Getting your home ready for sale and creating an outdoor living space

May 28, 2010

By Heather Segreti

Q. I’m happy to say that this summer, my home will be going up for sale and I’ll be moving into my new digs. My decorating style is… er… Let’s just call it an acquired taste. Can you suggest some ways to neutralize my décor (to appeal to a broad range of potential purchasers) without making it boring? Is there such a thing as “exciting neutrals”??

A. It’s a great time to sell! The market is hot and with the right finishing touches you can have potential buyers upping the ante for your place and bidding over market value.
Here are my suggestions to make the most out of your home before it hits the market:
First clean up and clear out. Clutter will be your worst nightmare. Potential buyers want to see an open space so that they can visualize their personal items in it. This means keeping the furniture to a minimum and removing any pieces that stand out or look out-dated.
Neutral is always a winner when it comes to paint. You can change the tones of the neutrals on the walls from one room to another but keep the colour palette consistent.
Accent your home with interesting lamps and mirrors. Mirrors can make your home appear larger when placed strategically. The front hall is a great place for a mirror. This makes a good first impression!

Add with texture and shine. Purchase new and unique toss cushions, which can be in different shades of cream and taupe. Throw in some neutral drama with a chocolate brown or black cushion. Instead of using colour, keep it neutral but use texture. This is an inexpensive way to cheer up a space and create interest. Another thing I always like to do is incorporate some shine. Maybe a shiny silver bowl or candle sticks or once again a mirror.

Kitchens and bathrooms can make of break the deal. Keep the kitchen neat and tidy, clear off countertops and cutesy tea towels need not apply. The bathrooms must be extremely clean and tidy. Purchase fresh new towels to give that clean spa effect. You can pick up new towels at your local linen supply outlet. Mix shades of white and cream for a neutral palette. Place an assortment of sea shells in a glass vase on the counter and you will catch any buyer’s eye. Sea shells
are a great combination of texture and shine, and cost next to nothing.

Q. My home is my castle and my backyard, my playground. I spend as much time outdoors in the summer as I do indoors, so I’d like to make the most of my outdoor living space. My kitchen opens onto a rear patio, and I’d like to extend my décor into the outdoors. Any advice on creating a seamless transition from indoors out?

A. Transitioning from indoors to outdoors in the summer has become a way of life – particularly with so many wonderful and practical furniture options that are really stylish and comfortable. The biggest trend in outdoor furniture is all-weather wicker. It is fabricated from a PVC or plastic that is washable and very durable. Select a few pieces that work into your space. If you have no room for the larger wicker sets then you can go for the cast aluminum in a wrought iron painted finish.
I love to carry the colours from inside décor to the outside. For example if you are using cream and chocolate brown on the inside, purchase some soft cushions for your patio chairs in the same palette. Be careful not to use too much pattern, this gets to busy if placed in close proximity to any other patterned pieces you may have inside. So, if you have
mostly solids inside you can go for the pattern outside. However if you have pattern inside then opt for the solid outside. I recommend staying away from large-scale patterns for the base cushions. Try a neutral stripe if you don’t want a solid and then add some colour or pattern with toss cushions! Restoration Hardware has great line of furniture and they have several accent cushions in wonderful colours to choose from.

To give that real indoor feeling outside, introduce some lanterns on the tables and other decorative items that can transition from inside to outside weather permitting.
erience. Working with both commercial and residential clients, Heather brings innovative design ideas to each one of her projects. For more information visit her online at segretidesign.com

Founder and president of Toronto-based Segreti Design, interior designer Heather Segreti is a member of ARIDO and IDC, with more than 22 years of experience. Working with both commercial and residential clients, Heather brings innovative design ideas to each one of her projects. For more information visit her online at segretidesign.com

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