How to Prevent Your Entryway from Being Declared a Disaster Area...

They say first impressions are everything. So what area should a homebuyer make sure is inviting and well kept (after the outside, of course)? The entryway.

The goal of homeowners everywhere should be to have not only functional, but beautiful entryways. The reasoning is simple. For most families, entryways see a lot of traffic. And it can easily become a dumping ground. They house shoes, coats, purses, and keys, as well as often used toys and tools.

And for every home, the entryway is the very spot where guests and buyers will form their first impression. This means disorganized is out and clean is in. Here are a few simple design and organization tips that can take your entryway from disastrous to fabulous.

The key to a clutter-free entry is storage. Option one would be built-in cabinetry. Pick materials and colors that follow the design ascetic of your home. Hang and fold your items and then shut away the clutter.

If you don't have room for built-ins, then consider a free-standing shelving unit with cubbies. Baskets are an attractive way to keep everything from mittens and hats to ball gloves and racquets organized.

Have even less space? Even simple hooks can have a great organizing effect.

The next tip is to have some sort of seating. Make an inviting spot for children to sit while removing winter boots. Bench seating with storage underneath can be a perfect combination of functionality and looks, and you can add a pop of color with a colorful cushion.

Pay careful attention to flooring choices in your entryway. You want something that is durable and hides dirt easily. A popular trend in today's home is slate tile, with its dark hues doing wonders for masking dirt.

If your entryway is more formal and you choose not to have any cabinets, then be sure to hide away coats and clutter in the nearest closet. A simple console table with drawers can be used to hold keys and phones. Consider installing a docking station in the drawers of the table to hide chargers and cables for iPods and phones.

These simple tips can make a big difference in keeping your entry organized.

Back to School Shopping in Your Desk Drawers!

Here is a very important back to school tip... lock your doors after they have left for school.

No! Just kidding... we all love our kids. Here is a bit of advice for back to school shopping... go shopping at home first. Yes, take that all important school supply list and look through the items left over from last year before you head to the local big box store.

Often times, kids have 3 ring binders from the year before that they still have some life left in and can use again. Same thing with spiral notebooks, frequently parents will buy notebooks with a couple hundred pages and maybe 20 pages will be used, especially in the lower grades. So, rip out those used pages, and use them again! Other reusable items: glue, rulers, pens, crayons, paper clips, and calculators. No need to buy yet another 10 pack of brand new notebooks, when you have 14 barely used ones already at home.

If a teacher insists on having brand new items, suggest to them that it's more responsible to "reuse and recycle". Not only does reusing items from past years save the parents money, but it conserves valuable resources too.

Have a safe and successful school year!

The Latest Kitchen Design Trends...

The kitchen is often one of the most important rooms in the house that people consider when shopping for a home. Most likely because we spend so much time there.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), founded in 1963 as The American Institute of Kitchen Dealers, has nearly 40,000 members. Earlier this year it released its top trends for kitchens and bathrooms for 2010.

Here is a look at some of the top trends from NKBA:

Concealed Kitchens. This means the kitchen area blends with other areas of the home. Items such as commonly used appliances may be concealed, refrigerators and dishwashers may have facades to blend in with the cupboards. Ultimately, the harmonious blending of color, design, and functionality make kitchens aesthetically pleasing and useful.

Thirst-Quenching Stations. Beverage stations are becomming quite popular, complete with under-counter refrigerators that hold beverages and wine. Many of these beverage stations include a coffee station due to our great love of "joe" in this country. The design typically includes space for stemware, beverage mugs and glasses, and condiments. This setup allows people to gather to quench their thirst while being out of the way of the chefs.

Rounding Out the Edges. Countertops, islands, archways, and even light fixtures, are being designed with soft, round edges.

Varied Heights. No more monotony. Kitchen countertops, islands, and even walls are being designed for specific purposes and that means their heights are varied.

Asian influence. The impact of Japanese design is showing up in subtle ways such as "clean lines, open spaces, and neutral color palettes with bold splashes of color in select areas," according to NKBA. The association says oftentimes there will be "one strong anchor piece of Japanese origin" that designs are built around.

Whether you're shopping for a new home or thinking of remodeling your current home, remember that trends do change. However, those that tend to stick are the ones that combine pleasing looks with highly functional features. But in contrast, you can never go wrong with the classics. Most importantly, make your home comfortable for you.

"Amanda's Law", carbon monoxis detectors now mandatory...

"Amanda's Law" became effective February 22, 2010, it requires carbon monoxide detectors in every one and two family property and apartments in a multiple dwelling, as well as all condominium and cooperative apartmetns only where the dwelling unit has appliances, devices or systems that may emit carbon monoxide or has an attached garage. Your real estate professional must make you aware of this new law and advise you of your options.

The law is named for Amanda Hansen, 16, of West Seneca, who was found unconscious at a friend's house in January 2009. Officials later determined she had been exposed to lethal levels of carbon monoxide in the home's basement, where she and her friend were having a sleepover. She later died at South Buffalo Mercy Hospital.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are often mistaken for the flu and can include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, throbbing headache, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing, sleepiness and confusion. By the time people realize there is a problem, they are often too sick or too disoriented to get out of the house and get help.

New York State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison, states that carbon monoxide poisoning is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States. “More than 2,100 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year and over 10,000 people are injured, including, on average, 100 New Yorkers.”

If you don't already have one, please get yourself a carbon monoxide detector, it could save the lives of you and your family.

Summer Bucket List

Quick... with 2 weeks left (unofficially) to the summer, what would you like to do that you haven't done all summer? Something you have been meaning to do, but haven't had the time? Something you want to do, but haven't had the motivation to plan? Let's here your Summer Bucket List...

Mine, is of course to spend more time with my family, but I managed to get a few adventures in... Do tell.