What Makes a House a Home?

Dear Homeowner,

 

      Before building, buying or remodeling, ask yourself what it takes to get that "at home" feeling. It's not just how a house looks that's important, but how you feel living in it day to day. Here are some ideas on how to make your house more homey.

 

Bigger is not always better

Lofty ceilings can be dazzling, but daunting. It may be wiser to design flat ceilings at 9 or 10 feet high or tame a too-high cathedral ceiling by installing exposed, rafter-height beams of rough-hewn timber. Smaller rooms create feelings of intimacy, warmth and safety.

 

Furniture that fits people

One measurement of a homey room is comfortable furniture — especially sofas and chairs. Keep in mind that people do not just sit on them. They also sit in them, curl up in them and stretch out in them.

 

Material matters

Different interior materials evoke different emotional responses. It's not just the type of materials you use, but how much you use and in what combinations.

 

Telltale heart

What really makes a home special are heirlooms, collections and framed family photographs exhibited where they can be appreciated every day.

 

 

For more home decorating tips, call Val Ogletree at (209) 559-5725 or email at valo@valogletree.com

 

For more home decorating tips, call Val Ogletree # (209) 559-5725, email at valo@valogletree.com

 

Home Away From Home

Dear Homeowner,

     Before purchasing or building a vacation home, make sure you do your homework. Finding a picture-perfect setting for future getaways is possible, but it takes a lot of planning and research.

      As you're evaluating vacation property, use these four tests:

1. Does the community have the amenities, climate, recreational and cultural activities you enjoy?
2. Does it promise years of enjoyable living without unexpected changes in the character of the community or neighborhood?
3. Are there physical or legal restrictions to stop construction of the home?
4. Does it have a special character that will make you want to spend your valuable vacation time in the same place each year?

      If you're building, assess what it will take to put a house on the site and what regulations you'll have to abide by. Ask the local planning office about zoning, building restrictions and any environmental permits required. Also, look for private restrictions attached to the property deed.

      Consult professionals to find out about drainage, water sources, soil conditions, utilities, road access, floods, geological hazards, and fire and police protection.

      Visit many locations in different seasons. Explore the area — check out medical facilities and talk to neighbors. You may even want to have different areas' local newspapers mailed to your home.

      You'll also want to evaluate the economic future of the area and how its growth rate and tax structure will affect you into the future.

For more information on choosing a vacation home, contact Val Ogletree at (209) 559-5725 or valo@valogeltree.com

Decorating for Living Large

 

 

Dear Homeowner,

 

      It doesn't take an unlimited budget to make your home feel more expansive. Try these inexpensive decorating tricks to make your rooms live bigger.

 

• Paint walls and ceilings with soft whites, pastels and neutrals to reflect light, making the surfaces recede from view and seem larger.

 

• Paint woodwork, trim and doors the same hue as the walls. This makes them "disappear," which in turn makes the room seem unbroken and larger. Bolder colors can be used in furniture, artwork and accessories.
• Light rooms with recessed features that add brightness without dangling in view.

 

• Use the same floor, window and wall treatments in adjoining rooms to avoid breaking up the spaces.

 

• Keep furnishings in scale with the rooms. In small rooms, use slim rockers, open-back chairs or a simple sofa or love seat rather than overstuffed furnishings to avoid overpowering the space.

 

• Knickknacks should be sparse. Rotate between display shelves and storage.

 

• Use mirrors and metal surfaces. They bounce light deep into the room, making it appear larger.

 

• Use glass-front or mirrored cabinet doors to make spaces feel large and uncluttered.

 

• Tall plants, artwork, pedestals and vertical stripes emphasize height. You can also draw eyes up with a flower arrangement on top of an armoire or breakfront.

 

• Don't fill every bare spot. Let the space speak for itself.

     

 

For more home decorating ideas, call Val Ogletree at (209) 559-5725