Renovating a home before selling is a task that most homeowners either avoid like the plague or become too happy and overdo!! What does renovating overdo really mean?This typically means renovating any and everything in a home regardless of the potential return on their money (investment). The irony is that most people renovate or update solely to suite their liking and justify their actions with a barrage of points. However if situations arise and they need to sell in the near future or at times immediately, they usually list everything that they've updated or renovated in a home expecting to get back 100%  or more on their money (investment). What Not To Renovate Before Selling Your Home!!1. Should We Renovate The Entire House According To Our Taste?It's probably not a good idea to cu... 03/31/2016

Why should one even think about transforming a living room?Because living rooms are often a popular place where family members connect and share meaningful and loving conversation. Secondly: it’s a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and snuggle up with a great book before a cozy fireplace or a waterfall. Now if you're considering transforming your living room, here are the top ten (10) things to transform your living room on a limited budget.1. Add Lighting – this could create a cozy and inviting ambiance. Try layering the lighting using potlights, lamps and dimmer switches to control the different settings.        2. Add Custom Cabinets Or Built-Inn – this could create room for storage and add architectural elegance. But having nice and clean cabinets or built-in isn't enough.... 03/28/2016

It's often said, everyone loves kitchens and they sell homes!Ironically, even people who don't cook much, also love beautiful kitchens. When designing a kitchen, a common dilemma faced by most homeowners is deciding between selecting a kitchen island or a peninsula? Careful thought and planning should be factored in all aspects of a kitchen design. The planning stage could make the difference between a successful and well planned kitchen design and a disaster.   What's The Difference Between A Kitchen Island and A Peninsula?To create a beautiful and functional kitchen, careful planning is required. First figure out the main function of your kitchen. E.g: Do you mainly use your kitchen for eating, preparing food or as a meeting hub for family and friends.Design wise, both peninsulas and ... 03/23/2016

Container Gardening InspirationHow To Create Stunning Container Gardens A collection of my favorite pins by Joyce Marsh Homes & Lifestyles My Pinterest Board "Conainer Gardening Inspiration" has over 1.3K Followers Stunning Arrangements in Containers Fabulous color Photos of Glorious Container Gardens Get Inspired for Spring, Summer, and Fall Plantings Compatible flowers and greenery to create the most gorgeous displays   Tips for planting Container GardensPhoto Courtesy of 5th and State BlogspotJoyce Marsh Coastal Homes and Lifestyles | Real Estate | Interior Styling | 386-299-8291Selling Beautiful Coastal Florida Homes  03/20/2016

Seven Tip To Create The Perfect Kitchen For The Host That Likes To EntertainThis is an example of a beautiful open concept of a kitchen designed for a host that likes to entertain.  If you would like to create this look, here are a few key things to do: 1. Add recessed lighting to create an inviting ambiance.2. Add crown molding to give your kitchen ceiling definition.3. Dress-up your new kitchen cabinets with molding to add elegance and make your cabinets stand out.4. Add a blacksplash that enhances the kitchen countertops.5. Select a countertop that incorporates colors from your kitchen cabinets and flooring. 6. Include a breakfast bar, so that you can converse with your guest, while you're in the kitchen.7. Use a light gorgeous floor color to open up the space and make it appear larg... 03/19/2016

A Journey To Debt FREE Kingdom - Step#1As promised in my blog yesterday, here is the first step towards your journey to "Debt FREE Kingdom." A Journey To Debt FREE Kingdom - Step #1:One of the keys to financial independence is to start where you're at! So if you have to start small, go ahead! It will be worth it, don't wait to have more money or time because life is a journey, so it's a moving target......  Case Study# 1420AA - Two Friends Joining Forces:Two friends started out with one common goal, of being financially independent on their journey to debt free kingdom. Their aim was also to help others along the way.They researched options and decided to use real estate as their vehicle. Their over all plan was to purchase bankforeclosure and distress sale properties. With a aim of fix... 03/18/2016

A Journey To Debt FREE KingdomLife is a journey not a destination. That is one of the most accurate statement of life, I've heard.Life is a journey because sometimes we win, sometimes we're in a neutral position and sometimes we loose. The key is to keep going. I salute every small business owner, because I can understand the: sacrifices, struggles, triumphs, victories, disappointments, despairs, betrayals and good breaks that they experience during their business and life journey. I'm writing this blog because I was called out to do so. Yes, I was called out to help others on their journey to debt free kingdom. This same person saw my passion for designing homes and called me out to design homes approx 8years ago. I reluctantly took the plunge because it was a giant and scary step, iro... 03/17/2016

How To Dress Up A Kitchen Like A Showpiece!According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) kitchen cabinetry could take up to 40% of a remodeling budget. To ensure you're get the best value for your money and to avoid costly mistakes, why not explore all available options before making a decision.  Quality of construction:Solid wood - Tends to be expensive. Budget friendly insider designer tip: ask your cabinet maker if you could use the solid wood for just the doors and frames.  Good quality laminate - can be made with high -quality, thick particleboard underneath the laminate finish.  Always make sure that inside every cabinet is well finished and has adjustable shelving at least 5/8 inch thick to prevent sagging. Here's a list of kitchen cabinet design finishes to dress... 03/14/2016

We Lve Beautiful BathroomsAre you considering a bathroom remodel?If you're considering a bathroom remodel, but not sure where to begin....Visit our blog every Wednesday to view beautiful bathroom remodels to get your inspired.This is a simple classic grey and white bathroom remodel with glass and stone mosaic backsplash.The great thing about a classic grey and white bathroom remodel, is that you can dress it up or down as you please. Notice how this bathroom was dressed up with bright pink, white, black and grey.  Other options to dress up your bathroom includes:Fire red, white and a hint of black.Bright blue, white and grey.Bright orange, white and hints of yellow. Other options to dress down your bathroom includes:All white accessoriesGrey and white accessoriesBeige and white accessor... 03/09/2016

We Lve Kitchens Tuesday Feature Are you considering a kitchen remodel?If you're considering a kitchen remodel, but not sure where to begin.... Visit our blog every Tuesday for kitchen to get your inspired. Or simply request a FREE in home design consultation at:www.WhatNotToRenovate.com                       Before Renovations                                      After Renovations                                  Before Renovations                                        After Renovations                           Before Renovations                                    After Renovations                          Before Renovations                                      After Renovations To get a FREE in home kitchen design consultation visit: www.WhatNotToRenovate.com  03/08/2016

Celebrating 500,000 Points and Indirect Benefits Of Blogging!Developing a blogging schedule and sticking to it isn't easy, but consistently taking small steps is very important. If you're considering or already blogging and haven't experienced any results, that's ok too. Why is that ok too?Because blogging could provide indirect benefits! What are indirect blogging benefits?Indirect blogging benefits are usually sales initiated by another source and closed using your blogging resource aka blogging arsenal.  Here is one of our blogging sales process that you could customize to fit your business model:1. We blog about home renovations and remodels.2. We host targeted seminars to attract specific demographics.3. From our blogging, we put together the powerpoint presentation and booklets th... 03/08/2016

Do You Know What's Your Home Design Style? If you've ever worked with a home designer,  the first question they'll probably ask you is "what's your home design style?"   For any successful home designer, identifying their clients home design style and creating a beautiful space their client will love, is the ultimate goal.   If you're not sure about your home design style, here is a guide to help you: Classic/Traditional Home Design Style - Features: English, French or American design. Things mostly inspired by historical architecture, antiques and collections.                      Contemporary / Urban Home Design Style -  Sleek, clean, sharp, modern, metals and leathers are Incorporated in this look.   Artistic Traveler Home Design Style - Has a global collection. e.g. Bohemian, triba... 03/04/2016

Top 10 Home Design Trends Of 2016 You Don't Want To Miss! Every year it’s always fascinating to see the top design trends, some may come as a surprise and cause you to shake your head in total disbelief. This year was a well anticipated one…… Enjoy!   Here Is The House and Home’s Full Report On: Top 10 Design Trends Of 2016 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaBb7T4eRwk   10. 70’s Italian  Style – This includes angular lines and lots of lux textures.   9. Retro Family Time – More people are turning off electronic devices, spending quality time together playing board games, ping pong etc. As a result oversize comfy chairs and sofas are coming back in style. These big pieces even provides the opportunity for the entire family to snuggle up and watch movies together, just like the good old d... 03/04/2016

How To Select White Kitchen Cabinets With An Elegant Color Twist!If you're considering selecting white kitchen cabinet or split between white and another color, why not have your cake and eat it too?If you're color shy, that's ok too. We'll provide ideas that won't scare the color shy.The good news about white kitchen cabinets is that they don't have to be all white. How To Select White Kitchen Cabinets With An Elegant Color Twist?It can be done by adding another color as an accent on door trims, molding or kitchen island. Just by mixing color, can add sophistication, visual interest and personality to an otherwise blank canvass.  Take a look at some of these white kitchen cabinets with an elegant color twist below:           Signature Vanilla Glaze                             French Va... 03/04/2016

Nine Ways To Add Extra Storage To A Kitchen Without Breaking The Bank! If you're like most homeowners you've probably agonize, about how to make your kitchen a functional yet beautiful showpiece without breaking the bank! Not to worry, you're not alone! In this blog, we'll discuss the nine most common kitchen storage pain points, with practical solutions.   Storage Concerns: are such an elephant in kitchens, so let's get started! Have you ever preheated your oven with your muffin tins, pots, large roasting pan and cookie sheets all still nicely stored?  Wouldn't it be nice if there was a designated space for all these items, so you don't have to take them out every time you need to use the oven. Well an organized and layedout kitchen makes cooking, baking and prepping more efficient wh... 03/04/2016

Seven Ways To Make Your Home Standout On A Budget!If you're like most homeowners, you've probably watched a few home improvement shows and have considered updating your home on and off.The fear that the final bill might be way out of reach, may cause you to delay moving forward with updating your home.But updating your home on a budget doesn't have to be expensive. Here Are Seven Ways To Make Your Home Standout On A Budget:1. Paint the interiors of your home in a soft and neutral color. Why not try a cozy but classy gray paint?Some of our favorite gray paint colors that we use are included below:   2. Now that you've painted the interior of the home, those one inch baseboards may start to appear old and battered. Why not change them to new two or three inches baseboards? The good news i... 03/03/2016

It's always interesting to watch the different home design trends that make come backs.In this world three things are guaranteed: paying taxes, death and change!As individuals we can decide to change or not to, but change will always present itself!We however do have the option of selecting one of the following: 1. Change and adapt.2. Don't change and become like the dinosaurs. Here are a few old design trends that could make your home standout:1. Wallpaper - Do you remember your grandmother's wallpaper that was loaded with flowers? If you're a Realtor taking a listing, this kind of wallpaper may cause you to take a deep breathe, knowing you've got to get this removed or face buyer reluctance with several objections to overcome.Fortunately this isn't the kind of wallpaper that's making ... 03/03/2016

DYI: Antique Dresser Makeover With Martha Stewart Metallic Gold Paint Our First Furniture Restoration. This is a thrift store find, so when it was purchased, the condition was poor with chips and paint peeling off at the top and sides. Who would have guessed, the process would be so much fun and therapeutic. I've always heard that painting is good for the soul. I never really thought about this before and I absolutely thought this wasn't for me. Now I'm a believer! Happy New Year!!!   Antique Dresser - Before Pictures    Antique Dresser - During Pictures      Antique Dresser - After Pictures     What are your thoughts? We would love to hear from you, please comment below.... 03/03/2016

The Many Shades Of Elegant Grey Countertops  Who would have guessed grey countertops would be such a popular choice among consumers today. This color has come a long way and has transformed from monotone to sleek and softly elegant. Could this grey color trend  transformation inspiration be from the movie and book "fifty shades of grey"? Regardless of the reason, there are at least 45 different shades, patterns and texture of grey countertops available on the market today. Giving this wide selection, there is almost one that will fit the most discriminating consumer. Some of the grey countertops have some very seductive names such as: Grigio Milano, Cashmere Carrara, Grigio Nordico, Prisma Grigio, Prisma Bianco, Bianco Regina, Stormy Grey, Graphite and Zinco. I'm not sure about anyone ... 03/03/2016

How To Select A Beige Countertop That Will Make Your Kitchen Shimmer! Beige can sometimes be a boring, blah color. However, the good news is the options for beige selection is now changing.  Here Are A Few Tips To Help You Select A Beige Countertop That Will Make Your Kitchen Shimmer! 1. Carefully consider your design theme -  in order to achieve a cohesive kitchen that stands out. 2. Stay open to other shades not only beige - consider looking at other shades. Why does this make sense? If your color preference is a beige countertop, there could be a shade of white, brown or yellow with beige highlights that may fit in perfectly well  in your kitchen design.  3. Contrast maybe required - to achieve contrast, it's best to take a sample of your kitchen cabinet, flooring, paint sample, cro... 03/03/2016