Top Tips For Decorating With Area Rugs

Looking for a fun way to bring an additional pop of color or design to a room with minimal time or money investment? Consider trying out an amazing area rug! Check out these tips for revamping your space with this fun decor piece.

Consider your lifestyle. Do you have two dogs and a cat? A couple of young kiddos running around? You’ll want to take these factors into consideration. Choose a dark color tone to help hid inevitable stains and make sure the material you choose is easy to clean.

Choose the right size. Expert interior designers recommend choosing a rug that is just slightly smaller than the area covered by furniture, leaving enough space between it and the walls for the flooring to still shine through.

Try these trends. Big bold patterns and rich colors are trending in the interior design space right now and rugs are no different. Try using one as the focal point of the room and select neutral-colored furniture to complement it. Build around the rug. Find a rug that makes a big statement and then builds the room around it. Select furniture placement, accent pieces, and colors based on what ties into it. Define the area.

Looking for a way to create two different areas within a single room? Rugs can help you achieve this by defining where one area begins and other starts, such as a reading nook and dining area. Layer multiple. This daring new trend has just popped up on the interior design circuit. Choose two rugs of different shapes and textures and layer them to create depth and a unique focal point.

FOR LEASE: GREAT WALNUT CREEK CONDO!

1425 Marchbanks Dr, #2, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

$2,495 | 2 Beds | 1 Bath | 834 SqFt

Located in Diablo Hills, this beautiful 2 bedroom/1 bathroom, 834 square foot condo is a ground level, corner unit in a well maintained and quiet complex. It boasts lots of bright light as well as a great deal of privacy. Includes: one assigned covered parking space, water, garbage, access to gym with dry sauna, clubhouse with pool table and lovely pool with brand new BBQ. This space also features a newly renovated bathroom, all new dual pane windows and slider, spacious patio deck, large master bedroom reach in closet with Container Store Elfa closet system, plenty of closet storage in hallway, laminate floors throughout, new convection oven and is pre-wired for cable and internet. Located in central Walnut Creek. Close to downtown WC, Heather Farms Park, BART, Golf, walking trails, shopping and dining. Rent is $2,495/month with a $2500 deposit. Looking for a 1-year lease. No smoking. Tenant responsible for PG&E. An additional pet deposit and monthly pet rent would apply.

FULL LISTING

FOR SALE: FABULOUS CUSTOM HOME IN LAFAYETTE!

1982 Reliez Valley Rd, Lafayette, CA 94549

$3,050,000 | 4 Beds | 4.5 Baths | 4,746 SqFt

Nestled in the private Lafayette Hills, this custom estate built in 2001 spared no expense. It boasts 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a den, and a guest home that enjoys their own separate entrance. Featuring timeless materials with a functional floor plan, soaring ceilings and state-of-the art lighting system (Lutron). Exquisite mill-work, detailed hardwood floors, and impeccable tile and stone. Built-in surround sound/intercom system, high-end appliances, pizza oven, multiple fireplaces, and loads of natural light. Fully functional guest house with open floor plan, beautiful views, and wine cellar. Amazing grounds for year-round enjoyment includes sparkling pool, spa, waterfalls, and a koi pond. Outdoor kitchen, panoramic views, green house, and a spacious view balcony with privacy! Just minutes from highly rated Lafayette schools (Acalanes School District), downtown Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and Pleasant Hill. Convenient commuter access to BART and San Francisco.

FULL LISTING

FOR SALE: DISCOVERY BAY BEAUTY IN THE LAKES!

9601 Boca Raton Way, Discovery Bay, CA 94505

$618,000 | 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,263 SqFt

Great location in the private gated community of The Lakes! Open floor plan concept with lots of natural light to enhance the experience. Beautiful flooring, attractive counter tops, vanities and cabinetry. One bedroom and full bath located on the main level. The upstairs has three bedrooms, a loft, plus two baths to allow for a good, functional floor plan with flexibility. The three-car tandem garage also provides for added storage space as well. Relax in the back yard with an inviting “California Room”. Large corner lot location with a spacious side yard creates a great entertaining atmosphere. Enjoy the privacy and amenities of “The Lakes” community, such as: security gate, greenbelt, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts & soothing fountains.

FULL LISTING

FOR SALE: BETTER THAN NEW IN DISCOVERY BAY!

9607 Boca Raton Way, Discovery Bay, CA 94505

$649,000 | 4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,503 SqFt

Better than new – in the private gated community of The Lakes! Gorgeous “newer than new” well designed home features “tons” of upgrades and amenities to live in and enjoy!! Open floor plan concept bathed in lots of natural light to enhance the experience. Beautiful flooring, attractive counter tops, vanities and cabinetry. Master bedroom suite with a lavish bath plus a second bedroom are conveniently located on the main level. The upstairs has two bedrooms, a loft plus a bath to allow for a good, functional floor plan with flexibility. The three-car tandem garage also provides for added storage space as well. Relax in the lovely back yard with an inviting “California Room” plus an outdoor kitchen, built-in barbecue and luxurious spa. Lush lawn area with a spacious side yard creates a great entertaining atmosphere. Enjoy the privacy and amenities of “The Lakes” community, such as: security gate, greenbelt, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts & soothing fountains. a must see!!

FULL LISTING

4 Things You Need To Know About Making An Offer

You’ve narrowed down your wish list, viewed many homes, and finally found your perfect fit. Time to take the leap and make an offer! This can be both incredibly intimidating and exponentially exciting. So how can you throw your hat into the ring with confidence? Here’s what you need to know to make an offer like a boss!

1. Determine Your Price Limit

Work with your agent to determine if the seller’s listing price is fair based on similar home sales in the area, interest in the home, time on the market, and more. Then, figure out the max offer price you are willing to reach that isn’t too financially taxing and settle on what your starting offer price will be.

2. Add Contingencies

Any home sale generally comes with a set of contingencies that must be met before it can be completed. These can include inspections, repairs, appraisals, and more. These need to be selected carefully, as an offer with too many may be less appealing to the seller.

3. Set Your Settlement Date

When you submit an offer, you must present a date to settle, generally about 60 days after the purchase agreement is signed. You want to give yourself enough time to meet your end of the contingencies, secure mortgage approval, finalize loan details, and more. If you are the responsible party for a delay, you may have to compensate the seller.

4. Prepare For A Counteroffer

You may be going up against other offers or the seller may negotiate, so it’s best to prepare ahead of time for a counteroffer. But this isn’t anything to stress about. Talk through the best strategies with your real estate agent.