Design Blog
Staging: Why Staging for sale is essential
Remember your first job interview? Remember studying yourself in the mirror, practicing your introduction, and making extra sure to look pulled-together and organized? Maybe you were, and maybe you weren’t, but you sure as heck tried to appear that way! Now think back to your first date. Would you have dared to meet your new love interest with uncombed hair and Dorito-induced halitosis? Of course not. You were dressed and groomed to impress, wanting to make that first all-important impression a good one. So why is it that so...
read moreDecorating: Reclaiming Your Master Bedroom
Your master bedroom is the first place you wake up each day, and the last place you see each night before you sleep. When you think of starting out your day, do you want to feel energized and ready to tackle the tasks ahead of you? When you think of ending your day, do you want to feel relaxed, peaceful or comforted? Your master bedroom is the place that sets the tone for your day, and lets you recharge at night. The good news is it doesn’t have to take a full-out renovation to create the haven you deserve. Here are some simple...
read moreRoom Redesign: what’s the big deal?
Putting my house back together after the holidays reminded me how much I love creating fresh spaces, whether in a mansion, a ranch, or anything in between. What gives me the greatest satisfaction is to redesign a room using things that are already in someone’s home. If you’ve rearranged your rooms before, you probably know how great it feels to use what you already have, and make something entirely new out of it. Personally, my favorite part of a room redesign is the delicious “ta-da” moment when my clients see and...
read moreRefresh your home for the new year
Winter’s here, the holidays have passed, and it’s time to reclaim your space! Here are some simple and cost-effective ideas to enliven and refresh your home for the new year. Get organized. What better time than a cold gray day to organize yourself? Whether it’s the basement, your office, or a simple drawer, it feels great to clean out and get rid of unwanted clutter. There are all kinds of organizing products available that you can find online at places like The Container Store or Hold n’ Storage. Desks...
read moreDecorating: What’s your favorite seasonal decorating tip for the holidays?
It’s that time of year again…. We’re hauling out our collected treasures, and creating a backdrop for the festivities to come. For those who want some new budget-wise ideas for seasonal decorating, think about incorporating everyday objects into your holiday trimming: Scarves make wonderful table runners, or “cozies” for your plants! They also enhance decorative pillows with extra texture (just wrap a colorful scarf around a plain throw pillow and secure the ends with a rubber band or ribbon. Fluff up the ends...
read moreThe Drama of Black
Does “decorating with black” sound scary, or do you love the idea of black’s boldness and drama? Most of us are used to little spots of black in our decor, but using it as a major design element can feel a bit daunting. Black has always been a staple in interior design in some form or another, but this year designers have been using it in major ways, and the trend is still going strong. Here are some of the tamer ideas to help you get a little braver with black. Just one element From MarthaStewart.com: ...
read moreHome Staging – Welcome Your Potential Buyers
As we’re nearing the winter solstice and the days are growing shorter, I’m reminded of just how important it is to stage a for-sale home in the most welcoming way possible in order to attract a buyer. If you’ve ever shopped for a new home and gone on showings after work hours as many potential home buyers do, you know that walking into a cold, dark house is anything but inviting. Here are some basic but essential tips for staging your home to look its very best. Clear walkways - Your buyers need to get safely from their...
read moreTips and Tricks for Seasonal Decorating
I love decorating for the seasons! Here are some ideas to put you on the road to creating your own lovely seasonal vignettes. Start simple. Trays are an easy way to put a small display together, especially if you feel a little unsure of yourself when it comes to decorating. Try combining three objects and throw in a little something natural like berries, leaves or vines for an organic touch. Vary the heights of objects in your display for a more dynamic look. Too many items of the same height tend to look very static. Layering...
read moreThe 14th Annual Newmarket Heritage Festival
Happening in historic downtown Newmarket, NH If you live in or near the NH seacoast area, make time this weekend (September 24th and 25th) to visit the 14th ANNUAL HERITAGE FESTIVAL! The festival is the seacoast’s favorite international block party…. It’s a celebration of the arts, culture, history, and community spirit. Visit www.heritage-festival.org for schedule and details about performers, workshops, artisans and more. Here’s a quick sampling of what you’ll find…. ON STAGE: Japanese taiko drumming,...
read moreRoom makeovers: Why “DIY” solutions may not be enough
I’ve recently had the pleasure of doing some room makeovers – they’re so much fun, and the results are always surprising, no matter how clearly I’ve tried to envision the finished product in advance. My favorite reactions are from the spouses/partners who insist they don’t need a room redesign, or don’t understand just what difference a professional room makeover will make. By the end of the day, they’re always the biggest converts! Here’s why it pays to hire a professional: A room makeover...
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