painting the dining room. finally.

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XUvGSFAJNhI2N-vL8MbYWc3I_EQ-cMeg5JaYBtnlbARk91zbRaFanYMsZpD6vnqou7E0yh5XZUEw_fCoweiGHVFZb9cWr3Z8KB5QpAOQT_FmtlgtDQhbF12dp6niTrIYUC82MsfLAuc/s1600/IMG_5936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XUvGSFAJNhI2N-vL8MbYWc3I_EQ-cMeg5JaYBtnlbARk91zbRaFanYMsZpD6vnqou7E0yh5XZUEw_fCoweiGHVFZb9cWr3Z8KB5QpAOQT_FmtlgtDQhbF12dp6niTrIYUC82MsfLAuc/s1600/IMG_5936.jpg" /></a></div><br />I've been slowly updating our dining room <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2010/12/dining-room-before-during-now.html" target="_blank">since we bought our house in 2008</a>. I've found it to be a hard room to design - in part because it's visible from both the TV room and the Living room, which means I wanted the design of the room to work with all rooms that adjoin it.  We've been developing a style throughout the house and I was I think deep down, waiting to see how other rooms came together which would in the end, dictate the look of this room. <br /><br />One of the best decisions we did for this room was in <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/02/dining-room-trim.html" target="_blank">2011 we added a chair rail</a>. After we did the chair rail, I had the best intentions but I <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/01/wall-colour-gasp-i-said-colour.html" target="_blank">couldn't decide on a colour.</a> So the room has stayed Cloud White for the last two years (with the bottom half of the wall Chantilly Lace). And although I <em>love</em> white - this room desperately needed some colour - You see, the white made it too bright of a room to sit in for dinner, and it wasn't warm or cozy at all. You didn't want to sit here for long for dinner. Yeah, that's not great. <br /><br />So knowing that I needed to do something I became set on doing wallpaper - <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/littlehouseblog/wallpaper/" target="_blank">specifically grass cloth</a> - but indecision and <i>cost </i>were major road blocks.  Once I came to the conclusion that grasscloth just wasn't in the cards, I focused on paint. <br /><br />I've been on a painting kick lately (more to come on those projects) and came across the colour <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=edgecomb%20gray&rs=ac&len=7" target="_blank">Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore.</a> After painting some furniture in it (and loving it) and doing the right thing by painting a swatch on the wall (See above, it's the top colour). I was <i>positive </i>I had found THE colour for the room. So I spent a great deal of time prepping and painting....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDmqtpQ_UZBNvub4CoE5tX8Am63z1GNrIl_ZLwqi__UqjTFcmP328o8prOk-bB01hFzSNR8sDgY3C1xCouuLfSLecnpIKs102uQ1pgJs0PGOYs7sCbsxDUT69hc8iori23PM-sHuLMFk/s1600/IMG_6217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDmqtpQ_UZBNvub4CoE5tX8Am63z1GNrIl_ZLwqi__UqjTFcmP328o8prOk-bB01hFzSNR8sDgY3C1xCouuLfSLecnpIKs102uQ1pgJs0PGOYs7sCbsxDUT69hc8iori23PM-sHuLMFk/s1600/IMG_6217.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />....only to decide it was <i>NOT at all what I wanted.</i> It was way less gray than I had hoped and more taupey in this room.  It also did nothing for my <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/07/new-dining-room-chairs.html" target="_blank">gorgeous dining room chairs</a> that I adore, and it made our chandelier (that I have no budget or desire to replace) look dated. I was super annoyed because I had done everything right - painted a swatch, seen the colour in person. But it goes to show you sometimes colours just don't work.<br /><br />I swore to Aubrey that I'd leave the room for 1 month and not touch it. As you (and he) likely guessed - I lasted seven days before I repainted the entire room. This time, I took a chance by going with <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=rockport%20gray&rs=ac&len=13" target="_blank">Rockport Gray, again, by Benjamin Moore. </a> I looked over <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=rockport%20gray&rs=ac&len=13" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>and it seemed to be a <i>consistently </i>gorgeous colour in different lighting situations. This time I skipped the paint sample and just went full on into repainting...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HJ7B8YMSQG-bVllAQcyPubnpiT5kVOWBxTLuDFHMp90URzTXi0JX8EsgTa6gmBjv5GeBCLU8MSjb0i6v2_LH3XWFNhYWDk4pnLjMkUs83lcMhrdvTFeose7Pay0kUsWH9Ks8RirJBrg/s1600/IMG_6367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3HJ7B8YMSQG-bVllAQcyPubnpiT5kVOWBxTLuDFHMp90URzTXi0JX8EsgTa6gmBjv5GeBCLU8MSjb0i6v2_LH3XWFNhYWDk4pnLjMkUs83lcMhrdvTFeose7Pay0kUsWH9Ks8RirJBrg/s1600/IMG_6367.jpg" /></a></div><br />And I'm SO GLAD I switched. Rockport Gray is sooooo gorgeous. BUT - what I love about this room is what I did on the ceiling....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlqnSKNCicWadMnFZsdGqY_KakRqUewAJY3Y8fzJvL425mNQqBs-727m1WbSTIQioKHrHKT26gSUzdsYdx-cO9oGcRDWA97XJr2Q2_Mu6GX1d3XaeFREbL1cXYPDPQuRoxtr22UI75ms/s1600/IMG_6344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlqnSKNCicWadMnFZsdGqY_KakRqUewAJY3Y8fzJvL425mNQqBs-727m1WbSTIQioKHrHKT26gSUzdsYdx-cO9oGcRDWA97XJr2Q2_Mu6GX1d3XaeFREbL1cXYPDPQuRoxtr22UI75ms/s1600/IMG_6344.jpg" /></a></div><br />Instead of stopping where the ceiling & wall meet - I continued to paint the ceiling in Rockport Gray. I took this risk for two reasons. The ceiling is pretty awful - years of plastering and bad fix jobs left it uneven. It was going to be very, very hard to get a straight line and it would have forever bugged me. Second - stopping the paint at the traditional spot of the ceiling made the room look more "dated" or, perhaps "traditional" than I wanted. We're young and hip (ok, maybe not hip) By bringing the colour up to the ceiling and all over the ceiling it made it slightly more modern, and, makes the room feel cozier. Also - your eye isn't broken up by start and stopping points that we would have had because we have the chair rail. Anyhow, it was a risk to do, but I'm SO glad I did it. <br /><br />So there you have it. Rockport Gray - The winning colour. The room still needs some updates so a full out before & after is in the works. But I had to show this progress. :)<br /><br /><b>Posts of interest:</b> <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2010/12/dining-room-before-during-now.html" target="_blank">Steps in transforming our Dining Room</a>, <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/07/new-dining-room-chairs.html" target="_blank">Dining Room Chairs</a>, <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/01/trim-shopping-for-dining-room.html" target="_blank">Adding a Chair Rail Part 1</a>, <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/01/many-uses-of-green-tape.html" target="_blank">Chair Rail Part 2</a>,  <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/01/adding-some-detailing-to-dining-room.html" target="_blank">Chair Rail Part 3</a>, <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2011/02/dining-room-makeover-trim-complete.html" target="_blank">Chair Rail Done, </a>

painting the dining room. finally.

I've been slowly updating our dining room since we bought our house in 2008 . I've found it to be a hard room to design - in part be...

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Stumped by Staging? These People Were.

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-Diningroom_zps9cd701fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-Diningroom_zps9cd701fc.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The blue walls of this dining room are the same<br />intensity as the brown walls in the neighboring rooms. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Did you have a teacher who said, “There are no stupid questions.” Yeah, I had her, too. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Asking questions is a smart thing to do. I love questions from readers. Here are some I’ve received lately. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q:</span> </b>Our dining room is cherry red. I really like it. Do we have to change to color in order to attract a buyer? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A:</span></b> Staging is about removing as many obstacles as possible that will prevent a buyer from deciding your home is The One for him. You don't "have to" do anything, but you'd be wise to please as many people as possible with your wall colors.<br /><br />I doubt that rooms adjoining your dining room have walls as intense as cherry red. I’d say, yes, paint your dining room walls a color that will “talk to” surrounding rooms, <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-choose-paint-color-easy-way.html" target="_blank">a color that's the same value,</a> a color anyone have a long term relationship with.    <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q: </span></b>I’m staging my house, and we just painted most of the walls. I don’t want bare walls, but I don’t want holes when I take the pictures down and move out. Do you have any advice?<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A: </span></b>There are a few things you can do. Very often you can hang lightweight art with regular push pins, which leave unnoticeable pinholes. Or you can use Command products that are removable and leave virtually no holes. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The people who buy your house might paint the walls or they may hang their own art that would cover nail holes, so don’t stress about some wall holes.  Leave some of your wall paint, labelled, for the new owners. The holes won’t be apparent until a walk-through just prior to closing, when you can tell them about the touch-up paint if it comes up in conversations or negotiations. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q:</span></b> My home has been on the market for 10 months. It’s uncluttered, clean and staged. People say it looks great. My realtor agrees. She shows it often. The feedback I get is all positive. But still no offers. Is this normal or am I missing something?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">A: </span>Find out what is typical for days on market in your area. That will tell you if you are just being impatient or there is a problem.<br /><br />If homes in your market sell in less than 10 months average, and if all that you say is accurate, I think you have to look at the price. When people tour a home and they think the price is too high for what they see, they often won’t say that, even to their own realtor. Instead, they will mention that the bedrooms are small, or they don’t like the view, or the bath needs remodeling – some deal-breaker. No one wants to look cheap. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I’d recommend a review with your realtor of how you arrived at your price. You may have to adjust your expectations and ask less.     <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q: </span></b>What finish should walls have when painting them for staging? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A: </span></b>Flat everywhere except baths and kitchen where semigloss or satin is best.  <o:p></o:p><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-cpapmachine_zps629e50a8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-cpapmachine_zps629e50a8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">This CPAP unit is unusually attractive. Most <br />are not this pretty. Photo Devilbiss. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Q:</span></b> My husband uses a CPAP machine for his sleep apnea. The device sits on the bedside table. Now that our home is listed, should I be concerned about how this looks to people coming to look at the house? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">A: </span></b>Yes, you should. These devices aren't ugly, but they raise questions. Keep a pretty, cover-up box handy for the CPAP machine, tuck in under the bed, or <a href="http://www.cpapholders.com/product/specs" target="_blank">buy a holder</a>. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s never a good idea to have anything on display that hints of problems people have. Even if the problems have nothing to do specifically with the house for sale, buyers don’t want to be reminded of hardships, illnesses or unpleasantness homesellers have. They want their next home to be a place where nothing uncomfortable ever happens. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I always encourage people to find hiding places for things like an oxygen tank, walkers, crutches, braces, and medicines. Prescription drugs need to be securely out of sight. Maybe it’s just me, but I think even a flesh-colored wrist support or some bottles of supplements look too intimate.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Do you have questions about selling your home? You can email me, or ask on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/100832113324140/" target="_blank">group Facebook page</a>. My <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBooks</a> also answer your DIY home staging questions.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

Stumped by Staging? These People Were.

The blue walls of this dining room are the same intensity as the brown walls in the neighboring rooms.  Did you have a teacher who said, “Th...

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Design a Holiday Tablescape Perfect for Home Staging

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030584.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>When your home is on the market, the home staging you do during the holidays needs to be festive without being too kooky. Here’s an example of what works. I think my combination of wintry, woodland elements with clean, shiny colors hits just the right note.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030621.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I put together this centerpiece for a long table. I centered a strip of natural burlap the length of the table. I layered on the first element – two round mirrors that hinted of iced ponds. I surrounded the “ponds” with a couple of shiny bead garlands and then added black and brown rocks for some contrast.<br /><br />I wanted some texture, so I pulled out my bag of fake mossy blobs. They look something like small shrubs. For larger shrubs and a different texture, I placed some natural pine cones at each end of the arrangement.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>My two focal points were the deer I purchased. They were gold, and I sprayed them with silver paint. They still glisten enough to make me happy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1030572.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>To complete the tableau, I parked the cone-trees I made from purchased paper mache bases that I painted three different colors. The two smaller paper mache trees I covered with Epsom salts for some sparkle, and the third tree I left white.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">What Makes a Winning Tabletop Display?</span></b><br /><br />Here are the elements I keep in mind while assembling any <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/08/a-photo-primer-for-staging-your.html" target="_blank">tablescape</a> for home staging:<br /><br />Make the colors harmonious with the rest of the room. The color scheme of your home should flow from room to room, but Christmas is a time when some extra doses of color are welcome.<br /><br />Avoid overly religious subjects, or political decor, or any art that might be considered too personal or controversial. People like to do business with -- as in, buy houses from -- people who are most like them. The less they know about you personally, the more businesslike and objective the <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/03/negotiating-101-how-to-get-what-you.html" target="_blank">negotiations</a>. <br /><br />If the rest of your home is minimally decorated, don't go overboard with tablescapes at <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-favorite-15-minute-holiday.html" target="_blank">holiday time</a>. Your displays should maintain the character and "weight" of your home, and showcase its assets. <br /><br />Don’t use anything that is too expensive or has sentimental value. Things disappear during home tours.  <br /><br />Concentrate on shapes, textures, and colors for subtle variety. Nothing should be too distracting. You want buyers to notice the <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/10/does-your-home-have-some-wow-factors.html" target="_blank">Wow Factors</a> in your home. <br /><br />Have your vignette tell a story. Ideally, the story helps sell your home by reminding buyers what’s special. It could be the size of the dining room, the romance of the bedroom, or the setting of the home itself.<br /><br />Do you have a home on the market? Are you planning to sell your home soon? My $5 <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar</i>, will help you show your home in the best possible way, by staging it right. You can download the book instantly, and start your own home staging today.<br /><br />

Design a Holiday Tablescape Perfect for Home Staging

When your home is on the market, the home staging you do during the holidays needs to be festive without being too kooky. Here’s an example ...

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Staging the Dining Room Table: DIY Napkin Rings

<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2009/10/BKS042263.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2009/10/BKS042263.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />While men typically focus on where the television will go in a home they are shopping for, women tend to picture their family or friends around the dining table as a litmus test for how well they like any particular home.<br /><div><br /></div>How is your dining table looking for real estate showings?<br /><br />With Thanksgiving on the near horizon for Americans, it's the perfect time to give some attention to your dining room. If your home is for sale, you might want to reevaluate how your dining table looks when buyers AND guests come for the holidays ahead.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Tabletops need pizazz </span></b><br /><br />Wherever you have meals, make that area a place that charms buyers. Make it a spot where they want to celebrate Thanksgiving and other occasions. It needn't be fancy. Most of us don't live that way. The secret is in having just enough details on the table to make it inviting and interesting, without it taking over the entire room visually. I've already blogged here about what <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/03/heres-how-to-set-table-in-your-staged.html" target="_blank">place settings should look like in the staged home</a>. <br /><br />If your dining table is the default spot for craft supplies, bills, or homework projects, there's no better time than pre-holidays for staging the area.<br /><br />Since complicated table settings would only be a bother -- especially if you use the table for daily dining  -- simple settings are the answer. Placemats, plates, glassware, and napkins might be all you need. And <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/">napkin rings</a> give the finishing touch!<br /><br />I like to DIY napkin rings from common materials like ribbon, cheap bracelets, curtain rings, beads, wire, buttons, or cardboard. Making your own is the frugal way to go, and who isn't on a budget when it's time to sell a home? Here's a gallery of ideas for inspiration. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.littlemissmomma.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/DSC_0368-640x476.jpg?9d7bd4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://www.littlemissmomma.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/DSC_0368-640x476.jpg?9d7bd4" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://kojo-designs.com/2010/02/kojotutorial-plaid-brooches-2/" target="_blank">These rings</a>, were handmade by Ashley at <a href="http://www.littlemissmomma.com/" target="_blank">Little Miss Momma</a>. She credits KoJo Designs for teaching her how. I like that even though each one is a little bit different -- which happens when you use upcycled materials like buttons and brooches --  the twine wrap makes them all similar enough.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.pysselbolaget.se/2012/11/PB_nov_24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://media.pysselbolaget.se/2012/11/PB_nov_24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Who would know that these <a href="http://pysselbolaget.se/2012/11/09/latta-servettringareasy-napkin-rings/" target="_blank">colorful napkin rings</a> began life as toilet paper rolls? Karin at her Swedish blog, Pysselbolaget, shows you how. These are the handiwork of her 8-year old daughter, and I think they are definitely stage-worthy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.merrimentdesign.com/images/recycled-fabric-napkin-rings-from-saran-wrap-tubes_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://www.merrimentdesign.com/images/recycled-fabric-napkin-rings-from-saran-wrap-tubes_18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Have some fabric scraps you love too much to discard? Here's another design that began with a cardboard tube, this time the core from a role of Saran. The <a href="http://www.merrimentdesign.com/recycled-fabric-napkin-rings-from-saran-wrap-tubes.php" target="_blank">tutorial at Merriment Design</a> shows you exactly how to. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJlrW3Nz6nMTw356TbrNaqRm5gME3pO9js0bng4R5laqpJMuA7SL01zq_XYu0ygl6co4qDDCev5jjo2W-eM1BknsoZ2_Hsuwb70uCdqZi9TxtszgLUeUTDioH-DQcuB8QulKDeFtvhBo/s1600/IMG_7755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJlrW3Nz6nMTw356TbrNaqRm5gME3pO9js0bng4R5laqpJMuA7SL01zq_XYu0ygl6co4qDDCev5jjo2W-eM1BknsoZ2_Hsuwb70uCdqZi9TxtszgLUeUTDioH-DQcuB8QulKDeFtvhBo/s640/IMG_7755.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>On the left is a sample of Michelle's work, from <a href="http://sweetsomethingdesign.blogspot.com/2011/06/diy-napkin-rings-2-kinds.html" target="_blank">Sweet Something Designs</a>. She used dollar store napkin rings and covered them with fabric and a button, for a handsome "buttoned-up" look that I love.<br /><br />Napkin rings in the staged home shouldn't be so precious that anyone is tempted to walk  off with them.<br /><br />I would keep the vintage jewelry and anything else with either sentimental or monetary worth hidden away.<br /><br />You also don't want napkin rings to stand out so much that buyers are distracted from what makes your home valuable -- the size of the rooms, the view, the condition of the floors and walls -- or whatever your home's selling points are. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VI0pmbNwdOP6dAK-UaSN5450DKT2E4RoXq4Oh2rbeMuRkG1g4a5cZNB79gnOzI_RJH_qeklhds5Ei90cWPALeeXheTg_qiIKn_vsaxUf40yZNb35XgQnHCGseLDQ6UyZhJakMJJLw0kU/s640/ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VI0pmbNwdOP6dAK-UaSN5450DKT2E4RoXq4Oh2rbeMuRkG1g4a5cZNB79gnOzI_RJH_qeklhds5Ei90cWPALeeXheTg_qiIKn_vsaxUf40yZNb35XgQnHCGseLDQ6UyZhJakMJJLw0kU/s640/ring.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Over at <a href="http://projectfidgetyfingers.blogspot.com/2008/03/diy-napkin-ring.html" target="_blank">Fidgety Fingers DIY</a> (cute name!) you can learn how to make napkin rings this striking-looking by weaving strips of magazine pages. What could be more economical?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVTBJJ2yz00YzSrmtkMGVtyS5gMd3QKdAe_zhaGG58r1a_SyMjV7dvkcWP1KrREY3EPPs2J5ZaZlKnhMBlJrELzuO50fX18HIs9DKUu2ktCaYZUYaE9lBRJI98h6BLrwH5F9hBFKwK_T9/s400/4th-of-july-summer-craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVTBJJ2yz00YzSrmtkMGVtyS5gMd3QKdAe_zhaGG58r1a_SyMjV7dvkcWP1KrREY3EPPs2J5ZaZlKnhMBlJrELzuO50fX18HIs9DKUu2ktCaYZUYaE9lBRJI98h6BLrwH5F9hBFKwK_T9/s640/4th-of-july-summer-craft.jpg" width="580" /></a></div>Selling a coastal home? How about wooden drapery rings as a start for <a href="http://justsomethingimade.com/2011/03/easy-drapery-ring-lifesavers/" target="_blank">napkin rings that imitate little life preservers</a>? Cathe, at her blog, Just Something I Made, will show you how. Just follow the link!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Another beachy rendition comes from <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/07/diy-project-beachy-napkin-rings.html" target="_blank">The BB Craft Sisters</a>, featured on Design Sponge, where you'll find the tutorial. Using rope and collected shells, the look is crisp and clean, and ... well...coastal!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/pink13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/pink13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The quickest way to add some height and style to a plain napkin is to wrap it in a second napkin. I liked the combination of this gingham napkin with an embroidered linen one. You can go cute and country with this method, or edgey and urban, depending on the fabrics you choose. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/P1030329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/P1030329.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I made this napkin ring from bracelet memory wire you can buy in the jewelry-making section of any craft store. It's a <span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px;">sturdy wire that has a natural curve to it. You need to use heavy duty wire cutters (n0t your usual jewelry wire snippers) to cut it, and needle nose pliers to curl one end. Then just string on some beads, and curl the other end. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.100000381469727px;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/P1030341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/P1030341.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Do you recognize the material I used to make this bow napkin ring? It's the latex waffle pad that keeps rugs in place on the floor, and protects dishes on the shelves. It has the appeal of a natural fiber, but the clean lines of something more contemporary. Great texture, but your only color choice is white.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/orange3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/orange3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Finally, this unfussy treatment uses wired ribbon to tie up folded napkins for a touch of drama on your table. It's economical and easy. I used sheer ribbon, but any wired ribbon works well, with the exception of glittery ribbon, which I find makes a mess on the table if you're repeatedly removing and replacing your place settings. <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Are You Getting Ideas? </span></b><br /><br />The <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/03/finishing-touches-department-where-to.html" target="_blank">finishing touches</a> are what will make your home look interesting and polished. So, don't ignore the <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/01/details-that-make-difference.html" target="_blank">razzle-dazzle detail </a>that things like napkin rings bring to the table.<br /><br />Need more tips to get your home market-ready? Just download my $5 <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar</i>, and you'll be on your way to making your home the one that impresses buyers.<br /><br />Top photo: Better Homes and Gardens. <a href="http://www.bhg.com/decorating/do-it-yourself/accents/transform-jewelry-into-home-accents/#page=25" target="_blank">DIY instructions here.</a>

Staging the Dining Room Table: DIY Napkin Rings

While men typically focus on where the television will go in a home they are shopping for, women tend to picture their family or friends aro...

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Does Your Home Have Some Wow Factors?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/02/100557280.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://images.meredith.com/content/dam/bhg/Images/2012/02/100557280.jpg.rendition.largest.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">A powder room is the perfect place to go for wow.<br />This BHG shot shows a fabulous vanity, tile on one wall, </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">new faucets, and a mirror that can all be part of a modest budget.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>A friend who is a realtor told me that he tells every client, "Your home has to have some wow factors."<br /><br />He's right.<br /><br />In case you haven't noticed, it's not exactly a sellers' market out there. If you want your home to sell fast at a price you can be happy with, you need to stand out from the competition.<br /><br />Price is one way to do that. Wow factors are another.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Let's Get Specific</span></b><br /><br />Understand, I am not saying you need to start dumping money into your home to make it far more luxurious and up-to-date than it is. The last thing you want to do is price yourself out of the market.<br /><br />But if you are really motivated to sell, or need to sell fast, some wow factors are what could put your home over the top.<br /><br />Here are some typical wow factors that fall midway between gutting-it-all remodels and simple, gussy-up staging. They'll cost you some money, but they'll help sell your home! <br /><ul><li>New walk-in shower</li><li>One or two obviously high end lighting fixtures</li><li>An outdoor hot tub</li><li>Private, outdoor enclosed space or garden</li><li>Professionally designed landscaping</li><li>Outdoor shower, even if it's cold water only</li><li>Stylish overhead garage door or refurbished existing one</li><li>New kitchen appliances that match each other</li><li>New washer and dryer that stay</li><li>Built-in bookcases, beautifully staged, of course</li><li>Built-in window seat, so charming!</li><li>Media room with basic home theatre</li><li>The fenced backyard that parents and pet owners crave </li><li>Fully finished garage and/or basement that attracts the male buyer</li><li>New toilet and sink, maybe in all baths</li></ul>No one is suggesting that you add more than two of three of these improvements. Even one upgrade buys you some wow. What changes you make to your home to make it more attractive to buyers depends on your home's present condition, the local market, your reasons for selling, and your budget.<br /><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/suntunnel_after7-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/suntunnel_after7-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">A "sun tunnel" in the ceiling adds great lighting!</span></em></td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Reasons Little Luxuries Matter</span></b><br /><br />So, what's the big deal about features that wow?<br /><ul><li>Buyers are immediately impressed, and favorably so.</li><li>Your home becomes memorable. It's the one with the bathroom skylights, or the one with the luscious, secret shade garden.</li><li>You can include these features in your MLS listing and all your literature. Include specifics like brand names and measurements when possible. Specifics impress. </li><li>The longer buyers stay in your home during a preview, the better. Improvements that wow encourage lingering.</li></ul>If you do a slow, room-by-room walk-through of your own home, and put your mind in the Dream Big Mode, you're bound to envision some improvements.<br /><br />If you can't justify spending money on new appliances or bathroom upgrades, examine your home for almost-wow factors. Is that awesome sunroom being wasted as a clutter collection point? Has your view of the distant mountains been obscured by overgrown weed trees? Are there heart pine floors under carpeting? Is the working fireplace currently not working? Does your formal dining room look more like homework and crafting headquarters?  Is that killer shelving system for the garage still in boxes? These are missed opportunities to wow buyers.<br /><br /><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1090503-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/1-P1090503-1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">Could a charming and functional</span></em> <em><span style="font-size: small;">garden shed be your wow factor?</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size: small;">This one belongs to my friend, Julie.  </span></em> </td></tr></tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: large;">Brainstorm Your Brains Out</span></b><br /><br />Maybe you've always wanted to add crown molding to the living room. Maybe you've wanted a chandelier in the foyer, or a beautifully stylish ceiling fan in your sunroom, or an outdoor fountain by the patio. If these are changes you would enjoy in your own home, as long as they aren't particular to unique tastes, they are the kinds of things that buyers will want as well.<br /><br />Don't let the idea that all these upgrades are expensive scare you. Get some estimates. Work with an experienced handyman who can come up with economical alternatives. Purchase from mid-price range.<br /><br />You can upgrade just the half bath. Who says baths must match?<br /><br />You can install hardwoods in just the downstairs, or just the living and dining rooms. Hardwoods can be laid for the cost of wall-to-wall carpeting. I did it in my own home.<br /><br />You can buy scratch and dent appliances. Very often these deeply discounted appliances are high end, and the ding isn't visible once installed.<br /><br />You can buy mid-range bookcases you assemble yourself and screw to the wall. Centsational Girl did this and <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/11/from-billys-to-built-ins/" target="_blank">blogged about it</a>.<br /><br />You can DIY a board and batten treatment in the hallway. Blogland is full of tutorials for this project.<br /><br />You can put together a home theater system from Craigslist. First adopters sell their systems to upgrade to the latest. And you can always negotiate price. Maybe they will offer to install it for you.<br /><br />You can trade skills with friends or family for what you need. Feed your cousin the tilesetter for a week while he lays new ceramic flooring in your kitchen. Trade babysitting services for your neighbor who has a hot tub to sell. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/hardoodfloor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/hardoodfloor.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">Hardwood flooring is going to wow most people. Prices can be comparable to carpeting.</span></em></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Time is of the Essence  </b></span><br /><br />Remember that every month your home doesn't sell you are paying carrying costs to stay there. The sooner your home sells, the more money you make, because homes that stay on the market grow stale, and that fact influences what you can ask for it. Agents and buyers wonder what's wrong with these stale homes and they stay away. You need to tempt buyers and do it at the start. When you list! <br /><br />So don't fall into the rut of thinking, "If it's good enough for me, it's good enough." Buyers are spoiled. You won't change that. But can can still wow them with some amenities.<br /><br />Get more ideas to help you prepare your home for the real estate market by downloading my $5 <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar. </i>  <br /><br /><br /><br />

Does Your Home Have Some Wow Factors?

A powder room is the perfect place to go for wow. This BHG shot shows a fabulous vanity, tile on one wall,  new faucets, and a mirror that c...

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Make No-Sew Placemats for Your Staged Dining Table

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010825.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Here's a DIY tabletop project anyone could <br />have fun with. You just weave strips of felt in your<br />choice of colors through a rectangle of felt that's been sliced.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>No-Sew. Who doesn't love that? Especially when the results are as impressive as these handsome placemats.<br /><br />Orange is my favorite color and I'm guessing that many people are attracted to it, since Tangerine is Color of the Year 2012.<br /><br />Having some hints of orange -- or Tangerine if you want to get all fancy with names -- will give your home some warmth.<br /><br />And a touch of trendiness too, because let's face it: you didn't see Tangerine in the color palettes of the 80's, 90's, or 00's. <br /><br />I chose shades of tawny brown, gold, and pumpkin to make these placemats look autumnal.<br /><br />That's another thing to love about oranges. They're "in season" now that summer's over.<br /><br />These mats are made of felt. Felt doesn't require hemming. And felt comes in oodles of pretty colors. Also, felt is relatively cheap, as fabrics go.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">What You Need</span></b><br /><br />These materials will make four mats.<br /><br /><ul><li>Felt by the yard, about half a yard  </li><li>Felt by the piece, 12 pieces, as many different colors as you like. I used three colors.  </li><li>Scissors, good sharp ones</li><li>Rotary cutter and self healing cutting mat (optional) </li><li>Marking pen for fabric</li><li>Metal yardstick</li><li>Fabric glue</li></ul><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How to Do</b></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/placematsrotarycutter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/placematsrotarycutter2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Cut the 9- by 12-inch squares into 1 1/4-inch wide strips, 12 inches long. You can use </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">scissors or a rotary cutter like this. It's important to make straight, even cuts or the mats </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">will </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">look like a summer camp craft project! If using scissors, keep the bottom blade flat </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">against the </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">work surface, and make small cutting motions rather than trying to </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">keep a straight line by cutting with one long motion.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/placematwhiteonly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/placematwhiteonly.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Next, cut a piece of felt the size of a placemat. My piece measured 16 by 13 inches. <br />Work in good lighting, take your time, and keep the edges clean and sharp. I used<br />a rotary cutter with my self-healing cutting mat, but scissors will work almost<br />as well. This background piece will act like a loom for your woven placemat. </span></i><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div><i><span style="font-size: small;"></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010843.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fold the placemat in half lengthwise, and pin it along the cut edges to hold them in place. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Using the fabric marker, mark lines crosswise at 1 1/4 -inch intervals. Leave an </i><br /><i>uncut border at both ends and along the lengthwise edges, as shown. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010844.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cut on the lines you marked, ending the cuts evenly on the lengthwise line. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010846.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is what your felt placemat will look like when it is unpinned and opened. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This piece now provides the "weft" or the crosswise strips for weaving, held in place </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>by the perimeter, which serves like the loom. The colored strips of felt </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>will provide the "warp" or the lengthwise strips.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010847.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Begin weaving your first strip of felt up and down through the crosswise strips of felt. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It won't go all the way to the end, but we'll piece it and glue it and it won't show from the front.    </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010848.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cut a piece of felt long enough to finish the row with an inch to spare for overlapping and adjusting. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If you like, you </i><i>can change the color of any strip for a different look, even midway across the mat.  </i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010850.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Overlap the pieces and press with your fingers to hold in place temporarily. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010851.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Start the next row with a different color. Don't bother to square up the ends. </i><br /><i>You can do that when all the felt strips are in place. </i><i> Keep the mat flat and resist the temptation</i><br /><i>to flip it over to examine it. Working on a board that can be rotated makes it easier.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010864.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Once all the placemat is covered with strips of felt, use a fabric glue like Liquid Stitch </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>to join the strips that were pieced together. Keep all these glued connections </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>on one side of the placemat, which will be the back of the mat. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You can slide the strips to the left and right to adjust the placement of the </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>glued overlap, and then trim off any felt strips on the two outside edges to make them all even. </i><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010827.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">  <i style="text-align: center;">Let the glue dry for 24 hours. Flip the placemat over and admire your finished product. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: center;">You will find felt very forgiving and pleasant to work with. </i></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/P1010872.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Although I generally advise against <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/03/heres-how-to-set-table-in-your-staged.html" target="_blank">setting a table in the staged home </a>with real cutlery</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>because it is too tempting for people to steal it, I discovered these </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>disposable silverware sets that don't look like disposables, at the dollar store. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>They are so lightweight that if anyone picks one up, he'll immediately realize it is plastic </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>and leave it there. If he takes it, well, one dollar buys you four three-piece settings!  </i></div><br /><br />I staged this tabletop for an autumn <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/05/open-house-checklist-ready-set-go.html" target="_blank">Open House</a>, but by changing the colors, you can make holiday or springtime or birthday or picnic or wedding or any occasion placemats. The Liquid Stitch didn't stand up to washing, so unfortunately these mats aren't for ongoing usage. A stain and water repellant like Scotchgard can extend their life, but basically, the placemats are suitable for staging or limited use only.<br /><br />A bare table in a staged home usually begs for some decoration. Why not stage your tabletops to make people touring your home see that you're tuned in to the changing seasons, and that you enjoy living in your home?<br /><br />Do you want more ideas for staging your home for sale? Download my $5 <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar. </i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/Linky%20Buttons/Fall_Link_Party_Layla-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj29/LaylaPalmer/Linky%20Buttons/Fall_Link_Party_Layla-1.jpg" /></a></div><i><br /></i><i><br /></i>

Make No-Sew Placemats for Your Staged Dining Table

Here's a DIY tabletop project anyone could have fun with. You just weave strips of felt in your choice of colors through a rectangle of ...

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Handy Formulas That Make DIY Home Staging Easy

<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Tradhomeblue-whitelivrm_zps096ada32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Tradhomeblue-whitelivrm_zps096ada32.jpg" width="514" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>How you arrange furniture can make or break how a room looks. </i></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Wondering if your living room coffee table is too tall?<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Curious about the how many chairs will fit around your dining table? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Don’t know how high to hang that framed print? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now you can grab your tape measure to double check whether your intuition was right about what goes where. Here are my favorite guidelines for <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-arrange-furniture-most-common.html" target="_blank">furniture arrangement</a>. They're sure to make easy work of your home staging .</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Go by the Numbers</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Passage.</b> Anywhere you expect people to walk needs to measure at least 18 inches wide. You want home buyers to be able to move about the room.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Traffic.</b>The main traffic pattern through a room needs to be at least 24 inches wide. You want home buyers to see clearly which way they should go next. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Breathing room.</b> Furniture placed against a wall should be 2 inches away from the wall. Any room feels less cramped when furnishings have space around them.   </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Different chairs.</b> The height of assorted seating around a room should not vary by more than 5 inches. This will make the room look cozy and more intentional.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img4.myhomeideas.com/i/2010/07/68992-cottage-dining-r-x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://img4.myhomeideas.com/i/2010/07/68992-cottage-dining-r-x.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Ask yourself if people can easily get in and out of dining room chairs. </span></i><br /><i><span style="font-size: small;">This bench looks like it could be a problem.<br />Photo: Southern Living</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Arm's length.</b> The space between a coffee table and a couch should measure at least 14 inches but no more than 18 inches. In other words, you should be able to reach it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>How high? </b>A coffee table between 16 and 18 inches tall looks best and functions best.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Back up room.</b> When dining chairs are pulled up to the table, there should be at least 36 inches between any chair and the wall behind it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Elbow room.</b> There should be at least 4 inches between dining room chairs.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Reachable.</b> End tables should be no more than 2 ½ inches above or below the arms of the chairs or couches they sit next to. Not only is the look more seamless, but the tables are more functional.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Usable.</b> Got seating at the foot of your bed? Make it almost as wide as the bed, and almost as tall. If it's a desk or table, it needn't be that wide, but a short bench looks skimpy when you want home buyers to see a luxurious bedroom. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>No fumbling.</b> Bedside tables should be approximately the height of the bed. Otherwise, they are awkward to use and look like an afterthought.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What Goes on Walls and Where</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/bhgbedroom_zps1405fdc7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/bhgbedroom_zps1405fdc7.jpg" width="450" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">There's room for making the bed and moving around. <br />The sidetable is the perfect height. BHG photo.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Hanging pictures.</b> The space between two <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-get-hang-of-picture-hanging.html" target="_blank">framed items on the wall </a>should be no more than 3 inches.</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Head room.</b> Keep 9 inches between the top of a chair, headboard, or couch and the bottom of any wall hanging (artwork, sculpture, curtains).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Best view.</b> Find the center of a framed piece of art, and position the center 63 inches above the floor. This is average viewing height for most people.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Television.</b> Best height for a flat screen television is at eye level when you’re seated. The screen should not be the focal point of the room.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Size matters.</b> Keep artwork larger than 12 inches square, and usually, the bigger the better. You can make small prints look important by framing them with wide mats.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Blank space.</b> If a wall space is less than 36 inches wide, leave it unadorned. Buyers need a place to rest their eyes and get a sense of open space. Resist the temptation to decorate every wall. When in doubt, a mirror could be the best space filler, especially if it reflects a selling feature of your home.    </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sizing When Accessorizing</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2009/03/25/0ebfeae24ae3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2009/03/25/0ebfeae24ae3.jpg" width="412" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">These shades are just the right size for the lamps. <br />And the draperies hit the carpet gracefully. Photo: Decorpad. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Nothing tiny. </b>Make all decorator pillows 16 x 16 inches or larger. It's better to have one large pillow than a collection of small ones. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>No high water hems</b>. <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/01/no-sew-window-treatments-why-stitch.html" target="_blank">Draperies</a> should touch the floor, and if they break (like pants over your shoe), the break should be at least 1 ½ inches, or it looks like a mistake. Sometimes you can adjust the length of the drapery at the top by re-positioning the hooks or clips.<br /><br /><b>Lamp proportions. </b>The shade on a table lamp looks best when it is 1/2 the height of the lamp base. It should cover the neck of the lamp, but not disguise the shape of the lamp.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>For safety sake.</b> Never use an accessory in a staged home that is so small someone could easily slip it in a pocket. Small items are distracting to the eye, and can easily be stolen.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>I have found</b> these formulas helpful when I’m shopping for furniture, hanging art, moving furnishing around a room, and in all kinds of other home staging decisions. They reduce guesswork and mistakes. I hope these numbers and proportions will be useful to you when you’re just not sure if your eye is telling you the truth about what looks best when you’re staging your home for sale. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">For more advice on how to make your home the one that buyers want, get my $5 <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For To Dollar.  </i><br /><i><br /></i><i>Top photo: Traditional Home </i><br /><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

Handy Formulas That Make DIY Home Staging Easy

How you arrange furniture can make or break how a room looks.  Wondering if your living room coffee table is too tall? Curious about the how...

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Here's How to Set the Table in Your Staged Home

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3508.jpg" width="368" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Think Spring: Flowers are a must.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>Opinions differ on whether or not to set the table with place settings in a staged home. Here's my take on the question.<br /><br />If you need a focal point in a <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/11/yes-you-can-learn-to-stage-your-home.html" target="_blank">dining room</a>, gussy up the table to make it look special. But if the room has a view, a <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/04/fireplace-facts-which-way-should-chairs_11.html" target="_blank">fireplace</a>, architectural details, or other assets, your best bet is to let the table play a minor role.<br /><br />Do you have a nondescript or windowless dining room? Then take these tips to create a stylish tablescape that will become the focal  point, giving buyers that warm and fuzzy feeling. <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Learn the difference.</span></b> Setting the dining table in a staged home is different from setting the table for a dinner party of your friends and family. It doesn't have to be practical, and the settings can be a little over the top.<br /><br />People on home tours know that buyers are putting their best foot forward, so don't  think you will look like a phony. Think of tablesetting as putting on lipstick. It's obvious your lips aren't really that color, but you are telling the word, "Hey, I'm doing my best."<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Make it seasonal.</span></b> Here's your chance to give your home that up-to-the-moment feeling.<br /><br />Seasonal decor indicates that your home is new on the market, even if it isn't, and that you care about and enjoy your home. Look to nature for inspiration and themes, rather than decorating for any religious or ethnic holidays.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3786.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A tray with a tea cup on a bedside table? Why not?</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />In spring, no matter where you live, flowers set the perfect tone. I always suggest silk flowers because today's good silks are very convincing, and take almost no care. I especially like to see flowers that are in season at springtime, like lilacs, tulips, pansies, forsythia, daffodils, wisteria, dogwood, violets, hyacinths, poppies, and crocus.<br /><br />Base your tabletop settings around pastel colors in spring. Make the colors brighter in summer. Make the colors warm and muted in the fall. For Christmas and winter, choose either traditional, or simple and dramatic color schemes.       <br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3239-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3239-1.jpg" width="446" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Any where snacking is bound to happen is an opportunity to stage <br />a place setting. This jumbo coffee cup measures 5 inches across. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Go Big.</span></b>  Set the table with large, carefully chosen pieces for impact. You don't want buyers to be distracted by small details. You want the tablescape to look lush and abundant, but not crowded.  Large serving pieces are how to get that look.<br /><br />Even though your table doesn't sell with the home, you can use it to get a message to buyers that there's plenty of room for entertaining. I always use all the chairs and spaces at the table, unless it looks crowded. I don't see the point of setting for four a table that will seat eight. <br /><br />Be on the lookout for oversized plates, glasses, and cups. Now is not the time for delicate teacups, small salt shakers, or little napkins. You can use trays for chargers, chargers for dinner plates, mixing bowls for soup bowls, and vases for goblets, for example.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Pile on the Layers.</span></b> Dressing the tabletop is a little like dressing yourself. But instead of creating the illusion of a trim body, we want the illusion of a generously proportioned room. Your aim is to make the whole room look comfortable and luxurious. Two or three color-coordinated plates, a cup or bowl, glassware, cloth napkin, and placemat make the table look festive and well-appointed without looking fussy.<br /><br />My friend Kathy, who owned a store that sold tableware and cookware, showed me the trick of using two cloth napkins instead of one to make place settings look more lush and layered. Try it!   <br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="638" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3641.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Match the style of your place setting to the style of your room, or the demographics <br />you can expect to attract, based on what your realtor says is your target market.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Skip the Cutlery</span></b>. Silverware of any kind is just too tempting, too easy to pocket. Sad but true, people walk off with it. Your incomplete table settings won't look as peculiar as you may think. It merely looks like the party is just getting started.<br /><br />Ideally, you'll have enough details on the table that silverware won't be missed. <br /><br />Don't count on your realtor to be your protector. It's just not practical to expect she can be in every room with every person when your home is being shown. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3693.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">You can stage a tabletop on a shoestring. The floral design plate on this table is<br /> paperware, the placemat is a pillow case, and the napkin ring is a shower curtain ring.    </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Practice Frugality.</span></b> For the same reason -- pilferage -- don't use anything that you prize, or that cost more than you can afford to lose. Small furnishings have been known to disappear even at open houses.<br /><br />It's very easy for you to find attractive dinnerware at second hand sources, or discount stores, so leave your precious silver service in the closet. Can you believe the teal-edged plate in the top photo is cheapo plastic, and not handblown glass from Italy?<br /><br />If something is small enough to fit in someone's pocket, don't use it, unless you are willing to give it away.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3744.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">When in doubt, work with a palette based around variations of one color, <br />like<a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/08/pick-paint-color-with-personality.html" target="_blank"> periwinkle</a>, plus white and silver. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Keep it Simple</span></b>. Simplicity is one of the guiding principles of successful home staging. Stick to a simple color scheme, one that coordinates with your room and home. Cluster the items at each place setting, and leave plenty of breathing room between them.<br /><br />Your dinnerware does not have to match, but it should feature complimentary colors. Also, the settings should match each other, or your dining room will look like a garage sale. Aim for a variety of textures to keep things interesting. <br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Show the Tabletop.</span></b> Tablecloths, no matter how pretty, colorful, or luxurious, look old fashioned. I love linens as much as the next gal, but the draped table looks like grandma's kitchen. Of course, there are exceptions.<br /><br />An historic home, a cute breakfast nook, an old table that needs to be disguised -- these situations may call for a cloth appropriate to the room, but generally, an undressed table looks better in the staged home.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3723.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Every springtime tablescape needs flowers, whether they are real ones, <br />silk ones, or even a floral print fabric. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Don't Fool with Food.</span></b> Have you ever been to a home show or a model home and seen a bowl of fake popcorn, or a cherry pie or chocolate cake made from resin, or a loaf of shellaced bread? I think it's hokey and deceptive, don't you? I'm encouraging you to be <i>decorative </i>with your tablesettings, but not<i> tacky</i>. The only fake food I like to see in a staged home is a bowl of citrus fruit, because no one eats lemons. <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Use these Rules.</span></b> What works in the dining room, works in the eat-in kitchen, breakfast bar, deck, or anywhere there is a designated eating area. What could be more charming on a <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2012/02/what-your-outdoor-seats-say-about-you.html" target="_blank">porch table</a> than a tray set up to host a tea for two?   <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3667-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/homestaging/IMG_3667-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Be imaginative. I used a pipe cleaner, a very inexpensive, beaded bracelet, <br />and a scrap of vinyl for a napkin ring. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Tabletop staging </span></b>doesn't need to be complete, expensive, or elaborate, but it should suggest good times entertaining, relaxing, eating, and enjoying a home.<br /><br />What have you done today to make your dining room and your whole home more enticing to buyers? Download my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Quickly and For More Money</i>, to learn other ways to stage your own home.<br /><br />This post is linked up to<br /><br /><a href="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="southern hospitality" height="125" src="http://southernhospitalityblog.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_17/custom/images/shbutton.png" width="125" /></a></div>

Here's How to Set the Table in Your Staged Home

Think Spring: Flowers are a must. Opinions differ on whether or not to set the table with place settings in a staged home. Here's my tak...

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