Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/1274225
20 Even with the turmoil that we have been facing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the housing market is hot. A survey by Lending Tree points to three reasons why so many people are motivated to purchase a home this year: Low mortgage rates; the ability to save money due to canceled activities and plans; and extended time at home that is making people reassess their surroundings. Some people may be considering more space and looking into home offices or that dream vacation home; while others may be downsizing because they realize they have more than they need. Whatever is motivating a client to take that real estate step, I am committed to providing a safe and valuable experience. Every home owner wants to have an advantage over the competition when their home goes on the market, and every home buyer hopes to find a place that's just the right fit. Before listing a home, sellers should have it staged to sell, with an eye for what appeals to today's buyer. I spoke with Diana Cousineau Aveni, the owner of Hingham Furniture & Design, home of Framing Concepts in downtown Hingham, about how the right wall decor can both consciously and subconsciously influence buyers to fall in love with a house. An artist, designer and author, Aveni is an expert at getting homes to look their best, especially when it comes to one of the most challenging aspects of decorating: wall art and mirrors. For 20 years, Aveni and her design team at Hingham Furniture & Design have been providing style consultations and crafting personalized furniture and fine art to suit anyone's taste and space. Aveni has offered priceless tips on how to master the elusive art of wall decor, which can make or break a space: HOW CAN ART AND MIRRORS ENHANCE A HOME'S SALES APPEAL? Whether you're selling or staying, displayed art provides accents, invokes emotion and adds clarity. Art creates the impression of a more valuable home. If you think about a beautifully designed home with strong architecture, you can appreciate it for what it is. Without art, however, it's not finished; an important component is missing. Hang at least one mirror in every room. Mirrors help make the most of a room's natural light, enhance views and make a small space feel more open. A well-placed mirror provides sparkle and adds oomph to decor. The key lies in pairing the right mirror with the right location to maximize its decorative potential. I will sometimes make custom mirrors for my clients in order to create that perfect reflection. Wall Dec Tips That Will Give Yr He the Selling Edge An Interview with Diana Cousineau Aveni, Owner of Hingham Furniture and Design, Home of Framing Concepts By Stanley Blackmur, Coldwell Banker REALTOR