All Blog Entries by Donna Kerr

When renovating kitchens and bathrooms for clients we often toy with innovative back-splash ideas, but the reality is, when putting a house on the market, the best option is usually the more neutral one. However, this hasn't stopped us looking at creative approaches, transforming the classic tile back-splash into the focal point of a room.

We found a selection of super fun, innovative backsplashes that re-use discarded materials, pattern, natural resources, bright pops of color and wallpaper. 

A new back-splash doesn't have to be expensive or permanent. In fact, as I looked for ideas I stumbled across many blog posts and websites dedicated to providing back-splash ideas on a budget, tailored for renters in particular. Apartment Therapy has some

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Green represents nature, renewal and the Spring season, which is why celery green seems like the perfect color to feature for April. 

Green also symbolizes peace, good luck, tranquility and a sense of calm. Historically, theatres painted rooms where performers waited before their performance in green due to its calming effect. This may be why green remains a common choice of color in bedrooms, dens and offices in particular- interior spaces where people seek rest and relaxation. Because we see green incorporated in nature everyday, this versatile color transitions easily to inside the home as a paint or accent color. The yellow tones of celery green give it a warm, happy vibe making it a favorite choice to energize and invigorate a space. 

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As of yesterday, 9003 Sudbury Road is live on the market, but it was no easy feat getting there! This grand Colonial is a fab house in a great location, filled with abundant natural light throughout, great living spaces including a bonus den/library with floor-to-ceiling shelves and multiple outdoor entertaining spaces including a screen porch, deck, patio and huge backyard. However, as the before photos illustrate, the house was in serious need of updating to bring it into a modern day context to make it desirable to prospective buyers. 

The design team had their work cut out for them with this one, having just two weeks to gather estimates, budget, update, paint, install, replace and stage this house to perfection for the first open house.

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Did you ever wonder what it takes to stage a house? We'll tell you what it takes! Staging a house is not just fluffing pillows and adding vases of fresh flowers to make it look pretty for the open house. When it comes to staging, the Pure Energy design team covers every base, providing everything needed, from furniture, area rugs and window treatments, to linens, wall art, chotchkies and lamps.

We use our interior design talent to transform spaces, creating immediate positive reactions from potential buyers, which helps them form an emotional connection to your home. We have an inventory of thousands of items that we draw from to create warm and appealing accents that coordinate with your existing furniture or to completely outfit a vacant property.

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*UPDATE! This property sold in 9 days for FULL PRICE WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS!  Pure Energy can do the same for you!

404 Whitestone Road has long been a landmark for Whitestone Road residents, known as the big red house and used primarily as a reference point in giving directions.  Apparently the neighbors are rather bummed the handy reference point is gone.  Unfortunately for them, the faded worn red was traded in for a fresh unifying paint on the exterior to ramp up the curb appeal.  It's usually the first thing people see when viewing a house in person or online so paying attention to the old addage about second chances and first impressions is as important in real estate as it is in your personal life.

Upon first viewing of this house, I

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JUST LISTED! 10603 Inwood Avenue, Silver Spring

When I first walked into this Colonial for a design appointment a couple of weeks ago, it was clear that the house had plenty of charm, but was in need of some updates to transform it into a SUPER charming house that would grab the attention of prospective buyers.

Many of the Colonials in the Chestnut Hills neighborhood of Silver Spring have a smaller footprint- the majority having two levels and no basement. Because of house size, it is important that the interior spaces are well thought out, staged in a functional manner and the presentation is top notch. 

The old half sized oven and lack of counter space made reconfiguring the kitchen a main priority. We maximized the kitchen space by moving the

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Today's snowquester may have been an over hyped bust in terms of snow accumulation but it's a reminder that though it is March and spring is  technically close (come on daylight savings!), winter isn't over yet.  To that end, on nasty days like this when I feel stuck inside (whether I really am or not) and cabin fever-ish, my mind wanders more than normal to the creature comfort foods that tend to have a warming effect on my soul and result in the kind of fullness accompanied by total content.  One of my favorites in this category is SHWARMA!  I want it and I will have it....as soon as I've worked up the motivation to leave the warmth of indoors and brave the slush and ick this faux blizzard brought with it.  

For any who've never heard of or

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Although they fit with the Wintery season, moody blues don't have to convey a sense of gloom and coldness. In fact, when used in home interiors these colors can result in quite the opposite. By nature, blue has a calming, soothing effect, making it a suitable color choice for any room of the house. 
I love how some of the photos featured here have taken stormy blue tones and/or themes and transformed them into something that makes you smile. Yes, I am referring to the adorable rain cloud cushion and head board decor with fairy lights- who wouldn't want that in a nursery or kids bedroom! I think that these blues tones as a paint color would be a welcome addition to any guest room, to create a restful space- the stunning, double-twin bed guest…

When it comes to marketing and selling your house, it's inevitable your home won't appeal to everyone. It's just the law of averages.  However there are many things (big and small) you can do to enhance your chances and appeal to the widest margin of the buying demographic. 

PREPPING FOR THE MARKET: 

1- PAINT, TIDY UP & STAGE: 

PAINT: A fresh coat of paint everywhere is without a doubt the single biggest bang for your buck. Daily living is rough on walls and it's easy for you (the homeowner) not to notice the wear & tear. It's amazing what we can develop blindness to.  It's also a good time to liven up or tone down living spaces. I'm a firm believer in using color but not going overboard. Neutrals (not just beige and cream) can be found in

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During the Winter months most people just want to hibernate inside until Spring, myself included! Walking around Downtown Silver Spring last weekend, I noticed an abundance of activities on offer to occupy the long Winter days. Here are my top 5 recommendations! For more activity ideas in Silver Spring, visit the community webstite.

Ice Skating at Veterans Plaza

The ice skating rink at Veterans Plaza is an annual Winter attraction the whole family can enjoy. It is open rain, hail, snow or shine until 10pm weeknights and until 11pm Friday and Saturday. Skate rental is just $3, with admission starting from $7 for kids. The rink is also available for private hire. What a great venue for your kid's next birthday party! More information can be found

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