Staging Works

I had the opportunity to stage a (very large) condo that was vacant.  This was through a relo company and the condo had been on the market for 5 months – with very little activity.  After previewing the condo, I decided the living/dining room, kitchen, and master bedroom and bath (the entire first floor) were all that needed to be staged, which would save the relo company quite a bit of money, but still have a great impact.  So I rented the furniture from an outside vendor, rented my own accessories to the relo company, and moved everything in. 

And guess what?  The condo sold 5 weeks later!  When i wnet there earlier this week to pick up my things I met the selling agent and the new homeowners.  And each of them said to me – separately, – that the reason the buyers bought the condo was because it was staged.  That allowed them to see the space as it could be used…..despite the rather dated interiors.

That’s wonderful news for all of us who stage……..let’s see what we can do to spread it!

Window box makeover

I consider my window boxes to be a part of my interior decorating.

They are outside the house, but positioned directly in front of my living room window, a few inches above the windowsill. They are about 8 feet long, so what is in them becomes a part of my living room. It’s like having an extra wall to decorate (always a good thing).

At the moment the days are getting colder, the old-fashioned geraniums are struggling to flower, and they need to be rescued from the boxes.  I’ll bring them inside and try to coax them through until the Spring. After I’ve repotted them I’ll go scavenging through the garden for things to fill up the empty boxes. Anything in the garden will do (berries, pine, twigs, dried hydrangea etc.) Small pieces can be bundled together with a piece of string.

I always start with the largest pieces first; cutting them at various levels, on an angle, then pushing them deep into the dirt. Try to create as much interest and dimension as you can; have branches draping over the side and overlapping each other at different angles. 

Add color after you have the basic structure in place. If you don’t have winter berries, use what you have to add texture. Broken flower pots (they will freeze and crack so don’t use good ones) old bird houses, seed pods, iron garden ornaments etc.  Stand back from the house, or drive by in your car, to see how it looks from a distance. 

When you are done, water the window box really well. This will help to freeze the plants into the dirt and keep your display looking fresh during the long, Winter months.

Hang it up

Now that the cold weather is settling in I have found myself reaching for a coat and the occasional pair of gloves. Having an incurable accessories addiction I have always had to be creative with finding places for them to live. I thought I would share some of them with you.

- A dresser by the front door. The drawers will easily keep mittens, hats and scarves right where you need them, without creating clutter.

- Wooden coat racks (from the craft store). I have attached them to the inside of my front and back doors and painted them to match the room. 

- A vintage bread basket, placed by the  front door, easily keeps track of gloves.

- A large, copper plant tray, while a bit expensive, will get gorgeously distressed as you use it to hold your boots and winter shoes (and should last forever).

- Think your coat closet is full? Take a second look. Screw in hooks along the back or side to hang your scarves and seldom-used coats.  Go vertical and hang one above the other.

Chalkboard paint – not just for kids

At the moment we are all looking for ways to decorate our homes without spending a lot of money. One of my favorite ways to do this is with a can of black chalkboard paint. 

The coverage is far superior than normal paint and the finished look is that of old cast iron. Over the years I have used it many times in my home and no-one realizes that it is paint, let alone chalkboard paint. 

The most successful way to use it is on brass accessories. Over time these can become outdated, and we get tired of their perpetual  ”shininess”.

The first thing I painted was the stand for my floor lamp. I did not sand or prime it and within 10 minutes  the traditional lacquered brass suddenly looked modern and sophisticated. Once I changed the cream-colored shade, it looked like a new lamp for less than twenty dollars (see picture).

With can in hand I then moved onto my chandelier. Being a tad lazy I decided not to take it down. I used painters tape to attach newspaper to the ceiling, about 3 feet in diameter around the chandelier (a bit dodgy as the newsprint may rub off on the ceiling, but it didn’t). I also removed the lightbulbs and covered the bulb outlets with a piece of tape. Once the prep was done I just sprayed the entire thing with the black chalkboard paint. It didn’t even look like the same fixture.

 I started looking for more things to paint….

Fabulous Fall Curb Appeal

So summer has come and gone and your house still hasn’t sold.  No worries…there are solutions, and homes do sell 12 months of the year.  However, it is very important to keep up the curb appeal with appropriate seasonal maintenance and upkeep.  Lots can still be done during fall and winter selling seasons.  To ensure that your listing is the “hottie in the hood” try a few nature inspired decorations to draw buyers in.  Click on the link below to see entire article.  Article source: www.thestate.com.

Article url: http://www.thestate.com/home-garden/story/977268.html

Now what?…Decorating the Empty Nest

Article by Wendy Wrzos  – http://thebluegiraffe.com

My daughter is only 10, I have a few more years before I need to worry about her wanting to jump ship (hopefully) but I know several families who have recently had their teenagers leave for college (or to get married) and are now faced with rooms in their home that are empty.

By empty, I mean devoid of an occupant, still filled with their belongings, and in need of a clean, but no longer in use. So, along with the heartache of sending your teenager off into goodness-knows-what territory, you are left home, alone, staring at spaces that need to be redefined.

Begin with the obvious. Can you use their bedroom for something else or do you want it to stay the same for when they come home to visit? If you want it to stay the same, then just close the door and leave it as it is (try not to let it become a shrine to their youth; collecting dust in some macabre way, it will do neither of you any good).

The next bit is for those of you who are still doing the happy dance and have visions of clean smelling rooms and a grocery bill that doesn’t rival the budget deficit.

•  Turn on your favorite music, really loud.
• Clean their room! Don’t sterilize it beyond recognition, but don’t be afraid to organize the excess into plastic storage containers and put it away. Pretend it’s a guest room, keep it clean and minimal. Open the windows, put an easy to care for plant on the dresser and leave the door open.
• Change the seating arrangements in the living and family rooms. Will you be spending more time in there now? Where would you like to sit? Sit on each piece of furniture (a la Goldilocks) and decide which one you like the best. Make sure there are a table and a coaster near by. Do you need a light to read by? A place to stack some books or magazines?
• If the size of your dining/kitchen table seems overwhelming, take out a leaf or two. Make it feel more like a cozy nook. Store the extra chairs away until you need them. Put a vase of flowers, a bowl of fruit or a stack of books in the middle. Don’t leave it looking desolate.
• Collect all the family photographs from around the house. Yes, this may make your heart ping a little, but it’s ok. Look at them. Add new ones, change out old ones and keep what you love. Try to keep your frames similar. Hang them all together, at random heights, in a room that you use all the time (kitchen or family). Never more than two inches away from each other so that they create an interesting, mosaic effect.
• Think about where your desk is. Can you move it to a better spot now that you aren’t “sharing” a computer? Maybe you want it facing a window or in the kitchen. The decision is yours.

Remember, your life is changing, but it is not a bad thing. By deciding to enjoy the change you are making yourself happier and creating a more welcoming place for your family when they return.

Image: http://housebeautiful.com

What the Walls are Wearing

Paint color trends are just that…trends.  There are endess options and sites on the internet where you can get inspired and/or learn about the latest color choices when it comes to residential or commercial design.  This article caught my eye on Homedepot.com and it is always fun to read about colors and all the options available from different companies like Ralph Lauren, Glidden and Behr.  Don’t worry…neutrals are still “on trend” but have been expanded beyond beige to include pale shades of greens and yellows.  The article also mentions grays and rich tones like deep purples for those who want to mix it up just a bit.  Click on the link below to read entire article.

http://www6.homedepot.com/ideasathome/trendstowatch/issue16.html?cm_sp=THD_Marketing-_-Ideas_at_Home-_-share_article_facebook

Putting Your Home on Stage to Sell

Post by Lisa Sordi :: Spruce it Up http://www.spruceitupredesign.com/

Staging your home with the advice and assistance of a professional allows your listing to stand out among the crowd. The staging process highlights the best features of your real estate property to capture a buyer’s attention. A staged home not only photographs better, but allows you to captivate the online buyer’s attention at a distance. Since the first days of a new real estate listing are key in predicting the swiftness and strength of a home sale, it is essential to have your home “resale-ready” when your listing hits the MLS.       

What exactly is involved in getting a home “resale-ready?” 

It’s not all about decorating, but actually about giving your home the look and feel of a “model home” to appeal to the broadest range of prospective buyers. The goal is to make anyone feel like they could live there, and the best way to do this is to “neutralize” the surroundings.  Sometimes neutralizing includes updating paint colors, eliminating outdated flooring or fixtures, or neutralizing household odors. In many homes, it is just about de-cluttering and de-personalizing the space, or a matter of improving “curb appeal” or removing window coverings and letting in the light! A staged home shows as spacious and bright, and those are characteristics which most homebuyers are seeking! 

Why spend money on improvements if my house is for sale?

It is common for sellers in a soft market to be reluctant to improve homes they are leaving, thinking “Why should I change my home for the next owner, when I never made these improvements for myself?”. Today’s buyers are savvy, and looking to move into properties which will not require updating, reconstruction or a host of home improvements upon purchase. As such, an investment in staging is often less than 10% of the average asking price reduction. The simplest of staging techniques often cost nothing, and some can actually earn a seller some extra money. Why not pare down furnishings and possessions and have less to pack and move? Consider having a yard sale, donate some items to a local charity which can be tax-deductible, or bring your gently used furnishings and home décor items to a home consignment outlet?

How can I get my family to see the value in staging?

A great example is: Staging a home is not unlike the measures one takes when selling a car. One of the first things most people do when selling a car is to have it washed and waxed, inside and out. An interior and exterior detailing often costs upwards of $200 versus the asking price of an automobile. Staging a home for resale can cost as little as $200 with potential returns being oh, SO much greater!!! Let your gleaming countertops, fireplace, great bank of windows or beautiful view stand out with staging and validate your asking price! 

Staging your home with a professional allows you to work side-by-side with a stager, or to sit back and watch your home’s potential unfold! Stagers can offer consultations for do-it-yourselfers, or can provide busy homeowners with turn-key solutions, handling the staging process from start to finish. If you wish to explore the staging process, consider listing with Joy Tarbell Realty, and put the experience of one of the North Conway’s most experienced sales teams to work for you.  We can assist you in setting up the staging process with  Lisa Sordi, Certified Interior Redesigner, owner of Spruce it Up Home Staging & Redesign in Center Conway.

Another Great Year!

I spent last week (with my partner in crime Ann) attending our 5th conference! It’s hard to believe it’s been five years. I am always in awe of just how wonderful our group is. We spent two days together learning, sharing and inspiring each other to move our businesses forward. Although I may be “teacher” and “presenter” at this event, I come away with ideas and inspiration that re-energize me too. We never stop learning and I am grateful to all of the women who share this experience with us.

We began day one with two presentations from lifestyle entrepreneur, coach and speaker Jane Pollak. We learned How to Have a Million Dollar Presence on a Zero Dollar Budget, and then listened to stories about her journey from art teacher to professional public speaker and the inevitable hiccups along the way. Patti Morrow informed us about interior design legislation and how it can affect ALL of our businesses regardless of what it is we do. The group participated in marketing exercises that included both individual and group work that resulted in a written plan they can implement themselves. We fit in some creative time by learning about window treatments styles and trends too.

Then it was time for some real fun! During our ‘get to know you’ cocktail party, those who dared donned fashions from the 80’s just for fun. “Remember when” was a great conversation starter!

On day two, it was off to Interim Furnishings to listen to Feng Shui specialist Christine Conway. Her informative talk got us talking… and we’ll all be wearing crystal bracelets next year for sure! Feng Shui is not what you think it is, and Christine did a fine job demystifying pre-conceived ideas.

After a bit of a stretch, it was time for our ‘Designer’s Challenge’, where everyone got to get their hands dirty while flexing their creative muscles.

 

 

 

To view more photos, visit the conference highlights page of the website  http://www.associationofdesigneducation.com/ConferenceHighlights.html

The Thrill of the Hunt

Turn your summer tag-sale savvy into flea market gold. Although you can find treasures for a bargain at your local tag sales, there’s nothing a collector (or wanna-be collector) likes better than a great flea market. However, you really do need to be prepared in order to make the most of your shopping experience.

1. Dress Appropriately – Flea markets can be dusty and hot, so be sure you don’t wear anything too precious. Dress in layers and wear good supportive shoes. Leave the jewelry and the big purse at home and instead opt for a light-weight carryall to stash money and personal items. Don’t forget to wear a hat too.

2. What to Bring – If you know you’re looking for something specific, make sure you have a small notebook on hand to list details like measurements and color preferences. Take along a tape measure to make sure whatever you choose fits the bill. In addition to plenty of cash (most dealers prefer cash) take a credit card or checkbook just in case. Bottled water is a must and a snack or two couldn’t hurt. (Shopping bags and/or a rolling cart help with multiple or larger purchases.)

3. Ask for the Bargain – If you truly believe an item could be marked down, ask the dealer if this is their best price. (A 5%-10% discount is appropriate.) Don’t try to haggle if the ticket says “firm” as this is the amount the dealer must have.

4. Collect what you Love – Collections should begin with the heart. Don’t purchase something just because that’s what everyone else is into. Furniture does sell first, so if that’s what you’re after, start there. (And go early.) You can find china plates, vintage jewelry, garden statuary, silver and vintage kitchen items for a decent price at most flea markets.

Check out this link to find a flea market near you. Happy hunting!

Fellow New Englander’s… Brimfield will be held September 8th-13th.

Full post: Visit http://beautifullivingstyle.blogspot.com/2009/08/thrill-of-hunt.html