Re-design

What a delight it has been to assist our clients with their redesigning desires this summer. So many are taking this time to re-think their home's interior. With constant bombardment on how to spend money lately, we find many are using their budget to update what they have. Instead of taking on a huge project, it is more convenient to work on a few key areas allowing their home reflect their personality.

You don't have to break the bank to make an impact. So if you are not planning to sell for a bit, surround yourself with personalized color and individual comfort. Done well, it can have a positive impact on how you feel when you walk in your door, and isn't that what home is all about??!
A recent conversation with a client was a great reminder. Sometimes we are more worried about what others will think instead of going with what we love.
Hesitating to put your favorite color on the wall is silly if your only reason is that you don't want to be known as the house with the crazy wall color. But this client really loved a color and stated that it made her happy!! So, go with it! If you plan on staying put for a while, you might as well enjoy your home while you are there. Should you plan to sell your home, that is the time to think neutral.
If a sassy color is something that causes you to pause before painting, ask yourself why. A little bit of sass now and then in the right place might just be the ticket to getting you through the day. We suggest a smaller room such as a bath or bedroom as a start. Also, keep in mind I am not talking of an explosion of color. Just some attitude!
After all, a can of paint is relatively inexpensive and makes quite an impact. Remember shocking pink from top to bottom might be a bit too sassy, but a splash of boldness could just be the perfect look that reflects your personality!

Value

Recently I corresponded with a business associate regarding the housing market. I mentioned of the importance of staging every home and I was met with the reply that staging right now isn't necessary. Hm~
A well considered opinion. Someone's perception of value.
But when did good taste and positive impression become unimportant?
I sure do understand the initial knee-jerk reaction that money is tight and priorities must be established! Absolutely.
We are working through that in our own home and budget. "Do we really need that? " Decisions are tougher now, given more thought due to money flow.
But priorities are shifting also.
What was once important, maybe doesn't seem vital. However, what was a luxury, can also become almost a necessity. I've learned that opportunities lost can bring regret.
Example; We would love a vacation. We look forward to the family time of relaxing, balanced with some crazy flashlight in hand-late night bike rides. Making homemade donuts we shouldn't eat, but feel justified cuz, 'Hey, we're on vacation!"
While a vacation might be a stretch, it is an investment in family & memories. Those don't fade or change with the economic situation.
Those decisions are made not only with what joy we receive, but with the notion it is worth it!
Staging is like that.
It might be a stretch, but it is an investment. There are a lot, and I mean a lot of homes for sale out there. And while spending any extra time or money now seems unimportant, those who are spending their money to purchase their new house are even more careful with their money.

Value is perceived and perception is valuable.

Time

Time is a blessing and a curse. It can consume or give a sense of freedom. It can bring the comfort of boundary, holding things in order. Or time gives us feeling of claustrophobia. Most of us live with the underlying sense of time, constantly aware of how it holds us in its grip throughout our day.
We wake up wondering what time it is. We arrange our schedule by the clock. Appointments need time and we strive to be 'on time', frustrated if the courtesy is not reciprocated. Our recreation even needs time. "I'll be back later."
Later.
Now as it is summer time there is a sense in my life to get things done outside. Pulled in different directions but hoping that now is the time to enjoy the summer. I mean in Oregon when the sun shines you better take it when you can. Summer says "time out." School is out, vacations are planned. I don't want to waste time, but isn't that the point sometimes? To waste it? There is joy in time wasted.
But is there regret in it too?
My daughter and son in law are wondering if now is the time to buy a house. Well, maybe. There are perks for sure in finding just the right spot to call your own. A big decision. One that should be made carefully! With the incentives now for first time home buyers it seems reasonable. So as we discuss the pros and cons of being a home owner and I value the time we share, giving advice to my grown up girl, making grown up decisions.
Time is a gift.