Six Home Decor Trends for 2013

Now that 2013 has hit its halfway mark, the home décor trends that have become popular this year are emerging. Consider these six home décor trends in 2013 for your own home.
1. Artful or painted furniture. According to Decorview.com, many people are re-purposing old pieces of furniture with unexpected color or fabric. Just a warning from Decorview.com: Don’t overdo it  - one artful piece per room.

2. Brass. Almost every home décor and style website or magazine has listed brass in their top 10 trends for 2013. Brass and gold metals are replacing silver, adding warmth to rooms and going well with almost every color. It also pairs well with wood, bringing us to our next big home décor trend for 2013.
3. Natural wood. Natural wood with blonde or gray finishes is big this year. Mirror frames, tables, and lamps have all been seen sporting this trend. A reclaimed wood look on floors with wider or mixed-width plank sizes has been seen a lot in home shows around the country.

Source: GoodHouseKeeping.com, Courtesy of West Elm

4. Classic black and white. According to GoodHouseKeeping.com, black and white design is trending in 2013. Use this classic combo in any room.

5. Neutral rooms. Houzz.com claims that neutral rooms with pops of brilliant color (try a subtle hue of yellow) are trending this year.

6. Graphic patterns. Whether on you walls, floors, or accessories, graphic patterns are everywhere in 2013, according to ElleDecor.com. Stripes are extremely popular and an easy way to ease into this 2013 home décor trend.

Source: www.homestoriesatoz.com

5 Steps for small but sweet space

You've purchased your first home, or are about to, and though it may not be the biggest abode, it's all yours. Small spaces do require some careful planning in order to maximize every inch while staying true to your vision of “home.” Well, you can have your cake and eat it too. The secret to success is all in the planning. Here are five easy tips for decorating and making the most of your space, whatever its square footage.

#1 First impressions count
What’s the first thing you see when you enter a room? Is it pleasing? Inviting? Does it reflect what you want the room to say about you and your lifestyle? Arrange your furniture so the entrance to the room is welcoming and establishes a good flow of traffic. Avoid blocking the main entrance to a room with bulky furniture.

#2 Pleasing proportions
For furniture to serve its function, it must be well proportioned to the room. The rule of thumb is this: the smaller the room, the smaller the furniture's scale. This principle also applies to accessories and artwork.

#3 Leave the traffic jam for the road
Avoid dodging around furniture, keep high-traffic areas clear, and ensure you can open doors without bumping into anything.

#4 Focus!
Plan each room around a focal point. Emphasize your favourite feature by arranging your furniture around it. Examine your space first to determine its architectural assets. Ask yourself, does it have a great view, or perhaps a cozy fireplace as its main feature? Accentuate the positive.

#5 Measure twice, buy once
Have you ever bought a couch and brought it home, only to realize it doesn’t fit through the door? The old “measure twice, cut once” adage will save you frustration, time and money. Always make sure the door size will accommodate the largest furniture piece. Don’t forget to take your tape measure into the stairwell/elevator and corridors too.

Taking a long-term view

By Henry Choo Chong

The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and not those of Resale Home & Condo Guide. New Condo Guide does not necessarily endorse or encourage any specific tax strategies. Please consult a tax professional for advice specific to your particular situation.
Q
My wife and I would like to get into the real
estate market before it becomes unaffordable. We have saved $10,000 for a down payment. We have above-average salaries but have been working only for the past three years. Is this the right time for us to buy? 
Joanne and Jake, Ajax

 

A
As we leave behind the financial crisis, economic slowdown, stock market and even real estate declines, things are looking brighter for many Canadians. Canada has survived the recession, spending is up, stock markets have arguably rebounded and the real estate market has shown price and sales increases.
Many economists predicted real estate price declines, and few expected price increases and such a quick recovery. Homebuyers who were counting on further price declines may have been kicking themselves. How long will this continue, you ask? It’s anyone’s guess.
Like the impact seen with the July 1, 2010 introduction of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), some experts expected changes to mortgage regulations announced in January 2011 to cause a short-term spike in activity in the first few months of last year.
The 13-per-cent HST was added to new homes priced at more than $400,000 and many services that were previously not subject to the former eight per cent Provincial Sales Tax (PST). Services facing the HST include: real estate commissions, legal fees, accounting and tax fees and many others.
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has given notice he is concerned about a potential overheating of the real estate market. Borrowers must meet the requirements for a five-year, fixed-rate mortgage, even if they plan to choose a shorter term and lower rate. In addition, Canadians can now withdraw in refinancing only 85 per cent of their home’s value, down from 90 per cent, while down payment requirements remain at five per cent for primary homes and 20 per cent for investment properties. Some experts feel these changes may leave some first-time buyers sitting on the sidelines.

However, these issues should not be the primary factors to influence your decision to buy. Some considerations to reconcile before making the plunge include:
» How much of a house can you afford to purchase? Get pre-approved by your bank before shopping
» How much of a home do you want to afford? The answer is not necessarily to purchase the maximum home you qualify to buy, but what you want to afford
» What will your payments be, if interest rates rise (and they definitely will) one, two or three per cent? Ensure you can easily afford the increase
» First-time buyers of new homes priced at less than $400,000 will be minimally affected by the HST. Generally, there are no real estate commissions for the purchaser of a home. Legal fees are not usually high for a purchase and are minute in the grand scheme of purchasing a home

At the end of the day, a home is a long-term investment, so look beyond the next year or two.


Henry Choo Chong, CGA, sits on many committees and provides accounting and tax services to individuals and businesses in the GTA. He can be reached at 416.485.5225. Questions to Taxing Issues can be emailed to choochonghcga@yahoo.ca
www.cobblestonefl.com

How to save on Energy in the Summer

Summertime means an increase in temperature, and if you’re part of the majority of people in the U.S., it may also mean an increase in your utility bills as well.
There are some changes you can make this summer that will help reduce your energy consumption and still keep you comfortable.

1. Clean your air conditioning filters every month. Most people ignore the air filters until something goes wrong. Cleaning your air filters every month will help ensure that your system is functioning as efficiently as possible.
2. Unplug electronics when they’re not in use, or use a Smart Strip. Simply turning off the T.V. or other appliances won’t put a stop to your power consumption. While it might not make a huge difference, keeping items plugged in can add up over the year.
3. Shut doors and vents of unused rooms and use ceiling fans when you can. This can all lighten the load on your air conditioner.
4. Turn up your thermostat. Set your thermostat to 77 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away. You will save 1-3% per degree for each degree the thermostat is set above 72 degrees.
5. Shade your windows. Install patio covers, awnings, and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun. Also, plant trees, shrubs, and vines strategically to properly shade your windows and keep the sun from heating up your house.