Estate Sales: Trash or Treasure?

They say, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”  But let’s face it:  anyone can advertise their Sale as an Estate Sale so you waste a lot of time driving to “Estate Sales” only to find overpriced cast-offs. I have found the best way to avoid this is to research these Sales online.  While you will find many advertised in the local newspaper,  I typically prefer the Sales advertised online so I am able to view pieces prior to the Sale.  If a Sale is online with pictures, I know I am not visiting a garage sale that someone called an Estate Sale hoping to make more money.  Further, I am  able to decide if there is a piece I want badly enough to show up at the beginning of the sale prepared to pay initial asking price.

Another way to use your time wisely is  familiarize yourself with a local outfit that handles Estate Sales.  In Louisville,  I have found Miss Vickie’s Que’s Estate Sales to be a dependable company with quality merchandise.  In business 18 years, Vickie’s Estate Sales has a great reputation and they sell 98% of their merchandise!!!  You can sign up to be included on her email list so you will know about upcoming events and view pieces on her website up to two weeks prior to the Sale. This past weekend included interesting pieces at reasonable prices.

This shelf was my absolute favorite.  Standing 5′ tall by 3 ‘ wide and 1’ deep, this  beautiful mahogany piece was both unusual and beautifully made with original hardware.  The price Saturday was $190 and sold on Sunday for $135.

This mahogany dresser was beautifully made with dovetail construction.  While the top needed refinishing and the mirror had grown cloudy, it was till very reasonably priced at $95 and further reduced to $47.50 on Sunday.

Finally, this Nineteenth century dresser was a steal at $50.  Granted, the hardware was not original, but it was well built and would have been a great addition to any bedroom, especially after a reduction to $25 on Sunday.

Are you planning on building your dream home?  Remodeling your current home?

Ron and Martha Wolford are the leaders in luxury home construction in Louisville, Kentucky.

Visit our website!

http://www.wolfordbuilthomes.com

 

 

Estate Sales: Buying History Today to Define Your Home Tomorrow

At Wolford Built Homes, we don’t just build houses.  We help you create your home.  YOU are what makes your house your home.  Your home reflects your life, your history, your experience.  When it comes to decorating, the two questions you want to ask yourself are, “what makes me unique”?  “What is MY style”?

The reason I love estate sales is they are a snapshot of someone’s life.  The pieces I see have a history and often tell a story.  I simply cannot buy that at a furniture store.  For the next several weeks we are going to dedicate our blog to Estate Sales and how to, not only get the most bang for your buck, but also how to begin telling your story through your décor.

I am an Antiques Roadshow buff, particularly the British series.  I love hearing the stories behind the pieces and oftentimes the fact the owner has no idea as to the value of what they have.  The most interesting by far are the pieces that have been handed down through generations and the stories that accompany them.  When you buy something for your home you are starting that very journey.  Why not buy something that already has a history?  Something that has been part of another person’s journey and now shall embark upon a new journey with you?

Several years ago Martha Wolford had the opportunity to attend the Estate Sale of Jay Spectre.  Mr. Spectre was named one the top 20 greatest designers of all time by Architectural Digest.  He had been quoted as saying, “taste is acquired”.  How true!  Pictured above are Ron and Martha Wolford in their home in Prospect, Kentucky.  The large painting over their bed was purchased at that Estate Sale.  Martha was not only able to add a fantastic piece of art to her collection, she was also able to build upon Jay Spectre’s taste and incorporate it in her own home.   So, as you embark upon the creation of your home why not build upon the acquired taste of another while adding your own touch along the way?

Ron and Martha Wolford are the leaders in luxury home construction in Louisville, Kentucky.

Visit our website!

http://www.wolfordbuilthomes.com

Bulbs: The Lazy Gardener’s Best Friend

 
Want to wake up to a flower-filled garden? Then get digging now and plant your bulbs! Most require little, if any, maintenance once they’re planted. And hardy bulbs can safely be left in the ground year after year.

What:   Daffodils, tulips, crocus, grape hyacinths and gladiolas are just some of the plants to choose from.  Read the label and try to keep the it with the bulb until planting. Without the label, you can’t tell the red tulips from the white ones just by looking at the bulbs.

When:  If you want to fill your garden with color next spring, plant bulbs from October to December, before the first frost.

Where:   You can plant bulbs just about anywhere in your garden as long as the soil drains well. Bulbs like sun and in many areas the spring garden can be very sunny, since the leaves on the trees are not out yet. So keep in mind when planting in the fall that you can plant in many places for spring blooms.

How:  Step 1: Loosen soil in the planting bed to a depth of at least 8”. Remove any weeds, rocks or other debris. You can mix in compost, other organic matter or slow releasing fertilizer if your soil lacks nutrients.

Step 2: Depending on the bulb, follow the recommendation on the label for planting depth. As a general rule, plant big bulbs about 8″ deep and small bulbs about 5″ deep. Set the bulb in the hole pointy side up or the roots down. It’s easy to spot the pointy end of a tulip; tougher with a crocus. If you can’t figure out the top from the bottom, plant the bulb on its side, in most cases, even if you don’t get it right, the flower bulb will still find its way topside.

Step 3: Now that the bulbs are planted, back fill with soil over the hole, lightly compress the soil but do not pack it. Water to stimulate root growth. There is no need to water continuously unless you live in an area with low precipitation in the winter months.

Why:  In the end, what you do with fall bulbs is limited only by your imagination. A few hours one brisk autumn afternoon can yield months of colorful excitement in your yard or garden next spring.

Thank you BHG for great ideas!

Building your dream home?

Remodeling your current home?

Ron and Martha Wolford are the leaders in luxury homebuilding in Louisville, Kentucky!

Visit our website!

http://www.wolfordbuilthomes.com

Preparing for the Big Chill

Although we have had the hottest week of year, fall is right around the corner.   With the change in season come changes to your garden.  Now is the time to prepare for the big chill.

Here are a few simple tips to prepare your garden for winter and ensure a great garden next spring!

1.  Remove all dying and dead plants.  Clear out the blackened stems and foliage of annual flowers and vegetables to prevent the possibility of their harboring disease pathogens and insect eggs over the winter. Cut back perennials to ground level after first frost to neaten your garden and remove pest eggs and disease spore that may  linger.

2.  Mulch is the garden’s best friend as it cuts back on weeds and holds in moisture.  Rototill mulch into soil to create more organic matter.  Collect ground up leaves and put in compost pile for use as mulch next spring.  Add a thick (6″) layer of mulch to protect plants and soil over the winter months. You want to wait until after the first frost to do this so rodents don’t nest in the soil.

3.  Plant bulbs! The good news is that planting flower bulbs is fast, easy, and nearly foolproof. One reason fall bulbs are loved by both beginner and master gardeners is that there are so few issues to consider.  Bulbs should be planted as soon as the ground is cool, when evening temperatures average between 40° to 50° F. You should plant at least six weeks before the ground freezes. The Dutch say, “bulbs don’t like wet feet.” So, avoid areas where water collects, such as the bottom of hills.  My next blog will include step-by-step instructions on how to plant bulbs so you can add tropical color to your garden next year.

4. Keep simple records of what grew well and those not to plant again.  When planning for next year, keep in mind when things bloom to ensure color throughout the spring and summer.  I often take pictures throughout the season to remind me what flourished when and where

5. Finally, draw a map of your garden so you don’t plant annuals on top of late blooming perennials.  You may not be aware of certain bulbs such as gladiolas until July!!

Thank you Better Homes and Gardens and HGTV.com for great suggestions!!

Building your dream home?

Renovating your current home?

Ron and Martha Wolford are the leaders in luxury home construction in Louisville, Kentucky!!

Visit our website!!

http://www.wolfordbuilthomes.com