Art

Art makes all the difference. Use it wisely.

Happy Rooms

Certain colors make such happy rooms!

Are Homes Under $250,000 Nearing Extinction?

NEW YORK – According to a recent report by economic research consultancy Capital Economics, the number of vacant single-family homes on the market priced under $250,000 has halved since 2012.

There were only 550,000 vacant homes on the market nationwide priced under $250,000 at the start of the third quarter of 2019.

Capital Economics attributes this to two things: a lower overall housing inventory and a shortage of cheaper homes in particular. It also notes that the number of vacant single-family homes for sale dropped 25% since 2012, and while the homeowner vacancy rate rose slightly in the third quarter, it was up from a 40-year low in the second quarter.

A lack of affordable homes could hamper the home buying prospects of the younger generations. Capital Economics expects that rental vacancy rates will stay fairly low, preventing a sharp fall in rental growth as the economy slows. However, the report also notes that household formation rates are strong, as 2.9 million new households were formed in the last two years, up from 1.9 million households formed in the two years to the third quarter of 2017.

Household formation could lead to more people being ready to buy a home, but the report warns that new households will find it increasingly difficult to find an affordable home. The report also notes that tight credit conditions will make it more difficult for potential home buyers to stretch their budgets until home builders ramp up production of cheaper properties.

Source: HousingWire (11/06/19) Smith, Maleesa

Bold Color

If you are nervous about using bold color in your home, try it on a smaller scale…pick out one thing (like this door) and go bold. There was a time when everything matched but not anymore…people like a little bit of creativity and this is a good place to start.

Go Bold AND Go Home.

Upgrades on the Cheap

Mirrored Closet Doors

Make a small bedroom look larger by adding mirrors to plain closet doors. Simply pick up a couple of cheap, framed floor-length mirrors for less than $10 at your local big box store, paint the frame to match and attach to your closet door with construction adhesive for a permanent look or removable picture-hanging strips if you’re renting. Feeling extra crafty? Glue thin trim pieces to the mirrors for a high-end look.

BUY IT: Target, $5.99

Courtesy of HGTV

 

No Closets…No Problem

It does not matter how much closet space you have in your home, there is never enough. I am seeing more and more people utilize the clothing racks like we find in stores and they are common in homes. If you watch the Real Housewives of New York, it seems like all the ladies have these racks in their bedrooms (except Bethenny). To clarify, I bought one for my house and I am certain we are going to see more of these in the future. It’s an easy solution to a difficult problem. One note…keep them color coordinated like this couple.

Money Can’t buy You Class

Decorating doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, sometimes, it is the most unusual eclectic mix of furnishings that make the biggest statement.

Making a Home Memorable

It just takes some great choices to make your home memorable. Don’t go all matchy-matchy with furniture…you want your guests to leave remembering one outstanding feature of your home like this velvet loveseat.

Porch Perfection

If you have followed this site for very long then you know I have a “thing” for porches. In the South, the porch is an extension of our living space and I love to see the ideas that pop up around the web for porch design. This one is especially beautiful!

Design Trends

I am seeing a dramatic return in the use of wallpaper in homes. If you want ideas on trends…use this page or you can go to Designer Show Homes. You will be a step ahead of the competition!