With the weather heating up homeowners are heading outside to spruce up their greenery. If the gardening bug has bitten you there are tons of backyard options based on your style needs space and location though some fundamental gardening rules are universal. Here are a few tips that anyone can use to make their gorgeous garden grow.

Work the soil when it’s relatively dry. Tending to wet soil can be damaging so you’ll also want to provide adequate drainage for the soil.

Know your area. Use USDA or Sunset zones to help pick plants that will grow properly in your region. Not all flowers are meant for all climates so this will save you a lot of time and work.

Start a compost pile. Use Mother Nature to help feed your plants.

Water the soil deeply. Saturate the soil with about an inch of water once a week as simply wetting the surface doesn’t reach the root and could actually harm the plants.

Rotate your veggies. If you have a vegetable garden rotate the crop annually. Growing the produce in a different spot each year will reduce the risk of contaminating the crop with disease that may linger in plant residue.

Do you have an gardening advice? Share your tips in the comments below!

Ciao
Lisa

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Photo Credit:Houzz

Mother's Day will be here this Sunday May 13th and instead of going the traditional route and getting mom flowers or a card try this simple and elegant gold-dipped stemware idea that I came across on Momtastic. You'll only need a few items and these glamorous glasses will be ready in no time!

All you need is:

Metallic gold spray paint masking tape newspaper and wine glasses.

Wash the wine glasses thoroughly then wrap tape around the base of the wine glass. Leaving the are that you would like to paint exposed and cover the rest of the glass with paper.

Spray the exposed area from at least  1 1/2 feet away to give the glass an even coat of paint. Let dry and repeat if needed. 

Repeat for all of the glasses in the set and pair with mom's favorite bottle of wine for an extra special treat!

Do you have any DIY Mother's Day gift ideas? Leave your tips in the comments section!

Ciao!

Lisa

Related Stories:

DIY: Flower Vases

DIY: Smart Ideas To Make Your Life Easier

New Uses For Old Things

How To Accessorize With Scent

Photo Credit:Momtastic

If you're in Cape Cod this Saturday come see me at the HYANNIS Design Showroow for Mid-Cape Home Center's Spring Home Show. I'll be there from noon until to 2pm answering questions and sharing tips and advice on spring organizing decorating house staging and much more! While you're there you can also enter to win a 10000 kitchen cabinetry makeover! Find out more information about the Spring Home Show here.

What types of questions would you ask me during the Spring Home Show?

Ciao!

Lisa

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DIY: Flower Vases

Make Spring-Cleaning Easy

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Photo Credit: Mid-Cape

Hey Gang!

Sometimes there are some simple tricks you can use to make your life a lot easier! Here are a few do-it-yourself ideas I found that could help you out:

Hiding wood scratches

Rubbing a walnut over scratches and dings in your wood furniture will help to hide the scratches.

Picking up hard to reach items

Picking up small items in hard to reach places can be a huge pain! If you secure a nylon stocking over the vacuum hose you can get it very easily.

Linen Storage

Easily keep track of your bed linens by putting them inside of their own pillowcases! 

For more amazing tips and tricks that will make your life easier check out TheFrugalFairy.

What's your favorite tip or trick for making life easier?

Ciao!

Lisa

Photo Credits: ApartmentTherapy Instructables MarthaStewart

Hey Gang!

While you're still working on your spring-cleaning I thought I'd give you some tips for organizing your kitchen! It can be tough to figure out what to do with all of your pots and pans. Check out this HGTV video that shows you how to make the best use of your kitchen space:

What other tips do you have for keeping your kitchen organized?

Ciao!

Lisa

Hey Gang!

Decorating your home can be fun but it can also be very pricey. To stay within your budget try to use old items and make them new again. I came across a cool and inexpensive do-it-yourself project on My Design Folder that will leave you with an endless supply of flower vases! All you need are: empty bottles glass paint and nail polish remover!

1. Put the glass paint and a small amount of nail polish remover inside of the empty bottle.
2. Mix them together until the paint covers the entire bottle.
3. Personalize the outside of the bottle! Write words or draw pictures on it.
4. Let the paint dry for a few days

What other cool d.i.y. ideas do you have? Leave them in the comments below!

Ciao!

Lisa

Hey Gang!

There are many ways to get your home ready for Sunday's Easter festivities! Check out these decorating ideas you can easily put together with Easter eggs:

Easter Egg Wreath

Easter Egg Garland

Easter Egg Centerpiece

What are your Easter decorating ideas?

Ciao!

Lisa

Photo Credits: Kaboodle HGTV HGTV

Hey Gang!

If you're looking to bring some positive energy into your home you can easily do so by simply adding the color yellow! Check out this HGTV video that shows you how to use yellow to brighten up your kitchen without overdoing it:

What other colors do you use to improve your mood?

Ciao!

Lisa

Hey Gang!

Spring has officially started and that means it's time for spring-cleaning again. It may seem a little overwhelming at first but it can be quite easy if you plan ahead. Check out these tips for making your spring cleaning like a spring breeze:

Make a checklist - Before you begin make a list of all of the places you want to clean around your house. It's also a good idea to make a list of cleaning supplies you will need.

Create a realistic schedule - Spring-cleaning is a lot of work but if you make a schedule and stick to it you can finish it up in no time! Keep in mind you most likely won't be able to get it all done in one weekend.

Throw away unwanted items - Before you get to work you'll want to throw away items that are cluttering your home. This will make the cleaning process much easier.

Clean - It's best to clean your entire house when you do your spring-cleaning but you'll want to focus on key areas such as your windows drapes refrigerator and bathroom. Also make sure to dust your home thoroughly.

Organize - Part of the cleaning process is making sure everything is put away in its correct place. Storage bins and organizers can be very helpful!

What are your spring-cleaning tips?

Ciao!

Lisa

Photo Credits: TLC Newbeehomeschooler ECampusBlog SmithBlogOnline Squidoo

Hey Gang!

Since Saint Patrick's Day is this weekend I thought I'd give you some ideas for green decorating. But I'm not talking about the color. "Green" or eco-friendly designs have become a big hit and it's also better for the environment. Here are a few simple tips for redesigning your home while being environmentally friendly at the same time.

1. Use natural materials that can be recycled. Furniture and other products made from wood natural stone bamboo and wicker are all recyclable and great for the environment. While products made from natural materials can be pricier they last!
2. Turn your old items into something new. Instead of throwing away your old album covers frame them! Or reupholster your old furniture with eco-friendly fabrics.
3. Use energy efficient appliances. Make sure your refrigerator and other kitchen appliances carry Engery Star ratings.

Check out this video HGTV featured that shows a "green" kitchen remodel.

How are you "going green" in your home?

Ciao!

Lisa

With spring just around the corner you may be looking for some ways to brighten up your home. You can easily do so by adding some colorful accessories. Check out this video from HGTV with tips for adding spring colors to your home.

These ideas can be used in any room and with other spring colors!

How do you prepare your home for spring?

Ciao!

Lisa

Which one is your favorite? Share in the comments below!

Ciao!

Lisa

Are you guys on Pinterest yet? If not check it out- there's tons of design DIY and style inspiration on there. HGTV has some great Pinterest boards and one of my favorites is their Child Style board.

These inspirational images are proof that a kids' space doesn't have to be short on style:

When decorating your child's space have fun with bold colors prints and don't be afraid to work their favorite things into the design.

How do you tackle kids' rooms? Share in the comments below!

Ciao!

Lisa

Hey Gang!

Master bathroom not cutting it for you these days? HGTV recently featured some inspiring master baths that really turned the bathroom into a spa-like retreat:

The soft lighting and romantic color choices give this space a zen-like appeal. To see the rest of the inspirational master bathrooms click here. How do you create a spa atmosphere in your master bathroom? Share your tips below!

Ciao!
Lisa

I recently helped writer Marni Jameson tackle the design of her daughter's bonus room.  I taught her how to use paint as a way of adding color to room rather than through your furniture choices.  I think the final look was just what she wanted and I love how it turned out.

Read the full article Marni wrote in the Marin Independent Journal right here!

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi gang!

Are you looking to redesign your kitchen soon?  Check out this handy video reference from HGTV for creating the best kitchen for your home. Get inspired!

What is your dream style kitchen? Share in the comments below!

Ciao!
Lisa

Today I'm sharing a little photo inspiration courtesy of HGTV! Are you ready to step inside HGTV's 2012 Dream Home? Today we're focusing on the foyer.

As the first room guests see the foyer sets the tone for your entire home interior. How do you decorate yours?

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi gang!

Today I'm sharing an oldie but a goodie -- my primer on painting! Enjoy:

Repainting can dramatically change the mood of a room and it's one of the first projects that many home designers choose to tackle. But it's not as simple as just dragging a brush across your walls! The better your paint prep is the fewer disasters you will have and the better your paint job will look in the end. “Save now spend later” – that goes for time and money.
 
If you need to save money don’t skimp on paints. Better paints cost more…it’s a fact. Better paints have more pigments and binders and may mean fewer coats of paint and less work! The same is true for paintbrushes.

Follow these tips for a flawless paint job for your home:

Prime your walls first – it seems like an extra step but primer is cheaper than paint and means that in the end you will use less paint and get a truer color read – and more durability long term. Definitely prime if you are going over a dark color or will be applying a dark color. The whole process will be quicker with primer. Many people don't know to prime at all - we often skip that step on TV shows because it doesn't make exciting television.  But trust me we always prime first!

Choose a great paint – many companies now sell primer and paint all in one. When you’re shopping be thoughtful about the environment and use low or no VOC paints. A great brand I use is KILZ Primer. Find out where you can buy KILZ here!

Be prepared. Before you get started make sure you have lots of plastic tarp for protecting flooring and furniture paint rags for clean ups you will need them! a variety of paint brushes a roller handle and lots of replacement rollers

Tape it. Be sure you have a good quality painters' tape for taping off moldings window trims and the ceiling. Use tape as a guideline only. Tape is not an excuse for sloppy edge work. I need lots of tape guidelines because I drink soooo much coffee!

Choose the right tools. There are many types of paint brushes and they all handle differently. They all work well so choose the kind that feels the best. When you're buying hold the paintbrushes and test for hand comfort!

Know where to skimp and where to spend. Don't skimp on paintbrushes. You want quality brushes and rollers that will result in the best paint application. You can go cheap with paint trays rags and drop cloths.

While painting avoid quick zig zag movements. Instead apply paint with long and continuous rollouts top to bottom. This helps avoid arm fatigue and paint pick up. Using an extension pole for all rolling even at body level is better for the back.

Don’t forget to turn on music and hydrate! You can skip your normal workout for the day.

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi gang!

It’s a new year which for most of us means New Year’s Resolutions! One popular resolution is getting organized so I thought I’d share a few tips for going from cluttered to calm courtesy of HGTV’s Fran Harris. Check it out:

Home Rule 1: Everything Has Its Optimal Place 

Newspapers don't belong on top of the refrigerator or on the floor by the front door. Earrings don't belong on the counter by the stove. Decide where things should go and start putting them there today.

Home Rule 2: Put Things in Their Place Immediately aka the Ice Cream Rule

If you walk into your house with a pint of ice cream you don't leave it on the counter for an hour do you? No. It goes in the freezer now or you'll be sorry later. Apply the "ice cream rule” to everything in your house and life. Doing so will minimize the likelihood of creating a cluttered living space.

Home Rule 3: Alert the Troops

Make sure everyone in the house knows about the new organization system so that your hard work and commitment aren't in vain. It may take a while for the new system to catch on but don't worry. When people see how much smoother things are at home they'll jump on board.

Thanks Fran! How do you plan to get organized in 2012?

Ciao!
Lisa

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The Cheapest Way to Remodel? Declutter!
From Frumpy Sitting Room to Sophisticated Study
Get Organized

Inexpensive Luxury
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Techorating

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During the holidays all eyes are on your hosting skills and that extra festive feel comes from unique holiday decorating! Why not spice up your home with these celebratory DIY projects and easy decor ideas:

For a tutorial on how to make this cedar wreath "Chandelier" click here!

Find out how to make this paper-chain garland by clicking here!

Find out how to make these mason jar snowglobes by clicking here!

Click here to learn how to make this Hanukkah garland.

How are you decorating for the holidays? Share them in the comment section below.

Happy Holidays!
Lisa

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For a stocking stuffer get a magazine subscription to a home interiors magazine like House Beautiful or Romantic Homes. 

How about a super cute tape measure? If you know someone who loves DIY or has moved recently this gift is a great idea!

Pretty serving bowls are both decorative and functional.

For bookworms beautiful book ends are a great gift. Pictured below is an agate/quartz set quartz is my fave!

Do you have any great interior design-themed gifts in mind? Leave your ideas in the comment section below!

Ciao!
Lisa

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Do you have any tips for creating a unified flow of color within a house? What colors are your walls? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!

Ciao!
Lisa

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Today I'd like to share a video that was taken while on the phone with Kelly from Kelly'sLuckyYou.com. In this video I answer the following questions:

1. What do I mean by “techorating”?
2. If I were to upgrade only one technology item in a home what would have the most impact?
3. How can a person decorate around that big flat screen tv so that it's not the focal point in the room? 

Don't forget to incorporate what you've just learned in the video with the tips that I gave in my Decorate Around Technology post!

What tips do you have for "techorating"? Are you thinking of upgrading now? Leave your ideas in the comments section below.

Ciao!
Lisa

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What tips do you have for dining and decorating for the holidays? Tell me in the comments below.

Ciao!
Lisa

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Today I thought I'd share a few ways to accentuate your fireplace for this holiday season. Fireplaces have such character and charm and since the chill in the air is here everyone is going to want gather by the fire so let's spice it up!

Here are some photos of festive fireplaces to inspire you:

I love adding quartz crystals around the fireplace because quartz has energy and also adds a unique sparkle to your mantle and living room.

Remember not to hang or decorate anything too close to the fire or hot bricks around the edge.

What tricks to you have to spice up your fireplace for this season?

Ciao!
Lisa

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Hey Gang!

Today I want to share an interview I did last July with Romantic Homes magazine. It was a casual fun interview all about my summer projects and some of my personal favorite pieces in my own home. Here are a few excerpts:

What's my current inspiration?
Jewelry from India! Especially jewelry mounted in silver.

The last thing I bought for my home?
I have bowls of quartz all over my home because I love that they are said to have energy plus they sparkle and shine around the house… So I bought more crystals!

Best tricks when entertaining?
Display the food beautifully use elaborate platters and pastry stands to decorate the party area. Also try using short glass flower vases to serve food instead of typical bowls.

Favorite new color?
Greige gray-beige. It's the perfect blend of warm and cool!

Best place to unwind?
At home watching an episode of "Law & Order" in my pajamas with my honey and puppy Pico.

What are your favorite entertaining tricks for the holidays? Share them in the comments below!

Ciao!
Lisa

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Kitchen Cabinet Chat
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Market Ready Makeover

Women often gravitate toward a more feminine look with pinks fresh flowers and bright lighting whereas men tend to prefer a simple look with dark or neutral accents. The good news is you can create a harmonious design and still show off both your personalities.

For example if you love a bright color like pink pair that color with something softer like a masculine brown. We redesigned a bathroom on "Designed to Sell" with neutral pinky beige walls brown and pink striped shower curtains and striped towels from Target. Click here to see the full bathroom story from "Designed to Sell".

If you'd like to take this a step further I suggest painting your bathroom walls a brown or neutral color for him then adding pastel accents such as fresh flowers artwork towels or an oversized detailed mirror for her.

What tips do you have for decorating a shared bathroom with your significant other?

Ciao!
Lisa

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Build extra shelves above to the side of or even below your television to make the TV look like a chic centerpiece.

Hanging pictures and other wall decor around your television adds attractive accents to the wall behind the technology.

Cut the Cords

Try to hide any extra equipment like cable boxes and cords in a nearby storage closet or behind the television stand.

Lastly consolidate and use only one remote! That way there's only one remote to find when it's lost and the room will look cleaner than if there were four remotes sitting on the table.

How do you decorate around your technology? Tell me in the comment section below! Happy decorating!

Ciao!
Lisa

Define each room. Clearly defining the purpose of each room with your interior design is a very important part of maximizing a home’s space and making it seem more livable. Make sure each room serves a clear purpose and is as organized as possible.

How have you gotten your home prepped for the market? Here is an example of a home that I helped prepare for the market!

Ciao!
Lisa

Where do you use lanterns? What other interior "accessories" do you style your home with?

Ciao!
Lisa

These are a few modern metals that you can use to update your home:

Pewter

Brushed chrome or nickel

Antique brass

Oil rubbed bronze/black wrought iron

Do you love decorative metals? What other tips do you have to update your home's style?

Ciao!
Lisa

The crisp and contemporary look where everything seems clean light and airy.

The vintage decor look. This style is time-worn and is enhanced with hand-crafted natural or used materials.

The modern and metropolitan look. This is a sleek edgy style with unique uses of space and furniture.

What style is your favorite? What tips do you have for embracing your favorite style? Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to enter for a chance to win 5000.00 from Pfister!

Ciao!
Lisa

How it works:

Every week Scrubbing Bubbles is giving away a 500 gift card to the 7 highest-voted videos. The weekly winners will then face-off for the grand prize of 2500 gift card and bathroom consultation with me!

Here's what to do:

1. Record and upload your One Step Dance here. As long as your dance incorporates a stepping motion bust it out and step on it! Enter as many videos as you'd like too.
2. Get everyone you know to vote. The highest-voted videos win the weekly prize and ultimately one of those seven will be the Grand Prize winner! The video with the most votes wins.

With Scrubby's One Step Dance Video Contest bathroom cleaning has never been more fun!

How do you clean the bathroom do you One Step it?

Ciao!
Lisa

Christina Jay and their five year-old daughter are getting ready to move down to Texas but their home needs a makeover. Their belongings were never fully unpacked leaving the house completely cluttered!

Our first focus was the kitchen.

Before

Once the mess was cleared we noticed the potential it had with the spacious kitchen and breakfast nook area.

After

We uncluttered the area dressed up the windows and added furniture that matches the modern kitchen surfaces. The new window seating opens the space and creates a charming and sellable kitchen.

Next up was the living room. We focused on organization and in the process discovered the living room's best feature: The fireplace. 

Before 

After

The updated color palette unifies the room and turns the focus to the fireplace while the modern furnishings add warmth and comfort. 

Go to HGTV.com for the full scoop! How do you keep your house from getting cluttered?

Ciao!
Lisa 

Before

After

After working on the living room we turned our focus over to the master bathroom.
 
The master bathroom was roomy and seemed almost impeccable but it lacked color. A little splash of color earthy tiling in place of the worn carpeting and modern accessories like the mirror above the vanity made for a more elegant and sellable master bathroom!

Before

After

The new multi-tone tile flooring in the bathroom created an organic look while the new mirror made the room appear bigger. Other accessories that were used to update the bathroom included bright towels and floral accents. 
 
Go to HGTV.com for the full scoop! What tips do you have to create a more elegant bathroom?
 
Ciao!
Lisa

Before

After

Because the surface area of the patio is so large we decided to utilize outdoor furniture to make the space more inviting and useful. Painting the concrete a neutral color refocused the patio's color palette. We used similarly neutral accessories such as beige throw rugs then added a touch of lush landscaping to create a relaxing outdoor area.

Once the patio was finished there was only one more area to work on before this home was martket-ready: the bathroom! Here's the bathroom as it was when we arrived:

Before

After

We took this 1950's-style bathroom and updated the color palette. We also created softer vanity lighting this can easily be done by using frosted bulbs instead of the clear kind. The modern sink shower curtain and other accessories also help to provide a chic look with a hint of personality. 

Go to HGTV.com for the full scoop! What are your favorite tricks for making a space more inviting?

Ciao!
Lisa

Before

We redesigned this living room by un-cluttering the fireplace updating the color palette and rearranging the furniture.

After

Now the fireplace can warm the room without singeing decorative sentimental items. We updated the walls curtains and furniture with a warmer color palette to make it more inviting to potential buyers. Next up the bathroom!

Before

The bathroom in the house needed a surface facelift and vanity renovation.

After

Two updated vanities and new marble flooring created a fresh elegant palette. For lighting like this check out Lowes! For more inspiration and to see a full list of changes we made during this home renovation visit HGTV.com!

xo
Lisa

Accessorize. Once you’ve chosen a few standout pieces of furniture it’s time to embellish with accessories. Pillows throw rugs or unique cabinet handles are some examples of accessories that are inexpensive to replace and easy to update seasonally. But beware: too many accessories in one room can make the space appear messy and cluttered. To avoid this you can always rotate your favorites!

Rearrange the furniture. Although this tip seems pretty obvious rearranging pieces in a room can create a dramatic change…and it’s free! Try stepping out of your boundaries and make the fireplace the focal point of the room instead of the television. Experimenting with new trends means testing boundaries so roll up your sleeves and think outside of the box while rearranging furniture or accessories.

These simple design tips can help you completely change the look of any space while keeping up with design trends all on a budget! 
 
Are you loving a current design trend? How do you plan to incorporate it into your own home?

xo
Lisa

Hi gang!

Nothing is quite as overwhelming as moving everything you own from one house to another. Watch the video above to get some great tips for making your move as organized as possible.

Have a great week!
Lisa

Today I want to share a project I did with my team at HGTV in which we helped a couple to prep their house for sale so they could move across the country for a new job opportunity. This house was a little ragged around the edges when we arrived but we were able to significantly boost its profit potential for less than 2000!

Here is the living room before we got our hands on it:

And after:

Here's the kitchen as it was when we arrived:

And after:

Can you tell what changes we made? Go to HGTV.com for the full scoop!

Ciao!
Lisa

This week I want to share a bathroom redesign project I did with my team at HGTV. Here is the before and after:

Before

After

Can you guess all the changes we made? Find out how many you got right at HGTV.com!

Have you changed anything in your bathroom lately? What needs to be changed most?

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi gang!

Here's an interview I gave about my new furniture line at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas. I can't wait to hear what you think!

Ciao
Lisa

Hi gang!

I'm so excited about a new radio show I'm on called My Fix It Up Life. The show features Ed Begley Jr. discussing eco ways to renovate your home and yours truly talking about how to turn your house into a cozy home that reflects your personality. You can listen to the first episode here and subscribe to the podcast here.

I can't wait to hear what you think!

xo
Lisa

I love creative ways of merging technology and electronics with a room's decor - whether it's modern or traditional.

Now that we have all embraced the flat screen TV I am still seeing awkwardly low "media" cabinets sitting below that wall mount. What was the point of getting that flat screen hung on the wall if you were going to have a cabinet anyway?

Here are some tips for making technology fit seamlessly into your decor:

• Hang a TV in the same way you would hang a piece of art: over a sideboard dresser or console table.
• Accessorize around the TV as though it is art. You can literally build an art frame around your TV as in the pictures above!
• Collage around it with a collection of photos or paintings.
• Stage the cabinet beneath it with a pair of lamps or stacks of books...you get where I am going with this right?
• Do your best to hide away equipment remotely or in a closet. Electronic stores sell gadgets to make that possible.
• Hide cords and cables with hollow tubing or tracks that can be painted and fade into your wall color.
• And lets all find just one universal remote to sit on the coffee table if possible! Pretty please?

I'll admit these are my designer pet peeves! ;

Sending Much Love!
Lisa

Photos: Phyllis Morris

This week I'm sharing a home makeover I did with my crew at HGTV. Our goal was to help a couple sell their home so they could move into a bigger space to accomodate their growing family!

We had lots of great elements to work with including high ceilings lots of natural light and a pretty deck. Check out the before and after below!

Before

The neutral colors in the living room were a plus but we wanted to rearrange the furniture add a dining table and punch up the room a little with some accessories!

Here's what we did:

After

Ahh so much better! To get a full list of the changes we made visit HGTV.com.

xo
Lisa

Hi all!

I had fun working on this home belonging to a musical couple with my team at HGTV! We added a white mantle to highlight the fireplace and with new drapes furniture lighting and crown molding we created a brand new room!

You can see the full cost breakdown as well as where we got our supplies at HGTV.com.

Have a great week!

xo
Lisa

Hi gang!

An out of date bathroom can really bring a home owner down! That's why my team at HGTV and I tackled this project for retired couple Devorah and Marty.

Before the bathroom was boring and out of date see below but we gave it a complete makeover see above!

We transformed this space into a modern simple room by adding new sinks a new whirlpool tub new flooring - well we pretty much changed everything! And the result was fantastic.

Do you want to renovate your bathroom? What part would go first?

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi Gang!

This Saturday at 1pm I'll be appearing on KTLA's "Career Day".

"Career Day" is a show that provides teens with information about possible careers so if you have teenagers watch it with them! If you live in Los Angeles be sure to check it out or DVR it and let me know what you think!

xo
Lisa

Hi Gang!

Sometimes appearances can be deceiving! This house has great curb appeal but when my team at HGTV and I went inside we had our work cut out for us!

We transformed a disorganized drab interior into an inviting home by getting rid of the clutter emphasizing natural light and adding bright accessories to show off the space.

After we were done our homeowners were ready to sell and move to a bigger home out of state.

What are some ways you can use color and light to show off the rooms in your home?

xo
Lisa

Sometimes you've gotta "think outside the room" - in this project I completed with my team at HGTV we turned a den into an elegant master bedroom. Check out the before and after below:

Before

To transform this room we took out the old furniture and replaced it with an elegantly dressed bed and complementary drapes. The end result created the feel of a cozy hunting lodge:

After

How do you use your den? Any plans for a radical makeover?

Ciao!
Lisa

Before

Hi Gang!

I wanted to share this fun living room makeover I did with my team at HGTV! To transform this room for a couple who needed to sell their home to make room for a new baby we refreshed the walls added a new ceiling fan and accessories and a lovely water feature outside. Check out the results:

After

Have you made any changes to your living room lately? Share them in the comments below!

xo
Lisa

I wanted to share the before and after photos from a project I worked on with my HGTV team to highlight how you can show off unique features in your living room.

Before

After

To update this living room we added a fresh coat of paint new furniture window treatments light fixtures and accessories. Now this room's special features like built-in bookshelves and white wood trim really pop!

How would you like to update your living room?

Have a great weekend!
Lisa

After

Hi Gang!

Sometimes the most frequently used room in the house can be the hardest to design. It has to strike the perfect balance of style and functionality while pleasing everyone who spends time in that room.

Before

For this den my team at HGTV and I worked with a couple who couldn't agree on a design theme. But we were finally able to compromise and turn a colorless den into a warm and inviting room. See how we got there at HGTV.com!

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi Gang

Since I am obsessed with doggies - I always love anything especially good design for dogs - I wanted to share this article about amazing doggie houses or shall we say "Barkitecture" - enjoy!

xo
Lisa

Hi gang!

I'll be at the Spring Home Show in Plymouth Mass. this weekend - if you're nearby come say hello!

Have a great weekend!

xo
Lisa

Hi gang!

I had so much fun sharing my design tips at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Disney World! Check out my video from the event and learn a couple of design tips too!

xo
Lisa

Hi everyone!

Sometimes we get so focused on perfecting our indoor spaces that we neglect the outdoors. But if you're designing to sell you've got to pay attention to every last detail! I wanted to share this patio project I worked on with my team at HGTV because it shows how simple it can be to make your outdoor spaces beautiful!

For this patio we replaced an old outdoor carpet with new wood flooring then we borrowed furniture from the neighbors to make it cozy and complete! Voila!

Have you redecorated your patio recently? Send me your pictures! You can private message me or post the pictures to your profile here on LisaLaPorta.com and "like" them.

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi gang!

Home designer Tasha recently asked me for some design advice about her basement. Check it out!

Tasha's Question:

"I am attempting to decorate my basement. It has a lot of natural elements already: rough wood slats & natural rock in one area white walls soft browns grey fireplace brick area white walls and coming soon soft brown carpet with teal flecks. I don't know what color of curtains to put up! We have small windows in that space as well. Should I add a pop of color or keep it neutral as the rest of the space?"

My Answer:

"You could pick up the blue-teal of the carpet in the drapery panels or just keep it neutral- with soft brown carrying the floor color up onto the wall with drapery panels - particularly since the walls are white. If you add a pop of color it needs to reappear in other places in the room: art accessories or throw pillows for example. If all of your furniture is neutral then you will prob need the pop of color!"

Do you have pressing design question? Write your questions in the comments below and I may feature them on the blog!

xo
Lisa

Hi everyone!

Sometimes we let function override form but it's possible to have both! In this master bedroom my HGTV team and I combined the two to create a room that feels elegant but still totally comfortable. Check out where we got all our materials at HGTV.com!

Bye for now!
Lisa

Before

Hi all!

Here is a great "before and after" look at a living room I redesigned. Before the crew at HGTV and I got to work this was a sad little room with mismatched furniture and no real focal point. 

After

With new paint window treatments light fixtures furniture and a little rearranging we turned it into a cozy yet elegant living room with a fireplace that really stands out.

Go to HGTV to see the full cost breakdown!

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi gang!

We all want to maximize the space in our homes and create the illusion of more square footage!

One little secret for making a room look bigger is to get smaller furniture. In this living room we downsized the furniture and rearranged it for better flow. We also added new light fixtures and accessories to make it more ammenable to entertaining. See the full cost breakdown at HGTV.com!

Have a great week!
Lisa

Hi gang!

I recently had a great time filming a segment about house jewelry for LXTV! The segment aired over the weekend and now you can watch it online here! House jewelry is anything from metal objects like light fixtures and cabinet handles to colorful accessories like pillows and candles. These details can transform a room just like a beautiful necklace can complete an ensemble.

I can't wait to hear what you think of the segment. And if you want to see more of this gorgeous house you can view the real estate listing here.

Have a great week!
Lisa

Hi gang!

I had a blast doing a segment about house jewelry for NBC LX-TV Open House. The segment will air this weekend times below - we shot it at a house my friend Evan Gaskin just completed in Sherman Oaks Calif. He is a high-end builder who usually ends up selling his homes to movie stars!

There were endless examples of great house jewelry in Evan's latest house because he builds dreamhouses in the 5-10 million price range - so we got a sneak peak at one that is about to go on the real estate market. We can dream looking at this house...but there are great design details and take away tips that we can all use in our own homes.

The segment airs this weekend! Here are the times that it will air in the following cities:

NBC Los Angeles Channel 4
Saturday 2/5/11 7:00 PM
Sunday 2/6/11 4 PM

NBC Chicago WMAQ - Sundays at 10:30 am
NBC Bay Area KNTV - Sundays at 3:00 pm
NBC San Diego KNSD - Saturdays at 4:30 pm and Sundays at 3:30pm & 6:30 pm
NBC Dallas/Fort Worth KXAS - Sundays at 11 am
NBC Washington WRC - Sundays at 5:30 am
NBC Miami WTVJ - Sundays at 7 am
NBC Connecticut WVIT - Sundays at 6:00 am

I hope you enjoy the segment and I can't wait to hear what you think!

xo
Lisa

Hi gang!

Often if a decorating project seems overwhelming it's because a room contains too much clutter!

My favorite part about decluttering is that it's free - and the results can be dramatic! This living room was disorganized before my crew from HGTV and I got our hands on it but now it's an inviting space centered around the all-important fireplace.

We also added a new chandelier and window treatments in the foyer and painted the walls with warm neutral paint to soften the room.

What room in your house needs to be decluttered the most?

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi friends!

The front yard is the first thing potential buyers see - so it had better make a good impression!

This yard used to blend in with all the other houses on the street but for less than 2000 the HGTV crew and I transformed this yard into an inviting space. Here's a cost breakdown:

• flowers 582
• lumber 350
• sod 174
• paint and supplies 139
• laundry room 430
• guest room 320
• Total 1995

Have you made any changes to your front yard lately?

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi everyone!

Often the most neglected room in the house is the guest room. But when you use your guest room as a messy storage closet you might as well be subtracting square footage from your home!

This guest room was bland when HGTV’s Designed To Sell team including yours truly! arrived at the scene but we made a few changes to make it stand out. Take a look and keep in mind that the changes we made are still neutral enough to be attractive to most homebuyers. If you’re designing to sell be sure not to go over board with bold design choices.

What does your guest room look like?

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi Gang!

Even realtors can let their homes get out of hand. This condo was in chaos because the folks selling it were never home! We got it in shape to sell by doing the following:

• Step 1: Transform the master bedroom into a cozy and elegant retreat.
• Step 2: Declutter and then stage the guest room/office as a useable multipurpose space.
• Step 3: Clean up the basement and create an organized storage area.

Go to HGTV to see the before and after pics!

Happy Friday!
Lisa

Hi friends!

This article from Real Simple is just in time for the New Year. A lot of us spend this time thinking about how we can simplify our lives and one of the ways you can do that is by repurposing old things!

Check out the tips that Real Simple offers for making everything from cupcake carriers to holiday light organizers.

What are your New Year's resolutions?

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi friends!

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is seeing all of the different ways people choose to decorate their Christmas trees! We all have our preferences – some people prefer flocked trees others love tinsel and some choose to decorate an outdoor tree instead of buying an indoor one!

HGTV has fifteen great ideas for making your tree unique this year! Go here to see how to make them.

What is your favorite ornament?

Bye for now!
Lisa

Hi Gang!

The holidays are a great time to get crafty and HGTV recently posted some fun homemade holiday decorations. Go here to see instructions for how to make them yourself!

How do you plan to decorate this holiday season?

xo
Lisa

Hi Gang!

I received this letter from reader Sandy Gregory and thought I’d share her question since it comes up so frequently! Check it out:

“I've been in my home 28 years but would like some updating sprucing up for one day soon when I anticipate I'll have to sell it. I have seen the low budget makeovers where people actually don't want to move afterward as it looks so much better than when they lived in it. I don't know where to start with minimal decorating/updating – I’m hoping to get top dollar in a market where it’s hard to sell in the first place. How can I get maximum dollars for my house when I decide it’s time to move?”

First of all Sandy thanks for the question! I assure you you’re not the only one wondering this – actually your question is the very premise of the show “Designed To Sell”. Recently I’ve posted a bunch of clips from “Designed To Sell” right here on LisaLaPorta.com. In each of these episodes my team and I are presented with a completely new project – each house has a unique set of features and design challenges but there are also common fixes that we do for every home like repainting.

If you take a look at the clips here you are bound to get inspired! Then post pictures of your own unique home to your profile and "like" them so I can get a look at them. I may be able to blog about quick fixes or updates that you can do to spruce up your home for a successful sale - and that goes for everyone else too! Post your pictures to your profile and "like" them - I'll take a look and try to get to each one of you with my advice!

xo
Lisa

These cast-off balusters could serve a second life as plant stands pedestals or table bases.

Hi friends!
 
Recently I worked with the Denver Post’s Marni Jameson to help her daughters design their bonus room. If you are looking for creative ways to find or make furniture check out Marni’s story below:

What goes around comes around

As Lisa LaPorta and I brainstormed what sorts of things we could find for free to create a desk or table base we hit upon the following ideas. If you try this be prepared to get dirty risk safety and keep these pointers in mind:
 
Factor in finished height. When choosing a table base make sure it plus the 1-to-2-inch-thick topper equal the proper height: Desks dining tables and sofa tables are typically 28-30 inches tall; coffee tables are 17-20 inches. My found balusters are 27 inches.
 
Where to forage. Rummage through demolition sites or anywhere buildings are being renovated. Visit lumberyards stone quarries and places that make precast stone or plaster architectural elements. Ask for scrap seconds or permission to go through their boneyard. Shop garage sales consignment stores your basement or garage your parents' basement or garage the side of the road and back alleys.
 
What to look for. Hunt for sturdy pieces with secure flat bases and tops that can bear weight. Here are some of LaPorta's favorite frugal finds:

• A tree stump cut flat at 90 degrees on both ends
• Vintage wooden crates stacked labels on
• An old birdbath or two
• Statuary including cement or plaster sections of columns capitals or balusters
• A bookcase running centerline or two turned facing outward on each end so they're accessible
• Thick wooden posts or ornamental wood pillars
• Railroad ties four joined with metal brackets to make legs
• Pieces of ornamental iron one on each side of a long table or one long wide piece run lengthwise down the middle
• A wicker end table with a glass top to make the top surface larger
• Plant stands
• An old chest or a couple of old suitcases

Read more: Scrounging the boneyard to furnish the bonus room - The Denver Post
 
Where are your favorite places to find one-of-a-kind furniture?
 
Bye for now!
Lisa

Hi gang!
 
Let’s talk about color. First here are some pretty interesting stats about how DIYers feel about color courtesy of KILZ®:

• Men redecorate more often than women men – 27 and women – 24 . Both sexes said they redecorate about once every four years.
• More so than women men are influenced by a paint color's name. Who knew? 14 of the men said they choose a paint by its name but only 9 of women did the same.
• Of those surveyed 91 were happy with the current color choices inside their home. Men were more content 95 whereas more women were itching for change with 89 saying they were currently content with their home colors.
• 71 believe a neutral is the way to go.
• 45 of the DIYers surveyed said a new interior wall color provides the greatest rejuvenation after a major life change.

If you are ready for a change here are some tips you can think about as you choose a new color for your walls:
 
These days the names of foods and nature are in. Wheat. Mushroom. Clay. Champagne. Apple crisp. But here's the inside scoop: all the colors are pretty much the same year after year with just a tweak or two. Don’t choose a paint because of its name – and never select a color in the store. Remember a vibrant shade can always be neutralized with gray.
 
Be brave! For example instead of doing that lighter beige try a saddle brown. Having said that neutrals do tend to outlast trends. If you want to play it safe you can go neutral and add color with accessories like pillows.
 
When it comes to making that final decision there's no rule other than look at it with your eyes. Bring many samples home and hang them on the wall. Look carefully and with a critical eye keeping in mind that colors only work with what they're standing next to.
 
Finally be daring – you can always take it off.
 
Ciao!
Lisa

Hi friends!
 
On Friday I shared details from a beautiful bathroom redesign that I did recently for longtime clients in Los Angeles.
 
Here are some more photos and details!

The wall finish is Venetian plaster with a wax shine finish. Historically Venetian plaster was a plaster mix of ground up marble or limestone with or without pigment. That would be troweled on and burnished to create the look of marble walls. In this room it gives a depth and richness of color since it is layered on in directional coats.
 
The sheen at the end adds to that look of polished marble walls. For this project we hired a specialty painter to do the real thing. However this look can be easily copied. Paint companies such as Behr Paint make a Venetian plaster paint kit that makes this look easy to accomplish for you DIYers!
 
Bye for now!
Lisa

Happy Friday everyone!

I did this bathroom for longtime clients on HGTV’s’ “Designing For The Sexes”. The details were superb! We used limestone full slabs instead of limestone tiles – it drove the budget up a bit but looked amazing.

The entire tub deck and each stair was made from a solid piece of fabricated and edged slab limestone instead of tile – similar to how countertops are executed.

We also installed pad heaters under the tile floors so my clients’ feet would never get cold don’t underestimate how cold sunny California can be…ha!. This is always a nice touch in a bathroom particularly in colder climates.

The overall look was classical and a bit Italian – I never tire of columns!

I'll have more pictures of this project to share next week! What is your favorite design feature in a bathroom?

Have a great weekend!
Lisa

Hi gang!

I want to give a special congratulations to our Macel & Company Holiday Giveaway winners Linda and Sandra!

Here's why Linda is looking forward to her Macel & Company table topper:

“Some have said to me that the life of my family is like one big celebration after another and this isn't far from the truth. The very reason that we live where we do is because of family.

I didn't grow up with the blessing of having living Grandparents so when my daughter was born 15 years ago this December I made a pact that she would have a close relationship with my parents. So when they moved upon their retirement to the central Illinois cornfields we followed and they are our next-door neighbors.

For this reason our home has become a central gathering place for Birthdays Anniversaries Holidays Graduations and all of the everyday celebrations in between including old-fashioned Sunday dinners.

All of these wonderful gatherings happen within our cozy 1200 square-foot cottage. We now have a collection of folding tables and have converted our single-car garage into a festive party room. We've learned that one doesn't need more space to enable large gatherings; one only needs a welcoming home coupled with some personal ingenuity.

It's interesting that you've featured this particular blog about table slips as in the preparation for our recent Thanksgiving celebration my dear husband searched high and low around the shops of our small town for just such a thing but time ran out and he couldn't find them. So instead we did what we've always done  Made do with what we have and presented a warm welcoming space for our guests.

Regardless I'd love to win one of these wonderful items for our future gatherings because life at our house is indeed unabashedly one big celebration after another.”

What a wonderful family! Here’s why Sandra is looking forward to her special table topper:

“For years I have not enjoyed the holidays very much due to a chronic illness controlling my life with pain and the exhaustion associated with it.  Thankfully for  2010 I have mostly been in remission and I am ready to enjoy this holidays season with my family and friends.  I am back in the kitchen cooking like a mad woman and loving it and decorating the home for the holidays is once again a pleasure! I am looking forward to several small holiday gatherings I have planned.  My decorating pieces are personal treasures of sentimental value but when it comes to the table settings...ummm pretty sad to say the least! I would love to win one of the beautiful table toppers from Macel & Company to freshen up and pull my look together.  They are lovely.  Best of luck to all of us!”

Here’s to many more happy holidays! Congratulations again ladies – don’t forget to take pictures of your holiday table and post them to your profile here!

If you didn’t win this time don’t worry – we’ve got lots of giveaways coming up on LisaLaPorta.com.

Happy Holidays!
Lisa

Hi everyone!

My last staging to sell installment for now! is about clean up and de-cluttering tips that seem obvious…but that might escape your notice as you get your house ready to show.

Unpleasant pet odors won't win over buyers. We all love our pets but unpleasant pet odors can make a negative first impression. Be sure to get rid of old carpet that can trap offensive smells. Replace it with fresh new carpet in a neutral color. Plus if you paint the walls to match your living room will look bigger. It'll go from designed to smell to designed to sell.

Pack up unnecessary items and furniture before you show the house. An over-packed living room is a red flag to buyers that your home lacks storage space. Pack up unnecessary items and furniture and move items to your garage or a nearby storage facility. Clear the way for a sale by letting buyers see your square footage not your personal belongings.

Storage space sells!Potential buyers love homes that have lots of storage space. Since they will open your closets it's a good idea to clear out unnecessary clutter and organize your shelves to show off how much storage you really have. Plus it gives you a chance to start packing as you will definitely be moving once buyers see all that closet space.
 
De-cluttering is always a good step to take before packing and it feels great to get organized. What staging to sell tips have you used in the past?
 
Bye for now!
Lisa

Hi Gang!
 
As you know I love dogs especially my little guy Pico!

This year I’ve teamed up with Collars For A Cause an auction that raises money for SNAP Spay-Neuter Assistance Program an organization that helps fight animal overpopulation. I designed a special collar that is being auctioned off at the Collars for a Cause website – you can see it and bid on it here! My TV hubby Clive designed one as well! I helped him a little since he isn't handy with tools :

What charitable events are you participating in this year?
 
xo
Lisa

Hi Gang
 
OK so I’ll be the first to admit that this year has flown by…I mean here we are in the biggest holiday and entertaining season of the year and it seems like I was just celebrating New Year 2010…but time marches on and so do holiday parties.
 
And I love a good holiday party!
 
Which brings me to today’s subject: creating a stylish and coordinated holiday entertaining environment. Many times I’ve walked into a party and have seen the decorated dining table filled with food and beautifully set then a sad second side table possibly serving as a buffet or extra seating table with nothing more than a non-coordinated tablecloth draped over it - you know the kinds of tables I’m talking about - the portable folding kind the kind that you need to use but would love to have blend into your decorated environment. 

Macel & Company
 
Macel & Company has a line of “Slips” for these portable folding tables pictured above including a combination of basics and toppers with coordinating tablecloths and napkins. They can be used for your upcoming holiday shindigs or for everyday use afterward. The fabric colors and print design are unique to this company – these aren’t table cloths that you can pick up at your local store!
 
Anyway Macel & Company has decided to do a little give-away for my friends—and just in time for your holiday parties. They are giving away two of the pineapple damask Laura Toppers and Eva Basics for a standard utility/banquet table 30” x 72”. The basic and topper come in their own matching fabric bags for easy storage and safe keeping ‘til your next party or event. And if you’d like to coordinate with a tablecloth for your dining table or select some matching napkins they’ll offer all non-fitted tablecloths and napkins at 30 off retail today through December 31.
 
How to Win
 
Here’s what you have to do to get one of these great Basics and Toppers - just comment today on this post and tell me why you’d like to win!
 
Good luck!
Lisa

UPDATE: We've chosen our winner! Keep checking back for more fun giveaways on LisaLaPorta.com

Hi gang!

Yesterday we talked about moving furniture around and today we’re going to focus on creating a space that has flow. Here are a couple of tips to help you get started:

Create a nice flow in your rooms. Buyers are attracted to homes that have a good flow. You can create circulation by replacing square or rectangular dining tables with round ones. Cutting the corners adds room to this maneuver and creates a spinoff effect that adds flow to your home — cash flow that is.

Create a better flow in the house by starting with the floor. Want to create better flow in your house? Start with the floor. Join two rooms together by using the most cost-efficient material in the book: vinyl tile. First use a snap-line to create a center point between the two rooms. Next the fun part: Peel and stick the new vinyl tile down and watch your kitchen and dining room go from old to sold!

Do you have any other tips for creating flow in your home?

Have a great weekend!
Lisa

Hi friends!

We've taken a look at a few of the remodeling tricks you can use to spruce up your home for sale. Now it's time to think about how to stage the furniture in each room. I love moving my furniture periodically just to give a room a new look!

Check out these tips for making all that furniture wrangling easier and more effective.

Staging rooms to show off their true potential is essential when selling your home. Clear out clutter or other personal items that will distract buyers. Paint the walls a neutral tone and furnish the space to show off how functional it is. When buyers come through and imagine themselves there you can bet an offer isn't far behind.

Use tape outlines on the floor instead of actually moving furniture around. Instead of lugging the heavy furniture around the room to see what feels best put outlines on the floor with painter's tape. Arrange the room according to your outlines and save your energy for counting offers.

Stage rooms with one purpose so buyers will know what it is. Potential buyers are confused by extra rooms that have a mishmash of uses. To avoid this problem first clear away clutter and excess furniture. Paint the walls a neutral tone and then furnish the room with a desk to stage it as a home office in which buyers will want to get down to business.

There are more "Staging to sell" tips to come so keep checking back!

xo
Lisa

Hi friends!

We’ve gone through all the rooms in the house plus your outdoor areas! There are a few more tips and tricks I’d like to share that can really update your home – so much that you may not want to move out!

A shabby wood-panel wall is not a strong selling point. Instead of ripping it out cover it up. Use wood filler to carefully fill in all the cracks between the panels. Then use a sponge to wipe away the excess filler. Once it's dry paint the room. You'll see an unattractive wall go from standing out to blending in.

Vinyl tile is an inexpensive way to update your home. Laying vinyl tile is an inexpensive way to update your home but there's a right way and a wrong way to do it. You need to avoid laying patterns that look too perfect. Instead make sure to switch up the direction and placement of the tiles to mix the tones. That way you end up with a floor that has a natural feel.

Once you’ve covered or fixed the parts of your home you need to update it’s time to let the sun shine in! Buyers love light and airy living rooms but dark and dingy isn't on their list. Open up your window shades to let some light in. Cheat some sunshine with a light-colored paint and lots of artificial lighting. You can never have too many lamps. Last arrange the space with lightly colored furniture and you'll have a living room that brightens your chances of a sale.

How have you updated your home recently?

Bye for now!
Lisa

Hi Gang!

Now that your house is in great shape it's time to tackle the great outdoors - that's right your yard makes an impression on potential buyers too! Here are a couple of tips for making it stand out - and if you missed my previous staging tips you can find them here. Enjoy!

A nice outdoor deck can be a big selling feature but an old one is a major liability. To give your outdoor space new life first sand the wood. Cover it with a light-colored stain instead of paint to give it a rustic grainy look. Furnish it for entertaining and watch your open house turn into a party.

Breathe new life into a worn patio. Do you have a red-brick patio surface that needs to be freshened up? Here is an easy way to give it new life with paint. First roll a light coat of paint onto the bricks. Next lightly spray them with water and then dab them before they dry to give them an outdoor look. When you are done you will have a patio that looks fresh and reels in buyers.

These tips should give you a good start! What other easy DIY tricks have you used to update your outdoor areas?

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi gang!

Welcome back from vacation! I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving. Last week I gave you some easy staging-to-sell tips for your bathroom bedroom and kitchen. What’s left? The living room! Here are some quick tips to make the first room people see when they walk into your home something special:

Dress up a window without shelling out big bucks for window treatments
Here's a trick: Use place mats. First apply a hook-and-loop fastener to the place mats and attach them in a row to a basic curtain rod. Now that the place mats are attached to the curtain rods pin them together at the bottom and you'll have a stylish valance that costs about 12. See my post about how to do this here!

Adding drama to old hardwood flooring is easier than you might think
First isolate damaged boards cut them out and replace them with new pieces. Rent a sander from a local hardware store and give the floor a good sanding. The last step is to stain the boards with a rich color and watch your floor go from drab to dramatic in no time.

Buyers love built-in bookshelves
There's a fine line between filling them with clutter and staging them to sell. The trick is to arrange neutral items in clusters. Make sure that no single accessory stands out too much. That way you'll show off your attractive built-ins and not your personal belongings.

These are just a few tips to spruce up your living room before you sell. These tips are also great for you DIYers who simply want to spruce up the house.  There’s lots more to come so stay tuned!
 
Bye for now!
Lisa

Hi gang!

Now that your bedroom and bathroom are in tip-top shape we’re moving on to the kitchen. As you know the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house to potential buyers. Even if your kitchen seems hopelessly out of date there are a few DIY tricks you can use to make it attractive to the most discriminating house hunters!

Stain dated kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them.
Dated kitchen cabinets can be a big turnoff to potential buyers. Instead of paying big bucks to replace them just stain them. First apply the stain in even strokes going with the grain of the wood. Add some stylish hardware and your kitchen will have the up-to-date look that buyers love for less than 200.

Stainless-steel appliances are definitely in with buyers.
Instead of buying a new dishwasher here is a low-cost way to resurface an old one: First remove the front panels and clean them. Next apply a stainless-steel stick-on covering and cut it to size. For just 20 your dishwasher will go from outdated to ultra-modern.

Fill existing hardware holes instead of making new unsightly ones.
Removing old kitchen hardware can leave your cabinets with stripped-out holes. Here is a trick to reusing the existing ones. First dip a toothpick in glue and place it in the stripped hole. Cut off the excess piece. Once the glue dries you'll be ready to put in the hardware that buyers love.

Save money on granite countertops.
Granite countertops are a huge selling feature but they can be expensive. Here are a few ways to save on this investment: First do the demo yourself. Also ask the vendor for remnants from previous projects. Remember any money you spend will definitely be returned in the value these beautiful counters add to your kitchen.

New kitchen appliances bring high returns from sellers.
Studies show that new kitchen appliances bring high returns from sellers so get rid of old appliances that make the rest of the kitchen look dated. Once you install the new equipment it will scream "new kitchen" and you will see that spending a little money will make you even more.
 
Since you’ll probably be spending a good portion of the next few days in it now is a perfect opportunity to assess the state of your kitchen!
 
Have a great Thanksgiving!
Lisa

Hi friends!

Yesterday we covered how to stage your bathroom to sell and today we are moving on to the bedroom - specifically the master bedroom and the all-important fireplace that can make a master suite feel so cozy. You can apply these tips to the fireplace in your living room too!

A master bedroom should appeal to both sexes.
When you are selling your master bedroom should appeal to buyers of both sexes. Get rid of features that seem too gender-specific. Paint the walls a neutral color and choose bedding that matches. Then accessorize with items that complement the overall color scheme.

Do you have an overpowering brick fireplace that sticks out like a sore thumb?
Here's an easy way to tone it down with paint. Use a rag or brush to rub a light coat of paint on the bricks one at a time. This will give them a new tone without covering them completely. And if you use a paint color that matches the walls your fireplace will go from sticking out to standing out.

Updating an old fireplace screen is a cheap and quick fix.
After removing the screen and wiping it down to get rid of the dust mask off the windows so you won't get paint on them. Then using a can of heat-resistant spray paint give the screen a facelift. Hold the can about 18 inches away and use long even strokes. For less than 5 you will have a fireplace screen that'll keep your sale from going up in smoke.

Turn an unattractive fireplace into a selling feature.
Need to turn an unattractive fireplace into a selling feature? First that dated brass screen has got to go. Next give the fireplace a good cleaning scrubbing it with soap and water. Then using a stone color enhancer polish the bricks to make them shine. In no time you will have a fireplace that will turn your house into the hottest property on the block.

It’s so nice to gather around the hearth during the holidays! Do you have a fireplace in your home that needs to be updated? Share your tips tricks or questions in the comments below!

Ciao!
Lisa

Hi gang!
 
If you’re selling your home you’ll want to make sure it looks its very best for prospective buyers – think of your open house event as your home’s senior prom! You might be surprised to learn how these easy updates can make a big first impression.
 
In this installment of “staging to sell” I’m going to be sharing tips about getting your bathroom in tiptop shape.
 
Grimy bathroom walls are a major red flag to buyers.

Here is an easy way to get rid of surface mold: Mix a spray bottle with one part water and one part bleach. Just spray it on the wall and watch the mold disappear. Give it a fresh coat of paint and your grimy bathroom will go from red flag to red-hot.

Don't replace a yucky shower door: Just scour it.

A grimy glass shower door can really wash out your sale. Instead of replacing it clean it with a mixture of one part muriatic acid and about 10 parts water. Scrub with steel wool. After wiping it down reinstall the door and you'll have a shower that'll help you clean up at the open house.

Avoid dated tile by painting.

Bathrooms sell houses but dated tile in a bathroom doesn't. A low-cost alternative to replacing the tile is to use paint. First coat the tiles with a high-adhesion primer. Next brush on a special ceramic epoxy covering. For a fraction of the cost of new tile you will have an up-to-date bathroom that brings in big bucks.

Pedestal sinks are a big hit with buyers.

They show off square footage in small bathrooms beautifully. First your old vanity has to go. Next just hook up your new sink and your bathroom will have dramatic appeal that brings in big bucks. Plus buyers will see how much floor space your bathroom has.

Those are just a few tips that can make a big difference. Do you have any additional ideas? Share your tips & tricks in the comments below!
 
xo
Lisa

Happy Friday everyone!

I had a fantastic trip to New York this week where I got to be one of the judges at the annual Canstruction competition and charity event. 
 
The "cans" puns were flowing on Monday at the 18th annual event and the art was pretty incredible!

Canstruction is an event that challenges architects and engineers to create structures - amazing structures - out of canned goods. The canned goods ultimately get donated to feed the hungry and the whole event raises awareness about the continuing epidemic in our world - hunger.

At this event canned goods were being donated to City Harvest. I am thrillled to tell you the event raised over 101000 canned goods which will feed close to 18000 people in the coming weeks as the sculptures are disassembled.

I as well as my fellow juror judges celebrity Chef Rocco DiSpirito and Gail Simmons of Bravo was put in the arduous position of judging which structure was the best.

Fun was had by all! The competition is based on creativity structure and engineering as well as best meal...in the canned goods. Let me tell you there was lots of canned tuna…
 
Which of the above pictures is your favorite?
 
Donations of any kind at this time of year are always encouraged and if you feel inclined you can make a donation to City Harvest here.
 
Are there charities that are dear to your heart?

xo
Lisa

Hi everyone!

When this young family had to move from Pasadena Calif. to Denver Colo. they needed help selling their condo quickly! On this episode of "Designed To Sell" Clive and I helped to transform a baby-centric haphazard design scheme into a sophisticated dwelling!

Have you ever moved to a new state? Share your best moving story in the comments below!

xo
Lisa

Hi Gang!

Do you love bold colors? Are you afraid to venture beyond neutrals? Maybe you just don’t trust your own design sensibility? You may be interested to know that half of the DIYers surveyed 56 percent by KILZ® brand pay attention to color trends and 91 percent of those people are satisfied with the popular color palettes of the moment.

Indeed it’s easy to open a magazine and find popular colors and furniture designs already picked out for you - but decorating does not have to follow the trends. While these trends are a great way to inspire you and get your creative juices flowing don’t feel limited to imitate exactly what you see! Your personal preferences should play a big role in your decisions since you’re the one who will be living with those colors. Try to find a balance between the trends you spot when flipping through magazines and your personal style and color preferences. If you stick to what you love the process will feel a lot less risky and you will be happier with the end results.

The best choice for you should be a result of both research and instinct. What is your favorite color scheme?

Bye for now!
Lisa

Hi gang!

My television hubby Clive and I had a date night out to "Dancing with The Stars" click the link to see us in the audience at 23:20 and again at 24:25. I love that show!

The set design and costumes are amazing and yes of course...the dancing! Jennifer Grey and Brandy looked great and danced beautifully - I secretly think that Jennifer Grey has this one in the bag...

After the show Clive and I bumped into Suzanne Whang pictured with us above our fellow HGTV alum and goddess-hostess of "House Hunters". Everyone assumes that all of us - HGTV people that is - hang out together in an alternative HGTV world but the truth is we all rarely get to see each other with the exception of press events.

Suzanne was having dinner with her long time friend Tom Bergeron host of "Dancing With The Stars" just after the show. Tom was lovely and Suzanne is a blast. Fun was had by all!

Clivey and I ended the night at Astro Burger in Hollywood. My idea of a fun night! Have you had any great "date" nights lately?

Bye for now
Lisa

Happy Friday everyone!

In today's clip from HGTV's "Designed to Sell" Clive and I help a couple to bring focus to their home. Wait until you see the transformation of the living room alone!

Does your home suffer from multiple personalities? Which personality do you like the best?

Have a great weekend!
Lisa