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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Pocket Doors

Yesterday I was showing a home to a buyer in Cherry Creek. Of course it was a beautiful condo but there were a number of mirrored sliding doors. Almost all of the closet doors looked like this: 

My client asked what other options they had if they chose to replace these doors. One of the options I love for closets are pocket doors. This would require the mirrored doors to be completely removed but who will miss them?
Want to bring in a little more natural light? Use a frosted pocket door. 
Another option would be a pocket door with a mirror. This is great for a closet or bathroom, rooms that you can never have too many mirrors in. 
 Looking to add a pop of color to your room? Paint the pocket door!
How do you feel about pocket doors? Would you use them in place of the mirrored sliding doors found in so many homes? 

 In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.


Friday, September 26, 2014

DIY side table

I love bringing the inside out in the home by incorporating natural elements in the home. Which is why I instantly fell in love with this side table. 

A simple cut of a tree stump and hairpin legs allows the table to bring in a natural elegance into any room. It is easy to make yourself, see the tutorial here.
 
 In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.
 

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Dark Rooms

Lately I have been loving dark rooms. I have been gravitating towards dark grey or blue or black walls. I think it has something to do with the change of seasons. It is my way of mentally and emotionally preparing for the darker, colder months ahead. Here is a round up of some of my favorite dark rooms.


 Of course the dark walls pair well with gold!

Not sure you can pull off a dark room? Lighten it up with a cool color such as yellow.

 In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Personal Updates and Resale of Your Home

I was recently asked to join a private interior design Facebook page. Of course it brings me nothing but happiness to be part of a design community where people post pictures, tips and ask for and offer advice. Recently someone had posted that they had just moved into a place and were wondering what type of updates they should do knowing that the home was probably not their forever home. This is a question that is near and dear to me as a lover of design and a realtor. The short answer would be that it is always about balance. As you are decorating or renovating your short term goal would be to create a home that is YOURS but your longer term goal is to make sure it is not so personalized that it will deter future buyers. When a client asks me this question, I have a number of follow up questions:
  • How long do you think you are going to stay in the house?
         Interior design trends change over the years and what you do today inevitably will be outdated    in 15-20 years even if update to everything a possible buyer wants now.
  • What changes are you thinking of making?
        Changes such as paint, window coverings and furniture in any room in the home can always be changed prior to selling. Larger changes such as fixtures and flooring can be changed but also is expensive.
  • What rooms are the changes in?
 Kitchen and baths typically add the most value to your home and I would try to keep those on par with what buyers in your market are looking for.
  • What is your budget now and possibly for selling your home?
If you want to personalize your home for when you live in it, do you have a budget to change if when you sell if need be? 
  • Are you open to making changes to your home prior to selling it in the future if need be? 
If you are greatly personalizing your home, keep in mind to get it sold in the future you may need to replace personal upgrades with something more suitable to the current market.

My typical recommendation is to personalize your home with things that can be changed: paint, furniture, art, area rugs, lighting and other decorative items. Fixtures, counter tops, flooring and  appliances should remain close to what sells in your market. If you are making very personal changes that are much different from what your market dictates just keep in mind you may need to make additional updates prior to selling. Otherwise it may take a bit longer to sell as you are looking for a buyer with a very similar style or a buyer willing to do work to make the place their own. If you are considering making substantial updates and are concerned about your home's resale, I would highly recommend getting the opinion of an experienced real estate agent.


In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Inviting Beds

I have been a little under the weather this week. I am completely run down and would much prefer to be in bed rather than attempting to work through my illness. I digress since that is not an option currently. Instead, I have just been swooning over beds that make me want to crawl in and sleep.....





How inviting do these beds look? The best one? Of course the one with a water view! 


In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Barn Wood Headboard

I am always looking for creative approaches to the home and furniture. This can allow you to save money and also have fun and create a style that is uniquely yours. One of the most expensive things in your bedroom can easily be your bed. I love seeing the new trend where people are creating their own headboards. Headboards can be pricey ranging from $800 to upwards of multiple thousands of dollars. If you are looking to create a rustic feel in your bedroom consider using barn wood as a headboard. 


Want to personalize it even more (and add a pop of color) write a fun saying on it.






In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Plaid in the home

It is definitely starting to become fall in Denver. The air is a bit more crisp, it gets darker earlier and I have a strong desire to wear a sweater (even though it can still be close to 90). The biggest indicator that fall is coming? My inbox is full of stores showcasing there flannel shirts. I finally broke down and bought my first flannel of all time. Do not get me wrong, I LOVE plaid but seem to be a bit slow to the flannel trend. Then I was checking out Zara home and stumbled upon plaid in the home. 

Plaid isn't a new concept in the home. Years ago plaid wallpaper was the trend (which makes me shutter just thinking about). The trick with plaid (or really any pattern) is moderation.









 Of course who could do plaid any better than Burberry. This blanket would work in any room of the home.

  In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Benjamin Moore Dragon Breath


This color is a complete contrast from last week. Benjamin Moore Dragon Breath is a dark grey with brown undertones.

This color couples well with gold, teal and blues. 


 In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.


Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Nice Legs

I am currently coveting the Hamilton Leather Couch at West Elm. Slim, sleek legs paired with a light brown leather. The perfect combination of feminine and masculine.

Because, lets be honest, who doesn't love a great pair of legs?!



 In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Silence

I have been up since 5 AM and I went to bed at midnight. For anyone who knows me- that is FAR too late to go to sleep and too early to be up. I am a nine hour shut eye type of gal. For close to 45 minutes I lay in bed thinking about what I COULD do- I certainly have enough work to keep me busy, start texting all my East Coast friends because they are walking into work as we speak, I could check the yoga schedule, bundle up and go for a run because I might as well take advantage of these extra few hours I have, right? I finally just dragged myself out of bed and and turned on my music and just sat in the quiet. Truth be told- I would probably turn on the news but the two television remotes have me confused. It would just be more chatter though and there is something to rejuvenating about being up before the rest of the city.

My door is open to Colfax and the street is never this quiet. Cars slowly pass and it is too cold for people to be on the street yet. It is quiet. Denver certainly isn't on the the nosiest cities but it is a a city nonetheless. When I first moved here the city noise was almost unbearable. Anything would wake me up- a garbage truck, people walking behind my building, a car horn- now I sleep through it and it is the quiet that almost hurts my ears. My mind has followed suit with the city noise. It is constant lately but lucky for me it is more creative energy and excitement rather than anxiety but it is still noise.

I am the type of person that gets so jazzed up if I meet an interesting new person or concept. I will sit up at night thinking about the conversation with enthusiasm. I will scheme and plan until late into the night then wake up and start all over again. I can lose days reorganizing my home or decorating space. Just last week my roommate came into the living room to me staring into space, it wasn't until she asked me what I was doing that I realized I was designing my dream house. Leopard print runner on the stairs, emerald green entry way, gallery wall, huge windows that let in a lot of natural light, white walls!! When she walked in I was stuck on what type of wood floors I would want- I have an argument for both a light wood and dark wood.

As of late I have had a strong desire to be in NYC. Hands down my favorite city in the U.S. 9/11 always makes me nostalgic for the city that never sleeps. The city that is the ultimate juxtaposition- tough as nails with the softest heart around. I have wanted to just pick myself up and plop myself in NYC. The smells, the people the outrageous fashion sense, the colors, the constant stream of noise. The whole city can put my creativity in overdrive (talk about not sleeping....).

My friend recently posted on Facebook that when she is most creative she is listening to classical music. I thought.... WHAT??! My creativity works off of dub step, or, as an example, I am listening to Drake as I write this. Although I am a firm believer that the approach to creativity is completely personal, maybe slowing myself down would do myself good. I always love to create the (almost manic) energy of creativity but it can often be overwhelming. Often I find I have no where to put it and can tire myself out quickly. I do not have an issue producing creativity but actually forming something with it. Perhaps the silence is what helps sift through the creativity energy and actually produce something of benefit with it? I have always been a strong believer in the capability of silence in other aspects of my life. You can speak volumes without uttering a single word. Imagine if silence could have that profound effect on other aspects of your life?



 In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.


Friday, September 12, 2014

Emerald Green

There is a cold front in Denver recently, currently it is a brisk 36 degrees. This weather makes me want to curl up and hibernate which may make for a long winter as its only September. Instead of preparing for an endless winter, I have been browsing pictures of emerald green. A rich color that bestows elegance, wealth and harmony. All of which I would like to have as the season changes to winter. Pantones color of the year in 2013, emerald green has been seen quite often in interiors and around the home.




When making mention of emerald green, the best use of it goes to Cameron Diaz kitchen designed by Kelly Wearstler.


How do you feel about emerald green? Do your color choices change as the seasons change?

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Never Forget

Today is about honoring everyone who lost their life, families that lost loved ones and the heroes who risked their life trying to save people on and after 9/11. Take time out of your day today to remember the tragic events and the strength, courage and compassion that carried us through as a nation

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Benjamin Moore White Down

As I have mentioned here, I love the color white. People may think white is boring but I think the right color white can leave a lasting impression. I stumbled upon Benjamin Moore White Down and I think it might be one of my favorite color whites yet.

White Down has a very subtle mix of grey undertones. Can't picture it in a room? I went searching for a picture of the room painted this color:


This paint color creates a room that is classic, timeless and elegant. What do you think? 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's clients range from first-time home buyers, to sellers, to short sales, to seasoned investors. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Focus on: Swamp Coolers

Depending where you live, you may or may not be very familiar with a swamp cooler. The first time I had heard about a swamp cooler was when I moved to Denver. We certainly did not have them in the North East. Swamp coolers are also referred to as evaporative coolers, wet air coolers or desert air cooler. Swamp coolers are similar to air conditioners in the sense that they both cool the home. The difference is how it is achieved. Whereas an air conditioner unit will cool by employing vapor compression, a swamp cooler will cool a home down in dry climates by enthalpy of vaporization. In this process liquid water transitions to water vapor. The process cools the home more efficiently and with less energy in drier climates. Evaporative coolers are not popular in the North East as there is far too much humidity in the air for it to cool the air. If you live in a dry climate, such as Colorado, swamp coolers can be a cheaper, energy effective and environmentally conscious alternative to air conditioning. 


In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Monday, September 8, 2014

The perfect bar cart

Summer may be coming to an end but it doesn't mean you need to stop entertaining! Bar carts make it easy to always be prepared for any spontaneous guests. Bar carts are a great way to both organize and display your liquor and bar ware.  





Just like anything in your home, do not forget to personalize your bar cart! Adding a pop of color with flowers, photos or other mementos.

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Friday, September 5, 2014

Paint Colors for a Seaside Home

Still lusting over the beach I put together my favorite Benjamin Moore paint colors for a seaside feel in your home. 

From top left to bottom right:


Whether you actually live on the water or just want to create that feeling in your home, paint can always help. The trick is to use light, cool, airy colors. The color white will always work as a contrast to these paint colors or as the wall color. Overall, the rooms should be neutral, any upholstery or patterns in the room should be muted and subtle to create a seaside escape in your home.


In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

A beach retreat

I'm back in Denver but missing the ocean. An often unknown fact is that New Hampshire has about 18 miles of coast! I grew up about 10 minutes away from the coast and there is nothing more peaceful and calming than watching the shore go in and out. 


Looking to bring that beach/ocean theme into the house but don't want to use the ever popular seaside decor collections of sand dollars, sea shells and sand? 


There are so many other creative alternatives to bring the beach into your home. 
How about beach themed artwork? With a very neutral room, the eye is immediately drawn to the beach artwork. 


Hanging an anchor on the wall. 

Use rope for common everyday tools around the home. 
Like a toilet paper holder. 

Better yet, what about using robe for the stair rails? 

When creating a beach retreat, I like to bring in elements of a beach or lake that make you indirectly think of water. What else would you bring into your dream beach house? 

In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.