Old meets New

This is an interesting time in home decor and design. It seems as though the times of buying all new furniture because you have moved into a larger or smaller home have gone by the wayside. People are way more aware of waste and are embracing the idea of recycling, reusing and re-purposing - and I love it! Not just from an environmental stand but from a design perspective. When people can be creative with their existing pieces whether it's refinishing instead of tossing them out, or using a piece in a different room than intended I think it really shows personal style and innovation. I have seen a lot of designers embracing this concept too which I personally feel is a part of their role - being creative! It's too easy to just wipe the slate clean and start from scratch and we can't do that in this economy. I know my clients are looking for great ideas to reuse their prized pieces and that's one of the many reasons why they hire me.

Usually model homes are a proponent of the concept of completely starting a new but there is a model condo suite at QWest in Westboro that is totally refreshing!! I love what the designers did (and no it is not my design). The crew from 2H Interiors mastered mixing old with new in this suite. They re-purposed some pieces and made them fresh but then added splashes of glam and modern. You will notice streamlined pieces mixed with more elegant and ornate items. An antique China cabinet in the office/den and a bedroom dresser as a hutch/storage piece in the living/dining space. I know this may sound very strange to some or perhaps many of you but I think it is genius and really reflects of where design is going due to the economic and environmental climate in 2011.

Old and New can work together to create a truly beautiful and unique space. I think it is not only important to express your personal flare but to be smart about it too. If there is nothing wrong with your pieces, do they need to be replaced? Make it work!

Celebrity at home - Ashley Tisdale

Ashley Tisdale is a lovely young starlet from the popular "High School Musical" series and now starring in "Hellcats" has something else to add to her list - a stunning home with a reflection of her unique personal style. The star's first home consists of Spanish architecture and beautiful lush gardens surrounding her turquoise pool. But this house is totally girl-friendly, even the furniture! Take a close look at her living room coffee table - it's a vintage Louis Vuitton travelling trunk with a custom glass table top. She surrounds herself with fresh flowers and soft and serene colour tones. Her custom made bed design is just fabulous for movie nights and lazy Sunday's as the flat screen TV pops up from the console at the foot of the bed! But the closet has to be one of the biggest and organized one has ever seen, it's every woman's dream especially for those who love to shop!

Her house really reflects her style with the uber feminine touches such as the soft colour palette and the luxurious fabric selection. But should she ever decide to move out, the basic bones of the home could work for anyone's personal style.

This home is a perfect palace for a princess such as Ashley Tisdale.

It's not about you!

I started staging and decorating model homes in 2003 and the one thing that I have always told my clients is 'it's not about you!' I know it sound a bit harsh and some might say rude but here is what I am saying - when it comes to presenting a home for sale, either a resale or a new home - it's about the buyer not the seller.

The home must appeal to the buyer.

I was recently asked to tour a model suite in the Westboro area. I was told that the developer and the marketing team hated it, they asked me for feedback. They wanted something that was "more this and less that". I went in alone, not wanting to be influenced by their thoughts. I loved it! The mix of colours, textures and finishes really stood out. The designers had selected some unique pieces that were memorable and special.

I also thought it was really smart how they mixed new contemporary pieces with some older items, which really reflects the downsizing demographic the builder/developer is catering too. I knew this model would show and photograph beautifully. I knew it would get the buyers' attention too! Although the model is not the personal style of both the developer and the marketer, they needed to understand that the model suite is there as a sales tool not a personal decorating project.

All too often I hear clients tell me that they didn't like how I positioned their furniture or the colours I selected to stage their home. "This is not how I would do it"-they say. Homeowners need to understand that when their house is up for sale it is no longer their home. Letting go is tough but important when selling your home, it's not about you anymore, it's about the new family or couple that will call this home theirs.