Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
Kitchen – The Heart of Home
What magical, gravitational pull does the kitchen hold over us all? It’s a combination of things that we’re unconsciously and instinctively attracted to – comfort, familiarity and fond memories. No matter the time of day, the event du jour or the number of guests who grace your doorstep, most often you’ll find friends and family huddled inside the heart of the home: the kitchen. Its magnetic quality swirls around memory-inducing scents, the sound of flapjacks sizzling on the griddle, the rhythmic clinking of glassware toasting and the irresistible sight of delectable meals being prepared by the hands of loved ones. No wonder it’s where we want to be, and where we often choose to stay.
The ideal modern kitchen is more than a utilitarian food station, it’s everyone’s happy place focused on laughing, sharing and being together. Discover a few simple ways of blurring the lines between kitchen and living space to create the ultimate comfort zone in your home.
Hiding in Plain Sight
Keep it sleek and subtle. When designing a combined kitchen/family room, aesthetics are important. Today’s kitchen appliances go incognito when these workhorses are disguised behind custom cabinetry that hides everything from the fridge to the dishwasher. Ho-hum countertops can be replaced with showstopping surfaces that beg to be touched such as rich marble, honed stone and dramatically veined quartz.
Incorporate the adjacent dining and family room decor into the overall kitchen design by treating it with the same decorating prowess applied to the rest of your home. Introduce intriguing artwork that’s protected under glass, objets d’art to dress up the workspace and reiterate living area fabrics on cushions for a cozier, more cohesive look.
Where the Action Is
Whether you’re into helping with meal prep, witnessing the melding of ingredients into the day’s pièce de résistance or enjoying the hustle and bustle of the kitchen vibes from the sidelines, a comfortable place to sit is a must to make the open-concept ambiance complete. A casual seating chart is preferable.
Start with comfy barstools snugged up to a beautiful stone slab island that offer front-row seats to the chef at work. Add extra seating with a built-in banquette tucked beneath a window, a large farmhouse table with ample chair space, or a couch-and-club-chair combo for even more entertaining options – all within kitchen earshot. When placing furniture and accessories, maintain unobstructed site lines and easy-access pathways to adjoining gathering areas. Flow is of the utmost importance when rooms intermingle.
Let There Be Light
One of the best results of an open-concept kitchen comes from all the light that floods in from the windows of adjacent rooms. In addition to natural light, it’s essential to brighten each of the surrounding sans-walls sections with the proper illumination. The prepping-cooking-plating area calls for bright task lighting, well served by overhead recessed can lights, under-the-counter LEDs and over-the-counter pendants that get the job done efficiently yet stylishly.
Other nearby living spaces require softer options, including general lighting, which is typically derived from a ceiling pendant or chandelier, and ambient lighting – an indirect and often more intriguing glow used to soften harsh shadows and deliver a major impact via wall sconces and torchieres. And don’t overlook unique mood lighting in all its glorious drama. With the brilliant power to set the stage and add theater to a room, its bold effects make it an impressive standout in any space.
Create the perfect gathering hub for sharing daily meals, activities, special moments and living life to the fullest. The open-concept floor plan centered around the kitchen stirs up an elusive energy that radiates out like a star and makes all interconnecting rooms feel like the epitome of “home.”
Unleash Your Personality: 5 Tips to Infuse Authenticity into your Home Design
Does your home feel like you, or does it feel like someone else designed your space?
It’s easy to get caught up in TikTok trends and new design ideas, but it is important to remember that our homes should be a reflection of ourselves.
If you’re struggling to find balance between following trends and being authentic, here are some tips!
Showcase Your Favourite Art
Art is one of the easiest home décor pieces that adds a personal touch to a space. Maybe you’re a world traveler and you collect a new piece of art every time you go somewhere. Or maybe you collect thrifted knickknacks. Whatever it is, showcase it throughout your home to add your personality and flair!
Highlight What You’re Passionate About
Are you a photographer? Do you have a plant obsession or do pottery as a hobby? Highlight these passions in your home! Create a gallery wall of some of your favourite photos. Add plants to every corner of your house. Display your pottery creations!
Paint!
Adding a fresh coat of paint, a feature wall or painting the ceiling can instantly add your personality to a space. Whether you opt for a bold accent wall or a subtle pop of colour, your unique style will make your space feel authentically you.
Only Buy Items That You Absolutely Love!
Sometimes we get tempted by sales and deals and end up buying items that we aren’t in love with, they’re just convenient. In the long run, it’s better to spend a bit of extra money on a piece that you actually love.
Be Creative and Confident!
Search for design inspiration outside of the internet. When you see a design style that you like or an item that you are drawn to- buy it! Trust your instincts and use items that you like to build your own unique style and design.
Information referenced from:
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-your-home-feel-like-you-7094198
Source: Unleash Your Personality: 5 Tips to Infuse Authenticity into your Home Design by Bailey DeRudder
5 Tips for a Healthy Work-From-Home Routine
If you’re looking for ways to improve your 9-to-5 routine, try these five simple ideas.
Higher productivity, less stress, more free time – working from home offers plenty of benefits. It also comes with the challenge of rethinking your daily habits while prioritizing your mental and physical health. If you’re looking for ways to improve your 9-to-5 routine, try these five simple ideas.
- Bring the Outdoors in
We all have an innate need to connect with nature, and organic materials, shapes and colors have been proven to positively affect our mood. If possible, set up your office near a window and incorporate biophilic design elements into the space. A rug made of natural fibers would be perfect to put your desk and chair on. You could hang up artwork or a wall calendar that features outdoor scenes. Plants also help create a calming vibe with the added benefit of improving air quality.
- Get Comfortable
Sitting for long periods of time can lead to serious aches and pains, so you want to carefully consider your office setup. Invest in a comfortable chair that offers lower back and arm support and pair it with a desk that can be adjusted for standing or sitting. You also want to maintain good posture, so position your keyboard at or just below elbow height and parallel with your forearms. Using a mouse pad with wrist support is another easy way to lessen muscle strain.
- Keep Moving
Although your job may require you to be in front of a computer for most of the day, you don’t have to remain totally sedentary. Try swapping your chair for a yoga ball. A balance board allows you to strengthen your core muscles while standing, and an under-the-desk elliptical machine is a great option for light cardio. You could also walk around while you’re on the phone and do some simple stretches during breaks to help shake off stiffness.
- Stay Hydrated
To keep your energy up through the afternoon, you should avoid high-caffeine beverages that temporarily perk you up but make you crash later. Opt instead for mineral water, which comes in a variety of flavors, herbal tea or organic energy drinks. You could also invest in a smoothie blender and create your own delicious combination of fruits, grains and yogurt to enjoy as a late-day treat.
- Relax When the Day is Done
Allowing yourself time to wind down from a busy schedule is very important. When you’ve logged off for the day, go for a bike ride, head to the gym or take your dog to the park. Half an hour of low-impact yoga in a designated “relaxation zone” is another healthy way to destress and mentally prepare yourself for tomorrow’s challenges.
As you continue to improve your work regimen, always keep your mental and physical wellbeing in mind. Establishing good habits ensures a happy and sustainable professional life.
Source: 5 Tips for a Healthy Work-From-Home Routine by Gustavo Gonzalez
What It Takes To Be A Successful Realtor
What skills do successful Realtor’s have?
- Communication skills
- Understanding of real estate
- Knowledge of your local market
- Time management skills
- Negotiation skills
- Marketing skills
Communication
Being able to communicate with your clients is the #1 key to being a successful Realtor. Whether it be a verbal conversation, a written document, or simply being able to actively listen to their requests or concerns, communication is extremely important.
Communication skills can be broken down into 4 categories:
- Verbal Communication: How you speak to your clients and the terminology you use will impact your level of verbal communication. Speak with confidence and avoid using technical or overly complicated language.
- Nonverbal Communication: Body language and eye contact are very effective forms of communication. It is key to ensure that your clients feel important and that you care.
- Active Listening: Listen to your clients will ensure that you understand your clients. Listen, ask questions, and repeat their answers so your clients feel that you understand.
- Written Communication: Being professional in all written communication is necessary in real estate.
Understanding of Real Estate
Similar to most other industries, keeping up with the latest trends and continuing to educate yourself will make you more confident and comfortable in your career. Utilize local or national news sources to keep up with the latest market updates.
Knowledge of Local Market
Local knowledge of the market makes all the difference in real estate. Your clients want to know the neighbourhood information including schools, taxes, public transportation, and more.
Time Management
A career in real estate offers plenty of flexibility but being able to manage your time effectively is imperative given the lack of structure. Scheduling showings, meeting with clients and any other day-to-day activities can be very sporadic and can often involve working on weekends or outside normal working hours.
Marketing
Being tech and social media savvy acts as an advantage in today’s real estate market. Using social media, personal websites and other digital assets are great ways to market your listings and you! Having a digital presence will help you get found and will show your clients that you truly are an expert in your field. Social media has been a huge advantage for individuals in not only real estate, but business in general. It has allowed people to build a business and generate income from the comfort of their home.
Do you have what it takes to be a successful Realtor?
Information referenced from:
https://www.theceshop.com/agent-essentials/real-estate-agent-encyclopedia/real-estate-skills
Source: What It Takes To Be A Successful Realtor by Bailey DeRudder
