The Finishing Touch

Trend Watch: Holiday Decor on a Budget

Holiday season is upon us! Well, it's definitely upon me as I prepare for my seasonal company (yikes) to arrive. It's always a little scary, getting ready for the masses to ascend upon me for some apple cider and figgy pudding. Okay, so I don't know what figgy pudding is. Or how to make it. But I do know a thing or two about redecorating on the cheap while making it look like I spent a fortune. I'll share a few of my recent purchases with you on one condition… don't tell my overcritical neighbor this is how much I spent.

1. Multiple prints in similar styles

This is a popular style right now, and I made it work with these beauties by Albert Koetsier. You can find many more prints like these at ArtSelect. They have one of the best selections I've ever seen, and if you get the prints unframed and just frame them yourself, it's really inexpensive.

2. Hang an exotic tapestry

I hung this piece from HomeDecorators.com in my living room and it's truly gorgeous. I'm a sucker for deep chocolate brown and blue combos. It's a great piece for the holidays; just rich enough to feel inviting and warm. This colors can easily carry into your spring décor. Toss some sky blue throw pillows on a neutral-colored couch for an instant change.

3. Add a pop of bright color

We've all become familiar with winter white… why not winter yellow? Imagine this yellow-rimmed mirror form HomeDecorating.com hanging in your living room, above the fireplace, in the entryway. Its unique design and color make it something your guests won't forget. They'll be envious of your design savvy! "Sunflower yellow in winter? How chic!"

4. Plant a conversation piece somewhere conspicuous

I cannot tell you how much I love this bowl. Love, love, love this bowl. Everything about it. The size (it's on the large side!), the color, the design, the price. It's my favorite purchase of the season thus far. Target has loads of fun goodies like this one, many available for under $100. Trust me, it will get your houseguests talking. Put holiday cookies in it, potpourri, or nothing at all. Mine is currently empty, and it looks beautiful. It stands alone quite well.

5. One of these pieces of furniture is not like the others…

It's plush, it's hot pink, and it's comfortable to boot. This bench is perfect for a second floor landing or entryway, but also as extended seating in your living room. It's so luxurious! It's risky, I'll admit, to add something so bold to your décor, but you'll be pleasantly surprised how well it blends. The material is uniquely patterned. Plus, I love that they ship to Canada. Canadians need pretty seating areas too!

Happy decorating,

Top 5: Ways to Increase Your Home's Resale Value

 

Selling your home right now is no easy task, but here are the best things you can do for your windows to make sure your home is as good as sold.

 

1. In high traffic rooms like living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms, replace your blinds more often. New blinds instantly make  a room appear brighter and more polished.
2. Install insulating window treatments, like cell shades and shutters in rooms where you spend a lot of time, like living rooms. When potential buyers feel the heat or cold filtering through the windows of their potential home, they’re instantly concerned about energy costs.
3. Dress up your home by installing shutters. Shutters are considered extremely durable as well as stylish, and will show buyers that your home is well-maintained.
4. Hang beautiful, neutral-colored draperies. Sheer and silk draperies are considered by many interior designers to be the most chic and versatile. Hang these in rooms that might look plain or bare for instant appeal.
5. Replace any blinds with broken or missing slats, blinds and shades that no longer operate correctly, or have noticeable tears or dings. Always keep your window treatments free of dust. In fact, I love this mini-blind cleaner from Ace Hardware. It’s machine washable, and cleans six slats at once. Plus, it’s a paltry $5.99. Worth the investment, I’d say.

 

Tell me what you've done to increase your home's resale value. I’d love to know…

-Esther