Have you noticed that people are obsessed with windows? They want more of them and they want them wider, taller (two storey perhaps?), and shapelier (round tops, elliptical, oblique). The problem arrives when you decide to dress this sea of glass. What to do?

Don’t despair; Firstly, determine your budget. Quality window treatments are not inexpensive but if chosen properly they will serve you well for many years to come. Secondly, decide how much light filtering and privacy you need for each room. Next, determine the style of window coverings that will best suit the design of the room and home. Here are some options to consider.

Great View
Do your windows have a beautiful view? If so, you won’t want to cover this feature. Instead flank the view with side panels only, leaving the window portion untreated, particularly for windows that are north facing. The panels should coordinate in colour and pattern with the other elements in the room.

Light Filtering
If the windows face any direction other than north, consider a shade/blind mounted on the inside of the window that can be positioned to filter the light, or pulled up/down entirely. A layered treatment with sheers for light control and fabric panels on either side is another option.

Alternatively, professionally installed window films can filter UV rays while offering a clear view outside. Couple this with a fabric treatment that dresses the window such as a roman or box pleat valance and side panels.

Security
Some films allow you to look out while passers-by are unable to look in due to the mirroring effect that occurs from the outside, this is a great option for rooms where security is of the utmost importance such as home offices and family rooms.

Undesirable View
If you’re window faces your neighbour’s brick wall/window consider cellular or pleated shades with different opacities that allow the light to come through while obscuring or blocking the view entirely.

Privacy
Bedrooms necessitate the most privacy so do make sure the treatment has complete light control. Use shutters, blinds or shades that specify complete light control for privacy. In addition, have a fabric treatment that flanks the window with perhaps a valance above it.

Finally, if you’re still unclear as to which treatments you should be entertaining for your home contact Margarida Oliveira, designer and owner of Chic Décor, for a consultation.You may reach her at: 905-337-8463, or visit her website at: www.chicdecordesign.com

Open House Tips
Conducting an open house is a terrific way to expose your property to many people in a short amount of time. While your real estate professional will advertise and manage the event, it is up to you to make sure that your home is seen in the best light possible. Remember, you only have one chance to make a first impression, so approach the open house as your opportunity to showcase your property. Here are some things you can do to make sure that your home is prepared on the inside and out.

Start with the outside. Do a visual check of the front of the house from across the street. Does it have curb appeal? It should look inviting, with a trimmed lawn and flowerbed and a freshly painted front door. Polish door handles and knockers and replace worn items such as a rusty doorbell. Consider adding a new doormat and flowering plants at the entrance. Do the windows need cleaning? Are there oil stains in the driveway that need removing? While outside, don’t forget to check the side and back yards. Add some flowering plants to the back as well. Rearrange the outdoor furniture to look inviting. Put away gardening tools. Tidy around the grill area.

Now focus on the inside of the home where cleanliness, space, smell and lighting are key. First, get your house in tip-top condition by cleaning and clearing away clutter. Steam clean and vacuum the carpet. Make sure your floors are waxed and shiny. Touch up nicks on walls and make sure the porcelain sinks and tubs and metallic fixtures shine. Your kitchen and bathrooms should pass the white glove test. Be conscious of any lingering odors such as smoke, pets or strong-smelling foods. You may need to air out your home prior to the open house. Consider grinding fresh lemons in the garbage disposal. And don’t forget to empty out all the trash. Look at your countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms and the tops of your bureaus. Do they seem cluttered? Clear away and store as much as possible. You want your home to seem spacious.

Next, set the mood. You want buyers to be able to picture your home as their own. You may want to rearrange the furniture so that rooms look more spacious. Add accessories from rooms with too many furnishings to those that are bare. Lighting is also integral to creating an atmosphere. Bright lights provide a cheerful environment and make a small space appear larger. Pull back all the drapes and open the blinds. Turn on all the lights. Make sure all the light sockets have working bulbs and install the maximum-wattage bulb that is safe for that fixture. For rooms where you want to portray a warm, cozy feeling, use softer lights.

Don’t forget little touches such as fresh flowers, lit candles in the bathrooms, new logs in the fireplace, or a bowl of fresh fruit on the kitchen counter. You may even want to set your dining room table with color-coordinated table settings.

Buying a home appeals to the emotions. Sellers shouldn’t rely on buyers to use their imagination; they need to capture it. Remember that buyers may see seven or eight homes in a single day. The most memorable home will be the one that seemed the brightest, the most spacious and the most cheerful.

*Article Courtesy of Prudential Properties Plus - Buying or selling? Get the Prudential Properties Plus team behind you for the best in Toronto real estate services. We provide you with unparalleled expertise in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario real estate market.

Chris Paulsen

cpaulsen@homerenovationguide.com