decorating — Home and Garden Diva

Boutique Real Estate: How Stephen Finfer and Others Are Revolutionizing the L.A. Housing Market

Boutique real estate agencies offer far more than property listings and scheduled showings for their client lists. These real estate professionals are increasingly involved in creating and designing unique solutions for the needs of their elite clientele. This integrated approach that combines design and structural components with the expected array of realty services allows top-end boutique real estate companies to attract a loyal cadre of clients in the challenging Los Angeles housing market.

What Is Boutique Real Estate?

The boutique real estate market caters to clients looking for a specific set of attributes in their new home. Boutique realty companies provide added services that may include custom photography and house stagings for sellers and furnishing, decorating and landscaping arrangements for buyers. Boutique properties can be defined as homes, apartments and buildings that offer added amenities and stylish extras for their residents and owners.

It All Starts With the Right Property

In the Los Angeles area, boutique real estate specialists may also identify prime locations in need of renovations and updating and transform these ugly ducklings into beautiful swans for their elite clientele. Los Angeles real estate development professionals like Stephen Finfer can provide expert renovations and development strategies to support the services provided by boutique realtors. Finfer is a top name in the sale and rental renovations market in Los Angeles, and has built his reputation on creating beautiful and livable spaces with his own unique style and flair.

Building Beauty from the Ground Up

Many of the properties revitalized by L.A. developers are designed specifically for upscale living in the most desirable areas. These exclusive rental and private-family residences, however, can fall victim to persistent neglect and a failure on the part of owners to maintain their properties and update them as styles and preferences change. Visionary developers like Stephen Finfer and others can restore these homes to their former glory and can create a brand-new paradigm that encompasses green-friendly construction methods, unique architectural features, and all the smaller accoutrements that can turn a Los Angeles residence into a showplace.

The Little Touches that Set Boutique Living Apart

Stephen Finfer and other boutique real estate developers provide more than architectural design and general renovation construction services; they also ensure a wide range of conveniences, services and available amenities for their residential clients. Concierge and house cleaning services can be arranged for some properties; others can be designed around a specific focal point to create a stunning visual impact on guests to the residence. By taking even the smallest elements in design and comfort into consideration when creating an integrated plan for renovations, developers can ensure the true boutique experience for buyers in the competitive Los Angeles housing market.

The increasing popularity of exclusive boutique real estate services and customized property development projects is expected to continue in the Los Angeles area. This demand for added value in the housing market will prove remunerative for real estate agents and developers like Stephen Finfer and will provide plentiful opportunities for expansion and growth for savvy entrepreneurs and renovation specialists.

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Top Tips For Decorating Your Windowsills

by Trish

When thinking about the décor for a room and how to make the most of it, many people won’t really give much thought to the windowsills until the last minute. Often we think in detail about things like where the coffee table should go in relation to the couch, and what colour carpet and wallpaper we want, but will then literally just ‘dump’ a range of left over items onto our windowsills at the end.

It’s no surprise then that often the windowsills are far from the most interesting part of our décor and that often they end up looking cluttered or unattractive. Seeing as your windows are something that can be seen from both inside and outside of the room, this is a decision that should take a lot more time and consideration. Here then we will look at some of the top tips for deciding what to put on your windowsills – you’ll be surprised what a difference it can make to your entire room.

Practicality

The first thing to think about when choosing items to go on your windowsill is the practicality of having them there. Many of us will have curtains as well as netting on our windows, and will want to be able to reach the handle to let cold air in from time to time. That means we’ll constantly be reaching over our windowsills and rummaging around on them and that any tall or poorly balanced items could easily get knocked over and damaged. If you are going to put items on your windowsill then, ensure that they are resilient enough to survive a fall onto the floor and preferably choose smaller items that aren’t going to get in the way/won’t be liable to fall.

Another consideration here is light, and while the light coming through your window can be very beneficial for your potted plants, it may not be so good for a range of your decorative items and may in fact bleach them over time. If you have anything that has a bold colour and you want to keep it that way – avoid putting it on the windowsill.

Finally, avoid anything on your windowsill that will potentially attract burglars. Remember that anything you put here will essentially be on display to passers by, and you don’t want to put things in temptation’s way if it can be avoided.

Appearance

In terms of what looks good on a windowsill it’s definitely normally going to be a matter of ‘less is more’. Clutter this area with lots of different items and it will look busy and crowded and this will mean that none of your items really stand out. On the other hand though, put just a few of your prized possessions on the window sill and you’ll find that they can really make a big impact. Think too about what will look good in this particular position – will people often be facing that window? And will the light from outside enhance them? Crystal items look wonderful in the window for instance as they can refract the light coming through.

Attached Images:

License: Creative Commons image source
License: Creative Commons image source
License: Creative Commons image source

This guest post is submitted by Linda Browns. She enjoys blogging on home improvement and tech related topics. She says home tinting helps in keeping your house safe.

Areas Of A Home Most People Overlook When Decorating

by Trish

If you’ve been a homeowner for quite some time, then you can probably relate to just how much a room can change with the help of a few minor tweaks. Those new blinds and freshly painted walls can take a room from feeling outdated, to exciting and new. However, there are some areas of your home that you may be neglecting without even realizing it. While you may feel you’ve thought of everything possible to make your home look exactly the way you’d like it, at least one of the items we mention today has probably slipped your mind.

Putting Focus on the Not-So-Minor Details

While most home-improvement gurus are going to tell you about the importance of color, wall and yard decor, what many of them fail to mention are the upgrades that make a home look more aesthetically appealing. Sure, that perfectly themed bedroom may be stunning on the eyes, but can you imagine how much nicer the room would be if the doorknob matched as well? What about those towel holders in your bathroom? They’ve been there for quite some time and stick out like a sore thumb. These days, there is what seems like an endless number of possibilities because not only is shopping around easier than ever but so is having items custom-made.

Simplifying the Day

The smallest changes can make the world of a difference. Not only that but they can make your life easier. Not have a place to hang your jackets near the front door? Why not install a barely-noticeable rack on the wall? You can choose to have it match the picture frames located on the same wall so even when they aren’t in use, they still blend nicely with the scenery. What about those books that always seem to fall over underneath your coffee table? A few matching bookends can not only give your guests another object to enjoy, but you won’t have to worry about falling books day in and day out.

Safety and Beauty Can Go Hand in Hand

When many adults think about safety, the last thing on their minds is design. A safe home means less time worrying about the children, the pets or any guests you may have staying the night. While you’re making upgrades to improve the security of your residence, why not do a bit of research and figure out if you can’t locate options that are not just going to offer the functionality you’re looking for but also the visual appeal that you’ve worked so hard to create throughout your home?

You Don’t Have to Go with the Majority

A perfect example of this would be household locks. It can be so easy to grab the first solution you come across, install it and go about your day – as most homeowners do. However, there are a wide range of good-looking solutions. Instead of sticking with the medal door handles you currently have and the mismatched deadbolt, why not spend a few extra bucks and get a completely new set? A lever may be more up your alley than a standard knob. While silver and gold are two of the most common colors, don’t be afraid to experiment a little. Choose a style that will compliment the rest of your home. The same goes for your deadbolt. Have you considered one that allows you to peak outside before completely unlocking your door? These are great when trying to keep little ones inside, while still being able to speak with the mail man or see if company has arrived.

Let Your Imagination Run Wild

Once you begin noticing the items you typically didn’t offer a second glance, ideas are going to begin forming. Even something as simple as adding new hinges on your doors can mean a much better overall design. Walk through your home and take note of what objects you use but maybe haven’t truly ‘looked’ at in a while. Install a new towel holder or change the style of your blinds so they better match the rest of the home. Try not to reach for popular brands or companies because these are often going to offer the most expensive prices. Locate discount shops and ask local home improvement stores if they know where you can find different solutions. Much of the time, they are more than happy to work with you and potentially even offer you discounts in order to have your purchase with them, instead of the competition. Ask them if they would be willing to sit down with you and draw out room plans while you’re at it.

Attached Images:

License: Creative Commons image source
License: Creative Commons image source
License: Creative Commons image source

Ron Gatting is a Interior dseigner by profession and also the author of today’s guest post. A fun loving guy, he likes to reinvent himself through his work by trying out new design ideas. He believes in compactness and effciency and trusts none other than adh.com.au for providing building materials. He has written several articles upto now on various topics and this is his latest one on home decor.

Five Feng Shui Techniques That Will Help The Energy Flow In Your Home

by Trish

The art of feng shui is a way of decorating as to bring positive feelings and joy into a home. When you fung shui your home a person can find health and prosperity. Feng shui can be used in a variety of environments from office building to homes. The following feng shui home techniques will help you to enjoy your home more.

There are five ways that you can fung shui your home.

Clear Clutter: The first step is to clear the clutter, this means removing everything from the house that is not wanted. This can be done by organizing and then discarding the unwanted items. This is one of the most important steps and is a must.
Change Colors: The second step is to change the colors; this can be done by applying a coat of paint. Color is important when it comes to fung shui your home. There are five elements of color Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. The colors of fire can be seen in Red, Orange, Purple, Pink, and Strong Yellow. The colors of Earth are seen with Light Yellow and Beige and other Earth or Sand colors. Metal is the third color in the feng shui home technique with the colors of Gray and White. Fourth feng shui home technique color is water which is found in Blue and Black. The final color in fung shui is Wood featured in the colors Brown and Green.
Organize the Room: The third step is to organize the bedroom to allow for positive airflow by ensuring that your feet do not face the door when lying on the bed. The bedroom must also have an equal number of items beside the bed.
Close the Lid: The bathroom is the fourth way can be accomplished by closing the lid on the toilet and the door closed is a way to keep the good luck from going down the drain.
Clawfoot Bathtubs: The fifth way to fung shui your home is in the bathroom by adding clawfoot bathtubs. The clawfoot bathtubs which feature round corners can add a balanced flow.

A person can find that using these feng shui home techniques will help fung shui your home. A happier, healthier and more prosperous home can be achieved when using these tips. The addition of clawfoot bathtubs to your home will help with the flow of energy in the bathroom.

Lila is home decor specialist and blogger. For more information about improving your home please visit simplybathtubs.com

Use Curtains And Furniture To Improve You Patio

by The Diva

Patios these days are becoming so much more than just a place to barbeque on the weekend… They’re becoming more like outdoor living rooms. It’s always a good time to do something with your patio, to turn it into a nice place where you can relax and appreciate the free time with your family.

Start by putting some effort into decorating and furnishing your patio using the latest decor, door draperies and furniture. There isn’t cookie-cutter patio furniture anymore. Consumer is able o satisfy all his needs with the patio furniture, since it’s changed a lot.

Besides the good olf chairs and table style, you can find plenty of other styles you can use with your patio. You can find bars stools and low chairs in stores and place them around outdoor table you have. To endure in the weather, there are plenty of drapes, pillows, benches and luxurious loungers that are made of special fabric.

Add to the atmosphere of your patio by applying some of the same decorating ideas you’d use inside your home. For example, you can purchase outdoor drapes made from weather friendly materials to provide privacy and create the perfect mood. You patio living room can be additionaly improved with a new outdoor rug that will allow you to go without your shoes and relax completely.

It is the lighting that will make a great addition to any patio atmosphere. Your guest will wonder are they inside or outside your home when they see an outdoor lamp being plugged into an outlet and making a nice, cozie atmosphere. If you do not want to hassle with candles that are blowing and burning out, the outdoor lamp is better solution for you, although candles do make a better ambiance.

You want more ideas? Figure out what are all those things that you like about your living room and bedroom and start using those decorating ideas for your patio and outdoor decoration. And find some cheap window treatments.You’ll leave your guests wondering if they are in your living room or on your patio!

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