Add ‘Finishing Touches’ to Your Fall Fix-up List

By Sandy Dixon, Interior Arrangements, Inc. ©2004 

Most homeowners know what type of fix-up work needs to be done on their homes before winter settles in.  Whether it’s installing storm windows, painting, weatherproofing or shutting down the irrigation system, there is plenty of challenging exterior projects to tackle. 

In addition to these larger and often times tedious endeavors, there are a number of simpler and more rewarding  home improvements that can be done on the interior that will improve the appearance of your home and create a comfortable haven for enjoying the winter months. 

Some simple home fix-ups to consider this fall would be: 

1. Organizing Systems:  Reorganizing and de-cluttering closets, drawers and cabinets will not only improve the look of your home, but can make it more efficient.  The kitchen pantry is a great place to start as it is usually stacked with half full boxes or unlabelled storage bags of snacks, grains, etc.  Using plastic storage containers and labels, you can easily keep track of your food inventory.
2. TIP: Label machines are an inexpensive way to keep and look organized.
    

3. Lighting:  One of the most creative tools for enhancing the look of a room and creating a mood is lighting. A free standing lamp indoors that provides a cozy reading area or outdoor patio lights that add ambiance for al fresco dining, will make your home feel more inviting.
    

4. TIP: ‘Tack’ your lighting in a triangular pattern to achieve balance and flow of light throughout the space and to eliminate dark corners.
    

5. Artwork:  When hanging artwork, position the piece where it is comfortable visible when seated, not standing.  Try to have artwork or photographs on every other wall, leaving in between walls empty. Notice the increased focus on the artwork.
    

6. Accessories: As with artwork, it’s important to display accessories on alternating surfaces.  Refrain from covering every surface with collections, memorabilia or knick knacks---alternate with ‘free zones’. 

• Group ‘like’ items together according to color, finish or theme.  1’s, 3’s and 5’s are generally the most attractive combinations of objects, when grouping. Place several colorful vases together on a bare shelf for a bright accent.
   
• Group glass decanters on a dining room sideboard to highlight both the grouping and the furniture itself.
   
• Present a small collection of objects on a lacquered or metal tray on your coffee table.

7. Scents:  Scented candles or potpourri, whether fresh pine or the sweet aroma of vanilla can greatly enhance the mood of a room and transform a space into a soothing retreat.
    

8. Area Rugs:  Whether to introduce a splash of color, to anchor a furniture arrangement and clearly define the function of a room, area rugs are the perfect solution.  They are equally impressive on both hardwood and carpeted floors.

TIP:  For safety and to eliminate shifting, be sure to put rubber padding under the area rugs.  Padding comes specifically made for either carpeted or hardwood surfaces. 

Some of the best home improvements are in the finishing touches…the little things that make all the difference in making a house a home! 

“Home is the ultimate expression of self” ---Thomas Jefferson

Sandy Dixon, owner of Interior Arrangements, Inc. is a Professional Real Estate Stager and former Realtor.  In addition to her redesign services, she offers training workshops, business coaching and speaking engagements nationwide. WB2 Television recently did a 2-part series on one of Sandy’s Staging projects and she is frequently featured in industry and real estate publications. Sandy can be reached at toll free 1.877.674.8667 or visit her website at www.interiorarrangements.com .