The kitchen is known as the heart of the home – and for good reason!  It’s the central hub for daily life and a natural gathering space at any time of year.  An up-to-date kitchen is always a major selling point for any home.  If your kitchen has seen better days, but you’re not up for the task or expense of major construction, there is an alternative. A minor kitchen remodel actually offers a better return on investment than a major redesign, and can be done in stages.   If you have a dated kitchen, a buyer might think they’re going to have to spend $40 – $50,000 to upgrade the kitchen, but the average cost of a minor kitchen remodel – new cabinet doors, appliances, countertops, sink, faucet, paint and hardware – was around $21,000 in New England, specifically the New Haven area, according to the Cost vs. Value report, (of course the Gold Coast of CT will probably be a little higher). Savvy shoppers can do it for less than the buyer assumes.  To make sure you’re making the right improvements, let’s take a look at the top kitchen trends for 2016.

Soft Muted Color Palettes – though white motifs still dominate, everything from cabinets to backsplashes will be done in less saturated tones.  According to designer Jane Lockhart “Charcoal, grays and even neutral pastels like pale blue, pale green gray and tinted whites are the new alternative to the standard white.” Lighter wood tones will also be popular, including walnut, and white washed woods.

Smart Spaces – Lockhart predicts more kitchens will have designated spots with accessible charging stations for smart devices like phones and tablets. Smart appliances such as built in coffee machines, steam ovens and wine coolers will also be popular for a generation of people on the go.

Metal Finishes – brass accessories will make a comeback but in satin rather than shiny finishes. All Metal will assume a more dominant role in kitchen aesthetics from faucets, pendant lights and cabinet pulls and will be the range hood of choice.  If you have a muted color palette, metal accents introduce a burst of contrast into your kitchen.

Quartz is Number One – according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, manufactured quartz is now the leading countertop material, surpassing granite and marble.  Quartz is virtually maintenance free, naturally stain repellent and impervious to acidic foods.  White quartz counter tops and neutral colors will continue for 2016.

Appliances – stainless is still the number one choice for appliances – Black stainless appliances which are more muted, as well as  smudge free stainless are becoming more popular echoing the less maintenance trend.

      Traditional Yet Simple Design – traditional kitchens may experience a slightly cleaner feel with bold lines and less fussy details.  The focus will be an emphasis on key elements like hoods, islands, cabinet crown molding to name a few.

 Lighting – ceiling lights and table lamps won’t be enough to illuminate the kitchen.  Designers point to extensive cabinet lighting as a trend to watch.  Low-voltage light tape strips used as accent pieces below cabinets and below countertop overhangs will be the norm. These features will be grouped with recessed can lights to offer better mood-setting capabilities.

Simplicity, Convenience and Color- what everyone is looking for and slated to give you the best return on your investment!

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Dining Rooms appear to have taken a back seat and have been looked at as a formal space that only gets used once or twice a year, so are they really that important? From my experience, buyers are usually looking for a separate dining room-whether it’s a formal or more informal space.  There’s an appeal to having the option of hosting a family holiday or dinner party an intimate setting with the knowledge that this room may not get year round use.  According to one real estate agent, “The issue of where to put the dining table kills more deals than anything else in real estate.  If a family is moving, the dining table is the one thing they say they can’t part with.”

In today’s world where everyone is busy and having ANYTHING ready to eat is a major accomplishment, is a separate space allocated only for dining really practical?  Well actually it’s that very reason to give Dining Rooms their props!  To have a place to retreat after a long day and be able to close the door on the “dirty dishes” (if only temporarily) gives people a chance to sit down, forget about the stresses of the day and reconnect over dinner.  Many people also grew up in houses with separate dining rooms so when it comes time to buy, they might want a piece of home that reminds them of their childhood.  Also most new construction features open floor plans and there’s a pent-up desire for a home with separate dining rooms and kitchens.

Does that mean the open floor plan is a thing of the past?  Absolutely not. Buyers still like an open feeling and gathering spaces that flow from one room to another.  It can all depend on the size of the home.  If you have limited space, the dining room can sometimes be the first thing to go because it is not a room that is used every day.  If you’re an empty-

+3nester you might not want to see a house with a dining room at all because the honor of hosting holidays can be passed down to the next generation! Another option if you find you are using the Dining Room less and less is to re-purpose, until the need arises to entertain more often. Perhaps a playroom for young children or a home office would better suit your immediate needs.

The concept of separate spaces for cooking and eating is proving so attractive that architects are concocting twists on the idea, among them what they call hybrid kitchens, which can be open or closed using pocket doors.  In essence, what research has shown is that people want a little of both.  The cook might not want the chaos of cooking and serving around a bunch of people in one room, yet they still want to be in touch with what’s happening around them.

So if you were thinking the Dining Room is a dinosaur of days gone by, think again.  Buyers are going back to the future on this one!

Living in the Northeast we tend towards the “traditional” when it comes to our homes.  One of the most traditional spaces you’ll find is the “formal” Living Room, usually located close to the Front Door. This area is where so much of our home life happens … or not.

There are tons of ideas of how to use this space to fit your lifestyle whether it’s lounging, storing, playing, entertaining or re-purposing because you have other space you use more frequently.  No matter what the case, you should create a space that you love spending time in, but will also resonate with buyers down the road.

Depending on your home layout, your living room can serve many functions. If you have a separate family room, the living room is often a formal sitting area or parlor used for reading, relaxing and entertaining guests. If it’s the only living space you have, it’s also used for watching TV, playing games and spending time with family and friends. Regardless of its purpose, any good space has comfortable seating, a coffee table and a focal point such as a fireplace, entertainment center or picture window offering a view of the outside world.

If your living room is your primary gathering area it will most likely serve several purposes. Here are some things to think about – it’s important to incorporate plenty of storage to accommodate all of your “goodies”. Options range from built-in bookshelves and cabinets to freestanding, decorative pieces. Don’t be afraid to have some fun and infuse the space with your personality through color, rugs, artwork, curtains & lighting.  Just keep in mind that when it’s time to sell, neutral works best so colorful accessories may be the way to go instead of flashy paint colors.

 If the majority of your time is spent in a separate Family Room the question of how to use the “formal” living room often arises.  Here are some of the most popular ideas:

* Move your Dining Room into your Living Room. If you entertain large groups of people, this will allow you to open your table a little more and often times take advantage of a fireplace or pretty view, while enjoying friends and family over a holiday or celebratory meal. If that leaves you with a smaller, unused Dining Room – you can turn that into a cozy office or library.

• An at-home office, especially if you are one of the many people who now telecommute. Since this space is usually separate from the rest of the house it can offer some peace & quiet and make for ideal working conditions. The addition of French doors can give it a feeling of privacy.

• Along the same lines as an office, a library or reading area is a popular choice. This would be easy to set up, especially if you already have furniture. You can arrange it as cozy reading groups and then if you need the room for company, shift the furniture back for entertaining.

• Other ideas include a gym, a separate playroom for younger children, a billiard or game room, craft room, music room, theatre room, adult “lounge” with a bar set up – let your imagination run wild.

Any of these options are good at suggesting alternatives for potential buyers. This will help them envision the increased options for the use of this space and not struggle with the thought of paying for a room they’ll never really use.

 However you decide to utilize this space, here are some tricks to get the most out of it:

Decorate with mirrors, strategically placed to make a small room feel larger and to help reflect light and add ambiance.

• Draw the eye upward to show off the room’s vertical dimension as well as the horizontal. Floor-to-ceiling drapes, special moldings or a grouping of small to midsize artwork, invite the eye to roam beyond the eye-level horizontal space

• Use neutral colors on floors, walls and ceilings. Soft hues tend to illuminate a room by reflecting light and will add instant sophistication plus create a calming environment.

No matter how you use your space, here’s a chance to rekindle your Living Room love.

Everyone wants a home where your guests feel welcome, relaxed and right at home. You know you’re successful in creating a welcoming atmosphere if you end up with a house guest that never wants to leave!  You may dread that situation as a host, but as a seller you hope a buyer not only wants to spend more time in your home but can envision themselves living there.

Selling during the holidays provides a perfect opportunity for potential buyers to see your home as their future gathering spot!  Here are a few Thanksgiving decorating tips that will have buyers gobbling up your home.  (Yes, I went there)

Set the Table (this may be the only time of year this suggestion makes sense)

Let your buyers’ picture themselves sitting at a beautifully set table and enjoying the ambiance of the holiday.  This shows your home’s potential for entertaining which is sometimes hard for buyers to envision.  Bring out the fine china, linens and pretty serving pieces. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, this will also give you a head start in preparation for Turkey Day!

Less Is More…Usually

Thanksgiving is a holiday where most people overindulge.  As Jay Leno quipped, “You know you ate too much for Thanksgiving when you have to let your bathrobe out”.  During holiday selling season, you have a little more leeway to display family items, decorations and photos that are normally put away in a staging scenario.  People tend to feel nostalgic for family at this time of year and a few of these items can make your home feel cozy and inviting.

A “Peel” to the Senses

Simmer pots are one of the easiest ways to make your home smell amazing. Just fill a saucepan with water, bring to a boil then add your favorite autumn scented ingredients. Allow to simmer gently on the stove top, topping up the water when needed. Soon the scent will fill your entire house. Don’t have time to keep an eye on the stove? Bake a pie or cookies – even “slice and bake” will do or the oldest trick around is to put a dab of vanilla or almond extract on a lightbulb-the scent will be heated when the light is on and will permeate throughout the house. Word of caution – it’s easy to overstep the line on this one.

Nature’s bounty

Seasonal fruits can make beautiful and inexpensive decorations.  Fill a bowl with green apples, mason jars with cranberries, or create a centerpiece of nicely arranged gourds.

Everyone is busy at this time of year, especially holiday home sellers. By using a few simple tips your buyers will walk away with a good feeling about your home and you’ll be thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 The stairs may be the last place a homeowner thinks about updating.  But stairs often dominate the landscape, and updating them can bring a fresh and modern perspective to your home.  A few changes can take your staircase from drab to fab!

Remove the Carpet or Add a Runner

Since stairs are used so much, the carpet can look dingy and worn. Replace the carpet with hardwood or even new, updated carpet in a neutral palette.  If the hardwood is in good shape but you like the look of carpet, adding a runner can provide an instant update.

Paint the Stairs

If you take the carpet off and don’t like what you see underneath, paint the stairs in a fun color to coordinate with the rest of your entry. If it’s the main foyer be careful to use a color that will be appealing to a wide variety of buyers.

Paint the Risers

If you want to keep your treads in natural hardwood, it is easy to add some color or design by just concentrating on the risers. A coat of white paint refreshes scuffed risers.  Adding a color can make a bold statement. (Think strategically, your goal is to sell the house, so the same rules apply to painting risers as painting the entire staircase).

Update the Balusters (the spindles that come down from the railing to the floor) or Stain the Handrail a Darker Shade

Change the baluster or handrail if you have a bigger budget. If you don’t, a little sweat equity goes a long way.  Consider staining an oak railing a darker color to give it a fresh clean look.  If you have oak balusters, painting them white can contrast nicely with a dark stained handrail and take your staircase out of the 1980’s and into 2015.

Add a Newel Post

Adding an architectural element can create interest on a lackluster staircase.

Decorate the Wall in the Staircase with Artwork

Change outdated, mismatched frames and move them into modern frames in a uniform color and pattern.

 Add Decorative Molding

Wainscoting adds a classic, timeless element to your stairway. Raised or flat panels going up the stair wall and underneath can add visual interest to an otherwise overlooked area. If your budget is tight, adding trim molding imitates the look of raised panels for a lot less money.

Take a look at your staircase with a fresh pair of eyes.  Doing some of these improvements can have a dramatic effect on modernizing the entire foyer and adding a welcoming vibe to your home.

Since stairs are used so much, the carpet can look dingy and worn. Replace the carpet with hardwood or even new, updated carpet in a neutral palette.  If the hardwood is in good shape but you like the look of carpet, adding a runner can provide an instant update.

Paint the stairs.

If you take the carpet off and don’t like what you see underneath, paint the stairs in a fun color to coordinate with the rest of your entry. If it’s the main foyer be careful to use a color that will be appealing to a wide variety of buyers.

Paint the risers.

If you want to keep your treads in natural hardwood, it is easy to add some color or design by just concentrating on the risers. A fresh coat of white paint refreshes scuffed risers.  Adding a color can make a bold statement. (Think strategically, your goal is to sell the house, so the same rules apply to painting risers as painting the entire staircase).

Update the handrail.

Change the baluster or handrail if you have a bigger budget. If you don’t, a little sweat equity goes a long way.  Consider staining an oak railing a darker color to give it a fresh clean look.  If you have oak spindles, painting them white can contrast nicely with a dark stained handrail and take your staircase out of the 1980’s and into 2015.

Add a decorative ornament to the newel post.

Adding an architectural element can create interest on a lackluster staircase.

Decorate the wall above the stairs with new artwork.

Change outdated, mismatched frames and move them into modern frames in a uniform color.

Add wainscoting.

Wainscoting adds a classic, timeless element to your stairway. Raised or flat panels going up the stair wall and underneath can add visual interest to an otherwise overlooked area. If your budget is tight, adding trim molding imitates the look of raised panels for a lot less money.

Take a look at your staircase with a fresh pair of eyes.  Doing some of these improvements can have a dramatic effect on modernizing the entire foyer.

Entryways and foyers create a transition from outside elements to the inner warmth of your home.  You want buyers to feel welcome, comfortable and intrigued to see more.  Don’t underestimate the importance of creating a welcoming entry.

Try these easy ideas to add vibrancy to your vestibule or fizz to your foyer and buyers will feel right at home!

Let there be Light

 For overhead lighting, suspend a pendant or a chandelier high enough so that the tallest person you can imagine won’t hit their head.  Hanging it much higher loses its visual effect and if you hang it much lower it could cut off someone’s head.

A table lamp also casts a soft glow that blankets your space just enough for you to function without causing a harsh glare. Keep the base slim so the lamp doesn’t feel overwhelming, especially on a slender console table.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

               A mirror helps create the illusion of extra space.  Make sure that it is in proportion to the dimensions of the foyer.

               A mirror also reflects light and can bring the sun into a darker hallway.  If you follow Feng Shui, do not place a mirror directly opposite the front door as this would send the Chi or energy in the home right back out.

Nook Look

               If you have a little nook in the foyer, tuck in a table and a chair (or even just a chair) to give it a cozier feel.

               Give the chair a pop of color by covering it with fabric in a lively pattern or a small pillow. This also provides a spot for people to remove shows in inclement weather.

Shut the Front Door

               Front doors make an impact on the outside and inside of your home.  Consider painting the interior of the door a color that coordinates with the accessories in your foyer.

               Ensure the door can open fully without encumbrances behind it.

Keep it Simple

               An outdoor mat keeps the entry free from debris. Once inside, the foyer should be simple, neat and organized.  An area rug can be added to warm up the space in colder months.  Keys, coins, mail, shoes etc.  should be organized and stored out of sight.  A cluttered, messy entry is a big turn-off to buyers.

Which way do I go?

                No one likes to enter a space and be confused where to go next.  Consider a runner or artwork on the walls to cause the eye to go in the direction you want buyers to go.

Bring the Outdoors In

               A potted plant, or a vase filled with fresh flowers brings life to the space.  Make sure they are well-tended.  Replace flowers before they become wilted and ensure your plants have adequate sunlight and water.

Follow these tips and buyers will feel welcome, relaxed and excited to continue the tour of your home.

Call me to find out how to get buyers to your front door!

Now that daylight savings is coming to an end, it’s a great time to go through the following checklist to make sure your home is ready for winter. You can refer back to this guide for yearly fall maintenance.

Put Away Outside Furniture, Planters, Garden Hoses, Etc.  

If you haven’t done so already, clean your outdoor furniture and accessories and store them away for winter.  It makes set up time in the spring go much faster!

Clean the Gutters

Gutters carry rainwater from your roof down the side of your home and away from the foundation.  When gutters get filled with leaves and other debris, the water has nowhere to escape. If it backlogs, you could end up with water inside your home which can create mold, or worse. If it freezes and icicles form on the gutters or along the roofline, this is a sign you may have ice damming, a problem many Northeasterner’s experienced last winter. This creates a nightmare you really don’t want to deal with!

Rake or Blow Leaves From the Property  

Be mindful to clear all drains around and in front of your house, so they are free of debris and drain properly.

Have the Furnace and Generator Serviced

Have your heating system inspected by a professional. It may not be too late to avoid the last-minute rush, consider scheduling this task soon, before the heating season is full swing. In addition, don’t forget to change your filters if you have a hot air system.  Clogged filters make it harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, and can seriously increase your utility bills. If you have a hot water system, you may want to bleed your radiators to get the highest efficiency.

If you have a gas run generator, check the tank and make sure you have fuel for the winter. You should also run the generator to make sure it’s in good operating condition-you don’t want this to fail when the power’s out!

Winterize Your Sprinkler System and Outside Water Lines 

Take steps to ensure that outside faucets (also called sill cocks) and in-ground irrigation systems don’t freeze and burst by draining them of water before the first freeze.

Here’s how to drain faucets: Close any shut-off water valves serving outside faucets, then open the outside faucet to drain the line of any water in the system. (There may be a small cap on the faucet you can loosen to facilitate this draining.)

Check the Roof

Stop problems this fall before ice and winter winds turn them from annoyances into disasters.  Check shingles for cracks and wind damage. Look for damage to metal flashing in valleys and around vents and chimneys. Scan the entire roof for missing, curled, or damaged shingles. Look in your gutters for large accumulations of granules, a sign that your roof is losing its coating.

Replace Bulbs In Outside Lights

It’s dark for 12 hours a day this time of year.  Make sure your lights are up for the challenge!

Replace Batteries In Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Monitors

Connecticut law requires a smoke detector in every bedroom and on each level of your home as well as a carbon monoxide monitor on every floor of your home.  Make sure to test and replace the batteries to ensure everything is in working order.

Fix Broken Window Seals and Check For Drafts

A home with air leaks around windows and doors is like a coat left unbuttoned. Gaps in caulk and weather-stripping can account for a 10% of your heating bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Get the Chimney Cleaned

Have a professional clean and examine your chimney for any cracks, creosote buildup or necessary repairs. This applies to fireplaces as well as furnaces.

Fire Extinguishers

Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher rated for all fire types (look for an A-B-C rating on the label).

Tree & Shrubs

       Have your trees inspected and call the power company to inform them of any limbs that may interfere with power lines, (they will come & determine if they need to be cut – usually for no charge). Check for weak or dead limbs that can break from freezing temperatures or heavy snow and cause damage to household structures. Now is also a good time for fall landscape maintenance-make sure shrubs and plantings do not block walkways & driveways when the snow starts to accumulate. You want to have good access to your house & entryways. You can also cover delicate plantings to protect them from harsh winter weather.

There may be additional items specific to your home, but following this list will give you a good start and help protect your home from most common costly repairs that result from New England winter weather.

If your home is on the market or coming on during the season, check off these items and home buyers will keep you on their list.

Westover residents enjoy the best of both worlds – the beauty of the “country” with the neighborhood’s private, natural setting; and all the benefits of city living because of its close proximity to vibrant downtown, all forms of commuting, shopping, schools and entertainment.  There are also two beautiful parks in this quiet corner of Stamford; one for history buffs that includes a “secret garden” and the other for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the unspoiled beauty of nature.

Let’s start with a little bit of history. Fort Stamford, located on Westover Road, held historical significance during the Revolutionary War.  Stamford was lucky enough not to be invaded by the British army as many neighboring towns were, but the threat of invasion was something feared by many Stamford citizens.  In the fall of 1781, a Fort was built by the State to protect the Stamford-Greenwich area from British Loyalists or “Tories, and was completed in December 1781.  General David Waterbury oversaw the construction of the 135 foot by 165 foot Fort that was manned by three hundred men. Thankfully, the need for the Fort did not last very long. Less than 1 year after its construction, in November of 1782, the preliminary articles of the Treaty of Peace were signed and on September 3, 1783, the formal treaty was signed ending the Revolutionary War.

Since 1783, the Fort Stamford land was owned by private residents. After the death of the last private owner, Augusta Goodbody, there was concern over the property’s fate and in 1972 the Stamford Board of Representatives approved the purchase of the property.  In 1975 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, Fort Stamford is a quiet, beautiful park with a secret garden named the “Goodbody Garden”, maintained by the Stamford Garden Club.  Over 30 gardeners spend approximately 280 volunteer hours from March through November every season.  The garden is resplendent in annuals and perennials and a lovely spot for a picnic, quiet reflection or a stroll around the grounds and serves as a beautiful wedding backdrop.

The more well-known park in Westover is Mianus River Park,- 300+ acres of mature forest and dramatic landscape with acreage divided between the towns of Stamford and Greenwich.  The Mianus River Park is enhanced by the beauty of the 20 mile long Mianus River. The River flows south-southeast from Bedford, New York over a dam in Cos Cob Harbor and eventually finds its way into the Long Island Sound.  The river is a source of drinking water for up to 150,000 residents in lower Fairfield County and adjoining New York, making it particularly important to maintain a responsible compromise between recreation and preservation for users of the Park.

The Mianus River is also an extremely popular river for fishing.  Each spring and fall, the Connecticut DEEP stocks the river with thousands of trout.  There are fishing regulations in place from September 1st until the third Saturday in April allowing for catch and release only.  From the third Saturday in April until August 31, anglers are allowed to keep a maximum of two trout per day.  The park provides countless opportunities for other outdoor recreational pursuits, including: hiking, cross country skiing, mountain biking, and bird watching.  Dog lovers are some of the park’s most avid visitors since your loyal companion is welcome to explore the trails, provided he/she is leashed at all times. You can enter Mianus River Park from the east entrance in Stamford off Merriebrook Lane.

The history of a portion of the Mianus River Park and the neo-Georgian mansion on the property begins with the scandal ridden and often tragic life of the flamboyant and internationally famous torch singer, Libby Holman.   In 1931 Libby married tobacco heir Zachary Smith Reynolds. Less than a year after their marriage, Zachary was shot & killed a party held at the Reynolds family estate in North Carolina.   Libby was rumored to be having an affair with her husband’s close friend Ab Walker, and subsequently both were indicted for murder. The Reynolds family was averse to scandal (unlike the Kardashians), and persuaded authorities to drop the charges and the death was ruled a suicide.  The inheritance left Holman and her son Christopher enormously wealthy.  It was during the 1930’s that Holman purchased 55 acres straddling the Stamford-Greenwich border on the Mianus River and the mansion was completed in 1938, creating the estate known as “Treetops”.  Holman purchased adjacent parcels as they became available, expanding the estate to 110 acres. Today Treetops is owned by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. Four Easements are held by the Stamford Land Conservation Trust, the Greenwich Land Trust and the municipalities of Stamford and Greenwich. My mother was Libby Holman’s social secretary for 2 years.  She loved the high profile, artsy social gatherings, but her favorite thing about working at Treetops were the flowers – “ There were fields of daffodils every spring and the house was always full of fresh flowers which  inspired me to always fill my home with flowers”.

Natural beauty, history, and a country feel with the convenience of city living make Westover one of the most desirable residential areas in Stamford.  Westover is comprised of spacious single family homes, some on up to 2 acres of property.  You will also find the exclusive private gated community of Westover Park, with homes dating from the 1930’s as well as Hycliff which offers residents access to an association pool, tennis court, and children’s playground, all of which are maintained through annual dues. The association also sponsors numerous social events throughout the year, including a Spring Egg Hunt, Summer BBQ, Halloween Parade, and a December Holiday Cocktail Party. Other home options vary from Antique Homes, Stone Carriage Houses, Colonials, Ranches, Contemporarys and newer construction.

So if you prefer a little bit of everything in a natural setting, come take a look at Westover …. it just might be the right fit for you!