You don’t have to spend big bucks to improve the functionality of your home. Try one or more of these projects this weekend to make your home look and feel its best.
Replace a window treatment.
Has the window shade above your kitchen sink been marred by repeated exposure to splashes and cooking liquids? Replace a stained window covering with an inexpensive fabric treatment and see your kitchen in a whole new light.
Brighten a bookcase.
Give a bookcase an exciting backdrop by applying contact paper, scrapbook paper or fabric to its back. If you don’t want to commit to a particular design or color scheme, measure the piece’s back panel and mount the background material on poster board, cut to the size of each shelf.
Tackle trimwork repairs.
You might not be able to install new trimwork in your home for $20, but you can make improvements to what you already have. Replace mismatched, missing or damaged moldings, end caps, quarter rounds or baseboard. Curved areas might require a special piece or trim made of an alternate material.
Create a charging station.
Construct a mini charging station for your family’s devices with this simple, inexpensive hack. Cut small slits in a basic ledge shelf to enable cords to run behind and inside the hollow shelf before being plugged in below. Mount the station to the wall to keep countertops clutter-free.
Organize the entry.
Keep dirt and mud contained with a boot tray near your home’s entryway. Buy one that’s easy to clean, or create your own from a jelly-roll pan. If storage space is limited, tuck the tray beneath a slim console table.
Mend your walkway.
Cracks and gaps in sidewalks and walkways can quickly expand throughout the year. Not only will a patch job make your pathway look nice, it’ll also make it safer for visitors and passersby. Fix your sidewalk with a patching compound specifically made for cement.
Get stylish underfoot.
Try your hand at a fun paint technique and update tired flooring with a custom rug. Using a vinyl floor remnant and paint, you can create a fun, personalized focal point. Varying the stripe widths creates a cool, casual look.
Add a cheap backsplash.
Turn a large vintage map into a distinctive backdrop that makes a statement. This map of Paris is a fun addition to an otherwise-neutral kitchen.
Tip: If you’re a renter or have boring ceramic tiles in your kitchen, use peel-and-stick decals to add less-permanent flair in a flash.
Replace switchplates.
Replace a plastic switchplate with a wood, metal or ceramic cover to make a visual statement. Some switchplates are even textured to blend in with marble, tile or stone surfaces. Do this for light switches, electrical outlets and phone and cable jacks.
Organize your closets.
Coax function from a messy closet with thoughtful accessories designed to elevate organization. Categorize hanging garments by type, day of the week, or family member with colorful tags. Slim, slip-free hangers look uniform and maximize space.
Recaulk the bathroom.
If the caulk in your bathroom is looking dingy, discolored or cracked, it’s time to remove it and start fresh. Whether it’s around your sink, bathtub or shower, old caulk can grow mildew and cause damage by leaking water—especially between the tub and bathroom floor. Remove the old caulk, clean the space well and replace it with a new layer. A good caulk seal will last up to 10 years.
Add a divider.
Drawer and cabinet dividers are a must when it comes to keeping kitchen tools in their respective places. Secure a wire rack inside a cabinet to provide sturdy storage for cookie sheets, muffin tins and cooling racks. Some units match your kitchen cabinetry design for a completely integrated and customized look.
Step up your storage game.
Plastic bins are a versatile and inexpensive way to restore order in almost every in-home trouble spot. Using clear bins for storage in a pantry or for a closet gift-wrap station, for example, is an easy way to take inventory and identify items at a glance. Use labels to ensure everything stays tidy and easy to access.
Designate a drop spot.
Enhance the style and storage of your entryway with a designated place for important drop-zone items. Create a mini hang-up station for house keys and outgoing mail on the back of a cabinet door. Use magnetic strips, pegboard or an old ceiling tin, and add hooks to store items in one convenient location near the door.
Update your house numbers.
All it takes is a screwdriver and few minutes to give your front door a personality-filled facelift. Change out poorly operating door hardware or make house numbers more readable for a pretty, practical update on the cheap.
Put towels and robes within reach.
Bid floor puddles goodbye by keeping after-bath accessories within reach. Add a towel bar or robe hook near your shower or bathtub, or move the one you already have to make it more accessible. Find bars or hooks that match or complement existing hardware in your bathroom.
Add hanging storage.
Free up valuable floor space in your basement, garage or entryway with hanging storage. Seasonal items, such as bikes and sleds, are difficult to store and take up lots of space. Add hooks to an unused wall or ceiling area and discover space you didn’t know you had.
Source: www.bhgrelife.com
If you are on the fence about selling, this might be the best year to put your house on the market. Below are 5 reasons why selling now will put more money in your pocket!
- The median home price is at an all-time high. In NH, the median home sales price was $282,500 in 2018, surpassing the peak of the market in 2005 at $270,000.
- There still is low inventory which means buyers are competing for homes. Multiple offers are not unusual!
- Mortgage rates have fallen since the start of the year – meaning more buyers can afford to buy.
- Milennials are entering the market – nearly 5 million will be turning 30 in the next 2 years – they scooped up homes last year and 2019 should be no different.
- Some economists are predicting an economic slowdown in 2020, which could impact housing sales.
If you are thinking about selling, contact me to see how the market could impact you. 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com
Lots of people will say the kitchen is the heart of the home—and that may be true, but the living room plays a huge role in how you entertain and use your house on a daily basis. Try incorporating these ideas next time you’re in the mood for a refresh.
Set the mood with color.
The colors you choose for your living room will affect how guests feel in the space. Colors can energize or relax the space, depending on how intense they are and how warm or cool they are.
A serene scheme of soft blue and white makes this spacious living room feel calm, cool and collected—a gracious setting for elegant gatherings. A light tan carpet underfoot warms the space and keeps the cool tones in balance.
Finish the walls and ceilings.
Traditionally, living room walls receive more elaborate or formal treatment than other rooms because the room is a public space. To make it a welcoming room that expresses your personality, choose wall coverings or treatments that reflect your style.
The walls in this room are wallpapered with a chic print. The effect brings warmth and texture to the walls and gives them a look of antiquity.
Add character with architectural trim work.
Trim work serves practical purposes, covering the seams where floors and ceilings meet walls and supporting the structure around openings. But these elements serve aesthetic purposes too. The style of trim work helps give your home a distinctive look, whether classical, contemporary, old-world or regional.
Projecting lintels over the door and windows, a deep cornice and a paneled and beamed vaulted ceiling combine to give this whitewashed living room a sense of place.
Choose stylish, comfortable flooring.
In keeping with the function of the living room as a public space, choose a floor covering that provides comfort underfoot and makes a design statement as well. A vibrant wall-to-wall carpet lays the foundation for a refined mix of florals and stripes.
If you prefer a less bold floor, choose a solid neutral flooring that allows attention to focus on furniture or art. Hardwood floors with area rugs are one of the most popular choices for living room floors, but ceramic tile, stone tile and full carpeting work too.
Create a focal point.
A focal point anchors the living room and helps draw you into the space. A fireplace is a natural focal point, symbolizing hearth and home, but in most living spaces, the television is the true center of attention. To keep them from competing, pair them up. A beautiful view or a stunning piece of art can also serve as a room’s focal point.
Here a the fireplace becomes the central point in this living room that features a simple and chic look.
Arrange furniture for conversation.
Living rooms are gathering spaces, so use furniture arrangement to promote conversation and interaction. Pull seating pieces away from the walls and arrange them to face each other.
If you have a large living room, break it into two conversational groups for a more comfortable, intimate feeling. Chairs and ottomans that can be pulled into the group as needed allow you to expand the circle and still keep the intimacy.
Include inviting lighting.
Lighting in the living room should be geared toward creating a relaxed, comfortable mood. Aim for layers of light, and position light sources so they form roughly a triangle to ensure good distribution of illumination.
Table lamps that focus the light down will encourage people to sit down and relax. The overlapping arcs of light illuminate the seating instead of the upper walls, sending the message to sit.
Dress the windows—or not.
Although heavy window treatments are mostly a thing of the past, living rooms are the place for elaboration and luxury if you’re so inclined. This combination of relaxed shades and floor-to-ceiling draperies is understated yet elegant.
The elegance comes from the generous use of fabric in the draperies—they’re not fancy, but the thick folds and puddling ends communicate luxury. The shades block light and provide privacy when desired.
Design a media center.
If your living room is also your family room, watching TV may be the main use of the room. Whether you have the newest model or an older one, incorporate it into the room’s design so that it’s a feature but not dominant.
A built-in bookcase is a perfect spot to accommodate the television.
Accessorize with art and collections.
Living room walls come alive when you use them to display art or collections that you love. Group items for impact, and hang them low enough to relate to nearby furnishings or architecture. The most common mistake in hanging pictures is putting them too high.
Source: www.bhgre/life.com
If you are considering the purchase of a specific house, it’s best to review the seller’s property disclosure before making an offer. While some disclosures may not be a wealth of information, usually disclosures provide pertinent facts that could impact what you are willing to spend on buying a home. For example, if the water heater is 18 years old, you need to be aware that it will need to be replaced in the near future. Looking at the age of the systems and the roof will help determine if you will be facing costly replacements sooner rather than later. Check when the septic tank was last pumped. If it hasn’t been pumped within the last 3-5 years, it could be a red flag. Is the property located in a flood zone? Flood insurance will be an additional expense to factor in your payments. Reading carefully through the disclosure could provide valuable insight into future costs. Ask questions and get clarification if something doesn’t look quite right. Obviously a home inspection will be the best tool for gauging the condition of a home. However, thoroughly reading the disclosure ahead of time could prevent unwelcome surprises. Contact me to work with a buyer’s agent who will help you make the right buying decisions. 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com
No one wants their kitchen prep surfaces overtaken by clutter—but no one wants to live without their favorite kitchen appliances, either. Here’s how to have both.
Maximize under-sink storage.
Conquer your under-sink space with an simple, on-a-dime solution. Keep your most frequently used items (dish soap, dishwasher detergent, sponges and scrubbers) on a turntable for quick access.
Streamline the coffee station.
Make mornings easier with an all-in-one coffee station. Dedicate a pullout drawer next to your coffeemaker to holding filters, coffee beans and travel mugs, so brewing a fresh pot is a one-step task.
Have freezer smarts.
Stock your freezer with storage-smart ideas to make use of every inch of shelf space. Use plastic baskets (an affordable organization tool) to store foods by type, and put a labeled tag on each. Keep small adhesive labels and a permanent marker on hand to label individual containers.
Add a command center.
Built-in bins, a bulletin board and a clock turn one side of a fridge cabinet into a household command center. This simple DIY project creates instant organization and utilizes small spaces that are otherwise wasted.
Store stuff on the doors.
Attach racks to the inside of cabinet doors to boost storage options. Be sure to allow enough clearance within your cabinets to allow the door to close completely. A narrow rack is ideal for keeping small jars in order.
Fake a pantry.
Using substantial-size drawers is a smart alternative to a full-size pantry when kitchen space is limited. These drawers keep boxes and bags upright, organized and accessible.
Keep towels close.
Keep dish towels in a cabinet close to the cleanup zone. Use a pullout towel rack with more than one bar to air-dry and store towels.
Add open shelves.
Add open shelving for cookbooks, displays of attractive serving bowls and dishes, stemware, vases or baskets. Here, grouping and stacking pieces on the open shelves keeps items neat and easy to find.
Put walls to work.
Install a wire wall grid to keep kitchen tools handy. Turn a bare section of wall into a hook-and-hang center. For more storage, add accessories such as spice racks and cookbook holders.
Properly store spices.
Store spice bottles on their sides with labels visible; lay them in shallow drawers instead of stacking them. The best location for spice storage is below a cooktop or to the side of a range. The flavor of spices stored above a cooking surface might be adversely affected by the heat.
Neatly stow linens.
Run out of drawer space for towels and cloth napkins? Reach for a basket to neatly stack linens, and tuck the basket onto a shelf or inside a cabinet. A basket will help keep linen sets together and make them easy to find when you want to use them.
Divide your drawer space.
Adjustable inserts help organize flatware and other items inside your drawers. When designing custom drawer space, specify shallow drawers to store utensils one deep for easy viewing.
Try upright storage.
Store shallow items, such as cutting boards and platters, upright. Even narrow spaces next to your range or your sink can be used in this manner. Use dividers to separate items for easier retrieval.
Stow pots and pans.
Fill in the space under a cooktop with a tilt-out tray for spices and rollout trays for pots and pans. Or, slide in a movable cart with shelves to accommodate cooking equipment.
Combine storage.
Combine open and closed storage for visual interest and accessibility. An arrangement of cabinets and cubbies makes use of typically wasted space around a refrigerator.
Bring the pantry closer to you.
A pullout pantry system has wire shelf sides that prevent items from falling out and allow easy viewing of the contents. Pullout pantry systems, especially those that extend into toe-kick space near the floor, must be installed perfectly level and plumb to operate smoothly.
Customize your shelves.
If you’re installing open shelving, strategize your plan to accommodate what you’ll be storing. Professional organizers recommend measuring your stacked dishes to determine the shelf height your dishware requires.
Source: www.bhgrelife.com
Don't miss tonight's performances with Local Talent Night at the Sunapee Coffeehouse.
Come see Lindsey Schust & The Ragged Mountain Band - Lindsey Schust is a New Hampshire based singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and drummer. Her group, founded in 2011, plays a blend of Country, Folk, Bluegrass, and some Afro-Cuban styled songs. The repertoire includes original songs like "Hippie Hill" and "Country Way". The band is made up of family and friends, with Grace Schust (drums and vocals), Jim Schust (acoustic guitar), Paul Currier (Mandolin, Dobro, Fiddle & vocals), Jim Connell (bass & vocals), Robert Grasmere (harmonica), and Jesse Schust (percussion). Expect a lively evening of songs, stories, and fun!
Also performing tonight is Will Hatch - Will Hatch is a singer-songwriter from Hopkinton, New Hampshire. Illustrating a nuanced take on classic American themes, Hatch’s songs feature honest lyrics about heartbreak and loss, reality and desire. Despite his melancholic introspection, there is a silver lining. Spinning spider webs on guitar and banjo, his songs meld poetry with detailed finger picking. Fans of Townes Van Zandt and Leonard Cohen, or guitar greats Mississippi John Hurt and Doc Watson, will appreciate Hatch’s style. Hatch tours New England as a solo act when not playing with his band Will Hatch & Co.
Next week, 3/8/19, is open mic night.
The Coffeehouse is located downstairs in the Sunapee Methodist Church, 9 Lower Main St., Sunapee, NH. Admission is free; a hat is passed for performers. Coffee, tea and snacks are available. Performances begin at 7 p.m. Come on down for a night of music and fun!
- The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® (NAR) was formed in 1908 in response to the misuse and disorder of the real estate industry at that time.
- The NAR adopted a Code of Ethics in 1913 to establish professional standards of conduct.
- The Code ensures that consumers are served by requiring REALTORS® to cooperate with each other in furthering clients’ best interests.
- REALTORS® are subject to disciplinary action and sanctions if they violate the Code of Ethics.
- REALTORS® are required to complete ethics training every 2 years.
What does this mean to you? When you work with a REALTOR®, you are working with someone who abides by a written Code of Ethics, based on professionalism and protection of the public. Contact me to see why it pays to work with a REALTOR®! 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com
Now that winter is here, it brings a new set of challenges for sellers. Here are a few common sense tips to follow.
1. Make sure your driveway is always plowed and entryways clear.
2. Keep walkways and stairs clear of snow and ice.
3. Set thermostat in a vacant house to at least 55 to 60 degrees. A warm house holds more appeal and buyers will take their time looking. If a home is cold, buyers will rush through and it leaves a negative impression.
4. Put a large, heavy duty rug in front of the door used for entry to provide space for buyers' wet boots.
5. Let in the light. Push back drapes, open blinds, install higher wattage bulbs.
6. If you have great summer photos of the yard, leave them out for buyers to view.
If you are looking for an experienced REALTOR with the common sense to help sell your house in any season, then give me a call. 603-526-4116, www.DonnaForest.com, Donna@DonnaForest.com
Consider a frameless glass shower.
A glass shower door lends a luxurious look to any bathroom, but the reason for installing one might not be all about looks. This shower lacks a ledge or lip to step over to enter the shower, making it a great choice for aging family members.
Install comfortable seating.
Whether you want a spot to sit down and towel off or a place to lean back and relax for a few moments, a cushioned chair or ottoman ups the comfort level of any bath. Another option is to place a cushioned bench beneath a window. Be sure to add lots of pillows.
Pipe in soothing sounds.
Keep your favorite soft music on hand for easy listening while you rejuvenate. Whether you invest in a state-of-the-art sound system or stash a small CD or mp3 player on the shelf, music has great impact on your mood. If you’re installing a sound system, maximize sound quality by placing two speakers in opposite corners of the room.
Include an entertainment center.
If you keep up with the news while you get ready in the morning, consider installing a small television in your remodeled bathroom. Low-voltage, water-resistant televisions designed for installation in areas near water come complete with water-resistant remotes. To protect your television, keep bathroom humidity levels in check with proper ventilation.
Get a glowing hearth.
Put a fireplace in your bathroom to enjoy the sight and warmth of a roaring fire as you relax in the tub or do evening stretches. If the bathroom is attached to your bedroom, consider a double-sided fireplace for twice the enjoyment.
Put in a shower bench.
Just like in a lavish spa, a seat in the shower will encourage a slower pace. Tile the bench to match the rest of the shower, or add a bench made of a contrasting material like teak or glass. Enhance a shower bench with other upgrades in the shower, such as a steam feature or multiple showerheads.
Install heated towel bars.
Yet another cozy idea: hang your towels from heated bars so you can wrap yourself in warm terry cloth when you finish your shower or bath.
Go big with a freestanding tub.
Wash away stress in a deep soaking tub. If you long to linger in the soothing jets and serene bubbles of a whirlpool tub, buy a model that’s roomy and doesn’t strain your muscles when you lean back. Keep in mind that you need plenty of hot water to fill the tub, which adds to both your water and electric bills.
Channel the spa with a steam shower.
If you truly want a spa experience without leaving home, put in a shower that doubles as a steam shower. To make your shower steam-ready, equip it with a door that seals tightly on all sides. Install a vapor barrier on the ceiling and wall framing to prevent moisture, which causes wood rot, from reaching studs and joists. Include a steam generator outside the shower. This heats water from your water system using a 220-volt electric heating element. A steam-generator supplier will help you determine the best size.
Integrate smart storage solutions.
Take a beautiful bathroom to the next level by adding practical and pretty storage. It’s easy for bathrooms to get overloaded with cosmetics and grooming products; smart storage allows you to put everything in its place. Mix open and closed storage, or try frosted-glass door inserts, shown in this bathroom, to add interest to the room and break up a wall of cabinets.
Lighten it up with windows and skylights.
Brighten a dark, dull bathroom by adding windows or a skylight. Let your room’s proportions and features dictate size. If wall space is limited or views are unappealing, consider a skylight. Operable models, called sky windows, offer ventilation as well as light and have frames that match wall windows. To prevent moisture and condensation problems, choose high-quality windows and install them according to the manufacturer’s specifications, or call on a professional.
Glamorize with a chandelier.
Even the bathroom needs glamour, and adding a chandelier is a quick way to upgrade a hardworking space. Hang a pretty fixture over the bathtub so you can enjoy it while you lounge, or put it near a window so the crystals can bounce light around the room.
Add luxury shower elements.
Dual showerheads, handheld showerheads, body sprays and a broad bench elevate an ordinary shower experience to be invigorating and lavish. Wall-mount showerheads can be adjusted to spray high or low for people of different heights. Many handheld sprayers can be adapted to existing plumbing lines, making for easy installation.
Create a “rug” out of tile.
Almost any bathroom can incorporate a tiled “rug,” and one can be added to an existing bathroom by simply removing tile from the area you want to add the accent, and then putting down the new tiles. Like other upgrades, the tile rug adds a custom and personalized look to the bathroom. It’s also a great place to infuse pattern or color.
Source: www.bhgrelife.com
Get your tickets early for the upcoming "Dinner with Jack Frost" to be held on Friday, 2/8/19, from 5:30-7pm at the Colby Sawyer College Quad. Enjoy a New London tradition of eating outside by campfire. This progressive dinner is bound to please all with food supplied by area restaurants including Salt Hill Pub, New London Pizza Chef, The Old Courthouse, Tuckers, Peter Christians, Mount Sunapee Resort, Lindt chocolate, Blue Look Bakers and the New London Inn. Visit www.nlrec.com for more information.