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HOME DECOR

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Grey has been on the rise and not just in accessories and wall colour.  Grey is trending in cabinetry, hardwood, tile and more….

Grey had a bad rep for while for being cold and impersonal.  But grey has come a long way and it is so versatile, it works with any style of decor and in any room.  Take a look at some of our favourite rooms and ways that you can use grey.

 

 

This deep, dark charcoal wall painted in Sherwin-Williams’ Gauntlet Grey looks chic with the white sofa and pops of coral.

 

Grey can be warm and still cool at the same time.  These soft grey walls paired with the smokey green velvet accent chairs, oversized art and golden brown accents make this room super sophisticated.

 

 

The idea of grey in a nursery probably turns many away but having done it myself for both my son and daughter, I can tell you from personal experience that grey in a nursery can be incredibly soothing plus it is a perfectly neutral backdrop for nursery classics like pink, green, yellow and blue but also looks great with the more modern hues like orange, aqua, coral and metallics.

The wall colour in this nursery is French Grey by Behr it is very soft and light but the right amount of colours on the wall and this shade will transition well as your child grows up

 

 

I love a grey kitchen!  I love the versatility with this amazing shade because it is a true cross over in terms of style.  Grey can work in a classic and traditional kitchen, a modern kitchen, contemporary kitchen and a farmhouse kitchen.  It is a great alternative to off white and with the right grey is can still achieve the same warmth.  

It also works beautifully when paired with white counter tops or tile, other shades of grey and even touches of black.  It looks great with stainless steel appliances, too!

 

 

Grey in a dining room can really add drama.  I love the Kendall Charcoal walls with the wainscotting in this elegant dining room.

 

Dark rooms can be intimidating but it’s all about balance.  With the dark walls, darker table and the darker art pieces you get the drama but with the soft grey linen chairs, light grey carpet, light white table linens, candles and lamp shades you get a room that has drama, intimacy and elegance but without feeling dark. 

You could easily have a more contemporary dining space using the same principles of balancing light and dark.

 

 

When you layer shades of grey to get luxury just like you see here in this master bedroom. 

The linens, the bed frame, the furniture, the flooring and the wall colour all work together to get this rich and sophisticated look.

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Wall Décor is something we feel is crucial to every home. Whether you have modern décor, a country home, or a very traditional style of decorating, wall décor is what really pulls a space together. The amount of wall décor in a given home may vary depending on home style and personal taste. Many people have a hard time choosing the correct art to suit their home décor style, or lack the creativity to incorporate something other than photographs or pictures into their space. Wall Décor options are endless!

Here we will give you some suggestions on some wall décor variations other than the traditional artwork.

1. Mirrors

Mirrors are a great addition to any space. The variations and options of mirror shapes, sizes, colours, textures is so vast – you can find anything you want. Mirrors can go in many places in your home as well. If you have an empty wall above your sofa, a large rectangular mirror in a great metallic or three smaller starburst mirrors in scattered pattern are a fabulous option.

 

 

 2. Open Shelving

Open shelving is a fantastic way to fill an empty wall. Depending on what your style preference is, there are so many colours and wood shelves that will really add another dimension to your space. Open shelving is a great way to display family photos, accessories and whatever other small items you’d like to showcase in your home. Open shelving can be one shelf or a variety of shelves in different shapes and configurations. Open shelves look great in almost all rooms of the home, kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, etc.

 

 

3. Wall Decals

 

Wall Decals are used most often in children’s rooms, and they’re great because if a child grows out of them, it’s not a matter of changing the paint so often. There are also many options for wall decals for main living areas, whether it be a lovely quote or a pattern of some sort, wall decals are a fantastic option, especially for people who are living in rental homes/apartments and don’t want to spend the money on paint, these are stickers that peel off without leaving any damage.

4. Gallery Walls and Unique Art Arrangements

A gallery wall is a great way to showcase a variety of elements you love, whether it be frames of family photos, quotes, small mirrors, an accessory, or just decorative frames. Creating a gallery wall in your home is a personal touch that makes any space feel like home. Be creative with what you add. Whether you like the look of a uniform wall with all the same frames arranged in very straight and evenly spaced, or if you like an eclectic mix of some of your favourite things, this feature is bound to be a focal point in your home.

 

 

5. Large Accessories

 
Deer heads, clocks, stars, metal wall art, various geometric shapes, porcelain birds etc are all great things to add to your space. Add what you love!
This is your home and you need to love it. So, make it yours!

 

 

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We love the look of reclaimed wood. So many people are styling their homes with a more rustic look these days and we’re all in! There is nothing cozier than the addition of warm tones throughout your home. While this may not be to everyone’s taste, those who like it, like it a lot! So how do you add this look to your home without re-vamping your whole décor? Easy!

Having every single surface in your home in various wood tones will begin to feel redundant and very cottage-y. Which is not a bad thing if that’s the look you’re going for. If you’re looking for a décor refresh, adding reclaimed wood tones to your space is a fabulous way to change the feel of your home without swapping everything you own.

1. Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table.

This is something that is sold in furniture and home décor stores everywhere!
The options are endless. Various tones and types of wood make the varieties borderline overwhelming. The variety of base options and elements will match any space. A reclaimed wood cable table is something that will stand the test of time, as wood is a classic material, so don’t think that this isn’t an investment piece. Decide what look you want in your space and build from there. A modern home maybe have a lot of chrome elements, and a reclaimed table with a chrome base will complement the existing décor.

2. Wood Lighting Fixture

You may think that sounds like something that belongs in a chalet but it’s not! So many light fixtures are super versatile, and work in a multitude of spaces. The addition of wood to a space almost instantly adds a warm and cozy vibe, depending on the décor of the space. If your whole home is ultra-modern with white and black leather everywhere a singular light fixture may not instantly do the trick, but you’re certainly on your way if that’s the idea! Adding various elements to your home give your home depth and personality. So, buy what you love!

 

 

3. Reclaimed Wood Accent Wall

This is such a cool idea and a fantastic DIY project. There are so many tutorials on how to make one yourself. But if you’re not a savvy do-it-yourself-er, this is also something that are sold in many places. The addition of the wood wall is such a cozy addition to a space, there are even wallpapers that look like reclaimed wood, without the price tag!

4. Reclaimed Wood Dining Table and Sideboard

Another fabulous addition to add into your space. There are so many options with reclaimed wood. Do you want a studded metal detail? A chrome base? Do you love the look of wrought iron? Round? Square? Rectangular? The options are truly endless! A reclaimed wood dining set is a great investment piece for a multitude of reasons: 1. Such versatility! If you suddenly decide you love contemporary décor, fabulous! This works. Traditional décor? No problem! A solid wood table is a long lasting investment and typically, worth every penny.

 

5. Reclaimed Wood Headboards

This is a fabulous DIY project. A reclaimed wood headboard is such a fun addition to any space. There are so many links for making this at home, and it is a fabulous budget friendly option. This addition to your home is a warm and cozy material and your bedroom is definitely somewhere you want to feel warm and comfortable!

 

 

6. Add Wood Accessories.

The most budget friendly addition to your home: accessories. If you love the wood look and are looking for cost savings, this is the place. There are so many home décor stores that carry such great wooden accessories be it a wooden horse, lamps with a wooden base, a wooden tray to add to your coffee table, wooden candle holders.. the options are endless!
Even small changes make a difference in your home!
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“I love the look of accent walls, but I’m nervous to do it in my home. How do I decide which wall I should add the accent to? And what colour should I do?” 

 

 

Using an accent wall in your home adds so many different elements to a room.

A pop of colour showcases your personality, adds interest and a focal point to a room. The options are endless! You can add a bold paint colour, patterned wallpaper, neutral tones, a pattern with paint, solid wallpaper … you can do whatever you want, and it’s your home!

Adding an accent wall is a great and inexpensive way to update a room without a huge price tag and commitment. If this is your first time adding an accent wall to your home, we suggest not going too crazy with the colour you chose.

 

Having an accent wall in an open concept space helps to define certain areas of the home without having the put up walls, similar to how having area rugs help to separate the spaces. But there are a few questions you have to ask yourself before you create an accent wall…

 

What is the style of the room you want to add an accent wall to?

 

If your room is very neutral and traditional adding a super bold colour like a solid orange may be way too much. It won’t flow nicely…And it will likely be the only thing you’ll notice in the room. You want your accent wall to be just that, a nice accent. Not an eyesore. If your room is full of blue tones…Maybe adding a navy accent wall, or a wallpaper with blue tones throughout.

 

 

Adding an accent wall looks best when there is some harmony through the space. Having an all blue room and then a yellow wall may not flow the way you expected. Now, having a pattern with blues and the addition of yellow throughout as well may be the perfect balance.

 

 

Create a focal point.

 

If you’re unsure which wall to paint an accent wall- just think about which wall you want to be the focal point of the room. Do you have a wall with a fireplace that is a prominent feature in the space? Paint that wall! Or a couch and art you want to emphasize.

 

 

For bedrooms, the wall the bed is against is a common wall to add an accent to; it really makes the bed stand out. Maybe you have a really beautiful dresser and mirror on one wall, paint the wall behind that to make a statement and accentuate the beautiful furniture.

 

In a dining room, a great wall to paint is the one you see as you walk in, the view of the table and lighting and then a bold statement wall behind will create a lovely focal point as well.

 

 

 

The options truly are endless. Try to make the room flow and use colours that aren’t completely random to your space. If you have lots of beige and taupes, a chocolate brown accent wall makes sense. Staying within the colour family you have currently, is a no fail rule to create a beautiful space for a home décor newbie.

 
 An accent wall can add real drama to your space,
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“What are the pros/cons of installing laminate flooring? I always see such affordable sales on laminate but wonder if it will last or what the quality will be like…”

 Laminate flooring products have come a long way over the years.  Laminate now comes in so many different colours, textures and sizes. The versatility they offer is undeniably a fantastic option for many reasons. There are laminate products made to look like various stone floors, and more commonly, as hardwood floors. Laminate products come in barn board, wide plank, textured, matte, there are options with sheen, and the colour and tone options could go on forever. With many laminate flooring options, you can’t even tell it’s not hardwood because it looks just as fantastic as a hardwood product. (Or even better!)

 

Cost/Installation:

Laminate flooring is definitely an excellent cost saving flooring, and you’re not compromising style. Laminate is cheaper and easier to install than hardwood. Laminate flooring can be placed on top of almost any existing floor with the exception of carpet. There are many manufacturers who offer a glue-free, tongue-and-groove system. The interlocking planks make it an easy installation for a weekend project for all you savvy DIY-ers. Laminate can be uninstalled without damaging the laminate or the original flooring that is underneath.

 

 
Durability/Cleaning:
Of course, for re-sale of your home, hardwood is preferred by some buyers. Hardwood is more expensive and in some cases, can be less durable. The great thing about laminate is that it is MORE durable than hardwood. Laminate flooring works well in high-traffic areas and homes with pets. It is scratch-resistant and so easy to clean. Just use a dust mop or a mop dampened with water. Most manufacturers offer at least a 10-year warranty on their product.
 

 

Of course, Laminate has its drawbacks as well. With hardwood, once it begins to look tired, it can be re-stained. Laminate cannot, and will have to be replaced. Luckily, there will be a warranty. Laminate flooring is also not always the best for noise absorption. It can often have a hollow sound when you walk on it, but installing an acoustic underlay will help reduce the noise.  And when it comes to resale market, most buyers do prefer hardwood but some of the laminate products on the market it is hard to tell them apart.

 

 We are loving the different options that we are seeing in laminate – our favourite are the amazing reclaimed wood look in these floors – it has so much character and adds some much interest to a space!
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 We love pulling nature inspired pieces into our decor packages no matter what style of decor.  Natural fabrics, materials and other influences add a certain element of warmth to any decor style.  A modern space looks warm with just a few touches of wood or sisal.

In recent years, we have seen a lot of animal inspired pieces ranging from rugs to pillows to art even wall paper.

What we love about animal inspired decor is that it really is timeless, the neutral tones of a leopard or cheetah print work with many styles of decor and the tones are rich and sophisticated. 

 

We love a leopard print pillow…

and because it is a neutral it can be paired with everything!

 

 

Zebra print

is another popular animal inspired element and we have seen in many colour waves outside of the classic black and white.  This print adds a pop of glamour to any room. It works in so many spaces.  We love it as a punchy ottoman or foot stool, but it’s fabulous as a bench or elegant chair paired with other elegant touches like metallic and crystal.

 

Cowhide

adds another member of the animal kingdom to your space and cow hide isn’t just seen in the pasture these days.  We are seeing cowhide everywhere and with every style of home decor.  It’s a great neutral area rug with an organic shape and great neutral tones and the texture adds warmth and a bit of softness without being feminine.  This is a great option for a man’s home!

 

More recently we have seen the addition of antlers

…in many styles of decor, of course this is a staple in a country or cabin look but we have seen antlers in more contemporary spaces, too. You are seeing them as wall art, light fixtures (ceiling and lamps) and also just as a decor piece

Here are some of our favourite ways to add wild things into your space!

-The classic

– a zebra poof in the bedroom. A touch of sexy glam!

Why not windows? 

These subtle drapes in a zebra print with soft gold, cream and grey tones adds some great visual interest without being over the top.

 

 

 

Go glam and gold!

Make your powder room wild with wallpaper in leopard print but keep everything else in solids like the vanity and window treatment.  This makes a big, beautiful and bold statement.

 

Add some graphic print…

to a typically plain space like a lobby with a bold piece like this zebra bench with nail head accent.  Even though the print is black and white and nothing else in the room is, the classic colour combo works because it is a neutral, a new neutral!

 

Play with print and colour!

We know zebras aren’t orange but this orange and cream zebra print updates this more traditional space and adds a bold injection of colour

 

 On the floor

this cow hide rug in soft beige tones adds great texture and some softness to this space – the dark hardwood, dark walls, concrete ceiling and leather club chairs are very manly but the cow hide element beautifully and the pops of colour with the art and pillows add a final bright touch!

 

Purrrfect pillows!

Leopard print is one of the new neutrals.  Because it is a classic print and it consists of neutral tones it goes with everything.  It really stands out again a white backdrop and it works with bright pops of colour too!

 

An animal print chair really just makes a statement on it’s own!

It doesn’t need anything else to make a bold impression.  Animal print chairs can work in just about any space – bedroom, dining room, entry and living room even a child’s bedroom depending on the colour wave you choose.

Antlers, antlers – any and everywhere! 

We have seen a huge influx of the antler in home decor – lamps, chandeliers, wall art, art, textiles and even wall paper.  It’s a huge trend it is seen in modern spaces to vintage to country and in so many colours from brights to white and more natural tones

 

And if all of this print and texture is just a bit too much for you but you love the idea of animal inspiration way not look into some pillows or throws with animal images again this works in modern to country decor styles.

 

And of course, we cannot forget the popular trend of bedrooms in animal print but for the kids!  Yes, that’s right we have seen a huge influence of zebra and leopard in teen girls rooms – bedding, pillows, art and more!  We often see this print paired with bright and bold colour – the idea here is totally wild!!

 

We love the look of adding some animal-istic influence in any room!

 

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Have you ever toured a model home and wished your space could look like that?  Or admired some key pieces and wanted them for your own home?

Well wonder no more…..with the help of KIKI Interiors and Wayfair.com you can get the  model look in your home.

It’s easy too.  Click here to get directly to the kiki interiors gallery and you will see a series of different looks.  Each image has various highlighted items and wayfair.com has already done the shopping for you!

To get the look at home you may just need a few pieces or a fresh new colour palette.  We hope our gallery inspires you!

Here are just some examples of the model homes you will find in the KIKI Interiors gallery on Wayfair.com

 

An urban condo with high gloss grey cabinets, quartz counter tops, over sized industrial pendants and pops of orange and turquoise. The pops of orange came from the Pantone Colour of the Year (at the time) ‘Tangerine’.

 

 

A mix of modern and ethnic elements.  Lots of layered neutral tones with texture and clean lines. Don’t be afraid to mix natural materials and textures with more modern pieces.

 

 

A condo where classic and contemporary meet.  Pattern, bright pops of apple green, yellow and teal, nail heads, glass and more…

 

 

Where contemporary meets industrial, a mix of metal, brick, shades or grey and stone…

 

You might be thinking – “Wow, that’s a lot of different styles of model homes” – When we design what the model home is going to look like we take a lot of different factors into consideration.  Who is the buyer? What is the price point / budget? What are the current trends? What are we working with in terms of space (lots of light, interior finishes etc…).  When we design and decorate we aren’t doing it for ourselves – we are thinking of it as a sales tool and not just a ‘work of art’.  A model home is meant to inspire and attract…

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budget-friendly-bedroom-updates

 

So often we hear of people who are getting bored of their surroundings. Many can’t afford to completely gut and start from fresh with their existing style and are looking for fun, inexpensive updates to spice up their bedroom décor.

 

Here are a few budget friendly, simple fixes for those who need a little change!

 

  1. Change out your existing drapery.

There is so much great pattern and colour out there that this is an easy and effective change. Ready to hang blinds and drapes are in tons of big box stores and come in great fabrics, colours, patterns and at an incredibly affordable price!

 

 

 

  1. Purchase new lamps or lamp shades!

 

This is a great and inexpensive swap as well. Of course, there are some lamps that are crazy expensive, but there are also a lot of really affordable options. So many great stores offer colourful lamp bases, colourful shades and shades with patterns. These touches will make a difference, even though they may seem minimal. A new lamp or lamp shade will freshen up the space.

 

 

  1. New throw pillows and throw blankets.

Add pattern! Change your existing colour scheme! Do both! There are zillions of options for great throw pillows, and will be a welcome addition to your existing décor. Remember, we are freshening the space, and this is probably the most inexpensive way to do so. And don’t be afraid to mix colours and patterns! The easiest way to do this is to have one common element through your selections. Maybe they all have the same pattern but come in different colours, or have the same colour but come in different patterns. The combinations are endless!

 

 

 

  1. Paint an accent wall!

 

Of course, a new paint job is also a fabulous option, but depending on the size of your room, this has potential to soar into the hundreds. Painting one wall can add new life to the room and is not overly expensive. This can most likely be done with one can of paint and will make a huge difference. You can chose to go bold and make a drastic change, maybe paint some stripes into a pattern on your wall, or maybe chose a shade that is a tad darker than your existing colour. Either way, change is change! It will be different than what you’re currently bored of and that’s what we’re trying to achieve, right?

 

 

  1. New comforter or duvet cover.

 

This is an easy change. It will run you less than a hundred dollars if that’s what you are aiming for, and the bed is typically the main focal point in the room. It will be hard not to notice (and LOVE!) brand new bedding!

 It doesn’t take much to get a fresh new look (and feel) in your bedroom!
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Looking for the perfect chair to add to your home?

 

We chose four chairs have stood the test of time and are versatile options for any décor and any room in your home. These chairs have lots of history without looking like something from Grandma’s house. These clean-lined and sleek chair options are not only practical for your home, they’re also a classic choice with a modern twist!

The Louis Ghost – Chair by Phillippe Starck (2002)

This modern take on the classic Louis XV chair is a fabulous addition to any interior.
This chair can be used in so many different ways; it can be used as a dining chair, or as an accent chair in a living room or bedroom. Below is a photo of the ghost chair as a seat for a make-up table. The options are endless, as are the colours! The Ghost Chair is a fantastic neutral, which makes decorating with colour and pattern much easier (and more fun!). They also come in kids sizes as well. Try this chair against a wall with a bold wallpaper, or with a patterned throw pillow!

 

The Panton Chair – by Verner Panton (1960)

Verner Panton’s stacking chair was the first single-material and single-form chair to be made.
It is a timeless chair and striking sculptural piece that is used frequently in modern interior design. It is a durable, statement chair that comes in many colours and complements a variety of different décor. This chair is incredibly low maintenance. The Panton chair can be used in a bedroom at a makeup table, or in a dining room! This chair would make a fantastic addition to any contemporary room and can be used in many ways.

 

The Egg Chair – by Arne Jacobsen (1958)

 

This Scandinavian style chair originated in the 1950’s and is a staple in modern design. The Egg chair is a simple, yet colourful addition to any design. It is versatile enough to be placed in a variety of different décor. If you need a pop of colour in your home, this chair is comfortable and classic! Egg chair comes in many different colours and can be used in many different spaces including: a living room, bedroom or office space. (It’s also been seen in tons of movies!) This is another example of classic design standing the test of time; it will never go out of style!

 

The Barcelona Chair – by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1929)

The classic simplicity of the Barcelona chair is one of the many reasons that this is such a staple in interior decorating. The Barcelona chair has been around for decades and is still a super popular seller in many stores around the world. This chair is a great option for many different areas of your home. The clean lines and leather with chrome base make the Barcelona chair a go-to for modern and contemporary interior design but the sleek lines make it an option for many different décor styles. It also plays well with others! So don’t be afraid to mix and match this chair with your existing design!

 These modern chairs are classics and they add a cool factor to any space!

 

 

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I get asked this question all of the time especially from clients looking to sell their home.  Just this week, in fact, I had to deal with some sellers who were confused (and a bit argumentative) that the terms home staging and home decor were the same thing – they are not!

Most people are very surprised to hear that they are almost the opposite of each other. 

Preparing a home to sell is very different than preparing a home to live in.

So this image is a great looking living room BUT if this person was selling, we would highly recommend painting those walls in a more neutral and lighter tone.  We would also suggest removing the personal photos from the side table.

Home Decor –

When you move into a home (and everyone does this, it’s totally normal) you want it to work for your lifestyle and reflect your personal tastes. You likely bought the home in the first place because it accommodated your lifestyle. Maybe you don’t need a kitchen nook but and office or a piano would be better for you, maybe you love bold and bright colours all over the walls, maybe you don’t have a dining set but a pool table instead – those are all your taste and lifestyle choices – that is home decorating.

Buyers are looking for light, clean and bright homes with neutral and quality finishes.

 

Home staging –

When it comes to selling your home, buyers will focus on the crazy colours, the choice and location of furniture even though they are just buying the home not the contents inside. 

Visualization is so important. The buyers need to see themselves in the space and mentally move in.  So keeping it clean, neutral and some furniture (in a simple set up) that can help buyers visualize their furniture in (hopefully) their new home.  The furniture, art and accessories should compliment the home and not be the primary focus – what are you trying to sell ?  the home, or the furniture?

If you are selling your home and want top dollar (who doesn’t) you must put some work into it – re-paint in a neutral tone, clean the house, place furniture in areas or in a formation that would work for most buyers – this is called home staging.

Neutralize and De-personalize-

Remove the personal touches from your house.  That includes: bold paint colours and accent walls, personal family photos that are on display, religious items, collectibles and any unusual furniture arrangement (see the comment about an eat-in kitchen as an office).  You need to make this house as appealing as possible and buyers will see it in photos first and those photos need to shine!

 

 

For selling your home (and staging your home) this dining space looks great! It’s light, neutral and minimal decor.  The drapery is pulled back and letting the light in.

 

Going overboard with decor –

I also get sellers who want more and more furniture and art and accessories – every corner and every wall space covered or filled – again that’s not home staging.  Yes, once the new owners move into any space they will fill it up with items and accessories of their choice but when a home is shown/viewed by potential buyers and there isn’t any wall space or any room to move – they feel cramped and overwhelmed.

 

No one ever says to their agent – “It’s cramped, dark, dirty and feels small – I love it!” If you follow your home stagers advice your home will be more sale-able – it will appeal to more buyers and you will get good offers.

 

This personalized family gallery wall is so cute but NOT for selling your home.  You don’t want buyers to feel like they are visiting, you want them to imagine their life in the house.  So personal decor like this gallery wall would have to be packed away.  Instead replace it will landscapes or simple photography (not family images) – the gallery formation is fine and it’s still a popular look – just be aware of what’s on display.

 

Mass appeal –

I hear from sellers all of the time ‘well, this is how I would do it if I were living here’ – that’s great but you have decided not to live here anymore SO you need to move on and allow someone else in and live how they would live in the space. 

A home stager is an impartial party who can help you place furniture (or just give you ideas) to create flow and mass appeal, they can also recommend paint colours for creating a calm and soothing space, they can also give you great ideas to create curb appeal.

 

How you live in a home and how you sell a house are very different….

 

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