How to Conserve Energy in Your Home

July 21, 2022/in Resources /by Cara Chatellier

Hot weeks like this can make you think about the energy conservation methods for your home. With fall right around the corner and winter right behind it, now is the perfect time to put a plan in place! Whether you’re motivated to protect the environment – or just to save on your utility bills – here are a few ways to reduce your energy consumption, starting with the easiest!

ADJUST YOUR BEHAVIOR.

Turn off lights and appliances when you are not using them.
Turn down your heat or air conditioner at night, and when you’re not at home.
Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes, and think about hang-drying or washing dishes by hand.
Wash clothes in cold water.
When raising or lowering the temperature, do so slowly.
Use a microwave or toaster oven instead of a conventional oven, when possible.
Clean the dryer lint filter regularly.
Use less hot water, or turn the thermostat on your water heater down.
Turn off the water heater when you’re going away for a few days.

Invest in energy conservation.

Use smart power strips that shut off the power to electronics when they are not being used. As much as 75% of the power used by electronics is consumed when they are switched off!
Purchase a low-flow showerhead, and insulate your water heater and pipes.
Replace your lightbulbs with CFLs or LEDs – they can use 25-80% less electricity and last up to 25x longer than traditional bulbs.
Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust heating and cool when you’re asleep or out of the house.
Weatherize your home by sealing air leaks around vents, windows, doors, and especially attics.
Consider installing solar panels at your home or buying local solar energy.
Insulate your home, including the attic, walls, floors, ducts, basement, and crawl spaces.
Purchase energy-efficient appliances and water heaters.
Install energy-efficient windows – this can save 10-25% of your heating bill! Low-e coatings can also help to reduce heat gain in the summer, as can blinds and screens.
Purchase an energy-efficient HVAC system.

Changes don’t have to be big or expensive to make a difference.

For more details, visit:

31 Ways to Save Energy in Your Home

and The Top 10 Ways to Save Energy.

If you’re looking to make energy-efficient changes to your home, reach out for my recommendations!

My Top 5 Kitchen Redesign Ideas

April 21, 2021/in Community, Housing, Organization /by Cara Chatellier

It has long been said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s a place where you eat, drink, share conversations and make memories together as a family. It is a place where friends and family come to gather for special occasions and holidays. It is a place where you try out new recipes and indulge in a big glass of wine after a long day. The kitchen is one of the most important (and most used) spaces in your home.

Whether you’re looking for a change, ready for an upgrade, or preparing your home for sale, redesigning your kitchen is always a good option. From big changes like new cabinets and countertops to smaller, more subtle, but equally beautiful options like a refreshed backsplash or new hardware, kitchen makeovers can be a wonderful way to increase equity in your home while also boosting the aesthetics of your space.

Here are my top 5 ways to refresh your kitchen this season.

1. Replace or refinish kitchen cabinets.

The majority of your kitchen space is showcased by your walls of cabinetry which can be a beautiful focal point of the room. If you have never replaced or refinished your cabinets, now may be the perfect time to dive headfirst into this home improvement idea. If your current kitchen has darker wood cabinets and you’d love to make the space light and airy, consider updating them to a white finish. This clean look brightens up a room and instantly makes it feel larger. Another big factor when it comes to cabinetry is overall layout. Are you happy with the way your kitchen layout works now? If not, consider replacing the entirety of your upper cabinets to a layout that you find easier for your specific needs.

Some other cabinet refresh ideas include:

Adding a wine rack into or under your cabinets.
Replacing the hardware on your existing cabinets to give it a fresh look.
Sanding down your existing cabinets and refinishing them with a different stain to give it a weathered or worn look. Think farmhouse style.
Adding under cabinet lighting.
Complimenting your current cabinets with a fresh new backsplash that matches your kitchen design.

2. Upgrade your appliances.

Nothing says fresh and clean like brand-new appliances. The things that make us happy as adults sure can seem funny sometimes, right? But, in all seriousness, new appliances instantly upgrade your kitchen space. If you’ve had the same white or black appliances forever, consider moving on to stainless steel. This is especially important if you’re in the market to sell your home. New and fresh appliances increase the value of your kitchen space exponentially. Another thing to consider when replacing your appliances is refrigerator size and layout. Do you like the double doors or the double doors with the drawer fridge at the bottom? How about the extra large fridge with a peek-a-boo glass door? There are so many options so go out there and explore new appliances to touch, see and feel which options work best for you. This may also be a great time to update your range from electric to gas, or vice versa. It will take a bit of extra legwork when it comes to needing an electrician to replace the lines, but choose what makes you happiest cooking at your stovetop.

3. Add a kitchen island for extra seating and prep space.

Have you always yearned for island vibes? The kitchen kind, that is. Updating your kitchen may include space for a new island or a refreshed version of the one you currently have. Islands are great spots to add extra seating and eating space while allowing more countertop space for more elbow room while prepping and cooking your meals. If you have the space available to you in your kitchen, give a kitchen island the green light. Match the countertop to the rest of your kitchen’s countertops and consider adding things like a wine fridge, a small prep sink and more storage space in the form of cabinets and drawers. Make sure to include outlets on both sides of your island, allowing it to be used as a functional eat and work space.

4. Add a focal wall.

No matter the room, focal walls are always a “yes” from me. Adding personalized touches to your space is essential to turning a house into a home.

A kitchen focal wall can include things like:

A pop of color that accents your current wall color
A colorful wallpaper that compliments your existing style
Floating shelves to house your best dishes
A photo collage of all things food
A coffee bar and mug rack
A wine rack
Kitchen decor

5. Don’t forget the lighting.

Lighting is everything. It can set the mood and tone for an entire room. Lighting is especially important in rooms that are highly trafficked within your home. Replace outdated light fixtures with fresh new options to create a fresh ambiance in your space. Recessed lighting is another great choice for kitchens as it allows the room to be evenly lit throughout the space. Consider opting for dimmable lighting so you can set the mood based on the company you are having. Other great lighting options include under cabinet lighting and motion activated baseboard lighting.

When it comes to kitchen redesigns, no project, big or small, will feel lost. Kitchen updates are a valuable way to upgrade the heart of your home for years to come. If you’re in the market to list your home, but unsure what upgrades your kitchen needs, let me help. I would love to walk you through the design process for an overall better, and more profitable selling experience.

Spring Cleaning Tips to Declutter Your Space and Mind

April 21, 2021/2 Comments/in Housing, Organization /by Cara Chatellier

Spring is in full swing which brings about a sense of change, renewal, and anticipation for a season of warmth, togetherness, and sunshine. Spring leaves the winter season behind allowing us to pack up our snow gear and dreary decor replacing it with bright, happy, and welcoming designs in our home. There is just something so refreshing about annual spring cleaning that resets our minds and our homes for the better. Allow decluttering to set the tone for the whole season this year.

Here are some of my favorite spring cleaning tips to rid yourself of the clutter and ease into spring.

Plan it out

Every successful event begins with proper planning. The same is true when it comes to the upkeep of your home. Before you begin spring cleaning, which may feel like an overwhelming and mundane task, create a checklist for yourself. Consider organizing your list by room and make note of the things you need to clean, update and get rid of. As you go, your list may change slightly based on what you decide to tackle. To stay extra organized add dates you plan to take care of each space on the list. If you live with others make it a group effort and assign tasks based on abilities and specific needs. The more organized you are, the easier the tasks will become. Plus, there is just something so rewarding about checking tasks off of your list as you complete them.

Don’t forget the windows and walls

During our normal cleaning time we are quick to mop the kitchen or vacuum the upstairs rugs, but what about cleaning the walls and windows? These simple tasks are often forgotten amongst the list of necessary tasks on our weekly checklists. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to tackle these tasks. When creating your checklist by room include wall and window cleanings as well. Don’t forget the baseboards, trim, and window sills. When cleaning the windows ensure you are spraying down both the interior and exterior glass and panels and deep cleaning the screens. When cleaning the walls make sure to use a cleaner and cloth that won’t affect your wall paint, wallpaper, or any particular wall decor. Window and wall cleanings should be done, at least, every few months so it’s a perfect seasonal chore to check off on your list.

Pay special attention to rooms that need some extra love

When’s the last time you deep cleaned your laundry room? Or even your washer and dryer for that matter? Spring cleaning requires an unconventional approach to your to-do list. This season focus your efforts on rooms that haven’t been cleaned from the ceiling to the floor.

Some must-clean areas include:

Laundry room
Pantry
Mudroom
Porch or patio area
Garage
Bonus room
Guest bedroom and bath
Basement
Outdoor workspace or shed
Storage room

Replace the staple pieces

Now is the perfect time to go out with the old and in with the new. Replace things like shower curtains, entryway mats, outdoor mats, tablecloths, placemats, bathroom towels and bathroom rugs. These items are typically in high-traffic areas and wear down more quickly than other must-have items in your home. Aside from the cleaning aspect of, well, spring cleaning, it’s also a nice time to create a fully refreshed look in your space.

Here are some of my favorite ways to refresh spaces in your home:

Change out darker and heavier curtains for light and airy.
Opt for floral or pastel-colored throws in your living room in place of heavy winter blanket options.
Add vases of fresh, in-season flowers to focal tables throughout your home.
Replace any winter-themed decorative items for one that match the season.
Swap out winter photos with some of your favorite memories from springtime past.

Reorganize your junk drawer

Yes, even the junk drawer can have junk in it that you no longer need. Almost everyone has that one drawer or space in their house where they keep random junk (think: pens, notebooks, batteries, hand sanitizer, tape, flashlights) that is easily accessible when needed. Take time each season to dump out the junk in your drawer and toss items you no longer need. Make sure the pens still work and the batteries are within their use-by date. Consider adding a drawer organizer in your drawer to keep the space more organized year around. You may be surprised by how much you toss out.

Spring cleaning is a wonderful and fulfilling opportunity to refresh our living space. Take time to create a curated list of must-dos this season and begin with top priority items. Once you start checking off your list you will be filled with a sense of accomplishment and pride in your work. The bonus? Your space will feel and tidy, ready to take on all the events of the current season.