In the midst of the pandemic, many of us are experiencing feelings of depression and a lack of connection with loved ones. In this article we’ve created a new list of books that everyone will find value in, especially in these trying times. Be sure to bookmark this article for future reference. If you haven’t checked out our first book list, click here to view that article.
1. “Lost Connections” by Johann Hari
Depression and anxiety are two invisible foes that many of us have been battling with. Whether you’ve experienced it before and/or during the pandemic, the feeling they generate weighs heavily on our shoulders with each passing day. These feelings have without a doubt been heightened in the midst of the pandemic and many are struggling to find proper ways to cope. Lost Connections by Johann Hari serves as a beacon of hope for those who struggle with depression and anxiety. Hari explains the root cause of depression and how one can become consumed by it over time. He also opens up about his own struggle with depression and anxiety, and explained coping methods that caused more harm than good and vice versa.
This award winning book has been praised by legends such as Oprah, Elton John and so many more. Hari challenges readers to dive deep into what they know about depression based on what society labels it as. He also challenges the role of antidepressants and offers healthier and more effective options. Taking the time to read this book during the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic can prove to be extremely beneficial for readers across the world. The dramatic changes of everyday life as we know it has shifted in an instant and people are struggling to adapt. Read this book to take control of your mental health and steer it in the right direction using healthy and effective methods.
2. “You Are a Spiritual Being Having a Human Experience” by Bob Frissell
In this book, Bob Frissell challenges readers to take a deeper look into the human experience. You Are a Human Being Having a Spiritual Experience allows readers to dive deep into the human consciousness and the world around them. Oftentimes, too many people allow themselves to be limited by their self-constructed ideas about themselves, people and the world. This limitation cuts deeper than what meets the eye. This mindset hinders growth within ourselves and this effect can ripple into our relationship with those around us and our view of the world. Frissell introduces the concept of creating your own reality through conscious efforts, that will in effect, improve the reality of the real world around us.
The book helps readers connect with their multidimensional selves and explains how to redesign their inner worldview and life. The Bodhi Tree Book Review says, “Frissell shows us how to move consciously through our fears and limitations to the realization that everything we need is within ourselves,”.This book runs for only $15.95 and is a must-have for book collections around the world.
3. “Attached” by Amir Levine M.D & Rachel S.F Heller, M.A
Attached explores the world of attachment theory. In the wake of the pandemic, there have been many reports of divorces throughout the world. According to BBC, “76% of divorces (in lockdown) have come from women,” (Savage, Maddy). Many are finding time with their spouses during quarantine have caused fundamental differences in relationships to float to the surface, resulting in poorer connections or ultimately separation in the end. Attached allows readers to explore the various ways we as human beings form connections with others through various attachment styles. These styles enable us to identify the relationship we have with ourselves, others and the world around us. They challenge us to dive deep into our childhoods to pinpoint how and when we developed the mindset we navigate with during our adult years.
Being able to identify these attachment styles allow us to break free from the chains of trauma and live a life that honors our personal emotions while also being sensitive to the experiences and emotions of others. It’s important to note that emotions themselves are not the issue. The issue is unprocessed emotions. Unprocessed emotions have a way of inviting themselves into delicate spaces, making forming genuine relationships quite difficult. In understanding how you connect with others and events in your life, we will be able to cleanse our lives from negative energy to form strong relationships that can weather any storm or pandemic.
4. “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
Having a positive mindset goes further than one may assume. Oftentimes, we believe that honoring our emotions without any sort of boundaries is the best way to be emotionally balanced. Of course, it is crucial that you are honest with yourself and others about how you may be feeling at a particular moment in time, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s important to understand that in life we will be faced with many challenges, and that having boundaries in honoring our emotions is critical. This is so because mindset overcomes emotions.
Take for example generalized anxiety. If we continuously honored our invasive emotions and feelings without restriction, we would drive ourselves mad, staying lost in our minds in an abyss of relentless and not so kind thoughts. The best choice of action we can take in the wake of intrusive thoughts, is to take small steps to help cleanse our minds from being overstimulated. Those baby steps are the foundation of improvement and serve a bigger purpose than we assume. Positive thoughts are the building blocks for future development and improvements. In Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s book, he dives deep into the power of positivity and how it can drastically change our lives. In the midst of the pandemic, this mindset is crucial for us all. Take control of your thoughts and live a more positive lifestyle.
5. “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo
Our last book on the list is none other than the Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. In the wake of the pandemic, we are spending more time at home due to quarantining. Like with our spouses as mentioned earlier, this time has allowed the relationship we have with our home to surface. How do you feel in the space you call your home? Does it feel congested, cluttered, or perhaps a bit stale? If you checked off any of those options, chances are the pandemic has heightened those feelings due to the fact that we have been confined to our homes. What can we do to shift the energy that radiates within our home? Marie Kondo teaches her readers to do just that.
Kondo is a renowned Japanese home expert who specializes in organization and the art of minimalism. She has earned a show on Netflix that showcases her skills as she travels around the country to help homeowners with spaces that are in distress. The foundation for her method is that if a particular item doesn’t bring you joy, it is best to discard it. This filtration system allows for only essential items in the home to remain present, turning your home into a space that's filled with only the things that bring you peace and comfort. During COVID- 19 this energy is what we all crave. Check out Marie Kondo’s book to discover how you can transform your home into a space that provides you with the utmost comfort and care during these trying times.
Works Cited
Savage, Maddy. “Why the Pandemic Is Causing Spikes in Break-Ups and Divorces.” BBC Worklife, BBC, 6 Dec. 2020,
www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20201203-why-the-pandemic-is-causing-spikes-in-break-ups-and-divorces.
The snow has come in late, but has arrived in full swing! In this article we are bringing you 5 essential items you’ll need for the home to take on wintertime. Add these items to your cart to be prepared for heavy winter days and to keep warm.
1. Heated and Weighted Blanket ($39.90)
This blanket is sure to keep you warm and comfortable all winter. This blanket is not only heated, but also weighted. You’ll get the best of both worlds with this cost effective blanket. The blanket has been filled with premium glass beads, totaling a weight of 10 lbs. If you need something with a little more weight, you can purchase various versions of this blanket at 15, 18 and 20 lbs. The blankets weighing in over 15 are 60” x 80”. If these are too heavy for your liking, there is also a 8 lbs option available. This blanket comes with a variety of shades to choose from. You can purchase the item in dark grey, purple, blue or any of the other colors available to buyers.
Electric kettles are a must-have for every kitchen! These kettles heat up faster than traditional kettles so you’re able to enjoy your warm drinks in a flash. This kettle has been crafted from borosilicate glass. This type of glass is heavy duty and extremely durable, ensuring that your kettle is long lasting. This kettle also has an auto timer, shutting off 30 seconds after the water has reached boiling point. The anti-slip grip ensures the kettle won’t slip out of your hands and has been designed to boil water quickly. You can use this item for oatmeal, noodles, hot chocolate, instant coffee, tea and so much more. This european designed kettle is sure to capture the hearts of everyone in the home.
3. Door Draft Stopper ($19.99)
Cold drafts coming in from under the door can prove to be irritating in any home. How can we prevent this? This door draft stopper from Amazon has got you covered! This quality door draft stopper will stop the cold draft of wintertime from sneaking in under your door. It sizes up at 34” and fits under most doors. The hook and loop system allows for the stopper to be securely mounted to the door and snug against the ground to ensure no air is let into the home. Cold door drafts cause your home’s heating system to work harder to keep your space warm, which means a higher bill. Help combat extra heating fees by using this cost efficient door draft stopper. This stopper also has a detachable cloth bag, which means you can throw it into the washer for cleaning.
4. Humidifier ($34.98)
In the wintertime, our homes can still experience the dry air that summertime can bring. Keep the moisture levels in your home balanced with this effective humidifier. This humidifier's sleek and simple design is sure to match any home’s aesthetic. If white isn’t your shade, the brand also offers a beautiful mint colored device. This humidifier is also essential oil compatible. The device comes equipped with auto-shut off and different mist levels. The levels include high mist, low mist and sleep mode. The device sprays evenly at 360 degree angle and is sure to keep the moisture levels throughout your home balanced.
When the weather proves too dangerous to drive out for food, this last gadget will prove to be extremely useful in any household. The GoWISE Air Fryer is a must-have for any and every kitchen. Air Fryers have taken the world by storm since late 2019. With an air fryer you are able to cook a wide variety of food without the unhealthy downsides of using cooking oil. Popular foods cooked on this device include fries, chicken wings, vegetables, salmon, steak and more. Air fryers make the cooking process easy, allowing beginner chefs to whip up some amazing meals for themselves and for loved ones. This air fryer comes in a sleek design with an advanced touch screen menu and various sizes to fit any household’s needs. If you live alone (or perhaps with one other person) , a 5 - 5.8 QT air fryer may be the best size for you. If you're a family of 3 or more, a 7 - 11.6 QT air fryer is going to be your best bet to create dishes in bulk.
More than ever, finding comfort in the home is crucial in recent times. With the pandemic still on the rise, finding peace in the home is something we are all searching for. In this article, we are breaking out the art of feng shui and easy ways you can incorporate it into your home. You’ll want to bookmark this one!
1. Identifying What is Feng Shui
First it is important to identify just what exactly Feng Shui is. Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of rearranging your environment to encourage harmony and create a balance of energy within the home. How did the idea of feng shui begin and how did it find its way into the home? Chi or energy was the start of it all.
Feng shui unearthed over 3,000 years ago in China. The practice is still popular in spaces all over the modern interior design world. As previously mentioned, the most important concept in Feng Shui is an energy or chi. Like gravity, chi is not something you can see or touch, but you most definitely feel its effects. What determines the amount of chi you can create in your home? It all has to do with symmetry and balance with the items in your space to create or improve the flow of positive energy within various areas of the home.
Like a traditional charge, with chi, there is positive chi and negative chi that can be produced in the home. In order to improve your Feng Shui at home, your objective is to decrease as much negative chi as possible. We will cover how to increase positive chi, therefore decrease negative chi, further into this article. Another important and interesting aspect about chi is that it can be moved. Adding moving elements into the home can actually move chi. By adding various elements such as flowing water, you can adjust the flow of chi, increasing the positive chi in a space.
2. Bringing Light to Various Areas in the Home
In order to achieve proper Feng Shui, all areas of the home need to have access to natural light. In the art of Feng Shui, light is seen as an energy activator. It is also another means to move energy around a space. Candles are another way of adding sources of light into the home. Artificial light can also help increase a positive flow of energy. Be sure to have a light source in various areas of the home.
Reflective elements are also important to incorporate. Why is this? Items such as mirrors, metal, and glass objects reflect light throughout a space. This serves as another way to create flowing energy in the home. However, you can run into the issue of having an excess of these surfaces. This is so because an excess of these objects can prove to be distracting. Material that complement reflective objects include natural textiles such as wood, stone, woven, etc.
3. Encouraging a Positive Flow of Energy
In order to encourage free flowing energy, it’s important to remove distractions that block the flow. Keeping multiple pathways open is an easy place to start. This includes keeping doors inside the home and windows open. This opens up the home and allows the space to be filled with clean air. Placing mirrors in the home will also reflect and draw energy into other parts of the home.
Chi is personal, meaning it is an experience unique to each of us. Finding balance that is tailored for our needs is crucial in order to achieve a sense of harmony that reflects best in our home. This will encourage balance and a sense of well-being to our lives.
Natural materials complements the art of Feng Shui beautifully. These materials include natural fabrics, stone, wood, and metal. It’s best to stay away from chemically-treated and unnatural products, as they can have a direct and negative impact on health which affects your wellbeing.
4. Freshen and Clear the Air
Air quality plays a vital role in Feng Shui because it is directly connected to health and wellbeing. The air in the home is connected to chi. Would you feel more comfortable in a space with stuffy air or a space that’s well ventilated with fresh air flowing in from an open window? Be mindful of chemical cleaners or air sprays you bring into the home. These can be harmful for your wellbeing. Substitute these products for products with natural ingredients. Products that are harsh in ingredients can be damaging to energy flow.
Open your windows when possible to bring fresh air into the home and let each room breathe. It’s also a good idea to invest in indoor plants, as they act as natural air purifiers. The combination of these things will leave your home refreshed.
If selling your home has been on your mind, or if you're simply interested in finding the value of your home instantly, you've arrived at the right place. Here are 5 Signs You Are Ready To Sell Your House.
1) You Clicked On This Article
So, this article caught your eye, surely it's a sign. Or, at the very least, it means you are giving some considerable thought to selling your home. This is a good sign, and we're here to help you make the best decision for you.
2) You're Thinking About Your Dream Home
There are some great things about your home, and it has definitely served its purpose, but you know it's not your forever home. With home values continuing to rise in Central Indiana, selling your current home to find your Dream Home
3) You're Waiting Until You Make Some Fixes
Many people believe they still have to fix minor issues in their home. However, painting that wall, fixing that piece of flooring, or changes that light is not necessarily needed in this market.
Yes, you should fix that hole in the wall, but minor fixes no longer need to be a reason to push off selling that home. Consult with a Realtor on what things you should fix, and what things you can get away with leaving as they are.
4) You've Outgrown Your Home
Is your closet creeping into the rest of your bedroom? Are your once spacious areas slowly becoming filled with misplaced items? Basements, extra deep closets, bonus areas; all of these spaces could be just what you and your growing family need.
5) The Area Is No Longer Ideal
Are you driving your kids to school 30 minutes away? Do your friends and family live in the next zip code? It could be time to make convenience a priority. People are more likely to visit their friends, and even go to the gym, if they are within a 5 mile radius. So location and proximity could be even more important than you realize!
If you're thinking about selling your home, and would like a Free Custom Market Analysis to see how your home compares to those around it, and what you can expect from the home selling process, Learn More Here.
Tiny homes are extremely popular in today’s real estate climate. In this article, we are bringing you 4 tiny homes so you can see what all the craze is about. Check out these 4 unique tiny homes from around the world!
1. Manshausen 2.0 Sea Cabins (Steigen, Norway)
Dezeen
Our first tiny home on the list is a stunning sight. This metallic box hangs beautifully over the shallow end of the sea to give residents and guests a cavitivating view of the water. It is an optimal location for bird watching, as many seagulls flock to this area. The home’s shape compliments its rocky surroundings and its reflective metal coating serves as a mirror to the stunning nature it is engulfed in. The home is eco-friendly and like most tiny homes, cost-efficient. This tiny home has been nominated for the 2019 Dezeen Award for its beauty and stunning design. Each cabinet fits two to four people and comes with a master bedroom, library, bathroom and kitchen. It was once used as an ideal location and home by fishermen in the area.
Dezeen
2. KODA Walking Concrete (Tallinn, Estonia)
Paul Kuimet
This stylish home sizes up 250 sq ft and is movable-friendly for travelers. This home is completely mobile and can be disassembled and reassembled for homeowners who are constantly on the move to new locations. The two tiered home can be assembled in as little as four hours. The KODA Walking Concrete made the World Architecture Festival's shortlist of the best "Small Projects'' in 2016. This stunning home was designed by Kodasema. The simplistic design allows it to function in a variety of spaces to fit the needs of the homeowners. Unique ways owners convert this tiny home include turning them into cafés or offices.
KODA
3. Muji (Japan)
Muji
This incredibly stunning and stylish tiny home in Japan sizes up at an astonishing 98 square feet! Designed by the world famous design firm Muji, they have taken the tiny home game to the next level with these models. The Muji company traditionally sells minimalist home goods and clothing, but has recently expanded their incredible talents to the interior design world. The stylish tiny home markets in at $27,000. The home’s material is extremely durable and sourced from beautiful materials. The home doesn’t come included with electricity or plumbing because its target market is for those who simply wish to plug from the world for a period of time. Some have adopted the home by placing it in their backyard, giving them a comfortable place to turn to when they want to unplug themselves from the electronically-heavy world around them.
Muji
4. Flat-pack mirror house, Estonia
This unique tiny home is quite the eye catcher! Although you are unable to purchase the home in its entirety, you can rent the home for yourself or with another person. The accommodation is located at the Riverbed inn mirror house and Iglucraft sauna. The home is by a beautifully flowing river, garden and a terrace in Kanaküla. Guests are gifted with a grill to cook their favorite foods on. Guests are also able to use free WiFi and are given free private parking. Guest rooms come equipped with air conditioning, a microwave, fridge, electric tea pot, shower, free toiletries and a desk. Each room also includes a private bathroom, closet and seating area. These tiny homes are spread thoughout the area, each home having its own perks. Locations include choosing to be by the river or perhaps having a patio equipped with the room. At the accommodation, guests will also have excess to a beautiful sauna. The staff at this location speak English and Estonian and are available 24-hours at the front desk.
Organizationally-savvy individuals have an eye for both style and efficiency. Their homes are oftentimes well-designed, radiate a sense of balance, are somewhat minimalistic and are at its core, organized. What tips can you take from these individuals to incorporate into your own home? In this article, we are bringing you 5 things organized people do to keep their homes tidy.
With anything in life, having a simple and well-structured gameplan is key to achieving any task. Without this small, but highly effective list, we can find ourselves without a proper roadmap and render ourselves unable to reach our destination with ease.
The art of creating a list is something that should be kept simple, yet many make it complex. When creating a list for the home, it is important to first identify the intent of that list. Why spend time creating a list when you could complete tasks as they come and at a time that feels most convenient in that moment? For a time, operating in this mode may prove to be easy, but over time, you will find that the tasks come in at a time that is inconvenient for you, the process itself becomes daunting and tasks will begin to accumulate. A simple list can remedy this headache before it has an opportunity to invite itself in.
When creating a list for the home it’s essential to keep it concise and simple. Each task should be achievable within a 30-minute time frame. If a task goes well beyond this mark, dividing the task over a few days or perhaps delegating time-intensive tasks for the weekend could prove to be what allows you to complete smaller tasks throughout the week, allowing your weekends to be filled with more free time. An example task could be to spend 20 minutes cleaning out the refrigerator. This task is simple which makes it more likely to be completed. If the task were to say clean the entire fridge, wash all tupperware that was stored and wipe down shelves, there’s a higher chance that most wouldn’t dare to entertain, especially during the week. If the tasks are made simple enough they will be easy to complete during the week. This benefits the wellbeing of both you and your home.
As humans, we naturally develop an emotional connection with things that gives us a sense of happiness. This also extends to developing a connection with things that we believe could prove to be useful for us in the future, no matter how arbitrary that thing is or how little its reward could bear. Organizationally-savvy individuals have over time taught themselves that holding onto essential useless items won’t contribute to the wellbeing of their home over time. They may hold onto an item that captures temporary emotions, but in the end they are able to distinguish if that item is worth offering space in their home for it.
It seems difficult to reject these items from our home because we have formed a temporary yet recurring emotion with it. In this relationship, our feelings for these items only peak when we make contact with them, which isn’t often being that they are usually buried in a drawer or closet, making our emotions with them short lived. Items that many of us form these temporary yet long-term relationships with include items such as old phones and laptops, back up holiday decorations in excess, articles of clothing, etc. Hoarding can extend to various areas of the home. Let’s use the kitchen as an example. Things we may harbor in this area include a surplus of items such as utensils and dishes from various sets. Holding space for these items decreases the functionality of the kitchen and increases the amount of work needed to keep it clean. If we can cleanse the space of excess items, it allows us to obtain items with ease and decreases the amount of clutter to clean.
It is essential that we begin to learn that these items don’t hold as much true value as we may think and that it is okay to simply let them go.
People who thrive in organized spaces understand the importance of functionally. Things that are properly organized are simply at its core more efficient. This makes their usage easy and the experience somewhat enjoyable. It is more important than ever for organizationally-savvy individuals to weave a simple yet highly effective system into a space as personal as their homes.
These individuals will invest in items to help them achieve and maintain organization in all areas of the home. This includes under sinks, in drawers, closets, etc. Another plus about these organizational items is that they have a capacity limit, which encourages individuals to avoid hoarding. Check out our article 5 Organizational Items from Amazon That Will Make Your Life Easier to find items for the home that will help you organize various areas of your home!
Social media gives your brand a face. Through this medium, businesses can showcase their products and services and serve as a form of customer service. Understanding the impact that social media has for almost every business will help develop your social media plan. Check out these 4 reasons why social media plays a key role in business.
The social media world provides businesses with the proper stage and tools to showcase their business, services and products. There are many platforms to choose from, so choosing your preferred platform should be a breeze. Platforms businesses can choose from include Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Youtube, Facebook, Snapchat and many others. What platform a business chooses depends on what and how they choose to market. For example, a clothing brand would thrive on Instagram and Pinterest because those are platforms that are rooted in photography and aesthetic. There’s a chance that advertising a clothing brand on a platform such as Twitter may not do as well as it would on another platform.
Another example are blog articles. For this form of media, Twitter would be a great platform to publish this content on. Twitter is a text-based platform, so blogs and other articles are sure to thrive on this platform compared to let’s say, Snapchat. In picking your main platform, businesses will be able to showcase their brand for all to see. In utilizing social media businesses will be able to showcase their brand however they see fit. They may post what they like (under the rules of that platform) whenever they choose to do so. This freedom gives businesses room to try different strategies and post different forms of their content to see which does the best on a platform.
Social media provides businesses with an easy way to share new information, services and products with its target audience and customers. This demographic is able to see what’s new in the target market and keep up with all that’s going on. This also keeps the target audience and customers consuming that business’ content. Even if they don’t choose to make any transaction with that business at that moment, they can still be given quality content on their timelines in preparation for any potential future purchases.
Understanding this ties in with the responsibility of keeping up with your account and ensuring that there is fresh and engaging content on that account’s timeline. As previously mentioned, this keeps customers and the target audience in the loop of what’s going on with that company. This could include sales, new products, new team members, business reviews and much more. This content allows the target audience and customers to stay informed on the business, builds trust and credibility, and also allows them to keep any possible transactions they might want to make with this business in the future on tabs.
In today’s world, it is more accessible than ever to market your content on social media. Facebook is a great resource for many when creating ads because they allow users to extend those ads to other platforms, Instagram being the most popular one. When creating ads, you are able to choose the ad’s visual structure, text, image and what platform it will be marketed on. Each social media platform has the ability to track how successful your marketing strategy is by providing users with an analytics page. This page will show you how each post is performing. It will also target which post is outperforming the others.
When creating an ad, you are able to target it towards a desired outcome. For example, if you would like to drive more traffic to your website, there is an option specifically designed to do just that. Or if you would like to promote a particular post with a product or service there is an option for that as well. As mentioned before, users will be able to select the desired ad layout based on the layout options available.
Creating content is great for a business, but being able to properly market that content also holds great value and responsibility. We are lucky to live in a time in which marketing can be executed by the average person. If you are having a difficult time grasping the best way to create ads and how much to spend on them, check out some Youtube videos on the subject. There’s a plethora of extremely valuable information from people in the industry who give free information on how to navigate this field.
Last on our list is customer service. Social media paves a way for customers to reach a business quickly and easily. They are also able to inquire about particular products and send it along with their questions through Direct Messaging (DM). They may also write in the comments section. It is important for authorized business account users to keep on top of the comments and direct messages, as they show other potential customers how your business interacts with and assists others. Using social media in this way also allows the business’ team members to get more acquainted with social media usage if they are not so familiar with it.
As mentioned above, team members should ensure they reply to and are engaging with all who inquire. These members also serve as the “face” of a business’ brand because they are who both current and potential customers will bring their questions to and/or interact with. When you provide a comfortable space for this group to respond, they are more likely to have a better view of the business, and with this, there is a higher chance of them making a purchase or supporting the business in the near future. These customers will speak well of the business and may possibly recommend it to others. Esteban Kolsky reports, “72% of consumers say that they will share a positive experience with a brand with 6+ people”. 6 people per 1 person can accumulate tremendously and rather quickly as well. This increases your presence online, likeability, and of course, revenue. Great customer service on a business’ social media platforms is critical to reach both old and new customers, and to build a healthy relationship with them.
2021 has finally arrived. We seek relief from the challenges of 2020 and face the new year with a positive outlook. This frame of mind can be extended to the interior design world. Homes across the world will take this emotion and channel it into the design of their homes. Check out these interior design trends we can expect to see in the new year.
1) Getting in Touch With Nature
In 2020, we were faced with many challenges. In the new year, many are solely seeking solace in their space. With this, the trend of natural interior designs is projected to skyrocket. This design encourages us to get back to our roots and helps us better understand the world around us.
Pantone has named two colors as the theme for 2021, a soft yellow and cream. Creme represents a fresh start in the new year. 2020, as we all know, was filled with many challenges. In the new year, we hope to start anew. The soft yellow projects radiance.
And while we can't fully know what to expect from the new year, what we can do, is enter it with a positive outlook on life and use the lessons learned in 2020 in the 12 months to come.
Accessories that will thrive in the home of those who are interiorly inspired will be rattan and canned furniture. These materials are natural and fit perfectly with the refresh and reset theme projected to soar in the new year.
We can also expect a rise in consumer demand for more sustainable, artisan-made materials. Reusable resources become more demanded and integrated in every day life with each passing year. Bringing in a balanced sense of nature is an aesthetic that many will be drawn to and appreciate.
2) Diversity in Textures
In the new year, we can expect a diversity in textures to extend to the interior design world. Diversity creates space for a heightened design experience. This year we can expect to see a variety of textures incorporated into the home.
Popular textures include marble and paper elements. These textures cater towards minimalist designs, especially when paired with earth and neutral tones. A good example of this look is the picture placed above.
In this photo, we can see these designs throughout this living room. This space includes a variety of completementing earth and neutral shades. Objects such as the lamp, fireplace, and backdrop where the TV is placed, are all accented with a stunning stone texture.
This space’s simplicity is what makes it appealing to the eyes and heart. In 2021, incorporating the idea of minimalism and comfort is one many are looking forward to.
On the flip side, one’s interior design for the new year could be the complete opposite. In 1918 when the Spanish Flu hit, people of the time were faced with the same safety rules we have implemented today in the wake of COVID-19. Once the outbreak faded out, The Roaring 20s came in full swing. During this time, people we’re thrilled to dive back into the outside world. This inspired a wave of intricate and bold designs to surface, and there’s a possibility that we could also see this in the interior design world in 2021, continuing the The Roaring 20s.
3) Accent Walls
Accented walls serve as a beautiful way to provide contrast and texture in a space. A popular way this is accomplished is through color blocking. Coloring blocking is an easy, but highly effective way to block a section of the home with the color of your choice. This creates stunning contrast and really highlights that area of the home.
What makes this design so great is that it is a simple process and any color can be chosen to fit the aesthetic of any home. Great areas to include color blocking extend to practically anywhere in the home.
Popular spots include the dining room along with the bedroom. Select your color of choice, your preferred wall in your home, and simply paint the wall to achieve blocking.
Having a solid social media plan plays a critical role for most businesses. There are various forms of digital content to create and platforms to post each piece on. How can you as a realtor connect with your audience through these platforms? In this article, we are showing you 4 ways to increase your presence on social media and how to connect with your target audience.
1) Discover Your Desired Content
The first step in growing your presence in the digital world is discovering what kind of content you want to create. When creating content, it is essential that this content fits two requirements. First, the content you are creating and posting should be content you are passionate about. When creating content you have a natural interest in, the quality of that content will show in each piece.
The second requirement is that it is content both your followers and visitors will relate to and find interest in. Once this is sorted, the next step is identifying what type of content you wish to create.
The great thing about the digital world is that there are so many different forms of content you are able to put out to your sphere. If your strength is in writing, you should excel with ease in writing blog articles. If your skill lies in creating stunning visuals, then graphic design will be one of your strong suits.
Other forms of digital content include podcasts, videos, online pamplets, and so much more. If you have more than one field of interest in content creation, you have a wide array to choose from and implement into your social media timelines.
2) Find Your Desired Platforms
Our next step to accomplish is choosing which social media or digital platforms with which you wish to connect to your audience. Popular social media platforms include Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok, Snapchat and so on. YouTube is also popular for Video and Video Advertisement aimed at Buyers and Sellers.
You’d be surprised at how well you can reach various audiences on each individual platform. For example, a perfume expert created his own Tik Tok account and makes short informational clips about the world of perfume. He talks about how to choose your signature scent, various brands, the best places to place your perfume for a long lasting application and so much more.
This expert has a successful social media page because he placed himself in an environment where short, informational and create videos thrive. More experts such as dentists, doctors and scientists have picked up on this trend and create similar content for their audience. People are intrigued by new information, and like to learn if it is presented creatively. If you present the content in a simple, eye catching and digestible way you are sure to gain new followers on various social media platforms.
3) Identify Your Audience
Identifying your audience plays a very important role in content creation, but even more important, marketing. It is crucial that you understand who your audience is and what they like. As mentioned in the first section, the content you create and post should be content that you are in fact passionate about, but understanding what works and what doesn’t work with your audience is essential for social media success.
This doesn’t mean you have to change the content of the material, but rather the form in which each piece is presented. For example, your audience may prefer infographics while another audience from a different platform may prefer short videos. If the content isn’t presented in a way that the audience finds easily digestible and pleasing to view, there’s a strong chance they will not keep up with your page, and perhaps after some time, unfollow your account.
Once you are able to identify audiences you will be able to target them through ads and allow them to reach more content such as your website and/or offered services.
4) Create a Posting Schedule
Creating a posting schedule is the easiest way to manage all of your content. Two platforms we recommend to help manage and schedule your content include Hootsuite or Facebook Creator Studio.
Explore each of these resources and choose the one you feel most comfortable using. With these platforms, you will be able to create and schedule posts as far out as you wish. If you would like to utilize a day to organize your content and prepare posting dates, these are great tools you can use to accomplish that task. Organizing your content in this way allows you to create a curated schedule of your content.
This also helps you plan for holiday posts in advance and takes the pressure off of posting the day of at a particular time because it is already scheduled for an automated post. Having this tool will allow you to multitask around the office and give you the peace of mind that a range of content has been prepped and ready to post on schedule.
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The housing market in Central Indiana was very strong in 2020, and very much in favor of Sellers. So, if you do choose to buy in 2021, be ready to pay top dollar. However, that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Yes, you will be paying more than you might have paid 2 years ago, but your home will also hold it's value. And due to the Seller's market not looking like it will change anytime soon, this also means if you buy now, the value of your home is more than likely to increase in the coming years.
If you are exploring the idea of buying a home in 2021, there are a few basic steps you can take now that will ensure you are prepared to make a strong offer when the time comes.
1) Get Pre-Approved
Pre-approval from a mortgage lender is the essential first step to buying a home. You will speak with a mortgage broker, who will gather your information and determine the price of house which you can afford.
2) Find A Realtor with Experience
Everyone knows a realtor, however, everyone should not use that realtor that they know. Ask your Realtor, even if they are a friend or even worse, a relative, to walk you through their entire plan for you when it comes to assisting you in Buying a Home.
If you feel comfortable with that and feel they are experiened enough to handle a transaction in 2021, which will require putting in a strong offer and having it chosen among other multiple offers, then that is great.
If you want a realtor who is proven and experienced, and that also has the backing of a team of more than 90 other realtors, choose a Realtor from RE/MAX Advanced Realty.
Join the thousands of satisfied clients who have used our Brokerage in Central Indiana. Below are links to where you can begin:
1) Looking for Homes on our Website that's more user friendly than Zillow!
2) Speak with a Realtor to Learn About The Home Buying Process
Be well, and we hope to speak with you soon,
-RE/MAX Advanced Realty
8313 W. 10th St
Indianapolis IN 46234
dennis@indyhomepros.com
317-316-8224
