With the Spring Season just around the corner, I think it is time to start inspiring you, my lovelies, with some awesome, hot & trendy color combos in case you’re planning on doing any large or small home renovating or decorating in the upcoming months. Personally, I LOVE color! I can’t just choose a favourite, as most of the vibrant colors make me feel happy inside. I say, most, because it all depends on the tone of a certain color, that takes it from trendy to fugly…

So today, I’d like to introduce you to one of my favourite, vibrant and happy color combos! It’s a gorgeously rich Peacock blue & a citrusy, vibrant green that can be called any of the following: wasabi, chartreuse, olive and avocado. This color combo has been popping up everywhere recently, from the hottest Runway shows to the trendiest hotels and boutiques. I think this pairing is dramatic & pleasing, and can be incorporated into our home decor in various ways.

If you are brave and bold, you can always paint the walls, or just choose a feature wall, and paint just one, or at the very least, if you’re not as brave and don’t want to commit to painting the walls, you can always incorporate this color combo through accessories which can be easily switched around when you get tired of it or when the seasons change.

The key is to choose furniture and accessories in the coordinating colors, which will create a flow throughout the space. The easiest way to do this is by changing up the window treatments, throw pillows, accent chairs, lighting fixtures, glamorous cabinet hardware and other little knick-knacks accessories.

Here are just a few images & ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

What do you guys think of this color combination? Love it or hate it? Would you give it a try in your home? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. =)

Happy Wednesday!

http://www.kabmurungraya.net

There are lots of simple things homeowners can do on their own to decorate their homes to sell. They can get rid of clutter, repaint, clean or put out fresh flowers. So why hire a home stager?

Many homeowners are unsure of what paint colors to choose or where to move the clutter. The process of selling a home can be completely overwhelming. They often lack real estate knowledge about their local markets and how homes in their price range should look.

A home stager has the ability to look at a home with a fresh pair of eyes. They view the home as a highly critical buyer would see it. Home staging expert Debra Gould provides five examples of how a professional home stager can benefit you:

1. A home stager knows what’s needed to create the right environment quickly and at the lowest cost.

2. A home stager knows what homes in different price ranges look like and what’s selling. They will give homeowners suggestions that their real estate agent may be afraid to offer because the agent does not want to risk losing the listing.

3. A home stager is not emotionally attached to any of the home’s contents, which means that they can see the home in a way that someone who has been living there for years simply cannot. Using their fresh vision, they recommend the optimal way to rearrange existing furniture, art and accessories.

4. A home stager can quickly choose new paint colors, flooring, tiles, countertops or any number of finishes. They have a ready source of painters, cleaners, handymen, off-site storage and a myriad of other services that may be needed on short notice.

5. A home stager can bring in replacement furniture, accessories and art if what is there isn’t appropriate for the home’s target market or the home is empty.

Home staging is not just for multimillion dollar homes. Even for modest homes, staging can have a dramatic effect on the selling price and the number of days spent on the market. For example, one of the homes Gould staged had previously been on the market for months with the best offer being $350,000. She spent 90 minutes with the owner rearranging the furniture, putting items in storage and telling him what needed to be cleaned. He sold the house the following week for $361,000!

How many other (legal) ways can you think of to invest $600 and get an $11,000 return on your investment the following week?

Written by internationally recognized home staging expert Debra Gould, The Staging Diva®, www.stagingdiva.com © 2008, Six Elements Inc. Used with permission. Debra Gould is president of Six Elements and creator of the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program. Gould has staged hundreds of homes and uses her expertise to train others worldwide. Visit her at www.stagingdiva.com and www.sixelements.com

Feel free to contact me for any and all of your Home Staging & Design related questions. I am here to help you with my expertise.

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com

I’ve said it before: kitchens are one of my most favourite places in a home; therefore I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to pay attention to small details, that make a huge difference. As a designer, I always look for ways to help others update their places with minimal effort & budget. So, no excuses!

Although I have recently written a post on Top 10 Affordable Ways to Update Your Kitchen; those changes require a bit more elbow grease and might not be suitable for everyone. So, today I wanted to show you easy-breezy ways that you can jazz up your kitchen today with minimal effort & on a tight budget, that almost anyone should be able to do.

1. Just like an accessory can update and complete an outfit, so can sexy, new knobs! It is truly such an easy & affordable update, that will make a huge difference in an overall look & feel of your kitchen. Etsy, eBay, IKEA & Lee Valley Tools are just a few of my go to places.

http://www.shelterrific.com

2. Granny Smith apples in a pretty bowl is a designer’s go to accessory to add beautiful, vibrant color & style to any kitchen. On top of looking beautiful, it is a healthy snack! Remember the old saying: An apple a day, keeps the doctor away! So, get some next time you’re our for groceries.

3. Just because it’s hidden behind closed doors, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be clean & organized. So, tackle that area under the sink cabinet & make room for cleaning supplies, garbage & recycling. It’ll give you a smile every time you open that cabinet door.

www.kaboodle.com

4. The cheapest & most cheerful update is a new set of dishtowels! Get rid of the old ones, that you can use for polishing up silverware etc, but keep them out of sight. Instead display a new set for an instant visual positivity boost.

5. Admit it, we all have one – that dreaded junk drawer! It is time to tackle the mess. Clean & organize using this adjustable drawer organizer system from IKEA

6. Want an instant homey feel? Bake a pie or a cake! It is sure to transform your kitchen into that of a home with a warm heart. Not to mention your house will smell absolutely delicious!

http://www.grandcentralbakery.com

7. Speaking of smelling delicious, why not make your own natural air-freshener? In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of apple cider to a simmer. Add a few slices of lemon, cinnamon sticks & 1 tsp whole cloves. Simmer for a couple of hours, adding more cider as it evaporates. (Source: Style At Home)

8. Did you know that a pineapple is a universal symbol of Welcome? So, display a beautiful pineapple when you’re expecting company to welcome them with a pretty and delicious fruit.

9. Tired of your old table, but don’t have the funds for a new one? Here is a solution: Invest in a pretty, new acrylic tablecloth for an instant punch of color & style, not to mention an easy clean up! (just wipe it with a damp cloth, and voila, it’s as good as new!)

10. And finally, nothing livens up as space like a bouquet of fresh flowers, so next time you buy groceries, bring home a bunch of daisies for the kitchen table or island, that are sure to put a smile on your face.

Hope you found these tips useful, and will implement them in your own kitchen for an instant cheerful update that is sure to brighten up your days! Have any more tips or questions? Feel free to share in the comments below.

]]> http://leylasroom.com/design-and-staging/10-cheap-cheerful-kitchen-updates/feed/ 4 http://leylasroom.com/design-and-staging/the-worlds-got-talent-a-creative-mint/ http://leylasroom.com/design-and-staging/the-worlds-got-talent-a-creative-mint/#comments Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:31:25 +0000 Leyla http://leylasroom.com/?p=934

This week I am super excited to introduce to you Leslie, a proud Canadian, now living & enjoying life in sunny California. In my humble opinion, she is one of the most beautiful, talented & inspiring artists out there, who is the creative force behind all the wonderful & gorgeous creations featured on her lovely Blog called A Creative Mint. If you are at all inspired by colors, flowers, beautiful, delicate accessories, and overall enjoy gorgeous photography, I urge you to check out her Blog right after you finish reading the Interview below.

Ever since I first discovered Leslie’s blog a few months ago, I turn to it often to get my dose of inspiration. There is just so much pure beauty, art & awesomeness all around her blog, that I have to admit, it is quite addicting! Every single composition, vignette & photo is tastefully put together by this super talented artist. I am just so in love with Leslie’s work that I don’t think any amount of words could ever fully describe how much I adore the work of this fabulous lady.

I hope you enjoy the interview with the ever-so-talented artist below, along with a small sampling of her gorgeous work & please don’t forget to check out her lovely blog to see a lot more of her stunning art & photography.

Leyla: Please take a moment to introduce yourself?
Leslie: Hello my name is Leslie Shewring…it’s so funny introducing yourself online!

Leyla: Why did you decide to start a blog, and what’s the story behind the name?
Leslie: I decided to start a blog because I was inspired by reading other blogs. I thought what could I add to this amazing, creative conversation that is going on right now. As well, I wanted to start doing something creative and I thought a blog would be a good way to commit to that journey for myself. The name was decided over a weekend as I was in a rush to start producing something! Once I get started on something I want it done yesterday…

Leyla: On your blog, you mention you are originally from Canada. Although I wasn’t born in Canada myself, I’ve been living in Toronto for 8 years now, and I can’t help but feel proud that someone as talented as you is from Canada. May I ask which part of Canada you’re from?
Leslie: You are so nice! I was born in Vancouver, British Columbia and grew up in the Victoria area on Vancouver Island. I am still quite a proud Canadian even though I have lived in the US for sometime now. I celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving and I have been known to hang a Canadian flag on July 1!

Leyla: What is the best & worst thing about living in California?
Leslie: There is not one best thing for me about living in Los Angeles. There are a lot of really nice things about living in LA, like the bright sunshine that lasts most of the year. The wide open sky, since we are essentially in a large desert like valley. There is the contagious energy of all these people, living in one area which is palpable for me the minute I get off the plane. I love the diversity of cultures, like the obvious influence of Mexico. There is the relaxed “beachy” lifestyle that seems to permeate everything. January is the best when the winds blow and clean out the air. I really, really like being a really, really tiny fish in a very, very large pond. The worst thing about Los Angeles is being far away from my family and of course, the pollution. Being that clean air is quite important, this rather ugly feature about LA tends to trump everything else…especially when you come from Vancouver Island!

Leyla: Since discovering your blog, I turn to it often to get my dose of inspiration from your most beautiful & unique projects. Where do you draw your inspiration to create such wonderful pieces of art?
Leslie:  Thank you! I draw inspiration from everything and anything…it is such a difficult question for me. What I create seems to be an accumulation of everything I have done, studied and seen. Today, I love reading blogs, magazines and books, as they are inspiring and motivating. I also love traveling and seeing new things.

Leyla: Every single project & photo you produce is so unique & different from each other, yet there is a cohesive approach to your style. At what age did you discover your interest and talent in what you do?
Leslie: It’s funny, we always did arts and crafts because my mother is an artist and it was a natural thing for her to do with us. I think I bought my first painting at an art show when I was eleven! I also loved art during school. However, something clicked when I was working on my Women’s Studies/Art History degree. I kept thinking I would go into Law or maybe try for a Master’s in Art History so that I could teach, but that whole time I had a part time job doing styling at a local home accessories store. I would often stay there till after midnight working away on the displays and doing the window styling…I spent hours! Often when friends would be out I would be there! One day it just clicked, why would I do anything else when this is so fun and thus I decided to pursue Interior Design. Once I got into the design field I knew I had made the best decision. Architecture followed and I have never looked back.

Leyla: Like all creative people, I am sure you have days when you might not feel motivated to create. During those times, what is the remedy that helps you get back to your usual self?
Leslie: I just try to keep showing up and even if I do not like the results I try to show up again the next day and try again and again…. eventually something starts to happen that I like and the motivation starts to build again.

Leyla: I know you have two beautiful, little children, and I am sure they keep you busy. How do you manage your time being a full time mom / wife and still have time & desire to create?
Leslie: It is a daily challenge for sure! I cannot escape the desire to create it is the finding time that is difficult, but necessary. I do not need much sleep so I find myself starting my paintings and crafty stuff after I get the kids to bed (coffee helps!). I now have a babysitter to help me on the days that I photograph. This way the kids can play outside and I can shoot photos and still be around to make lunch and put them down for their naps. I also have an extremely helpful and supportive husband, thank goodness!

Leyla: I’m not sure if your work has been published in print (magazines, books etc), and if it hasn’t, it absolutely should! Have you ever thought of writing a book on color, composition and photography? I have to admit that if you did, I would be the first to get a copy! =)
Leslie: You are so sweet! I had a black and white photograph published in a tiny pamphlet while in architecture school – that is my claim to fame! LOL! But no, seriously I just got into all this in the last six and a half months. A book or being published would be a great honor that I can aspire to.

Leyla: If you had the power to change one thing in the World today, what would it be & why?
Leslie: Oh my goodness what a question! There are many changes I would love to witness in my lifetime. The first thing that comes to mind is food and the production of food. There are serious problems with the North American diet and how that diet is produced. The health ramifications and costs are so extreme but not really addressed and the global environmental impact of our food production is staggering. I really try to live by the philosophy of “being the change you want to see in the world…”

Did you enjoy the interview & Leslie’s beautiful art/photography? Show some love by leaving your comments below. =)

http://furniture4world.blogspot.com

I know of a lot people who have a hard time decorating their shelves and bookcases, and because they don’t know where to begin, they decide to do nothing, and end up with a cluttered look. Recently, I’ve been requested to write a post on accessorizing. So, I decided to start with the basics. Shelves & bookcases are often overlooked during the decorating process, and become a place to collect all books, papers and other items, which creates a very cluttered look. I agree, it can be a challenge to decorate your shelves & bookcases, but it doesn’t have to be! And hopefully by the time you finish reading this post, you will feel a lot more confident to go ahead and start decorating, armed with these easy & useful tips.

As with any decorating and design project, it’s important to keep the design principles in mind in order to create visual balance, harmony, unity, scale, symmetry/asymmetry & contrast.

Step 1. To start off, clear out everything from the shelves and / or bookcases that you are attempting to decorate. I know it can be a hassle, but you need to begin with a clean slate. Now, do some serious de-cluttering. Go through all the books, accessories and whatever else you had on the shelves and get rid of everything that you do not need, or that is outdated.

Step 2. Next, group similar items together. For example, all the books in one pile, all the candles in another etc. Group books and other items by color, size or concept, which will instantly create a sense of visual order.

Step 3. It’s always best to accent your books with decorative and art pieces, so go hunting to your favorite stores to find some new treasures, and don’t discount Flea Markets, you can find some amazing vintage pieces there for a steal! When gathering pieces for a shelf display, make sure you have a combination of short, medium and tall objects. Depending on the scale of your shelves / bookcases, keep an eye for bigger, bolder accessories that will stand out on your shelves. Also, when it comes to decorating, I say, less is more. So fewer, well thought out pieces will create more of a visual impact, than trying to cram the shelf with everything you have.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com

Step 4. Now that you’ve gathered everything you want to display on your shelves, you are ready to start decorating, which of course, is the most exciting part! (Well, for the design-nerd in me it is! =) )

Always start with placing the heaviest books and objects on the bottom shelves, and work your way up from there. This helps to create both a visual and actual weight. As a general rule, try and place large, tall items at the back of the shelf and work your way to the front, creating layers and depth. Always arrange your items in varying heights and always in groupings, as opposed to lining the shelf with all the same height objects one by one. Remember to group items in odd numbers, so groupings of 1s, 3s, 5s and 7s will always look more appealing.

Step 5. Use decorative lighting such as track lighting, or spot lighting to illuminate the shelves in order to highlight your arrangements and give them the added importance.

Step 6. At last, step back, squint your eyes and make sure all the arrangements flow nicely and that you are happy with the final result. The best part about decorating shelves is that it is super easy to make changes and doesn’t require to break the budget to make changes on a whim!

I hope you found these tips & advice helpful. Most importantly, when it comes to decorating, don’t be afraid! Have some confidence in your decorating abilities. And if all else fails, you can always Contact Me for help! =)

http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com

Personally kitchens are my favourite rooms in the house. For some reason, wherever you are, somehow everyone always ends up in the kitchen. It’s definitely the heart of the house, and if you are a cook and even if you’re not, there is no need to live in a kitchen that is less than satisfying. (that is of course, if the budget permits)

Kitchens and bathrooms yield the most ROI (return on investments) if you ever decide to sell. So, rest assured that whatever changes you can afford to make will go a long way. They will bring happiness and satisfaction to you while you’re living and enjoying the space, and will wow potential buyers when it’s time to sell.

There are many ways to update the look of your kitchen. And it all comes down to your budget, time & desire as to how much you want to change in your current kitchen. I’ve come up with a list of some designer tips to help you make the best of your renovation dollar and create a beautiful space that will inspire you to cook or simply entertain!

1. Paint – Painting out the walls is one of the easiest, most affordable and impactful changes you can make in your kitchen. Do not underestimate the power of color! It has been proven through countless of studies that color has a huge impact on our mood. So choose a beautiful color that makes you happy & get painting! If you need help choosing colors, you can contact me personally, and I can help you make the choice =)

2. Paint the cabinets - There are a few ways of going about updating and resurfacing your existing cabinets. If you have the budget, then by all means, change the cabinets, but most of the time if the cabinets are in a decent condition, you can give them a second life by doing a few DIY projects. If your cabinets are solid wood, you are lucky! Because you can clean, sand & restain the cabinet doors & drawer fronts into a beautiful wood stain. A rich dark chocolate color is a personal favourite of mine for a more classic contemporary look, however, lighter wood tones can also work well. Another option is to simply paint the cabinets in a durable eggshell or semigloss finish and save thousands of dollars. You can also get them professionally spray painted in a lacquer finish, which would look great, but will cost more.

www.apartmenttherapy.com

3. Change the hardware – This has got to be one of the most affordable ways to dramatically change the whole look & style of the kitchen. There are so many amazing options to choose from right now, in all kinds of finishes such as: brushed stainless-steel, brass, glass/crystal, iron, nickel and more. Here are a few places that I like to shop at: eBay (you can find some unique stuff one there, that nobody else has), IKEA (simple, modern & affordable), Lee Valley Tools (a huge variety of all kinds of styles & price ranges)

4. Sink & Faucets – This is another easy but dramatic change. This is one of those expenses that can cost a lot, but doesn’t have to. Nowadays, you can choose from a wide variety of pretty nice things from big box stores, like Home Depot, Lowes and more.

5. Backsplash – One of my most favourite places to inject style, personality and flair is through a backsplash. The role of the backsplash is both functional & aesthetic. As far as options go, you can choose from a simple subway tile, to mosaic tiles in different materials, such as, glass, metal, stone & porcelain. Here are my 2 go to places for backsplash: Stone Tile & Saltillo Imports. Backsplash should act as a place to put together all the colors in the room, like wall colors, cabinet colors, window treatments and any other accents you might have.

http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com

6. Lighting fixtures - Don’t neglect the importance of good lighting. It is not only aesthetically pleasing, it’s also very important to have proper lighting functionality wise. Three areas to address are: Ambient lighting (main lighting), pendants (hung above an island if you have one) & accent lights on dimmers (under cabinet lights to showcase your new beautiful backsplash & also to leave on when you don’t need a lot of light)

7. Window treatments – You want to let in as much natural light as possible, but if privacy is an issue a simple roman blind is a great solutions. Again, it won’t work in all kitchens, but you can always add a bit of glamour with beautiful drapes hung on either side of the window (if applicable). Whatever you choose, don’t forget to address the windows one way or the other. Otherwise it will end up looking cold & unfinished, and you don’t want that, right?

8. Countertops – This change is a bit more costly, but again, doesn’t have to be. There are quite a few great laminate countertops available, from big-box-stores that will change the look of your kitchen dramatically. If, however your budget is a bit higher, consider investing in a solid surface tops like quartz, granite or caesarstone. Yes, they cost more, but in the long run are a lot more durable and will not wear as much as a laminate will.

http://www.europeancabinets.com

9. Flooring – Depending on the size of your kitchen it could be a pricy update. Options range from laminate, hardwood, cork, to natural stone and porcelain tiles.

10. Accessories – A few new colorful accessories can really jazz up a space. Things like a new breadbox or towel rack. Consider adding a collection of spice jars, plates, plants, or even books. This gorgeous Kitchen Aid mixer is on my Wish-List! =)

http://www.kitchencritic.co.uk/

Hope these tips inspired you to make some changes to your kitchen. If you have any specific design related questions that I have not addressed here, please feel free to contact me directly. =)

Home staging is quickly becoming a necessity and an integral part of selling real estate. Gone are the days when staging was simply an option; in today’s tough real estate market proper staging is the only way to set your house apart from the competitors down the street or in the same neighbourhood. Overall, staging follows some simple and proven techniques to maximize the appeal of your home to the greatest number of buyers. However, despite the theoretical simplicity of the staging concept, there are quite a few common mistakes that undermine the success of staging and a potentially successful sale of your home.

Here are top 20 common mistakes that sellers make when preparing their house for sale. You should keep these in mind if you’re thinking of or getting ready to sell your house:

1. Don’t neglect the clutter. What might seem like clean and organized to you, might not translate the same to others. Make sure to tour the house top to bottom by enlisting a friend or the help of a professional stager that will give you an honest opinion about what needs to go and what can stay.
2. Don’t do any major renovations.This is not the time to splurge on expensive renovations and replacing all appliances. Smart investment dollars can go a long way in creating the desired, updated look. Sometimes simple things like adding an attractive backsplash in the kitchen, replacing the faucets, light fixtures, hardware and door handles, and painting the walls a warm but neutral colour can go a long way. To finish of the look, it is important to bring in attractive accessories that will compliment the rest of the space and add warmth.
3. Don’t block light & views. Natural light is extremely important and blocking it off with heavy curtains or bulky pieces of furniture is false economy. Especially if you’ve got attractive views, instead of hiding them – make them the focal point, and see the positive result it has on the buyers.
   
4. Don’t paint with dark, intense and custom colours. Now is not the time to bring in your personal taste to the table. Choose a nice, neutral and warm colour, such as any of the following families: beige tones, grey tones, or light blue or pale greens. You’ll be surprised at the transformative effect a few coats of fresh paint will have on your space!
5. Don’t take it personally. When you make the decision to sell your house, you have to realize that now is the time to emotionally detach from your home and think of it as a product. The same way that products in a store are marketed, your house will have to be treated with the same marketing strategies in order to secure a successful sale. It can be a very emotional and difficult time letting go of your beloved home, but you have got to keep the bigger picture in mind, and think that you will create more amazing memories in your new house.
6. Don’t stay at the house during showings. It can be quite awkward and uncomfortable for buyers to have you around, as they will not feel comfortable to voice their honest opinion in your presence. Make sure to leave the house for all the showings and trust that the realtor will do a proper job at showing your house.
7. Don’t leave your pets around during showings. This goes along the same lines of not taking it personally. It is important to keep in mind that not everyone loves animals, and some people might either be allergic or afraid of them and therefore, some will even refuse to walk into the house, knowing there is a certain creature in there. So take them away on a mini adventure during showings, and make sure that all the pet odors have been eliminated as well.
8. Don’t think the house will sell itself. Real Estate is like a game in any market, and especially in today’s market conditions, you have got to implement some preparation strategies if you want to sell quick and for maximum profit. So de-clutter, de-personalize, clean, make all the small repairs, paint if you have to and overall create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Make sure to take some attractive photos for online listings, as that is the first step most buyers take when starting their search. Read this post and learn How To Take Magazine-Style Photos for Online Listings.
9. Don’t over-stage and over-accessorize. It is easy to get carried away when decorating, but the thing to remember is that there is a huge difference between decorating and staging to sell. A few, well thought out accessories in key places is all you need. No need to fill the tub with bubbling water and sprinkle bath salts in order to create a spa feeling. Instead, a few candles, fresh towels and minimal bath accessories will do the trick!
10. Don’t buy all new furniture. If you current furniture pieces are not working because they’re outdated and unattractive, there is other ways of going about it. You can always ask to borrow friends’ or relatives’ furniture for the time being, or rent furniture items while you’re selling. The problem sometimes can also be that there is just too much of big and bulky pieces, and a simple rearranging of key pieces and removing the rest will make all the difference.
11. Don’t add personality. Now is not the time to bring in your unique style into the home. Staging is all about de-personalizing the space, and creating more of a luxury hotel or a Model Home look that will appeal to most everyone.
    
    
12. Don’t neglect the outside spaces. With outdoor entertaining becoming more and more popular with each year, the importance of these areas should not be overlooked when selling the property. A neatly groomed front yard and a cozy and comfortable backyard can turn some lookers into buyers instantly. So mow the lawn, plant some blooming flowers, add some outdoor furniture and you’ve created an outdoor oasis that buyers will instantly imagine themselves enjoying for years to come.
13. Don’t neglect the refrigerator and the pantry. Go through your entire fridge and pantry and get rid of any old and expired items. Thoroughly clean the entire fridge and pantry from the inside out, and then neatly organize only fresh produce and food items back in. Make sure that there aren’t any odors when you open the fridge. A good tip to remember is to leave an opened box of baking soda in the fridge. Baking soda absorbs odors and prevents them from interacting with each other.
14. Don’t neglect the closets and the storage spaces. According to a recent study, 86% of buyers said storage was one of the most important items on their wish list. When you move, you are going to have to pack anyways, so why not get started a bit earlier and do something that will benefit the sale of your home at the same time? Purge through all the clothes and linen closest and other storage spaces, get rid of anything that hasn’t been used or worn in over a year or two, pack away seasonal items and only keep the essentials. It will make the closets and storage spaces appear a lot more spacious if they are not crammed with clothes and other things. Attract more potential buyers with an organized home by installing closet design organization systems in lieu of cabinets
    
    
15. Don’t neglect the laundry room/area. Often the laundry room or area becomes a catch – all place for all the odds and ends that you couldn’t figure out where else to store. It is time to address this issue and de-clutter. Make sure that the only things that are left are laundry related and are neatly organized.
16. Don’t neglect the garage. People are looking to buy space, so having your garage piled with boxes and other items will make it look smaller. Store all things off premises if possible. If you can’t find a friend or a relative to ask to help out, there are other storage solutions that are affordable these days. The investment will pay off in the long run.
17. Don’t neglect the basement. Most of the time the basement is a place for all things unfit elsewhere. Excess furniture, clothes, books etc. Pack whatever you’ll be taking with your to your new home away in boxes and arrange the rest in attractive seating or lounging areas. Poorly maintained basements can leave a bad overall impression on an entire house.
18. Don’t keep your photos and knick-knacks out. Buyers are there to potentially find their dream home, and it would be impossible to try and imagine their own lives, when they’re surrounded by constant reminders that this is someone else’s house. So eliminate anything that will cause buyers to be reminded that it’s not theirs, since you want them to feel at home and envision their own family enjoying the space.
19. Don’t list your house if you’re not ready. It is truly false economy to rush and list your house if the house is not ready for showings. Instead invest the time and money to prepare your house to be viewed and judged from all angles, and then watch it be snatched up in the first few showings, because people will fall in love with it, when they see how well maintained the house is.
    
    
20. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. It can be an overwhelming and daunting task to know exactly what to do and how. A professional stager will provide you with the knowledge and expertise to transform your home into a Show Home, which will be invaluable to the success of your home’s sale. Depending on the scope of the project the investment in staging can cost you anywhere from $300 to $5000 dollars, and it will certainly be recuperated after your house sells. And remember one last thing, your first price reduction will probably be more than the investment in preparing your house to show at its best! 

Photo Source: http://www.frontdoor.com, http://www.arnewde.com, http://denverpost.com, http://www.womansday.com, http://i.ehow.com, http://www.garage-it.net

Our modern world is becoming more virtual people – there is no running away from it! Everything from simple research of beauty trends, to advice on relationships, to shopping and much more is now done Online more often than not. Gone are the days of going to the library and spending hours to try and find the answers. Nowadays, all you have got to do, is type in those pretty little words into the Search Engine of your choice – and VOILA! – You are presented with thousands of different links / options to choose from, to find the best-suited answer to your burning question or a certain item that you’re searching for.

And of course, the ever-growing Virtual World of ours is changing the way Real Estate is being done. Today, more house-hunters turn to the Internet to begin the search for their Dream House! Which is why it is so vital to ensure that the photos of your property that you submit to Online Listings present your house in the very best light possible – because sometimes that is all the chance you get to make that first impression. The goal of the online listing is to ignite the interest of the potential buyers and result in the next step, which is an actual showing!

While the importance of having beautifully captured photos of your property may seem common sense to some people, to others it might not be so obvious – if you don’t believe me, just take a look at some of the MLS listings and you will be amazed at how unprofessional and unappealing photos in some of the listings look!

If you’re going to be enlisting the services of a Real Estate Agent and / or a Stager, most of the time you will not have to worry about the final results of the photos and can leave it all in the professionals hands – as they probably own a professional digital camera and know how to get your property looking its best. Now, if you’re a do-it-yourself type of person, and will be in charge of preparing and selling your house on your own, here are a couple of pointers to keep in mind when taking photos of your property before it goes on the market:

1. First and foremost, before you even start to think about taking photos, it is important to prepare your house for Sale. Whether you will do the research and implement the changes yourself, or will enlist the help of a professional Stager is entirely up to you, your budget & timing. But the fact of the matter is – in today’s slow & competitive market, if you want your house to stand out, you have got to put in some work into it, before your house goes on the market. The basics of Staging (the process of preparing your house for Sale) are as follows:

• Clean
• Get Rid of Clutter
• Get Rid of Personal Items
• Make any necessary repairs or repainting
• Add some moderate colour throughout with art, accessories and lighting to create a warm and welcoming space.
  
   

For more detailed tips and advice on staging you can read my other articles in the ‘Design & Staging’ Section of my Blog, or e-mail me with specific questions, and I will be happy to provide you with some pointers.

Now you are finally ready to take the photos!

2. To get the results we’re after – a beautiful and welcoming space anybody can call ‘Home’ – You will need to get or borrow a good quality, professional camera, a wide-angle lens and a tripod.

3. I cannot emphasize the importance of proper lighting! It can make or break an image of even the most beautifully designed interior spaces. Try to avoid using the on-board flash of your camera. Often times using the flash will not give you the desired results – things that are close to the camera will be too bright, and things that are further away will come out too dark. What you have to do is make the best use of the available natural light. For that, make sure that you take the photos during the best time of the day. For example if you know that a certain room in your house is sun-filled, lets say at 2 pm, make sure to take the photo at that time. Natural and even light is what makes a great photograph and will provide the potential buyer with a cheerful and happy feeling when looking at the photos. Also, ensure that all the lights in the room, such as ambient light (pot lights, chandeliers etc) and all the rest of the accent lights (table or floor lamps, under cabinet lights etc) are all on. Again, it will create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, which is crucial!

4. Now, walk around the room and choose the best angle for the specific area/room. The angle that you choose will depend on what you are trying to emphasize – if it’s the beautiful flooring, then you’ll have to shoot from up above, if it’s the height of the room, then you’ll have to shoot from a low angle and if it’s the big windows, architectural features or a fireplace, then position the tripod at eye level and ensure that the angle you choose captures all of the desired features and that the focal points are all visible.

5. Once you’ve chosen your angle, you’re finally ready to shoot. To find the right exposure, you will have to experiment. To start, set your aperture to about F8 or smaller (this will ensure everything from near to far is in focus, which is why you need to use a tripod, to avoid any movement), and set your exposure to about 1 second to start, and lower your ISO level, to avoid grainy images. Take a test shot and see if it needs to be brighter or darker, and depending on that play around with the exposure settings until you are happy with the results. Remember to shoot in RAW format, so that you can edit your images later in any of the Photo Processing softwares available.

6. Last step is to edit your photos for perfection. You can always adjust the brightness, contrast and colour to create an image that you will be proud to show off!

7. Now that you’ve done all the hard work – just sit back and wait for all the upcoming showings!

I hope you’ve found these tips helpful. Feel free to leave a comment with your opinion or share any tips of your own.

Photo Source: http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com, http://jillwente.com/, http://www.realtor.ca, http://www.photohowto.info

• Window Treatments, such as drapes / curtains - If you want to create warmth, add a bit of drama and frame the window, then drapes / curtains are essential. Possible ways of dressing up a window include panels on either side of the window, with a sheer curtain or a roman shade in between to let in the natural light. It is a good idea to invest in quality drapes that have a simple cotton flannel interlining. The benefits include that this sort of protection blocks out up to 98% of light allowing you to have a good night’s sleep and also protects the drapes from UV ray discoloration over time. They also help you save money on your heating and air conditioning bills and reduce unwanted outside noise. 
   
• Throw Pillows – Pillows are a great way to bring in a designers touch to any space. Thanks to the pillows, a boring gray or beige couch can be transformed into a stunning focal point. Between the living, family room, basement and a bedroom, pillows can be used just about anywhere – from an armchair, to a sofa, to a bed and a side chair, they add a delicate and soft touch to any space. Since it’s on such a small scale, don’t be scared to go for some bold and graphic patterns, which will really add some visual interest to the room. Think of it as an important accessory, without which an outfit simply wouldn’t be complete. And just as most accessories, it is a relatively inexpensive investment and can be easily changed from season to season, or as you grow tired of it.
   
• Bedding – The bed is usually the biggest piece of furniture in the bedroom; therefore, it grabs your attention as soon as you walk into the room; and as such, it is quite important to address the bedding and not neglect the bed as a decorating step. There are tons of great ready-made bedding options out there, and some of them have quite a custom look. Bed-in-a-bag is a cost effective solution, but sometimes you have to look harder than others to find the one you like. Depending on your style and colour preference, you could indulge yourself in either soft blues, muted greens, or go for more bold and graphic patterns such as the examples shown.
   
• Tablecloths, Table Runners & Napkins – Why not dress up your dining room table, even if you’re not waiting on company? Bringing fresh colour, and pattern into your surroundings is easier than you think. Now, I’m not an expert sewer by any means, but if you can’t find anything you like in ready-made format, why not get creative and make it yourself? It would be a lot easier to find the fabric you love, and then create your own, one of a kind table runner, tablecloth and napkins. The best part is that it is an inexpensive way to inject some serious style, and personality into your space, without braking the bank, and also, it’s easy to change seasonally or if you get tired of the same thing.
   
• Fabric art – Think outside the box for this little DIY. Find the fabric you absolutely love, get a canvas and a staple gun. Carefully stretch and staple the fabric to the back of the canvas. Or for an easier approach, you can always just frame the fabric, which would have a more finished look, like the examples shown. Now you’ve got an original piece of art that you can be proud of creating!
   

These are just a couple of the creative ways you can introduce some fun design into you space. Now that you can see the endless array of gorgeous & yummy fabric designs, I hope you feel inspired to bring in some fun fabrics into your home as well.

Photo Source: www.apartmenttherapy.com, www.decoratingbargains.com, www.thechocolateblues.com, www.theshadestore.com, www.restorationhardware.com, www.hostessblog.com,  www.joom.etsy.com, www.pillowsandthrows.com, www.2modern.com, www.designpublic.com, www.plumparty.com, www.essereorganics.com, www.wrapables.com, www.allmodern.com,  http://morewaystowastetime.blogspot.com

How to create them:

If there are existing architectural features and details, such as large windows, crown moldings, arches, fireplaces etc then you should definitely take advantage of them by highlighting their natural charm and characters. That is the easy part, but what do you do when there are no distinctive architectural features? Don’t be discouraged – read on for some simple DIY ideas anybody can do.

Living & Family Rooms

If you are a lucky owner of a house with architectural features here is what you can do to highlight their beauty:

• Fireplace is one of the most striking features and should definitely be the focal point if you’ve got one. If it’s an old fireplace, it could be painted, or tiled to give it a new life. The mantel is a great place to accessorize – a large piece of art or a mirror could be added above for some punch and smaller accessories arranged on the mantel to tie in the fireplace with the art or mirror. Having a TV in the same room as the fireplace used to be a problem, but not anymore, as more and more people are investing in a plasma screen TVs, it should be mounted above the mantel and will not fight with the focal point of the fireplace. Mounting it above the fireplace is really the perfect spot for it, since when it’s on, you will have a cozy seating arrangement around the fireplace and can enjoy both at the same time, and when it’s off it disappears almost seamlessly into the background. Especially if there are a couple of accessories on the mantel that add visual interest. Remember though, that less is more and try to avoid creating visual clutter.

• Painting out the moldings in white or off-white shades will create contrast against the wall colour and will certainly make them pop in the room.
• If you’ve got beautiful large windows, the view should be the focal point, and just like you would frame a piece of art, a great way to accentuate the view and soften the windows is to hang beautiful drapes on either side. Also, you can protect your home with indoor wood plantation shutters to cover from dust and other particles. And keep in mind also that the right Window Blinds can let in the ideal amount of sunlight into a room.

Bedrooms

The bed should be the focal point of the bedroom. The ways to create a beautiful feature of your bed are as follows:

• Having a headboard is a great way to ground the bed and also add visual interest to the bed. Upholstered headboards give off a luxurious feel to any bedroom. Adding a large piece of art or a simple yet interesting arrangement of photographs above the bed is another way to create an illusion of a headboard if you don’t have on.
• Bedding choices are very important and are an easy and relatively inexpensive way to add instant style and personality to any bedroom. Having some decorative pillows in complimentary fabrics is another way to create a luxurious & cozy bed.
• No bedroom is complete without a pair of bedside tables and a couple of table lamps or wall sconces. There are so many beautiful choices out there, and you’ll be sure to find one that fits your style & budget. Add a few small accessories to the table and your bedroom will look like a photo from a magazine spread.

Kitchens & Bathrooms

• Adding beautiful glass mosaics or ceramic / porcelain tiles to you kitchen backsplash will definitely create a stunning feature. Although glass mosaic tiles can be a bit pricey, remember that in most cases you will not need more than 50 sq/ft and trust me for the effect it creates, it is well worth the minimal investment! You can of course, opt for a simpler and more affordable look, such as a white or cream subway tile, which would still look clean & beautiful. Natural stone is another option, but does require sealing and requires regular maintenance.

• Same principal as with the kitchen backsplash, tiling a portion of the above the sink area or the shower walls is an excellent way to create a striking focal point.
• Adding a beautiful mirror above the sink in the bathroom can also create a strong focal point.

So, what if you don’t have any existing features? There is lots of things you can do with the use of colour, fabric, wallpaper, lighting and accessories. Below are just a few of the possible ideas:

• Paint is by far the cheapest way to add high impact to any space. Paining out a feature wall in an accent colour is a sure way to create an instant focal point.
• Graphic and patterned wallpaper is another stunning way to create a feature wall. There are so many gorgeous options out there today, but don’t over do it, if the pattern is too strong, keep it to a minimum and just wallpaper one wall for contrast against the painted walls

• Artwork is another great way to create focal points. The larger and the more bright and colourful the piece, naturally the more attention it will grab, so choose art pieces carefully based on what sort of impact you wish to create.

• Pillows or throw blankets on a couch can transform a bland couch into a centerpiece of a room. Choose bold patterns and prints, but stick to one or two at the most.
• Furniture pieces act like instant focal points, such as a large china cabinet, an armoire, or a coffee table. Also, if you’ve got any antique pieces, show them off! Make them the focal point, as antiques add certain character and charm that new, modern furniture cannot compete with.
• Lighting is another fabulous way to create focal points. Anything from large chandeliers above a dining room table, to pendants above a kitchen island or some unique floor or table lamps are a sure way to attract the eye.

Remember, whatever you do, be creative, think outside the box and follow your intuition. Don’t be afraid to experiment and be bold with your choices.

Feel free to e-mail me with your specific questions, and I would be glad to help out with any of your design & decorating needs.

Photo Source: www.housetohome.co.uk, www.uktv.co.uk, www.hgtv.com, www.dcrinteriors.com, www.countryliving.com, www.modwalls.com