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Joshua Harley

Solutions For Small Living Spaces In Dallas Homes

Finding ways to deal with small spaces in your new Dallas home can be tricky. Everyone likes the place they call home to be somewhere they can kick back and relax. However, it is hard to relax in areas that are cluttered and uncomfortable. Strategic interior design can make a big difference when dealing with small living spaces. Colors, lighting, organization, and décor can make spaces appear smaller or larger. Here are some solutions to make your Dallas home look and feel cozier.

Organization is the first thing to be conquered when transforming a small living space. Getting rid of clutter and maximizing the use of storage space are the keys to success. Clutter will make any space appear smaller than it really is. Eliminating excessive nik-naks is one way to reduce clutter. Multiple pieces of small, scattered furniture can also make a room look jumbled. Using a couple pieces of slightly larger furniture leads to a less cluttered look. Every inch of storage space should be taken advantage of in small living areas. Planning out storage space will allow for more walking room, functional closets, and more productive space. Use multipurpose furniture like ottomans, which can be used for storage and seating. Try installing an organizational system in the closets. These systems usually provide a perfect spot for everything.

Colors, lighting, and decorations also affect the appearance of your Dallas home. Colors play a big role in creating illusions of size. The color scheme of small living spaces should consist of light hues. Although white can be a boring color, it will ultimately maximize the illusion of a bigger space. Other colors that tend to open up space include beige, neutrals, and pastels. It is important to avoid contrasting colors. The furniture, especially larger pieces like the couch, should be in the same color family to match the color of the walls.

Lighting makes a big difference in small spaces. Take advantage of as much natural light as possible by avoiding heavy curtains and window treatments. Although natural lighting is always the most ideal, it isn't always available. Track and recessed lighting work well as alternatives for lighting up the space.

Décor should not take over small spaces. Using medium sized pieces of furniture can do a lot for small rooms versus one big piece or a bunch of cluttered small pieces. Mirrors compliment small spaces perfectly. Mirrors reflect light and color, creating the illusion of more space. Mirrors can be found in all shapes and sizes, with and with out frames. One large mirror or several small mirrors collaged on a wall can make a big difference in a small living area. There are tons of solutions to make a small area more livable.

Need more space? Search all Dallas homes for sale.

Fun In and Around Dallas - Weekend of July 18-19

In Dallas:

Within the Emperor's Garden: The Ten Thousand Springs Pavilion
This exhibit on loan from the Smithsonian Institution, features a stunning one to five model of the Ten Thousand Springs Pavilion, the classic pavilion found within the Imperial Garden in the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Texas Rangers vs Minnesota Twins
Come out to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington for some baseball Friday - Sunday at 7:05pm.

Dallas Summer Boat Show
Whether the boating enthusiast is looking for sporty lakeside fun, something utilitarian for fishing adventures, luxury liner yachts or a relaxing family entertainment outlet, the Dallas Summer Boat Show features something for everyone under one roof for all ages.

Art Thinker's Day
This is a special event that encourages children of all ages to use their eyes, hands, and imagination to enter the world of contemporary art. Visitors increase their knowledge by participating in hands-on activities throughout the galleries that draw inspiration from the artspace current exhibition.

Aerosmith/ZZ Top Monster Tour
Come hear this long-standing, full of history, rock band playing their latest hits just for you!

Moon Day
Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Moon landing, as well as our space future at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. Speakers, displays, activities and more!

In Frisco:

Columbian Fest
This annual event showcases Latin culture with delicious foods, live entertainment, a comedian and activities for the kids that include a train ride. Call 214-886-9894 for more info.

In McKinley:

Night Hike at the Heard
Seasonal Night Hikes at the Heard Natural Science Museum offer a way to sneak a peek into the nocturnal world and experience nature in a whole new way!

Antique & Vintage Sale
The Old Red Lumberyard Antique & Vintage Sale. We will have plenty of primitive collectibles, furniture, shabby chic, vintage hardware and more... There are simply too many wonderful treasures to mention-funky to junky we've got it all!! Come and join in the fun!

Nathan Brown & John Wynn Concert
John Wynn Guitar Studio presents John Wynn and Nathan Brown in concert at the Dulaney House in Chestnut Square Historic Village. Nathan recently won the Oklahoma Book of the Year award. Enjoy an evening of music and poetry. Call or email to reserve seats.

In Grapevine:

Monty Python Madness
This weekend is the Annual Monty Python Madness Charity Festival. This year, proceeds benefit The Joey Wilkins Foundation - a local charity that helps the victims of catastrophic spinal cord injuries. Yes, historic Grapevine will become officially looney (for one weekend only).

In Plano:

2009 Legends of Kung Fu World Martial Arts Championship & Masters Exhibition
Nationally and internationally distinguished Masters and Grandmasters from all over the US and overseas will perform their specialties on stage in the Masters Exhibition. Featuring Kung Fu, Tai Chi, acrobatic Lion dancing and a 72-ft Illuminated Dragon Dance.

Collin County and Dallas Foreclosure Trends - May 2009

There are 2,960 foreclosed homes in Collin County with an average sales price of $219,401 with 462 new foreclosed homes in May 2009, according to RealtyTrac.com.

Collin County and Dallas Foreclosure Activity and Home Price Index

Collin County and Dallas foreclosure activity has remained relatively stable in the last three months with approximately 525 foreclosures each month. At the same time, the Home Price Index has dropped dramatically.

Collin County and Dallas foreclosure activity is based on the total number of properties that receive foreclosure filings - default notice, foreclosure auction notice or repossession notice - each month. Home price appreciation is based on month-over-month percentage change of the Home Price Index. The Home Price Index is calculated from home sales records.

Collin County and Dallas Foreclosure Geographical Comparison

Collin County Dallas foreclosure activity is 0.09% lower than national statistics and 0.06% higher than Texas figures.

Collin County and Dallas Foreclosure Activity by Month

Collin County and Dallas auction and bank-owned activity remained stable in May compared to the previous month. The high auction activity in March is an indicaiton that we will see many more foreclosures in the coming months.

Are you or someone you know behind on your mortgage payments and facing a Dallas foreclosure? You do have options. A short sale may be the answer to saving you, your family and your home. Give me a call for a private consultation.

So You Want To Own A Vacation Home

Wouldn’t it be nice to own your very own vacation home? No more hassles with finding a hotel, worrying about check-in and check-out times and whether or not the kids in the room next door will be playing loud music until all hours of the night. But how do you know which vacation home is best for you?

Choosing a location

Do you want to be in the middle of all the activity, or enjoy the peace and quiet of a secluded location? Is a condo at the mountain your cup of tea or a farmhouse tucked away in the woods? Whichever environment you prefer, here are some things you should consider:

  • Popularity. A house in a hot vacation market will usually cost more than a place off the beaten path. At the same time, continued popularity may help you profit from appreciation.
  • Proximity to your home. If you plan to visit regularly, look for a place that’s easy to get to.
  • Rental possibilities. If you’re hoping to offset some costs by renting the home for part of the year, find out about seasonal demand for rentals in the area.

Maintaining your getaway

Regular upkeep is more difficult with a vacation home than with your primary residence, but no less important. The value of the home, both as an investment and as a place you enjoy visiting, depends on good maintenance.

If your primary residence is not far from Dallas, you may want to make weekly visits to mow the lawn, water the garden, clean the gutters or shovel snow. If doing it yourself is impractical, consider hiring a vacation property management company to provide maintenance services during the times when you’re not using the home.

Visit TexasHomeCentral.com to learn more about buying a vacation home or give me a call for more personal service.

Fun In and Around Dallas - Weekend of July 11-12

In Dallas:

Keith Urban: Escape Together World Tour
Urban will be touring in support of his forthcoming release, Defying Gravity, which drops in stores on March 31. The album’s first single “Sweet Thing,” has already become his eighteenth

Dallas Bridal Show
The Dallas Bridal Show started in 1990 with 75 vendors, and it quickly became, and remains, the premier bridal event in Dallas. The Show is continuing to grow with more businesses, celebrity guests, and exciting door prizes. 10 to 5 pm.

Petzapalooza 2009
This year’s Petzapalooza will include important information on pet heat exhaustion, pet safety, two fun story times, lots of crafts and plenty of fun for the whole family. Contact the library if you are a vendor interested in a booth.

Cafe Madrid “Running of the Bulls 2009″
In honor of the running of the bulls fiesta in Pamplona, Spain, Cafe Madrid will offer drink specials, flamenco dancers and music and a Torres Wine raffle for a chance to win a ticket on American Airlines’ new nonstop flight from DFW to Madrid among other prizes! Participants are encouraged to wear red and white and can get a photo taken with one of Spain’s iconic black bulls. Entry is free and the event is open to the public.

In Frisco:

Roughriders Baseball
The Roughriders take on the Cardinals at Dr Pepper Ballpark on July 11 at 7pm.

In McKinley:

The King and I
McKinney Summer Musicals presents The King and I. July 10 & 11 at 8:00PM and July 12 at 2:00PM.

Close Course Bicycle Race
Cooper Critt Craig Ranch p/b IC3 and Richardson Bike Mart. Friday 7-10-09 will be a race clinic hosted by local elite level coaches & racers. Sat 7-11-09 Will be a full day of criterium of short time based races. There will by multiple categories based on age, skill and gender.

Laura Moore Art Exhibit

Laura Moore Fine Arts Studios, located in historic downtown McKinney, Texas, is pleased to present an all new collection of watercolors by Laura Moore in the exhibit, “A Day in Deiá.” The exhibition will open with an artist’s reception from 7 to 10 pm on Saturday, July 11th.

In Plano:

SKIRMISH ‘09
Historical and Science Fiction Miniatures Gaming. Recreate the great battles of history and future history using accurately painted model soldiers. From Ancients Battles and the Civil War, to World War I and II, and into the future, check out this fascinating hobby. Admission: $15. For more information call (972) 881-8341 or email allen.eldridge.tx@gmail.com or visit www.dfwirregulars.com

Plano SummerFest CONCERT
Presented by Third String Productions and Metro PCS there will be 32 Bands on 4 Stages!