Archive for May 2011

Rug Rage - Size Does Matter




Shall we say "Scale" issues?
MLS photo
  I'm having Rug Rage!  Time and time again I see ill-sized rugs being used in Home Staging projects and 99.9%  of them are too small for the space or the furniture collection it's anchoring.  And don't get me started on materials -  I've seen a bath rug under a cocktail table..

Why is this happening? Where can this this size dilemma  and faux pas placement stem from?

1. Home Staging Inventory Issues?
2. Lack of Education?
3. Complacent Stagers?


Lovely Rug by Horchow
 How do we solve this size issue? Well, by simply educating the faux pas rug placers.  Here's a double duty educational tool from our friends over at Over Stock.  Why double duty?  Over Stock is an awesome place to shop for rugs, so a great source to build your inventory & for educational home decorating articles. They slip you just the right info to foil your size dilemma and faux pas placement issues.
How to Size Your Room for an Area Rug
How to Place an Area Rug
How to Determine the Right Size Area Rug

And for those that offer both home staging and styling services - A fabulous post by a designer and blogger: Area Rug Rules and How to Break Them

Hopefully with these gentle tip, Rug Rage can be resolved.

Angels in the South: Part 1








First we want to thank all of you for your out pouring of support with everything in helping us aid those in need in the South, and specifically Alabama. We'll be keeping you uptodate with information so you can see how your small steps of kindness affected our "family" to the south. In the last couple of days, we've started calling all of the people down there our family, because...well they are. We're all in this together, and it's our duty to help those in need, because someday it may be our turn to be in need.
At 930 Friday morning, we were contacted by our Angels delivery the donations on the Mountain Parkway already enroute to Alabama. We were informed that last night, everything was divided and organized by size, and is ready to go upon arrival. Incase you were wondering how much you were able to help with, they are traveling down this morning with clothing that fills 26' of rack, as well as a 16' trailor filled to the rim. We did good. Who would have believed, in 48 hrs we would be able to do something so simple but effect so many.
We were informed that the first stop will be at Harvest Elementary, where 60 individual students have lost their homes and everything their family owned. The Angels will be helped and guided by the counselors once they arrive.
After helping there, they will also be heading to Phil Campbell, Alabama. To help all of those in need there, which are so many. We were also informed that the students who can't be found or contacted for aid, will receive help and aid from the items sent by teachers and other helpers starting Monday.
As we continue to get images and information, we will pass this on your way. We believe it's important to hear and see how your small actions are changing people's lives. From the bottom of our hearts, and those in the south, thank you for being what we often take for granted, giving.

30% OFF of Tea Blossom Candle For Mom!



Incase you're like many of us who haven't figured out what to give your mom this Mother's Day, well....we'll try to help you out. Starting today, our 2011 Spring scent Tea Blossom is 30% off.
Now for you late comers, they will continue to be on sale until May 14, that's next Saturday. HOWEVER, the discount only continues until we are out of stock! So once they're gone...they're gone!
So don't waste time! :)

5 Easy Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home

Although Home Staging can sometimes be a precarious feat, these simple tips on prepping your home for sale can make the process much easier.

1. Remove YOU From the Home Staging Process: The place you’ve called home all these years is now a product that gets prepped, package and wrapped with a target buyer in mind. Your personal style, your taste, your needs and emotions get replaced with the requirements of the ideal buyer.

2. Look at Your Home in its Entirety: From curbside to back fence, to the online photos – You’re selling a package, not just the physical home. Today’s buyer is a smart and refined set, they expect from the moment they view photos online, to when they walk your backyard, that the home is pulled together tip to toe.

3. Consider the Stature & Style of Your Home: Whether cozy cottage or charming château, your home’s style and stature dictates how you package the product. Set the stage by staying true to the bones of your home - from quality to price point, be well educated when making updates, repairs and furniture and accessories choices to stay true and in-tuned to the property’s standing.

4. You’re Selling Space not Stuff: From lawn accessories to garage gadgets, showcase the property’s architecture, floor plans, details and storage instead of the stuff you’ve accumulated. Instead, strategically use the stuff to define and highlight to these important selling points.

5. The Psychology of the 5 Senses: People buy on psychology & emotion and the 5 senses speak of all that is home. Make sure your property passes the 5 senses test and evokes the senses of home… Looks great and is light and bright, smells citrus clean and fresh, relaxing sounds and is tactically pleasing – especially in the kitchen and baths.