September 2010

Well autumn is almost here – it gets dark outside earlier and the nights are getting cooler. There are several things to get yourself ready for this time of year and now is the time to start. Whether it is reorganizing your time (for example, getting up earlier to start the day) or starting to bring out the autumn clothes and putting away some of the summer ones, do not forget about the accessories in your house. This is the time to start bringing out the warm blankets, and baskets with the gourds, twigs and fall foliage.

Do not forget about the front of your house as well. There are so many beautiful flowers and autumn coloured accessories (for example, wreaths, brooms and wooden figurines) at your local crafts stores. Or you can visit your local fall fair and pick up some handmade crafts from local artisans! If you need some help sorting through all the options or are wondering what would work with your colour schemes in and outside your house, give your interior decorator a call!

August 2010

Have you ever wondered if improving your health will make your residential interiors more harmonious with you? It sure would! Maintaining proper health is also important for making an environment beautiful because you see the surroundings in a more positive way. If one of your goals is to improve your health, my suggestion is to take it one step at a time so it is more manageable.

One place you could start is by increasing the amount of exercise you do and in turn be more conscientious of the amount of clean water you drink (increase the amount if needs be). Another small step you can take is to significantly reduce or eliminate the amount of chemicals you use in your house, ingest, and use on your body. If you are looking for remarkable personal, health and environmental products, please send me an email with AUGUST TIP in the subject line and I will send you some great information and the website address for you to take a look at! You deserve to buy products that nourish your skin and improve your health instead of toxify it! To be in harmony with your surroundings and yourself, is a wonderful place to be!

July 2010

Since it is the start of a new season, why not start it off with different furniture arrangements throughout your house? You will be surprised what might be hiding/under furniture if it has not been moved in a long time. It helps to rejuvenate the surroundings and energy in the house. It is also the cheapest way to redecorate – by using what you already have. If a piece of wooden furniture is looking a little worn, you can always use a little bit of paint to give it a new and updated look. Slip covers on furniture, new pillows/pillowcases and accessories are always things which can be changed with the seasons!

June 2010

Feng Shui is essentially the placement of objects in our environment for optimal Ch’i (life force/energy) flow. Have you ever walked into a room and felt either really good in it, or really uncomfortable in it, or somewhere in the middle? Well, that is the energy of the room talking to you. The vibrations in the room may or may not be in harmony with your own. So if you have a room(s) where you feel uncomfortable or something just does not feel quite right, consider moving things around, or adding or taking away something. If you cannot seem to quite figure it out, consider hiring a Feng Shui consultant to help you out! A fresh perspective may be the trick!

May 2010

Have you ever wanted a personal shopper? Well try to keep this in mind - next time you need just one piece of furniture or one decor item, hire a local decorator to source it for you or suggest similar options. After all, decorators can get discounts on items and have access to some of the more unique items in the marketplace (including worldwide connections who only deal with people in the trade!).

April 2010

It now Spring and it is time to spring into action with the spring cleaning! If you happen to be considering selling your home or are definitely putting it up for sale soon, now is the time to start cleaning and decluttering (if you have not already!). When staging a home for sale, it is very important that all personal items (for example: family photos, eccentric artwork, personal items, laundry) get put away or put in storage. They serve as a distraction and a possible deterrent with possible home buyers. It is also important to not overcrowd a space and allow a sufficient walking path through a room so potential home buyers can enter and see the whole room.

Ultimately, the more move in ready your home is, the better. Many home buyers are not interested at first in making repairs (unless they are looking for a fixer upper) and possibly want to use any extra money on new furnishings or landscaping for the space. Fix any small repairs and possibly have a fresh coat of neutral coloured paint put on some of the walls to make the home show even better! If you are not sure of what changes to make or where to start with preparing your home, please call in a Home Stager or contact your real estate agent to recommend one!