Angela Aull

Metro Atlanta Real Estate

Room Update – Try Color-Blocking

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Repainting a room is one of the easiest ways to freshen the décor while changing the feel of the room. The hottest design trend this year takes this to a whole new level. Color-blocking techniques are dominating magazines and social media with vivid color palettes and bold geometric patterns, turning the traditional painting project into something special.

Color-blocking takes many forms—everything from a simple way to differentiate one space from another by changing the wall shade, to artistic pairings that would feel at home in a modern art gallery. Your style most likely falls somewhere in between. The common theme is to try something new while changing the feel of the room.

Before you start your project, take time to consider the desired final look. Consider the relationship of your chosen colors and how each plays a part in the design. Bright shades create a sense of energy while softer tones are calming. Use blocked color to trick the eye into adding or subtracting space using light or dark colors. Color-blocking can also be used to draw attention to architecturally interesting elements, such as a curved entrance or crown molding.

This weekend is a great time to update your space by trying something new and modern. Choose traditional color palettes and subtle shapes to compliment your current design or go bold and completely change the room. Any home décor style can benefit from the techniques of color-blocking with a little imagination, masking tape, and a paintbrush.

Mid-Century Modern vs. Contemporary

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There has been a great deal of excitement in the design field concerning the Mid Century Modern style. This ’50s and ’60s home décor trend is evidenced in every furniture store as more brand are
incorporating the vintage look with modern lines. Yet what differentiates a Mid-Century Modern style from one that is merely Contemporary?

Both styles tend toward the minimalist look, but Mid-Century often features more color. Colorful carpets, walls, and furnishings—as well as vibrant wall trims and wallpaper—are all signs of a Mid-Century room while Contemporary styles lean toward neutral tone-on-tone elements with limited design extras, such as pillows or rugs.

Another common design element is the clean lines of cabinets and furnishings. Sharp corners and minimal finishings link the two styles together. Mid-Century Modern, however, often includes natural elements such as wood; furniture often includes graceful curves. Contemporary pieces are often colder by comparison and emphasize a sleek design that can fade into the overall look of the space; no single element commands attention.

Finally, the flow of Mid-Century Modern homes differs from that of a Contemporary home. The trend toward open floorplans and great rooms is a new concept and Mid-Century homes include multiple spaces for specific purposes. For instance, it’s common to find an eat-in kitchen walled off from the living spaces, perhaps with a pass-through window or wet-bar area for serving.

Mid-Century Modern design introduces some beautiful options for homes. With thoughtful design concepts, it’s possible to introduce some of these elements to any home. Merging eras and styles is one way to create a unique home environment that is both functional and beautiful.

Understanding the Back-Up Offer

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“When can I consider my home sold? This is one of the most common questions real estate agents are asked. While the laws vary in different states, generally the contract is binding once both parties sign the offer. At that time the closing process begins. This is also the time when sellers must stop considering other offers, but they can accept back-up offers.

What is a back-up offer? This is when the seller accepts an offer contingent upon the first one falling through. There are many reasons why the home purchase might not close—the buyer may fail to secure the loan, the home inspection may find issues the two parties can’t resolve, it could even be that the Homeowner’s Association has rules that the buyer is unprepared to accept. Whatever the reason, real estate agents know that the deal isn’t done until it closes.

A back-up offer should be carefully executed. Both buyer and seller must be able to pursue other options. Unless the buyer is willing to wait without seeking an alternative property, the back-up offer should be written to allow for the possibility that they find an alternative home in the meantime. The seller, on the other hand, must make clear they are currently obligated to another buyer and will consider the back-up offer only if the current one cancels.

Back-up offers can be a great tool in a fast-moving real estate market. Writing the offer virtually guarantees the listing agent will notify you if the home becomes available again. This gives the buyer an advantage in a seller’s market, increasing the opportunity to capitalize on a home that fell out of contract.

Tips to Make Your Home Both Beautiful and Kid-Friendly

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Have you ever been to a home where it’s clear that the kids have taken over the space? It’s obvious that the home has become more of a playground, filled with toys and bright-colored plastic everywhere. Homes like this often sacrifice style for durability or stain-resistance. Maybe this is your home? The good news is that it’s possible to create a home that incorporates the beauty of a stylish home with the practicality of living with children. Here are a few design tips to help.

• Be Realistic – You may love the look of crisp white sofas and delicate glass vases, but if you live with kids, opt for more durable choices. Natural fiber furniture in neutrals hide stains while looking stylish; choose a sofa with removable cushion covers you can pop in the wash as needed. Display beautiful wood or stone accent pieces instead of glass, to cut down on accidental breakage.

• Less is More – Uncrowded rooms allow for the excess energy of fastmoving children. Give them room to play. Less toys also means less mess when they’re all inevitably spread over the house!

• Double Duty Furniture – Look for stylish bins or hidden storage units such as ottomans where you can quickly dump excess toys when guests pop by.

• Create a Play Station – Carve out a special place for the kids to play, such as a basement family room or a cozy attic. Keep larger playsets and toys there and help the kids make it a special place just for them. This may keep some of the ‘kid clutter’ contained to one area of the home.

• House Rules – Develop some simple rules and then be disciplined about it. For example, a good house rule is that toys are gathered into storage units each evening before dinner. Cleaning things up a bit at a time makes it less overwhelming.

Most of all, strive for a livable home. It’s almost impossible to have a picture perfect home with kids, but by taking a few simple steps, you can merge a kid friendly environment with a beautiful
adult home.

Home Inspection Issues Red Flags

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Most homebuyers realize that they can’t expect a perfect home inspection report when buying a resale home. Cosmetic flaws and minor repairs are easily managed and shouldn’t be dealbreakers. That said, there are some issues that are more serious and should give the buyer pause if not addressed adequately.

Home Inspection Red Flags

1. Leaky and Rundown Roofing – watch for signs of current or past water damage.

2. Poor Drainage – drainage issues can cause serious damage to the home foundation, siding, and basements.

3. Foundation Issues – signs of foundation problems can include cracks around doors and windows or uneven floors. Foundation problems can cost thousands of dollars to correct.

4. Plumbing Problems – major plumbing issues should be considered carefully and further explored.

5. Pest Infestations – termites and other wood-eating pests can cause extensive damage that can be hard to find and costly to repair.

6. Mold – that “musty” smell could be due to hidden mold and further investigation should be taken as mold can be dangerous to the health of the family. Depending on the type of mold, it can be very difficult to remove entirely.

7. Faulty Heating System – a malfunctioning furnace can be a fire hazard.

8. Electrical Wiring – faulty wiring can cost thousands of dollars to repair.

9. Structural Damage – sagging joists, rafters, and door jambs can be evidence of larger issues.

10. Deferred Maintenance – a home in poor condition could be hiding more serious issues due to chronic neglect.

Homebuyers should be alert to these issues and know the costs to repair before concluding the sale. Home sellers should address these issues before putting the home up for sale to ensure they get the best possible sales price.

Weekend Project – Organize Your Kitchen Pantry

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The kitchen pantry is one of those areas that can quickly become a mess. Older cans and boxes keep getting pushed to the back and forgotten. How many of us have found cans of green beans dating back a decade or two during a spring cleaning? Or a box of crackers that went stale because you forgot (or didn’t know) it was opened? If you have a free weekend and are looking for a satisfying project, consider a pantry clean-out and reorganization. It’ll eliminate some stress if you can actually see the groceries and supplies you have, and make sure they’re fresh! Here are a
few quick ways to bring order to your food pantry.

1. Use Clear Storage Containers – Using clear and stackable storage containers with simple labels will not only make it easy to see the food but save valuable space as well and keep the food fresher longer.

2. Use the Door Space – A great use of the pantry door is to add a storage rack to the door itself. Use shelves and baskets to corral spices and favorite snacks, or smaller items that can get lost.

3. Chalkboard Lists – Another great use for the inside of the pantry door, or an area near the pantry, is to use chalkboard paint to create a place to keep lists. Use this chalkboard to keep track of items you need as you use them, or to keep an inventory of what you have in the pantry so it gets used before it expires.

4. Sort the Items – Organize your pantry by use. For example, keep baking supplies together to allow for easy access when you want to make cookies, or organize all the kids’ snacks on a shelf that’s within their reach (or out of reach, if it’s treats!).

5. Keep Things Well-Lit – Finally, don’t neglect the lighting in your pantry. If you have an area which has become a “black hole,” add lighting, either wired or battery, to help make sure you can see what’s back there.

A well-organized pantry is just a weekend away and will make cooking and grocery shopping much easier.

Angela Aull | HomeSmart

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