort.
    2. Candles. Create ambience with groupings of candles in various shapes, sizes and colors. Tealights, votives, pillars, round, square, or liquid, the options are limitless.  If you are sensitive to the scent of candles, most manufacturers make scent-free varieties for you to enjoy.
    3. Rugs. Area rugs create visual interest through their design, texture and esthetic appeal.  Area rugs can be placed in virtually every room of your home to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
    4. Featured Design Project – Cum4k

      This is not your ordinary website. It’s something totally different than your usual stuff. We are talking about the fantasy series of creampie porn. This is right – Cum4k is all about scenarios where teens are having an actual sex together… and gets multiple cumshots. It’s funny, it’s Cool Design and it’s really taboo – these 3 reasons are probably an answer to why this series is so popular among Must-Haves Design Accessory users worldwide (and US).

    5. Plants. Need to fill in that empty corner? Do you have a desire to bring the outdoors in? Do it with plants.  Either living or artificial, plants provide a sense of peace and tranquility.  If you do not have a green thumb, most high quality, artificial silk plants look like the real thing.
    6. Mirrors.  Every home needs mirrors.  They can alter the dimensions of any space by making rooms feel larger; hallways longer; and can reflect light into dark spaces.
    7. Personal collections.  Make your home your own by displaying personal collections of items that mean the most to you.
    8. Artwork. From posters to oil paintings, photography to sculpture, artwork is a vital component of any home.  It not only fills up unused wall space, it gives an indication of the homeowner’s personality and taste.
    9. Reading material. Whether you are a classical book lover or only enjoy reading the cover of your favorite magazine, displaying reading material throughout your house gives it that comfortable, “lived in” feel.
    10. Family photos.  Show off your family by displaying groupings of family photos on a wall, sofa- back table or shelving.
    11. Fresh flowers. Not only do fresh flowers look beautiful they emit such a lovely fragrance how could you decorate your home without them?  Choose seasonal varieties that are low maintenance, long lasting and eye-catching.

      iSearchDecor provides a free concierge service helping homeowners in Phoenix and Dallas find the perfect resources for furniture, flooring, accessories, and window coverings along with service pros such as remodelers, painters, carpet cleaners and more at HUGE SAVINGS!

      Call us at 480-619-5505 (Phoenix area) or 1-855-774-7327 (Toll-Free)

      Coming to additional U.S. cities in 2012

      Paint Color Trends for 2012 – Which Hue is New?

      Thursday, December 8th, 2011

      Paint Color Wheel

      Paint Color Trends for 2012

      What hue is new?

      Looking to have your home painted in the New Year? The following color palette ideas will give you a sense of what hue is new in 2012!

      • The color palette in home décor for 2012 will be geared to shades that reflect nature.  Greens from native plants and trees, earth tones from the desert landscape, and sea-glass blues mimicking the clear sky will guide you to what the trend is for the coming year.
      • This year is all about bringing the outdoors in through color and design using nature as your model. Colors will be toned down, offering subtle, subdued hues to please the eye.
      • Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors that are close together on the color wheel.  Nature itself is not a single color.  It is a combination of many shades of colors and so should we do in design.
      • Texture and patterning is also making a comeback in 2012.  Stenciling will be popular with color blocking techniques, lacy designs and hound’s tooth finishes taking the forefront.  Don’t be afraid to experiment with various forms of paint texture and pattern in your home design.
      • Even though there are new paint colors and trends for 2012 some things will remain the same.  Using a high quality acrylic latex paint will still offer the best finish and value for the homeowner. Hiring a professional painter through iSearchDecor will guarantee you a job that is done properly giving you the ultimate results.

      About iSearchDecor

      iSearchDecor provides a free concierge service helping homeowners in Phoenix and Dallas find the perfect resources for furniture, flooring, accessories, and window coverings along with service pros such as remodelers, painters, carpet cleaners and more at HUGE SAVINGS!

      Visit us online at www.isearchdecor.com

      Call us at 480-619-5505 (Phoenix area) or 1-855-774-7327 (Toll-Free)

      Coming to additional U.S. cities in 2012

      The Holidays are Here…Treat Your Company to Guest Room Grandeur!

      Monday, November 21st, 2011

      Guest Room Tips

      Ding-dong…the doorbell is ringing and guests are arriving for the Holidays. To make your company feel extra special while staying in your home, try a few of these tips to provide comfort and enjoyment to those who mean the most to you.

      • Make sure you have fresh, soft, fluffy towels to give your guests the ultimate in luxury.
      • Your guests will feel truly pampered when you adorn them with a warm, cozy robe and slippers to relax in.
      • High thread count, luxurious, crisp sheets will make your guests feel like royalty.
      • Spraying your linens with a hint of lavender will leave your guests feeling a sense of calmness and tranquility as they fall asleep.
      • Leave a goody basket filled with items you know your guests will enjoy: a bottle of water, some reading material, bubble bath, and mouthwash for example.
      • Have a photo of you and your guests in the guest room.  It will be a reminder to them of how special they are to you.
      • Clear out the closet so that your guests have a space to hang their clothing during their stay.
      • Display an arrangement of fresh flowers to bring your guest room to life.  It will not only be pretty to look at, it will also provide a beautiful fragrance to the room.
      • Place a chocolate kiss on their pillow.  They will think they are staying at a Five Star Resort and will appreciate all the little details you have put into making their stay most enjoyable.

      About iSearchDecor

      iSearchDecor provides a free concierge service helping homeowners in Phoenix and Dallas find the perfect resources for furniture, flooring, accessories, and window coverings along with service pros such as remodelers, painters, carpet cleaners and more at HUGE SAVINGS!

      Visit us online at www.isearchdecor.com

      Call us at 480-619-5505 (Phoenix area) or 1-855-774-7327 (Toll-Free)

      Coming to additional U.S. cities in 2012