The Foyer the Second Chance to make a First Impression

The foyer is the first place buyers see when entering the property and the last things they see when they leave. It’s your second chance to make a lasting impression. The foyer is also a great way to introduce color to your curb appeal by simply carrying the color outside.

 The best way to fresh any space especially high traffic areas like the foyer is always a fresh coat of neutral paint on the walls and baseboards. You would be surprised how much of a difference paint makes.

Think of the foyer as the table of contents, it’s a preview of what to come. If you don’t have a foyer, think about creating one by adding a bench or a coat tree. One thing all buyers have in common is the want for space, by keeping the floor clear it will give the illusion of more square footage. If you have limited space to work with consider a console table this way their is a place for items like keys and mail.

When staging the foyer, pre pack all seasonal items. Try to keep the hallways and closets empty to free up visual space. Buyer need to see that the space will work with their needs.  

 Mirrors are a great accent to the foyer giving a personal touch and adding light the space. Place the mirror across from the light source; this is a great way to reflect light brightening the darkest space.

Lighting is a great way to welcome buyers, update old fixtures. If you have room add a lamp to a console table. Remove window covering to allow lots of natural light to come through

Staging the foyer is a great way to make a first impression. Every home deserves a beautiful entrance follow these simple tips to “wow” buyers.

 Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging

Painting Over Wallpaper

Removing dated wall paper can be a challenge, especially when layers and layers have been put up. Sometime remove old wallpaper can damage the plaster or drywall.  You may want to think about painting over the wallpaper to update you space or even preparing it for the market. You be surprised to know that you can paint over almost anything as long as you use the right paint and primer.

If you decide to paint over your current wall paper here are some things to keep in mind. Check every seam look for bubbles, make sure they are smooth and pressed down. You can glue any lifting corners just be sure you let the glue dry very well.

The next step is to prep all the seams and flaws, using a drywall  knife apply a layer of drywall mud over all flaws and seams. Once the dry wall mud has set you can start sanding the mud to a smooth surface. You will probably need to do this twice to guarantee the seams are covered  well. Using a damp cloth wipe the walls down to remove any dust from sanding. This will help the primer to stick to the walls.

Always use a primer, applying water based paint directly to the wallpaper can cause a big mess lifting seams and loosening bubbles. When choosing a primer pick an alcohol based primer, this will make certain their will be a tight boned to the paper and will block stains that can bleed through. Caulk along the ceiling, trim and baseboards this will ensure you get a nice line when you paint. You are now ready to prime you walls and let dry.

The hardest part of the job is done, now let’s talk about paint. I would recommend using a flat or eggshell finish . These paints have less sheen to them and will hide flaws better. You now can paint one coat; this is your chance to fix anything that you think is still not perfect. Sand and re prime until your happy then apply your second coat of paint.

I hope you find these tip helpful, if you need any information on preparing  you home for the market contact Simply Stylish Staging. I would be happy to answer any of your questions.

Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging

Home Staging vs Decorating

  Okay let’s talk about home staging; first let’s clarify what home staging really is? Home staging is preparing a property for sale. The goal is to appeal to highest number of potential buyers, selling in less time for more money. Staging focuses on improving the properties appeal by showcasing an eye-catching product where anyone would want to live.

   I feel sellers often think of home staging as decorating. I guess from the outside this could be a fine line. Decorating is to enhance the beauty of a space, but it’s more about taste. Decorating is more of a personal touch adding element that is suited to ones taste.

  

  When you sell your home decorating will only appeal to potential buyers that have the same taste, where home staging takes taste out of the space, making to appeal to the masses.

  

    Home Staging is a marketing strategy to draw as many people to your listing as possible. As a Stager it’s my job to sell the dream, by drawing potential buyers to the selling features in the home, helping buyers connect with the space. Stagers take in to consideration the target market of the property. We add elements to the home that the target market would be looking for. Take a look at this space

  

  The target market for this condo is likely young professional .When potential buyers were viewing this listing they were having trouble envisioning the floor plan. Clearly, to attract as many potential buyers as possible, this room had to show function. Only 1 of 10 people can envision a space with furniture. You never want a potential buyer to struggle to picture a home working for their needs or to picture living there. Here is our transformation.

This condo sold in 42 days on the market.   

Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging

Creating Balance with Home Decor

 Creating balance can be done two ways.  The first way is Symmetrical design is it’s when you have two unit of each item. It’s like a mirror effect for example if you have two identical tables on either side of the sofa with lamps on them. This is the simplest way to create balance but tends to be a bit static lacking visual interest.

Photo from Campbell DesignsLLC.com

 The second way to create balance is asymmetry, which is opposite symmetric design. Asymmetry is when the visual weight of two items is almost equal and mixed with items that are of different in size, pattern, spacing and shape.

Photo from EthanAllen.com

  Balance is created when everything in the room works together to create a pleasurable feeling. To achieve balance you need to consider that size, scale and lighting our in proportion to the room.

 Let’s talk about how you can apply balance into your space, start with the biggest piece of furniture. For example the sofa will anchor a grouping of art, make sure you artwork is not bigger then the sofa and hung 6 to 8 inches above. This will make the grouping appear as one piece with the sofa. If the art is to height it will look lost or out of balance.

 When accessioning use multiple pieces placed close together all around the room. If you’re selling your home this trick will keep the buyers eye moving around the room, large displays tend to stop the buyers eye.

  The larger the piece of furniture the more room you need to leave around it, this allows they eye to rest. Too much stuff and buyers get distracted; they look at the stuff instead of connecting with the space.

  A great way to add visual interest and balance with accessories is to place décor item at three height levels floor, mid level and eye level. This will help the buyer’s eyes move naturally through the room, an example of item at floor level would be area rugs ,plants and the flooring its self. Décor items at mid level are lamps and accessories placed on table tops. Window treatment and art work are examples of height at eye level.

   Contrast is a great way to achieve interest in a room. Imagine an all white room with white floor and white furniture it would be pretty boring. Contrast helps bring energy to the space and keeps the buyers eyes moving. I love this look.

Elle Decor.com

Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging

Dealing With Pets And Selling Your Calgary Home

   When you have pets they become part of the family, but when you sell your home pet could be a turn off to potential buyers. How do you deal with Miss Kitty or Fido? First you have to realistic only about half the people that tour your home with be pet people the other half not so much. The best way to combat this is to remove all signs of pets, food dishes, toys, cat litter and even the food in the pantry. Oh and don’t forget to remove the pets as well.

   

   If you have an outdoor enclosure for your pet, be sure it’s clean and in good condition. You don’t want buyers to form any kind of ideas. Sometime buyers think that if you don’t care enough about your pets to keep them clean, then how bad is the rest of the property.

  

 Don’t lose out on buyers, because you don’t attend to pet details outside. Their are plenty of services that can help maintain a doggy doo free yard for minimal cost.. If your yard is a selling feature it might be worth the few extra bucks.

   

   Cats tend to have strong odor, its best to scoop the box everyday and when you have showing remove the litter from your home. Scooping everyday with ensure your home does not take on any odor, that could scare off buyers.

   

   If you have exotic animals you may decide they take a small vacation while your house is on the market snakes, spiders, and lizards are not for everyone and might even scare or shock potential buyers touring your home. You don’t want your house to be remembered as the scary one.

  

  Get resourceful with solutions for your pets; ask friends and family to take care of your pets while you’re selling. Check out doggy day cares or pet spa in your area or perhaps take you pets to work with you.

 Elysse Bulloch
Simply Stylish Staging

Home Expo 2011 Calgary

  I thought I would head to down to Home Expo on the weekend to check it out. I wanted to check Tommy Smyth but he was not speaking on Sunday, but I came across a great product. If you are selling your home or just doing little updating here is a product that you need to know about.

 Calgary Countertop Systems is owned by Tom Lambert, his product can turn any surface into the look of Granite, completed in just one day and guaranteed for five years. Tom’s unique resurfacing system transforms your old counter top without removal of your old counter top.. His proprietary coating system is applied right over top of the existing surface, which is why this is a cost effective alternative to renovations. Tom product is less than half the price of installing new laminate.

 Durability is not an issue the product has a five year guarantee with a 100% money back guarantee.  The laminate system is able to with stand 275 digress, it’s stain resistant and very scratch resistance but you should still use a cutting board. The coating system is liquid it can cover burns, dent, and scratched countertops. The coating system cures instantly so you have a fully functioning kitchen or bath once the project is done.

Calgary Countertops Systems can help you update your bathroom too, giving you that custom look at a not so custom price.  Calgary Countertop Systems offer resurfacing on backsplashes, bath tubs, showers and fireplaces .If you need to update, Calgary Counter Tops maybe an options for an inexpensive one day renovation check they out here.

  Calgary countertop systems has a wide selections of colors and patterns available, they offer a free in home consultation and book appointment as early as 6 am until . Call Calgary Counter top Systems today 403.537.0712.

Elysse Bulloch
Simply Stylish Staging

Understanding the Dishwasher

 How do you choose good appliances that will suit your families needs for a few years? I began to ask myself this question last month.  I have gone through two dishwashers in six years. Not sure if it’s because the Mr and I do not rinse the dishes or if you get what you pay for?

 The first dishwasher came with my place it was low grade and I knew that I would need to replace it, sure enough within in my first year I was out shopping for a new one. I went to a few stores and choose a Kenmore. Not sure if the guy in the commercial from WKRP in Cincinnati that made me think this dishwasher would last for at least five years. 

 My Kenmore was a middle grade model it had the disposal option in it, to grind up all the bits of stuff that gets left behind after washing. I was told the life would be any where from 5 to 10 years. Three years in the main motor was toast the repair man told me that the part would cost as much as a new dishwasher.

 Here we are today shopping for a new dishwasher. This time I am going to get this right. Here what you need to consider before you start your search.

 What capacity suits your families need? Dishwasher came in a standard size of 24” with two tub sizes to choose from standard or tall .The tall tub interior is 3 inches bigger than the standard tub which allows you to load odd shaped items on both racks.

   What sorts of feature are important to suit your family’s needs? When considering the features you need to think about your lifestyle, if you like to entertain a lot, you many want to consider having an express cycle. It can clean lightly soiled dishes or glass ware in 30 minutes. If you have small children, high tempture may be a requirement for santization.

 You may want to think about the noise reduction feature. These dishwashers have better insulation which helps keep the water hotter inside the machine and reduces noise. This option is a two  for one because of the insulation you are saving money on energy and keeping the noise down. Most dishwasher com with a  decibel rating so you can tell how loud or quite they are.

 A feature we are considering is called clean sensors most energy star model have this feature. It has sensors which can determined the amount of energy required to clean a load. The sensors also adjusting the length of time and amount of water need per load.

 Possible if I would have done my research the firsth time we replaced the dishewasher we would not need a new one already. I hope you find this helpful in your search for a new dishwasher.

 Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging 

Staging Tricks to Make Any Room Look Bigger

   Buyers are always looking for the property with the most space here are few tips to consider when staging that give the illusions of more square footage.

 Hanging a mirror an effective way to increase light your space, keep in mind mirrors reflect whatever is in front of them. Try to place the mirror so you are reflecting a great view or something with interest .The best way to reflect light into the space is to place the mirror on the opposite wall of the window.

 When you entry a room your eye will catch the biggest item in the room, by placing all large items at the back of the room you automatically draw the eye back. Try to keep your facial point at the back of the room too. Placing the facial point at the entrance can make buyers feel crowed.

 Color plays a big part in how large a space feels, keep the paint color light. Light colors recede making the space feel large. Dark colors tend to swallow up the light making the space feel dark and small.

  

 If you are thinking about updating your flooring consider having the flooring installed on a diagonal. This will create the longest straight lines possible in the space. When ever possible use the same flooring through out the space this will create unity and seem more open. Over sized tile can also make the space appear larger even in the smallest rooms.

 Over sized furniture can make a space feel small, consider the scale of your furniture to the size of the room. A common mistake to place all the furniture on the walls, pull the furniture away from the wall this will make the space seem cozier.

 A great visual trick is to use glass table tops like coffee table, desks and dinning tables. The glass makes you think you can see more space and less clutter.  

Elysse Bulloch CCSP

Simply Stylish Staging

Using Color Effectively

Staging a property with color is easy as long as you follow 60/30/10. 60 represents the dominate area this would include walls, floors and ceiling. 30 would be the medium area items like furniture, drapery and bedding and10 is the smallest area in the room items like pillows, bedding and décor.

Image by Jasmic via Flickr

 When staging a room it is best to stick with three colors anymore and your potential buyer can get distracted. However just two colors can be visual stimulating as well but instead of using 50/50 ratio try out 60/40 or 70/30  this will keep the buyers eye moving through out the space.

Their three types of color scheme monochromatic, analogous and complementary. Monochromatic scheme is different shades and tints of one color; this tends to the most calming and relaxing color scheme. An analogous scheme consists of colors that are beside each other on the color wheel, such as orange and red. A complementary scheme uses colors located across from each other on the color wheel like purple and green. Complementary color scheme are used to create excitement and interested.

 Test your paint color for accuracy; place your paint chip on the wall under natural light.  If you hold it up you will only see what it looks like under the light but not what it will look like on the wall. Keep in mind interior paint always dry darker and exterior always dry lighter.


Elysse Bulloch
Simply Stylish Staging

Where are you going in 2011?

2011 has started with a bang. Do you have any resolutions?

 I have been practicing yoga on and off for a couple years, as we begin a New Year I can’t help but to reflect on what I have learned on the mat.

 I have been practicing hot yoga at Sanguine Yoga. Yoga is an ancient practice that allows the mind and body to focus as one. The practice takes place in a 40.6°C room with a humidity of 40%. This allows your muscles to stretch.

When I first stared I never put much thought in to what the instructor was saying during the practice but the more I go the more I understand. Part of yoga is to hold poses for a number of breaths which sounds easy but your mind starts playing tricks on you, you want to stop because some part of your body is screaming in pain. The instructor will remind you that your body is fine it’s your mind that wants to give up.

A light bulb went off in my head if I can make it through yoga when it’s challenging my mind and body to the max, I can make it through anything life throws at me. This will be my motivation starting 2011, I can conquer whatever my mind wants to achieve. What are your motivations in the New Year?

Elysse Bulloch

Simply Stylish Staging