Should you hire a Certified Stager?

There is much to be said about personal taste when it comes to decor.  There is no right or wrong in this respect.  What's beautiful and calming for one person may be disturbing and an eye sore for another.

As you see from the above picture..(thanks to a friend who shared this with us from Britain) what would be your initial reaction?  Well one may say, "ugh!  What were they thinking???"  While yet another may say, "Wow!  What a creative way to keep our planet green by reusing and recycling."  There you see that personal taste is just that. Personal.
That is why, when you are looking to sell your home, it is vital to create a space that would appeal to the masses.  Its not to say that your tastes are faulty in any way, but let me ask you this, if you walked up to this home, would you buy it?  Would you even want to look inside?
That is why you need to hire a Stager.

What is a Stager?

Its a question that has been asked so many times over.  It's simple really.  A Professional Stager is a creative designer who facilitates the conversion of a well loved home into a universally attractive one.
In essence, we turn it into something everyone will love.
Certified Stagers go thru an extensive training program where they are taught the Art of Staging.  NOT Decorating.  Staging is neutral design and Decorating is a personal view and design.

For most people, a home is one of the biggest investments in their lifetime.  You deserve the right to get the best ROI (Return On Investment) that you can.
So don't be wary.  Keep sight of the big picture.  Give your home the "WOW! Factor" it needs to get it sold faster and for lots of $$$$$.  Hire a Certified Stager and get what you want.

So ... looking back at that picture let me ask you this, should they hire a Certified Stager?  Well, would you?

Happy Staging

E

- For a free quote for having your home staged or to answer any further questions about Staging, please see www.simplystaging.ca

- For more information on where to go for Staging courses, contact Canadian Certified Staging    Professionals.

6 tips on how to make a small space appear larger

Appearances do matter.  At least when it comes to staging a home!  So how do we make a small space appear larger?  Follow these six tips and create a space you'd love to live in.

1.  DE-CLUTTER.
  
Nothing makes a space smaller than extra "stuff."  If you have not used it in 6 months chances are you won't be using it again.  Give it away, throw it out, get it out of your home!

2.  PAINT

Lots can be said for personal taste in choosing color but when it comes to a small space, picking the right shade really makes the difference.  See my blog about "Does Color Really Matter.." for tips on how to choose the right paint color.
Lighter paint = bigger room.  While the are certain exceptions to this rule, keep it light.

3.  MIRRORS

Mirrors placed in a strategic place adds to the dimension of a room and creates a visual oasis.  Keep these two thoughts in mind when placing a mirror.. what its reflecting and how much its reflecting.  The size of the mirror does matter.
The general rule of thumb is that the larger the mirror the more light it allows for in a room therefore making the room appear larger.
Small and dark hallways are the best prospects for mirror placement as it instantly gives the illusion of a wider space.

4.  LIGHT

Light creates possibilities.  Never underestimate the power of windows.  If you have them, use them. Open up space by letting the natural light in.  Keep window coverings minimal and light.

5.  FLOORING

This one is simple.  While carpeting is preferred for making a room cozy, or keeping noise level down say in a condo, hardwood creates the feeling of openness.  Use a area rug for breaking up living spaces and still keeping with the illusion of a wider territory.

6.  FURNITURE

A classic example of less is more.
Chose one piece that you cannot live without, and accentuate it with a few smaller pieces.  Do not make the mistake of trying to fit in lots of furniture as it only takes away from the room and gives the appearance of crowding.
While there are many things we should be afraid of, small spaces is not one of them.  Keep these 6 tips in mind as you look to create in a home a space that you'll love to live in.

Happy Staging.

e

Does color really matter?

What color should I paint my house?  If I was to get a penny for the number of times that I have heard this asked, I'd be well on to Wealth Management. 
It is indeed the number one question that people ask.  Why?  Does color really matter?

Every single home has its own charm.  Be it an older, Victorian home, to a brand new townhouse, to a luxury penthouse, there is always a charm that can be showcased through color.  That being said, the wrong color can also do the opposite.  So how do we know?
There is a certain rule of thumb that most will agree with.  Dark colors make a small space look smaller, light colors make a small space look larger.  However, as with all rules there is an exception to this one also.  Natural light and ceiling height.  If you have a penthouse for example, maybe just 800 sq feet, but with ceiling to floor windows throughout the one side of the apartment, then of course you could embellish it with strong, deep color and still keep the airy feeling of space in your apartment.
When it comes to a property where the rooms are smaller, and very little natural light, then you need to apply a light neutral color, to keep the spatial perspective.
Here is one example of how a small sitting room looked cramped in a yellow color, while a lighter color and some furniture arrangement, gave the impression of airiness and space.

 Likewise the same applies to a child's bedroom.  Although most people are eager to paint a girls room pink and a boys room blue, there is something to be said about sticking to a neutral color and accenting with color.

 

Again as we see here, the right choice for color in this child's bedroom is a neutral linen color which allows for the room to look larger and spacious despite its small size.

The other consideration is the height of the ceilings.  When it comes to room sizes that are small but have high ceilings, then again you can beautify a space by adding strong color and texture.  This creates a "je ne sais quoi" that engages the eye in a pleasing and exciting manner.
There is much to be said about color and personal taste but the one thing that will always remain a standard is that color has a double edge sword.  It can enamor a suitor or scare him away.

So now, the question is... Does color really matter?

Well... does it?

Happy Staging!

e