Sunday, April 13, 2008

Highlights from the High Point Spring Furniture Market

Last week was the High Point Spring Furniture Market. How do you describe 12 million square feet of furniture, accessories, textiles, and gifts? The first thing that I do is look for trends. Last market, in October, showed a lot of black and white, tons of green (both environmentally and the color-wise), and metallic accents everywhere! This market was not much different. The use of acid yellow has become popular. There were still metallic accents with the predominant choice being polished chrome or nickle. Mirrored case goods are still strong as is white lacquer finishes. My favorite venue this market was Global Views ( www.globalviews.com). The lighting and creative displays took my breath as did the large selection of accessories offered. Another favorite stop is Guildmaster (www.decorize.com). This collection of weathered and aged furniture and accessories always offers a feast for the senses. Christy Proctor, a former designer on the TV show Trading Spaces, was there introducing her new line of lamps. Christy was very personable and we enjoyed both her and her new product line.

Speaking of celebrities, Candice Olsen, of HGTV's Devine Design, was there introducing her line of case goods at Revco International (www.revcointernational.com). She is just as cute in person as she is on TV and my mom, who accompanied me, was tickled to speak to her. Her line of furniture is smart, transitional and like you would expect it to be if you watch her show.

As always, my favorite upholstery line, Pearson Company (www.pearsonco.com) had a beautiful showroom and we accomplished a lot there. Design Masters, known for their beautiful dining chairs, continues to increase the number of dining tables offered. They have some really lovely tables. And finally, my favorite new discovery is Pablo Mekis Artisan Pillows. These pillows are hand embroidered pillows from Chile. They are offered in linen, wool, silk, and cotton. These pillows are one of a kind art pieces and are just fabulous! Go see them at www.pablomkis.com.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Home Staging in a Tough Real Estate Market

Later today I will be staging a home that is getting ready to be put on the market in Rock Hill, SC. I am finding that my staging business has increased since the slow down began in Real Estate sales. In my business, the realtor hires and pays for my fee as listing incentive. These savvy realtors realize that they need an edge to make their listings stand out among the very crowded field. National statistics show that a staged home will sell quicker and for an average of 6% more money than a non staged home.

My goal when I stage a home is three fold. First, we work on making the space look as large as possible. That means getting rid of unnecessary furniture and items that take up floor space. Storage units are often used as most people house more furniture and junk than their homes can really accomodate. The second goal is to de-personalize the home. Buyers cannot image how they would live in a home if the lifestyle of the current owner is in the way. When I stage a home we reduce the amount of family photo's, religous art and artifacts, alchohol and bar equipment and the like. Finally, we look for ways to add charm. Fresh flowers, clear kitchen counters, pretty towels in the bathrooms, well made beds are all ways to give the buyer something to remember. Of the last three homes that I have staged, two have sold within a month, the third has had an offer that was refused.

Calgon Take Me Away...

Calgon Take Me Away...
soak your troubles away in this stone beauty

Bathtub becomes fountain... fabulous!

cottage charm!

perfect for your mountain retreat!

Where I belong...

The AIDP Charlotte Chapter Board Members

The AIDP Charlotte Chapter Board Members
Seated from left, Davetta Moore, National Board Member, Wanda Horton, Vice President of Communication, Jane Ann Maxwell, President, standing from left to right, Nancy Martin, Vice President of Membership, Mary Santini, Secretary/Treasurer, and Marianne Parker, National Board Member

Emily's New Room

Emily's New Room

This desk was the inspiration for the room

Decorating for Christmas in Adult and Kid Zones...

Decorating for Christmas in Adult and Kid Zones...
Adults will love the beauty of the luxe mantle

This bright, bold mantle is kid friendly

This lovely arrangement is sophisicated and elegant

Kids tables need centerpieces too and these serve as favors to take home afterwards!

The Holiday Table...

The Holiday Table...
This table setting would make a beautiful Thanksgiving breakfast table

Greenery - simple and elegant

These pictures illustrate the idea of using what you love...

These pictures illustrate the idea of using what you love...
One home owner loves classic traditional decore, the other mid century modern. Look at what they created using the things they both loved!!!

Grouping beloved collections create impact

Two collections united by color

Pictures from the Coastal Vibe Project

Pictures from the Coastal Vibe Project
The chair fabric was designed just for this client and then made into yardage just for these chairs!

The living room seating area. The client wanted it elegant and yet relaxed, with the idea of being at a house on the beach.

We added the built-ins and had the paint changed before the homeowner moved in. A cozy seating arrangement and momentos from world travels warm the space.

another view

These pictures illustrate "staging" principles

These pictures illustrate "staging" principles
This beautiful room was designed to be cozy and full. This room is an example of NOT staging to maximize the square footage. Thanks to House Beautiful for the image

This serene room is designed for maximum spaciousness! Notice that you see lots of floor through the legs of the coffee table. Lots of breathing room in this space. Thanks to House Beautiful for the image.

This is an example of Benjamin Moore Aura paints to go with the About Paint post

This is an example of Benjamin Moore Aura paints to go with the About Paint post
One of the many beautiful colors in the Aura collection

Aura paints have low VOC's which means it's healthier for everybody!

To illustrate the post "Art For Your Walls"

The following pictures are artwork from some of my favorite local artists. The fabulous thing about these folks is that they will do commissioned pieces especially for you! Enjoy...

Local Artists...

Local Artists...
Richard Anderson

Celia Flock

Sany Seipert, an older work, her newer stuff is better, this was the only image I had...

The following pictures are from the October High Point Furniture Market.

These are some of the showrooms and displays that I thought were terrific.

Bella Luna was one of my favorite showrooms!

Bella Luna was one of my favorite showrooms!
everything on display was quirky and elegant

One of my favorite finds, this mirror is a piece of art!

These sassy stools help tell the Bella Luna story

Cyan design always has unusual and neat things

Hot Color Trend shown at the Spring Market in Highpoint!

Hot Color Trend shown at the Spring Market in Highpoint!
black and white and malachite!

Luxury Lighting!

Luxury Lighting!


Favorite New Accessoires...

Favorite New Accessoires...
Contact us for more information or to place an order...

love this!

simply elegant!

fabulous silver platters that are even better in person

These make such a great centerpiece for a dining room table

FALL MARKET 2008 - GORGEOUS COLOR, FOCUS ON "GREEN" DESIGN, FUN WITH LAQUER...

FALL MARKET 2008 - GORGEOUS COLOR, FOCUS ON "GREEN" DESIGN, FUN WITH LAQUER...
New color combo that was everywhere, butter and pewter, so pretty, soft and fresh!

Gorgeous Global Views - always my favorite venue

Gorgeous Global Views - always my favorite venue
soft butter and pewter

"GREEN" in both color and sustainablity is a beautiful choice...

"GREEN" in both color and sustainablity is a beautiful choice...
These pillows made from abaca leaves and coconut beads are eco-friendly and good for the workers of the developing country in which they are made.

Old favorites are still in play...

Old favorites are still in play...
aqua, teal, peacock are still popular-- note the laquered mirror!

Before and After pictures are always fun!

Before and After pictures are always fun!
This is a "before" picture of a recent project.

After #2!

After #2!

Before #2

Before #2
same room, different view

AFTER!

AFTER!
new carpet, upholstery, paint, window treatments...

More from the High Point Spring Market My Favorite Overall Venue - Global Views

More from the High Point Spring Market My Favorite Overall Venue - Global Views
terrific accessories, uniquely displayed

black, white, red, silver punch!

note the male figures at the bottom of the ropes climbing out of the vases!

Favorite Find at the High Point Spring Market

Favorite Find at the High Point Spring Market
Pablo Mekis Artisan Pillows

the hand stiching is fabulous!

more Pablo Mekis

A designer is as good as her team...

Every designer relies on a team of people to help execute her design vision. I have worked very hard to assemble a top notch team of craftsmen and professionals to rely on for excellence in execution and customer service. I have nick named them "The "A" Team". This name is so appropriate because this group brings their best effort to each task. There are many folks out there that will give you adequate, we strive for exceptional.

The following pictures will introduce you to some of the work done by these guys...

Introducing...

Introducing...
Marilyn Croteau - the BEST window treatment workroom on the East Coast

Introducing...

Introducing...
Heavin Woodworks - beautiful trims and built-ins

Introducing...

Introducing...
G.Richard Anderson Faux Finisher. He does fabulous work!

Oeco Textiles

Oeco Textiles
all natural and all green

A staged breakfast room

A staged breakfast room
We recovered the chairs to co-ordinate with the area rug and added a fresh bunch of flower from the grocery store!

This week...

This week, I am working on two interiors that are either on or are near Lake Wylie, SC. Both homeowners are interested in incorporating a coastal "vibe" into the design for their homes. Working on two homes with the same design direction has never happened in my business before. It will be fun to see just how differently we approach each home. They will be as different and unique as their homeowners and we will be sure to include some after pictures in about 3 or 4 months!

Something's Gotta Give

Something's Gotta Give
from the movie "Something's Gotta Give" the set design for the Nantucket living room is inspiration for a coastal interior that I'm working on right now...

Coastal Inspiration

Coastal Inspiration
another coastal inspiration

this rug from Aspen Carpet Designs is very close to the one in the movie!


BVI's Virgin Gorda - beautiful!

great garden bench