Home Kitchen

Top 10 gothic home decor ideas

Gothic home décor and decor, you either love it or you hate it. Dreaming of gravely pale dried red roses against a medieval throne chair is enough to make the most ghoulish damsel go weak in the knees.

There are several different types of gothic decorations, ranging from engraved art on tombstones to more subdued Victorian-Gothic themes. Whatever the case may be, if you are someone who enjoys this type of interior design, then the following 10 gothic decor ideas will be of great benefit to you and the undead that cohabit there.

Gothic Living Room – If you like to entertain guests, then a gothic living room, with oak and mahogany furniture, earth tone walls, hardwood floors, long chandeliers and large antique chairs will boost your reputation among your friends and family . You can also opt for doors and window panes, given a rusty, weather-beaten look with a stained glass film, to enhance the gothic quotient of said room.

Gothic bedrooms: The gothic look can also be used to achieve a very romantic atmosphere in couples’ bedrooms. Here, grand canopy beds, in old-world patterns and rich, comfortable fabrics like satins, matte silks, foamy leathers, and velvets are an absolute must. The lighting should also be soft, to create a gothic yet romantic atmosphere. Hanging candle lanterns work especially well.

Gothic Garden: The sky is the limit, when you want to experiment with a gothic garden, put aside the references to “Jasmine and Rose”… Exotic, strange and visually stunning deadly flowers of nightshades and orchids would fit well. As for furnished accessories, you can try weeping gothic fountains, gargoyle figurines, or cast iron seats.

Gothic bathroom: these bathrooms should ideally have large area dimensions, to be able to play with darkness and light. In such a bathroom, porcelain items are highly appreciated. A black and white checkerboard floor would be great. Here, too, large mirrors with intricate medieval paneling are preferred. Even your shower and sink accessories can have medieval signatures or shapes of magical creatures. The warm glow of numerous purple and red candles shimmered on the surface of the water. Using dark candles or even dragon incense holders works quite well.

Gothic Kitchen – A gothic kitchen should play with a variety of building materials that go well with the medieval theme. In particular, woodwork is necessary to add a touch of rustic simplicity to your kitchen. In addition to these, the shelves and cabinets could make use of stone, stained glass and wrought iron. Plus, you can hang your pots and dishes from a low beam to add a touch of authenticity to the whole look for a Sweeney Todd feel. To take things a step further, try hanging a mace or battle ax on the wall. Even model your kitchen similar to the Vegan Black Metal Chef!

Gothic colors: Oh the horror, do you mean there is a color other than black? All other varieties of dark and vibrant colors go well with a gothic setting. In this document, you can choose to paint the walls of your home with different types of red, purple and stone tones.

Gothic wallpapers are now abundantly available on the market, in a huge number of interesting patterns and motifs. They are affordable to buy and you can experiment with different types of these every few months.

Gothic Lanterns: They can add a magnificent look to your living room, bedrooms, and even bathrooms. For maximum effect, choose chandeliers that add a royal touch to your abode.

Gothic Figurines: They are available in the forms of a large number of mystical creatures such as dragons, gargoyles, skulls and more.

Fireplaces: A simple fireplace, in the form of an arch of wood, is perfect for the gothic decoration of your home. If you want to feel like the vampire lord, go for a ridiculous marble mantelpiece with a lion’s head.

Home Kitchen

Kitchen Cabinets – Setting the Style for Your Kitchen

Kitchen cabinets are a vital consideration for any contemporary kitchen, whether you’re building a brand new kitchen or just redecorating. It’s not always as easy to install cabinets as it seems. Sometimes it is necessary to bring in a professional to help you with the best options. You may also need a qualified carpenter to redesign your kitchen to make the most of the space you have and envision how many cupboards you’ll need to store your crockery and cookware. Bringing in a professional can also mean you’ll get a better deal on premium materials.

You can often find experts to help you redesign your kitchen or bathroom at retailers, wholesalers, and building contractors. Kitchen consultants can also be found at housing centers and some of them will be qualified architects. Having an expert on board a project means you’ll benefit from their understanding of how kitchens are used, how to place important kitchen accessories in the most appropriate place, and they can recommend particular brands to suit your requirements.

What you can expect from your cabinets varies. There are manufacturers that offer a customized product where the customer can choose from a range of possibilities. But this degree of freedom to pick and choose isn’t likely if you buy wholesale or from a source center – these outlets will have a stock you can choose from. You will usually be offered a selection of cabinet doors. For example, many vendors offer at least maple, cherry, or a simple light wood stain. This type of choice is easy for the builder to offer and would even be available in new construction projects where kitchen accessories have already been ordered in bulk and the choice is relatively limited.

If you have the freedom to choose your own cabinets, you can choose from a wide range of materials for the entire cabinet or just the cabinet doors. Below is a sample list of some options:

-Alder

– Ash

– Birch

-Cherry

-Hard nut

– Maple

– Oak

-Pine tree

– Poplar

-Nut

– Decorative laminate

– Metal

When choosing kitchen cabinets on your own or even with an expert, ask if kitchen cabinet brands are KCMA (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturing Association) approved and have the KCMA seal on the inside of the cabinet. Only kitchen cabinet manufacturers in the United States and Canada that have passed rigorous testing on each and every brand made by an approved company can display this seal. You can tell the manufacturer by the code on the seal. Below are the kitchen cabinet manufacturers and their codes currently approved by KCMA:

– American Woodmark Corporation, Code X.

– MasterBrand Cabinets, MBCI Code.

– Continental Cabinets, Inc., Code CC.

– Cabinets De Pere, Inc., Code PJB.

– MasterBrand/HomeCrest cabinets, code HA.

– Kompact Kitchen, Inc., Code I.

– Republic/Legacy Cabinets Inc., code LE.

– Prestige Acquisition Corp., PI Code.

– Republic Industries, Inc., Code RI.

– Rosebud Manufacturing Co., Code RK.

– Armstrong cabinet products, Code H.

– Eurocraft, EUC code.

– Texwood Industries, LP, Code QJ.

– KraftMaid Cabinets, Inc., code GA.

You can get many more kitchen cabinet ideas in the large kitchen sections of your local department store. But why not save time by starting at http://www.anekitchencabinets.com/?

Home Kitchen

Custom wood fireplace surrounds

Custom wood mantelpieces add individuality and charm to your fireplace, giving your home a decorative piece of wood that will be admired for years to come. Custom made means that you make the decision to select a style and finish that suits your home decor.

Carpenters have been designing and building wooden fireplace mantels since the 14th century. Back then, most hand carvings took months to finish. Today they are manufactured at a much faster rate, yet the same designs are still used. They range from a simple ledge shelf to an elaborate pedestal ledge that spans an entire wall.

Mantel Shelf

A mantelpiece mantel consists of a top, approximately 12″ deep, with molding placed below. Crown molding is the norm for this application, however styles that are more rustic may have layers tiered wood. Decorative corbels added below serve as supports. A vertical skirt placed behind the corbels gives the mantel a thicker look, while more crown molding cut between the corbels adds even more ornamentation.

pedestal fireplace surround

The pedestal mantel begins as a mantel shelf, often adding a second step of crown molding. Legs attached on each side extend to the ground or hearth. These legs are often decorated with flutes, inlays, or raised panels. Between the legs and below the shelf, a panel is added creating a frieze, which gives the shelf its thickness. Corbels are often added to the top of the legs, just below the shelf, adding more detail and character.

If you’re thinking of buying a custom wood mantelpiece for your home, do some research on the various styles available. Start by searching the internet for pictures, then call your local cabinetmaker for more ideas.

Home Kitchen

5 keys to designing a kitchen resistant to the passage of time

The counters are scratched, the cabinets are rickety, the sink leaks, and the once shiny floors are now shabby at best. This, simply put, is the kitchen’s worst nightmare, and the harsh reality for far too many people! If your kitchen is in need of a makeover, you know how time-consuming, inconvenient and expensive this project can be. However, by making smart choices that stand the test of time, you’ll ensure your space stays pristine for decades to come. To help you design a room that will stand the test of time, let’s take a look at the five hallmarks of all quality kitchens.

1. An undated design

When it comes to your kitchen design, it’s easy to fall into the trap of prioritizing elegance over functionality. But while the triangle island and sleek pull-out dining table may be stylish, how happy will you be when the corners of your island get in your way and the surface is just too small? Or when you spend an extra 15 minutes setting up your table before each group meal? Sooner or later, your frustration will outweigh your satisfaction and you’ll wish you’d opted for a more practical design in the first place. So don’t underestimate the value of a simple, open design with wide aisles and spacious, easily accessible surfaces. It works wonders in all quality kitchens!

2. Fantastic flats

There’s something to be said for shiny hardwood floors, but fast-forward a few years: how will you feel when the shine is gone, they’re covered in watermarks, and the boards creak underfoot? To save yourself a great deal of time, labor, and money in the future, it’s wise to opt for a lower maintenance option like tile or engineered wood. These surfaces are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also have the added benefit of being non-slip and waterproof. Two birds, one shot.

3. Carefully considered cabinets

Your inclination may be to opt for traditional cabinets, equipped with door fronts. However, although this design has dominated the scene for years, many quality modern kitchens are trying something new: more drawers. These full-extension storage wonders not only look beautiful, but are also highly practical, allowing you to take stock of your contents at a glance and maximize space. What could not be loved?

4. Sound sinks

You may not have given your sink much thought, but contrary to popular belief, it’s an essential kitchen feature that’s easy to get wrong. For example, while materials like porcelain may look elegant, they stain and chip easily, resulting in extra cleaning time and maintenance work on your part. As a general rule, your sink should not only look impressive, but it should also be streamlined. Stainless steel strikes an ideal balance between these two criteria, as do matte finishes, cast iron, and undermount sinks.

5. Convenient countertops

For passionate cooks, this decision is a deciding factor and should be carefully considered. Again, you may be tempted to go for a surface material of classic beauty like wood, but by now you’ve probably realized that just thinking about how it will look is a big no-no. From water stains to mold and scratches, you’re setting yourself up for a maintenance nightmare, so consider practical alternatives. Some of the top candidates for quality kitchens are quartz and countertops, known for their versatility and durability. But neolith, a sintered stone from Spain, is without a doubt the cream of the crop, thanks to its water, heat and scratch resistant properties. Oh, and it looks pretty fabulous too!

A remodel can be daunting and expensive, but considering the big picture and
making practical decisions is sure to save you a lot of time, frustration, and money in the long run. By opting for a timeless design, chances are your space will look like new ten years from now – the defining characteristic of all quality kitchens!

Home Kitchen

5 practical uses of LED lights

Light-emitting diodes, better known as LED lights, are a popular choice for many homeowners, as long as you are aware of their limitations and practical applications for home use. While there are many different ways to use them throughout the house, some work much better than others and make more sense for a particular purpose in a particular space. Take a look at five practical uses for LED lights in your indoor and outdoor spaces.

1. Under Cabinet Lighting

One of the most common uses for LED lighting inside the home, under cabinet lighting is a popular choice for many modern kitchens and bathrooms. They add a perfect finishing touch to any space that needs just a touch of lighting; especially areas that already have a major form of lighting present. LED lights are available in various styles and sizes for use under kitchen or bathroom cabinets, and many are very affordable and cost-effective for the average homeowner.

2. Outdoor use

Another common and practical use for LED lights in the home are those designed for outdoor use, such as along a garden path or driveway to the front door. The most effective versions of these types of LED lights are strings or sets of lights, like matching sets that work together to beautify and add value through pathway lighting for guests and family members alike. You can find them at almost any home decor or lawn and garden store, and in many cases they cost less than $50 per set.

3. Ecological lighting

Many of us are looking for eco-friendly lighting options that lower energy bills in the short and long term. LED lights are more cost effective and energy efficient, making them a great option for someone trying to reduce their carbon footprint. They are low-voltage bulbs and are made from environmentally friendly products, often costing a little more than the average modern form of lighting.

4. Modern and contemporary decoration option

Practical uses for LED lights often involve coordinating with existing decor, or at least not clashing with your sense of style. LED lights are modern and contemporary, and there are many designs and styles that follow a wide variety of home décor options. This includes indoor and outdoor applications, from gardens and outdoor spaces to kitchens, living rooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, media spaces, and even children’s and adult bedrooms.

5. Accent lighting

Although most people think of under-cabinet lighting and the like when they talk about accent lighting, there are other practical applications for LED lights inside the home. For example, a small amount of light below the shelves is a great way to showcase something on the shelf below. Likewise, LED spotlights can focus all of the spotlight on the focal point you want people to notice in that particular room, often without the need for more than one spotlight. Since they are energy efficient and cost effective, you can afford to buy several where you may only be able to buy one or two of the more expensive styles.

Home Kitchen

Things You Should Know About Kitchen Cabinet Design

Kitchen cabinet doors can add beauty to your kitchen. The appearance of your kitchen cabinets is based on the quality of your cabinets. So, you can completely change the look of your kitchen just by changing your kitchen cabinet doors. Good kitchen cabinet design is also important if you want to make the most of available storage space, and this should also be the goal in any kitchen design.

Types of wood for kitchen cabinets

Kitchen cabinets can be made from dozens of woods, including oak, maple, pine, cherry, hickory, poplar, alder, and birch. Hickory and Oak are the hardest and heaviest. Cherry, birch and maple are considered to be well suited to cabinets. Less expensive and more abundant woods, such as alder and poplar, work best with glazed finishes that are used to create an “antique” look. Pine is a softwood that can be more prone to dents and scratches.

There are three types of cabinet door shapes, slab, recessed panel, and raised panel.

There are many cabinet design styles to choose from. Four of the most common cabinet design styles are: traditional, country, shaker, and contemporary.

Kitchen cabinet construction

Kitchen cabinets are usually built with a combination of these types of woods, as well as particle board or plywood.

Some cabinet doors are made of solid wood, which is usually more expensive. Although solid wood and plywood kitchen cabinet doors are considered stronger and thicker, particle board is considered less likely to expand.

When selecting kitchen cabinets, it’s a good idea to start by defining your style. Will your kitchen design be more like a traditional look with raised panel doors and lots of ornate trim? Or will it be more of a rustic look with knotty pine and simpler details?

There are three main types of kitchen cabinets. These include stock kitchen cabinets, semi-stock kitchen cabinets, and custom kitchen cabinets.

While custom cabinet doors are more expensive than do-it-yourself cabinet doors, the upside is that you can get exactly what you want with a very high level of craftsmanship. You can tailor the cabinets to the exact specifications and needs of your kitchen.

There are also several styles of cabinet doors that can be related to one or two of the general design styles. Doors for a custom kitchen cabinet can be flat or frameless, raised, curved, plain, or carved.

Home Kitchen

passion for light

EARLY

As a child I used to make Christmas cards for my family, little scenes of houses covered in snow. I glued glitter to the snow, and that was magical too, because the snow I had painted reflected light, just like real snow. Everyone in my family liked the cards.

Later, in art school, I learned to paint and draw light and shadow, a very important skill to create volume in a two-dimensional world. And this is, today, what I continue to teach. The ability to make light and spectacle creates a dimension that synthesizes the three-dimensional volume. We are all programmed to see this third dimension in a two-dimensional illusion. This is the way we see.

LIGHTING SPECIALIST

I took a job as an assistant in a lighting show room. It was going to be a temporary thing, while I set up my studio, but I found that I was really interested and eventually took a test to become a lighting specialist. I liked to advise clients on lighting options and the whole business aspect.

I began to see that light was important in my work as an artist. If I was sculpting the figure of a horse, it was important to me how the light illuminated the three-dimensional object. When I painted, I discovered that light infused two-dimensional surfaces in two ways: one, when light and shadow were represented using light colors and dark colors, and two, when just using the colors I could go from light to dark and represent light and shadow like that. Then everything related to art history came to mind, grids, light and shadow painting to represent space and I started painting that way. The effects were amazing.

HISTORY OF LIGHT REPRESENTED

Light and shadow weren’t always what art was all about. In many current cultures and in Western civilization from primitive to medieval times, representing volume and dimension was not important. Icons, religious images that were drawn or painted did not need depth of space. Flat, iconic symbols of deities and religious figures representing social concepts and spiritual inspirations needed no space, light, or shadow.

In the Renaissance, artists began to create spaces based on perspective, light, and shadow. They built large panes of glass, framed and often on wheels. On the glass surface they drew a grid. They rotated the grid to what they wanted to paint, a landscape, a group of figures, or a figure, and worked from the quadrant (a specific space on the grid). They had to sit very still and not move much, or their vision of looking through the glass grid and their subject might change.

Artists such as Michelangelo, DaVinci, and Albrecht Durer, who used this grid, began to see how objects they looked at receded in space, that is, in the distance, things got smaller in very exact increments. That recession of objects in distant space would turn into an actual mathematical calculation. It was a great mix of science and art, so typical of the Renaissance dynamic of knowledge.

This illusion drawing and painting of the third dimension using a grid to locate objects in space and transferring them onto a two-dimensional plane became the way we see things today. We look at magazines, videos, movies, apps and with this new visual data we never question our visual alliance with the illusion of the third dimension. And we react consciously and subconsciously to this illusion. A horror movie could scare us deep enough to influence our behavior, perhaps for the rest of our lives. Or a pleasant scene in a movie, magazine, or online website can stimulate and enhance certain memories that calm and soothe us. We are, in fact, believers in illusion and are very absorbing with what we see.

FUTURE REVELATIONS

After thirty years of teaching art, working as a lighting specialist and artist, I began to see that light is something very personal, a driver of my own artistic endeavours. I see through teaching and retail interactions that all of us are very much influenced by the quality of light. I can see, although I have not investigated this scientifically, that light affects us much more than we think. The qualities of light in a workplace influence our work habits. In our homes, our lighting plays an important role in how we interact with our surroundings. I know this from years of consulting and recommending lighting solutions and receiving positive feedback from my clients.

The way we perceive events in our own lives, and specifically aging, is influenced by lighting. I believe that early in our own development as human beings, sunrise and sunset were very important spiritually and logically. Many cultures: Stonehenge, the Peruvian Indians, developed their cultures around sunrise and sunset. Artificial lighting has made transitions for us, it has expanded us into a time zone where we can work more, but also create more. It has also demystified the rule of the sun in our lives because we have created our own lighting. This has been a big cultural change as well.

Now that I am 70 years old, I see that the light in its many manifestations has guided me throughout my course of existence. When I was building my artwork for a graduate exhibition at the Pratt Institute, making carved shapes on old doors, I sprayed the cracks in those constructions with iridescent paint and blacklighted my structures. What I wanted to show is that those iconic figures, so medieval in shape, and carved into the doors were backlit by light that was very contemporary. There was a spiritual quality there that was medieval, a kind of inverted church window where the light came out of the church, instead of coming in from the outside.

Since then, my artistic endeavors have gone into many areas: collage, printmaking, oil painting, watercolor, acrylic painting, mixed media, quilts, art apparel, and more. In every investigation of the materials and the techniques and skills needed to master those areas, the light has always been behind those projects.

My feeling is that light is also a life-generating factor that imbues each of us with a primordial spiritual force and that we feel very comfortable with it. But if we sit, for just twenty minutes, in any corner of a room and observe the light in any object, we will begin to see how this incredible phenomenon can affect our lives. And perhaps what will be revealed is that the concept of light perception has been shown, through many definitions of light in many languages, to define inspiration, spiritual contact, realization and visualization that advances thought and creative action.

Home Kitchen

Essential factors when planning a new kitchen

There are many different styles of kitchens available in the market with different price tags. However, there are a number of factors to consider BEFORE parting with your hard-earned money.

o What kind of budget do you have? Do you need to start from or can you upgrade certain aspects?

o What type of kitchen would suit your lifestyle, home or family?

o Would you prefer an equipped kitchen instead of a chest of drawers?

o Is the current position of your kitchen within your home the best place for it or do you need to relocate it to make the most of the space within your home?

o Will a new extension be necessary to house the kitchen?

o Do you need a separate dining room?

o Does it need to open up to the living room?

o Do you need to provide an area for children? Are areas needed to play, do homework? Can you watch the children? Will the areas be safe for them? Are dangerous items out of your reach?

o How much cooking will you have to do?

o Do you intend to use the space for entertainment? If so, do you prefer your guests to interact while you prepare their meals?

o Do you prefer small parties?

o How much storage do you need? Do you shop weekly, monthly, etc.?

o Do you like to have your utensils in sight or do you prefer everything to be out of sight?

o How much work surface will you need? Make sure you have enough to prepare the food, rest the pans and serve.

o Do you prefer these areas to be wood, granite, natural stone, slate, backsplash, concrete, laminate, or stainless steel? Are you prepared for surfaces to be treated regularly to keep them in top condition?

o Would you like the materials used to be ecological?

o Do you need additional sinks/drainage areas? What style of faucets will you need? Is a water softener required?

o Will you be able to easily access your fridge, sink and stove in a triangular motion? It is important not to place the fridge/freezer next to the kitchen.

o Is the refrigerator/freezer big enough for you and your family’s needs?

o Do you need a dishwasher? You may be able to purchase a compact one if your kitchen is small. However, they can cost the same price as a full-size one.

o Would you like your fridge/freezer and dishwasher to be built-in?

o Would you like a built-in oven with a separate hob or a separate kitchen?

o Does the idea of ​​having a country kitchen fit into your scheme or can a basic kitchen do the trick? Are you willing to learn how the controls work? Do you prefer gas or electricity?

o Do you need space for laundry or can you relocate it to a service area?

o Do you need to change the electrical or plumbing design? If so, factor the cost of relocating them into your budget. Make sure reputable business people who can provide you with legal documentation do the work. Otherwise, you may have problems selling your property.

o Are any new appliances water efficient? Are you on a water meter?

o Are any new appliances energy efficient?

o Will you need additional lighting? It is necessary to take into account the different situations that can arise in the kitchen. Lighting work areas, setting the right mood, and the like will need some attention.

o What type of flooring will you need? Do you prefer wood, stone, slate, tile, linoleum, vinyl, rubber, cork, or concrete? Some surfaces won’t give you a second chance if breakable objects fall on them.

o Will it be easy to keep the kitchen clean?

or what colors do you want?

o Do you need any accessories?

When you see the kitchen of your dreams come true, enjoy it!

Home Kitchen

Paint House With Natural Paints

If you’re really into the green movement, you might consider using natural, mineral-based paints for your next house painting project. In addition to being the most environmentally friendly option, these paints have particular characteristics that affect how you use them and when they are practical. Natural paints are those that are made solely from natural substances: pigments are usually made from minerals and clay; Solvents and fillers are also derived from organic sources, such as plant resins. Painting houses with natural paints, as we will see, is quite easy and offers excellent results.

Natural milk paints are a great choice for interior walls, cabinets, and furniture, although they look different than standard paints. They give a grainy look with very little shine and aren’t particularly washable on their own, so it’s often a good idea to seal with a clear coat. Milk paint actually comes in a powder form and should be mixed with water, usually 1 part water to 1 part powder, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They are quite expensive, priced at $30 (Can.) or more for enough product to cover 150 square feet of floor space. But you get an eco-friendly product and a unique finish that is sure to impress.

Milk paint and other natural paints can be applied with conventional brushes and rollers, but the steps for the coating system are a bit different. First of all, milk paint requires a porous substrate to adhere well. It is excellent on bare wood, for example. If you want to use milk paint over a previously painted or varnished surface, you will need to use a special milk paint bond coat. As you work on the project, you’ll want to stir the paint every ten minutes or so, because the solids settle to the bottom over time. Milk paint also dries quickly, so you want to work efficiently to maintain a “wet edge”; In other words, don’t let the paint dry too much from one area to another. You will need to apply 2 coats of paint and then 1 coat of clear sealer for best results. The milk paint leaves a very even and desirable finish, and the clear coat adds to the depth of the color and gives it a soft sheen.

Other natural paints come pre-mixed and are used in the same way, although they do not require a clear sealer as with milk paint. They also tend to dry out pretty quickly. These paints have almost no odor and no VOCs. Natural paints are great for bedrooms, ceilings, and even areas exposed to heavy use, but keep in mind that they wear differently than ordinary paints; Natural ingredients create a finish that gradually wears away, creating an interesting patina and aged look. They are also resistant to moisture and mildew, and allow the material to breathe, so they can work well in a bathroom or kitchen. However, milk paint must be sealed to improve washability. Cleanup is a breeze and only requires water to clean the tools. In general, natural paints can make house painting a safe task and give your home a very interesting look.

Home Kitchen

Staging your home for sale

Staging your home is one of the best ways to sell your home the fastest and for the most money. I’ve been to a few listing presentations where sellers told me that another realtor thought the house was good enough. Well, good enough is not what I want. I want her house sold for full price and I want her to move on with her life fast. The person who will buy your home should feel as if they have just walked into their new home. This is the feeling I seek.

Here are some really good tips:

I have an approach that will work for every room in the house; you just have to go over it for each room. IMPORTANT: Look at each room from top to bottom, let’s start from the left and work our way to the right. Do not look at the room as a whole, you need to go through everything methodically. The technique should be the same for each room:

1- Tabula rasa. I’m going to speak in Latin here, but what I want you to do is remove any object that isn’t a piece of furniture or an accessory. Let me see my kitchen and I’ll tell you what I can do here. From the top to the button – remove the bottles from the top of the refrigerator and the beautiful plant from the cabinet. Remove the magnet and drawing of my nieces from the refrigerator, plant on top of the counter. Remove my personal photos from the wall. Remove knives, cutting board, plant, coffee pot, coffee cups, small oven, paper towel, wine bottle, cookies, and fruit basket from counters. Wow, I never realized I had so much.

When you remove things from counters or furniture, you may not know where to put them. You may need to pack them. Make 3 boxes:

1. Throw
2.Storage
3. Sell.

You may also need to rent a storage unit by the time of publication. I don’t want your boxes in the garage. Many people look at the garage and if it’s messy they don’t realize where they can put their cars and how much room there is for them to do projects.

2- Clean and repair. I have granite in my kitchen and this is a great time to make it shine. Buy some good products and clean everything from the top to the button. Starting from the light fixtures to the top of the fridge (I’m too short to see it, but there may be some taller people coming to see my house). Pay special attention to the sink, which I want impeccable, open the oven and clean it (some ovens clean themselves), open the fridge and throw out everything that is old and clean it. Have someone clean out the trash can and wash it out. I don’t want any odor coming out of any part of your kitchen. Clean the floor. Fix leaky sinks, replace broken light bulbs, and touch up paint if needed. Don’t do big repairs, just little touches.

3- Give him back some love. Now that it’s empty and clean, there are a couple of pieces to put back together. Mainly flowers and plants and for the kitchen one (1) nice piece like a nice espresso machine. In the kitchen nothing happens in the cabinets.