Appreciate The Old

Staging and Redesign is looking at living at its best, appreciating the old and the new for all buyers and clients, and being economical and thrifty with financial resources. Creating a vision for the prospective buyer without the clutter and with a wow factor is possible with a creative, results oriented stager. So, before you consider everything shiny and new- consider combining the two. Locate things you think will enhance your home and consult with a stager. It’s worth the result!

Home Staging Facts

My house isn’t worth being “professionally staged”… Even spending a mere $100 for an initial consultation should net you thousands in return and speed of sale based upon statistical data. In the previous statistics, unless the house is under 50K this argument is invalid. The housing market is good and my house doesn’t need to be staged to sell… You’re right. Every house will sell…it’s a matter of when and for how much. Even if your house sells quickly in a good market, it doesn’t mean it sold for the amount it would have sold for had it been professionally staged. Remember, professionally staged homes sell on a conservative average for 6%+ more*. If your home sold for 400K unstaged it probably would have sold for 425K staged. Why can’t I just stage my own home? Home sellers are usually incapable of successfully staging their own home. Why? Because our homes are like our children, we don’t always see all of its flaws. We’ve gotten used to the way it looks and in fact it is difficult emotionally to change it. If you can’t view something objectively then you are unable to market and package it effectively. Not to mention most home sellers don't "stage" homes everyday for a living.  That’s what professionals are for and that is where the greatest returns come in. Can’t homebuyers use their imagination and look past the décor? Only a mere 10% of homebuyers can actually visualize the potential of a home. This is why having a vacant home professionally staged is so important. Buyers cannot visualize size and scale so furniture helps to give them a frame of reference. http://www.homestagingresource.com/index.asp

Home Staging Facts

*My house isn’t worth being “professionally staged.

…Even spending a mere $100 for an initial consultation should net you thousands in return and speed of sale based upon statistical data. Unless the house is under 50K this argument is invalid.

*The housing market is good and my house doesn’t need to be staged to sell…

You’re right. Every house will sell…it’s a matter of when and for how much. Even if your house sells quickly in a good market, it doesn’t mean it sold for the amount it would have sold for had it been professionally staged. Remember, professionally staged homes sell on a conservative average for 6%+ more*. If your home sold for 400K unstaged it probably would have sold for 425K staged.

*Why can’t I just stage my own home?Home sellers are usually incapable of successfully staging their own home. Why?

Because our homes are like our children, we don’t always see all of its flaws. We’ve gotten used to the way it looks and in fact it is difficult emotionally to change it. If you can’t view something objectively then you are unable to market and package it effectively. Not to mention most home sellers don't "stage" homes everyday for a living. That’s what professionals are for and that is where the greatest returns come in.

*Can’t homebuyers use their imagination and look past the décor?

Only a mere 10% of homebuyers can actually visualize the potential of a home. This is why having a vacant home professionally staged is so important. Buyers cannot visualize size and scale so furniture helps to give them a frame of reference.

Mason jar chandelier

These stunning DIY chandeliers are absolutely gorgeous and are not only perfect for a rustic, country cottage kitchen or dining room, but for outdoor and barn weddings. This look was popularized by Pottery Barn -- but with their version costing almost $400, it's no surprise people are taking to creating their own. To make yours stand out, spray paint the jars a crackle pattern with crackle paint for an iridescent and unique look.

What you'll need for a mason jar chandelier: 

• 21 mason jars -- 6 large, 9 widemouth and 6 small
• 18-2 lamp cord
• #10 washers
• Hex nuts to fit the threaded rod
• Steel nipples
• Small hose clamp
• 4 keyless sockets
• 4-inch offset crowbar
• 4-inch PVC cap (you can find this in the plumbing section of a hardware store)
• 3-inch machine screws
• 2 wire nuts

For the complete tutorial on how to make your own mason jar chandelier, visit Kara Paslay designs.

Tips For Accessorizing Your Home

1. GO WITH WHAT YOU LOVE

Start with an object that brings you joy, and choose other accessories that are inspired by or complementary to that piece. You're much more likely to be happy with the result when you begin with a much-loved item.

CHOOSE YOUR COLORS

Before selecting accessories, decide on your color scheme. Choose one or two colors for your accessories that will add interest and coordinate with your furniture and wall color. Contrasting colors add vibrancy to a room. If your furniture and walls are neutral, go bold with your accessories.

STICK WITH A THEME

Accessories are a great way to play up the theme of a room. If you're going for a beachy feel, shells and sea glass bring in that breezy feeling. For modern design, choose streamlined accessories that mesh with your contemporary furniture. The key is to keep your theme in mind to achieve a cohesive look.

CONSIDER SYMMETRY

A sense of balance is an important part of formal design. Use symmetry in formal rooms by flanking the fireplace with twin chairs or sofas, placing matching items on the ends of your mantle, or using the same scale art on opposing walls of a room. If your home has an informal design, go asymmetrical with your accessory placement.

GROUP ACCORDING TO SIZE & NUMBER

When grouping multiple objects together, vary their size and height. This goes for candles, framed photos, apothecary jars and any other accent pieces. Mixing size and height adds visual interest to your design. Use odd numbers when placing accessories in a group.

LIGHTING

Lighting is an easy way to add instant impact. Choose light fixtures that complement the design style of your room. As a great example, design guru Candice Olson uses a variety of lighting types to illuminate a room – from chandeliers to sconces to recessed lighting. Light fixtures are also a great way to add color where you need it most.

Get more lighting tips for your home >>

WALLS

Walls are the ultimate canvas. Paint a bold color on an accent wall. Hang a grouping of framed book illustrations or shadow boxes, go for a decal that fills the wall, or mount a mirror (or a collection of them). Hang all of your art with the center at 57 inches to create an eye-pleasing effect throughout your home.

Great ways to accessorize your walls >>

FLOORS

Look down: Here's yet another blank canvas to accessorize. Area rugs are an excellent (and flexible) way to add color and texture to a room. Find stylish and affordable rugs at West Elm, CB2, Overstock.com and rugs-direct.com.

Creativity.... curse and blessing

Sunday morning 1:32am and I am still trying to re create my new website.  Check it out RE-DECORATE MY HOME I love what I do although my mind continues to race all of the time.  Because of my constant ideas on design, writing and various other things that I deal with on a daily basis, I just can't seem to get enough sleep.  I figure better to be filled with a mind full of endless possibilities than to be of no creativity and bored with even yourself!