tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76958284414673064142024-03-14T00:43:46.971-07:00PEARL: Home Staging+DesignRenovation Design and Presentation Services - Call: (323) 371-3500<br>
Serving Realtors, Homeowners + Property InvestorsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-62710365568989710812013-02-15T13:17:00.004-08:002013-02-25T15:21:27.067-08:00Bel Air Split Level<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We recently took on a project just off Beverly Glen that was a rather unusual space in a beautiful location. Upon arrival, it was easy to see that the place was going to need a little help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-41mGCmQeoMs/UR6ZO9KTDeI/AAAAAAAAACU/ovpqi-4Yw9c/s1600/10583ScenStreet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-41mGCmQeoMs/UR6ZO9KTDeI/AAAAAAAAACU/ovpqi-4Yw9c/s320/10583ScenStreet.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="goog_86930312"></span><span id="goog_86930312">The monochromatic slate color is largely unbroken and doesn't register well in MLS feeds. There is very little to attract the eye of the prospective home buyer.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIHjhO3L3-g/UR6b-wf6X-I/AAAAAAAAACk/77MLo6Z8_2g/s1600/12-641797_13_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rIHjhO3L3-g/UR6b-wf6X-I/AAAAAAAAACk/77MLo6Z8_2g/s320/12-641797_13_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With a few of the home's surfaces painted a fresh shade of a darker blue-gray, <span id="goog_86930312"></span><span id="goog_86930313"></span>new house numbers, and the planters touched up, the house now stands out with a few pops of color. Had the budget allowed, we would have carried the theme to the upper level and painted the chimney stack the same accent and replaced the front door.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrCKzDwxm6I/UR6dm8BNnTI/AAAAAAAAAC0/naCrc7d6v9I/s1600/10583SceneEntry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrCKzDwxm6I/UR6dm8BNnTI/AAAAAAAAAC0/naCrc7d6v9I/s320/10583SceneEntry.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The interior of the house is painted in a peachy shade that made the room feel drab. There are decorative shelves just as you enter that, not only take up excess space, but simply don't feel as if they belong there. A ratty looking curtain is covering the entry, providing security but it looks dingy and blocks a lot of light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7s3tpWJ-Sk/UR6eXZSIxOI/AAAAAAAAAC8/Qu-dP2reXSk/s1600/12-641797_7_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7s3tpWJ-Sk/UR6eXZSIxOI/AAAAAAAAAC8/Qu-dP2reXSk/s320/12-641797_7_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now, with a fresh coat of paint (Dutch coffee) and the shelving taken down and replaced with a striking Rothko print this place is airy, attractive and enticing to home buyers. Also note that the curlicues were removed from the bannister railing, providing a much more modern and clean look.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Upstairs, we found a master bedroom that was just a vacant room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Although it looked onto the stunning view of the canyon just outside, once again, the peach colored paint and the ratty curtains do little to inspire home buyers into seeing the potential of this room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8Z6c_WPu8Y/UR6kIWWremI/AAAAAAAAADM/zeyMPJAZGig/s1600/12-641797_2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K8Z6c_WPu8Y/UR6kIWWremI/AAAAAAAAADM/zeyMPJAZGig/s320/12-641797_2_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We added a queen-sized bed and a white leather loveseat from Cort Furniture, some accessories and linens from our own collection, soften the view with a gauzy mesh curtain and this room became a relaxing getaway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For more information regarding this home, please check out its listing on Redfin:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_748802463"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/Los-Angeles/10583-Scenario-Ln-90077/home/6832226http://www.redfin.com/CA/Los-Angeles/10583-Scenario-Ln-90077/home/6832226"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></a><a href="http://www.redfin.com/CA/Los-Angeles/10583-Scenario-Ln-90077/home/6832226" target="_blank">10583 Scenario Lane</a>henryphilliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444169645693503715noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-58492621369718844522013-01-28T12:03:00.000-08:002013-04-01T18:26:22.744-07:00Hidden Charm? Reveal It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We often get a house with hidden charm. The problem with hidden charm is that tends to be hidden to the people who need to see it the most-the buyer. If the only people able to recognize the better points of the house are the seller and the realtor, the house will probably be on the market a lot longer. An experienced home stager will be able to recognize the benefits of the house and enhance them to make the more visible to the buyer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As a recent example, here is a recent job we did on a small house on a stair street in Echo Park:</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Before</span>:</b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUugRlKorrE/UQbFQDoJU1I/AAAAAAAAABU/3rt1rslhAGU/s1600/20130113_153455.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gUugRlKorrE/UQbFQDoJU1I/AAAAAAAAABU/3rt1rslhAGU/s320/20130113_153455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Clearly this house lacks a visually striking entry that entices visitors into exploring further. The front door just fades away, the steps don't reach the main walkway as you descend and they also are completely open at the front giving the whole entry an unfinished appearance.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahH_D7NWY8k/UQbFmdcHW0I/AAAAAAAAAB8/5FBli71bP1Q/s1600/Front1_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ahH_D7NWY8k/UQbFmdcHW0I/AAAAAAAAAB8/5FBli71bP1Q/s320/Front1_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With a fresh coat of tangerine paint on the front door, additional steps added and new fascias across the front of the steps, people are welcomed to an attractive-looking house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The paprika walls are overwhelming and the bare living room says nothing more than "small" leaving prospective home buyers no idea how effective this space can truly be.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dPObfIBuCtM/UQbFhAkj-qI/AAAAAAAAAB0/QTd6UPYu8Iw/s1600/LivingRoom4_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dPObfIBuCtM/UQbFhAkj-qI/AAAAAAAAAB0/QTd6UPYu8Iw/s320/LivingRoom4_web.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now, furnished and with a bright, fresh coat of paint on the walls, the living room is airy and inviting. Prospective buyers can walk in and see the possibilities of the space.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The master bedroom, before staging, is just a small, square box with very little to recommend it, visually, to the buyer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With a bed covered in beautiful linens, vintage furniture and artwork on the walls, this nondescript box is transformed into a relaxing space where prospective buyers can imagine themselves living.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The lesson here is to not let the prospective buyer try to figure out what benefits the home has to offer on their own. Home staging is an effective way to help reveal the hidden assets a home has to offer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For a more complete viewing of this property, go to:</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.trulia.com/property/3101214467-2368-Loma-Vista-Pl-Los-Angeles-CA-90039" target="_blank"> Loma Vista Hillside Property</a></span>henryphilliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444169645693503715noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-44463329987769939772013-01-04T15:54:00.001-08:002013-01-04T15:58:51.585-08:00<span style="color: #660000;"><span class="userContent"><i>-Houses that have been professionally staged
sell on average 73 percent faster than un-staged houses, according to a
study by the Real Estate Staging Association.</i></span><i> </i></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dX4XrXMWvXc/UOdrm4YP9DI/AAAAAAAAAAM/VKPJ3iiKxSw/s1600/birgit_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dX4XrXMWvXc/UOdrm4YP9DI/AAAAAAAAAAM/VKPJ3iiKxSw/s320/birgit_1.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://mamaroneck.dailyvoice.com/real-estate/all-world-staged-westchester-real-estate" target="_blank">http://mamaroneck.dailyvoice.com/real-estate/all-world-staged-westchester-real-estate</a><br />
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henryphilliphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444169645693503715noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-12365960621595191292012-12-29T09:02:00.000-08:002012-12-29T19:21:39.552-08:00Elegant, simple, modern... in the garden!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrS6tTUwddI/AAAAAAAAAS8/-dBsysqo5bY/s1600-h/krill-garden-house-assembled.jpg" linkindex="18" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383132742058800594" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrS6tTUwddI/AAAAAAAAAS8/-dBsysqo5bY/s400/krill-garden-house-assembled.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 294px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>This backyard building reminds me of Phillip Johnson's Glass House, or the iconic Farnsworth House outside Chicago. Ray and Charles Eames would be happy here too. Could be a guest cottage, a personal retreat, a home office, even a teen's room. Elegant simplicity!<br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.dwell.com/articles/outside-in-or-inside-out.html" linkindex="19">KRILL GARDEN HOUSE at DWELL.COM</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-11628770221004557072012-12-24T17:09:00.000-08:002012-12-29T19:20:51.367-08:00FIVE reasons why staging works for you...<span style="font-family: verdana;">Real Estate! In the media, although it's improved in 2012 and will likely continue to improve in 2013, we still hear a lot of gloom and doom about the real estate market. Too many homes compete provide far more choices for a smaller group of buyers. Home sellers are rightfully concerned that their home will sell only at a rock-bottom price or after a long time on the market—if it will sell at all. Where is your silver lining among all these gray skies? Now more than ever, my unique skill in Home Staging is the answer:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong>Staging is practical:</strong> Most people wouldn't put their car up for sale without thoroughly cleaning it, and perhaps even having it professionally detailed. So why don’t sellers invest in their home’s value before putting it on the market? Most professional staging costs far less than the cost of a price reduction. Staging allows sellers to capitalize on buyers’ first impressions and save unnecessary time on the market.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong>Staging motivates:</strong> Having your home staged allows you to see your house as a product that needs to be marketed. It's also a great way to get the motivation to start packing your personal items!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong>Staging increases value:</strong> Smart realtors and buyers know that staging is a wise investment. Who wouldn’t want to have their home (or listing) appeal to a wide range of buyers, and sell faster and/for more money than its competition? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong>Staging is tops in technology:</strong> Staged homes not only look better when buyers visit, but also in MLS listing photos and online virtual tours. More than 80% of buyers now find their next home online before scheduling a tour. Staging is necessary in order to have the competitive edge in today’s technology-driven market.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><strong>Staging yields proven results:</strong> Even in this market, statistics consistently show that staged homes sell faster and/or for more money than non-staged homes. And professionalism makes a difference: the most recent statistics show that a home staged by an Accredited Staging Professional usually sells, on average, in 35 days, compared to 175 days for a non-staged home.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: verdana;">Home staging by Pearl can provide the ray of sunshine that allows sellers to gain the best price and the fastest sale!</span></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-46496845680457863162012-11-30T15:20:00.000-08:002012-12-29T19:18:19.681-08:00Before & After: spacious but dated lake-front home<div>
A friend of a friend flew me out to North Carolina to help update her lake-front home:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrQDYD5JxXI/AAAAAAAAAQU/whAgsvDSjbs/s1600-h/D%27AmbrusoBedroom2BEFORE.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382931166511351154" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrQDYD5JxXI/AAAAAAAAAQU/whAgsvDSjbs/s400/D%27AmbrusoBedroom2BEFORE.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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Bedroom (office) #3 BEFORE: Full of clutter, dark and uninviting, many buyers asked "where is the 3rd bedroom in this house?" because they couldn't "see" it.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrQDrg2nFGI/AAAAAAAAAQc/RsBybUVx6DI/s1600-h/D%27AmbrusoBedroom2AFTERa.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382931500702831714" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrQDrg2nFGI/AAAAAAAAAQc/RsBybUVx6DI/s400/D%27AmbrusoBedroom2AFTERa.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Bedroom #3 AFTER: A soft accent color on the headboard wall, an actual BED, soothing colors. Now it's REALLY a bedroom... with room for a home office (at right).<br />
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Great Room BEFORE: That futon is NOT helping! Neither is the dated light fixture and lack of overall lighting.</div>
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Great Room AFTER: Now, new sofa & chair, art and proper lighting, plus a new paint color to makes the fireplace pop! Now this great room works!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrQGtxaoMSI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/P-TaLjS5EVk/s1600-h/D%27AmbrusoFamilyRoomAFTER2.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382934838043488546" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrQGtxaoMSI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/P-TaLjS5EVk/s400/D%27AmbrusoFamilyRoomAFTER2.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Above, another view of the Great Room: While not the height of fashion, the classic 1980's oak tables do work well with the new sofa and chair, but they were wasted in the Living Room. That's staging.... mixing old and new so your costs don't overrun, but you still have a pleasant home that will sell!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.243684933.7354072 -118.50012840000001 34.369061200000004 -117.9872414tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-21360637901256752532012-11-05T18:37:00.000-08:002012-11-07T00:40:01.255-08:00Minor remodeling makes big changes!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/ScBQjY5OqSI/AAAAAAAAANQ/Srg_AARbCtY/s1600-h/livingROOMafter.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="394" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314336129205315874" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/ScBQjY5OqSI/AAAAAAAAANQ/Srg_AARbCtY/s400/livingROOMafter.JPG" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/ScBQcFsjXmI/AAAAAAAAANI/SQDkQbIy-po/s1600-h/livingROOMbefore.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314336003792789090" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/ScBQcFsjXmI/AAAAAAAAANI/SQDkQbIy-po/s320/livingROOMbefore.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 303px;" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">In this example, we have a room that was completely transformed... the oversized fireplace was reduced in size, french doors added behind it, the floor was replaced, and everything was painted white. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">But it's completely possible to do this on a budget as well. Keep the fireplace as is, but paint it white like everything else. Put down a large neutral area rug to cover the orange tile. Slip-cover the sofas, add in a few new "accent" furniture pieces (like a new coffe table), and you'd have a VERY similar look! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Contact me today if you'd like to do a major transformation on a budget. I work with homeowners as well as property investors ("flips").<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-84963581725840107952012-10-30T15:40:00.000-07:002012-12-29T19:09:52.284-08:003112 Floye, Hollywood HillsSold in two weeks! For this project, I chose paint colors, furniture, and accessories. This house is a "Hollywood Regency lite" style... perfect for the Hollywood Hills!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-75191113961243485052012-10-08T00:55:00.001-07:002012-10-08T00:55:50.496-07:00A classic William Wurster ranch home, transformed!<script type="text/javascript"> var hzw_id=8546917;function hzwshow(id,v,delay){var showDiv=document.getElementById('hzexpand'+id);if(v){ position=function(element){ var p={x: element.offsetLeft || 0,y:element.offsetTop || 0};while(element=element.offsetParent){ p.x += element.offsetLeft;p.y += element.offsetTop;} return p;};var ref=document.getElementById('hzfooter'+id);var p=position(ref);var scrollX=(window.pageXOffset||(document.body.scrollLeft-10)||document.documentElement.scrollLeft);var x=Math.min(Math.max(p.x -(300-ref.offsetWidth)/2 ,scrollX),(window.innerWidth || document.body.clientWidth) + scrollX -300);var root=document.body;root.insertBefore(showDiv,root.firstChild);showDiv.style.top=(p.y + ref.offsetHeight + 3) + 'px';showDiv.style.left=x + 'px';} var timeout=window['hzwtimeout'+id];if(timeout) clearInterval(timeout);if(delay && !v){ window['hzwtimeout'+id]=setTimeout('hzwshow('+id+',false,false)',400);} else{ showDiv.style.display=v?'block':'none';} } </script><style type="text/css">#hzroot8546917 div {width:100%;}#hzfooter8546917 {line-height:normal;} #hzfooter8546917 a {text-decoration:none;} #hzfooter8546917 a:hover {text-decoration:underline;} #hzexpand8546917 {display:none;width:290px !important;position:absolute;background-color:#222;border:1px solid #888;padding:4px;padding-top:8px;padding-bottom:8px;text-align:left;font-family: arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-height:130%;z-index:100;} #hzexpand8546917 div {color:#eee !important;text-align:left;font-family: arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-height:130%;} #hzexpand8546917 a {color:#ccc !important;text-decoration:none;} #hzexpand8546917 a:hover {text-decoration:underline;} #hzsection8546917 {margin-top:8px;} </style><div id="hzroot8546917" style="border: 0; font-size: 12px; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; width: 300px;">
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<a href="http://www.houzz.com/">Houzz</a>- <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen">Kitchen Remodel</a>, <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/bathroom">Bathroom Remodel</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7695828441467306414#" onclick="return false;" onmouseout="hzwshow(8546917, false, true)" onmouseover="hzwshow(8546917, true)" style="text-decoration: underline;">More »</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-5253524791438515872012-08-20T14:50:00.000-07:002012-08-23T01:05:54.202-07:00A mid-20th Century Modern classic...As most of my fans know, I love modern design! And I have a special place in my heart for mid-century modern design. This home is a great example! Set in Sierra Madre, CA, it sits next door to original and psuedo-Craftsman homes, but it dares to be different! LOVE it...<br />
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<em><strong>(Click on the image to enlarge.)</strong></em></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ymF3WguUhCE/Tkrmpxz2vRI/AAAAAAAAAYA/56TTysKs-vo/s1600/modernHome.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" naa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ymF3WguUhCE/Tkrmpxz2vRI/AAAAAAAAAYA/56TTysKs-vo/s400/modernHome.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-10554560203800880042012-05-01T06:23:00.000-07:002012-05-15T23:11:07.635-07:00It's beautiful, but...A friend sent me these photos of an amazing contemporary in Melbourne, Australia. A perfect example of a stunning house that will likely sit on the market because it doesn't feel warm and inviting.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/TRtDaWLdgqI/AAAAAAAAAXA/8xVGDZgmVos/s1600/melbourne1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/TRtDaWLdgqI/AAAAAAAAAXA/8xVGDZgmVos/s400/melbourne1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/TRtED0ngleI/AAAAAAAAAXE/V2dlWCGndkQ/s1600/melbourne2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/TRtED0ngleI/AAAAAAAAAXE/V2dlWCGndkQ/s400/melbourne2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/TRtEJocrKQI/AAAAAAAAAXI/LFNuZdohOB4/s1600/melbourne4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/TRtEJocrKQI/AAAAAAAAAXI/LFNuZdohOB4/s400/melbourne4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/TRtENA7NczI/AAAAAAAAAXM/3Xm3Ma8QTCA/s1600/melbourne3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/TRtENA7NczI/AAAAAAAAAXM/3Xm3Ma8QTCA/s400/melbourne3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-89790423583891359492012-04-12T19:23:00.000-07:002012-05-15T23:15:42.983-07:00Even in this market, staging works...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SUs-Hu5DavI/AAAAAAAAAAc/me9KwsOs9Yk/s1600-h/asianHOME.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281383290589375218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SUs-Hu5DavI/AAAAAAAAAAc/me9KwsOs9Yk/s320/asianHOME.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>Real Estate Staging Association® (RESA®) the member run trade association for professional stagers, has released statistics on the effectiveness of Real Estate Staging and the results are pretty darn cool. The study included 126 vacant and occupied homes previously on the market, on average 263 days unsold. Those same homes were staged and... they sold in 60 days on average. <b>This is 78% less time on the market after staging.</b><br />
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Not only that, 284 vacant and occupied homes that were staged BEFORE they went on the market, sold in 40.5 days on average after staging.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/">www.RealEstateStagingAssociation.com</a></b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-66419303057802111392012-02-01T14:26:00.000-08:002012-02-28T16:37:52.960-08:00A half-day of "Re-Design" ... a different kind of interior designHello all! This is a photo of my new friend Judy, standing in her newly arranged home. Judy had just moved in, and while she loves her new home, her old furniture was of a style she was no longer fond of. Yet, she wasn't ready to purchase new furniture... maybe just some new accessories and pillows. She saw my blog and asked me to come over. When I arrived, all of the furniture was pushed into a corner and the dining table was this huge monstrosity that dominated the dining room. Since I can design a home in ANY style, from modern to traditional, I knew I could help her!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Click on the images to enlarge.)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAuIUfIgVww/Tkre6oWYvTI/AAAAAAAAAX0/DOUBmVpGX4c/s1600/JudyYoho.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SAuIUfIgVww/Tkre6oWYvTI/AAAAAAAAAX0/DOUBmVpGX4c/s400/JudyYoho.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I began by pulling all the large seating furniture OFF the wall, and creating a "floating" seating area in the center that faces towards the view of her terrific back garden and patio. (It's OK to "ignore" the fireplace if you have a better view elsewhere.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4MCCw5_LvqI/TkrfXqNAfQI/AAAAAAAAAX4/cuQFMW7pCCk/s1600/JudyYoho2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4MCCw5_LvqI/TkrfXqNAfQI/AAAAAAAAAX4/cuQFMW7pCCk/s400/JudyYoho2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Then, I arranged her traditional furniture in a modern way, which means no clutter, good furniture and picture spacing, and few accessories. I showed her on the internet a beautiful new area rug to purchase for the seating area (all of hers were too traditional or the wrong size). Some new throw pillows make the sofas look terrific. And we created a reading area for her husband, who loves to read!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2zBaH2-bT8/TkrfzggwleI/AAAAAAAAAX8/_MzYGqHHjBA/s1600/JudyYoho3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A2zBaH2-bT8/TkrfzggwleI/AAAAAAAAAX8/_MzYGqHHjBA/s400/JudyYoho3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Finally, in her dining room, simplicity was key. I removed the two leaves in the table so that it didn't overwhelm the space (she also has a more informal dining area). Pictures were kept spare as well as accessories. Two of the chairs were placed along the wall, further making the table less ominious. <br />
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The result? I beautiful home that's traditional yet modern in it's arrangement. This was ALL accomplished over the course of an afternoon! Judy and her husband love it, and about a month later, they called me to re-do their office reception area as well!<br />
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You can call me too if you'd like to do the same thing to your home. Re-design can involve using just your existing things, but we can also do a shopping trip together for updated accessories as well as search online. If your budget doesn't include the cost of a traditonal interior designer, then Re-design may be right for you!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-51861886876456197672012-01-11T19:19:00.000-08:002012-02-28T16:41:40.612-08:00Revisiting a classic... the Saarinen pedestal table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/S80qUraXF5I/AAAAAAAAAUo/3khgHWi-siM/s1600/Saarinen_verdi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/S80qUraXF5I/AAAAAAAAAUo/3khgHWi-siM/s400/Saarinen_verdi.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">From Design Within Reach: <i>In a 1956 cover story in Time magazine, Eero Saarinen said he was designing a collection to "clear up the slum of legs in the U.S. home." Later that year, he completed his Pedestal Table and Tulip™ Chair Collection (1956) and obliterated the "slum" by creating a cast aluminum base inspired by a drop of high-viscosity liquid. </i></span></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was in my mid-20's, I had a vintage Saarinen table, white base with a medium wood laminated top. Loved that piece. When I was moving I had to temporarily leave my furniture in the garage of a friend. When I returned, the table was gone! And my friend had no idea where it went to (altho I suspect an open garage door was too much temptation for a passer-by!) </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-85394667139140597352011-10-11T15:17:00.000-07:002011-10-18T20:54:52.296-07:00I'm currently lusting over... the CB2 Scan Chair!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/S80k34RQcFI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/U_H1bGgD6Ko/s1600/ScanLoungeChair3QS9a.JPG" imageanchor="1" linkindex="17" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/S80k34RQcFI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/U_H1bGgD6Ko/s320/ScanLoungeChair3QS9a.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh, how I love Scandanavian design! But CB2.com isn't listening, because right now their beautiful Scan chair is out of stock. That's what happens when you wait too long to order! Reminds me of my grandmother's Palm Springs home back in the day... please bring back this beautiful chair!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-46469759406592673542011-10-01T15:18:00.000-07:002011-10-18T20:52:52.824-07:00Let a room serve it's original purpose...<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SkNP-k6rb5I/AAAAAAAAAOs/lbeuFX8jq2k/s1600-h/masterBEFORE.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351208718726557586" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SkNP-k6rb5I/AAAAAAAAAOs/lbeuFX8jq2k/s320/masterBEFORE.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Before: All work and no play!<br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SkNP1JlCHgI/AAAAAAAAAOk/Mqys4q8WNP8/s1600-h/masterAFTER.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351208556769189378" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SkNP1JlCHgI/AAAAAAAAAOk/Mqys4q8WNP8/s320/masterAFTER.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">After: A fine place to relax and enjoy the view!</span></div><br />
In this master bedroom, the sitting area was taken up by a large blue cabinet that included a home office! Now, do YOU want to do office work while trying to relax in your master bedroom? A quick switch of furniture got this room back on track! There was already a home office elsewhere in the house, so taking this back to a sitting room made perfect sense.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-77875446360117538152011-09-24T00:00:00.000-07:002011-09-24T02:28:13.902-07:00Stage your exterior? Absolutely!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrP9fxgohKI/AAAAAAAAAQE/wSnQ6-PAyUU/s1600-h/drivewayBEFORE.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382924701945857186" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrP9fxgohKI/AAAAAAAAAQE/wSnQ6-PAyUU/s400/drivewayBEFORE.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
BEFORE: Yes, people really DO live this way! Even this newer home looks old and dingy with clutter around.</div><br />
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</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrP9oV6KfxI/AAAAAAAAAQM/hK3Bb3K77hc/s1600-h/drivewayAFTER.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382924849155571474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrP9oV6KfxI/AAAAAAAAAQM/hK3Bb3K77hc/s400/drivewayAFTER.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">AFTER: Clean and pleasant! You would think this is obvious, but I can't tell you how many times I've had to help clients de-clutter and stage their home's exterior. If you'll give me a call, I can help you too. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-51146320734615279752011-08-01T13:54:00.000-07:002011-08-16T15:00:05.594-07:00Modern yet romantic...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/S84wH6dolVI/AAAAAAAAAUw/53kAi5j-D1Y/s1600/blueBedroom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/S84wH6dolVI/AAAAAAAAAUw/53kAi5j-D1Y/s400/blueBedroom.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proof that modern doesn't have to mean antiseptic and cold. This is a very romantic bedroom, and it has masculine and feminine appeal. I love the modern mirrors and how they interact with the window. The blue on the bed is very luxurious and the modern chandelier is elegant yet fun. Sweet dreams!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-39558303048526351052011-07-26T08:11:00.000-07:002011-07-27T03:28:07.747-07:00Transform with paint and simple updates...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/Sv_xr6hT2BI/AAAAAAAAAT0/p8aZ_t29vo8/s1600-h/stageastar.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404303814613522450" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/Sv_xr6hT2BI/AAAAAAAAAT0/p8aZ_t29vo8/s400/stageastar.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 198px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Here's a great example of what paint can do for a kitchen! I do this kind of transformation all the time, but this fine example comes from "Stage a Star" in Cincinatti, OH.<br />
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A dark dreary and dated kitchen is completely redone thanks to some clean white paint on the cabinets and a soft green on the walls. No more dark wood cabinets and gingham wallpaper! In this case, they also replaced the stove and microwave. However, for a tighter budget one could keep the stove because the black and white would go with the new white on the cabinets, and just replace the microwave with a white one. Also, high-quality press-and-stick veneers in white and stainless steel are available over the internet for updating your dishwasher inexpensively. <br />
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</div><div>The only mis-step here, for me, is the plants and baskets on top of the upper cabinets. It's a bit 1990's, too "country style", and probably wouldn't work well here in California. I prefer to keep that space free and clear as it makes the whole room look less cluttered, larger and more contemporary. Otherwise, great job!</div><div></div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-66001387211670716302011-05-20T06:48:00.000-07:002011-05-20T03:55:40.376-07:00Good design makes your home look more valuable<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SdVtbVONXyI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ZEQc9kNA7EU/s1600-h/3-lounge1-after.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320278851128745762" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SdVtbVONXyI/AAAAAAAAAN8/ZEQc9kNA7EU/s320/3-lounge1-after.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SdVtXL23ucI/AAAAAAAAAN0/U-JREsWLmP0/s1600-h/3-lounge1-before.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320278779895462338" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SdVtXL23ucI/AAAAAAAAAN0/U-JREsWLmP0/s320/3-lounge1-before.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a>I love the neighborhood of Atwater Village in Los Angeles. This neighborhood has scores of classic bungalows and cottages from the 1920's and 1930's. Often I'm asked how can you make small rooms, typical of this era, look great? <br />
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</div><div>The answer is scale and color. Never fill a room with oversized furniture, and never use dark furniture against light walls as this gives contrast and condenses your room. Even though these rooms are often smaller-proportioned, the right kind of furniture can make your home look more "expensive" and more appealing to buyers. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-28499136210872265682011-04-24T10:32:00.000-07:002011-04-25T08:37:15.414-07:00Before and After - Craftsman Bungalow revealed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/S-2JXVBeJFI/AAAAAAAAAU4/ZO4kKeHKCOs/s1600/cottage-exterior-before-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="19" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/S-2JXVBeJFI/AAAAAAAAAU4/ZO4kKeHKCOs/s320/cottage-exterior-before-l.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/S-2JehF3TsI/AAAAAAAAAVA/-SlzKzDEuZU/s1600/cottage-exterior-after-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="20" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/S-2JehF3TsI/AAAAAAAAAVA/-SlzKzDEuZU/s320/cottage-exterior-after-l.jpg" /></a></div>Believe it or not, this one is just a really good paint job, furniture on the porch, and landscaping. Nothing structural was added. Look closely... all of those fantastic architectural details were there, they just needed contrast painting to show up and stand out!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-51905169257902235902011-03-01T00:01:00.000-08:002011-03-02T23:55:00.774-08:00Another example of what color can do...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/S80imZArCFI/AAAAAAAAAUA/YJPqBJW9Nk0/s1600/house_before_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" linkindex="47" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/S80imZArCFI/AAAAAAAAAUA/YJPqBJW9Nk0/s320/house_before_after.jpg" /></a></div>Now, would you have recognized this house after the re-do? You may think you're stuck with plain white, but most houses could use a dose of color. Scared of darker colors? Do as this family did, and leave part of it lighter (the stone facing). Brighten it up with a third accent color (in this case, red). Be adventurous!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-54982964969949292352011-02-19T15:39:00.000-08:002011-02-21T20:22:12.731-08:00Organization is key to selling your home<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrP8N54F23I/AAAAAAAAAP0/bnpszFbHigg/s1600-h/22.Whitehead+work+station+before.jpg" linkindex="17" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382923295442459506" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrP8N54F23I/AAAAAAAAAP0/bnpszFbHigg/s400/22.Whitehead+work+station+before.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">BEFORE: Often, heavy outdated furniture can overwhelm a space, even when it's neatly organized. See how the large armoire makes the room seem small and cluttered? The 1980's called and they want their medium-tone oak back!<br />
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</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrP7x4QSWfI/AAAAAAAAAPs/jegG08g-xpg/s1600-h/24.Whitehead+office+2+after.jpg" linkindex="18" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382922813970733554" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrP7x4QSWfI/AAAAAAAAAPs/jegG08g-xpg/s400/24.Whitehead+office+2+after.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos Courtesy of Kristen Coppa, Altera Real Estate</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">AFTER: Clean, elegant simplicity is best, whether you're staging to sell your home or enhancing your haven. Most of the time you only need room for a laptop and some storage under the desk. Most reference items are now found online, so why keep the paper copies? Donate them to your local charity or library! Enjoy a nice uncluttered, stylish office space!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-85693339236733956932011-01-27T15:30:00.000-08:002011-02-12T23:59:38.713-08:00BEFORE & AFTER: Lake-front homeThis home is located in the famous golf community of Pinehurst, North Carolina. The owner, a friend of a friend, ask me to fly out there to stage her home for sale. While modern, the home had a very traditional architectural style. The home was 10 years old but had some major interior design issues:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8tDP7A70ATw/TVeO_zbvJkI/AAAAAAAAAXk/maj1zf_Q7Ng/s1600/D%2527AmbrusoLivingRoomBEFORE2a.JPG" imageanchor="1" linkindex="19" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8tDP7A70ATw/TVeO_zbvJkI/AAAAAAAAAXk/maj1zf_Q7Ng/s400/D%2527AmbrusoLivingRoomBEFORE2a.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrQJ_l6ysLI/AAAAAAAAARM/ssYpuGcJhws/s1600-h/D%27AmbrusoLivingRoomBEFORE1.JPG" linkindex="20" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382938442729697458" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrQJ_l6ysLI/AAAAAAAAARM/ssYpuGcJhws/s400/D%27AmbrusoLivingRoomBEFORE1.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Living/Dining Room BEFORE (above): Dated blue-green leather sofas scream "bad 80's" and heavy carpets hide the wood floors. No art, and no real focus other than the over-sized entertainment center.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />
</span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrQKAZBdHmI/AAAAAAAAARU/M2YCtWXiNFs/s1600-h/D%27AmbrusoLivingRoomAFTER2.JPG" linkindex="21" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382938456447852130" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrQKAZBdHmI/AAAAAAAAARU/M2YCtWXiNFs/s400/D%27AmbrusoLivingRoomAFTER2.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrQKAlzwAFI/AAAAAAAAARc/Z-whWfHR6L0/s1600-h/D%27AmbrusoLivingRoomAFTER3.JPG" linkindex="22" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382938459880030290" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SrQKAlzwAFI/AAAAAAAAARc/Z-whWfHR6L0/s400/D%27AmbrusoLivingRoomAFTER3.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 264px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Living/Dining Room AFTER: A dresser that was too big for a bedroom makes a great console/buffet behind the sofa. The new sofa is sophisticated and a round coffee table increases the room's flow AND makes it look bigger! The entertainment center is now balanced by the placement of the sofa and has a wing chair to accent it. New art and accessories complete the look for this "updated traditional" home.<br />
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The $2,500 spent on updating this luxury home made it possible to raise the asking price by $20,000!<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695828441467306414.post-43638266882096168772011-01-11T14:00:00.000-08:002011-01-18T01:01:42.827-08:00FAQ: Can't I just stage my own home and save money?<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SW5i4v0IJ2I/AAAAAAAAAIY/HuRwE1FjYR8/s1600-h/warm-modern-living-room.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291275339254212450" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4x3bs1nDNk/SW5i4v0IJ2I/AAAAAAAAAIY/HuRwE1FjYR8/s320/warm-modern-living-room.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 237px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">An example of the warm, modern interiors buyers today love...</span></span></div><br />
I'm often asked, "Kai, why can't I just stage my own home and save some money?" Ah yes, I can certainly understand the motivation... economically this would seem to make sense. But here's the real deal: You can prepare your own home for sale, but you cannot objectively stage your home since you have far too much tied up in the property, on an emotional level.<br />
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That fun and funky artwork that your grandmother gave you, you couldn't possible put away... and yes, the adorable photos of the kids must stay up... and you just love the quilt your aunt passed down to you... oh and the deck looks sweet and "rustic" like that... and wasn't it fun when we painted the family room orange? ...and on and on.<br />
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I'm a very sentimental guy and I love memories. The thing is, buyers are simply not interested in these things. It distracts them from seeing the house and what it has to offer them, and they can't picture themselves living there. After all, it is going to be their property with any luck and they need to see them and their possessions fitting in the property.<br />
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Home sellers attempting to home stage simply don’t see the flaws because they have lived with them for some time and can’t see past them. A home Stager will see these things and correct them so the potential buyer only sees the features and walks away in love with the home.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0