Five Aspects of a Modern Kitchen

One of the biggest selling points in a property is the kitchen. An old, outdated kitchen can be an eyesore and completely turn buyers away from a home. On the flip side, a modern, updated kitchen can   bring in buyers that never would have even looked twice at the home before. If you plan on selling your house, here are a few updates that can help take your kitchen from old to bold.



1. Dark cabinetry - If your cabinets blend in with your walls or backsplash, you may need an update. Dark wood, stained, or even black cabinets are sleek, modern, and super simple to create. If you have natural wood cabinets, you could stain them dark or give them a fresh coat of paint. Dark cabinets feel so luxurious, and updating them is the most effective way to modernize your kitchen.






2. Metal cabinet/drawer pulls - The right hardware can make all the difference in your kitchen, and can completely transform the look and feel of any room. Just like the way ornate, scrolled hardware gives a vintage or antique look, sleek, angular hardware gives off a modern vibe. The easiest and most cost-effective way to get the modern vibe is by changing your cabinet/drawer pulls. Think long, thin, and angular to get the best effect.






3. Seating - The great thing about dining furniture is that pieces can be mixed and matched. If you have an antique dining room or breakfast table, a grouping of modern chairs placed around it can give off a cool, eclectic vibe. Look for angular chairs made out of unlikely materials, or even chairs with no straight lines, like the chairs below.






4. Accessories - Think modern, yet minimalist. Notice the black vases in the picture below - they are all the same size, same height, and in a contrasting color. When choosing accessories, think minimalist yet bold. One great option is to incorporate fresh fruit into your decor, using a modern bowl made out of unusual materials.

If you or someone you know has a question about real estate, please contact me using the information provided below.

Arthur Confait
Email: arthurconfait@gmail.com
Website: CLICK HERE

DIY Home Decor for the Crafty Homeowner

Updating your home can be very costly, especially when you are trying to keep the overall look consistent throughout your home. If you are the arts-and-crafts-y type, chances are you've already found ways to redecorate on a budget. In this post, I have included 5 step-by-step tutorials that will produce beautiful, handmade home accessories that cost only pennies, as long as you are willing to put in a little elbow grease!

1. Stone placemats - This tutorial is so simple, and yields such a gorgeous, modern product. All these placemats consist of are 12x12 stone tiles from any home improvement store, and some felt. The felt is glued to the bottom of the placemats to avoid scratching your dining table. What an easy way to modernize your dining space!

2. Fabric-covered corkboards - This DIY would look especially wonderful hanging in the home office or kitchen, and I like this one so much because you can customize the fabric colors to match ANY room in your home! All you need for this project is a glue gun, scissors, your choice of fabric, Command hooks, and pre-cut pieces of cork (the ones shown in the picture are cut into circles, and you can buy these at IKEA). Simply trim the fabric to adequately wrap around your cork pieces, glue the edges down on the back of the cork, and hang using Command hooks. 

3. Coffee table tray made from an old picture frame - My favorite thing about this DIY is that with just a few simple materials, you can transform something you were ready to throw out into something functional. For this tutorial, you'll need a medium/large sized picture frame with the cardboard backing and glass still intact, a piece of your choice of fabric a bit longer and wider than the length of your frame, batting, drawer pulls (get these at your local home improvement store), screws, and a hot glue gun. The first step is to remove the glass/cardboard from the frame and attach your drawer pulls using screws and a screw driver. Next, cover the one side of the cardboard backing with batting, then fabric and hot glue the excess to the back. Place the cardboard backing inside the frame, then take your hot glue gun and glue the glass onto the top of the frame by placing a drop of glue in each corner. Now you have a pretty, sturdy tray to place on top of your coffee table!

4. Faux "milk glass" vases - Have you ever stared longingly at beautiful pieces of vintage milk glass but not so longingly at the price tag? You can now get that gorgeous antique look at home using just two simple materials, all while finding a new use for your "blah" glass vases that need a facelift! All you need are a few glass vases/containers of any kind (these can be purchased at the dollar store or you can use existing vases you already own) and Rust-o-leum Universal spray paint in Gloss White. Simply take your glass outside and set them on a piece of cardboard, give them an even coat of paint, let them dry and now you have that gorgeous vintage milk glass look for less!

5. Penny vase - Since the use of pennies is pretty much nonexistent at this point, I think covering an outdated vase with them is a fantastic idea, especially because it really lends a modern, eclectic touch to any room. You'll need a vase of your choosing, universal spray paint in any color of your choosing, a hot glue gun, and as many pennies as you can get your hands on. Start by spray painting your vase and letting it dry. Then, grab your glue gun and begin gluing the pennies on starting from the top. Don't worry about which way the pennies are facing, as this eludes to the whole eclectic vibe. Cover the vase completely with pennies, and now you have a vase that will surely be the topic of conversation whenever you have friends over!











If you or someone you know has a question about real estate, please contact me using the information provided below.

Arthur Confait
Email: arthurconfait@gmail.com
Website: CLICK HERE

4 Ways to Attract Buyers to Your Home

Let's face it. You already know you have a gorgeous home, complete with a grand, sweeping foyer and  beautiful vaulted ceilings. However, chances are that your home is lacking a bit in curb appeal and could use some sprucing up. It is important to remember that first impressions are lasting impressions, and if your home doesn't "speak" to a potential buyer, they may pass it right up without having the chance to be won over by the spectacular interior. Here are four ways to spruce up the exterior of your home that will undoubtedly attract the buyers,



1. Porch lighting - It is probably within reason to assume that most homeowners have never thought twice about their exterior lighting. That old frosted, fluorescent, free-standing bulb tells buyers that it is possible that you have not put much work into your home. The best way to brighten up your front porch is to invest in some unique lighting fixtures. My personal favorite would have to be adding two exterior sconces or lanterns to either side of your front door. These come in many shapes and sizes, and can be a fresh and unique way to update your porch lighting.





2. Add shutters or update old ones - The great thing about shutters is that they are noticeable even from afar and they can instantly transform the overall look of your home. The bad thing about shutters is if they look worn or dull, they can greatly decrease the attractiveness of your home. Before you decide to sell your home, think about your current shutters (or lack thereof) and consider making a change. If you do not have shutters, the investment will almost certainly increase the curb appeal of your home. If your current shutters are looking a bit dull, consider adding a coat of paint in either a matching or abstract shade to either polish up or create an eye-popping appearance.




3. House numbers - House numbers are important for the simple fact that you want your home to be easy to find, and painted curb numbers do not count in this case. By adding house numbers to the exterior of your home, not only do you add tons of curb appeal, but you also make it easier for buyers to find your home! House numbers come in several shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, so matching the numbers to the overall feel of the exterior of your home will be a snap. The whole point of adding house numbers is for the numbers to actually stand out!




4. Porch seating - Adding some porch seating might be the simplest way to bring some character to the exterior of your home, but will still make a huge impact. Porch seating lends a cozy, "lived in" feel to your home, and entices buyers to walk up to your front porch. Furniture made for the outdoors will work best in this case. Porch seating could range from a simple bench to a set of chairs assembled around a small table. My personal favorite would be a few colorful outdoor pillows added to a simple wooden bench. The possibilities are endless!






If you or someone you know has a question about real estate, please contact me using the information provided below.

Arthur Confait
Email: arthurconfait@gmail.com
Website: CLICK HERE

5 Unique Ways to Use Wood Scraps in Your Home

Have you ever been behind a retail store and seen a bunch of pallets of wood just lying there not being used? There is a hidden potential in all those wood scraps, a vision of beautiful rustic home decor that is just waiting to be discovered! Here are some ideas for making good use of those scraps and turning them into something aesthetically appealing for your home.



1. Hall table made from old pallet - This one is SO simple. and extremely affordable. Simply remove the unwanted material from the edge of a pallet (this one is two boards wide). add some wood stain to match the rest of your decor, and there you have it! A table for your entryway that cost you essentially nothing.





2. Holiday yard ornament - We all know how expensive holiday decorations for the yard can be, so why not try making them for yourself? Simply cut some thin wood scraps to size, add some paint and stencil wording, and a hammer and some nails will bring your finished product together. You could even drape some christmas lights around your ornament for an eye-catching effect!





3. Shelf/coat hanger - Shelves can be used for both decorative and functional purposes in the home, and a shelf made out of scrap wood can be designed to do both. All you need to do is attach a scrap of crown molding to the thin side of a scrap of wood so that the top is flat like a shelf. Add a few coats of paint, attach some coat hooks, mount it on the wall and you have a functional, pretty item that can be designed to match any type of decor.






4. Cell phone/tablet stand - These stands are useful for those times when you are cooking and need to reference a recipe found online, or when you are listening to music on your phone and need a way to make it stand up. This project takes very little wood, using only a small dowel and a wide but thin scrap. Make sure the dowel is wide enough to accommodate your device. Simply attach the dowel to the scrap horizontally, and you have a one-of-a-kind stand for your device! You can use different sizes of wood for a larger device, and vice-versa.






5. Pencil holder - What a fabulous way to bring a rustic, earthy feel to your home office! For this project, simply drill holes in any shape or size block of wood. Make sure the holes are deep and wide enough to accommodate a pencil. This DIY item would also look great in a child's room or an arts-and-crafts space!







If you or someone you know has a question about real estate, please contact me using the information provided below.

Arthur Confait
Email: arthurconfait@gmail.com
Website: CLICK HERE

Inexpensive Dollar Tree Decor

I walked into the Dollar Tree the other day and was enormously impressed by the selection of beautiful glassware, candles, and other elements of home decor that lined the shelves. Almost instantly, my mind was filled with various crafty ideas of how I could transform these simple pieces into gorgeous works of art for the home. Here is what you'll need:


1. Glass hurricane vase, $1 each. There are several styles to choose from. Here are a few:




http://www.dollartree.com/household/home-decor/vases-bowls-containers/6-inch-Glass-Hurricane-Stem-Vases/500c542c543p294297/index.pro

http://www.dollartree.com/household/home-decor/vases-bowls-containers/Patterned-Bud-Shaped-Clear-Glass-Vases/500c542c543p338189/index.pro

http://www.dollartree.com/household/home-decor/vases-bowls-containers/Crystal-Cylinder-Vase/500c542c543p9889/index.pro



2. Glass taper candleholder, $1 each.



http://www.dollartree.com/household/home-decor/Candleholders/Glass-Taper-Candleholders/500c542c911p65171/index.pro



3. Vanilla votive candles, $1 for a 4-pack. They come in other scents and colors as well.






















 http://www.dollartree.com/household/home-decor/candles-candleholders/Luminessence-Vanilla-Votive-Candles-4-ct-Packs/500c542c544p322089/index.pro



4. Inexpensive vase fillers, such as glass beads for $1. They come in multicolors as well.



http://www.dollartree.com/Clear-Luster-Gems-14-oz-Bags/p315855/index.pro?zipCode=60436



5. Glass adhesive, JoAnn stores

http://www.joann.com/instant-glass-glue-tube-07-oz-2gm/prd1792/



6. Items such as leaves, sticks, flowers, or anything you already have around the house.



To assemble: Apply some glass adhesive to the flat top of the candlestick. Carefully center the candlestick onto the bottom of the hurricane glass. Simply place a candle in each hurricane glass, add a few vase fillers, and whatever items you wish scattered on top of the vase fillers. You now have a beautiful high-end apothecary glass that looks high end but cost you pennies!

If you or someone you know has a question about real estate, please contact me using the information provided below.

Arthur Confait
Email: arthurconfait@gmail.com
Website: CLICK HERE

5 Things Buyers Look For in a Home

If you are a homeowner who has ever tried to sell their house, you probably already know that buyers who come to view your home are more likely to rip it apart based on what your home doesn't have. This is important information to know if you plan on selling your home so that you know where you stand in the competition. Here is a list of the top features current buyers are looking for in a property in today's market.


1. Updated kitchen appliances - Buyers absolutely dread walking into their dream home with a gorgeous foyer and dining room… only to find a kitchen with ancient appliances. I believe this is probably the top sinker that will turn off any buyer from a home. Buyers are looking for updated, modern, and preferably stainless steel appliances.






2. Hardwood floors - It shouldn't come as a surprise that buyers do not want vinyl floors, but what may come as a surprise is that many aren't too fond of carpeting, either. The truth is, hardwood and even ceramic tile flooring are easier to clean and maintain, especially on the lower level of a home.

3. Master bedroom - Buyers want a large master bedroom with a connected master bath. This setup allows for ease of mobility in-between rooms and the greatest use of space. However, buyers would rather have an unconnected master bath than a small master bedroom.

4. Walk-in closets - Storage is very important to home buyers, especially in the bedrooms. Today it is almost expected that each bedroom have a walk-in closet. What really hooks a homebuyer is a set of his-and-hers walk-in closets in the master bedroom!

5. Separated bathtub and shower - Buyers look for large master bathrooms with a separate tub and large shower. Although shower/tub combos are convenient for buyers with children, most would like a separate walk-in shower with plenty of space to move around in.

If you or someone you know has a question about real estate, please contact me using the information provided below.

Arthur Confait
Email: arthurconfait@gmail.com
Website: CLICK HERE

How to Integrate Pops of Color Into Your Home Decor

Are you looking for a way to liven up your drab decor? Do you have a fun personality that you want to show through your home, but don't know where to begin? Adding splashes of color throughout your home decor can be a great way to update any room. The ideas I have listed below are relatively inexpensive and simple ways to accomplish this look - it could be as simple as adding one piece of furniture. Read on to find out how to add spunk and personality to your home!



1. Paint an accent wall - This method is probably the most obvious way to go about adding a splash of color to a room. However, it must be done carefully and strategically in order to avoid the "obnoxious" effect. The accent wall you choose to paint should be the smallest wall in the room, such as a breakfast nook or bay window. The rest of the furniture and accessories in the room should follow a neutral, light color scheme that subtly ties into the accent wall, such as the pillows and wall hangings in the picture below). Painting an accent wall in a bright, sunny color will instantly add a modern touch to any room.






2. Kitchen/breakfast table chairs -  This update could be as simple as painting your pre-existing chairs! The key to accomplishing this look is to make sure the rest of the room is neutral in color, with small accents in the contrast color such as picture frames, dishes, charger plates, etc to tie everything together.






3. Throws or pillows - Many people enjoy switching up their bedroom decor every once in a while. A great way to be able to afford this is to buy bedding, furniture, and wall paint in neutral colors (like white, cream, taupe, or gray) and integrate your pops of color into affordable pieces such as throws, accent pillows, and small rugs. If you follow this method, you can switch out those affordable pieces for new ones in colors that currently speak to you. No guilt here!






4. Garage sale finds - You won't feel nearly as guilty brightening up a $20 garage sale dresser as you will painting one of your own. Scour the nearest garage sale for inexpensive finds with a touch of vintage character, such as the chair and dresser below. Simply paint the item your favorite bright color or reupholster in an eye-catching, modern fabric.

If you or someone you know has a question about real estate, please contact me using the information provided below.

Arthur Confait
Email: arthurconfait@gmail.com
Website: CLICK HERE