  Your home is more than just four walls and a roof; it's a reflection of your personality, your style, and the place where memories are made. However, as the years go by, even the most cherished homes can start to show signs of wear and tear. But fear not, because in this guest blog post, we have Tina Martin, a seasoned home improvement enthusiast, here to guide you through the process of reviving your home. Tina understands that a home makeover isn't just about aesthetics; it's an investment that can breathe new life into your space and add significant value to your property. Whether you're preparing to sell or simply want to create a more comfortable and enjoyable living environment, these tips will help you embark on a journey of transformation that will make your home feel brand new. So, without further ado, let's dive into Tina's expert advice, including some of my own personal tips too, on how to give your home a fresh start and a new lease on life. Reviving a home with a makeover is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your living space and increase its value. However, the process of renovating can be overwhelming, especially if you're unsure where to start. Here are some tips from Toscano Interiors on how to revive your home with a makeover. Select Value-Boosting Improvements for Property Before starting your home makeover, it's essential to consider future resale value. While it's important to create a living space that suits your needs, it's also crucial to choose improvements that will enhance your property's value. For example, modernizing your kitchen or bathroom can make a significant difference in how much your home is worth. Use a Home Maintenance App It’s a good idea to use a home maintenance and repair app if you need to make repairs to your home. The right app allows homeowners to quickly schedule service appointments, track the status of their repairs, and access important information about their home systems and major appliances like the refrigerator and washer and dryer. By using the Frontdoor application, you'll also be able to access service professionals, who can provide quotes for repairs or maintenance work. Create an Outdoor Space You Can Be Proud Of Creating an outdoor living space can be a worthwhile investment for homeowners seeking to improve their home's value and appearance. SuperMoney notes that hardscaping elements such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls can enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your backyard. Replace Your Bathroom Tiles A bathroom is one area of the home that can become outdated quickly. A simple way to revive your bathroom's look is by re-tiling the walls or floors. Choose neutral colors and patterns that will stand the test of time. This will give your bathroom a fresh look and feel while also increasing your home's value. Thoroughly Clean Your Home Cleaning your home can be a powerful way to rejuvenate and transform it. A thorough deep clean, including vacuuming the right way, surface wiping, and carpet cleaning, can make a significant difference in the overall appearance and health of your home. With a sparkling clean environment, you can enjoy a more attractive and healthier living space. To get started, go online for tips and hacks from cleaning experts. Maximize Storage Space To create a welcoming and spacious living area, it's essential to eliminate clutter. One way to achieve this is by maximizing your storage space through the use of shelving, cabinets, or closet organizers. This will not only enhance the functionality of your home but also make it feel more inviting by creating a tidy and organized living environment. Declutter by Digitizing Paper Files By digitizing your paper records and converting them into PDFs, you can significantly reduce clutter in your home while also ensuring that all important documents are easily accessible. If you want to combine PDF files after scanning, there are various online tools available to help you do so (click here for more info). This practical solution will save you time and improve your overall organization. Unveil Fresh Art Pieces Anne Anderson Home points out that artwork can add color and personality to your home. Introduce new artwork into your living space that reflects your style and taste. This can be done through paintings, sculptures, or other decorative items. Artwork can also be an investment, and certain pieces may increase in value over time. Upgrade Lighting Fixtures Lighting is a crucial element that can significantly impact your home's ambiance. Replacing outdated light fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home while saving you money on your electricity bills. Don't underestimate the power of updated lighting fixtures to transform your home's atmosphere and improve your overall living experience. Revitalizing your living space through a home makeover and a good cleaning is a fantastic investment that not only enhances the aesthetic value but also boosts the overall worth of the property. By utilizing the tips provided, you can turn your house into an exquisite and practical living area that will significantly increase its market value. In conclusion, a home makeover is a worthwhile venture that adds charm and functionality to your dwelling while also providing a substantial return on investment. Ready to bring some fun, magic, authenticity, beauty and inspiration to your space? Call on Toscano Interiors today! 813.539.2085 
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Decorative Outdoor Lighting Tips
5/5/2022
 Example of neo-classical outdoor lighting Photo Courtesy of Homesoftherich.net *This post contains affiliate links The interior of a house or commercial place should complement the exterior, and vice versa. This can be achieved by creating an artistically balanced ambience by using decorative outdoor lighting fixtures at different angles and points. For example if for a small garden or deck canister sized lighting fixtures create a loud and crass effect. To get the right balance the area should be highlighted by using small lights closer to the ground, on tree trunks or eaves of structures around. Light designers and manufacturers realizing potential of decorative outdoor lighting introduced shapes, styles and finishes in consonance with changing times. Decorative outdoor lights in neo-classical designs, informal or contemporary and stylistic create harmonious setting matching the interior with the exterior. Purpose also decides design of decorative outdoor lightings. For pathways, lightings with top covers or shades are preferred as light is directed out and down but not on the face. There is nothing worse than to be momentarily blinded by instant glare. One does not need a beacon on private property but a decorative light to focus on special features of the house as well as safeguard it. In commercial places such as malls, hotels, schools, colleges, clubs the decorative outdoor lighting should be artistic as well as utilitarian. Compact fluorescent lights, ground level moon lamps, post lanterns are some of the designs that help control glare and spill. Another transformation from old to new is the use of decorative outdoor lighting with timers and photo cells. One can visualize the gas-burning lamps of 1800's used to light streets. We have come a long way but nostalgia plays a hand as same idea is incorporated in electricity bulbs available in flame shaped designs. Whatever the design or style from diamond shaped to opal, antique lamp posts and shades, lights with frosted exterior, guests and visitors should not be inconvenienced by faulty placement and design selection. Instead of being influenced by neighbors, store catalogues or particular shape and color consider requirement, budget and appropriate lighting. If pathway is long and dark then hang Chinese lanterns or wanting to create a partition in the lawn then plant tiki torches available in different sizes and color. Choices are unlimited, requiring a level headed thinking mind to select decorative outdoor lightings.  Photo courtesy of Cast Lighting  Photo Courtesy of Architecture & Design
It is no surprise that workplace has changed significantly due to COVID-19. It crucial for companies during these times of change, to create workplace settings that encourage efficiency and improve productivity while abiding by social distancing preferences.
This week's blog topic is a great infographic courtesy of guest blog writer, Skylar Ross with Avanti Systems. Discover the details of how a workspace can improve productivity through architecture and design with the below infographic.
  *This post contains affiliate links Recently I was given the opportunity to design a small apartment at a local assisted/independent living facility. This little apartment is going to be used a model/virtual tour for future retirees. I was so honored to take the project because several months ago I staged one of the independent cottages affiliated with the same company, for a Realtor who was referred by another Realtor...talk about a long list of referrals!!! That was what made it such an honor and so exciting! Anyhow, this cute one-bedroom apartment was so much fun to design, but there was just one issue...it was small. So how do I make the space look functional for future resident's? That was my biggest challenge going into this project. Starting with the living and dining area, these two rooms share the space; that there wasn't a lot of. I wanted to use a regular sized sofa and oversized accent chair, but what about the small dining area? Well the good news is there is a restaurant inside the facility for it's residents- so the dining area wasn't something I really wanted to play up. I used these fun gold barstools and a small bistro table and chairs set, allowing for at least 4 guests to sit comfortably in the dining area. Without having to sacrifice the living area, I added the ottoman that functions as a coffee table and storage- because yes, the top comes off! This piece serves 3 functions! SMALL SPACE PRO DESIGN TIP- Adding texture to the room helps create dimension in a small space That oversized wall art above the sofa- one wouldn't think incorporating something really big in a small space would be right. Wrong! Texture gives the eye something to investigate, something to sink its teeth into, something that makes the whole space feel a lot bigger.  I think texture is something most people forget when designing a small space. They focus more on storage solutions, often it’s intentionally overlooked for fear of cluttering up an already small space. You can add some small extra home décor pieces to add textures to your space. Focus on the finishes of your existing furniture pieces too. Like the faux fur rug I draped over the ottoman, the gold side table and gold hammered lamp. It could even be a simple fabric couch with wooden arms and legs. The key to achieving visual balance and to keep visual clutter at bay is to have one or two pieces of furniture in similar textures. The faux rug on the ottoman ties into a larger faux rug under the dining table.  Another way to work in texture in small spaces is through adding texture to walls. Textures on walls make a big impact and they don’t take up any floor space. You can do so through a variety of ways including wallpaper, textured paint like Dulux’s Ambiance Paints (the paints can offer up anything from a rustic linen feel to a luxurious marble finish), wall cladding or wall moulding. In the living room I added a hanging ladder to a decorative hook then folded some textured throw blankets. An easy and unique way to not only store extra blankets, but also adds texture! FINAL SMALL SPACE PRO DESIGN TIP: When adding textures to your space, use juxtapositions e.g. metallic vs matte, weathered vs smooth, see-through vs opaque. Keep in mind that textures don’t have to be felt to be sensed; they can also be visual to make an impact  So you are sadly looking all around the Internet for a way to make your small space look so much more than it is. It’s not that you want to make it appear like you live like Donald Trump, you don’t. Right? It’s just that you are really trying to live within your means now and you’ve scaled down appropriately, but you can’t figure out how to make it look nice and big. Big without looking like you have just squished a Hummer into a compact space. I got ya. Show a little leg. You know how there are some couches where you can’t see the legs? Yes, they still do have legs under there. Really. They aren’t held up by some really strong dude. All day long. Sheesh. Come on. So, find yourself a sofa or a chair, whatever you’re in the market for, and go for the ones that don’t have those cute little skirts. Yes, you will have to make sure you keep your floors from looking like the wild west of dust bunny tumbleweeds, but you can do it. It’s called a Roomba. See-‐thru tops. I know you like to be modest most of the time, except when you’re shaking your moneymaker. This is one of those times where I need you to get a little loose. Glass top coffee and side tables are gonna help you out. While you’re at it, order up some glass shelves for the bookcases. What? Yeah, it will cost money, but you want your place to look light and airy like some waify super model right? Well, put up or shut up. Lighten Up. You may be the depressive type and go for dark colors to get you thru your Nirvana phase. He’s dead and you’re not. Let’s pick lighter colors. Which just so happen to be my February Freebie right now- my top neutral paint colors! Things that would remind you of pretty fantasyland with birds and nice china. Not like Alice Cooper’s your personal stylist. Skip the Hokey Pokey. Think of patterns like a hokey pokey. Nobody likes to do that stupid dance and you don’t have the space for it. Really, they don’t like doing it, stop asking. Hokey pokey is intrusive like patterns in a small place. Put your left eye here, put your left eye there, put your left eye here and swirl it all about. Jesus! You’re gonna poke an eye out with that kind of patterned nonsense. It’s too much. We need our eyes to swirl around your room like a smooth wave of bliss. And before I forget, since February's topic of the month is Artwork- how do you incorporate it in your small space? You don't, you burn it. Okay, I'm kidding. But really, if space is not your friend but you have some fancy smancy artwork you want to show off, a bold piece of wall decor is all you need to bring character and visual interest to a room. Remember that less is more. March is almost here, and we will switch focus...don't miss out on my February freebie! Sign up with your email when that obnoxious box pops up on your screen again!   Our most recent vacation, St. Thomas VI  Photo Courtesy of Candance Toscano I think we've all done it, you know, go on that much needed vacation to get recharged then start taking mental notes of all the exciting things you plan on implementing into your daily life once you arrive home. There is just something about changing the scenery for a week or two that makes us ready and excited for change. Perhaps it's the break away from work and how it makes you reflect on how much time you spend away from your spouse and children. So you tell yourself that as soon as you get home you won't go to the office on your days off like you used to, and you'll spend more quality time with your family. Or maybe you are finally able to relax while on vacation and as soon as you get home you'll carve out more "me-time" in your daily life. Whether it's a monthly trip to a masseuse, more reading, or even meditating more- but then we actually get home and reality sets in. And we end up doing the exact opposite of what we intended to do. We go back to work, we go back to the same routines, and vacation becomes a distant memory. We end up getting stressed out, forget about that masseuse appointment because you've got meetings and deadlines, kid's school projects to help with, things begin to pile up and you don't have any "me-time". Before you know it your cup is overflowing and you are ready for another vacation...the cycle just repeats. But what if there were a way we could make our vacation more intentional and nurture our entire lives (not just the week you're there)? This is where I really had to be mindful of what I wanted to get out of my vacations once I arrived home, but there are some things I needed to do before I left for my vacation as well. One of the biggest things I realized was the first day or two of my return are just as important as the week away. Honoring this transitional time is essential, not only for integrating all the nourishment I received on vacation, but also to ensure that my energy tanks remain full and it continues to support me as I move back into my day to day life. How To Create A Safe Landing Arriving- Home Routine! 1. Give Yourself a “Buffer” Day You can’t expect yourself to go straight from the beaches of St. Thomas to doing the normal hustle and grind in just one day — at least if you want to hold onto some of the beauty, peace, and relaxation you cultivated while you were away. If you know you need to be back at work on Monday morning, plan to arrive home Saturday night, so you have one day to settle in, exhale, and get ready for “normal life” to resume. Traveling is stressful, and I won't even get into how hard it is when you are traveling with children — even if you relaxed on your vacation. We all experience that natural “dip” in our energy and mood after the happy change of pace from being away. Use your “Buffer Day" as a time to just unwind, readjust, and reflect on the experience you just had. 2. Unpack those Bags! I am definitely not that person who leaves my suitcase around for two or three weeks, after a vacation! (Nor do I let my children!) I have learned: it’s SO important to unpack your bag as soon as you get home. When you leave it lying around, the truth is…. part of you is in denial that you are still on that beach in St. Thomas! Unpacking closes the energy of a trip and helps your body and mind settle back into home-life. You are able to transition easier to real-life too! 3. Love & Clean Up Your Space Like I stated before, there is a natural dip in our energy when we arrive home from a vacation. You may even get a little depressed (my husband is the worst, he actually sulks for days after we arrive home) Making sure your home is a beautiful place that you truly love makes everything so much better! After all: when your home’s a wreck, and you have nothing to look forward to, depression is a pretty normal response. I ALWAYS clean my house before we leave for vacation.. But if you've ever left the mess for a week only to arrive back home to it- well, that is definitely not going to help your "end of vacation blues" I do all the laundry, wipe down the kitchen counters, make sure there are no dirty dishes left out, vacuum, make the beds...I think you get it. I make sure everything as beautiful as I can for when I arrive home. Whatever you need to feel in love with your space, and focus on what’s great about being home. 4. Immerse Your Life with Vacation Lessons I believe it’s so important to honor the beautiful experiences in our lives, and find ways to carry them forward with us — in our hearts and in our homes. One way I do this is with my gratitude journal. I even bring it with me on vacation. I take a few moments every day to write not only bout what I am grateful for, but three feelings I experienced that day. You can also journal about what you loved most about your vacation, what you did to relax...make a list … and then, ask yourself…. “How can I create these feelings in my home and life right now?” Think about the areas of your life where you lose touch with these precious priorities, the daily thing in your life you can be grateful for. Come up with a few simple, creative ways to connect your vacation-world and home-world. Your home can be beautiful support for this process as well! I always buy artwork from every trip we take, but you can pick a souvenir or photo from your trip that most exemplifies one of these qualities. Place it in a spot you’re likely to see, everyday. This will remind you of what matters most … and keep you connected to the beauty and experiences of your vacation, long after the sand is out of your shoes.  |
Designer, Life Coach, + Realtor® - Candance Toscano"You can design the life of your dreams and acquire that luxurious, fulfilled and empowered lifestyle you know you have always wanted." Archives
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