1 July 2021

2021 Backyard Trends to Incorporate into Your Outdoor Area

Warmer weather and longer days means you’re spending more time outside, so spend some time making your backyard into your dream oasis. Since the pandemic, the backyard has been a place to relax, exercise, explore new hobbies, connect with friends and family, and much more. Elevate your space, whether it be a tiny balcony or abundant garden, with these 2021 backyard trends so you can enjoy your private area all summer long.

Life@Home - July 1

1. Flexible Furnishings

With social gatherings being mainly held outside, multipurpose furniture has been a big trend in 2021. These pieces may have hidden features, such as storage or coolers, or can be converted into another use, like stools transforming into a side table. Multipurpose furniture makes hosting socially distant gatherings easy. You can store commonly used items, drinks and blankets to have ready whenever your guests need them without even needing to get up!

Life@Home - July 7

2. Private Retreats

Backyard privacy is an increasing priority in 2021, however, not every home comes with the luxury of built-in seclusion. There are many ways you can add privacy to your outdoor space, from extra greenery to umbrellas, screens or pergolas. Depending on your space any of those covers will help provide privacy from your neighbours, shade you from the hot sun, and shelter you on the colder days.

Life@Home - July

3. Social Curb Appeal

Although this may not be an addition to your outdoor space, 2021 has made front yards the popular hangout spot for social-distanced gatherings and quick hellos. The front area is a perfect space to sustain social connections while staying safe. Try adding a comfortable bench, a bistro set, or a porch swing to make your front yard warm and inviting.

 

Life@Home - July 6

4. Outdoor Cooking

With everyone spending more time outside, outdoor kitchens are also a rising trend. From a portable BBQ to a full independent kitchen, these outdoor cooking facilities increase convenience and allow you to enjoy the sunshine for longer. And don’t forget about outdoor dining! Add furniture so you can savor the meal in your outdoor space as well.

 

Life@Home - July 5

5. Tasty Gardens

Gardening began to be very common last year with people looking for new hobbies and ways to get outside. This year, we see that trend increase with more people who are climate conscious. Edible gardens can come in all shapes and sizes, so they are perfect for any backyard or patio no matter the size. Check out this list of vegetables to plant in the summer.

 

Life@Home - July 4

6. Outdoor Entertainment

Incorporating technology into the outdoor living area increases in popularity every year. People continue to find ways to bring the entertainment outdoors with music, tv, and even work from home stations. Try adding portable speakers to play your favourite album and a compact projector to stream the latest movie outside. Be sure to include a Wi-Fi booster so your connection stays strong while entertaining in your backyard.

 

Life@Home - July 3

7. Season Extending Solutions

Canadian summers can be very short-lived. Fire pits and heaters are the perfect solution to keeping you and your guests warm even when the sun goes down, or as the days get colder. If you are looking for a less-costly investment, use outdoor rugs and throw blankets to add extra warmth.

 

Life@Home - July 2

8. Ambiance Lighting

Another great way to extend your time outside is through lighting and this is a trend we never want to see go away. It lights up pathways for safety, accents your favourite garden piece, and sets a beautiful ambiance. Adding outdoor lighting will expand your backyard living and entertaining. When choosing your lighting opt for lower-watt, golden bulbs for a peaceful atmosphere.

 

Monthly Feature

 

Life@Home - July Project

DIY Project: Criss Cross Outdoor Planters
Create these simple criss-cross pattern planters to add elegance to any patio.
Get DIY Project Here

 

Life@Home - July Recipe

Recipe: Turkey Teriyaki Burgers with Grilled Pineapple
This healthy alternative is filled with mouth-watering flavours and makes the perfect summer night dinner.
Get Recipe Here

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1 June 2021

Home Cleaning Hacks

Life@Home – June 2021

Keeping your house clean can feel like a never-ending chore. But with many clever cleaning hacks that use ingredients and tools from around your house, this once tedious task will become effortless. We are sharing our top 10 quick and easy home cleaning tricks that will save your time, energy, and money!

1. Polish Stainless Steel with Olive Oil

1. Polish Stainless Steel with Olive Oil

Olive oil is a cooking go-to, and it can also help clean your home! Use oil on a soft cloth, rubbing in circular motions, to buff out any dirty stops on stainless steel. This is the perfect hack to make your pots, pans, and appliances look brand new.

2. Freshen Up Your Garbage Disposal with Lemons

2. Freshen Up Your Garbage Disposal with Lemons

Garbage disposal do a lot of dirty work and often get missed on regular cleanups. To keep it clean and deodorized, add slices of fresh lemon with hot water to your running garburator. Use this hack for a quick refreshing scent right before guests arrive! 

3. Remove Carpet Stains with Clear Alcohol

3. Remove Carpet Stains with Clear Alcohol

Carpet stains taking your time, energy, and money to remove can be a task of the past. Instead of using toxic, expensive cleaning solutions opt for clear alcohol. This could be rubbing alcohol, clear vodka, or even white wine! Pour your alcohol of choice onto the stain, then easily blot it away.

4. Baking Soda and Vinegar are the Dream Team for a Clean Bathroom

4. Baking Soda and Vinegar are the Dream Team for a Clean Bathroom

Baking soda and white vinegar are a staple solution for any cleaner. They can clean almost anything around the house, especially in the bathroom. Using this combination with water can clean your tub, toilet and even unclog drains. Check out this step by step guide on how to unclog your drains with this powerful cleaning solution.

5. Steam Clean Your Microwave

5. Steam Clean Your Microwave

With stuck-on food and strong odors, microwaves can be even the most advanced cleaner’s nightmare. Instead of spending hours scrubbing away splattered food, steam clean your microwave to save you time and effort. Simply microwave a bowl of water in a microwave-safe dish on high for 5 minutes, then easily wipe away softened food with a sponge. Add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil for a fresh scent!

6. Don’t Forget to Sanitize Your Sponge

6. Don’t Forget to Sanitize Your Sponge

Your cleaning tools need cleaning too! Sponges can collect a lot of bacteria, so quickly sanitize them by putting your wet sponge in the microwave for 30 seconds. This will remove any bacteria making it good to continue using to clean your dishes and more!

7. Remove Pet Hair with Rubber Gloves

7. Remove Pet Hair with Rubber Gloves

Pet hair seems to stick to everything, and no matter how many times you swept, vacuum, or lint roll there are still leftover hairs from your furry friends. Don’t waste your money on expensive hair-removing tools instead use rubber gloves. Rub down any accumulated hair areas and the elasticity will trap the hair onto your gloves. Then simply run the gloves under running water to dispose of the mess. This cheap trick will save your time, money and a lot of frustration towards your furry companions.

8. Dust Ceiling Fans with a Pillowcase

8. Dust Ceiling Fans with a Pillowcase

This hack may sound a little odd at first, but it will quickly become your new favourite cleaning method. Slide your pillowcase over a fan blade then swipe out. The dirt, dust, and grime will fall inside the pillowcase keeping the mess contained while cleaning the fan. Once you finished all the blades shake out the pillowcase outside then wash it. This cleaning trick will save you a lot of time cleaning the fallen debris and leave your home dust-free!

9. Wipe Down Blinds with an Old Sock

9. Wipe Down Blinds with an Old Sock

Put all your un-paired socks to use! Stuff your hand into an old sock to easily wipe down each blind. For an added clean, dip the sock into an equal part vinegar and water solution, to effortlessly remove any dirt or stains.

10. Clean Your Dishwasher

10. Clean Your Dishwasher

A dirty dishwasher can’t properly do its job to clean your dishes, so make washing your dishwasher part of your cleaning routine. Use baking soda and vinegar to remove built-up food, grease, and soap scum. Check out this 3-step guide to easily clean your dishwasher.

 

Monthly Features

DIY Project: How to Stain and Finish Wood Cabinets

DIY Project: How to Stain and Finish Wood Cabinets

Get sleek, custom looking cabinets on a budget. All you need is a little time and effort to complete this beginner-level wood cabinets project.

Get DIY Project Here

Recipe: Sangria Chicken with Mango Salsa

Recipe: Sangria Chicken with Mango Salsa

This easy, refreshing sangria chicken with homemade mango salsa will quickly become your summer weeknight go-to dinner.

Get Recipe Here

 

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Franchise News 9 April 2021

MoxiWorks partners with CENTURY 21 Canada to bring new technology through HUB21

HUB21, powered by MoxiWorks, gives agents an edge with suite of real estate technology

Key Takeaways

  • CENTURY 21 Canada REALTORS® now have access to MoxiWorks’ exclusive real estate technology solutions through HUB21.
  • This partnership arms agents with the tools necessary to enhance and elevate their communication and marketing efforts.

HUB21

SEATTLE, Wa. – MoxiWorks, the leading real estate technology platform announces today their new partnership with CENTURY 21 Canada, the pioneers in Canadian Real Estate franchising. The partnership gives CENTURY 21 Canada REALTORS® access to MoxiWorks’ suite of technology through a new platform called HUB21. This platform, powered by MoxiWorks is now available to all CENTURY 21 Canada Realtors.

 

HUB21, powered by MoxiWorks, puts the power of easy to use technology in the agent’s hand. MoxiWorks’ technology is built by real estate for real estate with an emphasis on sphere selling, making agents great with the people who already know, like and trust them. Agents can now stay focused on building relationships that drive business instead of having to worry about figuring out cumbersome technology.

 

C21Present C21Engage C21Present

 

“We deliver the gold standard– to our franchisees, agents and consumers,” said Brian Rushton, Executive Vice President of CENTURY 21 Canada. “Our new HUB21 platform, powered by MoxiWorks is incredible technology. Not only does it have everything an agent needs to be successful, the different segments of the platform work together, meaning our agents can spend time understanding their clients’ needs and delivering an excellent experience.”

 

HUB21, gives CENTURY 21 Canada Realtors access to MoxiWorks’ best-in-class suite of software solutions and open-cloud network including their productivity dashboard and CRM proven to increase annual GCC by 41% on average, their industry leading presentation tool and CMA, marketing automation center, fully robust and customizable website platform, and company intranet. Access to all of these features and more will arm CENTURY 21 Canada Realtors with the tools necessary to enhance and elevate their communication and marketing efforts with their clients.

 

C21Engage - Email C21Website C21Engage - Life@Home

 

“During the pandemic, the need for technology solutions in the real estate industry became more vital than ever before,” said York Baur, CEO of MoxiWorks. “We are thrilled to be able to work with CENTURY 21 Canada and their agents to help further all the great success CENTURY 21 Canada has already seen.”

 

Currently, MoxiWorks powers over 800 brokerages and more than 400,000 agents across North America, accounting for more than 20% of the transactions in the U.S. Their partnership with CENTURY 21 Canada through HUB21 will further expand their influence and reach.

 

About CENTURY 21 Canada™

CENTURY 21 Canada Limited Partnership (c21.ca) is a real estate master franchisor with complete rights to the CENTURY 21® brand in Canada. The CENTURY 21 System is one of the world’s largest residential real estate brokerage franchisors, CENTURY 21 has approximately 13,600 franchise offices and more than 145,000 independent sales associates located in 86 countries and territories. Independently Owned and Operated. ®/™ trademarks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC used under license or authorized sub-license. ©2021 Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.

 

About MoxiWorks

MoxiWorks is a comprehensive open platform system for large residential real estate brokerages that serves over 800 brokerages and more than 400,000 agents nationwide that account for more than 20% of the transactions in the U.S. MoxiWorks’ customer retention over the past seven years stands proudly at 96%. Their integrated tools are centered on sphere methodology that increases agents’ repeat and referral business by 54%, while lowering overall technology, training, and support costs for the brokerage. The open platform known as the MoxiCloud has tools from more than 50 partners that integrate to create unique brokerage solutions. Find more information at moxiworks.com.

 

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Consumer News 1 April 2021

Stylish Solutions for Those Awkward Spaces in Your Home

Life@Home – April 2021

Every home comes with some awkward spaces – small nooks, tight corners, shallow closets- but that doesn’t mean they cannot be functional. We are sharing our top solutions to transform your “dead zones” into your new favourite spot!

Life@Home - April 2021

1. Bay Windows

Bay windows are a beautiful addition to any room, but often this bonus space goes unused because of its awkward shape. Instead of installing costly-customized pieces, try adding a small desk or couch. The pop-out area creates the perfect space for a home office or reading nook.

 

Life@Home - April 2021

2. Above Kitchen Cabinets

No one can have enough kitchen storage, so why not use the unclaimed space above the cabinets. Show off your stylish dishware, plants, or less-attractive pieces in decorative boxes by placing them on top of your cabinets. This trick is a great storage solution if you are running out of cupboard or countertop space!

 

Life@Home - April 2021

3. Narrow Landings

Make the most of your small hallways, entryways, or landings by adding a stylish and functional feature piece. Revamp a cart or side table to fit your space, adding extra storage and flair. Check out these DIY side tables that will fit any style.

 

Life@Home - April 2021

4. Under the Stairs

Turn your empty space under your stairs into a reading nook! Add a comfy chair or customized bench to create a hidden reading oasis. Include a bookshelf for easy access to your favourite novels and additional lighting for easy reading. Try this DIY bench for extra storage options!

 

Life@Home - April 2021

5. Crammed Spaces

If you are struggling with small, awkward, or limited space in your home, try using the vertical area. Attach floating shelves to display featured pieces or for added storage. Hang mirrors to open up the room and reflect light. Decorate angled walls with your favourite art. And don’t forget about the wall space behind your door – add hooks for jackets, scarves, and other items.

 

Life@Home - April 2021

6. Empty Nooks

Whether it is a shallow closet or irregular den, turn this awkward area into a functional home office. Find a desk that fits your space and use the above and side walls for storage, calendars, and motivational art. If a home office is not for you, transform the vacant nook into a bar. Add a stylish bar cart or customize the space with cabinets, floating shelves, and a wine fridge to make this your go-to adult hangout spot.

 

Life@Home - April 2021

7. Bare Corners

Corners can be very intimidating to style, but it is time to embrace these deserted edges. Place a statement chair to make the area a feature of the room while being functional. Create a photo collage up the corner walls to add a bold touch. Or use a corner bookshelf as a storage solution while keeping the space open.

 

Life@Home - April 2021

8. Remaining Awkward Spaces

We know that every home is created differently, so there are bound to be other awkward spaces that we missed. A turnkey solution for almost any space is to add plants! Plants are a great décor piece as they come in all shapes and sizes and can even hang from walls or ceilings. Plus, studies have shown plants can enhance your mood, reduce stress, and even improve your productivity. If you don’t have a green thumb, consider investing in fake plants – they are guaranteed to last you a lifetime.

Monthly Feature

Life@Home - April 2021

DIY Project: Style Your Bookcase

Finding the perfect balance between an empty and cluttered shelf can seem like an impossible task. Check out this décor project for the secret formula for creating a flawless bookcase.

Get DIY Project Here

 

Life@Home - April 2021

Recipe: Vegetarian Enchiladas

Need a vegetarian dish that will also satisfy your meat-loving guests? Try these mouth-watering enchiladas that will quickly become a house-hold favourite.

Get Recipe Here

 

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24 March 2021

CENTURY 21 Advantage Celebrates 110 Years in Real Estate

Owner celebrates anniversary with new office downtown

March 15, 2021— Red Deer – With 110 years in real estate, CENTURY 21 Advantage in Red Deer, Alberta is celebrating its deep roots within the community. Owner Patrick Galesloot hopes to honour the past while growing his company to meet modern needs. “Our goal is to connect with the community in a new way,” he says.

To kick off their 110th year in real estate, CENTURY 21 Advantage moved into a new office space. The locally owned building, Century Centre- formerly the Eaton Centre building- is a heritage building in the heart of downtown Red Deer.

The new space is, in part, to recognize the central role real estate has played in the company’s history. In 1911, local businessman W.J. Botterill opened his first office to take advantage of Central Alberta’s impending real estate boom. With immediate success, Botterill partnered with two associates to form the real estate company Latimer, Botterill, and Hill. The office continued its success and growth throughout the years, changing owners as needed and, in 1976, joined the then young and quickly growing CENTURY 21 brand.

Galesloot has owned the company since 2009, buying the company from his parents, although he’d never imagined following their footsteps into real estate. After graduating university with a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Marketing, Galesloot began his career in the restaurant industry. He realized this work wasn’t his passion, and when his parents suggested real estate, he found his true calling.

In 2002, Galesloot became a licensed REALTOR®, before becoming the owner and broker of record of CENTURY 21 Advantage in 2009. He continuously builds upon the company’s long-founded success by keeping their focus on what they love to do – helping people buy and sell real estate. “Since joining the C21 family it has been nothing short of amazing,” says Patrick.

Their new location in the revitalized downtown area is the newest chapter of the storied business. The vibrant and full of character office will house the 23 commercial and residential agents once COVID safety measures allow.

“When clients come in, we get lots of positive feedback on how the longstanding-building has been maintained,” says Co-Owner De Galesloot. “We take pride in supporting locally sourced, supported and operated businesses to meet all of our business needs. This building and move are exactly what we wanted when we chose a new spot.”

CENTURY 21 Advantage is proud to be locally owned, locally operated and Red Deer-focused and is excited to continue providing the gold standard service for the next 100 years to come.

C21 Advantage Office C21 Advantage - Century Centre

Franchise News 5 March 2021

CENTURY 21 Kingdom Opens in Pickering, Ontario

March 5, 2021, Pickering— Longtime CENTURY 21 Sales Associate Mohammed Ashraf is opening his own franchise in Pickering, Ontario. CENTURY 21 Kingdom is now open on Kingston Road.

Ashraf has been with CENTURY 21 Canada for 18 years—four in Alberta, then fourteen in the Greater Toronto Area. He recently obtained his broker license. Before he was in real estate, Mohammed was in the banking industry.

“I was ready to take the next step in my career,” says Ashraf. “Throughout my life, I’ve developed the skills to manage and inspire others. When you add that to my background in real estate, I know I can be a successful franchise owner.”

Knowing that he wanted to open his own franchise, Ashraf actually left CENTURY 21 two years ago, just to see how other real estate offices and franchises worked. When it was time to open his own, he knew he wanted to return to C21. “What they offer agents and owners is unparalleled. I feel like I’m getting the whole package.”

CENTURY 21 Canada Executive Vice President Brian Rushton is happy to have Mohamed back with the brand. “We love it when our agents stay with us to become franchisees. In this case, Mohamed even looked elsewhere, but realized that we can help him grow better than any other brand.”

Ashraf has ambitious goals and hopes to have 20-25 agents by summer. By the end of the year, he hopes to grow to 40-50 agents. He plans to establish himself in the market by offering great training and an inspiring culture.

Consumer NewsConsumer NewsConsumer News 1 March 2021

How To Make Your Laundry Room More Efficient

March 2021

Do you find you are spending far too much time sorting, washing, and folding laundry? No one wants to be spending their valuable time stuck in their laundry room – no matter how big or small it may be. We are sharing our favourite tips and tricks to make your laundry room more efficient and beautiful, making you look forward to laundry day.

Life@Home_March_How To Make Your Laundry Room More Efficient

1. Effective & Appealing Storage Solutions

We all know the number of products it takes to get your clothes miraculously clean, but why put these mix-match products on display? Instead hide your cleaning products in matching display boxes, baskets, or crates. For frequently used items, like detergent or dryer sheets, store them in clear jars for a décor piece. Remember to label the boxes and jars for easy access to your needed item!

Life@Home_March_How To Make Your Laundry Room More Efficient

2. Save Time Sorting

Use labelled baskets to pre-sort your laundry to stay organized and save you time. This easy task can be taught to the whole family, so you don’t end up with one large pile of dirty clothes. For a bonus, put these sorting baskets on wheels to make transporting effortless!

Life@Home_March_How To Make Your Laundry Room More Efficient

3. Drying Solutions

Hang drying is a must for certain clothes, but not all laundry rooms are equipped for the task. A simple solution is adding tension rods or a fold-down drying rack. Tension rods are a great addition to any sized laundry room, as you can place them practically anywhere. Another solution is a fold-down drying rack – perfect for small spaces as you can hide it when not in use. Check out this DIY drying rack.

Life@Home_March_How To Make Your Laundry Room More Efficient

4. Put Your Ironing Station on Display

Wall-mounted ironing boards may be a thing of the past, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an ironing station that’s stylish and easily accessible. Mount an open shelf to hold your iron, spray bottle, cloths, and other needed materials. Add two small hooks below to hang your ironing board. Make your ironing station into a wall accessory by hiding your iron and other materials in display boxes and updating your ironing board cover to match your décor.

Life@Home_March_How To Make Your Laundry Room More Efficient

5. Create a Folding Area

No laundry room can be efficient if there is no room to fold the piles of clean clothes. Install a countertop over front loading washing and drying machines to create a spacious folding station. If you have another machine set-up, bring in a desk or table that fits your space. Or, if you are limited on space, try a drop-down wall table. This hidden table is perfect for small spaces as you can tuck it away when not in use. Check out this DIY folding table tutorial.

Life@Home_March_How To Make Your Laundry Room More Efficient

6. Use All Your Space

Make the most of your laundry room – no matter the size – by effectively using the space. Use your vertical space by adding floating shelves or coat hooks to store cleaning products, baskets, or clothing. And don’t forget about your door! Mount plastic shelving inserts or over-the-door organizers for smaller items.

Life@Home_March_How To Make Your Laundry Room More Efficient

7. Bonus Tip: Keep A Stool Handy

This simple tip will come in handy more times than you could imagine! Having a small stool (or folding step ladder if you are tight on space) will allow you to easily grab those out-of-reach items, saving you time and energy!

 

Monthly Feature

Life@Home_March_How To Make Your Laundry Room More Efficient

DIY Project: Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

This cost-saving project will leave your clothes clean and fresh with ingredients you can buy at your local supermarket.

Get the DIY project here

Recipe: Miso Salmon and Peas

Recipe: Miso Salmon and Peas

This fast and healthy dinner is perfect for a busy night as it can be made in under 25 minutes!

Get the recipe here

 

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Franchise News 1 February 2021

New Owner at CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Inc. Brokerage in Haliburton, Ontario

Brandon Nimigon is the new owner and Broker of Record of CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Inc. Brokerage in Haliburton, Ontario. The former owners, Andrew and Anne Hodgson are stepping back from their leadership role but will continue to be sales representatives and help Brandon take over the business they built up over the past several years.

Brandon started his real estate career five years ago with CENTURY 21 Granite with the long-term goal of one day becoming an owner. In November, Andrew and Anne decided they wanted to switch their focus and, while it was earlier in his career than expected, Brandon knew it was the right step for his career.

“Over the last five years and through my recent transition to owner, the vast array of trainings for REALTORS® at any level and the endless support from other C21 members and head office are just some of the reasons why I continue to choose CENTURY 21,” he says. Brandon plans to use the C21 training tools and his own mentoring skills to help get new agents quickly set up for success.

“Brandon has been a passionate and knowledgeable Realtor and we look forward to watching what he accomplishes in his new role.” Says Brian Rushton, Executive Vice President CENTURY 21 Canada. “With his energy and vision, CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group will be nothing short of successful and it will continue to deliver the gold standard to the Haliburton county area.”

The locally owned, CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Inc. Brokerage currently has 27 agents in 4 offices throughout Haliburton county. Brandon has the goal of hiring 3 new agents this year and a long-term goal of further agent and office growth. He plans to open new offices in the needed areas throughout the cottage country region.

Consumer News 1 February 2021

7 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Messy

February 2021

Decorating your home can be a fun activity and use of creativity, but it is easy to go overboard. Simple decorating mistakes can lead to your home looking cluttered and messy. We are sharing the most common decorating errors and their easy fixes to help you achieve an organized and visually appealing home.

Life@Home_Feb_7 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Messy

1. Overcrowding Open Spaces

Open selves or tabletops are a perfect space to display décor items, coffee table books, or memorable photos, but adding too many pieces can make the display cluttered and overstimulating. Leave open space between pieces. Avoid displaying paperback, binders, or unattractive books. And steer clear of overcrowded pictures by featuring only cherished photos. (For a more artistic look, try candid shots in black and white.) These steps will help you achieve a cleaner look.

Life@Home_Feb_7 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Messy

2. Adding Too Many Colours

“Less is more” is the mindset to have when considering what colour pallet to decorate your space with. Having too many colours can lead to the room feeling chaotic and overwhelming. Although there is no official limit, try sticking to 1-2 hues partnering them with neutral-coloured items. Pay attention to how much these colours are used and where they are placed to make your space feel balanced and soothing.

Life@Home_Feb_7 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Messy

3. Consider Your Furniture

Furniture can easily make or break any room, so you must be very careful when picking your pieces and the placement for your space. When you are selecting your furniture make sure each scale is similar, as mixing the sizes can make a room look carelessly thrown together. You must also consider the size of the room because overcrowding a room with large or too much furniture can make the space feel small. Another common mistake is where you are placing your furniture. Arranging these pieces up against the wall can make your room look cluttered. Try pulling the furniture towards the centre of the room to give your space an open, harmonious feel.

Life@Home_Feb_7 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Messy

4. Hanging Pictures

Photo walls are a great way to feature cherished memories or your artistic style, but if they are not hung correctly it can be an eye-sore getting unwanted attention. Hang your images in an organized and balanced fashion – check out these tips for layout ideas. Before you nail the frames in place, use painter’s tape and scrap paper to test out the arrangement.

Life@Home_Feb_7 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Messy

5. Hide Technology

Technology is not always the prettiest sight to see, so try hiding it when possible. Camouflage wires, TV components, and remotes in decorative boxes. Recycle tech you are no longer using like your old fax machine, DVD collection, or large stereo speaker, or upcycle vintage items as featured décor pieces. If you really want to hide all your technology, consider a TV that doubles as an art piece.

Life@Home_Feb_7 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Messy

6. Examine Your Rug Size

A common decorating mistake is choosing the wrong rug size for the given space. A mis-sized rug can throw off an entire room, making it feel small and off-balanced. Consider this size and layout guide when picking a rug to make sure the item is unifying your space.

Life@Home_Feb_7 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Messy

7. Brighten Your Space

Dark rooms can make your space feel cluttered and messy. Let in natural lighting as a solution to make the room feel open and joyful – it can always help your mental and physical health too! If you are limited on the amount of natural light the room can get, try adding in lamps, mirrors, or bright coloured items as a replacement.

Monthly Features

How To Make Ikea Cabinets Look Like Built-In Cabinets

DIY Project: How To Make Ikea Cabinets Look Like Built-In Cabinets

Create beautiful built-in cabinets without breaking the bank. Check out this DIY project using Ikea Cabinets!

Get DIY project here

Roasted Parmesan Garlic Acorn Squash

Recipe: Roasted Parmesan Garlic Acorn Squash

This tasty, tender snack is simple and takes under 30 minutes to make!

Get recipe here

 

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