Current Cabin Consultation with Custom Design Interiors (CDI):
Client: First, we want to thank you for your honest opinions and suggestions regarding our cabin upgrade. We would like to have you give us some more feed back and ideas based on your experience.
Client: You mentioned the outside could use a lift. What did you have in mind for that and how much difference would it make?
CDI: There are several things I can suggest that will enhance buyer interest in the house. The river location is wonderful. The exterior can use a little “lift” but it is generally attractive. My advice regarding your questions is to do the following:
Client: 1. What are your thoughts for improving the impression of the outside entry? The door into the laundry I think is supposed to be the “back door” and the porch entry is to be the front door. When we were there everyone used the porch as the entry door. I don’t know how the Realtors are bringing in possible buyers, but instructions can be made that the porch is where they bring everyone in at or advise the client that they are entering through the back door. That would change the entry impression.
CDI: 1) Create an approach to the outside entry that is appealing. The first impression is key to gaining serious lookers.
An example of adding trim to enhance the exterior look.
Client: 2. If we do have the laundry as entry, how do we fix the problem of the water heater etc? You mentioned the utilities need covers and visual enhancements made. We would need some help on how this could be done and still maintain functionality of the appliances. 
CDI: 2) The laundry/mud room is what introduces the interior of the house. The nice cabin entry is not noticeable…the eye is drawn to the hot water heater. The utility area needs be covered, and a pleasant entry area created with color and other visual enhancements.
Client: 3. We understand the carpet concept. What kind of flooring would you suggest and what kind of $ are we looking at for that?
CDI: 3) The Berber carpet down the hall and into the living room is the next obvious problem. I don’t want to have you spend $$
unnecessarily…everything should be done in order to gain the biggest value increase possible. The things that make the place unique are the lovely deck with the river running by and the beautiful bar area. The carpet creates a “tunnel” effect, making the living room and dining area quite long (35′x9’6″ at the dining side) and with the high ceilings, the effect is exacerbated. If you were to have new flooring installed down the hall, kitchen and dining, cutting the carpet and leaving it intact in just the living room area, that would serve to “square up” the living space as well as help showcase the bar and cabinetry, which are the features that need to be emphasized.
Client: 4. The blinds we’re not sure about. Can the one that is broken be restrung? The blinds help keep the heat in during the winter and we wouldn’t want to keep moving them each winter till the place sells. Any more thoughts?
CDI: 4) The white blinds in the living room wash out the room when closed. They are good quality Hunter Douglas Duettes so are worth keeping. I would suggest removing them in order to show the house, in order to not distract from the view. They can be stored so a new owner would have the option of putting them back if they wish.
Client: 5. The wood wall is warming. I think the color is natural at this time. Were you thinking of something like a white wash effect when you suggested lightening the color? If we removed it I’m guessing it would be drywall. Then that wall would need to be painted because it is in both the living and dinning/kitchen? Could the area above the hallway and kitchen be removed and that area drywalled? And if so how would that look?
CDI: 5) The wood paneled interior wall helps warm up the living room, but has the disadvantage of making the already long and narrow room even more narrow. Adding a large mirror will not only create a feeling of greater width, but will also reflect the beautiful river view.
Client: 6. Paint the walls, of course. We need help in colors that blend well and are yet neutral to appeal to most buyers. Are you also suggesting colors for the bedroom and loft area?
CDI: 6) The lack of color in the house is a drawback in this current market, and it dates the house. The end wall of the living room (where the stair landing is) needs to be painted an accent color (Sorry that it is one of the highest points!) to bring that wall forward in order to square up the room, as well as provide relief from the monotony of the color throughout. I would have all other walls painted a tone that would provide a sense of warmth and serenity. The paint color selection is critical. I would put together a palette that would do the most to give the cabin its best showing.
Client: 7. As for furniture and accessories we’re guessing you have some ideas for that as well. Do you have a so called “theme” idea? We know that less is more so that the buyer can envision their things in the rooms. Plus we don’t want to put a lot of $ into something they don’t want and will throw or give away.
CDI: 7) The items I have listed are my first recommendations. Staging the interior with furniture and accessories would come after, and in that case, “less is more”.
Client: We look forward to hearing back from you with your thoughts.
CDI: Take time to discuss what you would like to pursue in regard
to the suggestions I’ve made. I am happy to respond in more detail to any questions you may have.
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