Happy Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, I thought I would share some green living tips.

Green Living Decorating

Decorating can be a challenge. I know, because I’ve been working on decorating my own home lately! Trying to balance style, cost, and environmentally responsible choices can be a challenge. However, when it comes to making green choices that look amazing, here are some tips I’ve heard for making your home work double duty as a trend setter and as an eco-friendly sanctuary!

Get plants. That’s plural – hence more than one. Not only will they purify and oxygenate the air you breathe, but they will offer a calm oasis in your home. Plants in unexpected places, such as bathrooms or kitchens, are stylish and functional.

Check out these six best plants for the bathroom

Kitchen Herbs

Larger scale plants look gorgeous in rooms with high ceilings. These fig tree plants are all the rage right now!

Inspired Room has a whole blog post on decorating with greenery

Re-use and recycle! This is my favorite!! Visit local flea markets, antique fairs, and yard sales to find one-of-a-kind items that adds character and warmth to your home.

By purchasing used or refurbished pieces, you are cutting down on consumerism.

Doesn’t this piece by Centsational Girl look fun?

Centsational Girl

If you are confined by a small home and have to get rid of something in order to bring something in, donate your old furniture, have your own yard sale or advertise it as free on Craigslist. They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

 

Choose paint wisely. Some paints release toxins into the air for years after they have been applied. Natural paints with zero VOC and low VOC are not only good for you and your family but also for the environment.

Make “big” decisions such as flooring changes and renovations with care, and give thought to the environment. There are many options such as bamboo and cork flooring, which not only look stunning but are eco-friendly!

Choose textiles, such as linens, curtains, carpets and rugs that are made of natural or recycled materials.

Ballard’s Design

Re-purpose items you already own! Used mason jars make trendy light fixtures,

Check out this DIY tutorial at Woon Blog

a quick and simple vase

Via

gorgeous candle holders

Via

or cute storage containers!

Kitchen bowls can find new homes as bathroom organizers, and bedrooms can become cozier with the artful placement of natural objects from family trips to the beach, mountains or the forest!

What are you doing to celebrate Earth Day?

Curb Appeal

Welcome to my real estate blog! This is just another way to keep in touch! I will be sharing ideas about buying, selling, renovating and maintaining your home as well as other tips and lessons learned from typical and not so typical real estate transactions. Hope you enjoy and feel free to share links or leave comments!

Today I want to share some simple ways that you can improve the curb appeal of your home. Whether you have just moved in or are getting ready to sell, curb appeal is something every homeowner needs! I hope you are find these tips useful as you get settled into your new home.

EASY WAYS TO IMPROVE CURB APPEAL

Walk across the street and look at your overall landscape.

Via Zillow

• Are shrubs trimmed neatly? Windows and doors shouldn’t be overshadowed by overgrown bushes or out of control ivy like this home my clients were purchasing.
• Clear your entry, sidewalk, and plant beds of leaves and debris. Add a new layer of attractive mulch to all planting areas.
• Are there bare spots or weeds in the lawn? Your local garden supplier can tell you the best way to remedy this problem.
• Hardscape (bird feeders or houses, simple water features, statuary) can add warmth and character to an otherwise drab terrain.
• Make your front door more appealing with a fresh coat of paint or stain and new hardware. Accent doors are inviting and quite a trend these days, however, traditional doors work just as well.
  

  

• Speaking of hardware, install new light fixtures on both sides of your door and change your old, scratched house number plates with shiny new ones. That goes for the worn out kick plate as well.

• Consider shutters or awnings to dress up your windows.

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• Well placed, low voltage landscape lighting is fairly inexpensive and will dramatically enhance your home when the sun goes down. For do it yourself tips, check out this how to install low voltage lighting guide.
  

  

  Via Lowes

What curb appeal tips do you have that I missed? Please share them below!