by Lilly Miller | Dec 26, 2019 | CRESTICO
As the year 2019 is closing to an end, some people are reminiscing what they have done this year, while others are turning towards the future. If your plan for 2020 is to sell your house and move to another neighborhood or city, you are probably currently deep in thought about how to make get the maximum from your house in terms of the price.
The answer to that question lies in staging, that is, preparing the house in a certain matter to be more pleasing to the potential buyers. The trick is, naturally, not to renovate but to make smaller but effective changes so that their expense is more than covered by the price that you set. So, here are the hottest trends that will attract buyers but without draining your budget.
Two-shade curb appeal
The potential buyers’ first glimpse will be to the exterior of your home, so you would need to work a bit on the curb appeal. One thing that doesn’t change with years is that first impressions matter and an unattractive exterior can lower the general opinion buyers form about the property.
What would fit into the 2020 trends is a two-shade exterior: choose a color that you like, that is, two of its shades (we recommend one to be night watch green) and that would take the estheticism to the next level. As for the walkway pavers, emphasize the color with a stone sealer and when the spring comes, plant flowers of vibrant colors to attract the buyers in swarms.
Add a breath of luxury
An ostentatious interior is not only unappealing to most buyers but it also makes them start pondering over the money they will need to keep it in that state. However, luxurious elements don’t have to be pretentious or expensive because they don’t necessarily include a grand piano in the living room or a spa in the bathroom.
A few subtle elements are enough and placing them at places that are not that obvious would give the house an additional charm. For instance, you can choose affordable plaster ceiling panels for your living room ceiling and be sure that the exquisite ornaments would be the selling feature of the house. They come in different patterns so it will not be difficult to find the one that will fit perfectly into your living room.
Illuminate the space
Most people dislike dark houses and dull brown walls will be enough for them to run away any year, not just in 2020. So, what you want to do is to open the curtains and the windows (if the weather allows you) to let the light into the house. Everything would get an elegant golden hue, while the floral ornaments on the ceiling would seem as if they are in full bloom.
If the buyers can only come after the sunset, don’t worry, the light is still your best friend so you can purchase a few modern lamps that stand on the floor and place others on the table and that would give the house a romantic tone, perfect for couples looking for a place to settle.
Accessorize with unique items
What your house needs to have in 2020 is some statement items: those unique pieces of furniture or decorative elements that dominate the room. It can be an old rocking chair you got on the flea market and repainted or a vintage coffee table that belonged to your grandparents. Old items have the charm your house needs, and the best thing is that you can transform them into something new. Getting that one item doesn’t have to be expensive and it can boost the attractiveness of your house severely.
With 2020 waving at us just around the corner, it is already time to start considering the tactics for staging your house if you wish to sell it swiftly. Luckily, these trends are neither high-priced nor will they take too much time to be put into effect, so with some good marketing, you will sell your house in no time.
by David Glenn | Jan 18, 2017 | CRESTICO
Having a home theater used to be considered a luxury reserved only for the wealthy. Key theater elements such as impressive sound systems and high-quality seating were once entirely too expensive for the average homeowner. However, today these things are affordable, meaning that anyone can build the theater of their dreams in their own home.
If you are looking to elevate your TV room to a theater masterpiece, there are some key accessories that will transform your movie-watching experience in no time
1. Black-Out Curtains:
A good set of black-out curtains is one of the most inexpensive items on the list, but a necessity nonetheless. Movie theaters are dark for a reason; by keeping the room dark, the picture on the screen can look its best as it is unaffected by light interference. Invest in a pair of black-out curtains which will completely block light out of your room.
2. A Quality Sound System:
One major difference between watching a movie in a movie theater and at home is the quality of sound. Movie theaters use surround sound which allows you to hear sound all around you. Also, movie theater sound systems pick up a wider range of frequencies so that the sound is much more realistic.
Investing in a good sound system is essential, and luckily, quality sound systems are more inexpensive than ever, with many exceptional systems costing under $2,000. Plus, most of these new models take up less physical space than they ever have.
Despite the fact that they are more affordable than before, this is definitely not a place to skimp as the quality of sound will make or break your movie-watching experience.
3. A Large, High-Quality Screen:
You can’t watch a movie without a screen. To really mimic the feel of a movie theater, you will want a screen that is at least 50 inches wide. There are countless high-definition LED televisions on the market that come in a range of sizes. These can be fairly expensive, however, especially when you opt for a larger size.
Luckily, there are many high-quality movie projectors which will cost you under $1,000. Many projectors offer features like 3-D capabilities and high-definition viewing.
To complete the theater experience, invest in a wall mount so that your screen is attached to the wall. These mounts are inexpensive but make a big difference when it comes to creating the feeling of a real movie theater in your own home.
4. Comfortable Seating:
No matter how good the movie is, it’s hard to enjoy a film when you are sitting in an uncomfortable chair. Comfortable seating is a crucial part of the movie-watching experience.
Reclining chairs are a favorite for home movie theaters, allowing the viewer to truly relax while enjoying their favorite film. Quality back support is a must as chairs with poor back support will cause pain and discomfort which will ruin the movie-watching experience. Extra features like heating and drink holders add an element of luxury and will be loved by all your guests.
Now that you have all the elements you will need to create a movie theater in your own home, there are some important tips to keep in mind while you put the room together. First, it is crucial that you do not place your speakers on any pieces of furniture. This will muffle the audio as the furniture will absorb much of the sound.
Secondly, arrange your room in a way that those entering or leaving the room will not be walking in front of the screen. This can majorly disrupt the viewing experience for the rest of those watching the movie.
Lastly, remember that the space between your screen and your seating has a large effect on your viewing experience. Sitting too close or too far away will negatively impact the way you perceive the quality and details of the movie. There are online calculators which will determine the ideal space between your seating and your screen based on the size of your room and the size of the screen itself.
Building a theater in your home is easier than ever, and by following these simple instructions you will have the ultimate theater masterpiece for friends and family to enjoy forever.
by David Glenn | Apr 24, 2016 | CRESTICO
Most people spend their entire life working, but don’t finish their life rich. That doesn’t mean it is impossible, however, and millions of people manage to join the world’s millionaire list each year. For many, it is only after a lifetime of hard work, saving, smart investments, and job dedication. For others it happens in a stroke of good fortune, while they are still young enough to enjoy the benefits of their money.
Often the first thing people start thinking about when they come into large sums of money is their home. How are they going to build a luxury home that fulfills all their dreams and fantasies. Home building is a process and making the wrong decisions at the beginning can lead to regret and annoyance for years to come. Here are a few things to consider when building that very first luxury home.
Location, location, location
This cannot be stressed enough. The most important factor to consider is the location of the home. Do you care more about being close to family? Are you a hot or cold person? Do beaches matter, or are the mountains more inviting? Remember, this home will be customized to your tastes, so it won’t be as easy to sell as you would like to think. Choose the right location and enjoy years of no regrets.
Size
Many people think that all they care about is having a big home, only to be disappointed when they are not happy in their extremely large home and don’t like the empty feeling that occasionally accompanies it. Figure out everything that the home should have, then choose a size that can accommodate the things you would like as well as the number of people you would like to host. For some, they don’t feel comfortable with more than 5-10 people in their home at once anyway, so why built a mansion?
Style
Choose a consistent style throughout the home. Spend a significant amount of time doing research online, in home tours, and on Pinterest and find the style that can suit you for years to come.
Entertainment
The best part of a luxury home room is often the entertainment. Have you always wanted a home theater? A game room with ping pong and pool? Or an indoor hot tub and pool combo that comes with a waterslide? Maybe all three appeal to you. Spend some time deciding if you want each one, and do research so you know what you are getting into. Pools are great, but require maintenance. Theaters are fun, but you may not like yours, or others kids using it constantly.
Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important places in your new luxury home. You’ll be there multiple times each day and things need to be perfect. Think about where you want everything to go, how many people will be eating and cooking in the kitchen. If you plan on celebrating Thanksgiving with family in your new luxury home make sure the kitchen is built to accommodate. One of the most frustrating aspects of most kitchens is the lack of space. Make sure there are plenty of cupboards, nooks, and spaces for any appliance you may purchase in the long future.
Bathroom
The next most important thing is the bathroom. Bathrooms can be a place of comfort, despite what you may remember from previous low-budget houses. Think jacuzzis, soft rugs, multiple shower heads, and relaxation. Your bathroom can provide all of these.
It’s a great time in life if these are all options for you. You’ve likely had hard times in the past and have looked forward to this a large majority of your life. Enjoy every minute of it.
by David Glenn | Apr 22, 2016 | CRESTICO
Photo via Wikicommons
New bathroom designs focus on pairing the function you expect with classy features and materials that add spa-like luxury. Don’t limit your design dreams to the standard porcelain and grout of yesteryear. If your current bathroom design leaves you bored or you are designing a brand new bathroom, keep the following tips in mind.
Use Glass for the Shower
Shower design is one of the most important elements affecting both style and function of a bathroom. Using glass for this feature has a number of benefits, and you should consider glass panels instead of just a glass shower door. A shower glass panel that covers at least one full side allows more light in and looks classy.
Photo via Wikicommons
Using a shower glass panel on both open sides of a corner shower not only adds a sense of luxury but, if it is clear glass, also makes the room feel bigger. Heavy, opaque shower surrounds create a visual stop in the line of sight, which makes the shower appear to take up more space and makes the room feel smaller.
Glass is also easier to keep clean than you might think. You can buy water repellant sprays that help keep water deposits and soap scum to a minimum. Some people swear by using a squeegee on the glass after showering to keep it spotless and sparkling.
Consider Glass Wall Tile
While we are on the subject of glass, consider using it for other bathroom elements, including tile. Glass features make the space feel crisper, cleaner and can make you feel you are visiting your own personal spa.
Photo Via Wikicommons
Glass tile has gained popularity in the past few years, and there are good reasons for its expanded use for backsplashes, shower surrounds and even the main bathroom walls. It is easy to clean, resists staining and mildew — which can plague some types of ceramic tile — and reflects light, which gives it a beautiful glistening appearance that many find attractive. In addition, glass tile’s natural translucence gives the tile color extra depth and mystery.
Even if you don’t want to use glass tile over a large surface, consider adding a mosaic using the beautiful tile, which will add a stunning custom touch to your new bathroom.
There are a lot of people that add an additional shine to their glass by using some form of organic coconut oil after cleaning.
Don’t Limit Your Lighting
A common mistake made in bathroom remodeling is leaving lighting as an afterthought. The best bathroom designs don’t limit lighting to a single fixture overhead or a few sconces. Whether your bathroom is large or small, the right lighting will enhance its features in addition to making the room more functional for your morning beauty and hygiene prep.
Photo via Wikicommons
Whenever possible, make use of natural lighting through skylights or big windows. Natural light enhances mood and just looks better than artificial light.
Whether your bathroom gets natural light or not, you will need to add overhead lighting as well as task lighting and accent lighting. Task lighting illuminates functional areas such as the vanity, and accent lighting draws attention to art or other decorative features you want noticed.
Wall sconces flanking the vanity mirror usually make the best task lighting for this area. If your bathroom contains a bathtub, an elegant overhead fixture above the tub can function as both task and accent lighting.
Remember that what you want to avoid is leaving areas of the room in shadow. Consider what the room’s lighting needs will be at various times of the day or evening, and plan accordingly. It is helpful, and sometimes necessary, to assign separate switches to each light source so that you have more flexibility to match the room’s lighting needs at any given time.
These three design tips complement any color palette you have chosen in addition to most design styles. Light fixtures come in many styles and colors, and it is easy to find glass tile in about any color you can imagine. Glass showers are unobtrusive enough to allow other decor features to take center stage if you wish, and so if you are looking for luxury, function and versatility, give these some devoted attention.
