Articles Tagged "Historic Homes"

Are you looking for a new decor style to use in your home? If you're like many people, you know what you like - and don't like - when you see it, but you may have struggled to tie your home decor into an appealing style. Without a general direction, you can end up with a collection of elements gathered over the years that don't seem to complement each other or create a cohesive look. Whether that's the case or you'd simply like a change from your current style, it may be time for a refreshed look.

Our real estate agents suggest the following tips to help you find the best decor style for your home:

• Look Inside Your Closet
  Check your closet and identify your favorite clothing items and accessories. What do you like to wear when you want to brighten your mood or when you have a special occasion to dress for? Look for some common elements - such as colors, fabrics, and patterns - that you normally find attractive. And take a look at items you avoid wearing and try to figure out why. Consider your general style. Do you prefer bold, flashy looks or more neutral colors and classic styles? Even the types of fabrics you like can serve as inspiration for items like pillows and draperies.
  
  
• Create a Vision Board
  Look through a variety of magazines without limiting yourself to home decor publications. Check out photos of all types, including those representing nature, fashion, jewelry, and more. Use them in a vision board and consider what appeals to you about each image. For example, if you have a photo of leaves, does their color appeal to you? What about their shape or texture? Do they have curved lines or straight lines? Each photo can give you cues about what design elements you find most appealing.
  
  
• Take a Few Online Quizzes
  There's an online quiz on just about every topic, so it should come as no surprise that a large number of websites have quizzes that will help you determine what home decor style you prefer. If you Google "interior design quizzes," you'll find lots of ones to try. Not only are these types of quizzes fun, but they also may surprise you and give you insights into your style preferences that you may not have expected. In addition, you'll be able to get some home design buzzwords - such as "industrial" or "boho" - that you can further research to find specific looks and pieces.
  
  
• Weigh in on the Home Decor Items You Already Have
  Look at your current home decor items with a critical eye. Are there things that you love? Think about what it is about them that appeals to you. On the other hand, identify items that you just don't like. What is it that you find unappealing about them? As an added bonus, this step lets you eliminate some of your home decor items that just aren't working for you since you can sell or donate those things that you dislike. This also gives you the space to bring in more elements that suit your new style.
  
  
• Consider Your Home's Current Atmosphere
  How does your home's current atmosphere feel? Is it warm and homey? Or maybe you have a modern, minimalist vibe going? Are there areas of your home that make you happy and others that make you feel bored or stressed out? Whatever you have, determine the mood it projects and figure out if that's still what you're going for, but with new decor items. Or you may decide you want to change the mood of your space entirely.
  
  
• Give Your Style a Name
  Many, if not most, people have an ideal style that encapsulates elements of several different styles. This often works best since, although specific styles can provide inspiration, you may not like every element of any single style. Fortunately, there's no need to lock yourself into one look and follow its recommendations to the letter. Look at the information you've gathered and any patterns you can identify and come up with a fun description of your style. That way, as you consider different elements to bring into your home, you can ask yourself if they fit in well with your self-named style.
  
  
• Start Small
  Decorating an entire home or even a room can seem overwhelming. Start with a small space in your home, such as a shelf or end table, and gather and arrange some objects that reflect your newly defined style. Live with them for a week or two, and if they're still appealing to you, start spreading the style throughout your room and home. If you find the style less attractive than you'd hoped, redo some of the previous steps to help further define your home decor style.

Contact us if you'd like to see homes for sale so you can have a fresh start in discovering the best decor style. Whether you're looking for a home to buy, are ready to sell your home, or both, we're ready to help! 

Augusta homes for sale sit in the midst of one of the most desirable places to live in America. When you choose Maine for your new home, you'll enjoy the best in amenities along with a vibrant and beautiful history that comes to life in our within our cities.

Our Augusta real estate agents never tire of showing folks what the Pine Tree State has to offer. Old Fort Western is one example of local history preserved and protected for everyone to enjoy. Guides have been interpreting this 1754 National Historic Landmark every season for years – and it's waiting for you to visit here in Augusta.

Fort Western: A Landmark That Changed the History of the Region

Lasting more than 260 years, Fort Western has the distinction of being America's oldest wooden fort. It was built by a private company, Kennebec Proprietors, which enjoyed the patronage of the British crown and the local Massachusetts Province government.

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One thing our York real estate agents have come to appreciate about living on the Maine coast is that we are spoiled when it comes to lighthouses. From the towering Portland Head Lighthouse and the candy-striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse to the stark granite bricks of the Whaleback Light, Maine lighthouse hunters have enough choices to keep them busy for a lifetime. 

Today, we want to focus on one of lour local favorites – Nubble Lighthouse. Built in 1879 and still in use today, the Nubble Lighthouse is also known as the Cape Neddick Light, and is one of the most picturesque attractions in the York, Maine area.

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You'll find no shortage of beautiful, historic homes in Augusta, Maine, but few can compare to the splendor of the Maine State House.  Our state house was completed in 1832 and remains one of our city's crowning attractions.   When you're in town looking for Augusta homes for sale, it's well worth a visit.

Maine State House - A Piece of Local History

Way back in the day, Maine was part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, until it voted to become its state in 1820. Augusta became the state capital in 1831, and the Maine State House was completed just one year later, built with Maine granite and opened for the first session of the State Legislature on January 4, 1832. 

Though it's undergone a few additions and remodels throughout the years, the Maine State House remains a living piece of Maine history. The iconic copper dome was added in 1909, and the building's outward appearance has gone mostly unchanged in the decades since.

The dome was replaced in 2014, a change that – while essential to the health of the building – caused a minor uproar among those who didn't want to see the departure of the old green and weathered dome. Today, the dome's new copper sheen resembles what the building would have looked like about a hundred years ago, and it will likely take 30 years or so for the copper to oxidize back to its classic green hue.

Visiting the Maine State House

TripAdvisor ranks the Maine State House as one of the top things to do in Augusta, Maine – and for a good reason. A marvel of architecture with a rich history, it remains one of the city's most visited sites nearly 200 years after its completion. 

All citizens and visitors to the State of Maine are welcome to tour the State House. Tours and field trips are scheduled through the Maine State Museum and are always free of charge. Walk-in visitors are also welcome, with tours running hourly between 9 AM and noon. The State House is open to the public year-round, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM. Be sure to stop at the kiosk upon arrival to sign the guestbook and pick up your free State of Maine stamp and postcard!

The Maine State House is also a building worth returning to time and time again. During the ceremony commemorating the building's 160th anniversary in 1989, a stainless steel time capsule was buried near the front wall of the State House, not to be opened until 2029. Only time will tell what is inside. 

Contact our Augusta office today to learn more about finding your dream home in Augusta, Maine. Our Augusta real estate agents have years of experience in the local real estate market.  Our goal is making sure you find the perfect house for you and your family.