Kathleen Finnegan

Design Trends Category

whats old is new again : wallpaper?

In recent years, wallpaper played a minor role in home décor, relegated mostly to powder rooms and otherwise pushed aside by paint, which has been considered the cheaper, faster way to freshen a room. Wallpaper also didn’t fit the more modern aesthetic that gained hold in the last dozen years or so and some buyers considered it far too personal a choice, as well as problematic to install and later remove. But tastes are changing. Many younger buyers don’t remember their parents’... Continue Reading >

12 Most Popular New-Home Amenities in 2015

  Master bedroom walk-in-closets and a laundry rooms are the top features that builders are most likely to include in a new home this year, according to a survey of builders conducted by the National Association of Home Builders. "Both features speak to improving organization and storage characteristics of new homes," according to NAHB on its Eye on Housing blog. Greater energy efficiency amenities also were ranked more important, with low-E Windows coming in No. 3 on the most likely amenity list... Continue Reading >

5 easy tips for outdoor summer staging

Buyers are drawn to backyards in the summer months. These simple tips will help ensure a listing’s outdoor space looks inviting. Just as summer marks a segue from basement birthday bashes and dining room celebrations, it also means sellers should adjust their staging strategy to include outdoor spaces — especially during the months that backyard BBQs and poolside cocktails reign It makes perfect sense to me from the point of view of preparing for a sale, just like indoors, you don’t... Continue Reading >

a well traveled home

A love of travel knows no boundaries—it extends out the door, on the road, and can also be reflected in a carefully curated home. While I usually tend to lean more mid-century minimalist with my interiors, this season I am feeling more worldly. It can be difficult to achieve an eclectic aesthetic that feels effortless yet pulled together. But if you're after just such a look, the addition of global textiles and accessories can add the perfect depth to any style of... Continue Reading >

Style watch – 6 design trends you’ll see more of

This past year I’ve helped a number of buyers get into “fixer” properties with the intention of creating their dream home. I found this article interesting; because it mirrors many of the must have features  my clients were looking for. Builder Online recently spoke to executive director at architecture firm KTGY, about the design trends that are gaining popularity in the new-home market this year and below are a list of upcoming trends in building remodels: Private space Baby boomers, empty nesters, and... Continue Reading >

throwing shade: picking the perfect paint color

I see a lot of interiors and whether your buying or selling a home, paint is always a topic of conversation. I read this article recently that talked about great ways to approach painting a room, or multiple rooms, in your home. Some of the tips are great for design in general. Painting your walls is one of the easiest ways to transform the look of your living space. What is not so easy is selecting the perfect colors. The choices are... Continue Reading >

design trends : whats next?

A good way to stay sane amid the trend forecasts is to think about how — or if — each forecasted trend somehow resonates with your own life. If it doesn't reflect you, don't follow the masses, people want to live a more relaxed life, so the trend will be to make every single room in the house a space that you can actually live in. Here are professionals' predictions about how the shift toward a more personal and meaningful space... Continue Reading >

boost your curb appeal

  From simple upgrades to meticulous landscaping projects, there are dozens—if not hundreds—of ways to enhance your home's appearance. The improvements shown here won't break the bank and can be completed in a morning. Best of all, they'll make a dramatic difference that you'll appreciate every time you pull into your driveway. 1. Get out the power washer Your home has taken a beating over the winter. The front porch likely has a layer of dirt and salt scum, and the windows could... Continue Reading >

tips to prepare for home inspection

  When you get to the point of the inspection, you're nearing the finish line! Hopefully, the pointers mentioned below will help you cross it with ease! Home Inspection Tips to prepare your Home. 1) Make sure all interior and exterior light fixtures work. If an outdoor fixture bulb is out, the inspector has to note that the fixture does not operate correctly. 2) Provide access to the furnace, water heater and electrical panel. Also, the inspector must be able to remove the electrical panel... Continue Reading >

10 tips for home flipping

Buying, renovating and selling a house for profit, known as house flipping, is the latest buzzword in real estate. There is no magical formula to ensure success at flipping houses. However, there are essential tips to help investors earn more money. 1. Do not get emotional about house flipping. It is after all a business. If the numbers do not work, proceed to the next property. Some investors commit the mistake of being too attached to the flip that they sell... Continue Reading >