Tips for a Cozy Kitchen

With today's busy lifestyles, home buyers are often opting for cozy, connected kitchens according to Realtor magazine. The kitchen is becoming a place for more than cooking. It is a gathering place for entertaining, homework, conversation, and projects. Homes are trending smaller. ,Thus versatility is a priority for optimal kitchen design. Dining rooms are not segregated from the kitchen but blend openly with kitchen space. Likewise, living room space blends into the same area without the confinement of walls. So. What can you do to create a social and cozy feel to a kitchen that is already created as you prepare your home for sale or if you can't afford to remodel? Try these tips to cozy-up your existing kitchen: 1. Soften the light in the room with sconces or accent lighting. 2. Use comfy, upholstered chairs rather than wooden bar stools. 3. Add functional and conversational space with a kitchen island. 4. Add a buffet, cupboard, or wall shelving for useful storage space and to attract buyers who want more storage. 5. Repair cabinets; replace broken hardware, and replace broken countertops as you are able. Don't stress over what you cannot do. Take one step at a time. You don't have to spend a lot of money or time to make a kitchen cozy. Come up with your own unique solutions. Sometimes an item moved from one room into another such as a painting moved from the hallway to the kitchen can soften the look and feel of the kitchen. You will get ideas as you observe other's homes or visit interior design shops. Most of all, enjoy the journey! And call me, Pat Branham, if I can help you find your ideal kitchen in a desirable home!

Tips for Staging Your Home Inexpensively

The National Association of Realtors "houselogic" website offers many tips for home buyers and sellers. Whether you live in Chattanooga, TN or another area, being familiar with inexpensive home staging tips can boost your potential to sell your home in today's competive market.

See the full article and explore the website at: http:\\buyandsell.houselogic.com. You will be amazed at the simple, low-to-no cost ways you can attract buyers and set your home apart from other listings in the neighborhood.

First, do a thorough cleaning of your home. Don't just vaccum in the middle of the room and dust around objects. Remove stains and pet odors from carpets and clean down to the base boards and blinds. Make your tile or wood floor gleam and polish your furniture. Wipe all decorative objects.

And speaking of furniture and decorative objects, remove personal items such a family photos and personal mementos from walls and tables. Store some of your furniture to make your rooms look larger. Get rid of clutter and organize books and papers. Kitchen countertops should display minimal small appliances or other items. Less is better. Buyers want to see themselves living in the home.

Organize your furniture in groupings with focal points such as a fireplace. Paint your sroom with fresh, neutral tones and add a few splashes of color such as an afghan , plant or pillow. Put fresh linens on the beds, and put complimentary, clean and lush towels in the bathrooms. Replace the shower curtains if needed.

Finally, create a pleasant outdoor entry that invites buyers inside by keeping your lawn mowed and by trimming your landscape. Add a pot of colorful flowers near the entrance to the home.

Staging a home doesn't need to be expensive. Practical and low-cost staging can invite buyers to your door and lead them to come inside. Appropriate staging is worth the time and effort and increases your chances of a quicker sale.