Giving a Smaller Home a More Roomy Feel

Smaller rooms can create a decorating challenge for homeowners. While some may be dealing with a space that is smaller overall – such as an condo or apartment – others may have just a couple of smaller rooms that look and feel cramped. While enlarging these rooms may not be an option, there may be a few upgrades to consider that can give these rooms a more spacious and open feel.

Light Paint Colours

Dark colours can add dramatic flair to a room, and they certainly will make a bold statement. However, they also can create the feeling that the room is smaller than it is. It is best to paint with light paint colours on the walls or even to choose a lighter colour for the ceiling. In addition to these colours, a lighter floor colour can also add the feeling of depth to the space. If the use of bolder, brighter hues is preferred, consider adding a pattern in combination with lighter colours to the ceiling. Another idea is to use stripes with alternating darker and lighter hues on the walls to create the illusion of space.

Shelving Installed Close to the Ceiling

Storage space is often a concern with smaller rooms, and cabinets and bookshelves can take up valuable floor space in any room. A smart idea for smaller rooms is to install shelving or even cabinetry closer to the ceiling. This can enable the space below it to be kept open or to be used for other purposes, such as for other furnishings that must be kept on the floor.

Recessed or Flush Lighting

Lighting is an important element in any room, and brighter lighting can make a space look larger in many situations. Darker shadows cast about a room can make the space feel closed off. More than that, overhead lights that hang down, such as pendants or chandeliers, can create a visual illusion that makes the room feel smaller than it is.

To achieve the goal of casting light throughout the room more evenly while removing these hanging light fixtures from the space, install recessed or flush lights into the ceiling. These can be combined with small table lamps if necessary to brighten up any areas that may still be dark or shadowy. Avoid tall, imposing lamps when decorating a smaller room.

Decorating a smaller room is rarely easy to do, and there are many things that homeowners can do when decorating that actually may make a smaller room appear to be even smaller. These are a few tips that can be followed to make the space appear to be more roomy and spacious, but there are also other ideas for decorating as well as built-in upgrades to consider. Ideally, the fully decorated room will be stylish and functional as well as appear to be spacious.

With proper research and planning, a homeowner can achieve the desired results. 

Supersize Your Mortgage Payments with the Edmonton Home Pros

Do you want to become mortgage free? It is easier than you think! Let Stephen Lau and the Edmonton Home Pros team show you how. Together they’ve developed some interesting tips that can help you make smarter choices when it comes to your mortgage; which can save you money and take years off your mortgage:

Get pre-approved. The last thing that you want is to purchase a property that you cannot afford. Getting a mortgage pre-approval will not only help you better balance your budget, but will also help you understand your limits when house hunting.

Pay often. Once you’ve purchased your home, consider making bi-weekly payments rather than monthly. These payments help your overall credit rating and will add up at the end of the year.

Pay Double. At least once per year, pay twice the amount that is necessary. You would be surprised how much money you can remove from your amortization period with it.

Pay more. It is recommended that you pay more than the minimum amount required on a property’s mortgage. Homeowners who pay only the minimum amount on a mortgage typically take longer to pay it off due to the interests.

In a 2012 survey conducted by the Royal Bank of Canada, over 65% of Canadian homeowners are concerned with their mortgage rates and over 50% confess that their mortgage is much higher than anticipated. Before you take the step towards homeownership, educate yourself and take the guesswork out of mortgages. This will save you stress, time, and money down the road.

The Edmonton Home Pros team has a large number of business affiliates who are ready and willing to work with Edmonton homeowners. These professional associates include: lawyers, mortgage specialists, and financial institution representatives. For more information contact Stephen Lau today.

Do you want to renovate your Edmonton home, but lack the patience and knowledge? To save time and stress: Ask a contractor for help. Their experience, access to materials, and technical knowledge set them apart as expert home renovators. Many home improvement contractors operate in Edmonton; however, not all of them are true professionals. So take some precautions when hiring a contractor:  (more…)

This Summer, Edmonton Home Pros invites you to explore the world of Landscaping. Whether you are building a new home and want to give it a special touch, or creating an outdoor oasis, the team has some handy tips for you before you begin your next Landscaping adventure.

Research: Know your plants, facts, and landscape designs. Have fun with researching all the different options for your yard or backyard. Remember that you are not trying to “Keep Up With The Joneses,” you are creating an outdoor living space that’s right for you, based on your personal budget and taste.

Photo by: Jim’s Garden

Low Maintenance VS Regular Upkeep: Decide how much time you are willing to invest in your garden. While all Gardens require attention and tending, some need a little more than others. If you plan on having an elaborate garden setting, be prepared to keep it immaculately groomed with crisp clippings on your hedging and well-pruned flowering shrubs. If you prefer a low key garden, consider going with self sufficient shrubs, trees, and plants.

Calling A Pro: There is no shame in consulting with a professional on your Edmonton Home’s garden and landscaping plan. Don’t underestimate the amount of work associated with your project. Some homeowners setting up the landscaping on their Edmonton homes will require large equipment and intense labour. There are multiple landscaping companies in the city, so be sure to research each one and compare prices. Feel free to ask them lots of questions about your Edmonton home’s landscaping potential.

Do you have your own Edmonton landscaping tips, or stories to share? Leave your comments below. For all your Edmonton real estate needs, trust the Edmonton Home Pros team of professionals to be your real estate solution. Contact Stephen Lau today.

What do the colours in your Edmonton home say about you? Whether you are thinking about painting a room or redecorating- the colour palette you choose will set the atmosphere and tone. Before you start making any major furniture or paint purchases, allow Stephen Lau and the Edmonton Home pros team show you colours and their meanings in Edmonton homes.

We conclude this series with fire and ice, two powerful tones that evoke different feelings.

Photo by: Suzanne Phillips

Red: If you want to make an impression on a room of your Edmonton home, we recommend you add a splash of Red. By placing it in strategic locations, eyes will be drawn to certain features of your room. Add a Red pillow or bedding to accentuate the couch. Not only is Red the colour of romance and passion, but it has also been proven to stimulate appetite. Add hints of Red to your dining room for a Victorian feel. For a toned down look, choose earth tones such as brick Red or cinnamon.

Photo by: ooh_food

Blue: Who said Blue is for Boys? Over the years, Blue has proven to be an appealing tone to both Men and Women. Many Edmonton Homeowners choose to place Blue in bathrooms as it promotes a fresh and invigorating feel. Many interior stylists also recommend placing soft Blues in bedrooms for a soothing and relaxing ambiance. For a classic colour combination, pair Blue and White together.

We hope this colour series helped you better understand colours and their functionality. If you’re still hesitant or unsure about the colour scheme to use on the walls of your Edmonton Home, consider hiring a colour consultant. These professionals have a strong understanding of colour psychology and will help you dress your home’s interior and exterior.

For more great tips and advice on caring for your Edmonton home, trust the Edmonton Home Pros team. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell Edmonton real estate, let Stephen Lau and his team be your guides.

Edmontonians have seen a lot of Grey and Yellow tones this Summer. We’ve witnessed seemingly endless Grey skies during a rainy week, and intense yellow sunlight in +35 weather! While the meaning of these colours sit on opposite sides of the spectrum, they constantly make numerous appearances in the lives of homeowners. As such, the second blog of this Colour Series will provide Edmonton homeowners with tips and advice on introducing these two colours into their homes, without dramatically affecting the mood.

Photo by: Ann

Yellow: Although yellow represents happiness, optimism, and confidence, we recommend you use this colour in a safe and controlled environment. Pairing it with its tonal white can add softness to the room and create a lively atmosphere. This is a great combination during the Spring and Summer months. There are many members of the yellow family, from Cream to Canary and Gold- you want to select the shade that resonates with you while maintaining harmony. Feel free to play with the colour yellow in the darker spots in your Edmonton home such as hallways or basements.

Photo by: Chris Moody

Grey: The colour Grey is often misunderstood, largely due to its plainness and lack of personality. Grey draws no attention to itself, allowing homeowners the opportunity to pair it with multiple colour combinations. Grey or Silver furnishings with Navy Blue tones can add a modern and elegant feel to a room. Grey can serve as the perfect background to rooms that are naturally showered by daylight. Since it’s a more formal and serious tone, we recommend you use Grey in offices, studios, or even kitchens, while steering clear of adult bedrooms, nurseries, and children’s bedrooms.

Want to learn more about colours? Check out the rest of our Colour Series blogs:
Pink & Green.

Stay tuned to this colour series for more great tips and advice. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell Edmonton real estate, let the Edmonton Home Pros team be your guides.

What do the colours in your Edmonton home say about you? Whether you are thinking about painting a room, or redecorating the colour palette you choose will set the atmosphere and tone of the room. Before you start making any major purchases, Stephen Lau and the Edmonton Home Pros team recommends you read our colour series and educate yourself on common colours.

We begin this series with two colours commonly seen in nature: Pink and Green.

Pink – Over the years, Pink has upheld the reputation of being associated with femininity and relaxation. It promotes calmness and psychologically reduces aggressive behaviour or angry emotions. In fact, some prisons are known for placing inmates in a “pink room” for a certain period of time, studies have shown that this treatment helps calm the prisoner. Despite Pink’s soothing effects, when it comes to most Edmonton Homes, it is used occasionally. Unless Edmonton homeowners are using this colour for a little girl’s room, Pink goes unnoticed by many. Try adding a splash of pink to one of your rooms, for a special and relaxing touch.

Green – Similar to Pink, the colour Green has relaxing tendencies. It is commonly seen in the natural world and blends a nice combination of earth tones. If you are looking to incorporate the colour Green to your Edmonton home, lean towards a dark shade of Green, Olive tone, or Sage Green – pairing these tones with a Burgundy or Deep Blue can accentuate some of your room’s best features.

Stay tuned to this colour series for more great tips and advice. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell Edmonton real estate, let the Edmonton Home Pros team be your guides. Contact Stephen Lau today for more information!

For many Edmonton homeowners having a lush, green lawn is a rewarding benefit. As the summer months approach, homeowners who are looking to sell will want to enhance their home’s curb appeal. Stephen Lau and his Edmonton Real Estate team know that a home’s curb appeal begins with a good lawn, and proper lawn care begins with healthy soil. Looking to enhance your property’s curb appeal, read the tips we have put together below on how to get a great looking lawn, while promoting a healthy natural environment.

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Who says that Spring Cleaning applies only to your Edmonton homes? By exercising similar de-cluttering techniques to those found our first blog: Spring Cleaning For Your Edmonton Home, homeowners and business-owners can live neat, tidy, and organized lives. Stephen Lau and the Edmonton Home Pros team can provide a simple four-step Spring Cleaning Guide for your Edmonton Office.

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