Blog - Sandra Meranda

February 27, 2018 by changescapeweb

How to Choose the Right Rug for Your Space

This guest post is from Steph Clarke who is part of the content & community outreach team at LandofRugs.com. Steph is obsessed with interior design trends and how new technology influences design.

Being able to choose the perfect rug for your room is key. Selecting the right rug will finish a space to perfection while choosing the wrong rug will leave your room with an awkward feel or unfinished. If you’re looking to give your room the warmth, comfort and the artistic look then
you should take advantage of the tips covered in this article. Currently, area rugs the most popular rugs being used by most people, as opposed to wall-to-wall carpet. The reason behind this preference is the fact that area rugs look great, especially when used in the living room. That said, now let’s look at some of the factors to consider the perfect rug for your space. There are three main factors, these are;

Rug size

It is important to choose the right rug size, don’t make a mistake of choosing rugs that are too small. For the area rugs, always go for the standard sizes and these are 6' x 9', 8' x 10' and 9' x 12'. These are the sizes that you’ll find in most stores, however, if by any chance the sizes don’t fit your space then you can always go for custom made. A good rug should fit the size of your
room, and this does not mean the entire area. Interior designers suggest that a rug should be as large as possible to ensure that all the furniture will be on the rug, however, it is okay to only have the front legs on the rug. Having larger rugs make a room appear bigger and it is advisable
to have at least 18 inches of bare floor exposed by the rug's edges.

Color and pattern

Choosing the right color and pattern can be challenging to many of us. If you have a room with neutral walls and furniture, then a patterned rug should be your best bet as this will add color and interest to the room. Similarly, if you have an eclectic room and you’re looking for a great way to soothe it then a solid rug is all you need. If you have a colorful room and would like to decorate it with a colorful rug then try to go for a rug with matching colors as this will help pull the colors together with the needed boundaries, otherwise, you’ll end up with a visually cluttered room. Additionally, you should keep in mind the orientation of your room. If your room is square then it will look great with round or square rugs. Likewise, if your room is rectangular then choose rectangular rugs that are oriented in the same direction.

Texture

This is one factor that is mostly overlooked by many when it comes to choosing a rug, something that shouldn’t be. Before making any purchases, decide on how you want your rug to feel. Silk rugs are soft and beautiful but are tough to clean and very expensive in terms of
cost. The wool rugs are soft and can add warmth whereas jute and sisal are slightly rough. Having a room with a mix of different textures feels not only rich but also layered, and you can only achieve this by paying attention to the aspect of texture when choosing a rug.

February 7, 2018 by changescapeweb

Can Your Pets Keep You From Selling Your Home?

You think of your pets as family, but if you’re selling your home, it may come as a surprise that not everyone feels the same. For some potential buyers, the sight of a litter box or a clump of hair could be a major turnoff. Not to worry, though! With a few tricks and tips, you can learn how to properly stage your home, and prevent your pet from being a deal breaker, while perking up your home’s potential all around.

Create Curb Appeal

The first thing a buyer will see is the front of your house and the yard, so start your improvements there. Clean up your yard and prune hedges or shrubs. Remove all pet waste and be aware of any leftover odors. If your yard isn’t smelling so fresh, try these tricks to get rid of foul smells. Is your yard still looking a little dull? Spend a weekend planting some low-maintenance flowers that complement your exterior paint colors. Speaking of paint, you’ll want to spend some time freshening that up as well. Have someone pressure wash your house, or do it yourself, and then retouch trim and shutters with fresh paint.

Declutter and Deep Clean

Once you’ve freshened up out front, you’ll want to tidy up inside as well. Start by picking up any scattered items that are cluttering up your space. Place dog or cat toys out of sight in drawers or baskets. Have a designated area to store pet bowls and other items when you’re getting ready to show your home.

Next, give your home a good cleaning. Fur and pet smells tend to stick to everything. You may not notice them, but someone walking into your home for the first time will. Pay special attention to floors and fabrics, and vacuum carpeted spaces several times. Thinking of renting a steam cleaner? Be careful of any old urine or pet stains in your carpet. Heat can actually set those stains in rather than lifting them out, so try a scrub of baking soda and vinegar or another stain remover, first. Wash curtains and any fabrics that will remain in the home while being showed. Maybe even hire a cleaning company to give the place a thorough cleaning. They will get to areas you may not even think of, like those lick marks on the windows and fur trapped in the baseboards.

Let a Little Light in

Now that your house and yard are clean and fresh, you’ll want potential buyers to notice every square foot. If your lighting is off, that could be a problem. The right lighting can make your home look more spacious and can even make the difference between receiving an offer or not. Before showing your home, make sure your curtains are open and any blinds are drawn up. Replace burned-out or dull light bulbs to really brighten things up, and don’t forget to change the bulbs outside as well. Still looking a little dark? Invest in a few lamps to add to corners and closed spaces. If you’re looking to add light outside, try picking up some inexpensive solar lights to accent those new flower beds.

Use Scents That Sell…No Really

With your home looking so warm and inviting, it may help to have it smell good, too. Some realtors even suggest that certain scents sell houses for them. Avoid using heavy scents or air fresheners as these may trigger allergies in some people. Look for candles and diffusers in light scents of vanilla or citrus instead. Besides adding a little extra appeal to your home, scents can also help with any lingering pet odors, especially when showings are a surprise.

Pets and their smells can be distracting when you’re selling your home, but they don’t have to be. With some staging strategies and a little cleaning, you can reel in your perfect buyer. Soon, you and your furry family members can spend less time showing your house and more time snuggling.

November 15, 2017 by changescapeweb

The Dog House Rules: What Dog Owners Should Consider When Buying a Home

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Any dog owner will testify that one of the biggest charms to having a dog is knowing their excitement every time you come home. Of course, they become accustomed to your home, and when the time comes, moving can be hard on them, oftentimes disrupting the routine they have known for years or months. If you love your dog and are looking to buy a new home, you have a million things to consider, among those things is the well-being of your pet.

When the time comes to find a new place, there’s a lot to keep in mind. You’ll want to assess the layout of the home, consider your pet’s needs, and get to know your potential neighborhood before making a final decision.

On a Dog Scale of One to 10

So on a dog scale, how much does your neighborhood love dogs? There are a variety of ways to tell:

Do you see a few dog walkers around?
Do the dogs look friendly and socialized?
Are there pet stores in the vicinity?
A dog park?
Plenty of veterinary clinics and hospitals?
Does your house have a good-sized yard with protective fencing?

If you answer yes to all of these questions, your neighborhood probably scores close to a 10. This means your dog will have plenty of amenities to keep him safe and happy.

Depending on your dog’s needs also measure the following factors:

Does the house have a big enough yard for the needs of your pet?
Secure and high fencing?
Stairs?
A doggy door?

The Local Laws

Most states and localities still consider pets personal property. Because of this, the laws pertaining to pets and pet care are important to note; they can inform you best in the event that your dog gets loose or lost. Contact the local animal services or Humane Society to find out the restrictions on:

Dog registration and licensing
Vaccinations
Impounding
Leashes and dog walking

Dog Stress

The aptly named dog magazine The Bark suggests that dogs can suffer high levels of stress when their surroundings are shifting and changing around them. Don’t forget that your dog depends on you to feel safe and stable. Make sure you provide him some extra attention leading up to the move.

Before the Move

Try to keep his comfortable space in place so that he feels safe and guarded. Once you move in, don’t buy new bedding or toys. Cesar Milan warns to pack your dog’s bedding last, to help him feel a little more stable until the last possible moment. Transferring your dog’s toys and bedding to the new home will help make sure he maintains a level of familiarity.

During the Move

The actual move day can cause a tremendous amount of confusion, not just for your dog but also for you. There might be movers coming in, with the doors open, taking furniture, shifting rooms around. This can create additional stress for your dog. A great option is to remove your dog from the chaos and take him to a local kennel for boarding.

After the Move

The hard part comes when the move is over. As Life Hacker suggests, make sure your dog acclimates well so he doesn’t suffer from anxiety or stress in the new environment. The first couple of days are key:

Show your dog plenty of attention and time.
Keep your anxiety level in check too, as dogs respond to their owners.
Set up his sleeping area with his familiar bedding and toys.
Take him a dog for plenty of walks, let him follow you around the house, and shower him with play time.
If possible, avoid leaving him alone right away in the new house, maybe take a few days off work as you make him comfortable.

Buying a house is demanding enough, requiring time, effort, and patience. As a loving dog owner you want the best for your dog, and staying on top of a few details can save you lots of heartaches later. Keep your dog calm through the chaos of moving by remembering a few key things, giving them lots of love, and remaining vigilant to their behavior.

October 4, 2017 by changescapeweb

What to Fix in your Home Before Selling

There are 7 home fixes you must complete before selling that will increase the value of your home. You should prioritize your projects into this order to prepare your home for a sale:

Structural and mechanical projects
Fixing up the exterior of your home for presentation.
Planting flowers or trimming overgrown plants to help with presentation of the landscape.
Fixing any mold, dings or dent damage on the walls.
Make sure your kitchen is up-to-date.
Sprucing up your bathroom.
Update your flooring.

Balance your projects and make the right improvements to your home that will result in a fast sale and an increase value. Make sure that potential buyers are feeling the “wow” factor in room by not ignoring these 7 project areas.

For more information and to read more of this article, click on the link: 7 Home Fixes You Must Complete Before Selling

Article by Cara Ameer

P.S. Real estate is really booming this summer! Homes are selling fast & for the highest prices in years. It is a great time to put your home on the market. It is a super time for buyers to buy while interest rates are still low. Don’t miss out on your dream home.

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August 6, 2017 by changescapeweb

10 Changes to Make in Your Home as You Age

Changes to Make in Your Home

When many people buy a home, they plan to live in it for many years. Unfortunately, as the years pass homes, and people, tend to age. Mobility issues, disabilities, and illnesses all have an effect on your everyday living. In fact, you’ll see many ADA compliant housing making it’s way onto the market to tempt seniors and others living with disabilities.

Think ahead to ensure your home has the modifications you’ll need as you age. Read on for the top 10 changes you should consider making to your home to make living in it easier.

1. Safe Flooring

When looking into changing your home, it’s good to start small. Safer flooring is a great place for seniors to starts, as they can make most of the changes on their own. Create a hazard free flooring when you remove throw rugs and other items that could cause trips and falls. Low pile carpets or hard floors that flow from room to room are the best options.

2. Lever Door Handles

Another small change that can make a big difference are door handles. Seniors who suffer from poor grip strength or arthritis often have difficulties with round knobs. Instead, install door handles that can simply be pushed to open.

3. Grab Bars

Grab bars are among the most popular accessories to install in showers and bathrooms. They help you maneuver yourself and steady your during transitional poses. If you don’t need grab bars now, having extra backing in your walls ensures they can easily be installed if you need them later.

4. Walk in Showers

While some houses come with tubs in every room, walk-in showers can be critical for seniors who have a hard time raising their legs. Removing tubs and installing showers instead makes it easier for anyone to get in and out.

5. Built in Shower Seat

You can make showering even easier by installing a built-in shower seat when you change out your shower. Proving a place to rest decreases the chance of falls and creates a safer space to wash yourself in.

6. Lower Countertops

Changes to Make in Your Home

The kitchen is one place many people forget when making changes to their home. Adding in countertops at different heights, offers you the flexibility to work while sitting or standing.

7. Lower Cabinets | Higher Drawers

In addition to height appropriate counter tops, having drawers and cabinets within arms reach reduces fatigue while working in the kitchen. No need to bend down low or stretch too high to get what you need.

8. Wheelchair & Walker Accessible

Whether it’s the entrance to your home, hallways between rooms, or door frames, you should make sure that every part of your home allows space for walkers and wheelchairs. Fitting through hallways and doors shouldn’t be a struggle for those who need walking assistance.

Making the Right Changes

Whether you’re a senior who’s considering changing their home or you’re hosting an aging parent for long periods of time, using this list to make your home easier to navigate will help. Talk to friends and family about making these changes or reach out to a licensed contractor today.

Author Bio:

Shirley Moore is a former general contractor and freelance writer newly based in Miami, Florida. She got her license at Contractors License Resource Group, but turned to writing to educate her community about home safety. When she’s not writing, Shirley offers local construction consulting services.

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