Easy Tips to Help Sell Your Home this Summer!

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There are pluses to putting your home on the market every season but the summer is a great way to let your home, shine inside and out! Remember summer is a time when families like to relocate because of the break in the school schedule. June is just around the corner so if you are thinking about selling your home or if your home is already “on the market,” I hope these easy tips will help you make your home stand out from the rest of the inventory!

 

1. Two Words: Curb Appeal!

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First impressions are everything so when a Buyer pulls up to your property make sure that your home has its best foot forward, because I guarantee the last five houses the Buyers just toured sure did! Beautiful, crisp green grass is key. Make sure that your lawn is mowed weekly and take advantage of the bright summer colors by adding pops of color with either potted flowers or planted flowers in the ground – their little faces are a cheerful way to greet the Buyers as they arrive! Also, make sure your front door’s welcome mat is new and fresh and not tattered.

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2. Your Pool is Cool!

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If your home has a pool, the summer is a great way to emphasize its “cool factor”. Keep it sparkling by daily scooping out the leaves! Keep all outdoor spaces around the pool such as decks and terraces and out door furniture clean and de-cluttered!

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3. Air It Out!

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During the cooler fall and winter seasons we keep our windows and doors closed tight and fires lit to maximize the cozy feel, however if you did not air out your home during “spring cleaning” then there is never a better time than now! Throw open those heavy drapes, open your home’s windows and doors and let the summer breeze and sun flood your home! Get the stuffy smells out and let the light shine! With daylight savings providing longer days some showings may be during twilight hours so make sure the outdoor light is able to flood through the windows allowing your home to have a dream-like feel.

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4. When in Doubt – Paint!

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Perhaps you painted a room a color that looked amazing on the paint chip but after it dried it was not a hit. If you do not think it looks amazing more-than-likely neither will the Buyer. If a room or hallway has too many scuffs or wear-and-tear marks a fresh coat of paint will do your home a world of wonder! I would highly suggest using white paint – it looks fresh and clean and it does not give Buyers the chance to have an opinion about a color – they are able to use their imagination on how they would use the room for their lifestyle!

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5. Refreshing Cocktail!

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Who does not love a refreshing summer cocktail!? Non-alcoholic of course! Take advantage of the summer heat and have cold bottled water, ice-tea or a craft of lemonade sitting out for the Buyers. After looking at a string of homes it’s a kind gesture to offer Buyers something refreshing to “wet their whistle”! A summer cocktail will not sale your home, but the Buyers will leave your home with a positive feeling … which is key!

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I’d love to hear from you! Let me know your great ideas to get a home sold this summer!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling!!!

Cheers!

Cortney Bailey

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Lemonade Living Room!!!

Cheers to the Freaking Weekend!  TGIF!!!  I came across this photo today and could not resist posting this fantastic room.  I call it the “Lemonade Living Room” as it reminds me of the refreshing drink on a hot Spring or Summer day.  I love the fresh sophisticated crisp black & white room with pops of Chartreuse and Hot Pink!  What a happy room!

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I’d love to hear from you!  What colors in a room make you happy?!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling!!!

Cheers!

Cortney Bailey

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For Like Ever!!!

photo 2Valentines Day to me is all about LOVING Your Space, everyday! Make your home your wonderland by filling it with furniture, art and items that make you feel HAPPY! In honor of “The Day of Love” here are several prints by Super Rural that will be a great addition to your space or a fabulous gift to yourself, your love, your friend, your kids or your family! As you can see the prints come in a rainbow of colors and several neutral options that will all look amazing in any space from Modern to Traditional to Collectic!

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“For Like Ever” Prints

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“& Love”, “For Like Ever” and “You + Me” Prints

What do you LOVE about your space?  Do you do anything special to your home for Valentine’s Day?  I’d love to hear from you and know your ideas so leave me a comment below or swing by one of my listed social media sites below and share your ideas with everyone!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling!!!

Cheers!
Cortney Bailey

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Let There Be Light! The Seventh “Must Have” of Eight for Winter 2013!

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The seventh “Must Have” for this winter season is pretty simple, candles!  Who does not love a great candle?  Not only do they make fantastic gifts, everyone looks like a super model in a candle lit room! If you want to bring a cozy feeling and achieve the look of warmth into your environment during the winter months, then crab your matches and light a candle.

Ideally, I’d love to fill my home with dozens and dozens of candles without having a fire risk, but since that is not possible here is an easy tip.  I like to purchase flameless candles and use them in the background or place them in  gorgeous votives like mercury glass.  Then, I use one good candle in each room of my home to give my “wonderland” a heavenly scent that is not too overpowering. I accomplish the perfect effect without much risk – this is especially important if you have kids, pets or are throwing a holiday party – no fire risk – perfecto!!!

Most of the candles shown in this post were found at Anthropologie, Target or Candle Delirium.  The rest can be found at unique boutiques.  Costco and Target offer good selections for flameless candles!

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Capri Blue from Anthropologie 

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Flameless Candles great selections at Target & Costco

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Aquiesse from Candle Delirium 

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Voluspa from Candle Delirium 

I would love to hear from you!!! Leave me a comment below or on any of the social media sites I’ve listed below and let me know your favorite candle!  I am always looking for new ideas.

Keep Dreaming Designing & Dwelling!

Cheers!

Cortney Bailey

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Not Your Grandma’s Humidifier! The Fourth “Must Have” of Eight for Winter 2013!

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Winter can bring out the best and worst in us all! It’s a festive time, yet the cold weather and extra heat, that we all need to stay warm, can be damaging to you and your home! Depending on where you live, dry or cold climates, you probably experience chapped lips, cracked hands, and a dry face that needs extra moister, plus a body that requires lots of water to keep it hydrated.  As you turn up the heat and light the fireplace inside your home, the same dryness that happens to your body applies to your furniture and hardwood floors! Eeeek … let’s not let this happen to you or your home!!!

My fourth “Must Have” for Winter 2013 is a humidifier! You may be a little shocked by this pick and ask why is this a “Must Have”?  I agree, it may not seem as fun as my other must have items, but it definitely serves a great purpose – and they actually can be very creative! Humidifiers don’t have to be boring, they actually are packed with a lot of punch, and are able to alleviate some of the minor but irritating causes of dry and cold to hot air – especially in the winter months. Cold air contains less moisture than warm air.  When you turn your heating system on, the blowing air makes a home even dryer, which can cause damage to your body and your home’s wood elements!

There are so many different humidifiers to choose from and I would suggest you research the various brands before you buy one, however just like most home appliances, humidifiers come in all sorts of creative shapes, amazing colors and perfect sizes. They are not just your Grandma’s humidifier they are now modern and sleek!

Here are a few of my picks! Just like my last few “Must Haves” the modern humidifier can be purchased at various price points … gotta love that!

photoGizmine Middle Colors, pricing from $119.00 – $179.00

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Oskar, $159.00

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Crane, $39.99-$49.99

Do you use any of these modern Humidifiers?  If so let me know what you think in the comments below. I look forward to hearing from you!

Cheers!

Cortney Bailey

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Forever Views!

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I sold this property in THREE Days!  The Beachwood Canyon neighborhood is home to many celebrities, company executives and creative individuals.  Minutes away from Hollywood, yet tucked away from the city noise this Los Angeles canyon has it all – architectural homes, hiking and horseback riding, views and the convenience of the city!

Situated at the top of Beachwood Canyon, this spectacular architectural home offers a one of a kind roof-top pool, spa and cabana with 360 degree panoramic views! The stunning unobstructed views from downtown to the ocean and of course the famed Hollywood Sign, the reservoir and Griffith Observatory.

I’d love to hear about your neighborhood and what makes it special.  Leave me a comment below or Check out my web-site: www.CortneyBailey.com and contact me!

Cheers!

Cortney Bailey

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Splash of Glass!

Want to make the ultimate splash to your Wonderland kitchen backsplash? Consider using glass!

For the past few years, white subway tiles have been all the rage in kitchens.  While I still love the all-white look and absolutely adore subway tiles, the newest trend for kitchens is glass! Designers and homeowners are taking the leap in using more exotic backsplash finishes as they are becoming bolder in expressing themselves in their kitchen design. Some are even starting to use stainless steel and brick!

To help you achieve the exact look you want, the glass tiles come in endless shapes and colors.  Even if you do not want to bring in a vibrant color into your kitchen you can choose a neutral glass palate.  Remember, using a decorative backsplash is a safer choice than painting kitchen cabinets a bold color. If you are looking for a non-risky way to update your kitchen I would recommend a glass backsplash as it will instantly modernize your Wonderland.


I would love to hear about your favorite kitchen designs!  Leave me a comment below or send me a photo!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling!

Cheers!

Cortney

Traditional Seating Turned Playful!

Sometimes a space or Wonderland needs a little punch of playfulness!  For example, a traditional room may need just one piece of non-traditional “something” to help it have a touch of flirt and not be so serious.  This can easily be done by adding a small accessory that is barely peeking out of a bookcase, or – if you dare to be a tad bit bolder – upholster a modern fabric to a traditional chair! I suggest taking a black and white sassy print and using it on an accent chair for a desk or extra seating.

Here are three examples of black and white playful prints used on traditional chair forms:


I’d love to hear your ideas or see your photos of modern fabric on a traditional chair.  Leave me a comment below!

Keep Dreaming, Designing & Dwelling

Cheers!

Cortney

Burlap Knows No Boundaries!

No matter if you are a total Bohemian at heart or live the glamorous life of “The Bold & The Beautiful”, you can stretch your boundaries with burlap! Originally known for its utilitarian purpose, Burlap has evolved into a versatile textile for home décor.  It looks amazing in an eclectic environment and adds a touch of soft reality to space that otherwise maybe too bewitching. The fabric now comes in a large variety of weaves and blends, textures, colors and even prints!

Here are a few tips on how you may want to incorporate basic Burlap fabrics into your space:

Window Treatments:  A loose weave of burlap will work best as it will let light filter into your space, yet you will still have the necessary privacy you need.

Upholstering Furniture:  When upholstering your furniture with burlap look for a blended yet tight weave.  This will give you a sturdy fabric that will be long lasting and most importantly comfortable to the touch.  Look for linen-like burlap that will provide comfort, yet will give your room a more polished look.

Wall Covering:  Just like wallpaper, burlap can be used on your walls to create a cozy and warm environment.  The fabric is laminated to paper before being applied to the wall.

Accents:  From ottomans, pillows, place mats, to lamp shades, cork boards and bed skirts … the sky is the limit when it comes to how you can use burlap.  If you just want to incorporate a hint of burlap in to your space, small accents are the way-to-go!

 

I would love to hear how you use burlap in your space!  Post a comment below or send me a photo!

Keep Dreaming, Designing and Dwelling

Cheers!

Cortney