Category Archives: New Construction

The All Important Flooring Question

It’s bound to come up….

“I’m selling my home and I know I need to refinish these floors. What stain color should I pick?”

“I am updating my home and want to get rid of these honey oak floors, what color is in?”

“I’m replacing all my flooring and upgrading to hardwood, what color should I be looking at?”

I get that question many times a week and what I tell you today, wasn’t what I would have told you two years ago and it more than likely won’t be what I will tell you two years from now.

That’s just the thing…..trends change but the good news is there are some things that have not changed in the last decade. That lasting componet is that the floor should be in contrast with your wood work and kitchen cabinets.

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A few years ago very dark espresso floors were all the rage. They were stunning and still are but people quickly realized how tough it was to keep them looking clean. You saw every little spec of dust.

Flooring then became lighter, first to a medium walnut, and now to the current floor trend which is very light. These photos are of a luxury home I staged for the Parade of Homes Fall of 2019.

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How long will this current trend last? Who knows!

If you are refinishing your floors for selling purposes, go with what is on trend.

If you are refinishing your floors and plan to live in your home many years, go with what you like but still contrasts with the wood elsewhere in the home. You can enjoy the beauty of the color and down the road at resell time, refinish them in the color that is current at the time.

Refinishing hardward floors is not cheap and it is a messy process. If you are unsure about stain colors be sure to hire a professional home stager to assist you.

As I Sit in a Parade of Homes Model…….

I’m sitting in a Parade of Homes model, not as an agent to try sell it but just hanging out as my photographer takes photos of my staging work. As I sit here I have time to actually look around and take in things that I normally wouldn’t see as I am flying around putting beds together and staging the home.

I got to thinking that people coming to view the Parade models are in the same way, not that they are staging and working but there is just so much to see! The beautiful decor, the exquisite architectural features, and at the same time trying to not make eye contact with the builder or agent so that they give you a sales pitch, ha.

But I must say look around…..really look around. If you are there for ideas to renovate your home, or update your decor, or perhaps to build a home, really pay attention.

What are the paint colors? Light? Dark? Is every room painted a different color or is everything basically the same?

What about the floors? Where are there hardwoods? Carpet? LVT or Tile? What is the stain color of the hardwoods.

I do think light fixtures are so important in a home and can make such a difference whether selling or dwelling. Take a close look at them, their size, style, and finish.

If you want to drill in to the nuances of the decor now is the perfect time!! How did they make a space look so homey and cozy yet perhaps elegant at the same time.

You may ask why do I care? Well I am a believer that no matter how old your home is, it can look like a model home when you go to sell it. Things can be current, in good repair, light and bright and enticing to all who enter in.

The Parade of Homes in Minneapolis runs through Sept 29, 2019 and you can check this particular home out in Plymouth at Parade #251.

One Level Living – Not Just for 55+

Yes it is in demand! From the 55+ market to young families, more and more people are looking to one level living for ease.

It’s not for everyone. In our area many of the one level living homes have one bedroom on the main level plus will have a full lower level with one to three bedrooms. This may not work for a family with infants or young children as parents will want the kiddo’s bedrooms on the same floor theirs.

Many one level living homes however have at least two bedrooms on the main level if not three.

I recently staged a model home that is one level living with one common wall. A townhome so to speak. These are higher end and due to the townhome setting are more likely to appeal to the 55+ who wants the one level living but not give up the space or luxury. These would also appeal to young professionals who want the luxury but not the hassle of maintaining a yard.

Most of the 55+ townhomes will have a wonderful open concept that is great for just you or for gatherings of friends.

The entrance to the Master will be convenient off the main living area.

You will many times find a second bedroom on that main living level that is wonderful to use as an office if that fits your lifestyle better.

If you are lucky it may even have a wonderful sun porch!

Although two story homes are still being built everywhere, more and more you are seeing one level living Townhomes and Ramblers being built and in demand. If that is the lifestyle that appeals to you, take the time to see what is available.