Making your world beautiful

It’s a New Year and a new decade. The media is talking about change …. Changing your diet, changing your job, changing your residence..maybe even changing your spouse …Well, maybe not. 

And maybe for you, it’s time for a change.  We’ve all been hearing the ‘experts’ banter back and forth that we’re in a Recession, we’re coming out of the Recession…blah blah blah.  What’s a person to do?  What can we do?  I feel overwhelmed, and I haven’t gotten through January.  Sometimes it’s just about starting from where you are. At Signature Staging and Redesign, we’re experts in changing your world, one room at a time.  And change often starts with one small thought or action.

So, where are you right now?  Are you sitting in your office, maybe your home office, in your car (parked, of course) …maybe in the kitchen, your kids’ room, or with your laptop in the family room? I’m not even going to discuss the garage or basement now

Take a good look around you right now.  What one thing could you do to change your surroundings?  Before you start to groan, let’s break it down and think about some  small changes:

It could be a:

De clutter of a closet or shelf in a bookcase

Clearing off your desk or

Clearing off the coffee table

How about:

Picking up stray items off the floor or

Changing the pillows or

Opening the shades to let the light in or

Deciding to paint

moving photos to a different area in the room

Adding an item that’s red

Add a small vase of flowers (guaranteed to make you smile)

These are just a few ideas to get you started…change is easy..

For me, I decided to start 2010 by changing  my door mat…but that’s another blog.

In the meantime, let me know how I can help change your world, one room at a time….(and keep the spouse).

Here’s Part 2 of my article “Going Green Without Seeing Red: Environmentally green kitchens.”

If you have less than $200 to spend, here are some ways to go green:

• Paint is by far the least expensive way to change the look of any room, especially the kitchen.  So if you’re reading this right now and you’ve glanced over to the wallpaper on the walls, take heart.  It’s time for the paper to come down… really. Wallpaper had it’s time, and it actually can make the kitchen look smaller and cramped (especially plaid!)  Select a VOC (which stands for volatile organic compound)  paint. You will be amazed at the transformation in your kitchen.

• For those of you on a tight budget, for less than $30,  you can invest in several cleaning products that contain no harmful chemicals or toxic vapors.  The ‘Simple Green’ or ‘Seventh Generation’ products can be purchased at your local grocery store or Wal-Mart or Target.  Why not start with a lavender dish detergent or citrus surface cleaner?  If you’d like to know more, check out Planet Green’s website.

• Start eliminating plastic in your kitchen. When microwaving food in plastic, studies show toxins are released from the plastic into your food… yuk!  My readers know that I’m always talking about the change jar sitting on the counter that you can drop your loose change in at the end of the day.  Use that extra money to begin replacing your plastic with glass containers, like Corning ware.

• Have  no money to spend?  Well, you still can begin!  Take cloth bags to the grocery store to purchase food items… stop bringing the plastic bags in to your house.  Some supermarkets offer paper bags, which are a better alternative.

• Recycle…and I mean recycle!  Pay attention to what you are throwing in the garbage!  Most food products like cereal and pasta come in cardboard boxes. These need to be recycled, not thrown in the regular trash for pickup.  Check out this website for more ideas on how you can recycle and get the family involved.

Make a plan to go green.  Start today.  Taking steps like these can make a huge difference in your health, your home and the environment. And the best news is, you can start today.  Do you have ideas to share?  Email me, and five lucky winners will receive a sample of green cleaning products… C’mon and share going green without seeing red!

All best,
Ginger

… And how can it work for you?

Let’s face it, the winter season makes selling and showing your home more of a challenge. What’s a home seller to do during the months when the outdoors doesn’t present itself with the vibrant colors of spring, summer, and fall?

Whether you’re looking to attract a “flurry” of potential buyers during the winter or simply want to give your home a visual “lift”, don’t despair; there are solutions.

Consider these tips for creating winter curb appeal.

• Does you home say ‘welcome’ as you approach? If your current ‘welcome mat’ is old and worn, you may be sending a message that the inside is also not well maintained. You don’t have a welcome mat? Let’s invest in one that draws guests and potential homeowners inside.
• Incorporate greenery and plants with colorful berries. Add a pair of decorative planters with evergreen topiaries to your front entrance.
• Ensure that leaves are raked and flower beds and shrubs are trimmed. Unless it’s snowing, the outside area of the home must be kept neat and tidy at all times.
• Remove debris such as dead branches and shrubbery.
• Step back from the home and take a good look. Repair broken windows, ripped screens, missing shingles and cracked walkways.
• Is the front door in need of a fresh coat of paint or should the door be replaced? Remember…first impressions count.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Be diligent with snow and ice removal.
• Ring your bell! Does the doorbell even work? Most people enter their homes through the garage, and often overlook this very important first impression of the home.
• Ensure that outdoor lighting is working and that the illumination is sufficient. Focus lighting on the front entrance and walkway, house number, and unique architectural features of your home. If you don’t have lighting, consider solar lights, which are inexpensive, and easy to install.
• Clean and de-clutter the garage, backyard and deck areas.

Potential home buyers make a drive-by decision in as little as 10 to 15 seconds, so making the best impression possible is the key to getting potential buyers past the front door.

For all of your real estate staging needs, contact Signature Staging & Redesign.

Ginger

What’s the big deal about being green?

The media has been reporting on the surge in green design kitchens. Consumers are concerned about the environment and how they can make a difference when designing or remodeling their homes. As consumers, we want to do the right thing and not waste resources… but as consumers, can the cost for going green exceed our budgets?

What are some of the ways we can go green without seeing red? There are ways to go green within your budget… from cleaning products to appliances and lighting and I will explain how it will help your family as well as home’s resale value. Regardless of your budget, you can go green in your kitchen.

What are the benefits/detriments of going green?

The benefits are many! Knowing that you and your family are using products that are free of toxins and are beneficial to the environment (meaning they can be recycled and not end up in a landfill) are phenomenal.

One reader has asked me how does going green affects your home’s resale value – here’s interesting data. Consumers are quite savvy these days when it comes to the latest trends. Green design has been incorporated in everything from building materials to flooring, countertops, paint, and even cleaning products. Existing homes that have been remodeled using green products will attract buyers attention as an added benefit. Going green is not only good for your health, going green will bring you more green (sellers) when you sell your home.

… a ‘green’ kitchen

For resale purposes, whether you are getting ready to sell now, or if you are not planning to sell for several years, the first place to look is at your appliances. If they truly have seen better days, and need to be replaced, you should look for appliances with the Energy Star ratings. If you’re thinking, well the dishwasher or refrigerator aren’t that old and they work fine, think again. Most older appliances are not energy efficient, and will cost you more in utility bills to run than the new Energy Star appliances. So even if you’re not moving, wouldn’t you like to lower your utility bills and use a new appliance now rather than replace it to sell your home and not enjoy using it yourself?

Stay tuned for Part 2, where I talk about how to go green in your kitchen when your budget is tight.

Till next time,
Ginger

Last week I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Shelley MacDonald Beaulieu, Owner & Head Tomato of One Roast Vegetable.  The subject was Staging Your Kitchen to Sell.  Shelley took calls from the audience, and one caller asked what could be done on a small budget, maybe $100-$200.  I talked about cleaning and decluttering first, and then offered up ‘eye candy‘ for the kitchen.  That’s right; I said I ‘eye candy’.

Eye candy is how I refer to kitchen cabinet hardware … you know, all those knobs and drawer pulls that make access to our cabinets easier, and look nice too.  Unfortunately, this accessory has been overlooked for far too long. For many homeowners, the  kitchen cabinets are still in good shape, but the hardware is as old as the cabinets themselves, and just like the latest fashions may become outdated, so does the hardware. The good news is, if you can operate a screwdriver, you can change your hardware. Most cabinets have single hole pulls.  These are easy to replace and don’t require drilling additional holes.

Let me give you a few examples:

Drawer Pulls –these are so easy to change, and even install on cabinets that currently don’t have any knobs or pulls. This is a bit more adventurous, but still a DYI project  (Check out how: http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/installing-cabinet-and-drawer-hardware/index.html)

There are many different choices available such as porcelain, stainless steel, and even glass.  You also have a choice of country décor, modern, and French country styles.  You can even mix and match pulls if you like.  If you are keeping to a budget and you plan to move within six months, I would advise to stay with one type of drawer pull or handle and buy the best hardware for your budget. If you are staying and want to change the ‘look’, why not try something like this:

Make sure you wash down the cabinets first, before installing the new hardware. Have fun with the eye candy and I know you’ll spend more time in the kitchen!

Now, onto faucets.  Buyers love gadgets in the kitchen.  I would tell you that the faucet is the #1 ‘gadget’ in the kitchen that buyers will turn on and use, especially if it has a spray function. I have shown enough houses to tell you this! If your kitchen faucet has a slow leak or the sprayer doesn’t work, that’s not good news.  Your local home improvement store has a variety of styles and price to fit your budget.  Don’t overlook the sale table.   I’ve personally found several faucets that were over $300 reduced by 50% because they were discontinued or were special order items that customers returned. 

The faucet finish is also important and should compliment your kitchen’s décor. Your choices can include chrome, nickel, brass, copper, bronze and satin. According to Delta Faucet Co., the chrome finish is the no. 1 choice.  Chrome isn’t my favorite, because it shows water spots.  If you’re like me, then choose the matte finish…problem solved.  Take a look:

This is a Moen Single Handle pull out spray faucet in a satin finish.  This one is under $150. Gosh, it might just make you want to wash the dishes…or clean the veggies, or water the plants…or squirt your hubby….you get the idea.

Whether you’re thinking of moving or NOT thinking of moving, get some eye candy for your kitchen. You’ll be amazed at how much better it makes the kitchen look, and how much better you’ll feel.

All best wishes,
Ginger

Greetings from the culinary corner of my home. I was overwhelmed by your responses to my last blog. Many of you couldn’t believe the picture was of a real home on the market (it was), and that anyone would let their kitchen be shown in that condition. You can start to understand the difference between how you live, and what happens when your home becomes a ‘product’ to sell. There’s an incredible difference which results in lower offers on a home.

What was also interesting were the many responses I received that said: “That [photo is] my kitchen. No matter what I do, the piles just keep coming back.” One reader said “After seeing that picture, at least I know I’m not alone.” Another wrote “This is my greatest fear … that any of my friends and family will drop by and I don’t dare invite them in for a cup of coffee or a drink of water.”

Talk about stress!

I mentioned two ways to get organized. The first way was what I call the 15 minute clean-up. Set the timer (on your microwave is the easiest!) and clear everything off of the countertops and chairs. Many of you wrote to me saying just doing that made you feel better. One reader told me she called a girlfriend with an offer of fresh brewed Starbucks coffee in exchange for 15 minutes of ‘her’ time to help. Great idea! Grab a buddy…your partner, or even the kids…make it fun, and it’ll get done!

If you are reading this right now, and still haven’t started, may I suggest checking out the Kill Kitchen Klutter 6-week workshop that my friend Shelley is hosting over at One Roast Vegetable. Her most recent class has already started, but if you get on her list you’ll be informed when the next one starts. Here’s the link to a short audio of one of Shelley’s actual calls.

If you’d like to really attack your kitchen, with the support of a fun group, AND you’d like to hear what I have to say about tips and tricks to stage your kitchen for beauty, you might want to sign up for the Kill Kitchen Klutter workshop

Next up … what’s your Bathroom worth to a buyer?

All best, Ginger

Today, let’s play “Your First Impression.”

I’m going to show you one picture and ask your opinion. Then I’ll share with you how Staging your house for sale can make a big difference in how you live, and how you market your home.

Ready to play? Here goes:

Picture this. You’re in the market to buy a house. Maybe you’re looking for your first home, or maybe you’re ‘buying up’ to a larger home. You have an idea as to how you’d like your kitchen to look. You’ve made the appointments, and your realtor has just unlocked the door to this home. You move through the main hallway and into the kitchen. Take a moment.  Now here’s the kitchen. What is your first impression?

Now, I’m your realtor.  So I can share with you what my buyers have said:

The kitchen in your house may not look exactly like this one, but it could be pretty darn close. Whether you’re selling your home or not, kitchens are still considered the ‘heart’ of a home. When remodeled, kitchens are the #1 room for returning 100% of your investment. Friends and family always seem to navigate towards the kitchen … it’s the ‘hub’ and the ‘heart’.

Unfortunately, very few families eat meals together, and many eat in the kitchen standing up. Over time, the counter tops become a dumping ground for mail, plates not put away, and half-finished projects. Many house sellers tell me that buyers need to understand they live there… but I can assure you that buyers don’t care! They want to visualize themselves having coffee in this new kitchen, or picture themselves preparing a meal. And that’s not really possible here, because in this kitchen, even the chairs have stuff on them. There’s nowhere to sit down.

Staging your home (for sale, or for you) is about decluttering. In your kitchen, that means removing all but two items from the counter tops. The two items could be your coffee pot and the dish drainer, or your microwave and the coffee pot … you get the idea. But only two items should remain. OK, stop groaning, because I know you don’t use your toaster oven everyday.

Organizing your cupboards, drawers, and food pantry is the next best tool to make your kitchen not only feel more spacious, but also assist you in meal preparation and clean up during the time your home is on the market. Do you think buyers don’t open the drawers and cupboards? Think again. Ditto for peeking inside the fridge and oven and microwave. No one likes to see your leftovers as a science experiment.

Need help, but don’t know where to start? Get an empty box. Set your timer for 15 minutes. Now take everything (and I mean everything) off of the counter tops. That includes all of the dishtowels. Also toss in all of the refrigerator magnets, photos, and artwork. Keep going until the timer goes off. Set the timer again for 15 minutes. Place two items you use every day back on the counter.  Place the items you do not use in the box.

You should still be left with several items that you don’t know what to do with. Do not put them back on the counter. You already know what to do. Give the items away, or donate them to a friend or an organization that’s holding garage sale. Do not pack them and take them with you to the next house, because they will eventually take up all of the new counter space as well.

These two tips cost absolutely no money, and will go a long way in showcasing your kitchen’s best features. Need help? Call me or send an email to me, and let’s get started on staging your home!

All best,

Ginger

PS/ I am a guest presenter in a Kill Kitchen Klutter 6-week workshop that my friend Shelley is hosting over at One Roast Vegetable.  If you’d like to really attack your kitchen, with the support of a fun group, AND you’d like to hear what I have to say about tips and tricks to stage your kitchen for beauty, you might want to sign up for the Kill Kitchen Klutter workshop

My sister came up to New Jersey from Florida to visit me last week, and we decided to go back to the old neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY and revisit some of the places we remembered from childhood. I know some readers are already wondering what this has to do with redesign, but read on …

My sister is a photographer and also plays several instruments. It’s always fun when she visits, simply because she (without knowing) helps me to look ‘outside the box’. She has always had a unique perspective on how she looks at life in general, and objects and people in particular.

One day we decided to visit Coney Island … yes, THAT Coney Island. The playground of NY, a somewhat faded gem now, but slowly being restored to its former glory (see www.thefutureofconeyisland.com).

The famed ‘Wonder Wheel’, is a huge Ferris wheel with cars that swing to and fro while the wheel is moving. Still a thrill for me, I must say. While watching my sister snap photos from different angles, it was then I actually noticed all the different colors on the wheel (it lights up at night). Hence my title today Coney Island – Imagination at Play.

As I continued to look around, all the colors I saw became more vivid. The cotton candy was actually shades of pale pink to bright pink. Ketchup is a deep red, and the mustard standing next to it a brownish yellow. So I ask you, what color is a hot dog? My Benjamin-Moore color deck has enough colors that I’m sure I could find one that fits it. The color of the Astroland Sign… well, that must be a vibrant ‘sky’ blue. The sunset that day was several different shades, and oh how I’d wish I’d brought my color deck with me.

So my thought is this: Take another look at your living room, or dining room, or bedroom — but this time from a different perspective. Really LOOK at the room. What colors do you see? What colors can you envision? Let your imagination play and see what happens! The ‘old’ colors from years ago can certainly be re-vamped and used again, but in a slightly different way.

Still stuck? The first 5 readers who send me a photo and question, I will be happy to suggest color choices.

Now, go play!

Ginger

Many of you have been wondering what happened last year… well to be honest, sometimes real life gets in the way of our passions, and I stopped writing articles and blogging.  I’ve missed it as much as you all have missed checking in on my site and not seeing anything!  If I’ve learned anything at all this past year, it was “this too, shall pass.”  In looking back, we always see that things work out for your highest good.

Watching the Super Bowl this past Sunday, I was inspired.  It wasn’t so much watching the actual plays on the field, as it is was watching both quarterbacks, Manning and Brady, show confidence in their ability to get the job done. Both continued to focus on their job throughout the game, regardless of what the scoreboard showed. Their focus was confidence, leadership, and a vision of the end result.

And hey, isn’t it like that in life?  My passion for Staging and Redesign never wavered, but my focus on working my passion did.  When your focus changes, so does your vision. It’s not terrible to experience a few days like that, but when you lose your way for months, that’s when the end result can often just disappear.

As I approach my magical birthday, the Big ‘5-oh!’,  my plan is to “Live My Joy!” There are big changes coming to my website and I can hardly wait to share them with you.  In the next few weeks, you will see a more interactive website, an exciting new e-book, and a contest to get your creative juices flowing… get ready to join me and Live Your Joy!

All best,
Ginger

I received a call the other day from a neighbor of mine who was in a panic.  Having a three month old baby, I thought she needed motherly advice.  As it turns out, the problem was much worse.  Her hubby had invited the family for a weekend barbeque….a mere 3 days away.

I should tell you that my neighbor and I share a fence, and looking out my window it wasn’t hard to understand her dilemma.  The patio was there, along with a plastic table, 4 chairs, a barbeque, two side tables, and 2 big bags of dirt.

Not exactly what I would call entertainment-ready. I know some of you are already thinking, “does Ginger live near me?  Does she see my patio or deck?” No, I don’t, but I do feel your pain.

So if you’re in a BBQ mood, here are 5 easy ways to transform your deck or patio so you can be outdoor entertainment ready:

1. Clean – I mean, really clean….remove all furniture before you start. Sweep and power wash the deck.  Restain the deck if it needs it.  Sweep, and power wash the patio, removing all debris, and/or weeds around an in the patio (in the cracks). Next, clean your grill…yes, all of it, even the lava rocks.  When your mother-in-law says she’s checking the hamburgers, don’t believe it for a second.
2. Invest in an outdoor carpet – They are available at all Target, Home Depot and Lowe’s stores.  The carpets come in an array of designs, are under $100 depending on the size, and are easy to clean. This one item really does wonders for an old, cracked patio or old weather worn deck by framing the space.
3. Patio Furniture – Here’s where you can really get inventive! First, wash the furniture.  Already, the furniture looks better. Inspect the chairs…is your set the ‘used to be white’ PVC plastic?  If so, you have a few choices, depending on your budget.  You can replace the chairs with new ones relatively easy..again, Target, Walmart, Lowe’s and Home Depot have a great selection.  You can also use your dining room chairs, and cover them with fabric (just for the day). Use a colorful table cloth. Get inventive. I’ve also asked guests to ‘byoc’ (bring your own chair..this is a real ice breaker when you have guests that don’t know one another).
4. Flowers/Plants – Shop your house…I know there’s a silk ficus plant somewhere just waiting to be brought outside.  Or, while you’re at the home improvement center, choose a few sun-loving plants, like geraniums or petunias.  If you have more shade, choose from a variety of impatiens, which come in may colors.  Clay pots are inexpensive and always look great!  Buy starter plants like basil, rosemary, or oregano and make a nice table arrangement.
5. Use the good Chinet – Paper plates, the upscale kind. Or melamine plastic plates, along with colorful napkins and cutlery. This insures that you will have a great time, enjoy the food and the guests, and clean up will be a snap!

Another added benefit is that now you will want to spend more time outdoors!

Here’s to Brilliant BBQs!

All best wishes,

Ginger