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 (209) 559-5725 or email at valo@vaogletree.com.

Say it With Flowers

 

 

Dear Homeowner,

 

Garden flowers can do more than just brighten your landscape — they can also brighten your home.

 

• Arrangements of garden flowers don't have to be elaborate. The simple beauty of a single rose or peony blossom floating in a clear bowl can be an attractive centerpiece.

 

• When combining different species, look for variety in flower form, size and texture. This can be a mix of spike-flowers; round, daisy-like flowers and dainty fillers like baby's-breath.

 

• Arrange your garden flowers in clean containers or vases that will complement the flowers, without being overbearing. You do not want a container to compete with the flowers for attention.

 

• Select a container that's in proportion to the size of the flowers, their stem length and the size of the arrangement you plan to make. For low containers, arrangements should be 1 to 1 1/2 times as tall as the container's width. For tall containers, arrangements should be 1 1/4 to 2 times the container's height.

 

• When you're ready to arrange your flowers, re-cut the stems under water to the desired length. A flower preservative, available from florists and garden centers, added to the vase water, will help to keep the flowers fresh-looking longer.

 

• Always use clean water for arrangements. If flowers are displayed in vases, it's a good idea to change the water daily to prevent early wilting and browning.

 

• Display your vases or arrangements of garden flowers in a cool location and out of direct sunlight and drafts.

 

 

 

For more home decorating ideas and tips, call Val Ogletree at Sugar Pine Realty #(209) 559-5725 or email at valo@valogletree.com