Making It Home

A recent staging consultation resulted in the sale of the property this spring.  The sellers are now settling in to their new home a few miles away.  They are anxious to make this new space feel like home, putting their personal stamp on each room.  Premiere Home Stagers offered suggestions for furniture arrangement, paint choices and use of accessories.

Take a look at how the house is being transformed into a home.

 

 

 

The right room arrangement and fresh green grommet window panels pull this room together.  The accessories from the previous home coordinate with the window panels.

 

 

 

The cherry and black dining set fit well in the new dining area.  Patterned window panels and other black accents bring drama into the space.  Black accessories have been added to the kitchen as well.  Just lowering the chandelier to the proper height added intimacy to the dining area.

 

The large, lower level family room suffered from an overly neutral color scheme.

 

 

 

The new chocolate brown paint color brings warmth to the room.  The walls above the ledge will be painted a deeper cream.  Wrapping the color around the fireplace wall highlights this architectural feature.

 

 

 

When new furniture isn’t an option, paint is the logical choice to freshen the look of a room.  It yields big results for a minimum investment.  Seeing this paint transformation makes one wonder why anyone lives with white walls!

Making this new space feel like home is an ongoing project that involves vision, planning and creativity.  The results so far are appealing and personal to the homeowners.  As always, we’re glad to help.

 

 

The Lower Level

Basements are referred to as “the lower level” if it is a place where living occurs rather than just storage.

These homeowners use their lower level for watching TV, movies, or sports. Due to the configuration of the lot, you enter the house on the lower level and then climb the stairs to reach the main level–similar to a raised ranch.  Thus, the lower level is just as important as the upper level since it’s the first room you see. The kitchenette is helpful when serving snacks for the big game or popping popcorn in the microwave for a movie.

The lower level usually has an informal feel.  For example, the exercise equipment can be utilized while watching TV or viewing the sunrise out the window.

Or, perhaps the pool table is better suited on this level along with rowdy guests.

By having a bedroom (or two) and a full-size bath on different levels, you and your guests enjoy separate quarters and more privacy.

In some homes, the lower level is an extension of the main level and is treated with more respect– as noted here in the curving staircase:

No matter if you have a storage basement or a “lower level”, having extra space that works for you can be a great asset.  When you’re ready to put your home on the market, all levels should be seen in their best light.  Call Premiere Home Stagers for assistance at 608-345-9396.

 

Door County Patterns

I just returned from several days in Door County Wisconsin.  The scene above captures the allure of this destination:  relaxation.  We stayed in a cottage on the quiet Lake Michigan side of the peninsula, where sandy beach stretches for miles.  We biked and hiked to some of the usual tourist destinations but I sought to photograph these spots with an eye to pattern, color and design.

 

The rock formations at Cave Point County Park line the shore and continue underwater.  The waves make gurgling sounds as they strike  the rock caves.  The water colors are reminiscent of the Caribbean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Washington Island yielded some unique sights.  This is Stavkirke, built a couple decades ago and patterned after ancient churches in Norway.  My favorite view was of the doorways.

The beauty and uniqueness of the architectural details here intrigued me.

 

 

 

 

We climbed the lookout tower  in the center of the island.  The view was spectacular.

This is the stairway up the side of the hill to reach the tower.  I love the geometric lines created by the structure and the perspective to the bottom.

 

 

 

 

 

Schoolhouse Beach is a depository of white flat stones covering a large portion of shoreline.  There is a large fine for removing any of the stones, ensuring the beach’s uniqueness.

This photo would make for a challenging jigsaw puzzle!

 

 

 

Here resides a family of ardent driftwood collectors.  Their neat display almost spans the length of their property.

 

The best views of pattern, color and design in Door County are those created naturally.  These sandy ripples, created by the flow of the water, are perfectly symmetrical, as if meticulously carved.   They will disappear as quickly as the current changes and other unique patterns will intrigue the next observant beach walker.

 

Tree Trimming

It is difficult to see the cottage from amongst all the greenery.  The view from the neighbors’ perspective is not a pretty one.  So, before hiring a tree trimming service, talk with your neighbors about any boundary concerns.  You may want to check with your local governing unit, an attorney, or your insurance agent if you feel there is an issue.  Some things to be aware of (no legal advice intended or implied).

•  Check your survey map and mark where your boundaries are; or have a boundary survey done
•  Determine which trees and branches are on your property versus your neighbor’s property, including the overhanging branches
• Each property owner is responsible for the branches that overhang their respective property, regardless of who owns the tree
• You’ll need your neighbor’s permission to trim their overhanging branches from your tree
• You can trim your overhanging branches from your neighbor’s tree only back to the property line
• You cannot trim your overhanging branches from your neighbor’s tree so far as to cause its demise
• If you need to access your tree by using your neighbor’s property, you’ll need permission
• If the tree trunk is on the property line, each property owner jointly owns the tree

Before Trimming

After trimming

Taking care of your property is a wise investment. Landscaping enhances the quality and enjoyment of your land plus is aesthetically pleasing for you and your neighbors.

 

Tweaking the Staged Home

At Premiere Home Stagers our relationship with a client doesn’t end when we walk out their front door.  We’re available to clarify suggestions, advise on purchases and assist in any way we can to complete the staging process.

We staged the home below last fall.  The homeowner did a great job implementing our advice and inviting us back for final staging.  The house looks great and is impressing both potential buyers and agents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The homeowner contacted us recently with a new dilemma.  Next week several furniture items will be removed from the home.  His desire is to maintain the current well-staged look of the property and turned to us for help.

 

We consulted our photos and compared them with the list of items to be removed.  We reminded him that his focus should be on the ‘impact rooms’  of the home — living room, dining area and master bedroom.  Because his foyer area flows into the dining area it is key as well.

Furniture helps a potential buyer understand the size, scale and function of a room.  For instance, when the dining table and chairs are removed, it becomes difficult to know how big the dining area is.  Will it accomodate the next buyer’s furniture?

Missing furniture also causes a buyer to ponder why it isn’t there in an otherwise occupied home.  This can be distracting from the features of the home itself.  The same is true for too much, too little, or poorly arranged furniture.

Professional home staging creates an environment that enhances the home itself and allows a buyer to form an emotional connection. This homeowner wisely chose to enlist our services to accomplish this goal.  We’re available now to tweak the project.  Let us help you too — call 608-217-8058.

 

Staging Statistics

Premiere Home Stagers has frequently mentioned that staged homes sell faster and for more money.  Where do the statistics come from? Most home stagers keep track of their own stats and then send them to their trade association (RESA) or to their accreditation company (HSR) for compiling into an annual report.

We send in our statistics of vacant and occupied staging, regardless of how fast or slow the home sold after staging.  In some cases, the homes have sold within hours or days after staging.  In the case of this home, it took almost a year after staging for a sale.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are different reasons why a home might not sell right away.  Some reasons may include price, location, adverse conditions, or unusual circumstances.  This particular house did not have a full basement, but otherwise was in move-in condition in a lovely neighborhood.  However, the statistic that this home sold faster and for more money than an un-staged home might still be true.

It’s important for the integrity of the statistics to report “the good, the bad, and the ugly.” It’s also important to cite the sources:

Click For Home Staging Information

• 2011 – vacant staged homes sold  73% faster
• 2010 – vacant staged homes sold  67% faster
• 2009 – vacant staged homes sold  78% faster
• 2008 – vacant staged homes sold  85% faster
• 2007 - vacant staged homes sold  68% faster

The HomeGain Home Improvement Survey says that de-cluttering, lightening, and staging will give you the best return on your investment–from 80% to 99%.     http://blog.homegain.com/homegain/homegain-2011-home-improvement-national-survey-results/

The goal of any home stager is to showcase the house in such a way that a prospective buyer can make an emotional connection and say, “I could live here!”

Even though we thought we did just that, no one cannot predict just how long that will take.

 

 

Fireplace Mantel Evolution

A fireplace is usually the focal point of a room and, as such, deserves extra attention.  It is viewed from the entry point of the room several feet away so whatever adorns the fireplace mantel should be visible from that distance.

 

This mantel contains several items neatly spaced but too small to be recognizable from across the room.  The collection doesn’t make an impact.

 

 

 

 

 

My previous home had a fireplace angled in the corner.  The vaulted ceiling  and angled walls begged for more than a single picture to be hung above the mantel.

My solution was to group five antique clocks of varying sizes and shapes.  Their arrangement followed the contour of the ceiling and made an impact from across the room.

With another move behind me, that fireplace is left behind and a new one challenges me.  I am always seeking to think “out of the box” beyond the mantel-sized picture to unique items inhabiting this space.

 

 

Because I relish the freshness of seasonal decor, my winter mantel arrangement centered around an old wooden sled and ice skates.

 

 

 

As spring approached it was time for a fresh look.  Again, veering away from the traditional picture I leaned a black-framed mirror, added a shutter and a black vase of forsythia and sticks.  The forsythia are reflected in the mirror and a bunny is nestled underneath.

The pair of shutters were a Habitat Restore find.  I actually purchased several pairs of varying sizes, shapes and colors.

The next mantel evolution will involve a grouping of the rest of the shutters lurking in my garage, some having been painted black.  I love the 3-dimensional look they provide.

 

 

Customer Appreciation

Office Before

This is the first room you see when you enter the house.  It is set up as an office but could just as easily be the formal dining room because the kitchen is right through the arched doorway.

The local realtor’s package includes two hours of staging by Premiere Home Stagers.  The homeowner wasn’t sure exactly what that meant specifically to her house, but since it was included, she agreed.

It is hard to define what staging is….. until after you see the before and after photos. Then you realize that staging invokes a FEELING.

Office After

Most of the items were already in this room. What we did was remove the personal and unnecessary items.  What is left are the most important elements that define the room.The homeowner now has a very clear idea of what home staging is. In fact, she’d like us to come to her new home and redesign it. We call that our “Move-In Service. We would be delighted. 608-345-9396

View the video from a satisfied customer from another home stager in Wilmington, NC.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=GRdzHxCw7s8

 

In the Nick of Time

Many remodeling reality shows produce tension by imposing an unrealistic deadline on the project.  The designers are racing to complete the design on schedule.  We shake our heads and think, “This isn’t real life!”

For Premiere Home Stagers a recent staging project took on just such a feeling.  We didn’t realize that photos of the home were to be taken while we were still staging.  We never know exactly what we’ll encounter and we are limited to what the homeowner already has to work with.  Sounds like the rules for a reality show!

This sunroom is the most desirable feature of the home but felt unbalanced and unintentional.

Balanced and streamlined

 

A few minutes of planning, followed by furniture rearrangement yielded a more balanced and attractive room.  The TV was moved farther into the right foreground corner to remove it from camera view.  One chair was removed and stored.

Master bedroom before

 

 

 

 

With our two-hour deadline we attacked the master bedroom.  Without a headboard the bed felt incomplete.  Again rearranging was the only option.

Quick rearrange

 

 

 

 

The lack of a headboard is less impactful when the bed is positioned under a window.  It is balanced by the chest and a nightstand, with pictures repositioned in proportion to the furniture.

In a perfect real estate world we’d suggest painting and adding accessories such as throw pillows to draw the elements of each room together.

But with a two-hour timeframe and photos happening right behind us, we put our heads together and came up with a staging plan that quickly improved the look of the home.

The helpful homeowner said she didn’t know what to expect from home staging but loved what we did.  We must admit we didn’t know what to expect either, but were ready for the challenge.

 

Renovation Update

Dining Room

This renovation began in March, 2012.  The contractor has finished with the framing, mechanicals, insulation, and drywall. The walls are ready for paint. The initial choice for the dining room was a bright green hue. Premiere Home Stagers suggested this subdued green plus recommended painting the same color in the adjoining living room. It’s Benjamin-Moore “Wasabi.”

Girl's Bedroom

The little girl who will occupy this room loves bananas.  In fact, this color is called Hannah Banana – from Benjamin Moore.  She couldn’t be happier!

Boy's bedroom

The school-aged boy loves blue. The initial choice was a very bright blue–one where you might need sunglasses.  Premiere Home Stagers suggested some grey be inserted into the blue, and voila, it is just right. This color is Sherwin-Williams “Adrift.”

The remodel is shaping up nicely. The back of the house was re-done (see previous post 3/20/12).

The deck floor uses the wood ipe, a very strong beautiful wood from Brazil. It’s fastened from underneath so no splinters when walking barefoot.  A great choice.

Ipe wood decking

There are many choices to make when renovating a home.  Premiere Home Stagers has much experience and expertise in tying colors together, selecting tile, light fixtures, wood finishes, and furniture and accessories.  Let us help you wade through the choices.  608.345.9396