These expert tips explain which home features you can do without and which you may want to pay a little more to enjoy. Many cabinets come standard with built-in features, so select midrange cabinetry instead of top-of-the-line. Also opt for storage-savvy solutions instead of expensive finishes or hardware—those elements can always be updated later. If you’re building a new home or adding on, consider a 10-foot or higher ceiling. It opens up a room, which is especially important in small spaces. Make the vault even more wow-worthy by installing a rustic beam across the ceiling’s slope. Ceramic tile is cheap, widely available, and comes in a variety of colors, so you can easily get the look you want. It works especially well in bathrooms, kitchens, and around fireplaces. If you must have expensive tiles, use them only for accents—like for a border or backsplash—and use ceramic tile everywhere else.
Archives for September 2019
Before Buying a Condo by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
If you’re wondering, “Should I buy a condo?” but don’t know where to begin, we’ve got you covered. We talked with real estate experts to find out the biggest considerations for purchasing a condo. Read on as we cover the pros and cons of buying a condo, plus the top questions to ask before closing.
What Is a Condo?
A condo is a unit within a larger residential building, much like an apartment. The key difference? Ownership. All units in an apartment complex are owned by a single landlord or property management company and are rented out to tenants who must follow the same rules. Condos, on the other hand, are individually-owned units, and often provide more freedom for residents looking to update and personalize their space. Common areas and amenities in condos have shared ownership. The condo owners govern their ownership through their homeowners association. In essence, you can think of the homeowners association as the owner of the land.
Homeowners associations, or HOAs, cover the maintenance of the grounds, which is a major draw for condo buyers. HOAs are also responsible for setting specific rules for what residents can and cannot do. These guidelines vary and are put in place to maintain a certain standard of living and lifestyle agreed upon by its residents.
Zillow research finds that older generations are most likely to buy a condo, 7 percent of which are Boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, and 13 percent are from the Silent Generation, those born between 1925 and 1945. According to Pendleton, this indicates a lifestyle split between those who want fewer home-related responsibilities and those who still want a yard. But having your lawn mowed for you isn’t the only upside of condo living. There’s a handful of other perks that attract buyers of all ages—millennials included.
Pros of Buying a Condo
Before you hand over your down payment, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of buying a condo. Below are just a few benefits:
Accessibility: Many urban condos feature single-floor living. This is a huge plus for some, including retirees and those with young kids just learning to walk.
Amenities: Pools, tennis courts, and manicured gardens are just a few of the amenities that attract condo buyers. And because you don’t own the land (unlike townhouse owners), you don’t have to deal with the upkeep, which is handled by the HOA.
Walkability: What really sells the condo lifestyle for all generations of buyers is walk score. This includes close proximity to eateries, coffee shops, and other amenities like a pool, fully-equipped gym, shared outdoor spaces such as parks and greenbelt areas, job paths, and assigned private parking spaces. Naturally, this walk score is higher for condos, as they tend to cluster in more urban or vacation areas.
Community: Having access to shared amenities, activities, and events make condos a popular pick for those looking to socialize.
Investment: Is buying a condo a good investment? Owning a condo has many of the same benefits of owning a single-family home. “You can build equity and benefit from the tax incentive that comes with homeownership as well as the stability that homeownership provides,” she says.
Cons of Buying a Condo
Although condos offer bonus amenities, they can also come with added fees and rules. Here are some of the downsides to purchasing a condo:
Cost: Research shows that median condo values nationwide have increased 26.9 percent in the past five years, with the average condo value sitting at $235,300 as of March 2019. That’s higher than an average single-family home, which was valued at $226,700. This can make the choice between buying a condo versus house even trickier.
HOA fees: Condos have HOA fees that can be much higher than expected depending on the area, the condo value, and amenities. Buyers must weigh convenience versus cost and should consider how much wiggle room they have for potential costs outside the monthly fees. Unexpected assessments such as emergency repairs or higher-than-normal gardening costs can add up quickly.
HOA rules: HOA rules vary widely from condo to condo. While some offer many of the same freedoms that come with owning a single-family home, others can be quite strict. So if things like pets or patio decorations are important to you, you may want to consider other housing options.
Noise: With shared walls, you can’t always count on your neighbors to keep quiet. Plus, if you purchase a condo in an urban setting, the convenience can come at a cost. It’s only natural to hear the sounds of traffic and busy streets if you’re in the heart of things.
Buying a Condo Versus Renting
Buyers looking to rent their condos for an extended period of time, whether it be for vacation or as a way to earn additional income, should ask the condo’s HOA about feasibility and restrictions. If buying for a rental, there is a rental cap. Most of the information can be obtained through the resale certificate, so it’s very important to read it closely and have your questions answered within the contracted timeframe allowed.
How to Buy a Condo
To find condos listed in your area, call Joe Szabo directly to help guide your search and help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Just like single-family homes, you’ll need to apply for a mortgage. Your lender can help you review building operations and board documents. In addition to an application and list of references, some condos request an interview with the HOA board. When meeting, you’ll want to ask the right questions upfront, so there won’t be any surprises later on.
Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo
When considering a condo, you’ll want to know the answers to several key questions. Ask the following queries before buying a condo:
- What are the HOA fees?
- What are the HOA rules?
- What does my HOA pay for and what is there funding for?
- Can I look at the past year’s HOA meeting minutes?
- Are there any major repairs coming up?
- Are there pet restrictions?
- Can I rent out my unit?
- What kind of community events are held?
- Do owners socialize or tend to keep up themselves?
- What kind of noise level can I expect?
Note that condo residents are required to obtain insurance for their individual units, while the building tends to have a shared master policy that is paid through condo association fees.
The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
Garage Makeovers by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
With space to hold two cars, two workbenches, a rolling table, and a slew of baskets, drawers, and cabinets, this garage renovation is seriously hardworking.
The garage is often merely a big repository for tools, yard implements, and off-season items with nowhere else to go. But Miesje and Dana Corbo of Scottsdale, Arizona, knew it could be more. Working with interior designer Caroline DeCesare, they filled their three-car garage with work areas, storage, and art. “You spend more time in the garage than in some rooms of the house, especially if you’re like me and a little bit handy,” Dana reasons. The end result is a stylish space to sort and store everything a busy family with four preteens might need—and then some. In the hardworking zone, open wire shelving organizes often-used tools (drills, flashlights, tape measures) in easy reach of work surfaces. Framed signs lend a playful mood.
From the outside, you’d have no clue what lies behind these rustic garage doors. One bay of Miesje and Dana Corbo’s three-car garage is dedicated to two workbenches and a table on casters. The other two garage bays are for cars.
Like items are grouped together inside a corner cabinet. Cleaning products are rounded up in baskets, pesticides are out of reach in another labeled bin, and golf club covers are stored next to golf balls. If you have kids or pets in your family, be sure to store dangerous chemicals out of reach from curious little hands.
Have a lot of tools? Store one type in each bin to avoid a jumble. Here, containers suit the size and shape of various supplies. Shallow metal drawers below one workbench stow hand tools; under them, big wire mesh baskets hold bulky extension cords, rope, and cases for Dana’s drills.
A cabinet outfitted with screen doors for a rustic look is built into the wall so it doesn’t take up any extra floor space. The Corbos measured the shelves to make room for Dana’s golf bags. Hooks get ladders and a broom off the floor.
Want flexible storage fast? Dana Corbo recommends installing a wall-mounted rail system. “That’s the first thing I would do if I were starting with a new garage,” he says. “You can hang the rack as high or as low on the wall as you want.” The rails (which include hooks for specific tools) can be installed with a drill, screws, and anchors.
An antique table got a new set of casters so it can be moved wherever it’s needed. “It’s also a convenient place to dump things when you get out of the car,” Dana says. Light is gained from windows, ceiling cans, and pendants.
Don’t forget about the storage potential near the ceiling. The Corbos added a shelf high on the wall for a dozen black plastic totes that store off-season clothing, camping gear, memorabilia, holiday decorations, and “anything we get down once a year,” Dana says. For maximum benefit, they added extra framing support to make sure the shelf would support heavy items.
Deep drawers tucked into alcoves under windows are big enough for all the sports equipment the Corbo kids can throw in them. Individual baskets in the drawers keep items sorted and organized by sport. There’s no excuse for a cluttered backyard with these organizational tools in use.
A multipurpose cabinet stacks items from the stained concrete floor nearly to the ceiling. Metal bins (some vintage scores, some new purchases) store items such as lightbulbs, paint cans, rags, wood stain, gardening gloves, and seed packets. The two largest shelf items are stored on the bottom to avoid heavy lifting.
Two sets of drawers fit snugly under the windows along the back of the garage, leaving plenty of room for cars. A spacious surface on top of the drawers is a useful space to work on projects or store supplies. Industrial-style stools offer a resting place next to the table.
An industrial rotating bin the Corbos found at the Round Top Antiques Fair in Texas holds nails and other small items that can easily get lost. It sits atop a cabinet with numbered drawers, where Dana stashes such things as batteries, hook-and-loop tape, and glue. A framed print makes this work space feel less like a garage and more like home.
The work space boasts a utility sink and faucets (formerly a weathered zinc bucket and outdoor spigots). “Paint and all that stuff is very messy,” Dana says, “and we just deal with it in the garage rather than in the house.” The workbench features tilt-out bins sized just right for a table saw, clamps, and other bulky tools. Repurposed vintage finds serve as clever containers for tools and supplies.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
Spare Room becomes a Crafting Retreat by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Are you looking for a creative way to carve out some space for the perfect crafting retreat in your home? The “crafty” solution might be a lot easier than you think! It could just be a matter of exploring the spare spaces available throughout your home.
Closet Creative
If you can spare a closet or consolidate two closets into one to free up space, you can create the perfect crafting retreat by adding shelving, a countertop, and a pegboard on the back wall for craft storage. As a bonus, you can shut the closet door to hide away any unfinished crafting projects!
Image via: Beneath my Heart
Make the Most of Your Guest Room
If you have a guest room that only sees visitors a few times a year, consider taking over a wall in the room to create your dedicated crafting area. Floor-to-ceiling shelving provides additional storage, and a small desk can give you a nice crafting work surface. A guest room closet can house your crafting supplies, sewing machine, and other products you’ll want to have on hand.
Creative Cabinets or Shelving
If you can’t repurpose a closet or part of an office for your craft space, consider taking over a cabinet or a shelving unit in another area of your home, such as a family room, basement, or bedroom. Large glass cookie jars and other canisters are a great (and pretty!) way to store craft supplies on open shelving. Clear plastic storage bins are perfect for storing craft supplies in closed cabinets.
Image via: The Creativity Exchange
Combined Office and Craft Space
Converting an existing office space in your home into a dual-purpose craft area is easy to do by adding pegboard storage to a wall to hold craft supplies. If you can, divide available cabinet and file storage spaces to house both office and craft supplies.
Armoire or Wardrobe
Another option for creating a dedicated crafting retreat is to convert a large armoire or wardrobe with cork board or magnetic board. Many types of armoires and wardrobes have built-in electrical outlets that can be utilized for a sewing machine, glue gun, and other craft tools that require a plug-in. Inside shelving can be customized to fit your crafting needs.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
What Making Your Bed Says about you by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
There are major differences between those who make their beds every morning and those who don’t.
To make or not to make? That is the question—and the answer actually reveals a lot about your personality. A survey commissioned by the sleep site Sleepopolis surveyed 2,000 Americans about whether they made their bed in the morning, and we were a little surprised by the findings.
According to the results, there are quite a few contrasts between the type of people who make their bed every morning and those who don’t. The individuals who make their beds every morning tend to be morning people who wake up without an alarm, and those who don’t make their beds are night owls who snooze their alarms. The former group reportedly rise 16 minutes earlier, and the latter actually report a lower quality of sleep. However, the average amount of sleep recorded, which was six and a half hours, was actually the same for both groups—and less than the seven or more hours recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and Sleep Research Society.
The results also reveal that those who make their bed usually work in health and technology fields, and are described as adventurous, confident, sociable, and high maintenance. Those who don’t work in business or finance, and are deemed shy, moody, curious, and sarcastic. The bed makers listen to jazz music, and prefer to watch House Hunters and romantic movies. The non-bed-makers enjoy rock music, and tend to tune into Seinfeld and comedies.
Related: Secrets to Make Your Bed Feel Like a 5-Star Hotel
There’s also a difference in regards to what actually goes on between the sheets. The average nap for a bed maker lasts for 43 minutes, and siesta for those who don’t make the bed is 50 minutes. The first group has sex three times a week, and the second has sex two times per week. Nearly half of those who make the bed—42%—revealed it would be a turn off if a potential partner left the sheets untucked.
It gets even better for those who prefer a tidy sleeping space. The National Sleep Foundation published a bedroom poll that found 19% of people who make their bed were more likely to get a good night’s sleep. “It’s not clear why this is, but perhaps there is a connection between feeling good about where you sleep and your tendency to sleep through the night,” the site notes.
No matter which side you’re on—as long as it’s not the wrong side of the bed—either one is fine as long as it works for you.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
The Well Designed Door by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
A well-designed door is a simple way to add style to your home. We’ll walk you through all of the options for both interior and exterior doors.
At their core, doors serve one vital functional—but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. After all, the right door can make or break a space. We’ve broken down styles and types of doors into two categories: interior and exterior. Our tips will help you pick the perfect door for every threshold in your home; whether it’s a hidden door to the basement or your home’s main entrance.
The hinged single door is the most common interior door type. The room design must allow space for hinged doors to swing. Interior doors typically are lightweight and have two hinges; exterior doors are heavy and often use three hinges. Interior doors are usually 1-3/8 inches thick, and exterior doors are commonly 1-3/4 inches thick.
A panel door is a classic style. It usually has three or four horizontal rails and three vertical stiles. The spaces between them are filled with thinner panels. Decorative molding (or some representation of it) called “sticking” surrounds each panel. The result is a richly textured look that is at home in both traditional and modern settings.
A flush door is a simple flat slab. It is usually the least expensive choice. If the surface is a hardwood veneer (usually birch or oak), a flush door can be stained, but other materials usually look best painted. Flush doors blend well with contemporary settings, but may look out of place in a traditional home. Interior flush doors are often hollow core, while exterior flush doors have a solid core and may have a metal or fiberglass face rather than wood veneer.
A pair of French doors adds a charming touch as well as an extra-wide doorway opening. These doors are almost always traditional in design. Often they have glass panels. They are most commonly used as exterior patio doors, but interior French doors can make a stunning passageway between rooms.
Many older homes have interior pocket doors, which slide into the wall when fully opened. They allow you to completely open the doorway without taking up any floor space. Pocket doors are making a comeback; many styles are available, single and double. A pocket door requires wall space that cannot have electrical or plumbing lines running through it.
For a closet that is 6 feet wide or wider, a pair of bifold doors is the most popular choice. Each door takes up about half the swinging space of a hinged door. Bifolds can be flush, paneled, or louvered.
Somewhat less common are bypass doors. These operate much like sliding patio doors but are far lighter in weight. They are generally flush doors.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
Cleaning Ceilings and Mouldings by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Ceilings rarely need to be scrubbed unless your home suffers smoke, soot, or water damage. So your cleaning routine means occasionally wiping the ceiling with a broom covered with a soft, lint-free cloth or T-shirt. Or try vacuuming the ceiling with a soft brush attachment.
If your ceiling does need to be washed (kitchen spatters, for example), use an all-purpose cleaner and scrub one small section at a time. You can also use a homemade cleaning solution made by diluting 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or ammonia in a quart of water. After you’ve washed the ceiling, rinse with clear water and a clean sponge or rag. If the stains remain, apply a stain-resistant sealer — such as Kilz — and repaint.
The grooves and raised surfaces in a ceiling’s decorative molding work far too well for trapping dust, grease, and soot. When needed, clean dusty trim with a vacuum brush attachment, a feather duster, or a soft paintbrush.
Clean dirty molding with an all-purpose cleaner, but test first in an inconspicuous spot. Mix a solution of 1 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 1-gallon warm water. Pour part of the solution into a spray bottle to spray and wipe small sections of the molding at a time. Rinse with plain water and wipe the molding dry with a soft, clean cloth.
For picture molding that has spaces for picture hooks (located below the crown molding), use a new soft paintbrush or cotton swabs to remove the dust. If the space is grimy, clean with a cotton swab dipped in the cleaning solution used for the molding. Follow with a swab dipped in plain water and finish with dry swabs.
Vacuum ceiling tiles regularly with the brush attachment to remove dust. Because of texture and color variations, spots and dirt aren’t normally major problems. Streaks and spots from water damage do show and are difficult to remove. Replace the tile if possible. Or seal it with a stain-resistant sealer — such as Kilz — and paint the tile.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
Tips on Maintaining your Concrete Driveway by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
One of the best attributes of a decorative concrete driveway is how little maintenance and routine care it will need over its lifetime. But no driveway paving material—including concrete—is truly maintenance-free. Here are some tips for preserving the life and appearance of your investment.
Clean and reapply sealer as needed.
Cleaning your concrete driveway on occasion and keeping it sealed are the best measures you can take to keep it looking its best. How often you clean and reseal will depend on the weather conditions the concrete is exposed to and the amount of vehicle traffic it receives. Generally, you should reseal a concrete driveway every two years or so, or when the finish begins to show wear. Good commercial sealers are available from concrete material suppliers and hardware stores. Or ask your contractor for recommendations. Always apply the sealer according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
For more information, read our guide to cleaning and sealing exterior decorative concrete.
Remove stains immediately.
While a sealer will help to protect concrete from stain absorption, it’s still a good idea to remove oil, gasoline, grease and other spills as soon as possible. If the concrete does discolor, pressure washing and certain cleaning chemicals will remove most stains
Avoid using chemicals.
Using chemicals on your concrete driveway in the winter can cause surface damage—primarily scaling and spalling—by forcing the thawing and refreezing of moisture. Products containing ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulfates are especially harmful because they will actually attack the concrete chemically. Rock salt (sodium chloride) or calcium chloride will do less damage, but they can harm vegetation and corrode metal. Avoid the use of any deicers the first winter after driveway placement, since new concrete is more susceptible to the harmful effects of salt. As an alternative, use sand for traction.
Treat it with care.
Although concrete is one of the most durable paving materials for driveway construction, the typical residential driveway isn’t engineered to support heavy vehicles (like a huge moving van) and large construction equipment. Also, use care when plowing or shoveling your driveway. Avoid the use of metal blades that might scrape or scratch the surface.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
5 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Cluttered by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team
Decorating a home is a great way to make it cozy, comfortable, and inviting, but it’s easy to go overboard and end up with a messy, cluttered looking space. Here are five decorating mistakes that make your home look messy and how to avoid them!
1. Using Too Many Colors
Decorating with too many colors is guaranteed to make a home look cluttered and messy. Use one or two hues combined with neutral colors to give your home a cohesive, relaxed look. This living room has been decorated with various shades of blue to create a gorgeous, cohesive space. The neutral-color walls, rug, window coverings, and furnishings allow the room to breathe as well as make the room look more spacious and open.
2. Adding Too Many Accent Pillows
Placing too many accent pillows on a sofa or bed will instantly create a haphazard and untidy look. This living room looks pulled together and well-decorated because the sofa isn’t laden with numerous decorative pillows. Two accent pillows on each end of the sofa are the perfect amount to decorate this room with beautiful color and pattern.
3. Pushing Furniture Against Walls
Arranging all of your furniture up against the walls will make the space look cluttered and messy. Solution? Pull the furniture away from the walls and toward the center of the room as in this living room seating arrangement. This grouping of four chairs around a coffee table creates the perfect conversation area. Ground the furniture with an area rug.
4. Placing Too Much Decor On Tables
Placing too many decorative accents on the entire surface of a table will make a room look cluttered. Instead, edit the number of decor accessories and then decorate the table in a vignette style (one grouping) or create two groupings as in this photo. First, edit what you already have on the table top. Only display what you love and what is functional (for example a small dish for storing car keys and sunglasses) and remove the rest. Group many small objects in a jar or bowl. Elevate small objects on a stack of two or three books to give it a purposeful look.
5. Hanging Pictures Randomly
Pictures and wall art hung in haphazard fashion across a wall will make a room look chaotic. Group pictures in a gallery wall arrangement; the space will instantly look organized and balanced. The art hung above the headboard in this bedroom, demonstrates how several pieces can be hung to create a visually pleasing and curated look.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.