You are currently browsing the Transformations weblog archives for the day November 6, 2008.
November 6, 2008 by becky.
TWO NEW EVENTS COMING SOON—
*We have a new opportunity for Real Estate professionals and designers only. The main purpose of the this new class is to learn how to professionally stage your client’s homes. It will add a new service to your list of specialties. Most of the “staging” we have seen by agents is more like de-cluttering, cleaning and removing non-essential furniture and accessories. Those are important things, of course, but do not go far enough. We focus more time on learning how to create excitement and add the Wow-factor in a personality-starved home. We also teach you “How to Stage an Empty Home.”
What: No Frills 2-Day Staging Designation Class
When: Feb. 25th & 26th, Wed. & Thurs. 9:00AM till 4:00PM
Where: Oueens Harbour Yacht and CClub
Details: ASID Designer Teaches Staging Secrets
Manual and Supplies Included
75% off for the first 20 students
E-mail for details
Ask for the Free Report on Empty-Home Staging
ALSO—
A Staging Camp for Alumni and registered future students is planned for late January. The purpose of the event is primarily to share ideas and brush-up on techniques and learn new skills. It will be Fri. evening, Jan. 31st through lunch Sat. Feb. 1st, 2009. We need to re-energize and support one another.
We will feature new segments on Empty-Home Staging, how to set up a website and marketing success stories. We will have a guest speaker from Toastmasters.
Special rates are available at the Wingate Inn, 904-421-7000. Ask for Lee. Don’t wait to long to make reservations. The camp is $75. and includes three meals. Make your reservations via e-mail. I can’t wait to see you. More details will follow soon.
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Redesigners and HGTV addicts:
You will be inspired by this story which was originally published in the Veranda, a special publication of the Florida Times-Union.
“We shape our dwellings, and afterward, our dwellings shape us.” Winston Churchill
Makeover–to change someone or something; to give them a different appearance or a new use. Cambridge Dictionary
The world today is totally enchanted with the makeover concept. Entire industries have been born to satiate that obsession. The HGTV network covers every conceivable aspect of interior and exterior redesign. Magazines and how-to books continue to pour forth as the never-ending demand for inspiration escalates. What is all the excitement about? Is a make-over really worth it? Let’s ask Marjorie Sutton of St. Augustine as we tour her recently transformed home…It’s the kind of space that makes you feel as if the rest of the world doesn’t exist. Maybe that’s because of the mesmerizing view of the Atlantic Ocean which draws you in as soon as you open the weathered front door. Or perhaps it’s the spa blue color that flows like water around the two story great room. Your eyes travel from a nautical chart framed in drift wood over the rustic fireplace to the sea grass rugs to the glass cylinders filled with starfish. Whatever the reason, there’s an indefinable quality that makes you want to take a deep breath and let all the stress evaporate. But it wasn’t always this way…Marjorie knew she needed help. In her travels, she had collected all kinds of unrelated things. “I left room in my suitcase for those irresistible baubles,” she explained. “If I liked something, it came home with me.” Problem was, of course, that the house became somewhat of a museum, verging on claustrophobic. Her style was best described as-in her own words-“schizophrenic”…too many colors, no discernable theme.
She was a candidate for a makeover and she was the first to admit it. “Look at my stack of decorating magazines.” she lamented. “I found myself wandering aimlessly through pretty furniture stores.”
Sometimes the dizzying array of choices only makes it more confusing. She was mired in the quicksand of indecision. She finally enlisted the help of a designer who inspired a truly magical place.
The first step in a typical make-over is to determine what level of change is needed:
1) Tweaking-rearranging existing accessories and furniture. This is sometimes called “redesign”.
2) Gently Restyling- includes wall color changes with new art and some new accessories. Most make-overs fall into this category
3) Bulldozing- complete remodel, as in new flooring, countertops, cabinetry, etc.
A color scheme is chosen for walls and accents. A great fabric or a piece of art can be the inspiration. You’ll need a primary color and a complimentary accent color.
Next, the clutter is addressed. Let’s face it! Everyone loves to plant flowers, but no one wants to pull the weeds. Sometimes one must learn to toss with abandon. It can be liberating.
Then the room arrangement is analyzed for balance and symmetry. Traffic patterns are considered. Ease of conversation is always a primary goal.
The homeowners personality should be considered when selecting a theme. Some popular choices: Ralph Lauren/ English library or Ernest Hemingway/ Out of Africa.
Jean Leone of Ponte Vedre chose a Tuscan, wine-country theme for her recent redesign…wrought iron, warm colors, rich rugs on natural stone floors. Her husband’s Italian heritage inspired that direction. A rich pumpkin color accented with sage green was splashed around the living areas. I can almost hear the theme from Godfather in the background.
The costs are varied but still average around $75. to $100. an hour—slightly more if an assistant is needed. Some redesigners may ask for a retainer before starting a major project. A brief complimentary consultation is a non-threatening way to get the facts.
The results can be life transforming. Oprah Winfrey once said of her California residence, “My house sings.” She could barely contain her joy in finding and expressing her unique style.
Your house is not just a house. It is a living, breathing thing. It reflects your soul…your inner sanctum.
So whether you need a little rearranging or an extreme make-over, the experience can enrich your life in mysterious ways. “ I stay home a lot more now,” confessed Marjorie.
“No restaurant, club or theater can compete with my home. It embraces me. It’s a sonnet. It’s a poem. It‘s me.”
Winston Churchill was right. “We shape our dwellings, and afterwards, our dwellings shape us.”
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This article can be used for republication as long as the author is credited:
Written by Becky Harmon
Transformations Staging and Redesign School
Allied ASID Member Copyright 2006
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