Previous Tips
December 2009
Highlight and enjoy your holiday decor even more when you remove some of your everyday decor.
November 2009
Apply any of the following items to an existing curtain rod for a simple, inexpensive updated window treatment:
-vintage table cloth
-fabric remnant
-table runner
-napkins
NOTE: Hang items by either folding fabric in half over the rod or use rings with clips
October 2009
Conduct a "move-out" clean prior to listing when selling a home - including carpets, windows, appliances, baseboards, etc.
September 2009
Open shelves work best for display, not storage.
August 2009
Create simple summer centerpieces using items from the garden such as flowers, vegetables, fruit or herbs.
July 2009
Most artwork is hung too high. Artwork should be viewed comfortably when seated in a room, typically 4-6 inches above furniture.
June 2009
Staging Strategies for Kitchens
1) Countertops - clear off, display only one appliance
2) Refrigerator - remove all art and magnets
3) Cabinets - update/replace hardware
4) Clean - everything!
5) Hide - trash can, scatter rugs, pet dishes
May 2009
Vibrant yellow flowers enhance curb appeal, creating a warm welcome for potential buyers and guests.
April 2009
Eliminate clutter from a hutch by displaying items that are similar in color and theme.
March 2009
Go "green" with an Interior Redesign. The concept is to redecorate your home using what you already have - friendly on the budget and the environment.
February 2009
Potential buyers make up their minds about a property within 15 seconds of entering a house, so establishing a positive first impression
is critical to achieving a successful sale.
January 2009
A Favorite Tool:
Self-Centering Measuring Tape
This tape lists the center for each measurement mark on the tape. This comes in handy when centering artwork on a wall.
December 2008
Don't forget to decorate the door for the holidays - simply tie big silver jingle bells with holiday ribbon to the doorknob for a festive welcome.
November 2008
A bathroom quick fix: Add a frame around a plain mirror or replace it with a decorative mirror.
October 2008
Staging costs less than a price reduction.
September 2008
FALL in love with your home all over again with an interior redesign.
August 2008
Remember the STAR of Star Interior Solutions...
- Staging
- Transforming
- Accessorizing
- Redesigning
...Erica Starich
July 2008
5 Important Factors to Selling a House:
- Location
- Market Condition
- Price
- Condition of Property
- Presentation (staging)
June 2008
Coffee Table Alternatives = ottoman, trunk, chest, antique suitcases, end tables
May 2008
Add these five items to your PATIO to create a PERFECT outdoor space...
- Comfortable furniture with colorful weather-resistant cushions and/or pillows
- All weather rug to define your seating area
- Soothing water feature
- Candles or lighting for ambiance
- Seasonal plants to infuse additional color
April 2008
It is important to remove all personal photos when selling a house so potential homebuyers can envision themselves in the house instead.
March 2008
Staging Strategies for Closets
- Remove at least one-third of hanging clothing.
- Keep floor and top shelves clear.
- Organize smaller items in containers.
- Be sure the lighting is sufficient.
- Repaint if necessary.
February 2008
Consider multiple uses for items when accessorizing. Example: A cup and saucer can obviously be used as dinnerware, but can also be used as a candleholder, a base for a fresh flower arrangement, and even a container for q-tips and cotton balls in a guest bathroom.
January 2008
Ready for a new space this new year?
Consider interior redesign. It's more affordable than traditional interior design because you don't have to buy anything new. It provides a refreshing and updated look by reorganizing and rearranging your existing furniture, artwork and accessories revealing a warm, comfortable and inviting home. The results are remarkable!
December 2007
A Few Fresh Ideas for Festive Tables:
- Arrange fresh pine boughs on a plate with red apples or cranberries in the center
- Fill glass hurricane candleholders with limes and cranberries
- Add water, cranberries and floating candles to a glass bowl.
November 2007
The most important thing to remember when hanging a mirror is that it should reflect a pleasant view.
October 2007
An area rug is a great way to bring additional color into a family or living room. It is also used to "connect"
furniture and should be no smaller than 5' by 8'.
September 2007
Staging Strategies for Bathrooms
- Remove all toiletries from counters, bathtubs, showers and ledges.
- Remove scatter rugs and toilet seat covers.
- Purchase new towels for display.
- Update/replace lighting if necessary.
- Thoroughly clean and make any repairs.
August 2007
To distribute light evenly in a room, place lamps in a triangular pattern.
July 2007
When evaluating or researching redesigners and/or real estate stagers, there are several factors to consider. Here are some Key Questions to ask.
June 2007
To create a grand entrance to your home, pay close attention to the details. Is a fresh coat of paint needed on the door and trim? Does the welcome mat need to be replaced? Is the doorbell in working condition? Are the windows and light fixtures clean? Has the floor surface been swept lately? Eliminate dried wreathes and faded silk florals. Add some color with fresh flowers, topiaries, grasses or shrubs in ceramic pots. If there's room, add a bench or chair with colorful pillows.
May 2007
Are you looking for an inexpensive way to infuse color into a room? Select a color (your favorite color, a seasonal color, or an updated tone/hue) and bring it into the room through a few accent pieces such as pillows, throws, candles and accessories.
April 2007
Top Five Ways to Accentuate Accessories...
- Display by using odd number of items - 3's and 5's.
- Cluster similar items (textures, metals, woods, glass, etc.) for a cohesive look.
- Shape on shape - use round accessories on round tables and square accessories on square tables.
- Size on size - use large accessories on large furnishings and small accessories on small furnishings.
- Create height by using books, baskets and/or decorative boxes under accessories.
March 2007
Shape-by-Shape is the best way to hang artwork. Select rectangular pieces of art to hang above a rectangular piece of furniture or on a rectangular wall. Select vertical pieces of art to hang on a vertical shaped wall.
