Decorating with throw pillows is a great way to add pops of color, pattern or texture to a room. Throw pillows can land on a bed, sofa, chair or any kind of seating. Large floor pillows can be used as additional seating.
How much is too much? During a recent staging of a beautifully decorated home I noticed in one of the rooms an over abundance of pillows. The room had a lovely view to sit and mingle with guests to enjoy the view and each other’s company. The only problem is that there was no place to sit. All of the seating was overloaded with pillows. Unless the party plan involves a pillow fight, there is no point in overloading a room with pillows on each seat.
Pillows should be to scale to the furniture. A large sofa needs larger pillows. A small seat should have a small pillow.
Alternating smooth pillows with a textured pillow can add an interesting look and depth.
Embellished pillows can be fun but can be scratchy. A pillow should provide comfort so if anyone is going to sit in the chair it should be comfortable; some overly embellished pillows are not comfy.
Of course all rules do not apply to a bed. A mixture of sizes, textures, shapes can add depth and visual interest and comfort to a dressed bed. Make sure you have a place to put all the pillows when getting into bed.
Q. What type of wood flooring is popular and in what tone (dark, midtone, light)? I am looking to update my home.
A. Hardwood floors are a trend even for kitchen remodels. Lighter shades of wood are making a comeback — natural-colored woods such as ash, aspen, maple and elm.
Beyond shades of brown, the finished colors include whites, browns, blacks, grays and reds. The staining colors for unfinished flooring are endless, but resale should be a consideration. Attractive flooring is a top item a potential buyer is looking for, and wood flooring adds resale value.
Spring is finally trying to spring and sometimes it feels like it has sprung. And then it doesn’t. So have my spring-cleaning efforts. Like the weather, I start and stop…sometimes within the same hour.
It is just so overwhelming. Somewhere between motivation and inspiration to purge is the stress of having to deal with all the stuff. Then there is the issue of what to do with all the unwanted stuff.
Local designer & award winning stager (Voted 2011 RESA Professional Stager of the Year) Claudia Jacobs shares some ideas for better rest!
The most important room of the house is often the most neglected. If you’re thinking it’s the kitchen, the heart of the home, you are close. The kitchen nourishes the home but the master bedroom serves the home. Think about how you feel after a night of restless sleep. It really can affect every aspect of our lives including our health.
We have very busy, stressful lives. Your bedroom should be your safe haven, your escape from the rest of the world. By creating a comfortable space for sleep and relaxation, every night has the potential to be a chance for a well deserved respite from the day. Let’s face it, even a great day can be draining and what better way to recharge than with a good night’s sleep.
Here is a step by step plan to get started. This transformation may not happen overnight but the sooner you start, the sooner you will reap the rewards.
Stand by the entrance of your bedroom and really look at it. If you are pleased, great, if not, analyze the problem. This is what I do on a decorating consultation. It is difficult to be objective with your own space but try to view it as if it wasn’t your place. Consider these typical problem issues:
Clutter: Whether it’s on the floor, your walls or your furniture. Eliminate anything you don’t need or want in your space, including your closet.
Clean: Once you free up surface areas, clean your room from top to bottom. Dust and allergens are not good for sleeping. Consider new pillows and wash your bedspread.
Bed location: This is important and there are many theories about where the bed should be position. It’s best to be able to see the doorway while in bed.
Mattress: If you invest in anything in your home, invest in a good quality mattress. It can change your life.
Sheets: Splurge! Shop around and looks for a high thread count. Your body will be ever so grateful and you will be surprised the selection at various price points.
Style: This is your private space and should reflect your personality. If you live alone, this is easy. If you are a couple, figure out what you both like by discussing it. Go through catalogs and home magazines to see what appeals to both of you and compromise on something you both can live with and love. Once you decide the style, you will be inspired and focused to put it all together. It is interesting to see a very feminine bedroom and there is no sign a male even dwells in the house.
Bedding: Shop for a comforter set or bedspread. This is usually the most difficult item to find it will set the tone for your room. Again, there are many styles and prices to choose from.
Color: Find inspiration in your bedding for window treatments and paint. I love the effect of painting the wall behind the bed an accent color.
Change: Personal preference should change as you or your situation changes. My bedroom has evolved over the last ten years. I went from a very feminine shabby chic look with lots of lavender and cream to the exact opposite. Now it is a warm room of dark wood contemporary furniture surrounded by earth tones and a spicy cinnamon color with a dramatic accent wall.
“After being on the market for 2 years, why isn’t my house selling?”
While on the phone sensing the frustration in her voice, I listened and knew before asking for the address to view the listing what the problem was. The online photos.
The sellers have a lovely home that is well maintained and immaculate. There is nothing ‘wrong’ with the home. The problem is that is there is a disconnection between who is living in the home now and who the target market is.
When this home was purchased about 25 years ago, it was to create a home to raise a family. The current owners are about to retire and relocate South. This home needs to be marketed to who they were 25 years ago.
Kitchen Staging, Before and After, View 1Kitchen Staging Before and After, View 2Before and After Basement
WHAT I DID:
Staged it and took new listing photos. This did not need a major overhaul.
Edit a few items with in each room.
Rearrange the furniture in the basement.
Bring in 2 parsons chairs for the kitchen to replace the bulky existing chairs.
Car filled with decorative accessories to set the stage for new photos to appeal to the target market.
Take and edit new listing photos.
HOW MUCH DID IT COST?
2 hours on site
1 hour to edit photos & send to Realtor & homeowner
$300
The cost of staging is less than the first price reduction.
If you have a listless listing, call for staging help. Staging bridges the generation gap
