Articles Tagged "Interior Design"

The market is likely to remain strong for sellers in 2022, according to the latest predictions. But to get top dollar for your home, you need to play an active part in getting the property ready for listing and in mapping out a strategy for selling it.

Here are seven tips that can make your house a standout among Saint Louis homes for sale. 

1. Engage a real estate agent who knows your neighborhood.
   Most homeowners avoid the hassles involved with selling their homes themselves and engage an experienced real estate agent who is familiar with properties in their neighborhood. A real estate agent will advise you on asking price, marketing, and negotiation strategy. For instance, an agent will research how much homes like yours are going for in your area, so you know how much to ask. An agent will also negotiate an offer, including clauses and contingencies in the purchase agreement; explain paperwork you may not understand; and deal with the home inspection, commissioning repairs, or negotiating credits with the seller.
   
   
2. Declutter the house.
   This is the first step before staging. A potential buyer won't be in love with all your beloved stuff, so pack it up and store it in the garage or basement, so your home presents a neutral aspect. Put away personal effects such as photographs and mementos. You don't have to leave the home bare, but do go minimalist so potential buyers can imagine themselves and their furnishings in your home. 
   
   
3. Get professional help staging your home.
   You can try doing this yourself, or for best results, hire a professional. Stagers help you showcase your home in a strategic manner, sometimes working with your furnishings or bringing in other furnishings that might look better.
   
   
4. Map out a marketing strategy.
   If you have a real estate agent, use the agent's expertise to develop a marketing strategy. You'll need good quality pictures -- better than those you take on your phone -- with good lighting. Pictures should look professional to show off your home to the best advantage. If you have an agent, your home will be listed on the MLS database. 
   
   
5. Plan on how to show your home.
   One disadvantage of selling your home yourself is having to show it to potential buyers. Home shoppers sometimes feel inhibited or intimidated with the owner present -- yet another advantage of having an agent to show the home for you. 
   
   
6. Work on a negotiating strategy with your agent.
   If you get an offer, you need to discuss with your agent how to strategize -- that is, whether to agree to repairs, to lower the price, or stand firm and entertain other offers. 
   
   
7. Get ready for the closing.
   You may need to agree to repairs and fulfill certain contingencies for the closing. Your real estate agent will help you know what to expect and guide you through this process step by step.

Our real estate agents can answer your questions about selling your home in 2022. Contact us today. 

Fall is here, and so is a new wave of interior design trends. According to our real estate agents, this season's design ethos is all about comfort and self-expression. Let's delve into 5 of the most popular interior design trends this fall, how we've seen them applied in many of our St. Louis homes for sale, and how you can bring these ideas into your home. 

1. Earth Tones
   Fall's stunning orange and brown color palette is providing inspiration for some homeowners in 2021. In addition to rich chocolates and muted apricots, many choose to add soothing blues and verdant greens to their homes. These hues evoke the natural world. 
   
   Because many of these colors are very close to neutrals, they are very easy to incorporate into almost any room. Repainting the walls is the most obvious way to do this, but it isn't the only way. A small touch like a mist-colored vase or some mossy green curtains can go a long way. 
   
   
2. Soft, Cozy Fabrics and Textures 
   In stressful times, people often try to make their homes as comfortable and welcoming as possible. This might be why homeowners are currently so eager to add soft textures to their living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and other living spaces. At the moment, most use discreet, removable items like blankets and rugs for this purpose instead of permanent fixtures like carpeting or upholstery.  
   
   It's easy to bring this trend into your home with a single shopping trip. Look for throw blankets and decorative pillows, especially ones made of materials like wool, flannel, and sherpa. 
   
   
3. Dividers 
   In the past, homeowners often wanted to open up every space as much as possible. This is no longer the prevailing trend. Instead, many people are adding room dividers (screens, shelves, and other partitions) to their homes to break up those open spaces and create more intimate areas without having to actually build new walls.  
   
   If this idea appeals to you, experiment with different types of room dividers. An elegant folding screen, sturdy bookshelf, or long silky curtain can break up those large rooms and add some additional function or decoration to the space, depending on what you prefer. 
   
   
4. Natural Finishes and Other Elements 
   Homeowners are also taking cues from nature when adding furniture and fixtures to their space. Faux stone finishes, light natural woods, and other rustic accents are becoming increasingly common this season, especially in conjunction with nature-inspired color schemes. Together, these two design choices amplify each other and create an even more sense of soothing respite within the home. 
   
   Countertops, mantlepieces, coffee tables, and other focal points are great places to incorporate natural elements into your own home. 
   
   
5. Vintage Furniture and Housewares 
   Finally, fall 2021 has also brought an increased interest in vintage furniture and homeware pieces. After spending so much time in their homes over the last year and a half, homeowners see their interior spaces as an extension of themselves. This has led to an interest in personalizing spaces with art, furniture, or knickknacks from the past, especially if these items are family heirlooms. 
   
   These days, it's easy to find as many charming old items as your heart desires – if you can't find exactly what you want at local thrift stores and garage sales, hop online and see what's listed on sites like eBay and Craigslist. 

No matter how you choose to decorate the inside of your home, the most important thing is that you feel happy and at ease there. If you're in the market for a new home, contact us today. 

A healthy dose of natural light is an easy way to help any space look its best. Natural light illuminates the room, making it look larger and more inviting; high levels of natural light also boost your body's production of serotonin, one of the chemicals associated with happiness and better mood levels.

Our real estate agents suggest exploring options to increase the natural light in your home before you put your home on the market. Here are a few ways to boost your property's natural light. 

1. Choose Colors That Reflect Light
   When choosing paint colors for your home, stick with light hues that will reflect the light that enters the room. Darker hues absorb light, making the room feel smaller and more compact. If you're dealing with a room that you want to leave a darker color, try painting the ceiling, doors, and baseboards in a light color to lighten the room's look. 

2. Add More Mirrors
   Mirrors are an excellent alternative for sleek wall decor and for maximizing a room's natural light. For the best results, position the mirror on a wall across from a window. It will reflect the sunlight the enters the room, instantly increasing the size of the space and enhancing its appearance. The same concept also applies to shiny or reflective pieces of home decor. If you already have a mirror in a room or prefer to consider other options, add decorative pieces crafted from shiny metals or with metallic finishes. These additions instantly brighten the atmosphere in the room. 

3. Reconsider Your Furniture
   Instead of choosing furnishings crafted from dark wood tones and materials, opt for lighter tones. These light colors are another way to reflect the light already in the room. If you're craving a darker alternative, one solution is to use your throw pillows and decorative blankets to decorate in patterns or colors that aren't as effective at reflecting light. Or make sure that the largest pieces of furniture are in lighter hues.

4. Install Larger Windows
   If you're willing to explore more drastic alternatives, install larger windows or new doors in the room. Saint Louis homes for sale that have new, energy-efficient windows are also appealing to potential homebuyers. The presence of more windows is a fantastic way to permanently increase the natural light in your home. Or, if you simply want to replace a window, look for a design with lots of exposed glass. Bay windows and bow windows are both excellent possibilities. 

5. Wash Your Windows
   Even a property that's filled with windows will have insufficient amounts of natural light if the windows are dirty. Washing the interior and exterior of your windows is a simple way to make sure that dirt and grime aren't preventing outside light from penetrating your home. 

Interested in a property with more windows or even a sunroom? Contact us to start your search!

If you enjoy browsing vintage furniture and tend to see it for its potential, you might enjoy upcycling furniture. Upcycled furniture can be funky, trendy, or even classy with the right touch, and that one special piece might be great for starting a conversation with your guests or perfect when staging your home for sale, according to our real estate agents. Here are a few tips for giving tired outdated furniture new life.

1. Look for Good Bones
   When you're on the hunt for vintage furniture to upcycle, try to see past the current finish (or lack thereof), and instead look at the bones of each piece. You'll want furniture that is sturdy and made of real wood so that it'll stand up to the demands of a makeover and a new life. Look also for interesting features such as mid-century modern styling or interesting curves and carvings that painting and distressing would highlight.
   
   
2. Find a New Purpose for Old Things
   Part of the fun of upcycling furniture is thinking outside of the box. There are a lot of old pieces that don't necessarily have a purpose anymore, but you can make a trendy new purpose with a little creative thinking. For example, vintage crates can be stacked to use as bookshelves, a cozy little vintage dining table would make a great desk, and that vintage radio or record player could find new life retrofitted as a wine rack or liquor cabinet.
   
   
3. Update the Look with a Little Paint
   Typically vintage furniture is cast-off not because it no longer functions, but because the finish has become scratched and worn. Purists will repair or refinish a valuable piece, but you can give the more mundane pieces exciting new life with a little color. Perhaps the piece is perfect for your current look but needs a facelift with a new coat of paint. For something a little more interesting, you can opt for shabby chic with a distressed look, or aim for more urban with stenciled accents.
   
   
4. Stick to the Style
   While mixing and matching can be cool and trendy, you won't do the furniture any favors if you don't work with what you've got. Different pieces have different looks, and your upcycling will be the most successful if you stay true to the style. Furniture with straighter lines, such as mid-century modern, will look better with clean paint or geometric stenciling, for example. Furniture with graceful lines, carved details, or even simple country style will pair well with distressed finishes.

Upcycling furniture can be very rewarding, and you may find that your thrift store score ends up being one of your favorite pieces after a little (or a lot of) TLC. Just remember, if you'll be using the piece to stage your home for sale, that buyers tend to react more favorably to a neutral decor when browsing St. Louis homes for sale. For more information about how to stage a home for success on the sales market, contact us today.

Your home should be filled with things that inspire you, make you feel comfortable, and create joy in your life. Creating a special gallery wall that showcases cherished artwork, photos, and collectibles is one way to add personal style to your home. Whether you love paintings, photography, old family portraits, or antique plates, a gallery wall will add visual interest to any room, even a staircase.

To create the perfect gallery wall, you need to focus on hanging items cohesively so no one item stands out above the rest. It is a bit of a challenge, but it's easier when you follow certain steps.

1. Choose the Location
   The first step is choosing a location with some natural light and enough wall space. If you're hanging less than 5 or 6 smaller items, an entry, hallway, or bathroom is a good choice. If you plan to hang 10 or more large items in various sizes, consider a large room in the house or a staircase.
   
   
2. Measure the Wall
   Once you choose a location, measure the entire height and width of the wall, then decide on the amount of space needed to hang gallery items. It's best to leave a border of 1 to 2 feet above furniture items and between wall edges and ceilings.
   
   
3. Choose Frames
   If you're hanging artwork or photographs, you need to choose frames that complement other things in your room. To keep your gallery wall cohesive, it's best to keep framing materials and finishes to a minimum. It's okay to mix wood and metal frames but choose similar finishes.
   
   
4. Assemble Items
   Items on a gallery wall should complement each other. You can combine landscape paintings with scenic photographs, family photos with old memorabilia; black and white photographs with old quilts; and antique plates with woven textiles. Be creative, but don't let one item on the wall become the main focus.
   
   
5. Plan the Layout
   Before you begin hanging, plan the layout by placing items on the floor first. Make paper templates of each item or use painter's tape to create size and placement on the wall. When you're hanging various shapes and sizes, using templates or tape first will prevent unnecessary nail holes in your wall.
   
   
6. Create Visual Balance
   Gallery walls rarely have items with the same shapes and sizes. It's the variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and subjects that create visual interest and design appeal. It's often easier to place the larger items first then fill in spaces with smaller items. Gallery walls don't have to be symmetrical, just visually balanced.
   
   
7. Hang Large Items First
   When you're happy with your layout, you can begin hanging your gallery wall. Hang large or most important items first, then hang smaller items around them, leaving 2 to 6 inches between items. If you make a mistake, don't worry. It's easy to fill the nail hole with putty and try again.

At Coldwell Banker Premier Group, our real estate agents can show you a variety of Saint Louis homes for sale with stylish features, modern conveniences, and a range of prices. If you're searching for a new home in the Saint Louis area, we can help you find a home where you can create your own stunning gallery wall. For more information, contact us today.

While the cold winter months are ideal for cozying up on the couch, sometimes it feels good to be productive. A little home maintenance will also ensure your home looks its best if you list it among the St. Louis market and surrounding area. Whether your home is in St. Louis County, Franklin County, or even further north in St. Charles County, our agents encourage you to work on these home improvement projects this winter. 

1. Declutter and Organize
   Winter is a perfect time to declutter and organize your belongings. You likely have some new holiday gifts that you need to make room for, and there's no better way to start the New Year than with an organized space.
   
   You can either tackle one room at a time, or you may declutter categories of stuff. For example, you might declutter all the clothing in your home or all your paperwork and mementos. Get rid of anything you no longer use, that you have too much, or that you haven't used in more than a year (aside from seasonal items).
   
   Once you know what you're left with, you can organize your belongings with containers, shelves, rods, and hooks. Our real estate agents know that a well-organized home also looks larger and more appealing to potential buyers. 

2. Replace Old Hardware
   Old hardware, like your door hinges, cabinet knobs, doorknobs, and door levels, can quickly make your space look dated. Give your home an instant facelift by replacing these items. You can replace most old hardware with a screwdriver, drill, screws, and wood putty. 

3. Service Your Ceiling Fans
   Did you know that you need to change the direction of your ceiling fans during the winter months? When the weather is cold, you want your ceiling fans to operate in a clockwise direction, so it pushes warm air down. You can adjust your ceiling fan's direction by using the direction switch on your fan's motor housing.
   
   While you're changing your fans' directions, give them a thorough dusting. Dust the fan blades with a microfiber cloth or duster that will prevent the dust from scattering. Wipe down the fan pulls with a damp cloth. 

4. Repair Any Wall Blemishes and Touch Up Your Paint
   If you've got some areas with scrapes or holes, winter is a fantastic time to patch these blemishes and touch up the paint. You'll be spending a lot of time indoors, and you want your home to look as inviting as possible.
   
   You can fix most small wall defects with a layer or two of spackling compound. Once it dries, sand the area smooth and add a fresh coat of paint.

5. Change the Batteries in Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
   Keep your family safe by changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Once the units have fresh batteries, test them to make sure they're working properly. If necessary, install additional detectors in your home.
   
   You should have a smoke detector in each bedroom, in the hall outside every sleeping area, and on each level of your home. There should be a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home and in your garage. 

Ready to explore new properties for your family? Contact us today!

With 2021 fast approaching, we're excited to see what trends will catch on in the new year. With so many people spending extra time on home projects in 2020, we're expecting even more homeowners to take on home improvement projects to make their home extra special for themselves or to get it ready to list. Our real estate agents were so inspired by these St. Louis homes for sale, they decided to put together a list of their predictions for what trends you can expect to see more of in 2021. 

1. Coastal Themes
   Tranquility is going to be a very popular theme in 2021, especially considering the year we had. Many of us were forced to skip our beach vacations in 2020, so it wouldn't be surprising to see subtle coastal design themes pop-up in homes this year. Whether it's tropical leaves or flowers or the right mix of calming aquas and blues, pay attention to calming coastal design trends in 2021. This is a great option for those who love the beach and are looking to personalize their home office. 
   
   
2. Rustic Vogue
   For those who like a charming look mixed with a bit of upscale character, rustic vogue is definitely going to be the design trend for you. This look is usually best in homes that already have some rustic character, such as old doors or original floorboards. Simply add some upscale furniture, neutral colors, and some bright statement pieces to create that upscale cottage feel. To achieve this look, be sure to check out thrift stores for that one-of-a-kind look!
   
   
3. Pure Vintage
   Vintage designs and timeless looks will always be in style. Working antique furniture or pieces of architectural salvage into your living space is a great way to create a classic look. They really don't make furniture like they used to, so repurposing old pieces can really make a statement in your home.
   
   
4. Textured Walls
   We expect to see textured walls continue to increase in popularity next year. Stone, marble, and wooden beams all significantly impact perception and can really add a classy touch to any room. Textured walls change the ambiance of the room in a big way. Best of all, they're generally easy to install and can hide cracks, dents, and holes in your drywall.
   
   
5. Houseplants
   Get ready to step up your house plant game in 2021 because they're coming back in a big way. Retro 1970's hangers, unique succulents, and big blooms -- adding some green into your living space can definitely liven things up. They can also go a long way towards boosting your mood. Just make sure you buy plants that require little maintenance and are hard to kill.

Looking for a new home in the area for you to try new home improvement projects on in 2021? Contact us today!

With the average cost of painting the interior of a home running approximately $959 to $2,772, handling the job yourself is an excellent way to save a few dollars. Our real estate agents know that a fresh paint job is appealing to potential buyers and ensures your home's spaces look bright, inviting, and clean. Here are a few tips to following from painting pros for expert-level results. 

1. Make Sure You Start with a Smooth Surface
   Before you start painting, see that you have a smooth surface for the job. Use the spackling paste to fill in any holes or imperfections in your drywall. If you have holes larger than six inches or so, you'll need to patch them using a drywall patch before covering the area with spackling paste. Once the paste dries, sand it using fine-grit sandpaper on a sanding pole. Press the sandpaper along the wall vertically, then horizontally, using gentle pressure to create a smooth surface. Wipe the walls with a damp cloth before you start painting to remove any leftover dust and grime from the sanding process. 

2. Properly Prepare the Room
   Don't start sanding or painting until you've prepared the room. Move all the furniture to the center of the room, and cover it with drop cloths. Make sure to tape the dropcloths together at the bottom so that dust and splatters don't get in. Cover your floors with canvas drop cloths. They'll protect your floors much better than old bedsheets or plastic drop cloths. Tape them down around the edges so that they don't come up as you walk on them and turn into a trip hazard. See that you also cover any light or wall fixtures that you're not removing. 

3. Use Painters Tape or a Quality Angled Paint Brush
   You'll likely have some areas that you want to keep a different color, like your baseboards or wooden trim. Protect these areas with painters tape if you have an unsteady hand; check that you firmly press the tape down so that it keeps paint from seeping underneath it. Or, if you have a steady hand, invest in a small, quality, angled paintbrush. This will allow you to paint around these areas with precision. 

4. Do One Wall at a Time
   When painting, you might be tempted to do all the edges in a room and then go back and do the bulk of the walls. Instead, do one wall at a time so that you don't inadvertently wind up with wall edges that are a slightly different hue. Doing one wall at a time makes it easier for you to produce a seamless look that will help your home stand out against other St. Louis homes for sale. The color along your walls and edges will be even and professional looking. 

5. Wash Your Paint Rollers Before Using Them
   A paint roller is an excellent way to reduce the amount of time it takes to paint a room. Before you get started, wash the rollers in your sink with a squirt of liquid soap. As you wash the roller, run your hands up and down the surface to remove any loose fibers. Rinse the roller well to remove all traces of the soap. You can start using them immediately (even if they're still wet). 

Ready to swap your home for another space? Contact us today to get started!

When potential buyers look at St. Louis homes for sale, the kitchen is always a focal point. Whether you're thinking about selling your home soon or you just want to make your kitchen look great, updating the backsplash is an excellent place to start. 

This small area that peeks out between your appliances and cabinets might seem like an unimportant detail. However, it actually has a major impact on the overall look and feel of your kitchen space. 

Our real estate agents have shown many homes with gorgeous backsplashes... and a few that didn't quite do the trick. The following five tips will help you make sure your kitchen looks great when you're done with your update.

1. Learn the Backsplash Basics
   The first thing you'll want to do is review the basics of backsplash design. Begin by sizing up your space. Multiply the height of the area by the width to get the total square footage. This is the total amount of materials you'll need. Make sure you add at least 10%, so you have enough extra tile to cover any mistakes. If you're thinking about adding any elaborate designs to your backsplash, make sure you put them in the primary focal points. This is typically the space above your kitchen sink and above the range. Small kitchens can also benefit from a backsplash that extends around the room. While this will make the project more expensive, it adds a contemporary look and also creates an optical illusion that makes the space look larger.

2. Consider Total Cost and Durability
   When choosing your materials, make sure you consider the overall cost and how well it will stand up to the test of time. For example, glass backsplashes are stunning, but many homeowners find this option overly expensive. Natural stone will also create a striking look, but you'll have to seal it every year. If you want a durable material that's reasonably priced and easy to clean, consider choosing ceramic tiles. Porcelain is another great choice. It's made from clay, just like ceramic, but it's denser. This makes it more resistant to moisture and less likely to suffer damage. 

3. Beware of Over-Matching
   It's natural to feel like you want everything to match, but if you match your tile too much, you'll end up with a boring, uninspired look. Instead, have some fun playing with patterns or adding in some complementary colors. 

4. Invest in Good Grout
   You might think that your color and pattern choices are the most important, but you'll also want to pay attention to the grout you choose. The grout is the backbone of your backsplash, so don't make the mistake of skimping on this critical detail. 

5. Don't Forget About Maintenance
   If you want your backsplash to keep looking as great as it did when it was first installed, you'll need to keep up with maintenance. Sealing your backsplash is critical. The recommended frequency of this task will depend on the material you choose. If you build your backsplash out of slate, marble, or granite, you'll need to re-seal it once a year. Opt for travertine, and you'll be able to extend this to once every two years. 

Are you thinking about buying or selling a home in the St. Louis area? CB Premier Group can help! Contact us today to discuss your goals and get started.