Going Green

My final installation of a Color Blog that started last week after waking up to grey skies and "Brown-Eyed Girl" playing on the radio.  Color certainly does have an impact on us.  Surround yourself in colors that you like -- there's a reason why you like them.


Dark Green is associated with wealth and money. But green actually symbolizes nature and represents tranquility and good luck. The color is often used for it calming effects.

Orange you glad….
This fabulous, energetic color combines red and yellow, resulting in a dramatic effect. Orange represents enthusiasm, excitement and warmth. It is the color of a beautiful sunset and is quite the attention-getter.

I don’t know why they call it   Mellow Yellow 

Yellow is another attention-getting color; it's warm and cheery. Because it is stimulating, we often find it in restaurants (so we eat more). Although considered cheerful, there is a school of thought that it can cause over-stimulation and agitation -- which is why the color is not usually recommended for an infant’s room. And it's worth noting that yellow reflects a good amount of light, making it difficult on the eyes in certain settings; especially office settings where the glare on computer screens is increased.

Purple Rain 

This is an interesting color that combines stable blue and energetic red. Most often associated with power, royalty, wealth, and extravagance, it also represents dignity and wisdom. (Years ago I was told that it was associated with death in some European countries but have no idea if that is true or not.) 

Live life in full color.  Happy Home Staging Charlotte!

http://www.ballantynehomestaging.com/ | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

The Rainbow Connection

I love how colors affect us and create mood.  This post is a continuation on the subject.

Red, Red Wine.  Yes, I must admit that I do love my Cabs and an occasional Merlot or Pinot Noir. Red is an intense color and the one most associated with love. It's also one of the most appetizing colors, perhaps because we do associate it with strong emotions and feelings of excitement. Red commands attention, but this intensity may also create feelings of anger as well, so I always say a little goes a long way.

The Pink Panthers...

Well, after last year’s season, the Carolina Panthers are likely more blue!  But when we talk about the color Pink – red’s lighter side – we associate it with innocence, love and romance. The favorite of little girls worldwide, the color is thought to have a calming effect. But this is not true of deep and neon pinks, which can actually create feelings of agitation.

Whiter Shade of Pale

White is considered cold and sterile. Although it can make rooms appears larger, they also appear soulless and unwelcoming. White can be quite dramatic when paired with black (I love it in flocked wallpaper), or used in lacquered furnishings in contemporary urban settings.

Blue Moon

First wines, now beers...must be 5:00 somewhere.  Blue is the color of men!  Seriously, most men say it is their favorite color.  Blue can be calming and peaceful, or it can make you feel sad. Have you ever noticed that blue rarely shows up in natural foods?  There are notable exceptions like blueberries, but the color is considered to be one of the least appetizing colors for this reason.  (Check out Jenny Craig's logo ... blue; and Atkins diet website...blue.)

Once again, I find myself signing off to keep this short and sweet.  More posts on colors soon.

Happy Home Staging, Charlotte!

http://www.ballantynehomestaging.com/ | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

You're My Brown Eyed Girl

I woke up to grey skies and drizzle this morning, but this fun little summer ditty was playing on the radio and it made me not only long for summer, but also inspired me to write a series of blogs about colors and how they emotionally impact us.

The grey sky made me think about how this color has seen a rise in popularity recently. A lighter shade of black, grey is a cool and unadventurous color that doesn’t seem to whip up much emotion. Nearly all shades of grey are good neutral background colors. To make it more masculine, mix the grey with yellow and/or red; for more feminine areas mix it up with pinks, blues or greens.

Brown is the color of earthen items and represents stability. The color invokes a warm feeling of comfort and security. Although it is a natural, comfortable color, it can also be very sophisticated.

Black Widows…
Black as a color is often associated with something bad, menacing, or evil. When we use the word black in sentence or as an adjective, it is often associated with something negative or fearful. Although associated with death, mourning and sadness, black can actually be playful when mixed with white, green and pink. Black can represent power and can be used in a sophisticated or formal setting to make a bold statement.

For brevity's sake, I'll break these thoughts up .... More blogs to come on this subject.

Happy Home Staging, Charlotte!

http://www.ballantynehomestaging.com/ | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

Using Autumn Colors when Selling a Home

Color affects us in a visceral way, and Autumn is the perfect time of year to bring in delicious oranges, lovely yellows and passionate reds into a decorating pallet.
Autumn colors are particularly soothing to home buyers who associate the Fall with family and gatherings, cooler temperatures and the excitement of the upcoming holidays.
Deep red is a color of romance and of strength. Deep red is perfect as an accent color in a table cloth, pillow or towel. Pair the deep red with a dark orange for a festive autumn look.
Dark orange is a warm color, representing the sun and fire and appetite. Orange has been shown to cause your body to increase its oxygen supply to the brain and stimulate mental activity. Orange is also a very contemporary and youthful color, so be sure to “mature” it by using its darker shades and pairing with red.

Yellow is cheerful and youthful. Yellow makes people happy and when paired with Autumn’s reds and oranges, it creates a lovely combination that is clean and seasonal.

Autumn colors do not need to saturate a space, but rather accent it. When it comes to the rich hues of fall, go subtle, but stylish, fun & festive!

http://www.ballantynehomestaging.com/ | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

Fall 2010 Color Trends; Triple Threat; to Feng Shui or Not?

Fall is a beautiful time of year, with the leaves changing color, cool breezes and scurrying squirrels burying nuts for the season. I’m looking forward to crisp air, some apple cider and possibly some pumpkin carving, too!
The signature colors of this year’s fall season are gold, brown, burgundy, cream and green, all colors that reflect the current trend of bringing nature indoors. It seems as though people want to simplify their lives these days, and this can be seen in the color palette being used, especially in bedroom where calm colors are so effective. These color trends can and should also be applied when Staging a house for sale, not only through paint, but also with area rugs, pillows, linens, and accessories.
To Feng Shui or Not?
Incorporating some Feng Shui principals into Home Staging is an effective way to create interesting spaces by using color, shape, and texture along with proper furniture placement. Light, clean, calming, balanced, and spacious are the words that come to mind. It doesn’t really matter if you personally believe in Feng Shui or not, what matters is that your listing gets positive feedback and an offer. By combining Feng Shui practices with proven Staging techniques, a house can be totally transformed and made to stand out in the crowded marketplace.

www.ballantynehomestaging.com | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

What Home Buyers Really Want

Have you ever wondered what home buyers really want when they are looking at homes? Certainly there are factors that are as unique as the buyers -- some folks love a "project" and others don't want to lift a finger once the boxes are unpacked, some like colonials, others cape cods -- but buyers do have universal wants and needs when looking at a potential new home, and by tapping into these factors, you increase your potential for selling a home quickly!

Buyers like a clean house. Even for those people who aren't "neat-freaks" buyers like to walk into a home that has no strong odors, is tidy and have been thoroughly cleaned. A lot of home staging is about "clean"- clean lines, clean appearance, lawn maintained, etc. Buyers are very easily distracted, and home staging gives the buyer an idea of what the home could look like, without the distraction of clutter and mess.

Buyers like to feel like they are "home." This is a tricky concept for many sellers, but I have watched this phenomenon many times. When a buyer likes a house, they will linger. They will pull out a kitchen chair and sit. They will explore around the house in all the nooks and crannies. This can not happen if there is too many "personal" items in the house. Someone else's pets, large pictures of family, a lot of toiletries on the bathroom sink... It just cannot feel right to a buyer if they perceive themselves invading someone else's space. Just as home staging is about cleaning, staging is about de-personalizing a space, allowing it to be neutral to anyone coming in.

As we stage homes we take these two starting and important steps: cleaning and de-personalizing before we bring anything in. But after we have a "blank slate" we can start working our magic. Fresh paint, clean carpet, and nice furnishings can create a warm and inviting space--one that the buyers want to sit and enjoy - not just during their visit--but for years to come.

Carol Schulenberg
Ballantyne Home Staging
Charlotte, North Carolina

www.ballantynehomestaging.com | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

First Impressions and the Front Door.

Curb Appeal is critical in selling a house. No matter how fabulous a house is on the inside, it simply doesn’t matter if the buyer doesn’t get out of the car to walk inside.

Make sure the shrubs are trimmed down below window level and shaped. If evergreens are overgrown, often times it is best to remove them all together and replace with size appropriate shrubs that do not grow beyond what the space can allow. And don’t forget color & movement near the front door. Of course, flowers are a great way to add color and decorative flags, water fountains or even birdbaths in the flowerbed near the front door can create movement, making buyers feel welcome. If not prohibited by an HOA, a nice splash of color on the front door is a great way to increase curb appeal.

Buyers will spend a good minute or two at the front door as their Realtor works on opening the lockbox and unlocking the deadbolt and then the door locks. Make sure the entrance to the house is in good order. Repair cracked concrete or broken steps, if the handrail is loose, get it fixed before listing. And please clean all cobwebs and buildup around the front door area. The front door should be freshly painted; porch light fixtures should be clean and freshly painted, the doorbell clean and in working order. And, of course, a new welcome mat is a nice touch!

Exterior Home Staging makes a difference: Watch this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNz_nyDzKe8

www.ballantynehomestaging.com | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

Staging: Every Bit Counts

A friend of mine was recently looking for a housemate. He owned the home, and had spent a lot of money to upgrade many parts of the home. He had put in beautiful wood floors, new appliances in the kitchen, landscaped a bit in his small backyard, and painted almost every room an appropriate color. The only room he left unturned was the room he decided to rent. Being a considerate fellow, he thought that the NEXT occupant should be able to furnish and paint it in their fashion. But he had no luck finding a tenant! Nobody bit!

Eventually, he realized the problem. Most of us lack the imagination to really understand what a room can achieve. We need some help. After the advice of a professional stager, a coat of paint and moving some nice furniture into the room, he found he had no problem renting it out! He actually had escalating multiple offers.
This type of Staging® is on a small-scale of what you can do with your home. You can’t just expect your house to sell without giving the possible buyers something to understand. Furniture will give you an idea about the space, paint will give you a reflective mood, flowers or plants can bring life to room. If people have trouble understanding how a room can accommodate a queen-size bed, the put a queen-size bed into the room!

Staging® is key in any real estate transaction. It might cost you a few bucks extra, but you won’t regret it! Staging® will help you move the space quicker and make you happier in the long run!

http://www.ballantynehomestaging.com/ | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

Pressure Washing: Make a Good First Impression

Mother Nature is not always a kind woman.
Plus, our grubby little hands and some dirty and nasty pollens and pollutants make anything that has to stay outside too long a target for some serious build-up. When we go to sell our homes, sometimes this becomes all too obvious. Nothing quite turns off potential buyers as much as stains and grime!

From concrete to asphalt and everything in between, your driveway and patio surfaces tend to take the brunt of wear and tear out of all outdoor surfaces. By adding detergent or degreaser to water and projecting with a high-strength pressure washer – it is easy to remove oil, rust, and most weathered stains!

(Pressure washing also eliminates the hard-work of cleaning your motor- boat, RV or sports utility vehicle. Spend a day spinning your wheels in the mud on your ATV? No problem with some solid pressure washing!)

If you use inadequate pressure with a pressure-washer, you won’t get the paint/dirt/mold off – but if you use too much pressure – you might take off some important bits of your beautiful home. This can be a delicate process and is often done best by professionals!

One of the first things I will recommend to many homeowners is to take a critical look at the outsides of their homes. Mold and stains on a home's siding will give the impression that a house has not been taken care of... you might never get a prospective buyer to come in if they get a bad first impression!


www.ballantynehomestaging.com | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

Feng Shui in Real Estate

Using the principles of Feng Shui can be very effective when preparing a home to sell. Yet modern American homes were not built with Feng Shui in mind and often have issue that need to be overcome to achieve the proper Chi.

For proper Chi (good energy), a home should look out over an open area (river, ocean, lake) and have natural and/or manmade landscapes. If no natural open area is present, creating one will do as well. Here are some suggestions:


• Install a bright light (porch light or gas light) at top of driveway near house

 

• Create Movement near house by:

• Hanging wind chime near house
• Placing a fountain near front door
• Hanging a flag near front door

Are you trying to sell your home in the Ballantyne / Charlotte NC area? Call Carol from Ballantyne Home Staging to learn how Staging and using the principles of Feng Shui can assist you in selling faster and higher!

 

www.ballantynehomestaging.com | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

What is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui means “Wind, Water,” and is referred to as “The Art of Placement.” What that really means is that it is the Art of creating spaces that are comfortable, attractive, and harmonious with their environments.

Feng Shui is rooted In Chinese History, and has 2,000-5,000 years or more of followers. Feng Shui is known as an organized philosophy, with its earliest recorded writings appearing during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).

Wind & Water are key factors in assessing quality of movement and energy in a space

The philosophy behind Feng Shui is that the Earth is a living thing, and everything is alive. Each and everything is Interconnected and changing. Traditional Feng Shui combines land forms, magnetic influences, 8 house, birth dates & flying stars

Ancient Feng Shui masters studied slopes of mountain ranges & curves of rivers to identify “dragon veins” of land. They used the dragon veins to locate auspicious sites for emperors’ tombs believing that future generations would prosper. Certain configurations of hills, valleys & rivers considered fortunate, others unlucky, and over time these same principals were applied to house sites.

Think of the way mountains appear. Sometimes you can make out a pattern that appears similar to an armchair. This “Mountain Armchair” is an ideal location to locate a home (or tomb) because it is protected and secure. With the mountain in back, and the smaller hills on each side with gentle slopes, Feng Shui dictates that a home should be situated in an open front that overlooks a river, lake, or ocean.

Today Feng Shui solutions most often sought on existing structures after we’ve moved into existing house, so the traditional site selection & orientation is nearly impossible. Things like power lines, appliances, dense housing, cars parked on streets, and steel structures all can cause issue for Feng Shui, and likely will create different compass readings throughout a house.

Modern practitioners use Feng Shui in different levels and ways, but the goal is same: To assist in achieving success in all areas of life.

Would you like to learn more about how Feng Shui can help you sell your home, please contact Carol at Ballantyne Home Staging at 980.322.5825.


www.ballantynehomestaging.com | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

Staging Tip: Headboards

Headboards on a bed can set a theme, or create a beautiful frame. there are so many ways to create a headboard where there is none. The simplest way is to tape together 20"x30" foamboard panels in the desired width (queen bed 60", king bed 80", so you will need either 3 or 4 panels). Wrap these panels with fabric and carefully staple to the back of the boards. Using thin nails, attach these panels to the wall above the bed -- remember to keep the bottom of the panels 1" below the top mattress. A Queen size headboard can be made for less than $30!


www.ballantynehomestaging.com | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

Staging Quick Tip: Problem Areas

Learn More About Home Staging
Need a quick fix to solve a problem area? Apply wallpaper an old bi-fold door and you immediately have a beautiful new screen to use in a dead corner, the end of a hallway, or even as a headboard.

www.ballantynehomestaging.com | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

Outdated fixtures & cabinet knobs?

Replacement them or not? Definitely not for the knobs. For about $10-$12 the knobs can be removed, primed (Krylon), painted (Krylon popular finishes include brushed silver or oil rubbed bronze), and one application of Krylon clear coat varnish and you have a brand new look in the kitchen. (I've actually done this at a home in Ballantyne and saved the owner $135!)

This can also be done with both interior and exterior light fixtures. A very cost effective way to update a look, assuming the light fixtures are not outdated in style vs. finish.

www.ballantynehomestaging.com | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

Sell Your Home Fast

As an Accredited Staging Professional, I can tell you that 95% of ASP® Staged properties sell, on average, in 37 days or less. That is impressive given the average days on market.  The average days on market in the Charlotte MSA is now 141.

What is even more impressive, and at the risk of bragging a bit, is that 83% of Ballantyne Home Staging's Staged properties this year have gone under contract in less than 9 days on average!  And that's not all -- 60% of our Staged® homes have sold at or above list price!

Last week, one of our Staged® properties went under contract in 2 days.  The owner is ecstatic because it is a divorce situation and he really needed to sell this house and move forward.  How beneficial was his staging?  If we use the current average of 141 days on market vs. actually having sold with a closed date prior to next month's mortgage due, it saved him $11,000 in mortgage payments.  Deducting what he paid for the Staging®, he earned a 467% Return on his Staging Investment!  But that's not all.  He also earned an additional $5,000 on his sell price.  Once Staged®, the house was listed for more than he and his Realtor® had previously discussed, and the sell price was $5,000 more than he thought he was going to get.

Man, I wish I could find me a financial instrument that could give me nearly a 500% Return on Investment(ROI).

The next time you ask yourself, "Is Home Staging Worth It?", consider these statistics.  An investment in Home Staging® is always less expensive than your first price reduction! 

 

http://www.ballantynehomestaging.com/ | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

Of Course We Can Work With Your Items

I have had Realtors® call and ask if I can help a client with getting their house ready to sell.  "Of course," I reply.  The Realtor® continues by explaining that their client actually lives in the house and wants to use their own items.  "No problem," I reply.  And some times the Realtor® sounds relieved.

Evidently there is a perception that Stagers prefer to work with empty homes, or the Stager will want to bring in their own inventory.  Although some Stagers prefer to work with empty houses, many of our jobs are actually owner-occupied and we always do our best to use what they have in their house before bringing in inventory items.  It is necessary some times to do so, but not always.

A client of mine recently told me they had been quoted several thousand dollars by a Stager to bring in inventory furnishings -- even though the client had a house full of their own.  They didn't have this kind of money and really needed to sell their house.  We were able to use what they had, making modifications by repurposing items, using slipcovers, decorative pillows, and by making our own headboards.  The house sold the first week on market and for more than list price because of competitive bids. 

This experience made me wonder:  Is this why many agents and homeowners haven't or won't hire a Stager to prepare their listings or houses for sale?

It is absolutely bad business to waste a client's money.  After all, as an Accredited Staging Professional, my goal is to get the property sold as quickly as possible and for the best price possible.  This goal is to be shared with the Realtor® and homeowner.  Although it may be more lucrative for the Stager to rent out their furnishings, it is the client's needs that are to prevail, and that should always start with a budget. I can't imagine asking a homeowner to store their own items if they are in decent shape and scale (size) for the house.

Ballantyne Home Staging offers Home Staging® consultations for homeowners who are willing to do the work but are unsure where to start.  Additionally, we do both vacant and occupied Home Stagings® and offer redecorating services in the Charlotte area.

http://www.ballantynehomestaging.com/ | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

Home Staging and Color

Home Staging® is an intricate and thoughtful process. One of the most important aspects of it is color. Color can make or break any home, and is never more critical then when your home is for sale. While you might love your eggplant color scheme, will buyers? Is your color scheme a few years out of date? Was it trendy in the 90’s but a little out-of-style now? There is a lot to think about when you are looking at what colors your walls are…and that is why working with a qualified professional Stager® will make all the difference!

Before picking up a brush, work with a professional home Stager® to determine your color palette. Many suppliers out there have massive selections, so you should be able to find something that appeals to everyone’s design aesthetic.

While picking out colors, remember that colors and emotions go hand in hand. Try to think of the emotional reactions the colors may evoke in the viewer. For instance, reds are aggressive colors, stir strong emotions, and are irritating if overused. You want colors that will attract buyers, not repel them. Colors that make them feel at home, comfortable, and happy. While some rooms might call for some colors to up the emotional ante – basically, you want to keep your potential buyers in a good state of mind.


If you have a home on the smaller side, color can help you create a sense of great space. The prevailing theory is that lighter colors will make rooms seem bigger, while darker colors can sometimes make it feel like the walls are closing in. Dark colors are also known as “subtractive” colors because they pull light out of the room. This is what causes the feeling of the room closing in on you and the perception that the room is actually smaller than it is. But a dark accent color on the short wall of a long room can also give the appearance of that wall receding.

For small spaces, the best color scheme is monochromatic – including the furnishings as well as the paint. You can use two shades of color from the same family for a tone on tone look that is calming. Plus, if these colors match the upholstery color, the room will feel even larger.

Flat, dark color such as browns, deep reds and dark grays are great for the increasingly popular media room as these colors absorb light. The flat finish will not reflect any of the blue-white light projected by the equipment while folks are watching their favorite movie or show.

A final factor to consider is whether you are going with a “Pro” or going to do it yourself? While you save money doing it yourself, sometimes these projects can be done quicker and cleaner with a painting professional enlisted in the process. If you choose to work with a professional to help you stage the place – it might be easier and cost effective to hire a painting professional too. Too many people spend extra money trying to “clean-up” a bad paint job, or lose money by having to reduce the price of their homes to get it sold! Remember, it’s great to do as much as you can yourself – but sometimes, you really need to call in the Pros!

http://www.ballantynehomestaging.com/ | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

Niche Home Staging: A Craftsman Style House

Welcome back to our serious of tips on how to Stage niche homes! Today we are going to cover one of the easiest, but it shouldn’t be overlooked…The Craftsman Style House!

These are simple homes to Stage. So the trick is not to overdo it when Staging – preserve the appeal! Keep it simple, and buyers will flock to the home!

Remember, this style of home is built with windows to let in sunshine. You want to augment the natural light and avoid bright unnatural lights. Absolutely do not even think about cheap fluorescent lights. No! NO! NO! And don’t forget to get those windows cleaned…inside AND out.

Before you dive into a massive repainting job - do some homework on the year your house was built. Knowing the history of your home really does help you prepare the house for sale. History will help you decide on a relevant color scheme. Without looking at your specific property, I can suggest going with beiges, greens, browns and other non-brassy earth tones. Avoid bold colors and busy patterns.

When looking at metal, think copper. Copper was amazingly popular during the craftsman era…the catch is that these days, it is very hard to find and can be costly. Whatever copper you have in the house now, keep it! And take some adventurous trips to farmer’s markets, flea markets, and yard sales for some inexpensive little touches. For example, a copper pot on the stove is nice touch to show off your home (but give it a good polish!) Metal fixtures w/colored glass are also perfect for this style home.


For accent pieces, remember to still keep it simple--nothing to overshadow your rooms or the house’s character. To compliment the rooms, use area rugs to define any open spaces. Craftsman style homes have an abundance of character, and they don’t need much to showcase their beauty. With just a little work, and some attention to cleanliness, you will have your home off the market and in the hands of another happy owner!

http://www.ballantynehomestaging.com/ | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

Niche Home Staging: Coastal Property

Selling any coastal home can be tricky. There are plenty of gorgeous properties to compete with, and you need to make your property stand out amongst a very full and often dazzling crowd. Here are some things you and your professional Home Stager® can keep in mind during your sale.

People looking at coastal property tend to react positively to nautical style interiors. So keep it crisp and cool. Colors should stay on the more traditional scope, use shades of red, white, blue. You may want to consider offsetting these shades with some patterns – stripes or checkered prints work well in chair coverings, pillows and throws. Of course I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the obvious nautical themes such as sailboats, anchors, knots, etc…It might sound trite, but it works well when not over done and will motivate buyers who really want that place on the coast to submit an offer!

If at all possible, Staging a coastal property should incorporate natural wood and crisp, clean shades of white or off-white furniture, oversized and luxurious. To compliment the natural woods, set out some woven-look accessories. But think Titanic State room, and not tramp steamer… upscale and clean.

www.ballantynehomstaging.com | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com

Niche Home Staging: Beach Cottage

Staging your beach cottage to appeal to the eyes of a specific person – specifically a BUYER – usually requires a mix and match of specific colors and woods.

Color Schemes are important in any house, but incredibly important in any type of beach vacation home. When Staging such a place, it is wise to use soothing greens, earth tones, deep yellows, and of course sky blues… think sand, sea, and sky.

Many beach houses emphasize their geographic location in their décor. I remember one friend who had his beach house done with a charming lighthouse motif, down to a handcrafted headboard with lighthouses on each end. However, an easier route to take in Staging a beach cottage is to use coral, sand, starfish and seashells to make easy, inexpensive accessories and accents. It’s very easy to use smaller seashells to make custom mirrors. For little cost, you can create unique displays in glass containers and accent the edges of your curtains. Show off beautiful coral on shelves and bookcases, or simply have the kids comb the beach for some majestic shells. Mixing woven woods in the beach cottage will give your house a more tropical feel. I love the look of rattan and bamboo.

With the help of a professional Stager®, you can gain the eye of any finicky buyer and increase the likelihood of speedy and profitable sale.

www.ballantynehomstaging.com | 980.322.5825 | carol@ballantynehomestaging.com