Clean House - Cleaning the things we forget to clean

Is one of your New Year's Resolutions to keep a cleaner house?  I find at the start of every year I try to improve the condition of my home with better organizing, more maintenance, updating, DE-cluttering and more thorough cleaning. 

It's easy to forget certain areas of the home, we just simply over look them but even just cleaning the small stuff makes a big impact

1 - What state are your lamp shades in?  Check out this great tip for a quick and easy clean for your lamp shades

 

2 - Get rid of those yucky coffee stains from the bottom of your mugs with this easy peasy tip using a baking soda recipe.

3 - Start sterilizing your sponges this year, not sure how?  Click here to find out more

4 - I have cleaned my mattress with baking soda but I know many people have not, try this lavender and baking soda recipe to get your mattress nice and fresh

5 - Make those faucet sparkle and shine with a simple combo of : vinegar and paper towel.

6 - Baskets are great for easy storage but they do get dusty, check out this tutorial to learn how to get them dust-free

Warehouse lofts in Ottawa

We have all seen these artsy inspired NYC lofts in the movies and television but where can we find one? Well, this style of housing is mostly popular in areas where they had a lot of warehouses which are no longer used for that purpose anymore and they have since been re-purposed into residences.

In Ottawa, we do not have a lot of that 'look' but that is about to change. If you haven't already seen (or heard) there is a great new development in Ottawa called ' Distillery Warehouse Lofts'. The features are amazing: wide plank hardwood, quartz counter tops, chic Euro inspired kitchens, stainless steel accents and brick walls. The colour packages are incredible too! The sales office is located at 1930 Bank St and it is so worth checking out. http://www.distillerywarehouse.com/

The sales office/model gives you a great idea of just how the suites would look and feel. The look is so chic but at the same time warm and inviting. The location is not the typical downtown but it is located close to transit, the airport, shopping, groceries and other amenities.

Go see the sales office and see this new and exciting project in Ottawa!

Prepping my own home for sale...

So you probably think that it is easy for a home stager to prep her own house for sale.

In some ways it is - I know the importance, I know what has to happen to make the most money from my home sale, I do this everyday BUT it is still a lot of work! Especially with two little ones running around...

We have started...the big decluttering happened roughly a week agao and WOW, it is amazing how much junk and clutter are collected after only 4 years of living here! I still have two more closets to tackle - that is on my to-do list fo this week. I am no means an organizational freak but I know it is important for the closets to look neat and tidy so I have been decluttering and organizing too.

Since we had some renos and painting to do, we decided to minimize the chaos and put our dogs in the kennel.

The touch painting is done! Not a huge job but a bit of a pain. But it really makes the rooms look clean and fresh.

This past weekend, like many of you, we did a lot of spring clean up in our backyard and that has made a huge difference. My husband cleaned out the gutters - what a mess! I will start the planting next weekend.

There is a lot on our to-do list but we know it is all worth it! We have a few small renos that are in the works now and are progressing smoothly (with the execption of a neighbourhood power outage) we are moving forward!

Staging your home is much more that just putting some throw pillows on a sofa and some touch up paint. It is having your home turn key ready for the new owners. Yes, staging your home and prepping it to sell for the most money possible is a lot of work but it will be worth it for us (the sellers) and for the buyers.

Next...we have to finish the renos, clean the carpets (professionally), some planting and the final step - staging!

Let's get organized!!

Don't sweat the small stuff - organize it!! Try these creative fixes using basic but brilliant household staples to cure your clutter and keep your life in working order!

One tool but four useful ways to use it!

The utensil holder

It holds your utensils but try this : using it to hold your various teas just like the pretty tea packets we see in shops and restaurants; try using it to organize and keep all of your hair tools in one spot, rollers, combs and irons can all be organized in one spot; and how about a new home for your costume jewelry? earrings can even be poked through mesh holders so they can hang on.

The spice rack

Of course, an easy and practical way to keep your spices at your finger tips but what about using it as : a desk caddy - keep the push pins, rubber bands, labels etc...in small containers of the spice rack this creates a simpler and happier workspace; another great use is in the garage or workshop, this is a great way to sort and organize your nuts, screws, bolts and other small pieces; and how about a perfect craft organizer for beads, bobble and other rainy day craft materials.

The hanging basket

Perfect in the kitchen for fruit but it works wonders in a chaotic closet to keep belts, scarves and clutches off of the floor. It can also be used for parties (especially outdoor ones) to hold kids' party favours such as hats and noise makers or another great use is for the kids' playroom to hang up small plush toys and trucks.

The bath caddy

Keeps your bath products all in row but how about for kitchen utensils and napkins, just perfect for the outdoor BBQ dinner, or, a great tool to hold onto the essential such as keys, phone, sunglasses etc...or, the perfect happy hour organizer to hold straws, fruit wedges, umbrellas and more.

Creative Solutions for Storage

Spring is here! The grass is starting to turn green, the snow is gone, the sun is out and some flowers are beginning to bloom but spring also brings...Spring Cleaning! Things are really starting to pile up and get out of control! I dream of having organized closets, as I think many moms do. To find exactly what we are looking for with ease and grace ... ahhh, dare to dream!

Getting things under control and organized is a process and with growing families your amount of 'stuff' just grows with it! But it feels so great to tackle the clutter and keep it away. But how? Get smart with your storage and spend time sorting it.

Starting with a good purge is a great first step. Sort through the linen closet, the garage, the kids dressers, your closet (eek) and other storage areas. I am in this stage right now and I cannot believe these things that are still kicking around in plain sight. You will be so surprised at what you have held onto and for how long. If you haven't used it, worn it or even thought of it in 6 months to a year - retire it! There are so many different ways to 'get rid of junk'. Donate it, sell it, toss it, re-purpose it. Be realistic - if you wouldn't want it (due to it's condition i.e stains, tears, broken etc...) will anyone else want it? Once we unload the 'access baggage' we feel lighter in many ways. Clutter adds to stress, so by eliminating (or reducing) the clutter we are managing our stress too.

Now that you have purged, you likely still have a lot of things. So now what? They all need a place. This is where creative storage solutions come in. Unless you leave in a palatial home you likely need to have multi purpose pieces so look for furniture pieces that offer double duty.

Try these ideas:

- Baskets, baskets, baskets - with a lid or without, when things such as toys, books and magazine have a 'place' the space just feels neater. I have a great waterproof basket in my bathroom for my children's' bath toys. They love to get their toys out for bath time and then put them away too.

- Metro Shelving - this heavy duty chrome wire shelving is great in garages, laundry rooms, pantries and workshops. It has an industrial look but it is easy to clean and very sturdy.

- Bulletin Boards - best hung behind doors or in an area where they are not attracting too much attention. This is a perfect set up for kids' schedules, notes, permission forms, bills and other reminders. Think about all of the papers that get stuffed and ignored in a 'junk' drawer. By pinning them up in view, you'll be likely to purge the bulletin board once tasks are completed because the papers are in your sight line.

- Hooks and Pegs - these are great and often very inexpensive, they come in a variety of finishes from wood to metal. These work well in mud rooms, kids play areas, kids' room and bathrooms. When they are being used for children be sure to install them at a height that is functional for them, other wise the kids won't use them. These are ideal for hanging coats, backpacks, towels, dog leashes and more. A great idea for the mudroom is to pair up the hooks with a storage bench.

- Storage bench - piano benches work well too. these are great because they can store mitts, hats, gloves etc... they can also be used for seating. I have a few leather storage benches at home and we store our extra for parties in there - place mats, napkins, table cloths etc...items we don't use everyday plus the benches come out and act as additional seating - double duty!!

- Paint cans - new ones are best or use large,empty juice cans with the tops removed. These are perfect for storing kids stuff in an arts and crafts cupboard. The are great for paint brushes, crayons, rulers, beads, shells etc...You can label them and get the kids to decorate them too!

- Old trunks - check out vintage and antique shops for these but I have seen newer versions in home decor stores. They are great for storing extra linens and pillows. They look great too. In a guest room, keep one in the corner or at the foot of the bed, let guests know that they can help them selves to additional blankets, towels and pillows (some guests will be too shy to ask).

- Large fabric or plastic boxes - these are great 'hiding spots' for items such as laundry detergent, dog food, etc...things we use everyday but don't necessarily like to look at.

Now off I go to tackle some more rooms in need of organizing....

Great Green Ideas

April 22nd is right around the corner, for those of you that don't know April 22nd is also Earth Day. Going 'green' is not just a trend but a way of living and protecting the planet for future generations. When it comes to green living there are so many options for reduce, reuse and recycle and your home projects are no exception. Take a look at some of these ideas and consider them when it comes to your next home improvement project.

In the kitchen and laundry room:

- consider Energy star appliances. They use less energy and they will save you money!

In the bathroom and kitchen:

- consider locally made counter tops and cabinets

- consider cabinets made of recycled materials or sustainable materials

- consider counter tops made of recycled glass

Throughout the home:

- consider flooring made of recycled materials or sustainable materials

- consider using paint with low or no VOC's

- consider changing to energy efficient lighting

- consider adding green or environmentally friendly insulation (if you are building or renovating)

Instead of buying all new furniture try refinishing or re-upholstering or even re-purposing your pieces.

Green is not just a fresh colour but a way of life. Living green or taking steps to being more green will help the planet and our future generations!

Does this house smell funny to you??

We are so used to living and being in our own space that we often overlook certain things. We don't see our collections as a big deal or our favourite (but ugly) chair as a problem, well same goes for the smells in our home! We are so used to the aroma that we don't notice it. But when it comes time to sell, we need to start noticing these things. When it comes to odour, every house comes with one, especially if you have children and/or pets.

Some of the best ways to eliminate these odours?

A professional carpet cleaning (whether it is wall-to-wall or area carpets) makes a huge difference not only does it make the space feel and smell fresh but it helps to keep your flooring in good condition. Harsh chemicals are not needed to improve the look, smell and feel of your carpets.

A good scrub down. Bathrooms and the kitchens are the hot spots for odours, so be sure to give these rooms a really good cleaning. Pay attention to your appliances too. Your fridge itself can develop an unpleasant odour. This should also include a good hose down of your garbage cans too.

So can aromatherapy help m sell my home? You bet!

Studies show that the first thing people notice when walking into a home is - the smell. Strong and unpleasant odour can really turn buyers off. A buyer's impression is made in the first 30 seconds - this 30 seconds is most critical! Staging sets the scene for a buyer to mentally move in and the scent can evoke emotion and truly appeal to the senses.

Using potpourri, essential oils, candles and other elements can help you sell your home. In a small space like a condo or a small home, be sure to stick with one perfume. In a larger home, you can use a few scents but I would recommend no more than three.

- lavender. has a very calming effect, this would be ideal in a master bedroom, an ensuite bath or even a nursery.

- balsam fir. smells like Christmas, perfect for the holiday season to help set the tone.

- jasmine. another perfect scent for the master suite, it has an exotic and romantic effect.

- peppermint. a clean, fresh and cool scent which would work beautifully in the summer months in the kitchen.

- apple and cinnamon. the smell of fresh baking appeals to all ages. during an open house you could bake a pie (homemade or store bought) . the scent is very welcoming and cozy, ideal for the kitchen on a fall or winter day.

When buying candles or oils, smell them before they are lit or assembled. The scent should be light, if it is too strong remember it will be even stronger once lit or assembled.

Winter drab to Spring fab!

It's now April! The sun is out and the snow is just about gone but ugh....the gardens and lawns could really use some serious sprucing up!

Here are some great tips to go from winter drab to spring fab in your yard in just one weekend!

1 - Clean up. Rake the lawn and the flower beds to remove dead leaves and perennial over growth.

2 - Maintenance. Look into some turf products to repair the salt damage, Turf Revolution has a great salt prevention product. Also many flowering bushes benefit from some early spring pruning to help them really flourish in the summer months. Also cut back your ornamental grasses to about 2-3 inches above the ground level.

3 - Mulch. Is a great way to retain moisture and to keep weeds down where they belong plus it has a great rustic finish. Be sure to keep mulching your perennial beds for once they have broken ground.

4- Plan. Lay out your plants on the ground before digging so you can know how it will look and if you have enough plants. Figure out which plants will work best and where - shade plants and sun plants need a different placement in your garden. Also plant for the season, in the early spring the weather can still be harsh, so look to plant hardier flowers such as pansies, tulips and daffodils in the early part of the garden season.

5 - Big and lush. when it comes to planting your flower pots or boxes - fill them up! You want them to look lush and beautiful. Always start planting from the middle and work outwards.

Some gardening trends to look for:

Colour blocking - just like in fashion, we are seeing gardens in one or two main colours with a splash of a third.

Height. In your boxes or pots, add height with pussy willows or dogwood.

Colour trends. We are seeing a lot of black pots and yellows, purple and white are the hot colours for this gardening season.

Small gardens. Condos and apartments can get in on the fun of gardening. There are tons of new products on the market that are suited for the urban gardener.

Veggies! People are trending towards growing and cooking with their own veggies. You'll be surprised as to what you can successful grow in your own yard!

So dig in and bring on Spring!!

Go with the flow!

We have been so busy staging and decorating homes this past month that I have barely had anytime to sit! So here I sit for the first time in a while and of course, I am checking out homes on the market. What am I seeing? Well, I am seeing a lot of great inventory in a variety of neighbourhood throughout the city but another thing I have noticed is how disconnected many of the properties seem.

I know when you move into a home you are so excited to really make the space your own and put a personal style stamp in your new abode, however, when it comes time to sell be sure to review your home objectively (or call a stager). Looking at many of these homes (especially the single family homes) I am seeing one room to another room in a totally different style, colour concept and overall look. The listing photo galleries almost seem like a mosaic of totally different homes.

When it comes time to sell your home, be sure to have a common thread throughout the entire home - that could be colour or family of colours or a consist theme (such as French Provincial influence). When a virtual photo tour takes you through a home that offers many colours, themes and more it feels like a crazy roller coaster ride.

When your home consists of many different colours (especially bold and bright ones) and/or different themes these entire house feels choppy because every room has turned into a separate compartment. It also sends a confusing message to potential buyers, although the buyers are not buying your furniture and personal style they are trying to mentally move in and if they can't move past the crazy decor - they are not buying!

So when it comes time to prepare your home for sale, just KISS, Keep It Simple Stupid!

One colour of paint (or family of colours) throughout the entire house makes it feel fluid and larger. Make the transition of new colours in areas where it makes sense (such as entirely separate rooms like bathrooms and bedrooms or any room with a door). Minimize the themes and try to keep just one consistently through the house. Keep your place clean and clutter free!

It's a jungle out there!

The month of March has been an absolute whirlwind and now it's almost over! In like a lion and out like a lamb...they say! Speaking of animals, I have been fortunate enough to travel to both Montreal and Toronto this past week and have been checking out some design trends in these cities as well as my own, Ottawa, and I have seen so many 'animal inspired' elements in home decor. Lots and lots of animal prints in upholstery - pillows, area rugs and throw blankets. Leopard, snake skin, tiger and giraffe, oh my! What is great about animal print is that although bold it is classic and seems to never go out of style. It is a great colour palette to work off of and offers a great splash of visual interest. Don't think you can go that bold? Start small with a faux fur pillow in a bedroom or on an occasional chair. Integrate a few animal prints that are in a tone on tone colour wave to your living room space. Don't like earth tones? We are seeing animal prints is many different colour waves including turquoise and magenta!The boldness of the animal print pattern is so engaging and interesting. Other great ways to integrate nature into your home

- check out driftwood, it is organic and naturally sculptural

- add some bamboo to a bathroom, greenery makes any and every space feel alive

- check out bits and bobbles with natural inspiration on a coffee table or any showcase area, a small display of little birds, shells or starfish add serenity and simplicity to any space

- framed artwork with animals, birds and flowers can look very traditional but many stores have a more modern take on nature inspired art pieces.

- animal prints are not the only way to integrate animals and textiles into a space, many stores offer options with a softer approach with colours from nature like green, blue and yellow or look for floral and fauna prints.

Take a close look at the image above, they have embraced the elements of nature biut still have a contemporary style. The wallpaper has a leaf motif, the zebra print area rug is bold, the framed artwork is various shapes and sizes of leaves, a few collectibles of coral and shells are on display and of course, some greenery.

Bringing the outdoors inside can make every space feel relaxed and comfortable yet still stylish. Nature never goes out of style!

Hot Spring Trends For Your Home

The month of March is upon us and hopefully the warm spring weather will soon be too....To celebrate the season why not spruce up your home decor? Take a look at these hot trends for your home this spring.

- think pink! add this colour to brighten up your space and add some life! you can do this in so many ways and in so many shades. a bold paint choice for a bedroom, some fresh cut flowers in your living space or exterior, some pink pillows or throw blanket on a neutral sofa or chair...

- let there be light! add some interesting light fixtures and lamps to your space and think of the lighting factor as a design factor. there are so many fabulous light fixtures that can add some unique visual interest to any space... george kovacs is one of my favourite designers in the lighting and lamp industry

- mix it up! have some fun with fabric and pattern. mix up pattern both big and bold in rugs, drapes, pillows and more but keep a consistent thread and don't let them compete they need to compliment each other.

- go for the gold! bring gold back into your wardrobe and into your home decor. gold is warm and elegant it also adds richness and sophistication but keep it in small doses.

Look for these hot trends in any home decor store and embrace something new this season!

Clean your carpets, naturally...

Canada is such a wonderful place to live but the changing seasons can really take its toll on our surroundings. Your flooring sees some of the worst of it! Mud in the spring, salt in the winter and so much more. Not to mention everyday living - dust mites, spills and other particles in the air get into our carpets as well. Got kids? Got pets? Either of those factors can amplify the odours and dirt in your carpets.

I make a point every spring to include a professional carpet cleaning in my home. It is amazing! You can feel the difference in the air and under your feet. It makes the entire space look and feel better plus it lengthens the life of my floor coverings. With two kids, two dogs and the two of us a professional cleaning is a must! I don't have wall-to-wall carpet but area rugs in the bedrooms and living room. We walk, play and live on these floor coverings everyday so each and every spring they are due for a good clean.

I know many people are fearful with the idea of 'professional carpet cleaning', they think high cost and high chemicals but carpet cleaning has come a long way. Chem Dry Ottawa is just one of many professional floor cleaning companies that specializes in cleaning your grout, tiles, carpet, upholstery and leather plus specializing in the removal of urine and pet odours with products straight from mother nature.

Spring is right around the corner, try adding professional carpet cleaning to your "to-do" list - you will not only see but you will feel the difference too!

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.

Keep your home healthy

It seems like everyone is sick these days. I know everyone in my house has the flu which is very unpleasant so let this be a reminder to keep your home healthy with regular check ups and some 'at-home' prevention too.

Clothes Dryer

- after every load of laundry, clean out the lint filter

- clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct too

Refrigerator

- clean the inside regularly using a scrub brush and some mild soap or baking soda

- don't try to repair a broken fridge if you do not know what you are doing, you could do way more harm than good!

Oven

- wipe excess crumbs from the interior and stove top as well

- wipe and scrub down the oven racks too

Microwave

- clean the inside walls

- clean the removable glass tray

Smoke Detector

- remember to have one on each floor

- vacuum the detectors

- replace the batteries each season

Computer, cellphone and other

- wipe down these surfaces (remote controls too) with disinfecting wipes especially during cold and flu season

A clean home is a healthy (and happy) home.

Treat your appliances with TLC and you will have a long, happy and healthy life together!

Paint colour trends for 2011

What will be "all the rage" for paint colours this coming year?

You will be seeing a lot of splash and fun 'pop' colours. Because paint is such an easy and inexpensive way to transform any room, in 2011 the colours will have more vibrancy and brilliance that ever before. If you aren't too adventurous, try these colours in room such as a powder room or laundry room. Neutrals are always in style too, in 2011 shades of grey and still gorgeous and so are the organic hues.

1 -- Lime Green. Looks great in a kid's room or playroom. Lots of energy and movement with this colour. Can work in a condo or a family home. Check out Sico in Pastis 6121-42

2 -- Smoke Grey. This is less pop and more posh. Looks great in a master bedroom or living room. Can be on the darker side so be sure to balance with lighter artwork and other furnishings. Take a closer look at Benjamin Moore in Smoke 2122-40

3 -- Fern Green. A more sophisticated cousin to the lime green. This colour is calming and soothing but does add some energy too. Works in a master suite or guest suite. Check out Beauti-Tone Paints in Fern SD019

4 -- Soft Grey. Still seeing a lot of grey this year, this would be for the non-adventurous type. It shows as a soft silver and if you are looking for a perfectly soft paint colour to show off your furniture and art this would work well in that space. Take a look at Farrow & Ball in Elephant's Breath 229

5-- Lemon Yellow. A big, bold but happy colour! Great for accents and stencils like in a children's room or even a workspace. Check out Sico in Slightly Sour 6097-42

6 -- Hot Pink. Definitely another bold choice but really works when paired with classic neutrals like the soft grey. Again, great for an accent like in a master bedroom. Definitely daring but modern and fun - perfect for a strong,single female on her own. Take a closer look at Benjamin Moore in Royal Flush 2076-20

7 -- Dark Teal. Not turquoise! This colour is bold but rich. Perfect for a man cave or man's office space. Add some dark wood furniture, leather sofa and club chairs and some photography or framed memorabilia and you have a classicmale space. Check out Behr's Almost Famous T11-6

8--Boho Brown. If your style is folklore chic and you love to collect and display beautifully handcrafted pieces, you need a wall colour that compliments but also can handle the supporting role. Farrow & Ball's London Clay 244 is rich and elegant but works so beautifully with hippie chic.

9 -- Sand. Love the beachy feel but without the sand in all of those hard to clean places? Then put the colour on your wall. Colours that are organic and true to nature are still going strong this year. Take a look at Sico colours such as Seashore Pebble 6230-31 and Whitish Clay 6213-21

2011 - Time for a change

Well 2011 is here! What are your new year's resolutions? The new year is always a great time to refresh, rejuvenate and renew - so why not make some changes to your environment??

You don't need a lot of money or any to make some changes in your space to make it feel fresh and new just some creativity!

Try making your bed in a new way - check out this link for four fun ways to re-dress your bed www.reallifedecorating.com/bedroomdecor/bedroom_onebed.html

Try switching up how you place your pillows and throw blankets on your sofa . Keep pillows and blankets crisp and streamlined for a sleek look or try keeping it more laid-back by placing the pieces in a casual and relaxed way. If you have different size and colour/pattern pillows move them onto other furniture pieces that can really change your room.

You could try moving the furniture in a different placement. for example in the winter position the major pieces so they are facing the fireplace.

Change up your sofa and coffee table decor pieces with items you find around the house. Books, photos, decorative bowls, collectibles like shells etc...can really change the mood and ambiance of the space.

In the kitchen, add some natural elements like bamboo, flowers or even sticks (very low maintenance) on your kitchen island. A fruit bowl can also add colour and a welcoming feeling for guests.

Create a gallery in a hallway or up the stairs using family photos. It's a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by family and a great use of photo frames (I find many people have a bunch lying around that they received as gifts) check out this link for some ideas on how to create a gallery wall www.ehow.com/how_4721492_gallery-wall.html

In the bathroom create a display area using basic bathroom items and some empty glass vases. In my bathroom we have an open shelving piece where I mostly have wicker baskets but I kept one shelf open and used glass vases filled with bars of soap, cotton balls and Epsom salts it was easy, inexpensive and gives the space a spa-feel.

Start the new year off with a bang and create a beautiful space that will inspire and refresh the new you!!

Celebrity style - Kim Raver

We all see the fashion magazines plastered with images of celebrity style but what about their homes? Your personal style should be reflected in not just your clothing but your surroundings too!

Kim Raver (Grey's Anatomy and 24) has two gorgeous homes - one on the west coast and the other on the east coast. Each home reflects a side of her style and of the area.

The west coast home is modern but with some coziness and colour (see second set of images). I love how she softens up the concrete floors with a plush area rug. She also makes the living room so personal by adding an eclectic gallery of family photos. The addition of the large kitchen island encourages conversation and working together. "It's great because then people pitch in. Every one's chopping vegetables!" - she says.

The east coast house is more of a cottage style (see top images). The kitchen in light creams and bead board is cozy, cottage chic. The living room boasts a 300 year old fireplace! Raver added naturalness and an organic feel by adding some wicker elements to the space. she included some more personal items in this home too, including a dollhouse in her master bedroom passed down from her grandmother. Raver although not as modern and sleek as her L.A home, she feels at home in the Hampton's too, "I love how old this house is and to think about all of the generations of families who have gone through here".

Embrace all of your different sides of style by carefully meshing them together or creating a different feel in certain rooms in your home!

Holiday tips and tricks....

I have asked friends and family for some of their favourite holiday tips and tricks to make the season smooth, merry and bright.

- use ice cubes to water your natural tree and/or Christmas plants (less mess)

- battery operated candles. they give you the look, they are great for home with kids, no hot wax spills and they can be used over and over again

- edible centerpieces like nuts and fruit - simple to make, they are organically beautiful and no waste

- reduce, reuse and recycle your holiday gift bags

- live in a condo with strict rules and regulations? put your wreaths (using wreath hangers) on interior doors

- use stocking hangers instead of damaging your fireplace mantel with nails. check out bed, bath and beyond for initial stocking hangers by harvey lewis.

- always buy a few extra gifts and keep them on hand - there is always an unexpected person who thinks to get you something lovely for the holiday, it's nice to give back to them too

- buy holiday cards when they are on sale and stock up for years to come

- display your family photos and Christmas cards on your tree! it makes for a great display area and now your counter space is clear of clutter.

- spritz your natural cedar wreaths and bows with water daily

- for napkins, chargers, coasters etc...stick with colours like red, white and/or gold in solids this way they can be used for other holidays such as Thanksgiving, New Year's and Valentine's day

- Do all of your baking at once and freeze it - cookies thaw out in no time!

Staging for your target market

I recently staged a one bedroom with my team and much to my surprise the seller was disappointed with the end result. I spoke with the listing agent and he told me that the seller found the staging to be masculine looking and very modern, she was hoping for more traditional and cozy decor because that is what she likes. I explained to the agent (so he could relay the message to his seller) why certain looks and styles are used in specific properties.

Staging is not personalized decor it is a tool to help sell a property. A good stager will meet with an agent and discuss who the target market is - simply who will likely be most interested in this property. In this case, this listing is a one bedroom one bathroom unit in a large condo building, the pricing is great for someone who wants a downtown condo look about cannot afford the price tag. We determined it would most likely be a younger, single male. So with my team we selected furniture pieces that would appeal to a male crowd. We chose leather furniture and some darker wood pieces too. We were also careful to select pieces that worked with the scale and size of the floor plan, apartment sized furniture fits in the room but does not over stuff the area. A smart stager will also work with colours that 'pop' on film. We chose a lot of fun and funky artwork with lots of colour - which displays energy and fun! We also accessorized the space with pieces that demonstrate a chic and luxurious lifestyle with plush towels in the bathroom and martini glasses and voss water bottles in the kitchen. We created a chic and contemporary living space that looked like a downtown hot spot!

It is tough when a seller has lived in their space in a certain way and it takes time for many people to adjust to change. I have heard people say "I would have never placed my sofa there - I always thought of having it here". The way we present a home to sell is not the same as we live in a space and many sellers have a hard time making that distinction. Many sellers ask me "Does anyone actually live like this?" The answer is "No" but we are selling a fantasy, a dream of a certain lifestyle. If a buyer sees photos of your property online and they like it they will want to see it so your photos must make an incredible first impression after all those photos is what will book a showing. It's like going on a first date - are you always so pressed and perfect, maybe not but you don't want your date to know different...

In the end, the seller was really surprised to hear what all was involved in staging a home to sell for more money. She thought we just moved furniture and artwork in a property and left. And many people do. Now that she realizes what when into staging her place she sees and understands that staging to sell is a process and not just a crab shoot. She is happy with the number of showings and the positive feedback. Her property has been receiving rave reviews from agents and should be receiving an offer soon...