Creating Broad Appeal When Selling a Home

One of the most important things I tell clients, or prospective clients (i.e. home sellers) and real estate agents is that staging is about creating broad appeal in order to attract as many buyers as possible. Many believe that home staging is the same as decorating, but that could not be further from the truth. When I am working with a client to design or decorate their home for them to live in, the most important thing is to appeal to their personal tastes and likes, and to create a space that will feel like home to them. When I am working with staging clients who are selling their home, the most important thing is to appeal to everyone else.

As a case in point, I recently staged a condo in Toronto. My client was a lovely, single woman. One of the first things that I recommended be changed were the paint colours in her 2 bathrooms and her kitchen. The bathrooms were both painted in a soft pink colour, and the kitchen was painted in a dark, intense orange.  She loved those colours, and could not understand, at first, why they would have to be changed. I tried to explain to her exactly what I spoke about earlier–that we are trying to appeal to as many people and demographics as possible, so neutral colours would be more effective at doing that. What if the prospective buyer was a young, single male? Would he be able to picture himself shaving in a pink bathroom. Likely not.

By painting the bathroom in a neutral colour, replacing the feminine shower curtain with a crisp, fresh white one, as well as adding accessories to give the space a spa-like feel, we were able to create a space that would appeal to any buyer.  For pictures and more information on what we did the kitchen to create broad appeal, please visit our blog at its new location, and follow this link: http://blog.spacestyle.ca/creating-broad-appeal-when-selling-a-home . You’ll love what you see!

Happy Selling!

Have a question? Feel free to contact me at info@SpaceStyle.ca, or suggest a topic for a blog post.

www.SpaceStyle.ca

Tips on Minimizing Paper

Tips on Minimizing Paper-Article Summary

For Full Article, visit http://blog.spacestyle.ca/minimizing-paper/ where our new blog has moved to…

Tip #1: Don’t hang on to documents for longer than you need to

If you keep all of the paper that comes into your home, and pile it up until you are overwhelmed, the good news is you don’t need to! When it comes to documents relating to income tax reporting, you only need to keep records for a minimum of six years from the end of the last tax year.  What I do is keep 7 years just in case. There may be some exceptions (e.g. paperwork related to the sale of a property), so be sure to read the information at the link below, and contact a professional if you are unsure.

For official government guidelines on how long you are required to keep your records, go to the following links: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tp/ic78-10r5/README.html

For more tips on how to minimize paper, please read the full article at http://blog.spacestyle.ca/minimizing-paper/.

Happy Organizing!

Have a question? Feel free to contact me at info@SpaceStyle.ca, or suggest a topic for a blog post.

www.SpaceStyle.ca

We are moving!

Hi everyone,

This is just a quick not to let you know that we’ve moved our blog to http://blog.spacestyle.ca/. Make sure to follow us there! See you soon!

A Great Day of Home Staging in Markham

Wow…What a transformation in this modest Markham home. Although the 40 degree heat made it challenging for a staging day yesterday, this property turned out amazing! After our consultation, this family of four worked really well together to execute the recommendations I provided them with.  Less than a week later, this property was ready to be staged.  We brought in select key furniture pieces that seemed to be missing to create a more inviting living room. We also brought in new linens for the extra bedrooms–our client made the investment in two new double beds which was a great decision. Finally, we took the home to the next level with artwork and accessories, and by rearranging existing furniture to create better flow and showcase the great space and selling features.

The client was so happy, she wants to know where she can buy some of the accessories, and how to book a consultation to decorate the house they’re moving into.

Here are a few before and after shots.  To see more, visit https://www.spacestyle.ca/Photo_Gallery.php or click on any of the photos below. Enjoy!

Living Room Before Staging

Dining Room-Before Staging

Dining Room-After Staging

For more pictures, please visit:  https://www.spacestyle.ca/Photo_Gallery.php

Baby Boudoir

Hi Everyone! This article I wrote is currently featured in the inaugural issue of “Pink and Blue Baby Mag” new digital magazine! Check it out at this link http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/0e2aab6d#/0e2aab6d/42 or read it right here!

Baby Boudoir

So you’re expecting, or maybe your little one has just entered this wonderful world, and you, of course, want to create the perfect space to welcome them into. Perhaps your nesting instincts are on high alert, but you feel overwhelmed. Well, have no fear!  These tips on nursery essentials and how to create a beautiful space, regardless of budget, will help you create your dream baby boudoir.

Nursery Essentials

The perfect nursery starts with some basic essentials. After all, a pretty room is only good if the room functions well. Here are the things you’ll need to create the foundation of your nursery:

Furniture:

• Crib:  Consider investing in a crib that can convert into a full bed when the child is older. This could save you money down the road.  If you are buying coordinating pieces, like a dresser, bookshelf, night table, etc., this will keep the set unified and increase longevity.
• Change Table: Make sure your change table has ample storage. Consider purchasing a dresser and using it as a change table.  You can drill/cut out holes in the back of the dresser that are large enough to secure the straps from your change pad. Use the drawers for all of your diaper changing supplies, as well as clothing, keeping everything handy.
• Chair: The main use of the chair in the first year will be for nursing or feeding the baby. Later on it will be for story time, and may even become part of your family room some day.  So if you’re making the investment, buy something with the long term in mind.  Make sure it’s comfortable and has a high back for those late night feedings. The ideal chair (and the one that I have myself) is a rocking, swivelling, reclining chair with a WASHABLE fabric.  I know, it sounds too good to be true, but it does exist.  Mine is a Best Chair http://www.besthf.com/best/Storytime/Recliners/items/TRYP from the Baby Furniture Warehouse www.lilangelsstore.com.  You can pick your fabric and have a bit of fun, or keep it neutral so that it can be used in other rooms down the road.
• Night Table: You’ll need a small table by the chair where you can have a small lamp, Kleenex box, and somewhere to put bottles or supplies for feedings. If possible, again, get one with drawers for extra storage. When the baby is old enough, you can put toys in these low drawers that they can reach.
• Bookshelf:  Although books may not be necessary right of the bat, a book shelf is great for extra storage. If you’re lucky, you’ll get lots of gifts, including books, picture frames, and other nice things to display. A bookshelf is also a handy shoe rack, and what could be cuter to display than baby shoes?!

Baby Furniture Essentials

                       

Other Essentials:

• Soft Change pad with straps the secures to the change table/dresser
• Change pad cover (you’ll need at least 2-3 of these as back-ups for those “messy incidents”)
• Diaper Pail: No matter how beautifully decorated a nursery is, smelly diapers will overpower it, so make sure to have a good diaper pail or solution for eliminating odours. I myself am a fan of the Diaper Genie http://www.playtexmommyville.ca/DiaperGenie/Diaper-Genie-Elite-Disposal-System.aspx. The refills are expensive,  but it is VERY effective and easy to use.
• Humidifier:  This is a must-have, especially if your baby is congested or sick.  If you’re buying a “cute” humidifier, make sure the quality is there, or you’ll be like me who bought the expensive, adorable cow and had to replace him after 6 months with a better, cheaper one.
• Lighting: I highly recommend a table lamp to have next to your feeding chair. Try to find a touch lamp.  You can also have a bit of fun in terms of décor with lamps. You don’t have to buy the matching lamp that comes with your bedding.
• Mobile:   Some mobiles are more stimulating vs. calming, so be mindful of this. Many bedding sets come with coordinating mobiles which is a nice option to maintain a consistent look.
• White Noise Machine:  The white noise machine is comforting for your newborn, and also helps to drown out any sudden noises and keep them sleeping/napping longer.  If you don’t have one right of the bat, you can use a radio on a static station until you can get one. The Graco Sweet Slumber Sound machine has a built-in night light and a plug in for an mp3 player http://www.gracobaby.com/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=1751642.
• Laundry hamper: Not much to say other than this is a must have. Buy a nice lined basket with an open top—you’ll only have one free hand most of the time!
• Closet organizers: Don’t invest in expensive built-ins for a baby. Use the fabric organizers that attach to the hanging bars. They are the perfect size for baby clothes and provide lots of shelves for storing different sizes. You WILL get gifts in every size imaginable when the baby is born.
• Monitor:  Although I originally went with an audio-only monitor, when I borrowed a video monitor, I became hooked and would highly recommend one.
• Black-out Drapes: A dark room is best for a new baby. Blinds aren’t always adequate, so consider adding either a special black-out drape, or just buy a dark-coloured drape.  This can also soften the look of a room and can be incorporated into the décor. You can buy ready-made panels, choose a fabulous fabric and have custom drapes made to match your décor.

Décor Ideas:

The first question we all have when decorating a nursery is, “what is the sex of the baby”? If you’re like me and wanted to be surprised, you’ll want to choose some gender neutral colours or patterns, and don’t worry because there are tons of options out there. If you know the sex of the baby, you may be able to have a little more fun with the décor. You can also wait until the baby is born to decorate.

• Bedding:  This is a good starting point to inspire your décor. You may want a themed room (e.g. jungle animals) or something      more sophisticated, using colour, pattern and texture.  If you’re buying a set, at first, you’ll only be using the sheet in the crib, but down the road you can introduce the bumpers and blanket. You can use the bedskirt right away.  Drape the comforter or blanket over your nursing chair, or use it as a wall-hanging to show it off sooner rather than later.
• Paint: This is a very low-cost way to create a soothing space for your baby with the use of colour. And if you’re willing to pick up a paint brush yourself, the cost can be as low as $60-$80. You can add character with paint buy creating a striped or plaid pattern using painter’s tape, or install chair rail around the room and do one colour above and a different colour below for a two-tone effect.
• Wallpaper:  What can I say about wallpaper other than it’s my new favourite décor element. There are so many options for any space. There are options specifically designed for nurseries, but you can also pick a more sophisticated pattern for a really glamorous look.   Be bold and do a great accent wall, then compliment it by pulling out one of the colours for painting the other walls, perhaps something more muted/neutral.
•  Display your baby’s name: There are a number of companies that make custom letters that you can hang on the wall in your baby’s room. This also makes a an easy DIY project. Just buy the letters from your local craft store and some paint (or use leftover paint from one of your accent colours in the baby’s room) and create your own.  For simplicity, keep them a solid colour, or if you’re daring try some pattern. Then just hang them up with picture hooks, or double sided (strong) tape. Try to choose colours that already exist in the room. You don’t want to bring in too many new colours.
• Wall decals: These are inexpensive and easy to apply or remove, making it a great way to personalize your space.  Here’s a website with lots of options and inspiration: http://tradingphrases.com/nursery.html.  It is fairly easy to find wall decals are your local wal-mart, Superstore, Homesense, etc.
• Pictures: Create a photo gallery. You can start off by framing some maternity photos, and once your baby is here, you’ll have no shortage of sweet photos to display. Buy some white frames. You can choose all the same frames in the same size or different styles and sizes to create a more eclectic collage.  IKEA is always a great source for inexpensive frames http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/categories/departments/decoration/10757/.
• Baskets: Baskets not only add storage to a room, but they can also add decorative flair.  Baskets come in all shapes, sizes, and colours. Some have really pretty fabric liners that can inspire your room décor. These are great to be used right on your change table to keep supplies handy, or in bookshelves to store shoes, small stuffed animals, toys, etc.

Baby Room Decor

So now that you’re armed with a list of essentials and ideas, I happily send you out on your decorating adventure. Preparing and decorating your nursery can be very fulfilling, but also overwhelming. Remember it doesn’t all have to be done before baby arrives. Who are we kidding, they’re not going to notice anyways! We know that decorating is for us moms, so have fun with it! Happy decorating!

Have a question? Feel free to contact me at info@SpaceStyle.ca.

Demystifying Home Staging

I came across this article by Jason Van Steenwyk of realestate.com and thought that he did a great job of really explaining the benefits of home staging, what it is, and what it’s not. He discusses how, at a minimum, home staging is “the process of cleaning the place up to look great for the buyer”, but then elaborates to say “staging is the art…” (I like that!) “…of taking a bare home and presenting it to the potential buyer in such a way that they want to live there…” This is what I always have in the back of my mind when staging a home. I always try to create a feeling in the home that communicates a lifestyle–I want people to aspire to live the type of life I am showcasing. I never over-do it because that can sometimes come across as contrived. My goal is for the prospective buyer to mentally and emotionally move in within the first 10 seconds of viewing a property.

Jason also eloquently defines the difference between interior design and home staging, and this is something I try to explain when people ask what it is that I do. He says “[Home Staging] is a very different skill than doing an interior makeover to please the owner. The owner has specific and identifiable tastes and will likely be there for years. The home stager has to anticipate the average taste.” Home staging is all about appealing to the broadest range of buyers. Some homeowners may be insulted or upset by a home stager’s comments to remove their personal items, artwork, and decor from a space. Home owners should never feel this way. There may be nothing wrong with their taste, but the problem is that it’s just that–their taste, not the taste of the average buyer.

Jason also talks about diminishing returns of home staging. It’s definitely possible to spend too much on home staging. Some stagers will make recommendations beyond what will really add value to the home. When I’m working on a project, I always focus on the key rooms that matter most to buyers, and of course, am respectful of the seller’s budget. Sometimes a seller has great furniture and accessories, but the way they are showcased is all wrong. In those cases, I simply work with what they have to maximize the appeal of the home. Other times, bringing in some accessories is all that is required to give the home a bit more character. And many times, especially with vacant or semi-vacant homes, we recommend bringing in furnishings. Every case is different, and presents a new and wonderful challenge.

If you liked this post, follow me, or like my facebook page to stay up-to-date.

Keep styling!

For Jason’s full article, go to this link:

http://www.realestate.com/advice/home-staging-is-it-worth-the-effort-when-flipping-houses

SpaceStyle Launches its First Ever Blog!

Hello all! I’m happy to say that I’ve finally decided to start a blog, although I know virtually nothing about blogging. I figure I’ll learn as I go, just like anything.

My goal is to provide tips, ideas, keep everyone posted on trends, help everyone understand the benefits of home staging and organizing, and hopefully, to inspire you.

Follow me to stay up to date. You can also like my facebook page or connect with me on Linked-in. So many options! See you soon!

Erin