Whether folks are tuning in to the popular period piece for the steamy love scenes, the regal costumes, or the clever quips exchanged by Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings, one aspect that boasts universal appeal is the luxurious and eye-catching decor.

Fortunately, you don’t need a time machine or a queen’s ransom to bring a little Bridgeton style into your home. Living Spaces’ designer Shelby Greene shared ways to achieve these lush looks on the cheap.

“A lot of pieces like this can be found in antique shops or simply DIY’ed,” says Greene.

What would Simon say?

So, which pieces can you weave into your existing aesthetic?

“The decor in Bridgerton is very intricate with beautifully-crafted furniture, architecture, and key decor pieces like mirrors, chandeliers, and long drapery,” says Greene.

Sounds simple enough, right? Let’s begin, shall we?

Fine furnishings

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Elsa Jagniecki (@heirloomsdesign)

“What also makes the Bridgerton’s style so substantial is the artistic furniture pieces,” says Greene. ‘You can find amazing tufted, rolled arm, and rounded edge pieces at your local thrift store.”

Estate and garage sales are great places to pick up hand-crafted furnishings that need a little TLC. These babies have good bones, so sometimes a serious cleaning or reupholstering is all they need to last another century or two.

When you find just the right piece, you may find yourself saying…

Mirror, mirror on the wall…

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Living Spaces (@livingspaces)

“You can transform any basic mirror into that look by buying carved molding trim pieces and gilding the frame with paint or gold leafing,” says Greene.

There are also many budget friendly duplicates for this look, she adds, so keep your eyes out while shopping.

Teatime, anyone?

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tickety-Boo ~ Jenna Hill (@tickety.boo.styling)

Spice up your teatime with vintage cups and saucers. Antique shops are loaded with these finds, so put the kettle on and enjoy!

Plump up your throw pillows

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Brooke Jensen (@thebrokebrooke)

Changing the covers of your throw pillows is an easy and affordable way to add style to any room.

Window treatments

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Julia SG Drapery (@juliesdesign29)

“Tying the whole look together is with large grand decor pieces like chandeliers, drapes, and sculptures,” says Greene. “Custom-length drapery can be expensive, so by simply buying a length longer than needed will do the trick to achieve the puddling grand look.”

Floral arrangements

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Anthologie Floristry (@anthologiefloristry)

Daphne Bridgerton receives a florist’s-worth of blossoms from her suitors, adding color and style to her drawing room. Grab an urn and create your own centerpiece.

Chandeliers that shine

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Our Victorian House Renovation (@athomeinharrogate)

A Victorian chandelier dresses up a room like few other adornments. So, add a little glamour with this fixture and give your recessed lights the night off.

“Victorian Era style and decor is well-curated, artistic pieces that are one of a kind,” said Greene. “However, the look can be pulled off without paying the royalty price.”

The post Want to Spice Up Your Castle? Redecorate Your Home ‘Bridgerton Style’ on a Budget appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

SOURCE: Ken Wile with Redfin Real Estate

Fans of the Netflix hit show “The Crown” may long for a castle of their very own. While this stone masterpiece in Lake Peekskill, NY isn’t quite Buckingham or Kensington Palace, it’s still pretty amazing. And the best part? It may be within your budget. (At least compared to what Buckingham Palace would run you!)

The three-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath gem, resting on two acres, is priced at $645,000. Listed by Redfin agent Ken Wile, the custom-built home was inspired by Collings Castle in Turner Falls, Oklahoma.

“It was built in the 1930s by hand,” said Wile. “The story is that the person who built it was a demolitions expert at West Point, and blew up boulders on the property to get the stone.”

That backstory alone is quite a conversation starter! And if you’ve got a thing for woodwork and stained glass windows, this place may be your dream come true.

Ready to look inside? Let’s take a quick tour with characters from the Netflix series The Crown, and see what they have to say about it…

Nothing dark and stuffy like your usual castles

Warm and cozy for a castle, isn’t it?

The dining room is brighter than a bunch of paparazzi…

A bathroom with a view

Wile said that this bathroom was once the kitchen, which explains the window over the sink. The tilted mirror is a nice touch—and the perfect height to check your crown. You can enjoy the view while brushing your teeth. (Or perhaps check your crown while taking a bath.)

Sleep like a king or queen

Not ready to move in yourself? Consider it an investment! The current owners have been earning $10-$12k per month by renting it through AirBnB.

The ultimate country retreat

The backyard looks like an ideal spot to spend the summer, right? But if you want to venture off property, the home is part of the Lake Peekskill community and boasts beach access just down the street. Enjoy sunning, swimming, paddle-boarding, row-boating just like a royal. No passport required. Who wouldn’t love to call this castle their own?

It’s in high demand

Wile said the owners have had multiple offers on the property. No surprise there. Can’t help but feel for the would-be buyers who get outbid…

Can’t get enough of the Castle by the Lake? Redfin offers a 3D tour that will have you running out to find one you can call your own.

The post Ready to Live Like a Royal? This Castle Is on the Market appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Dr. Janet Munger has been a lifelong collector who enjoys spreading holiday cheer by making her 5,420 square foot home as festive as possible. At first glance, her array of wreaths, trees, nutcrackers, and angels may seem like a lot. So much, in fact, your eyes almost can’t take it all in at once! In other words, you’re about to see a display that would make Clark Griswold (ever)green with envy!

If you find yourself falling in love with this home, feel free to add it to your holiday wish list. For just under $2.2 million, this sprawling showplace in Colts Neck, listed by Janice Rizzo with Robert Defalco Realty Inc., could be yours! The four-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath estate hit the market in October, and it’s got ample room for all of Santa’s elves plus the reindeer.

From the exterior, you’d never know what holiday wonder awaits inside. Take a look and see if it doesn’t have you humming carols! In fact, The 12 Days of Christmas comes to mind as the homes boasts: 81 wreaths, 60 swags, 30 Christmas trees, 20 nutcrackers, 238 angels, 38 Santa figures, 14 nativity scenes, 115 religious statues, and 100 other Christmas-related items. See if you can spot them all!

Wait for it…

New Jersey’s answer to the North Pole

Who’d think you could fill that massive foyer? If this doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, nothing will!

Who needs a butler…

… when you’ve got these life-size nutcrackers on hand to greet your guests?

Santa’s Office

We see a desk…but just barely! Santa may need to go on a diet to fit into this workspace!

Christmas isn’t contained to the foyer…

Some might feel as if they’re dining in heaven. Fortunately, you don’t need to prepare any extra food for all these religious figures.

Bringing the outdoors in…

Jersey weather can get a little gray around the holidays, but not in this “green” room!

A little Italy…

Dr. Munger explained that her family’s ancestors hail from Italy. As an homage, she’s tried to replicate the beauty of the country’s artistic creations, churches, and stonework.

Curated with care

A principal and superintendent of NJ public schools, Dr. Munger, with her brother’s help, was able to achieve her wish: creating a home that embodies Christmas.

“I have always wanted to make life beautiful in every way possible for all those I love and all those in my care,” she explained.

Looks like she’s done it—in a big way!

The post We Found Santa’s Workshop: It’s in New Jersey…and It’s For Sale appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

One woman got a closet makeover that’s safe to say surpasses most people’s dreams. How did it come about? Her husband Rodolfo Cabrera, the talented owner of Maryland-based Remodeling & Design LLC, converted their unfinished walk-up attic space that was going to waste, so the builder decided to repurpose it. The transformation is nothing short of spectacular.

Brace yourself for serious closet envy!

Looks like a massive undertaking, right? Not so for Cabrera. He went right to work framing the space, then installing the drywall and electrical work. He even put a split air conditioning unit up there, making it even “cooler” than your average closet in more ways than one!

With the walls in place and painted this vibrant white, you can see it already taking shape. The LED lights make it nice and bright. No more hunting around in a dark closet!

This window adds tons of natural light but if the couple gets dressed in there, they may want to hang some curtains as soon as possible.

With 15 years experience in home remodeling, Cabrera has the skills and expertise to maximize every inch of space. These built-in shelves are beautiful and will help keep clothing and accessories well-organized and easy to reach.

As if the closet itself weren’t beautiful enough, take a look at the ultra-modern staircase that leads to it.

This floating staircase is a work of art in itself.

Now that is a way to put an unfinished attic to better use!

The post Attic Transformation Gives Mom Posh Closet of Her Dreams appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

If swimming pools appear in your DAYDREAMS, on the other hand, it probably means it’s hot outside and you want to go swimming!

With the trend in natural pools on the rise, here are 10 pools for you to ooh and ahh over. Each one takes their surrounding environment into account – and they’re all 100% daydream-worthy.

With DIY natural swimming pool designs, you can dream up whatever you like. Add a dock? Why not. Surround it with little garden areas? You bet! It’s truly up to you.

You don’t have to have a huge yard for one of these natural pools, either. If you just want a pretty place to take a dip, look into smaller designs like this.

Using natural materials like these multicolored slate tiles and LOTS of greenery seems to be the key to a hideaway of your own like this one…

It DOESN’T have to be a jungle out there, either. Look at this modern natural pool – it’s elegant and energizing while still looking right at home in nature.

If you’re not into a tropical forest vibe, that’s ok, too. You’ll never go wrong with a beach theme and this zero entry pool has that sandy sanctuary thing nailed.

There are so many different styles to work with. This pond-and-waterfall inspired pool will look appropriate just about anywhere in the country.

Another cool thing about creating your own natural pool? You can trick it out however you like. Add slides, or even swings to turn your pool into a playground!

That’s not to say these pools are just for the kiddies. Sophisticated design elements make them just as pleasing for the grown ups to enjoy, too.

This fully natural pool doesn’t need a pool pump or a steady flow of chemicals to keep it clean. Instead, the water is purified by plants and organic matter. Beautiful AND easy to care for? Sign me up!

Whichever style you choose, how sweet would it be to have a full-blown oasis in your backyard?!

Not able to build a natural swimming pool in your yard? Look for natural springs in your area – you’ll get a lot of the experience at a much lower price tag.

Here’s Jacob’s Well in Wimberly, TX – it doesn’t get any more natural than this! Chances are good you can find a natural spring area like this not too far from you.

There you have it – 10 dreamy natural pool designs (and one extra option in case you don’t have the space for a pool of your own).

Which one is your favorite? Pin it for later – or go get your shovel and start digging right away!

The post Dreaming About A Pool? Dive Into These For Inspiration! appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Whether you’re at a nice restaurant or hosting a cookout, the atmosphere of fresh air and sunshine (or even better – stars at night!) adds a fun element to just about any meal.

Grilling is great, but you can’t eat hot dogs and hamburgers all the time, though. What if you could cook outside more often? Well, with an outdoor kitchen, you can.

If you set yourself up right, you might wind up liking your outdoor kitchen even more than your indoor cookery!

Here are some suggestions for a beautiful, functional kitchen, and a list of must-have items that can take you from shabby backyard hibachi to outdoor cooking paradise.

Just be careful – if you build a dream outdoor kitchen like this, you may become the most popular house in the neighborhood…

Guidelines For A Dream Outdoor Kitchen

Make The Most Of Available Space

Not everyone has a sprawling estate with a bountiful backyard area. That’s ok, though, because there are many kitchen styles that are perfect for smaller spaces. Galley style kitchens and L-shaped kitchen layouts can give you all the cookin’ area you need – even if you’re working with a not-so-huge patio area.

Remember The Work Triangle

The work triangle is a design principle that governs the best layout of a kitchen. You might not be able to follow all the guidelines, but you should at least keep them in mind when deciding where to place your fridge, sink, and cooktop or grill. After all, you don’t want to be bumping elbows and tripping over your feet all the time – where’s the fun in that?

Flatter The Exterior Of The Home

Even though your outdoor kitchen will feel like a completely separate piece of paradise, it is still part of your home. Make sure that your new kitchen adds to the overall look of the home. There’s nothing worse than a funky add-on.

Build With The Right Materials

When it comes time to choose the finishes for your outdoor kitchen, you might be tempted to use all natural materials like marble or slate. Remember, though – this kitchen has to withstand whatever the elements can throw at it, so not all materials are suitable. Look for materials that are durable AND beautiful so your outdoor kitchen will look great for years to come.

For example, if you want a solid surface with the look of a white marble (and none of the staining issues!), check out Silestone’s Calacatta Gold. It has the look and feel you’re going for but it will withstand the weather (and a spilled drink or two) much better.

Build It For Fun!

If you’ve ever designed or built your main kitchen, you probably put a lot of thought into what would be best for resale value. Will future buyers like this backsplash? Is it better to add a farmhouse sink or a traditional two bowl?

You don’t have to worry about that with your outdoor kitchen. This kitchen is a happy extra – not a necessity – so you can have fun with your choices and throw in little extras. Build it for you and your family so you can enjoy every minute spent in your own backyard.

Must Haves For Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen (and a few nice-to-haves, too)

Grill

There’s no outdoor kitchen without a way to cook, right? You definitely need a built-in gas grill as the focal point of your new outdoor kitchen. These bad boys range in price from $$$ to $$$$ so you can easily find one that suits your wants and your needs. (Pro Tip: Consider installing a gas line to avoid having propane tanks that can run out mid-grilling!)

Sink

There’s nothing worse than trying to open the door with sticky hands, so you’ll want to have a sink outside, too. You can go with a traditional stainless steel sink, or spring for something a little nicer like the Blanco Silgranit sinks. They’re heat resistant and scratch resistant and best of all, you couldn’t stain one of them if you tried.

TV

Whether you’ve got friends or family around you, or you’re the lone chef at the grill, it’s fun to watch the game, HGTV, or whatever you’re currently binge watching while you cook, right? Slap a TV in a covered area and you’ll have entertainment through even the longest BBQ-smoking session.

Speakers

Ok, ok, if you’re not into watching TV, that’s cool, but you’ve gotta have tunes! Install speakers outside or get a portable Bluetooth speaker like this one. With the right app, you can be an outdoor chef AND an instant DJ at the same time.

Bottle Opener

Summer days spent outside aren’t the same without a bubbly beverage. Keep yourself hydrated with your favorite brew, soft drink, or sparkling water – you can open them quickly and easily with a built-in bottle opener, rather than fumble around one that always seems to disappear.

Firepit

Sunny days turn into cooler nights, and you still won’t want to go inside and leave the fun of your dream outdoor kitchen. Add a firepit and you’ll have a great place to sit and chat AND best of all, you can roast weenies or make smores over your open fire, too.

Seating

While we’re on the topic, you need several comfy places to sit. Build in a bartop to your outdoor kitchen and add a row of barstools so you can make conversation while you cook. Put some Adirondack chairs around your new firepit, and of course, dot some lounge chairs nearby, too. Your guests will want to take an after-meal nap after they’ve had your outdoor cuisine, so make it easy for them to get comfortable. You can put your feet up and relax there, too.

Shade

A source of shade is CRUCIAL to the success or failure of your outdoor kitchen. Protect yourself from the beating sun or an unexpected bout of rain with a built in patio cover, or just add a bit of shade with a pergola or heavy duty sunshade. Since this is your dream outdoor kitchen we’re talking about here, you could even go tropical and add a palapa style roof. Whichever route you choose, just make sure you can keep cool out there. Outdoor living is no fun without a little protection.

Counter or Table Tops

Once you’ve got some chairs and a nice shady place, you need a place to set your wine glass or plate of ‘cue. Get one big picnic table and add some smaller tabletops, too. One idea that works really well is ceramic garden stools – they function as tables or chairs depending on your needs, and they’re totally weather resistant, too. (They come in many colors, too, so they’ll look great in just about any environment.)

Trash Can

You don’t want people traipsing in and out of the house with food scraps and half-empty cans, so make life easy for them and you. Place a trash can and a recycling bin outside. Sure, there’s one more bag to empty, but you’ll get a lot fewer flies in the house this way, and a lot less mess, too.

Small Fridge

When you’re chillin’ in your new outdoor kitchen, and you need a fresh drink, you’ve got two options. One, send a kid, a well-trained pet, or a robot to get you another drink, or two – reach into the nearby fridge and grab one yourself. It’s just easier and more dependable to get yourself a fridge…

Drinks Cooler Insert

OK, it’s party time and you want to look like the world’s greatest host in your new outdoor kitchen. VOILA – this one little add-on will make a huge impact on all your guests. The best part? It won’t even cost a fortune. Get a cooler insert cut into your countertop during the planning phase, and come party time, you just have to fill it with ice and nestle all the drinks people could want into it. It looks WAY nicer than that blue Igloo you’ve been rolling outside, and it works just as well.

Outlets

There are many things you might want an outlet for…a margarita machine perhaps?! When you’re building your dream kitchen, get a few outlets at counter height. You (and your guests) will be happy not having to go in and out of the house every time you want another margarita.

Porch Swing

There’s something about being outside and lazing about that makes people want to move back and forth. Add some rocking chairs or a porch swing and keep the party moving – literally.

Smoker or Wood Fired Oven

A grill is great for so many things, but if you’re seriously into barbecue, you need a smoker. Period. Leave a spot for a Big Green Egg or go for the gold with a full sized offset smoker. Not into the brisket and sausage thing? Install a wood fired pizza oven instead. Is there anything in life that’s better than fresh pizza? Yup…fresh pizza made in your outdoor kitchen!

Lighting and Mood Lighting

When the sun is setting and you don’t want the party to end, you need lighting. Get practical and install outdoor ceiling fans with light kits, or make the whole place look magical with loads and loads of string lights. For the ultimate outdoor kitchen, do both.

There you have it – all the goods you need for a dream outdoor kitchen. Start planning your kitchen now so you’ll have everything in place for next season.

But, before you do, you may want to consider asking your local real estate agent to help you figure out if it what you plan to do will bring you a good return on investment, or whether it may make sense to modify your plans, or even find a house that already has an outdoor kitchen for you to simply move in and enjoy!

The post Cook Up An Outdoor Kitchen That’ll Make You Want To Cook Out Even More appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

While showing a home to her clients, Debbie came across what simply looked like a custom built-in bench with drawers in the bathroom…

It fit in perfectly with the decor, and just seemed like a thoughtful addition to the room—a place to not only store towels and toiletries, but also to sit and put on your socks. The owners even did a great job staging the area with towels and flowers.

But check out what Debbie and her clients found when they moved the towels to lift the lid of the bench and get a peek at how much it could store…

…a hidden bath tub! Genius! You could store practically anything in there.

A lot of people completely forego baths in lieu of showers. But even if you don’t use the tub, it might be something future home buyers will want when you sell your house. So, rather than take it out, why not build something functional (and also attractive) over the standalone tub?! It could appeal—and even add value—to the right buyer, and it can also be easily undone for a buyer who wants the tub.

So, before you go and rip something out, think outside the box, and consider building a box to cover something you don’t like in your house!

The post Real Estate Agent Expected A Garden Tub, Saw Something Brilliant Instead appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Ranch Style Houses

While in years past consumers were seeking sprawling McMansions, the most popular style searched between April 2018 and April 2019, according to Google, was ranch style houses as reported on Today.com.

As their name implies, these single-story dwellings have their roots in the old West. Both homey and practical, ranches were designed by San Diego, CA-based architect Cliff May in the early 1930s. Their reign continued well into the post-World War II 1950s thanks to their affordability and lack of pretension. Google isn’t the only site seeing an uptick in interest in this style. According to a 2016 Trulia study, the ranch is the most popular pick in 34 states in the U.S.

Why are ranches experiencing a resurgence in this era?

Also, who are the homebuyers most interested in getting in on this ground floor living situation? The answer: baby boomers and millennials.

Again, it’s easy to understand the appeal for each group. Despite the disparity in their ages, both seniors and first-time homebuyers would prefer not to spend a fortune on larger, splashy estates. Additionally, for individuals who are at the beginning of their careers or just starting a family, these homes are more attractively priced for those on a budget. The same holds true for baby boomers on a fixed income who may wish to downsize and take advantage of the lower cost associated with this home style.

At the time of the Trulia study, ranch homes for sale in Atlanta, GA had a median listing price of $92 per square foot, which was almost half of the citywide median listing price of $180 per square foot. Heading west, this trend seemed to continue in other metro areas, including Portland, OR, where the median listing price of ranch homes, also the Beaver state’s most popular home style, is $186 per square foot, which represents just three-quarters of the city’s median listing price of $248 per square.

Another reason this style is so desirable is because it lacks staircases that can be difficult for seniors and young families to navigate. One-level living is easier on the knees and back for older folks, while new parents needn’t worry about their crawling and cruising curious toddlers taking a tumble down a steep flight. Maintaining the home feels more manageable as well, making it ideal as a starter home or a retirement home.

Though they lack other levels, ranches often boast the open layout today’s homebuyer adores. Some have a master bedroom on one side of the home, offering a private, secluded space. For those looking for a retro or rustic aesthetic, ranches often tick those boxes as well. As families grow, there’s always the potential to build up, if that plan aligns with local zoning ordinances.

When you consider all these attractive features, it’s no wonder ranches have become a coveted home style.

The post Here’s The Most Popular Home Style in America According to Google appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

Many house cats would love to break free and roam outside, but it can also be a dangerous place for a domestic cat. So, they’re unfortunately often confined within the walls of a house and have to make do by sitting and looking out through a window or door.

But you could let your cat safely get just the right amount of wild with an amazing catio addition like the ones Hellas Pet Enclosures builds!

Take a look at one they built for one of their customers…

It started 2 years ago with the section attached to the house by the upper window, giving the owners’ cats a little freedom. But then they added the “stairs” going down to…

…a bridge that crosses over their yard. You see where this is headed?!

The 42’ bridge takes a right turn in the trees and leads to the grand catio.

There’s a handy door for humans to get into the 12’x16’ enclosure. (Way better than having to crawl out of the second floor window and through the bridge! LOL) Let’s take a look inside…

It’s prime time for climb time for a cat who wants to!

But there’s also plenty of cool perches to just chill out and watch the birds, breathe in the fresh air, and soak up the warm sun.

But just in case kitty wants a little break from the sun, or just a little privacy, there’s a little hideaway they can curl up in.

This is quite an elaborate “catio”. If you’re interested in doing something like this for your cat, you can always do something more modest just off the side of your house. But remember, this one started out with one smaller section! So, you may just find yourself putting on additions after a while!

The post Your Cats Will Go Wild Over This Home Addition appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.

(For those of you living under a rock, this all went down in a commercial — one that’s gone quite viral, mind you. Check it out below.)

Via State Farm Insurance

To ease the burden of finding a replacement, Cheryl, here’s a list of potential she sheds for you to choose from.

#1 Ahh, serenity. You can almost hear the birds chirping next to this one can’t you, Cheryl?

#2 Your shed. Your rules. Suggested Rule #1 of your shed: No men allowed.

#3 OMG. This can be your yoga studio, Cheryl! And by “yoga studio” – this is where you can drink wine in your yoga pants!

#4 This one has plenty of room for you and ALL your girlfriends!

#5 “She Shed is where the heart is.” ‘Nuff said.

#6 Note to Cheryl: When Victor’s in front of the TV watching the game, it’s time to escape to your she shed. This one’s not a bad choice!

#7 This beachy one looks right up your alley, Cheryl!

#8 Don’t let your husband, Victor, turn this into a tool shed?! Really… TOOLS? What a waste!

#9 Thumbs don’t become green by themselves, Cheryl! They need the right environment!

#10 This one’s perfect for Victor to cook (and serve you) your favorite meals!

#11 Ohhh Cheryl. You’d look so beautiful and peaceful in this one!

#12 Hmmm… if only I could fit you a hot tub in here…

Alright Cheryl, good luck in finding the perfect replacement!

Agents: Spruce Up Your Marketing… For FREE!

Want to stay top-of-mind?

Then snag The Lighter Side’s entire collection of witty Facebook covers — 96 in all!

Just tell us where to email 'em!

The post 12 She Sheds Cheryl Should See appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate.