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In recent years, the trend of bringing the bar experience into the home has gained immense popularity. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a mixology enthusiast, creating a dedicated space for your favorite beverages adds a touch of sophistication and comfort to your home. In this blog post, we’ll explore creative ideas for designing and crafting your own coffee or cocktail bar, with a focus on off-the-shelf options and solutions for small spaces.
Off-the-Shelf Solutions
One of the easiest ways to kickstart your home bar project is by exploring ready-made options. Many furniture and décor stores offer pre-designed bar carts, cabinets, and shelving units that cater to various styles and preferences. Look for materials that complement your home décor, such as wood, metal, or glass.
Consider bar carts with wheels for flexibility and easy mobility, especially if your space does double duty, i.e. a living room and dining area combo. You can even roll it outside for al fresco libations!
Small Space Solutions
Limited square footage doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or functionality, thanks to readily available space-saving furniture and clever storage solutions. Wall-mounted shelves, fold-down tables, and compact bar cabinets can make the most of every inch. Consider multi-functional furniture that can serve as both a storage and a serving area, ensuring your small home bar is practical and visually appealing. A corner cabinet can double as a bar anywhere you have an awkward corner to fill.
Caffeine Corner
For coffee enthusiasts, a dedicated coffee bar can transform your mornings. Choose a cozy corner in your kitchen or any living space (primary bedroom is a great choice) and set up a coffee station with your favorite brewing equipment. You can even tuck a 2.5 gallon water jug with a dispenser (available at most grocery stores) into the cabinet if you don’t have a handy water source nearby.
Display coffee beans in stylish containers, hang mugs on hooks, and personalize your space with artwork or signs that reflect your love of all things coffee.
Shaken or Stirred?
For those who enjoy a well-crafted libation, a dedicated cocktail bar can be a game-changer.
From niche-sized bars to fully-dedicated rooms, the sky (and your budget) is the limit.
This small space bar uses home-improvement store cabinetry and appliances accented with a mirrored backsplash to visually enlarge the space and display barware. This is a great option if you collect vintage barware, like we do!
If the bar is in a carpeted area, a pretty, washable throw rug will protect against spills and stains.
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And if you’re really serious about a home bar, well, we can dream, right?
Be the Toast of the Town!
Designing and creating a coffee or cocktail bar in your home is a rewarding project that allows you to showcase your personal style and elevate your entertaining experience. With off-the-shelf options, clever small space solutions, and a touch of creativity, you can transform any corner of your home into a stylish and functional oasis for enjoying your favorite beverages.
And if you’re craving something a little “extra”, our design team is always here to help you with custom solutions from basic to luxe. Whether you’re thinking of nook or an entire room worthy of a of a trendy craft cocktail venue, just give us a call!
Embarking on the journey of selling your home can be both exciting and overwhelming. At Impact Home Staging Experts, we understand the importance of making a stellar first impression to potential buyers. Our consultation service is designed to guide our customers through the process of preparing their home for sale to ensure it shines in the best possible light. Let’s take a closer look at what clients can expect during our consultation.
Our Process
Every home seller is unique, so we begin by getting some key information about our clients to provide the most useful information to help them prepare their home for sale. Our primary goal is to understand the client’s goals, timeframe, and any other information pertinent to the upcoming move. Does the homeowner plan to sell or donate some furniture prior to moving? Will they be living in the home during the sales process? Will there be time to paint (if necessary) or make larger home improvements that we might suggest? All of this “intel” helps us better formulate a workable plan that suits the customer’s specific needs and situation.
Staging is not “decorating”, and we help sellers understand this distinction. Decorating is very personal based on specific likes and personal tastes. Since taste is very personal, what one person likes may not appeal to the potential buyer. This can strongly influence whether a buyer makes an offer or walks away.
Our goal is for a buyer to see the listed property as their future home. Our aim is to transform the home in a way that will appeal to (and make an emotional connection with) the largest pool of home buyers. We make sure sellers know that nothing we say is personal; our knowledge comes from 20 years of experience and putting it to work for you will help you sell FASTER and for MORE MONEY!
Whole-House Walkthrough
Our next step is a quick, high-level overview of your entire house that allows us to capture first impressions and note potential areas of improvement. We encourage you to grab a notepad and pen while we perform this quick walkthrough, which is aimed at gaining an understanding of what we have to work with. During this time, we will take “before” pictures as needed to document the current state.
Consultation and Discussion
Now the heart of the consultation unfolds. We always start with the exterior and curb appeal, underscoring the significance of this as the first impression. Moving through the home with a “buyer’s eye,” we discuss the importance of key spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, foyers, and living rooms.
The consultation involves selecting and tagging items to stay in each space, potentially creating diagrams for layout. We might discuss recommended paint colors or minor repairs that are needed. We also consider things like a room’s “flow” (is it too crowded?), the amount of natural light, and whether each room has a dedication function. An example might be making sure a dining room is staged as a dining room even if it’s currently a child’s play area. An integral part of the consultation addresses potential deal-breakers, such as odors, clutter, pet hair or damage, and any necessary repairs.
While this is primarily a “walk and talk”, we can offer minor hands-on help if needed, such as moving art or small items. If key rooms are empty or require additional furnishings, we discuss supplemental staging, offering to send a quote for the client to review.
The Deliverable
At the end of the 1.5-hour consultation, you can expect a summary of the top five to ten priorities and how to address them. Our aim is not only to enhance the appeal of your home but also to equip you with valuable insights into the selling process. With Impact Home Staging Experts, your journey to a successful home sale begins with a thoughtful and comprehensive consultation.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/sgjdyyn10Zc?si=rWcNoH7kF30ztIlX
Here’s a quick overview of our consultation process, starring some of our team members. Enjoy!
Click link above for a downloadable PDF of this newsletter to learn about the strong connection between home staging and appraisals. Studies have shown that staged homes typically appraise for more money than un-staged homes. This is because staging makes a home more appealing to buyers and helps them see its potential. If you are thinking of selling your home, it is important to stage it properly. This will help you get the highest possible appraisal and sell your home faster. Share this downloadable PDF to friends, family, and clients.
Feel free to share on your socials!
At Impact Home Staging Experts, we stay abreast of the trends in home design. And since it’s the dog days of summer, we’re going to dive into the latest trends in swimming pools! Adding a swimming pool is the ultimate form of “home improvement”! From genius smart pools to nature-loving eco-designs that make squirrels want to party, we’ll explore the (sometimes wacky) trends that await you this year.
Smart Pools: Imagine controlling your pool with a touch of a button!
Smart pools in 2023 let you change the water temperature from your hammock and adjust pH levels from your poolside taco feast. But beware, with great power comes great responsibility. One wrong click, and you might find yourself in the midst of a rubber duck invasion!
Energy Efficiency: Pools that make the sun jealous and make you feel good about yourself.
In the age of environmental consciousness, energy-efficient pools are all the rage. Picture pumps that sip electricity, LED lights that turn your pool into a disco on water, and solar heating systems that harness the sun’s power.
Eco-Friendly Designs: Say goodbye to cookie-cutter pools and hello to nature-inspired designs.!
Picture pools with organic shapes, sustainable materials, and even spaces for wildlife to join the pool party (ewww, duck poop!). Dive into a pool that feels like a hidden lagoon, all while reducing your environmental footprint. It’s like swimming with Mother Nature’s seal of approval!
Vanishing Edge and Infinity Pools: Pools that create the illusion of water extending into infinity.
But be careful, your brain might struggle to distinguish where the pool ends and the sky begins.
Wellness and Health Features:
Why settle for an ordinary pool when you can have a wellness retreat? In 2023, pools come equipped with underwater treadmills, resistance currents, and hydrotherapy jets. You can get fit, relax, and feel like a star of “Baywatch” all in one! (Red bathing suit optional.)
Sustainable and Low-Maintenance Materials:
Pools that let you be lazy and still have a sparkling oasis, perfect for synchronized swimming with your inflatable dolphin squad! In 2023, sustainable and low-maintenance materials are all the rage. Picture recycled glass, natural stone, and composite decking that require minimal upkeep. Now you can spend less time scrubbing and more time perfecting your backstroke.
While we can’t help you install a pool, we can help you get your home ready for a quick, profitable sale. And our design team can help you make the home you live in a showplace (even without a pool).
How can we help? http://www.impacthomestagingexperts.com
For a more in-depth (and slightly more serious) look at trends in pools, check out this article.
https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pool/swimming-pool-trends/#scrollto_1_pool_finishes_that_change_the_color_of_water_section
November is Home Staging Awareness Month, this is a month where the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA), NAR, professional home stagers, real estate agents and other industry professionals raise awareness about the benefits of working with a home stager.
Home staging is the preparation and presentation of a home to make it look its best and appear move-in-ready to the largest pool of potential buyers. Along with professional real estate photos, it is one of the best ways to market the property for sale. Staging is not decorating, it’s proven and applied market research on what makes your house feel like a buyer’s dream home.
Typically, when we use the term “staging” it refers to furnishing a home. However, decluttering, and other minor improvements are usually prep work and part of the gig too. Depersonalizing a space is key. Staging transforms plain painted box-rooms into realistic and inspiring home environments. Most importantly, specifics used by a professional home stager will show a home isn’t just a collection of empty rooms, it’s a comforting and warm lifestyle waiting to happen.
Home staging benefits both buyers and sellers (and of course, the agent as well). It helps potential buyers to visualize themselves living in the home, as well as overlook flaws. For sellers, staged homes sell faster, better terms, and for more money. Staging a property has a remarkable impact on a buyer’s choice to see a property in person, which would ultimately lead to a great offer. Also, it is key to letting your sellers know that you work with a company that has a well-known track record. Impact Home Staging Experts has been practicing this art and science since 2004, and we are dedicated to getting it right every time.
Professional staging is your secret weapon, and one you should always rely on. We want to be real estate agent’s go-to. Our goal is to elevate not only the value of the property but elevate the agent’s value and brand. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 82% of buyers’ agents report that professional staging helps clients visualize a home as their own. 99% of millennials start their home search online, so it’s more critical than ever that sellers make a positive and lasting impression.
Why choose Impact?!
When you decide to sell your home, the stress of preparing it for sale can be overwhelming and chaotic. As proven by NAR statistics, the right furniture lay outs, windows, and art can increase the sales price of the home – but how do you choose? How do you see the home you’ve live in any different? One of the crazy truths of the real estate is that furniture lay outs and color pallets do make a difference. But you will already have enough on your plate, you shouldn’t have to guess at what that difference will be.
That’s where we come in, and are happy to help. We have an amazing and dedicated team of stagers, logistics, and customer service. Our quotes are always free, and we look forward to working with you!
For the first time since June of 2019, inventory of homes for sale sees growth!
According to http://realtors.com May housing data, the inventory of homes for sale has seen an increase of 8.0%. This is a major turning point for the housing market at a national level. On the other side of the coin, the total number of unsold homes nationwide (various stages of the selling process that are not yet sold) was still down 3.9% percent from May 2021. Although, this has improved from last month’s 10.1% decline.
This doesn’t mean this hot market is cold (yet)! There are still only half as many homes available, but we are noticing more and more new listings entering the market on a regular basis. Housing remains incredibly expensive and fast-paced with the median asking price at a new high while time on market is at a new low. Because we are the experts, we are speaking from real life experience people! Impact Home Staging Experts, Oakland County and Wayne County is booming! We have seen an uptick in jobs, higher than pre-pandemic!
If you’re thinking of buying or selling a house, you’re at an exciting and nerve-wracking decision. When it comes to a big decision like that, timing is everything. So, what does the rest of the year hold for the housing market? As we already touched on, the number of homes available for sale is likely to continue to grow. There are early signs housing inventory is starting to grow and experts say that should continue in the months ahead.
From the Expert
According to Chief Economist at realtor.com:
“The gap between this year’s homes for sale and last year’s is one-fifth the size that it was at the beginning of the year. The catch up is likely to continue, . . . This growth will mean more options for shoppers than they’ve had in a while, even though inventory continues to lag pre-pandemic normal.”
Keeping Current Matters
As a seller, your house will be facing more competition when other sellers list their homes. This means you REALLY need to prepare for the sale of your home. You’re not the only kid on the block, and buyers have more options. Buyers are getting smarter. The market is changing. In order to achieve a profitable sale, you need to merchandise the home like it is the best product on the block. You MUST stand out to get that high-offer you’re after. But I guess the good news is, if you’re also a buyer, having more options to choose from should make that move-up process easier.
“Do not wait to stage. This is the worst time for you to list your home and ‘see how it goes first’ – its not an option anymore. You must stage to get that top dollar offer. The market is changing”
Darla Rowley, Impact Home Staging Experts
What Role Does Staging Play in This Shift?
Staging is about showcasing an engaging, move-in ready home that creates an emotional connection with the largest pool of potential buyers. Everyone knows that your home is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay and even in a seller’s market, there are going to be flaws and other variables in each area. But, now that we are seeing as change in inventory supply, it may not be overnight, but a change is happening.
In a red hot market buyers market? Buyers can be picky, focusing on the hot property of the week and ignoring the others. So you want your property to be the hot one, with buyers going crazy to “out offer” each other. The better your home shows, the more it will sell for and no matter what the market, everyone likes more money.
“In every market, every seller wants the most Money for their home.”
Calling All Agents!
For Realtors, Your professional Home Stager is your key to keeping your commissions. At Impact Home Staging Experts, we say NO! to discounted commissions. Adding more service is the key to working smarter, not harder. And because your listings will look better and sell faster, you will become the “go to” top producing agent in the neighborhood which will increase your number of referrals!
More competition means more agents will be looking for ways to get the listings. Some will use discounted commissions as a way to attract business. How will you compete with these discount agents? Will you reduce your commissions or will you find ways to add value? We hope your answer is adding value by adding professional home staging as a key tool.
If you are in Southeast Michigan, and would like a free quote, please call us at 248-591-4290 or visit us at http://ImpactHomeStagingExperts.com. We have a quick turn around time, but we are booking a week in advance. Take the first step in making a profitable sale today. We’ve got your back! And remember, Professional Home Staging is always less than your first price reduction!
In this quick and easy guide, we will offer you 3 tips for the modern-day seller. With these easy-to-follow tips, you will be more than prepared for our Professional Impact Home Staging Experts to come in and do the “heavy lifting”, and your home will be ready to hit the market full sprint ahead, while standing out in this CrAzY seller’s market!
So… what is a seller’s market? According to http://www.redfin.com/definition/sellers-market A seller’s market is one in which there are more buyers than homes for sale. Since supply is less than demand, homes are higher priced and more attractive to sellers in the market. What does this mean for you as a seller in Southeast Michigan? The ball is in your court, so let us help you make your home more marketable for a slam dunk! Leaving money on the table during your time to shine is a big mistake, and we are here as your resource to make sure that does not happen.
The ball is in your court, so let us help you make your home more marketable for a slam dunk! Leaving money on the table during your time to shine is a big mistake, and we are here as your resource to make sure that does not happen.
Before you list your home for sale on the market, it is important to depersonalize your space. While the way we live in our home day-to-day is absolutely perfect for our day-to-day living, when it comes to the way we market the home for sale, it’s a whole new ballgame and completely different. Although, it is not as easy as it sounds for the homeowner that has become accustomed to the smells, layout, and look of their home. Thankfully, we have some tips we want to share with you to help depersonalize your home.
1. Give your Décor a Face Lift
Home Staging and Decorating are complete opposite. Most homeowners choose décor for their home that speaks to them on a personal level. Décor reflects personal taste. As it should, because our home is our domain, our safe space, our retreat. Although, when it comes time to appeal and attract the largest pool of potential buyers, removing that personal touch from the home is important, we call this “depersonalizing.” As soon as you list your home for sale, it is now a product that is just that… for sale.
When we come into an occupied home during our consultation, we will never turn our noses up at your current decor. But we will always explain the reason why certain styles, art, or décor should be removed to attract the perfect buyer. Pro tip: be sure to remove any overly religious, political, or otherwise offensive décor from each room before showing off the property. Our goal as the experts in home staging is to maximize the value of your home to achieve the most profitable sale.
Our goal as the Michigan Experts in Home Staging is to maximize the value of your home to achieve the most profitable sale.
2. Update and Fresh Color Palette
Not only should your décor allow many neutral palette options for buyers to work from, but so should your full home color scheme. That said, before listing your home on the market, check out the current color trends and updating with a fresh coat of paint. Pro tip: Check out this BEAUTIFUL green-hued color of the year from Sherwin Williams, Evergreen Fog http://www.sherwin-williams.com/color-of-the-year-2022. If you’re unfamiliar with neutral colors, they mainly fall in the range of beige, grey, black, and white. Although, as we stated above for Color of the Year for 2022… greens and blues can contribute a neutral feel as well. Adding pops of color with accessories and soft goods will add a “wow” factor! The objective of a neutral color palette is that it offers the perfect opportunity to create a blank canvas while still being chic, updated, and stylish.
3. Simplify Your Layout
The simplest approach will always be the most successful when it comes to the flow of your home. If a room is too busy with belongings and design choices, it can be tough for buyers to imagine and lay out their own vision on top of the property. Pro tip: Shelving units do not need to be crammed with things and stuff. Less is more. This will allow the potential buyer to visualize the possibilities of storage, and their own special pieces to display. Finding simple ways to organize a living area can be hard for homeowners; however, having a professional home stager by your side can help you find the right approach.
Also, you want to allow enough room for the potential buyers to walk through, without making it confusing to navigate. Leave plenty of space in high traffic areas, and it is helpful to not shove furniture up to the walls. Some negative space is necessary, making the room feel more spacious and airier.
Reading these helpful depersonalizing and market-ready tips for home sellers will allow you to conquer a major learning curve early on in your sale. Even with professionals by your side, having an understanding of depersonalization can make the whole staging process much more straightforward. If you’re ready to begin updating your property for the highest return possible, and you are in Southeast Michigan, Impact Home Staging Experts are your number one resource, and we are always happy to help. http://ImpactHomeStagingExperts.com