carpet samples, tile samples, and...

When I get enthusiastic I tend to talk fast. The other day I was consulting with a new client on their remodeling project in the basement. They wanted my opinion on different choices they were making on this project. The basement had bare drywall and a beautiful custom built bar but not much else (not including the scrap wood, carpentry equipment).

We started with their initial vision for how they will use the room and especially what materials they are considering. So I asked them about the carpet samples and we looked at those. Next I asked about tile samples for around the new bar and we discussed the choices there. Next, I asked about stool samples .... oh yes, I did.

I could not believe I said those words - "stool samples" . Of course I was talking about ideas for seating around the bar but that is certainly not how it came out! (pardon the pun). I was so embarrassed. We all had a good chuckle over that one.

Remote decorating floor plans

The Home Stylist has offered online decorating consultation for several years now. It is so easy and convenient for both the client and myself (I get to work in my jammies).

Here is a recent example. This family wanted to know how to arrange their living room. They had furniture that they have acquire but didn't really love. They hired me to show them what arrangement would work the best and therefore what furniture they should buy. I provided them with several lay-outs to choose from. The before picture shows the room divided into two sections and the TV not in the proper place.

With the new arrangement it flows better and feels balanced. See for yourself..

BEFORE:

THE FLOOR PLAN PROVIDED BY THE HOME STYLIST

HERE IS THE AFTER PHOTO

See how much better it looks. Now the client can purchase the proper furniture and know where to place it.

If this is a service you could use, visit The Home Stylist.com

Home Staging Tips

Here is a great blog called: Home Staging by Teri B. Clark

She is the author of 301 Simple Things You Can Do to Sell Your Home NOW and For More Money Than you Thought.

The Home Stylist is included in this book (expected to be released soon) as well as in Teri's blog.

Check out that blog here: Home Staging by Teri B. Clark

If you are interested in Teri's book, it can be purchased via her blog and on The Home Stylist's Style Store

Stainless Steel appliances?

I have heard of a special paint that can transform regular kitchen appliances to a stainless steel look. If anyone has personally used this product, I would really like to know what you thought. It sounds really good but maybe too good to be true??

It is called Liquid Stainless Steel.

Here is a couple photos from their website:

Before:

After:

Here is the link to this product called Liquid Stainless Steel: www.liquidstainlesssteel.com

Please let me know if you have personally used this and what you thought of it.

Home Staging Book is ready!

Last spring I co-wrote a book on staging your home to sell. The book officially went on sale recently. If you are selling your house, you need to buy this book. It will walk you through each room and tell you want you need to do to maximize appeal. If you are a Realtor, you need to add this book to your professional library.

The book is being sold nationwide at all major book retailers and of course at my fav site Amazon.com.





Here is the link:The Complete Idiot's Guide to Staging your Home to Sell (Complete Idiot's Guide to)

PS. My sons think it is hysterical that their mom wrote an idiot book

Minding Your Mantels

On Friday February 9 The Home Stylist was included in a very nice article on decorating fireplace mantels.There are a lot of great tips and ideas in this article.

Take a look:Here is a link to the Buffalo News article hosted on Builder Online

New Before and After Decorating Photos

Just wanted to spread the news that I finally added over 16 new before and after decorating photos to The Home Stylist website. And The Style Store on the website is now up and running too. You can find online decorating consultations, pre-selected resource books and recommended tools in one location.

BEFORE:

AFTER:





Be sure to visit the Before and After Gallery on TheHomeStylist.com

Also check out The Style Store on TheHomeStylist.com