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We Answer Wednesday – 3 Styles of Roman Shades

April 27, 2016

“I love the look of roman shades but am not sure which style to incorporate into my home. Any suggestions?”

We also love Roman Shades! They are a great option because you can see way more of the pattern this way. There are also a few different ‘shape’ options for these. Roman shades are a really great option if you are looking to add window treatments to a smaller room because they are most often mounted inside the trim. This way you are not losing any wall space.

One negative about having Roman shades is that they take a little more TLC to make them look right. When you put them up, you often have to re-fold and line them up to make sure the fabric isn’t wrinkled. Let’s call it “train your shade”. When using a lighter fabric, this is less of an issue because it will typically fold into the correct shape. This will mostly need to be done with a heavier fabric.

Roman shades are great in bedrooms because they can also be lined. This way you get the look and the darkness/privacy you would with drapery panels. There are a few styles that you can have of roman shades..

There are 3 types of Roman Shades :-

Flat Roman Shade:

A more modern look, it shows off the pattern so well and isn’t fussy. It can also work very well on French doors. See the image below, you can see the simplicity of this shade. We like this style in a ‘busier’ pattern as the print becomes the focus.

Relaxed Shades:

A more traditional option but can still work in any space. I would say that they are “prettier” and “softer” than a flat Roman Shade because of the curvature. Because they have less construction they will bow more in the middle which gives them that beautiful shape. The only downside to a relaxed shade is because there is less structure they shouldn’t be done on a window wider than 54”. It was sag more in the middle. If you window is larger than 54”, consider doing two smaller shades instead.

Butterfly Shades:

These are very traditional. A butterfly shade has a swoop in the middle and ties on the end. Almost like a small bow on either sides. They are very feminine and soft and look great in a light colour.

Roman shades can be mounted inside or outside the trim. If you have beautiful trim you want to show off or a smaller space you don’t want to cover the walls, we suggest an inside mount. The great trick with an outside mount is that you can give the illusion of a larger wall/window but mounting higher up than the window starts. This will elongate the window and also give you more space to show off that beautiful fabric!

Roman shades work with all styles of decor and they are perfect for spaces where you don’t want any fussy drapery to deal with,

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to decorate a stylish home with pets

April 20, 2016

“I love my dog. She’s my world but I need some ideas to make my home stylish yet still pet friendly.”

We love pets but yes, they can cramp your style and put some limits on your decor choices but you can live in style with pets. Work with your lifestyle not against it and it will all come together beautifully

But there are ways to live in style with your furry little friends – the right pieces, materials and a bit of creativity can get you the look you crave.

1- Ditch the blankets (the multiple blankets) that you use to cover your sofa and chairs to keep the pet hair off! Instead opt for pet friendly fabrics. Leather is a good choice for homeowners with pets. It is durable
and easy to clean. Most grades will only be affected by pet scratches. If you are uncomfortable buying leather, buy pleather. It is cruelty-free, cost-effective, and pleasing to the eye. Have you heard of Crypton? It is an upholstery fabric made to fit your lifestyle. Soft, durable, and resistant to both stains and odors, Crypton Home fabric is available in a wide array of textures and vibrant colors. The image below is a Pottery barn sofa upholstered in Crypton Home Fabric.

2 – Skip wall-to-wall carpet. Carpet is like a pet hair magnet, so either opt out or be prepared to vacuum regularly Want the look of carpet – choose an area rug – it’s less time consuming to clean and you can always bring outside to air out (and shake out). If you must have carpet choose a low pile. It’s easier to clean if there’s an accident. And avoid continuous loop carpet because a pet toenail can unravel it by catching a single woven loop.

3 – Put washable fabrics on your bed. If you have a pet, cat or dog, chances are they make their way into your bed at some point. Protect your mattress from the inevitable by covering it with a thick pad. Use cotton bed sheets, preferably in a medium color or a pattern that can hide the pet hair and stains between washings. For bedspreads, duvet covers work well because you can take them off and wash them regularly. Delicate-looking mattress coverlets are surprisingly durable; their tight quilting resists pet toenail snags and repeated washings.

4 – Animal space near the entry. If you have a pet that goes outside take that into consideration – it’s a part of your lifestyle so what do you have at your entry? Think about your flooring – easy to clean and scratch resistant are key. Hooks and/or storage for leashes and other dog belongings. A basket with park toys and/or winter apparel.

5 – Match your colours to your pet’s fur. Use your pet as a source of inspiration when choosing colors for your room. Paint a concrete floor the same shade of gray as your cat. Cover your sofa in a honey microfiber that matches your golden retriever. This isn’t just an aesthetic shout-out to your pet; it’s also a practical choice because the hair they leave behind won’t be as visible. Put a white floor in a house with a black Lab, you’re going to have black ‘tumbleweeds’ everywhere.

6 – Furniture options that include your pet. Our pets are a part of our home; they are family so it is important that they are welcome in our home with some space of their own. Some easy ways to make ‘fluffy’ feel at home…

Beside table that does double duty. Place a comfy dog bed or pillow inside and your bestie has their own bed right beside you. Have some fun and get your furry friend a bed in a coordinating colour – so cute!

The front entry is a high traffic area, especially for dog owners. So have a pet station by the front door. We love this converted front entry console furniture piece. It works for everyone – so storage, some decor, and even a spot to lie in. Plus it looks great too!

Think of small customization changes you can make. The kitchen island is a great spot for dog bowls and some storage. We love these built in dog bowls – they are tucked away and that means they don’t get in the way. You can add a drawer (perfect spot for storing treats, medication, grooming tools and documents) or have an open shelf – it’s a bit more decorative but still useful.

Pets add so much love to our lives so be sure to take them into consideration when you are designing and decorating your space. Another simple tip keep your dog or cat clean will help your house stay cleaner, longer. Trimmed nails won’t scratch floors or upholstery. Regularly brushing and bathing removes loose hair before it ends up on your floor, your bed, your throw pillows, and your curtains. Furniture and rugs will last longer if they don’t need to be washed as often.

Think of it this way – It’s easier to clean your dog than your upholstery, and it’s usually more fun!

Yes, you can live in style with your furry little friends – there’s no need to give up – you just need to make the right picks so you can all live together in comfort and style!

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HOME DECOR, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

How to make a beige room look modern

April 6, 2016

“I know grey is trending but I can’t change all of the beige (tiles, paint and furniture) in my home. How can I make my beige house look modern and current?”

You are right grey is still the hottest neutral right now but don’t get down on your beige. It is still a classic and the good news is – it works with everything. We are actually working on a model condo suite and we are repurposing furniture from a former model and we are working with beige. This hue is beautiful and it has a really nice warmth to it – so even if it is not trending doesn’t mean you need to toss out your beige! Think of your beige home as a perfect canvas for just about anything you want to do to make it look more current.

Here are some ideas to give your neutral space and instant lift!

1 – Beige and Grey –

OK so grey is hot but you can’t re-do the whole house. Since beige is a neutral it works will all other neutrals so why not add a bit of grey? Take a look at this image below. The neutral walls and furniture but that area rug in a cool charcoal makes this room stand out. It really keeps this room from looking washed out.

2 – Beige and Black.

Yes, black is another neutral but adding black to an all soft neutral space gives it instant glamour and sophistication. We love the pops of black in this beige bedroom. And if you look closely you will notice the bedside table is a glossy charcoal grey – adding these dark neutrals really make the room pop with some contrast

3 – Add Texture.

A beige on beige room can be boring but not if you add texture. Mixing different textures in one space can make it very visually interesting. This room isn’t bold or bright but it is far from boring. This neutral tone on tone room has some different textures – the solid glass coffee table, the macrame wall hanging, the cow hide rug ;and the velvet and silk textures on the sofa – give this room some depth and sophistication.

4 – Add some colour.

Beige is a beautiful blank canvas so have some fun! Add some bold pops of colour and some pattern, too. This gives any room some life. Because beige is a neutral you can opt for any colour and as many as you like.

5 – Add some animal print.

Pairing a neutral like beige with any animal print adds a luxurious touch. Any animal print will work – leopard, cheetah, zebra even cow. We love the classic glamour of an animal print – think area rug, pillows, accent chair or ottomans.

6 – Add print.

Many think this neutral shade can be boring but add a little print and you are back to life. We love these chocolate and cream print pillows they add some real pop to the room. The natural elements in this room also play with the natural tone of beige – the sisal rug, the decorative wood sculpture and the greenery add an organic factor to the space. Simple yet chic.

Creating a modern or current looking room is about the actual pieces, how they are arranged or placed in the room – so don’t get caught up in which colours are ‘hot’ and ‘trending’

BECAUSE IT’S ALL ABOUT THAT BEIGE…

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LIGHTING, TRENDS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – What is Sculptural Lighting?

March 30, 2016

“I keep hearing the word “Sculptural Lighting” lately.What does that mean and how would I execute this trend in my own home?”

One of the things we love most about this job is the constant changing trends and the excitement of something new & beautiful. I love this question because when we were in Toronto this year at the Interior Design Show, sculptural lighting was a huge trend. So many people are seeing the value in having beautiful lighting in your space. It really is an art form.

Sculptural lighting has a wide range of defining characteristics. Lighting fixtures have a functionality aspect
but they can also double as being abstract works of art. Sculptural lighting fixtures are so unique and eye-catching that they naturally become conversation pieces in their settings. The variety of shapes, colours, textures, metals,
materials and sizes are so vast, the options for your home are endless! (and so are the price points!)

Of course, we understand that changing the lighting in every room in your home is a large undertaking. The idea of having beautiful light fixtures in every room is not a reality for all of us, as nice as it would be. Choose the rooms in your home that you spend the most time in. Perhaps the living room or bedroom is a great place to start. These are often some of the most used spaces in a home. As well as the kitchen and dining room.

When we say “sculptural” that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be over the top. In a modern setting, a simple, pendant can be sculptural. Sculptural also means beautiful.

If you’re nervous about being too bold, try adding a chandelier in an open space. Having the crystal and metal mixture will look spectacular without being too much. If you are very adventurous, there are many shapes and styles that will suit your needs.

Here are some of our favourite photos from this year’s
Interior Design Show in Toronto (IDS 2016).

Choose something unique and tailored just to your personal taste!

I’m actually updating the lighting in my dining room – I haven’t chosen anything just yet but I will let you know when I do – it will be fabulous!

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BEDROOMS, HOME STAGING, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to Style a Bedroom

March 23, 2016

“How do I make my basic bedroom look more expensive?”

The bedroom is the perfect spot to kick back and relax. We aim to create a beautiful bed when we stage homes, it really makes the whole room feel calm but luxurious at the same time.

We have a few recommendations to create the ultimate bedroom retreat.

1- Clean and simple bedding.

We highly recommend plain white bedding. It is simple but timeless. it looks so fresh, bright and clean like a chic hotel room but you can also style it how ever you like.

For personal use, it is worth investing in high quality but for home staging it isn’t. Add colour and pattern with bed accessories like blankets and pillows.

2 – Layering.

We often only sleep on one pillow but when it comes to styling a bed you definitely want more pillows – it looks luxurious but it also looks like a comfortable spot to lay your head. there are a few ways to layer your pillows.

See the diagram below for some options. There is no wrong answer, it is a matter of preference. For a king size bed, you can use the same options but add a third Euro (large square pillow) and use king size pillows.

3. Texture.

We talk about texture a lot. But texture is a great way to add some softness and a touch of glamour. People love touchable fabrics and where better than a bedroom.

You want to create a room that you want to snuggle up in (whether for yourself or for a potential buyer). Think pillows and throw blankets in fur (faux) and knits.

4. Lighting.

Just like your pillows and bedding you want to layer your lighting. Think over head – a beautiful fixture really brings a bedroom to life and can be a great piece to set your decor tone. But don’t forget about bedside lighting – end tables with table lamps seems obvious but it works and when it comes to table lamps there are many fabulous choices.

Don’t have room for end tables? Try some sconces – double swing arm sconces are perfect for those who love to read at night.

5. Walls and Windows.

Some art and drapery can really complete the look of a bedroom. We love a bedroom with some art – it really is like jewelry for an outfit. It pulls it all together. Depending on the room arrangement and furniture styles, art above the end tables is a timeless and chic look but we also love an oversized piece above a headboard.

For the window this function and fashion, some soft drapery panels frame a window beautifully but you may want to add some blinds, shutters or shades to give the room more privacy.

6. Seating and storage.

You may be able to add both depending on the size of the room. It is always a nice addition to have a small seating corner in a bedroom but not all bedrooms can fit a chair – if you have room for a bench or a storage bench that can look very chic at the end of a bed.

Another great look and a practical use of furniture too is over sized end tables. when you are staging your home – you don’t want the room to look over stuffed with furniture to pick and choose pieces carefully, maybe a small chair in the corner and standard size beside tables is likely best.

What you will notice in these images is a consistent thread of layers on the bed, a soft colour palette, a mix of textures, subtle patterns (if any) and upholstered headboards.

We love a timeless and chic bedroom but since the space is yours make it truly yours and surround yourself with what you love and what you want to see in your most personal space.

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HOME DECOR, INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How To Decorate With a Theme

March 16, 2016

“I love the relaxed feel of the beach and I want to bring a beachy look into my space but I don’t want my home to look over the top (cheesy). How can I decorate with a theme and not go overboard? “

A theme is a great source of inspiration when it comes to home decor. But you are right, of you aren’t careful you can get carried away and the theme can take over.

If you love the beach – this is a great start – you know what you want and like!

So think about the elements of the beach – soft and tonal colours, natural materials, easy fabrics, casual and relaxed are what you will want to see in the space, so look for pieces that have those features. You don’t necessarily need ‘beach’ items like shells, photos of the beach or nautical pieces but a few carefully selected items of this ilk can really solidify your theme.

Here’s an example of a coastal inspired living room with the theme kept to a minimum.

Notice the soft tones, a few coral accents (the table and on the throw pillows), nautical stripes and a few touches of blue. Overall this space has some beach-y elements but the theme isn’t super obvious.

Here’s another example of a beach inspired living room.

We see some natural wood pieces like the show stopping chandelier and the coffee table. We also see some white washed rattan accents. there are some pops of soft blue like the sea and some beach glass accessories, too.

Here’s the other side of that space, the dining area, we see a few more beach inspired pieces like the hurricane lanterns, the sea foam upholstered chairs and some sea shell decor on the built-in.

Here’s another example of a subtle beach theme in a bedroom.

Again we do not see obvious beach decor but the inspiration is definitely there. Notice the sisal area rug it adds that natural texture. The mix of soft and easy textures on the bed and the colour tones are natural beach hues.

What really makes this room not scream ‘beach theme’ is the choice of prints in the throw pillows and drapery – the prints are quite traditional (trellis and floral) but in those tones. So again you get this timeless looking space. The canopy bed is so romantic something you would expect to see at luxurious beach resort.

If you are concerned about the longevity of the theme, keep the main elements neutral like paint, flooring, drapery and furniture – you can add in art, pillows and other accessories that embrace the theme.

When you want to decorate with a theme in mind you don’t have to be too literal. Think about your chosen theme and why it has inspired you- what are the elements you love about this theme and take it from there. If you do that, you will have a look that you love and a look that will last (a timeless look).

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Update a Black and White Room

March 2, 2016

“I live in an open concept condo space. I chose a black and white theme – it’s timeless and stylish but also easy but I’m in need of a bit of an update. How can I keep my main theme of black and white – what are some easy updates to my theme?”

You are so right that black and white are timeless and of course, chic! We love a black and white decor scheme but every now and then no matter the theme, an update is in need.

When it comes to an easy and affordable update you need to stick with what you currently have and just add to it. The good news is you don’t need to add a lot to make this change. The even better news for you is that black and white work with just about everything and you have an endless supply of ideas – it really just comes down to what works for YOU!

Here are some ideas….

GOLD.

Adding a touch of gold to a black and white room just gives the whole space some extra glam and luxury. this about gold pillows, lamps, art and accessories. Even just the smallest touch of gold can go a long way. Gold never goes out of style but right now is it hot, so you will see gold everywhere!

If gold isn’t for you, try silver or rose gold. The gold and rose gold add warmth and a touch of glam to a space the silver is a bit sleeker but all of them work

COLOUR.

Because black and white are classic neutrals – they ‘go’ with everything! So add a pop of colour – red is a classic combination with black and white. If you want to try something a bit different try something equally bold like bright pink, turquoise or lime green. This looks great in a contemporary style. This pillows and art for a colour injection!

PASTEL.

Rose quartz is the hot colour for 2016, so add it to your black and white motif. You don’t need a lot to make a splash. And even though this colour is soft and subtle it really makes a statement. We love mixing some solid pastels with pattern black and white.

FUR.

Texture is another great way to add a designer look to a room and fur is another hot textile this year. We opt for faux options – it’s friendlier, easier to clean and you have a ton of possibilities. what we really like about mixing fur and black/white is that you are once again playing with neutrals so you can choose a white fur, black, grey even beige – it all works! We are seeing fur used in many ways – area rugs, throws, pillows, full blankets, poofs and ottomans. Don’t over do it – just one fur elements can do wonders!

PATTERN.

Too many solids in one space can look flat, so mix it up with some prints and patterns. Don’t be afraid to mix your patterns – it’s so chic! Patterns are best on items that are accent pieces – think pillow and rugs. Keep the other elements in the room like the main furniture pieces, wall colour and drapery pretty basic if this is a look you want to explore.

When it comes to ‘playing’ with your black and white palette you can mix a lot of these, so add a touch of metallic, some fur and a pinch of colour. Find the balance that works for you!

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KITCHENS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Contemporary Backsplash Ideas

February 24, 2016

“My home is mostly contemporary style with some pops of colour throughout. I am planning to add a back splash to my kitchen in the near future but want to make sure it’s a similar style to the rest of my home. What are some contemporary tiles I could consider?”

Great question!

There are so many great products on the market, we know the choices can be overwhelming. A lot of these tiles can be laid in different patterns, some more contemporary than others. Clean lines and a monochromatic colour scheme are what helps to define what a contemporary design is. Here are some great options for a contemporary back splash:

Subway Tiles:

Probably the most popular choice for a contemporary space.. Subway tiles come in many colours and sizes. You can get smaller or larger. 4×16 or 2×3 and many sizes in between. They come beveled or with a slight texture. They can be laid in a classic brick pattern or for a more contemporary look, try them straight laid. These are a simple, clean option that will brighten up any space. The flexibility to lay them in a variety of patterns makes them a super versatile option for your space.

Mosaic Tiles:

Depending on the colour palette that you chose, this can vary from a traditional tile to a contemporary tile. Again, a monochromatic colour scheme is more contemporary than a variety of bright colours. Sticking to neutrals and shades is sure way to keep the style consistent.

Textured Tiles:

All tile doesn’t have to be flat and boring. Adding a wavy geometric tile that is raised adds a different dimension to your design. If you’re a person who likes a monochromatic colour scheme this is probably the best option for you.

Slabs:

Adding a solid slab to your back splash is definitely a pricier option, but it is very contemporary, depending on the piece you choose. A marble or solid colour (with subtle veining) is a great choice for a contemporary space. It’s important to ensure that that it complements the existing counter top. The colour and material needs to flow together to make the space look harmonious.

Glass Tiles:

Adding a simple, straight or brick laid glass tiles with a subtle colour is a great look for someone who is a little bit more edgy. This option pairs great with high gloss cabinetry. Neutrals are great too! Glass tile comes in many soft colours such as sea foam, aqua and so many other shades. The colour options are truly endless!

We love what back splash tiles do to a kitchen – it pulls it all together, like accessories in a room or jewelry with an outfit…back splashes you complete the kitchen,

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – How to Hang Curtains

February 17, 2016

“I can’t afford custom drapery right now but my windows are too bare and I feel exposed without any coverings. I’m going to purchase some pre-packaged canvas panels, but what length should they be?”

Drapery really completes the look of a window. It not only gives you privacy and can shield the sun and glare but it can really add to the look of the room. You have different colours, patterns and textures to choose from. A basic canvas panel is a great choice – it’s clean, it’s classic and the weight of the fabric will help maintain the tailored look.

Floor-length is the way to go, unless there’s a radiator or a deep sill in the way. Ready-made panels are available in lengths from 63 to 144 inches. Measure from the floor to where you’ll hang the rod, then round
up. So let’s say your floor to rod measurement is 81.5″ hem at 82″.

You can always have the dry cleaner or seamstress hem them a bit if needed. You’ll get the most current look if the fabric makes contact with the floor (or sill or radiator). Too-short curtains can seem off, almost like high-waters.

The image above is an example of cafe curtains. This is best for kitchen windows, bathrooms and any window with a deep sill or radiator; these can also work in a bay window. It’s a great way to add privacy but still allow some natural light plus you get that pop of colour, soft texture and/or print in the space.

Here are two surefire approaches. Personally, we opt for option 1 in most cases

1: Just Hitting the Floor or Sill

This look is classic and tailored; it makes sense if you’ll be opening and closing the curtains a lot (they’ll easily fall back into place every time you move them). The fabric should just touch the floor or hover half an inch above. This is also a great approach for café curtains (short panels that cover only the lower portion of a window and hit the sill – see image above), which work well in spots like the kitchen and bathroom, where long drapes aren’t practical. This is a clean look and you won’t collect dust bunnies or pet hair at the base.

2: Breaking Slightly at the Floor

Panels that extend onto the floor by one to three inches are the most stylish right now. They’re more relaxed than those that graze the floor (above), but they still feel tailored—think of a pair of dress trousers. If you have uneven floors or are worried about precision measuring, this style is more forgiving.

In formal rooms, an exaggerated take—six or so inches of fabric pooling on the floor—can look romantic but is also high-maintenance; curtains need re-fluffing every time you vacuum or the cat lies on them. It is also prone to ‘collecting’ pet hair and dust bunnies.

The image below is a good example of breaking slightly at the floor (not the exaggerated version).

There is nothing wrong with pre-packaged curtains just be sure to get the length right (so buy longer and hem) and if you love the look of your curtain but want more privacy, you can always add some blinds and keep the drapes installed. It really creates a more luxurious and designer look (see the image in our ‘just hitting the floor’ explanation). And remember the location of your rod can make your windows look bigger or smaller, so pay attention to that too!

Quick tip:

Aim to hang your curtain rod at least 3 inches above the window casing but if you can hang it 5-7″ above do that. And for width, you want 3-6″ beyond the window frame. Hanging your rods higher and wider makes the window look larger and the space look bigger too!

Here is an example of the exaggerated breaking or puddling.This is often seen in formal formal decorated rooms as it has an elegant, romantic and luxurious feel and it works much better with certain types of fabric. Seen below are raw silk custom drapes.

If you hang your drapes properly, it won’t matter if you spent a small fortune on them or you bought some pre-packaged ones, it’s all about how they are installed that will get you the designer look or not.

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HOME STAGING, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Low cost Home Staging Tips

February 10, 2016

“We are selling our home and moving to a new city due to a job transfer. I know home staging sets you apart from the competition. We want to sell quickly and make the move to the new city easy. We are on a tight budget, do you have any quick, easy and low budget home staging tips to share?”

You are absolutely right! Home staging sets you apart from the other homes on the market and you want to stand out in the crowd especially if you are in a market with lots of competition. Every style of home can benefit from home staging.

Home staging can get you more money and help you sell faster, so the extra work to get the home prepared for the market will be worth it in the end. Less time on the market means you can move forward with your new chapter in life without the extra stress and worry.

There are lots of quick and easy, low cost (and no-cost) staging tips.

Here’s what we suggest:

– Clean.

I’m sure your home is clean but is it spit shine clean? Really get in there and clean that house. Give it a good scrub down. Buyers will notice and the home will feel great. There is nothing like a super clean home. Having said that, pay attention to the scent of the home. You don’t want it to smell like harsh chemicals of bleach – that can be a turn off. Stick with scents like clean laundry, vanilla or cotton.

– Repair.

This may cost a bit, it depends on what needs to be repaired and how handy you are.

Any burnt out light bulbs?

Leaky faucets?

Cracked tiles?

Chipped paint? You need to spend a bit of money here to tend to these issues.

Has it been a while since you painted the house? You might want to consider a paint job – a fresh coat of paint goes a long way and make a huge difference!

Over look these repairs or just leave it? Buyers will think you maybe left other issues unresolved, bigger issues. If there are too many repairs to pay for and maybe you don’t have the time, consider that when pricing your home with your agent.

– De-clutter.

We all have junk. Since you are moving anyway this is a great opportunity to lose some weight. Go through your stuff and get rid of what you don’t want/need you will be surprised how much you can accumulate in a short period of time. Go through everything – drawers, closets, cabinets etc. Don’t spend the time, money and energy moving to the new place to just to toss it – get rid of it now. The house will feel lighter.

Plus when buyers see clutter it is a stresser and it sends a message that there isn’t enough storage (one of the top things buyers are looking for is storage). One area to really pay attention to is above the kitchen cabinets – don’t store anything up there, it’s distracting and looks messy (even decorative items) and bathroom counter tops, we tend to ‘collect’ soap, lotions and more. Clear off surface spaces – kitchen counters, your coffee table, end tables, kitchen table, desk etc…Clear out the clutter!

– Pre-pack and depersonalize.

You know you are moving , so pre-pack certain items that you know are going to come with you. For instance family photos and collections – we don’t want them in the space because they personalize the space – you don’t want buyers to feel like they are visiting, you want them to mentally move in – your memories will block that from happening.

Collectibles should also be packed up – again they are personal plus they can clutter up the space depending on the size of the collection. Have a lot of art or books? A few are fine but if you have too many they can add bulk to the room making the space feel cramped, so pre-pack some of those pieces (at least the ones coming with you).

– Let there be light!

Pull back the drapes, clean those windows and be sure to replace burnt out bulbs or up the wattage. Light makes a huge difference in a space. If you have a dark room, add some table or floor lamps. When it is time for your photos, be sure to have your lights on – over head, task lights all of your lights – it looks so much better in photos!

Take a look at the two images below – image 1 has all of the lights on – even though they have beautiful natural light streaming in from the patio doors and window. Look how bright the room is. Image 2 – no lights on at all. The light from the window just isn’t enough. Yes, it is a beautiful room but it looks a bit dull without the lights on.

– Curb appeal.

Make sure the exterior is maintained, it’s your home’s first impression.

Trim the grass and hedges.

Make sure exterior lights are in working order.

Is the address plate visible and in good condition?

Does the door bell work?

Shovel or sweep the porch and walkway/driveway.

These details are important.

– Set the scene.

This is the fun part and the creative part. Use magazines as your inspiration -make the bed and make it look inviting like you would see in a chic hotel. Have a great dining room space? Set the table to help buyers visualize entertaining in the space. Add a touch of colour in the kitchen. Some flowers or a fruit bowl on the island or kitchen table make the room look fresh. Take a look at your furniture or better yet get a friend to help – is there too much? Is there flow? You may need to re-arrange some pieces, so try to find a way to create a comfortable set up that encourages conversation but also shows off the space.

Be sure to keep the ‘creative’ stuff last and follow these steps in this order. Remember, home staging isn’t just about fluffing pillows – it’s a step by step process to make the home look it’s best. Buyers are looking for their new home not your old home so follow these steps and your house will shine!

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