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Improving Your Spaces? 10 Questions to Start With!

Lately, especially during the live sessions with Dr. Francesca Basile, I’ve been talking about change and the importance of improving our spaces so they can always support us!

However, often, when we want to make changes to our home, we don’t know where to start!

In fact, we’re so used to our spaces that we don’t know what needs to change!

We could say we’re accustomed and don’t notice things anymore because they’ve “always been that way,” and we’ve lived with them well (or almost)!!

But if you want to freshen up your home, you should look at your spaces with different eyes!

To do this, it’s helpful to enter each room as if it were the first time, with paper and pen, and ask yourself a series of questions!

– WHAT’S THE FIRST THING I SEE WHEN I WALK IN?

Take note of what catches your eye at first; naturally, there’s no right or wrong answer!

It could be a painting, a console, a simple vase, or a photo frame!

Now ask yourself: “Is this what I want people to see first?”

While it’s correct that your home should represent you and please you, it’s equally true that if there’s something you don’t like, you might avoid or limit invitations because of it.

Moreover, if you don’t want it to be the first thing people see, actually, you don’t want it to be the first thing you see, either!

(credits: Scout & Nimble; etsy.com)

– IS THE ROOM AIRY AND BRIGHT OR DARK AND “DEPRESSING”?

No matter how small the room may be, it should give a sense of spaciousness and be as bright as possible!

Not all rooms have abundant natural light, but as mentioned other times, there are many tricks to “brighten it up.”

Primarily, use mirrors, then glossy surfaces and metals, which are elements that best reflect light!

(credits: puresaltinteriors.com; realestate.com.au)

– IS IT A WELCOMING AND INVITING ENVIRONMENT OR COLD AND “REPELLENT”?

Take a critical look at your surroundings and answer honestly.

You should feel welcomed, embraced, and immediately at ease when you enter different rooms.

If this isn’t the case, try to think of those things that would make you feel better.

It could be changing colors, using textures and materials, or personalizing with some unique objects or decorations!

(credits: @indiebohonest; marianaorsi.com.br)

– DOES THE GAZE FLOW SMOOTHLY THROUGHOUT THE ROOM, OR IS SOMETHING BLOCKING IT?

It’s crucial that when entering a room, the gaze can flow freely throughout the space.

That creates an unconscious pleasure in the mind, promoting relaxation.

There may, indeed there should, be a focal point that draws more attention, but generally, the gaze should be able to move without any “obstacles.”

Therefore, it’s advisable to remove or rearrange anything that might somehow hinder this flow of vision!

(credits: Becky Shea Design; Rafael Soldi)

– ARE THERE VISUALLY HEAVIER AREAS?

Check that there are no areas where all the furniture is too clustered and others empty.

Having everything placed only on one side of the room creates an imbalance that leads to an unconscious discomfort in the mind.

It’s good to balance visual weights and play with heights for the same reason!

Moreover, this will also help with the previous point, as it will aid in the flow of the gaze!

(credits: johnlewis.com; ruggable.com)

– WALL DECOR… IS IT TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE?

The walls are also crucial, and walls too crowded with photographs and paintings can feel suffocating!

While it’s true that empty spaces are necessary to provide breathing room, it’s equally accurate that completely empty walls can appear sad!

In addition to the number of decorations, be mindful of their sizes; everything should be proportionate: decorations that are too small will get lost, and those that are too large will dominate.

Choose elements that represent you, that hold meaning for you, and, of course, harmonize with the chosen style and colors!

(credits: cose di casa; rh.com)

– ARE THE COLORS IN THE ROOM MONOTONOUS OR VARIED?

Speaking of colors, does your palette appear varied and harmonized or flat and monotonous?

Colors must create play and contrast to add movement and rhythm to the room.

Even if you choose a monochromatic palette, playing with the same color’s saturations, shades, tones, and nuances is paramount!

If you have more than one color, following some precautions is paramount, I discussed it here.

(credits: posterstore.co.uk; Meridiani living)

– ARE THERE ANY PATTERNS AND TEXTURES, OR DOES EVERYTHING SEEM A BIT FLAT?

In addition to playing with various color saturations, everything mustn’t be smooth and solid-colored, as the environment would appear somewhat flat.

You can use patterns or textures on walls, perhaps with wallpaper!

If that seems too much, use them on curtains, rugs, cushions, armchairs, and even sofas!

There are also some slight considerations regarding pattern combinations for a harmonious and pleasant result, which I discussed here!

(credits: Jenn Feldman; furniture jolene-113)

– IS THE ROOM NEAT OR A BIT CHAOTIC?

Clutter isn’t ideal for beautiful, harmonious, and relaxing spaces; we’ve said it other times.

Check to see if there are things around that would be better stored away; perhaps you need to add a few more storage elements.

They could be baskets that, moreover, will decorate, add textures, and “warmth” to the environment!

By clutter, I also mean the visual clutter of a room that may be too full of furniture or objects.

Evaluate critically if there’s too much and if you might feel a bit “overwhelmed”; if so, try to remove some!

(credits: yanaprydalna.com; kassavello.com)

– ARE THERE PLANTS IN THE ROOM?

That is also an essential aspect of improving your spaces.

You might be tired of hearing it, but plants reconnect us to nature, making them essential elements for our homes.

You don’t need to have a jungle; sometimes, just a leaf or some branches will do, and there isn’t a room (excluding the utility room) that can’t have plants!

While real ones are preferable, if, like me, you’re not exactly blessed with a green thumb, know that it’s been proven that even artificial ones (as long as they look realistic) have the same effect on the mind!

And this holds even in terms of Feng Shui!

(credits: @oh.eight.oh.nine; afloral.com)

If you examine the various rooms of your home by asking yourself these questions, you’ll find that you’ll be able to identify areas where improvements may be needed to enhance the spaces!

I hope this article has been helpful and enjoyable for you. If so, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I would be honored, and it will help me gain more exposure.

If you feel that your home, or any specific area of it, doesn’t reflect your personality enough, don’t wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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Small Home: 4 Tips for it to be cozy and functional!

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Do you have a small home and don’t know how to make it beautiful, cozy, and functional?

We’ve said it other times: a small home is definitely more challenging to furnish, but not impossible.

Nowadays, especially with new constructions, encountering this type of housing is very likely!

Let’s see what to do in the case of a small home!

1 – PAY ATTENTION TO FURNITURE SELECTION

When dealing with a small home, one might think they should opt for tinier furniture and accessories.

While maintaining a certain proportion is paramount, to have a few slightly larger pieces than many smaller ones is better.

First and foremost, smaller pieces might not be as comfortable or functional.

Also, too many pieces can create visual clutter, making the space feel even smaller.

From a Feng Shui perspective, it’s important not to overcrowd the space to allow energy to flow freely.

If the room is too full, the energy may become stagnant.

In addition to size, consider the type of furniture as well: it’s better to opt for pieces with simple, minimalist lines to avoid weighing down the space.

(credits: @elemorlovedecor_blog; @anabarcenasinteriorista)

As seen other times, it would also be ideal for furniture to have legs for being raised from the ground, creating the illusion of more space underneath and tricking the mind into perceiving greater spaciousness.

Additionally, like before, this allows for the flow of energy, making it an excellent choice from a Feng Shui perspective.

(credits: Ikea; theblushhome.com)

MULTIFUNCTIONAL AND TRANSFORMABLE FURNITURE

Very useful are also transformable or foldable furniture pieces, which you can open/enlarge or fold back depending on your needs!

There are many different types available on the market, and they can be quite aesthetically pleasing as well.

The same goes for multifunctional elements, such as storage ottomans/benches or chairs that you can use near the table or the sofa, depending on the occasion.

That allows for having fewer items that serve multiple functions!

(credits: lumisource.com; goodideatrade.com)

For making the right choice, good initial planning is crucial, where you understand how you use spaces, giving more importance to areas that you use most frequently.

For instance, if you don’t always have guests for lunch or dinner, a small extendable table in the dining area might suffice, providing more breathing space for the living room!

(credits: Amazon; Ikea)

2 – FOLLOW YOUR STYLE

When space is limited, it’s easy to feel intimidated, and when following advice (including the previous one) to opt for linear and essential furniture, there’s a risk of ending up with a result that doesn’t represent the home inhabitants.

If the house doesn’t reflect your style, it won’t be comfortable or functional, and you won’t feel at ease.

So, how do you express your style when having simple and linear furniture is essential?

Express your style through decorations!

“Less is more” is a must in small spaces, but “less” doesn’t mean lacking character!

Start with a minimal base, as mentioned before, for large furniture pieces, choosing items that can adapt to any style.

Then, express your personality with smaller accessories such as a unique chair, perhaps a designer piece, artwork, cushions, and so on.

By doing this, you’ll maintain airy spaces with character and personality – your own!

Moreover, this approach allows you to change things frequently without breaking the bank each time!

(credits: @reserve_home; flipboard.com)

3 – ORDER AND ORGANIZATION

We often talk about order for inviting and harmonious homes, but in small spaces, it’s vital to avoid visually constricting the area further!

Again, in this case, “less is more” is truly significant because it makes it easier to maintain a tidy home.

Having too many things scattered around isn’t ideal, even from a Feng Shui perspective, as it tends to stagnate energy rather than allow it to flow freely!

Tools for organizing drawers and closets can help maintain order.

There’s a wide variety available on the market, ranging in size and price to suit every need and budget!

Organizing drawers and closets effectively will allow for easy access to everything.

When items are practical to take out and put away, it’s much easier to maintain order!

Additionally, you can consider other storage elements such as benches, ottomans, or baskets, which not only serve a functional purpose but can also be decorative.

Among storage elements are still storage beds or beds with drawers, which are undoubtedly convenient but not recommended from a Feng Shui perspective due to the potential energy blockage.

If you want to utilize the space under the bed, it’s better to use boxes, perhaps with wheels, so you can move them around during cleaning and, thus, stir up the energy!

(credits: cherishedbliss.com; Etsy)

4 – MAXIMIZE BRIGHTNESS

In small spaces, it’s essential to have airy and bright environments.

Therefore, maximizing natural light is vital!

To achieve this, it’s important to keep windows and French doors clean and free from obstruction by plants, furniture, or curtains!

For privacy, use lightweight and filtering curtains.

If you prefer double curtains and want a thick and colorful one, use an extra-long rod so that, when it’s open, it doesn’t cover the window but only a part of the wall.

Pay attention to the color of the curtains, as they will tint the light filtering through and subsequently alter the perception of colors in the house!

(credits: Cille Grut; inredningshjalpen.com)

If your home isn’t so bright, help duplicate the light with mirrors, glossy elements, and metallic items!

However, avoid overdoing shiny or metallic elements to prevent the environment from feeling too cold!

Strategically position mirrors; practically, placing them in front of windows maximizes reflected light because they capture more.

However, from a Feng Shui perspective, this “sends back” the entering energy, so it’s better to position them laterally to invite energy to enter!

(credits: decoholic.org; Nordic design)

PAY ATTENTION TO COLORS TOO

Colors also play an important role in light reflection, and white is the ultimate reflective color.

From the live with color expert Claudia Piolatto (if you missed it, you can find it here), we understood that avoiding pure white is better because it can cause glare and tends to create somewhat sterile environments.

However, there are more than 150 shades of white, so you can absolutely find the most suitable one.

It’s not mandatory to totally eliminate colors!

For walls, choose light colors that aren’t too vivid and avoid strong contrasts (which visually shrink the space).

Feel free to use stronger colors in accessories and objects to add rhythm and character.

(credits: @anthology_creative_studio; article.com)

N.B. The bedroom could be an exception to light colors, and here’s why.

Dark colors create a cozy, intimate environment akin to a warm embrace, which is particularly important in the bedroom!

So, if you like them, feel free to use them!

Since the bedroom is primarily for resting and sleeping, prioritizing brightness at all costs can be overlooked.

However, I still advise maintaining consistency with the colors, perhaps opting for richer versions or toning them down with gray or black in the case of very vibrant colors.

That will maintain a sense of harmony throughout the space!

(credits: Pella Hedeby; Studio Enass)

I hope this article has been helpful and enjoyable for you. If so, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I would be honored, and it will help me gain more exposure.

If you feel that your home, or any specific area of it, doesn’t reflect your personality enough, don’t wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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Bedroom: 4 color combinations, all to choose from!

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Colors, as we know, can influence our emotions, so it’s essential to consider how we want to feel in a given environment to choose the right ones.

That applies to the entire house, but especially to the bedroom because it’s where we most need to feel good and safe, thus promoting also good sleep!

So today, we’ll look at some suitable bedroom color combinations!

– DARK AND MOODY BEDROOM COLOR COMBINATIONS

Using dark colors is ideal if you love the idea of a cozy and enveloping bedroom.

Using deep blues with a warm undertone, rich browns, and charcoal grays gives a comforting sense of intimacy, like a hug and a sense of security!

Moreover, they are associated with the concept of sophistication and depth.

Dark shades also significantly enhance the cone of light from every light source, which is less visible with light colors!

That creates a beautiful contrast with the dark tones and intensifies the feeling of intimacy!

– BLACKS AND DARK GRAYS

Black or anthracite grays are quite beautiful but not so easy to use because they can result in a flat look.

If you opt for a monochromatic combination, it’s wise to use different finishes and textures to add some movement and play!

Wallpaper could be an example, but also in textiles like blankets and pillows; this, in addition to the movement mentioned earlier, also helps to soften everything!

I suggest painting the ceiling white anyway to maintain a minimum of openness in the room; everything completely dark could become overwhelming!

Another way to brighten the room could be to dress the bed with light textiles!

That will create some contrast and, as with textures, soften the environment a bit.

Everything doesn’t need to be solid color; conversely, introducing patterns, once again, creates some play and movement.

These patterns can be tone-on-tone, playing with various saturations, or you can introduce some other color to contrast and brighten things up.

(credits: Ikea; Lovisa Häger foto Jesper Florbrandt)

– BROWNS

Browns are another way to create cozy and moody environments.

They are definitely lighter compared to blacks and also more natural.

However, it’s still a dark color, so it’s good to balance it with lighter shades.

For a more enveloping environment, with browns (if they’re not overly dark), you can use the same color for walls, floors, and ceilings.

Also, in this case, remember to play with textures and patterns to create movement!

(credits: @ideabedroom; @rustandtrust)

– DEEP BLUES

In general, blues are calming tones, making them perfect for the bedroom.

Certainly less dramatic than black, one can use blue with more ease!

Blues are fantastic when paired with browns because they are the exact opposite in temperature.

Brown warms up blue, giving the rooms a relaxing sensation.

You can use brown as a color, but it’s even better as a material like wood.

Another great way to brighten blues is by using brass elements; the contrast is pleasant and elegant.

In the case of a monochromatic pairing, again, I recommend playing not only with various shades of blue but also with different textures and patterns.

That creates movement and adds character to the room.

(credits: Jotun; Studio Enass)

– RELAXING AND REASSURING COMBINATIONS

For a relaxing and reassuring bedroom, softer colors like powder blue, sage green, and other pastel shades are most suitable.

These colors are associated with nature, such as water, sky, or tree leaves, elements that reinforce the feeling of calmness and tranquility.

– LIGHT BLUES

As we saw earlier, blues are calming colors, and lighter ones are reassuring and relaxing as well.

This color is cold and quite luminous, which will visually enlarge the room and give a sense of freshness and space.

One can use it on ceilings as well as walls, and even in a monochromatic pairing, the result will be pleasant and inviting.

Being so light, it almost becomes a neutral color and serves as a perfect background if you want to use some darker blue accents.

As mentioned earlier, it’s a cold color, so it’s always good to warm it up with elements like wood and wicker.

Alternatively, you can add a bit of cheerfulness by incorporating some touches of orange, its complementary color.

That will add some dynamism and make it more contemporary.

As always, to add some movement and character, it’s also good to play with textures and patterns here as well.

(credits: Ikea; dudasenna_garden)

– GREENS

Greens are relaxing and rejuvenating colors and come in numerous shades, from pale green to richer olive green.

Sage green is the most commonly used because it’s less intense and imposing than olive green and deeper than pale green.

Although a monochromatic pairing, always playing with textures and patterns, is undoubtedly appealing, I recommend adding some browns either as colors or as elements like wood.

That combination is fabulous because it emphasizes the connection to nature!

(credits: @ideabedroom; posterstore)

– DUST PINK

Pink is a very delicate color, and if taken with a slight hint of brown, it’s perfect not only for a nursery but also for a master bedroom.

However, avoid candy pink or overly “sugary” shades, which are actually more challenging to pair and can become somewhat noisy!

Since it’s a very light color, it’s wise to have a few darker elements to add depth to the room.

If you don’t like dark colors, create contrast with whites to prevent the pink from becoming too flat.

(credits: @emilycapes1; stylebyemilyhenderson.com)

– LIGHT GRAYS

Light grays are the ultimate neutral colors for relaxing and reassuring bedrooms.

However, if you choose this color, you’ll need to pay close attention to its undertone, which could tend towards blue, green, or yellow.

The undertone drastically changes the perception of the environment.

Be careful to choose the one that best suits the existing finishes and furniture.

There is also a subcategory of gray called “greige,” a mix of gray and beige.

It’s a warm, enveloping color, very pleasant and subtle, with a contemporary and harmonious feel.

(credits: alvhem.com; Viktoria Askerow)

– WHITE BASES COMBINATIONS

We can’t talk about bedrooms without mentioning whites.

Whites are bright, timeless colors that complement every style and easily pair with any other color.

But, as explained here, it’s easy to say white because, besides pure white, there are at least another 150 shades, depending on its undertone!!!

Some people don’t like white because they think it can be flat and monotonous; however, it’s actually the perfect backdrop for any feeling you want to evoke.

Moreover, you only need to change details such as blankets, pillows, and a few decorative elements to have an ever-changing room.

Even a total white look can be fascinating if you create movement with different textures, finishes, and patterns, too!

(credits: lifeoncedarlane.com; thebrainandthebrawn.com)

– VIBRANT AND ENERGIZING COMBINATIONS

For an energizing bedroom, it’s good to use warm colors like red, peach, salmon pink, yellows, and oranges.

The advice with all these colors (especially red, yellow, and orange) is to avoid their most vibrant version because they would be too stimulating and disturb sleep.

Use these shades in less saturated versions by adding white for lighter colors, grays, or blacks for darker colors.

This way, you’ll retain their energizing properties while creating a more relaxed and tranquil atmosphere.

Use the brighter tones in small accent elements like pillows or some decorations!

(credits: clemaroundthecorner.com; @toc_estudiocreativo)

– HOW TO CHOOSE THE VARIOUS BEDROOM COLOR COMBINATIONS

The choice between these color combinations will depend on the feelings you want to experience in your bedroom.

Another element to consider in the choice is the existing finishes, such as the flooring, unless you decide to change it (that’s also a color to think about).

If you’re having difficulty making a choice, you could start with something you love, like the headboard of the bed, a particular painting, a rug, etc.

Additionally, consider how much natural light enters the room and its orientation.

As we’ve seen other times, a north-facing room receives colder light than one facing south!

I hope this article about bedroom color combinations has been helpful and enjoyable for you. If so, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I would be honored, and it will help me gain more exposure.

If you feel that your home, or any specific area of it, doesn’t reflect your personality enough, don’t wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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Color of the Year 2024: Here’s what the leading brands suggest

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As every year, in the autumn, the major brands in the color industry make their suggestions for the color of the upcoming year; let’s see what the proposed for “The Color of the Year 2024” are!

– BENJAMIN MOORE – Blue Nova 825

This year, Benjamin Moore proposes a color that is actually a blend of blue and purple, an intense color described by the company as “inspired by the brilliance of a new star formed in space.”

Being part of the blue spectrum, it’s a soothing and, undoubtedly, very elegant color!

Andrea Magno, the Director of Marketing and Color Development, described the color as “a seductive mid-tone that balances depth and intrigue with classic charm and reassurance.”

It’s a color that can also be used on walls, but one should be mindful of the house’s orientation.

If the room faces north, it might be better to avoid using it on all walls, as it could become a bit gloomy and chilly.

Once again, Benjamin Moore offers a complete color palette to pair alongside Blue Nova 825.

This palette can be used in its entirety or selectively.

It’s a dynamic palette because it contains both warm and cool colors, light and dark!

– SHERWIN WILLIAMS – Upward

Sherwin Williams also opts for a shade of blue described as “airy and blissful.”

It’s a truly relaxing, bright, and energizing color!

Being very light and delicate, one can use it on all walls.

Upward is a color that pairs well with all styles and can even be used to give a fresh look to some furniture.

However, it’s a cold color, so it’s a good idea to warm it up somewhat with some warmer colors and perhaps some wood accents!

Here’s an interesting tidbit: Sherwin Williams collaborated with the French pastry chef Dominique Ansel for his vegan cronut filled with rice milk and glazed with dark chocolate, both made with butterfly pea flowers, a flower whose shade reflects Upward!

Sherwin Williams also offers a color palette you can pair (one or even all of them) with Upward.

These are colors that draw inspiration from the hues of nature, creating enveloping and relaxing environments.

– PPG – Limitless

For 2024, PPG proposes a warm and enveloping neutral color that, as the name suggests, can be used without limits!

It’s a sunny and energizing shade that one can apply to all surfaces and complements various styles.

As is the tradition, PPG also offers three types of color palettes:

– Volume I

It consists of calming hues and tones paired with earthy shades and cooler tones; it aims to represent the exploration of the world and harmony!

– Volume II

This palette consists of earthy and natural greens alongside warm, floral tones with some touches of vibrant blues and deep neutrals.

It symbolizes the transformation of the world with wonder and amazement!

– Volume III

These colors draw inspiration from the Baroque and Renaissance periods, Art Deco, and Pop Art, remarkably combining them.

In some sense, it’s a palette that speaks to challenging and reinventing the world!

– BEHR – Cracked Pepper

This year, Behr presents the exact complementary of last year’s color by proposing a black!

However, it’s not a pure black that might feel a bit dark; instead, it’s a soft and enveloping charcoal black that actually adds an extra dimension to spaces.

It’s a timeless color that fits well with every style, “awakening the senses and exuding confidence”!

It’s a versatile color that one can use as a neutral in any room of the house.

Like the other brands, Behr also offers a color palette to combine with its Cracked Pepper.

In this palette, you’ll find whites, neutrals, and pastels, accompanied by some bolder and more energetic colors, all inspired by nature.

– SIKKENS – Sweet Embrace

Sikkens’ Color of the Year for 2024 is a very delicate and soothing hue “inspired by soft feathers and the subtle evening clouds.”

It’s a dusty pink with a subdued beige-gray undertone that creates intimate spaces and atmospheres that exude calm and stability.

This color is a neutral and can be used in every room of the house, complementing any style!

Similar to last year, Sikkens offers three color palettes to accompany Sweet Embrace:

– Warm Colors

These are natural earth tones to create environments that harmoniously connect with nature, establishing cozy and reassuring atmospheres.

– Calm Colors

There are various shades of green and blue; these colors help create relaxing environments, making them well-suited for studies and offices.

– Uplifting Colors

This palette is decidedly more vibrant, thanks to the yellow-leaning colors.

Shades of blue and violet serve to refresh the palette, making it youthful and dynamic!

What’s your favorite color?

Tell me in the comments!

I hope you found this article helpful and enjoyable. If you did, please let me know in the comments again!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested; I would be honored, and it will help me get noticed.

If you feel that your home or any part of it doesn’t reflect you enough, don’t wait any longer and book your consultancy!

 

Do you love colors? here is the color playlist on my YouTube channel!

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7 home decorating tricks that will make a difference!

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Today I want to share with you some home decorating tricks you can use right away that will help you furnish and decorate your home to the fullest!

I have already mentioned some of these tricks in other articles, but it never hurts to repeat them!

1 – USE OF MASKING TAPE

– FOR FURNITURE ARRANGEMENT

Masking tape is mainly used for painting walls because it is easily removable without leaving residue and without taking away the plaster.

This tape, however, can be really super useful for other purposes!

One really super helpful use is to draw with it the footprint of furniture and rugs on the floor so you can see that the proportions are correct.

Just because a two-meter sofa theoretically fits, for example, does not mean that it is proportionate to the rest or functional to be able to move around!

As I often say, there is nothing like seeing for yourself to understand.

Of course, there are 3d modeling programs, even free ones, that can help with this, but it can become time-consuming if you are not familiar with them.

Drawing instead with tape is quick and immediate!

So draw the elements you would like on the floor and move around the room to see that everything is functional and proportionate!

(credits: Vivere lo Stile; thesunnysideupblog.com)

– TO DECORATE THE WALLS

This trick can also be used on walls to see if paneling or wall lamps would fit.

You can also use it to create your own composition: whether it is just paintings or pictures with mirrors and other objects! (For this, there is also another trick!)

You only have to draw the outline of the frames or objects on the wall with the tape; you will see immediately if you really like the result!

Moreover, the tape is also very valid for hanging those pictures or mirrors with 2 hooks!!!

All you need to do is put the tape behind the picture or mirror at the height of the hooks and mark where they are placed on it.

Then you will place the tape on the wall at the desired height, of course taking care to put it on a level, et voila, the game is done!

That avoids measuring the distance between the two hooks, which is often impractical!!!

(credits: littlehouseonthecorner.com; sharonehines.com)

2 – USE PAPER TO HANG PAINTINGS

Whether you need to hang a painting or a composition of them, perhaps even with other objects, it is paramount to consider proportions and heights well.

To do this and avoid unnecessarily poking holes in the wall, you can use the trick from before, which is masking tape, or get help from paper and cardboard!

I personally prefer this method because the paper will contrast from the wall across the entire painting surface, giving an even clearer idea, in my opinion!

Not only that, if you don’t like the position, it will be easier to move the paper than to re-frame it with tape!

The trick is quite simple: draw the outline of the picture (or mirror or any object) on the paper and cut it out!

I recommend, also, marking the location of the hook(s) as well and maybe writing the description of the picture!

Then place the cutout on the wall by securing it with paper or masking tape.

With this simple gimmick, you can move and rearrange the sheets of paper until you are sure you have found the correct position!

Having marked the position of the hooks will be a snap then, hammer in the nail or drill holes to put in the dowels!

By doing this, you will drill holes in the right place on the first time, and the wall will thank you!

(If you are interested here I’m going into details about how to hang paintings)

(credits: claireprints.com)

3 – ADHESIVE TAPE FOR POTS

If you have vases with a large opening, putting flowers, whether real or fake, is really tricky because they will rest on the edges of the vase, leaving a gap in between.

Here again, the trick is there, and it is indeed simple but effective: again, use tape, possibly the transparent kind!

All you need to do is create a kind of grid on the vase opening with tape and then arrange the flowers inside this grid!

The result is guaranteed!!!

If the vase is quite large and not glass, another way might be to put a smaller vase in it!

(credits: kristywicks.com; maisondecinq.com)

4 – LINING THE BOOKS

Books are really a beautiful way to decorate the home: on the coffee table, shelves, or console table, they give that quid to our compositions!

The problem with books, however, is often the color of the covers that doesn’t match the color palette you’ve chosen at all!

When this is the case and, understandably, you don’t want to buy books specifically just for decoration, you can decide to line them!

All you need to do is buy some paper or fabric that matches the color palette you have chosen for your home and line your favorite books!

Then, to recognize them, you can write the title by hand if you have nice handwriting, print a label or use stamps!

By doing this, you can put your favorite books in your compositions!

It might also be an idea to have a cover for each season or at least 2: one for fall-winter and one for summer-spring!

(credits: chloemoorephotography.blogspot.com;thehouseofelements.com)

5 – USE WAX OR DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE TO SECURE OBJECTS

I guess you have a cutlery tray in your kitchen drawer, and every time you open it, it moves around, ending up in the bottom!

How annoying is it?

Maybe you also have objects on display that you care about, but there is a risk of bumping into them or you have children or animals and you are afraid they might fall…

What to do in these cases?

Simply by doing as in museums: blocking these objects with wax or double-sided tape!

Specifically, as waxes, there is “museum wax”, and as double-sided tape, there is “PfX Nano” (you can find them on Amazon).

You only need to put a small amount of wax or a small piece of tape to lock the objects where you want them.

However, both wax and double-sided tape are easily removed without leaving any residue!

(credits: Amazon)

6 – RECHARGEABLE BULBS

How often have you found yourself wanting to put a lamp, whether floor or table one, in one place and then not having an outlet nearby?

When this is the case, either you use unsightly, as much as dangerous extension cables, or you end up giving up putting the lamp there!

Well, here, too, there is finally a solution: rechargeable bulbs!!!

Thanks to these bulbs, you can add a few light points, perhaps even on the wall, to give that extra quid without having to break anywhere or redo the wiring!

By the way, thanks to the remote control, you can also decide the brightness by adjusting it as needed!

You can find them on Amazon!

(credits:Amazon)

7 – FIND THE COLOR USED FOR THE WALLS AGAIN!

It’s time to whiten the walls of your home: if you have them white, no problem, but if you have them colored and want to keep the color, you need to remember the codes!

Easily you no longer have them!

It is normal; it has happened to everyone!

To find the right color, if you do not want to buy special tools, you will need to scrape a little plaster, perhaps under a socket or behind a piece of furniture.

The paint store has the tools to recognize color.

Once you find it, however, to avoid going crazy next time and having to ruin the wall each time and then retouch it, I reveal an effective trick!

Take the plate off one of the sockets and write the color code for that wall behind it with a permanent marker!

By doing this, especially if you have multiple colors, you won’t have to go crazy to remember the codes or where you put the paper where you marked them all!!!

(credits: lonefoxhome)

I hope this article was helpful and you love it; in case, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I will be honored, and it will help me get my name out there.

If you feel that your home, or some environment of it, does not reflect you enough, do not wait any longer and book your consultancy: just contact me!

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Decorating your home in spring: some tips!

Decorating home differently for each season is a way to give new life to our homes while giving them new energy too!

You don’t need big things because then we know we have to retire them at the following season change: just small touches that can make a difference, though!

Spring is approaching, so here are some tips for decorating your home for this beautiful period!

One of the first things to do is to take advantage of the famous spring cleaning, not only to do deep cleaning but also to get rid of anything that is no longer needed.

Good decluttering will help give rooms a fresher, lighter feel!

TYPICAL ELEMENTS

Spring kicks off the beautiful season, longer days, and the awakening of nature!

Plants, flowers, pastel and light colors, and fresh aromas are among the most typical elements to use in decorating your home and bringing a little spring into the home.

It is a proper time to take care of your plants, change the pots of those that need it, remove any yellowed leaves, and clean and polish them!

For flowers, I understand that it is not always feasible to have fresh ones everywhere, and I know I always say it is better to avoid fake plants and flowers, but let’s be objective: sometimes, it remains the best solution.

Always without exaggeration, of course, but nowadays, there are fake flowers that look real!

Then 2 tricks can help and not make people perceive that they are using artificial flowers:

– if using in a glass jar, put some water inside;

– add some authentic branches.

Berry branches, rather than that of eucalyptus or butcher’s broom, last for weeks and will give that touch of authenticity to the artificial flower arrangement!

In addition, pots can be created with small arrangements of moss.

Let’s now see, room by room, how to bring in a little spring!

(credits: awonderfulthought.com; onsuttonplace.com)

(credits: designthusiasm.com; thriftyandchic.com)

LIVINGROOM

After taking care of the plants that are there, a quick and effective way to decorate is to change the covers of the pillows you have on the sofa.

Use colors in cheerful spring hues with some floral patterns, and use cotton, linen, and silk fabrics!

If you like to have the blanket on the couch, you can have it just as long as it is not wool but cotton and in spring colors, even vivid if you like to give some movement.

Change the decorations on the coffee table, putting a lovely vase of flowers and colorful and scented candles.

If you have dark-colored covers books on your coffee table, you might consider replacing them with books with lighter-colored covers.

If you have frames with prints, as I had suggested for fall decorations, you can think about changing them by putting ones with typically spring themes and colors.

These are all things that are not bulky yet change the face of an environment.

Wicker baskets are always “the welcome ones” and a great way to decorate and pick up anything that doesn’t need to be on view!

If you have double curtains, it’s a good idea, unless it’s neutral, to also change the non-filtering one to more spring colors.

A lovely centerpiece with a nice glass vase and flowers will be ideal for the dining table too!

(credits: ©EmeryBastable; lifeonvirginiastreet.com)

KITCHEN

The best way to bring spring into the kitchen is to have jars with aromatic herbs and maybe lavender!

The scents these give off immediately bring you back to this fresh season!

You can also accompany these with lemons to give them some color and fragrance!

If you have pretty colored mugs, you can take them out and place them on a tray on the countertop.

You can hang some garland, maybe DIY, on the walls: you can find many tutorials on the internet!

And, of course, change textiles, such as gloves, potholders, and aprons, but also any cushions on chairs and rugs!

(credits: adventuresindecorating1.blogspot.com; vibekedesign.blogspot.com)

BEDROOM

Here too, as you can imagine, the easiest and most effective way is to change textiles!

You can decide on a bedspread in cheerful colors, perhaps with floral patterns (always being careful not to overdo it).

Or you can keep a more neutral bedspread and add the splash of color with pillows and a blanket at the foot of the bed!

Similar to the living room, you might think about changing the non-filtering ones if you have double curtains.

On the dresser, a beautiful arrangement with flowers in a lovely glass vase and a few colorful, scented candles.

You can as well put small flower arrangements on the nightstands or place a faux tulip on it.

Again, if you have paintings with prints, replace them with more spring-like images.

(credits: @abbie_melle; kenayhome.com)

START THINKING ABOUT THE OUTDOORS AS WELL

However small your balcony may be, take advantage of the outdoor spaces as well and start fixing them up!

There can be no shortage of plants there, possibly with flowers to give some color too, but also think about a small seat or just some cushions on the ground!

Make the interior and exterior connected to enlarge and give more breathing space!

If you want more ideas on how to decorate a balcony, I talk about it here (7 ways to make a balcony pleasant and functional) and here (How to decorate your balcony, even if it is small and narrow!)!

(credits: gordmans.com; blackhaus.com)

I hope this article about decorating your home in spring was helpful and you love it; in case, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I will be honored, and it will help me get my name out there.

And if you need advice for your home, do not hesitate to contact me!

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Curtains: ideas for hanging them the right way!

Curtains, I always say, are really essential when furnishing and decorating a house!

This is because they dress the windows and bring warmth, textures, and wanting colors to the room.

Today I would like to look at some common mistakes you make when putting up curtains and also how to do it in special situations such as when there are radiators, you have an arched window, or the window is very close to a wall!

LET’S START WITH THE COMMON MISTAKES!

– HANG AT THE RIGHT HEIGHT

That is a mistake people often make: which is to hang curtains just above the window!

Putting the curtains at that level will not emphasize the heights by visually shrinking the room!

The curtain should be hung as close to the ceiling as possible; to give an idea about two-thirds of the space between the window and roof.

If the ceiling were really very high, the curtains should be hung at least 15-20 cm above the window!

– PAY ATTENTION TO THE LENGTH OF THE ROD

Another mistake that is often made is to buy a rod the same size as the window or just slightly longer.

That, as with the previous point, somewhat shrinks the window, but mostly it is nonfunctional.

The curtains, when open, obstruct the passage of light because they overlap the windows!

You need to calculate at least 10-15 cm on each side so that the open curtain barely covers the window profile.

 

– CHOOSE THE RIGHT WIDTH PANEL!

Curtains should always be soft both when open and closed.

Choosing a too narrow panel will result in the curtain appearing drawn when the curtains are closed.

Conversely, if the panel is too wide, it will be heavy both when the curtains are closed and especially when they are open!

In either case, the curtains will look randomly placed and unstudied!

(credit: la redoute; amazon)

– TAKE GOOD MEASUREMENTS IN LENGTH!

Another very common mistake is to have curtains that are too short!

Doing this will visually shrink the room, and as with the previous point, the curtains will look as if they were placed without a proper study.

Depending on the style and especially how much they are opened and closed and the footfall in that area, three lengths can be studied:

– the curtain that skims the floor: this is ideal when curtains often open, in high footfall areas, and for an elegant yet casual look;
If you really don’t like the idea of it skimming the floor, you can make it slightly shorter, but no more than a couple of inches.

(credits: Pion studio; villedesign.be)

– make the curtain rest slightly: this means adding 1-2 cm to the curtain relative to the floor so that it caresses it.
It is ideal for giving an extra dynamic touch!

(credits: Cille Grut; Kate Lawrence Interiors)

– create a slight puff on the floor: to do this, you need to add 4-6 cm to the fabric relative to the floor.
That will give a touch of formality to the room.

Be careful not to overdo the puffing, first of all, because there is then the risk of stumbling in, but it will turn out anything but elegant!

(credits: thedesignfiles.net;borgonovo1930.com)

HOW TO DO IN PARTICULAR SITUATIONS?

– WINDOWS NEAR THE WALL – ANGLE WINDOWS

You might happen to have windows near the wall that do not allow you to have that extra 10-15 cm for the rod: how to do it?

In this case, it might be advisable to decide to change the type of curtain, choosing packet or roller blinds, not necessarily glass blinds!

If you have two windows in a corner with not enough wall portion between them, it is best to avoid having 2 panels for each window; when open, they would overlap the window, not letting light through well!

If this is the case and you would still like to use drapery, the solution is there: use two different types of curtains!

That is, a roller or package to the window and then use an angle rod and use only one panel per window!

This simple trick will make the windows look like one, even if angular!

(credits: nadinestay.com; thehomesihavemade.com)

If, on the other hand, there is a good portion of the wall, possibly equal for the two windows, then double drapery panels will do!

I still recommend using two separate rods to emphasize each window.

If the corner window is a unique window indeed, I would recommend not using rods but ceiling tracks for a simpler and cleaner effect.

(credits: Marie Flanigan Interiors; Houzz.com)

– RADIATORS

Perhaps in the new generation houses not, but in most other homes, the radiators are put under the windows.

That presumably is so as not to steal valuable space from other walls.

Positioned this way, however, makes it more complicated to use curtains because if they cover it, obviously they block the passage of heat somewhat.

Again, it might be worthwhile to use two different types of curtains, that is use roller or packet curtains and drapery!

When the heaters are on, you will keep the drapery curtains open to let the heat in, but you will not have to give up privacy because you can pull down the other curtains!

Doing so will not block the heat but will not give up the elegance and fullness that drapery curtains give!

(credits: @Huisno26; Greenbank Interiors)

– ARCHED WINDOWS

When you have arched windows, the ideal is to treat them like regular windows and then put the rod over the arch as close to the ceiling as possible!

You can put the rod below the arch only in case the window, and consequently the ceiling, is a really high one.

The risk, if not, is to suffocate it by making the environment visually smaller.

(credits: makingprettyspaces.com; Jane Lockhart Design)

I hope this article was helpful and you love it; in case, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I will be honored, and it will help me get my name out there.

If you feel that your home, or some environment of it, does not reflect you enough, do not wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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10 Ikea items that are designer approved!

A year or so ago, I talked about 15 Ikea items that, while remaining affordable, could give that refined touch to the home without making it clear where they came from…

Well, today, I would like to add new products, always designer approved!

1 – APPLARYD

This sofa is relatively recent, and as you can see, it does NOT look like an Ikea couch at all!

It has a remarkably minimalist and essential line, and its black steel raised feet lighten it and make it modern and elegant.

Perfect for scandinavian, modern, and contemporary styles.

It exists in two and three seats, and there is the possibility of a three-seater with a chaise lounge.

In Italy, it exists in two versions, gray or beige melange, but abroad it is also found in terracotta red and blue velvet.

APPLARYD IKEA

2 – REGISSOR

This sideboard exists both low and as a window cabinet, and there is a white and brown variant.

The lines here, too, are essential and clean, with a handle built into the door, and the raised legs give that light touch.

It really adapts easily to any environment.

Both the cupboard and the window cabinet turn out to be very spacious.

Small idea, which is presented in the store: add light to the window cabinet; this elevates the perception of the cabinet even more, especially if you have unique objects inside; by doing so, you can make it the focal point!

REGISSOR IKEA

3 – FROSET

It is a really versatile chair, suitable for nordic, japandi, modern, and contemporary styles; it can be put in the room as an extra seat but as an armchair in the living room, too, especially if it is small.

Its organic, essential, and light line does not weigh down the environment; on the contrary!

It exists in natural wood, black, and red.

The black one could be the accent piece that creates some rhythm in the house!

FROSET IKEA

4 – SANELA CURTAINS

As you know for me, curtains are vital, because they dress the environment.

I have also often talked about double curtains, one filtering to let light through but protect the privacy and one blackout or semi-blackout for giving some contrast and rhythm.

If you like the idea, Sanela curtains can really go for you: they have a nice texture and are beautiful to look at.

They exist in a wide variety of colors; undoubtedly, there will be one that suits your home.

SANELA CURTAINS IKEA

It is a versatile tent because it easily fits on both rods and rails.

 

SANELA CURTAINS IKEA

Of this same fabric, then there are also pillow covers, so both in the hall and in the room, it might be a good idea to get at least a couple of pillow covers in the same color as the curtain to make a reminder!

SANELA PILLOWS COVER IKEA

5 – MANALG

 

The nod to nature is now a growing trend, so Ikea has added pieces made of natural fibers like this wall lamp!

It is a handmade lamp that radiates light up and down and lets it filter through its fibers.

Basically, it is suitable for rustic and japandi styles.

And it brings warmth into the home and is undoubtedly an original piece!

6 – TUFJORD

This bed frame has an organic and enveloping shape!

Its steel legs lighten the structure, which already has an essential line anyway.

It exists in sugar paper color and green velvet.

It is adapted to modern, contemporary, glam, and art deco styles!

7 – EKOLN SERIES

A few weeks ago, I mentioned how important it was to have dispensers all the same in the bathroom instead of a thousand colored bottles!

Here Ikea offers a series in which there are not only dispensers but also other bathroom accessories.

This series is really very elegant with opaque colors, and can be the right solution and at an affordable price to decorate like a pro!!

8 – HULTARP

To stay on topic, this series can really elevate and make the kitchen super functional!

Once you’ve chosen the rails (which exist in black, brass, and steel), then all you have to do is look for the right accessories that allow you to have the things you often use on hand but displayed stylishly!

9 – KONSTFULL

Again in the video a few weeks ago, I talked about the importance of small arrangements of flowers and branches, even if they are fake!

Here Ikea offers a stunning vase for this purpose!

The shape is original, but what makes it distinctive is the frosted glass work that allows you to glimpse inside but giving it an abstract effect.

That is perfect precisely if you have fake flowers because it is usually just the stem that betrays artificiality, so however it will show and not show!

Adding a little water will really make a difference!

From the same series, there are also cylindrical and spherical shaped vases with very natural colors such as smoky and forest green… it can be a lovely and elegant idea to create a composition of these vases!

10 – GLASSES

When you get to the glasses section, it is good to stop for a moment because some pieces are quite beautiful!

In particular, I point out storsint, which has glasses for all kinds of drinks (even beer) and a nice decanter too. Of the series, I find the cocktail glass and the champagne glass particularly interesting.

For water, are lovely Ivrig and dyrgrip, which also has captivating red and white wine glasses!

As a champagne glass, I still report storhet!

I want to say one more word about Ikea furniture… Don’t disdain those pieces of furniture we all know by now because, with a pinch of imagination, you can change them into something unique and original!

There are many ideas online on how to “hack” Ikea furniture: a simple Besta, for example, with different feet and knobs, can really become unrecognizable at a price that is always affordable!

I hope this article was helpful and you love it; in case, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I will be honored, and it will help me get my name out there.

If you feel that your home, or some environment of it, does not reflect you enough, do not wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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How much does home staging cost?

I often hear the question: “How much does home staging cost?!”

Albeit it is not easy to give a precise answer because the figure depends on so many factors: the size of the house, whether it is inhabited or not, the location of the house (i.e. ease of use)… let’s at least try to give ranges.

Let’s start by saying that we can divide home staging into three types of interventions:

  • inhabited home;
  • Uninhabited but furnished apartment;
  • empty property.

In all cases, they are considered in the prices:

  • the inspection,
  • the identification of the target audience,
  • color consulting,
  • the Project
  • the photo shoot.
INHABITED PROPERTY

Having made this necessary introduction, let us start with the simplest intervention on paper, named inhabited property.

A consultation will tend to be enough here, with which we will assess: possible interventions in the colors of the house, possible moves of some furniture, what accessories to use to give it that extra appeal.

It is difficult for the home stager to have to bring materials except for the photo shoot.

for that reason, this intervention could then be around 500 euros.

UNINHABITED, BUT FURNISHED PROPERTY

For uninhabited but furnished houses, it will be necessary to assess the type of furniture present.

Of course, one will always try to keep as much as possible, but something will likely have to be eliminated.

Any work to be done, such as painting the housing, will be decided.

Finally, the materials needed to complete the set will be added (which will remain in the apartment for the agreed time, of course).

So let’s say the starting point could be as low as 1300 for a two-room apartment.

EMPTY PROPERTY

Finally, concerning the empty property, as can be imagined, there is more work to do.

In fact, it will be necessary to determine, transport, and place EVERYTHING needed to give a correct idea of the spaces.

(If you want to see an intervention on empty real estate, I’ll take you with me here!)

Of course, here again, there is the rental of materials for the agreed-upon time to consider.

We can reasonably expect the price to start at 2100 euros for a two-room apartment.

As you can see, it is not easy to say how much home staging costs! And as mentioned before, these are approximate prices, which also change depending on the house value: as you can imagine, the material brought in for staging will be quite different if it is a luxury house!

BUT THEN I FURNISH AND SELL FURNISHED…

That said, I would like to take the opportunity to consider a possible objection that might come to your mind:

“But, especially on an empty house, wouldn’t it be an idea to furnish it directly and try to sell it furnished?”

I want to talk about it because it is actually an objection made to me some time ago.

I had submitted an estimate of 2600€ for a three-room apartment and was immediately answered that with 1000/2000€ more, the apartment would be furnished and offered for sale with furniture included (of course with a higher price)!

An objection I respect, but in case you feel the same way, I would like to analyze with you whether it is a functional and cost-effective solution.

Let’s say you are in the same situation: let’s analyze this case together.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE TARGET?

First, do you really only need €5000 to furnish that kind of house?

If the square footage is not a lot, it might well be.

The problem, however, might arise with the kitchen.

Even going to low-cost chains, the ones that give you kitchens “with blocked compositions,” you would have to be lucky to have the correct square footage and attachments where you need them.

Because, at the slightest change, it would become a “custom” kitchen that would raise prices!

(In the specific case, there was a corner to put the washing machine, so it definitely had to be studied).

EVEN IF YOU CAN DO IT…

Let’s be optimistic and say you manage to stay in the 5000 euros, now I’ll explain why it’s a risk to furnish to sell:

  • selling furnished will lose possible buyers because many already have their own furniture, and especially because everyone wants a home that represents them (they would find furniture not chosen by them here);
  • to furnish at that price, you have to buy basic furniture, otherwise, it’s not worth the risk, and this will reduce the potential customer’s interest more;
  • you will have to decide the style and colors, and once again, you will cut off a good chunk of people who were potential targets.
    In fact, if you choose a “strong” style or particular colors, you will lose the interest of those who do not like that style or those colors!
    If you try to stay as neutral as possible, on the contrary, you will lose those who like bolder styles!
    I know, now you’re thinking: “But home staging is very neutral, then even with this method, I lose potential customers”… that’s not the case because the house is sold empty!!!
    So the observer perceives the spaces and perhaps takes cues but knows that he will then do as he pleases!

These three points should give pause for thought: FURNISH TO SELL AT LEAST HALVES THE TARGET!!!

WHAT ABOUT THE TIME?

But there are other aspects to which I want to bring your attention.

We said that economically we could furnish with 5000€, but how much value do you give to YOUR time?

Oh yes, because if you have to furnish, you will have to go to the various stores to decide what to buy and place orders.

Not only that: you will have to wait some time before this furniture is delivered and assembled (and the house will remain stopped).

In addition, you will have to give this house a minimum of appeal: bedspreads, pillows, curtains, chandeliers, a few paintings…

These are all things you will have to bring and put in.

How long does it take? Time to find everything, buy and arrange the complements… can we say at least a day? I think I am also optimistic!

So basically, to this 5000 euro investment, you have to add the time it takes to look for furniture and accessories, the waiting time for delivery and assembly, and the time to make the house look nice!

If you don’t want to do it yourself, you will have to pay someone to do it for you.

WHAT IF THEY DON ‘T WANT THE FURNITURE?

Also, once everything is done, if you find someone who would like to buy but absolutely doesn’t want the furniture, what would you do?

If you leave the task of doing everything to the buyer, you will necessarily have to lower the price!

On the other hand, if you take care of it yourself, you will be forced to pay someone to come and disassemble and take away the furniture (increasing costs), and find a place to put it all away (which has a price)!

Indeed, you could try to sell everything, but it is not that simple, especially if you intend to sell the furniture before the delivery of the house keys.

Besides, we are always talking about low-end furniture to stay within the prices!

Assuming you have another apartment to sell, you might think about reusing them there and selling that one as furnished…

But, again, the problems will not be few.

For example, you are unlikely to readapt the kitchen (at the very least, if you are lucky, you will have to change the countertop).

Furthermore, how will you sell the house? As “furnished new”?

Remember, again, that we are talking about basic furniture, so it is easy to ruin it on the second assembly…

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED…

All this considered, taking your time into account as well, not only did you pay significantly more than 5000 euros, but:

  • you may have to pay a mover to take everything away,
  • a possible warehouse to pick up the furniture, waiting to sell it,
  • or invest more time preparing a new house, where you will have the same target reduction problems as the first one!

Is it worth it?

In the above approximate prices, as mentioned before, are included:

  • identification of the target audience,
  • study of a project for a MIRATE set-up,
  • time required for transportation, installation, and dismantling (as well as the photo shoot)!

I am convinced that it is paramount to see home staging as an investment, not a cost, an investment that will lead to selling your home sooner and at the best price.

What do you think?

I hope this article was helpful and you love it; in case, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I will be honored, and it will help me get my name out there.

If you have a house to sell, or if you feel that your house, or some environment of it, does not reflect you enough do not wait any longer and book your consultancy!

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Color of the year 2023, here the proposals of leading brands.

We are now in the last part of the year, and like every year, we start talking about home color trends for the coming year, each brand proposing its color of the year 2023.

While waiting for the very familiar color of the year 2023 by Pantone, let’s see what other brands in the industry are offering us!

This year too, the call is to nature, although no longer only on the green, is very strong, but some dared a little more!

– BENJAMIN MOORE: Raspberry blush

Benjamin Moore offers a vibrant and charismatic color this year, a coral mixed with red.

“Raspberry blush enlivens the senses with electrifying optimism!”

It is a powerful color, far from the neutrals proposed in 2022, which will give a touch of character to rooms.

You can use it in small doses, but you can also dare on doors or furniture up to walls!

Fun fact: To commemorate this year’s selection, Benjamin Moore collaborated with electro-funk duo Chromeo to highlight the optimistic tone of the palette and the dynamic role that color plays in personal expression, just like music (you can find the track on their website)

Benjamin Moore 2023

(credit Benjamin Moore)

Benjamin Moore proposes a whole palette of colors, which, for them, will be the trend of 2023.

As you can see, the colors, if you exclude conch shell and new age, are all quite bold and intense.

When using these colors, I recommend calming them down with neutrals, like the four proposed by Benjamin Moore himself!

Benjamin Moore 2023

(credit Benjamin Moore)

– SHERWIN WILLIAMS: Rendend point

Sherwin-Williams offers a warm and intriguing color that goes well with all styles.

Basically, it is a neutral color, an earthy color with a hint of pink, a color that helps you feel rooted!

It is a soothing color, so it is also suitable for the bedroom, giving a touch of personality.

It is versatile, so in addition to fitting all styles, it also goes well with most colors, although it gives its best with white and other warm colors!

Sherrwin Williams 2023

(credit Sherwin Williams)

Fun fact: Sherwin-Williams worked with Etsy to find a selection of items that would go well with this color.

Sherwin-Williams also offers a whole palette of colors that you can safely pair together!

Sherrwin Williams 2023

(credit Sherwin Williams)

– PPG: Vining ivy

PPG stays in shades of green, although this year’s is a bolder green!

“It’s a deep, shaded Caribbean aqua with turquoise undertones” that goes with any style!

It is an elegant color that becomes truly gorgeous when paired with warm wood tones.

Relaxing, refreshing, and revitalizing, you can use it in all rooms, either as furniture or on walls!

PPG 2023

(credit PPG)

This year too, PPG offers three color palettes that include Vining ivy:

– Serenity

It is a color palette that combines pastels, watery tones, and warm neutrals, all calming and soothing colors that bring serenity precisely!

PPG 2023

(credit PPG)

– Duality

It is a palette that plays with contrasts: there are, in fact, pastel colors and very bright colors; it is for those who like to dare and give a touch of powerful character!

PPG 2023

(credit PPG)

– Origin

It is a palette that takes inspiration from the natural world, picking up the colors of nature, forests, earth, and sea…

PPG 2023

(credit PPG)

We can also find this color in one of the three color palettes proposed last year:

– Invaluable

Dark, refined hues, in short, an elegant color palette that winks at traditions!

PPG 2022

(credit PPG)

– BEHR: Blank canvas

The Behr brand chooses, as the color of the year 2023 Blank canvas, a warm, buttery, and enveloping white.

It is a calming and soothing color that you can use with all styles and in all rooms; you can use it alone, but it will be an excellent glue for many other colors.

It is less rigid and austere than pure white, it nevertheless retains its brightness, so it’s excellent on walls.

In an exclusive interview with AD, Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr, described the shade as “that perfect artistic color to allow people to start expressing their creativity.”

Behr 2023

(credit Behr)

Behr, too, offers a color palette that can be used in conjunction with the blank canvas.

They are all dusty colors, many of them echoing the colors of nature and the earth.

Behr 2023

(credit Behr)

– SIKKENS: Wild wonder

Sikkens, too, draws on nature with its Wild wonder, a color that echoes that of wheat.

A warm, positive color that reconnects us precisely with nature, bringing calm and serenity.

That, too, is a color that goes with all styles and can be used in all rooms, from the furniture to the walls, for a definitely relaxing and bright environment.

Sikkens 2023

(credit Sikkens)

This brand is no exception and creates no less than 4 palettes around its color of the year, all inspired by nature:

– Lush colors:

Resumes forest shades “help us make our homes feel part of the world”.

Sikkens 2023

(credit Sikkens)

– Buzz colors:

echoes the bright colors of the meadow and flowering fields; they are shades that “give energy, harmony, and joy”

Sikkens 2023

(credit Sikkens)

– Raw colors:

echoes the hues of the harvest, conveys “the wonder of nature’s products, and can give a sense of richness and creativity to the environment.”

Sikkens 2023

(credit Sikkens)

– Flow colors:

echoes the hues of the sea; they are delicate shades “capable of conveying a sense of balance in our hectic lives.”

Sikkens 2023

(credit Sikkens)

– FARROW & BALL:

As always, this brand offers more than one color each year: this year, as many as 11, all inspired by moments of joy, comfort, and refreshment.

Bamboozle is the somewhat bolder and more vibrant of these colors; the others are a bit more neutral.

All of them, however, including bamboozle, fit well with any style and can be used together to create an original palette that will give your home some character!

Farrow & ball 2023

(credit  Farrow & Ball)

Farrow & ball 2023

(credit  Farrow & Ball)

I hope this article was helpful and you love it; in case, let me know in the comments!

Feel free to share it with anyone you think might be interested, I will be honored, and it will help me get my name out there.

If you feel that your home, or some environment of it, does not reflect you enough, do not wait any longer and book your advice: just contact me!

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