Home Improvements Archives - Celia Dunn Sotheby's International Realty

Spring Cleaning Tips for Low Country Living

We're lucky, here in the Low Country, that we don't suffer interminable, cold winters. While the seasons here are mild, there is, nevertheless, a distinctive transition between winter and summer. Sometime between February and April, the short gloomy days give way to longer, brighter ones, the azaleas reappear and provide cheerful pops of color like the broad brushstrokes of a painter's brush, and even the birds seem busy with domestic chores of their own in the building of their nests and tending to their young: Welcome Spring! Beyond Mother Nature's unmistakable signs that the season of rebirth and renewal is once again upon us, there is a more practical aspect of spring that is demanding our undivided attention, particularly after the...

We're lucky, here in the Low C...

April 19, 2021

Home Ideas Home Improvements Landscaping Real Estate Residential

Different Types Garden Design

Spending time in nature is a proven way to reduce stress. And we could all use some stress reduction, especially after the year we've all had. A thoughtfully designed garden is a great way to make the most out of any yard space you may have. Take a look at some different types of garden design to help inspire your own outdoor masterpiece! Meditation Gardens Meditation gardens are Asian in origin, going back centuries with their roots in Zen Buddhism. With a very minimal aesthetic, these gardens were created to connect with nature, and oneself in a spiritual manner, in addition to being physically beautiful. Simplicity is key when designing a meditation garden. Common elements include: A winding path, made of stone, pavers...

Spending time in nature is a p...

March 10, 2021

Home Ideas Home Improvements Real Estate Tips Residential

Interior Lighting 101

Nothing creates a mood quite like lighting. Whatever atmosphere you are aiming for, your lighting choices can really enhance or detract. Let’s go over some of the basic tenets of how to use light to set the scene. Levels One of the most important aspects of successful lighting design is to plan light sources at different levels in a room. This allows you to layer light that can be used separately or collectively, keeping your options flexible. You can accomplish this with table lamps, floor lamps, wall scones and overhead lighting options. Dimmers Never underestimate the power of a dimmer switch. Being able to minutely adjust the amount of light in a room is an easy yet powerful way to have the best lighting...

Nothing creates a mood quite l...

February 24, 2021

Home Ideas Home Improvements Lifestyle Market Trends Residential

The Return of the Home Office

With so many people still working primarily from home, and children attending classes virtually, the demand for a dedicated home office space has risen exponentially over the past few months. No matter how much space you have, or what your decorating style, there is a work-from-home setup that will work for you. The Den For some, nothing less than a designated room will do. A private sanctum where you can duck away from it all in relative quiet is a necessity for back to back Zoom meetings and virtual collaborations. Perhaps you need to have shelves of reference books readily available or tools of the trade close at hand. You may want space for a desk, chairs for visitors, and a side...

With so many people still work...

October 28, 2020

Home Improvements

8 Autumn Home Maintenance Tips

As we enter into Autumn, now is the time to take steps to prepare your home for the coming winter months and tackle a few house care items that can be addressed yearly. Let’s take a look at some common home maintenance items that should be on your Fall to-do list. Clean Your Gutters It’s also important to keep the falling leaves and pine needles clear, to allow the gutters to properly do their job of moving rainwater away from the house. Late Autumn is the best time to have your gutters cleaned, after most of the leaves have fallen. Plus, the cooler weather makes the job much easier to bear. You can also consider having mesh screens installed over the top,...

As we enter into Autumn, now i...

September 24, 2020

Home Ideas Home Improvements Landscaping Lifestyle Residential

The Outdoor Kitchen: 101

The coastal low country enjoys such wonderful weather for so much of the year; it’s only natural that you’d want to take advantage of being outdoors as much as possible. One great way to achieve that goal is with an outdoor kitchen. Especially as we are spending more time making meals at home, having a custom outdoor area for preparing food can be a great way to break up the potential monotony. There are a variety of appliances and accoutrements you could utilize to create your dream set up. Let’s take a look at a few of the basic items you should start with as a base for building a great outdoor cooking space. THE GRILL This is a staple for any...

The coastal low country enjoys...

August 19, 2020

Buying Home Improvements Real Estate Residential

5 Things to Consider About Homes With A Pool

Summers down south are hot! And since many folks' travel plans have been disrupted and they are spending more time at home, the prospect of a home with a pool is enticing. Whether you are thinking about buying a home with a pool or having one put in at your existing abode, here are 5 things to consider about homes with a pool. 1. In Ground or Above Ground Pool? Each type of swimming pool has its pros and cons. Above ground pools are less costly to install and there are many options these days that allow you to set them up yourself without having to hire professionals. Another potential plus- if you plan on eventually moving, they can be taken with you....

Summers down south are hot! An...

July 29, 2020

Take some time to do some of these quick updates for instant curb appeal!

Home Improvements Landscaping Real Estate Tips Residential Selling

5 Ways to Add Instant Curb Appeal

When you are trying to sell your house one of the easiest ways to stand out from your competition is to increase the home’s curb appeal. After all first impressions are important. You want potential buyers to be ‘wow-ed’ before they even step foot through the door. Plus, with today’s increasing use of virtual tours, a beautiful facade and pleasantly landscaped yard can help a viewer get a better understanding of the home’s spacial attributes. Even if you aren't planning on selling anytime soon, improving the curb appeal of your home will not only add value, but bring you joy while you are living there. Let's take a look at five ways to add instant curb appeal to your home. ...

When you are try...

May 20, 2020

Home Improvements Lifestyle

50 Activities to Do While you’re Stuck at Home!

Stuck at Home? 50 Activities to Enjoy! It can be hard during times like these to stay positive and excited about life when let’s face it, folks are a little down right now. But never fear, we’ve got a list of 50 activities to keep you busy while you’re stuck at home. Whether you’re busy working from home or are taking care of your kids, this list certainly has at least a few things to keep you busy during your homestay! Spring Cleaning: -Move furniture and vacuum behind and under it (Goodbye 3-year-old dust bunnies!) - Detail your car- Wash, Vacuum, squirt, and spray, also while you’re at it top off all fluids! - Clean gutters- it may not be fun but it’s certainly a...

Stuck at Home? 50 Activities t...

March 19, 2020

Home Ideas Home Improvements Lifestyle

Could your Home use some “Lagom?”

Similar to the Danish word, "Hygge," comes the Swedish concept of "Lagom." Lagom is all about living in moderation, from food to well-being and everything in between! Lagom translates to “enough, sufficient, or just right,” and we think even Goldilocks would approve! You may have noticed that Scandinavian design celebrates just the right amount of minimalism (because you’re still allowed a few selected tchotchkes!), what you get is a cozy and calm space that is still inviting. So, now that you know what Lagom is, where do you begin? -Remove 1 thing from each room and donate it. When you’re looking to purchase in the future, invest in quality rather than quality, look for handmade items or items made in the USA, or...

Similar to the Danish word, "H...

February 4, 2020